Mommy's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf

Chapter 1

"I don't know Dad, something just feels really good about this week." Avery said, painting the deck with his father. They had been building this house together since he was old enough to tell the difference between a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver. They had everything finished and were just doing small adjustments. The house was supposed to be for him and his mate. Yes mate, as in werewolf. His family came from werewolves and they were common. Some lived in packs, others with their own family, some even alone.

"Just take it easy kid, and don't rush your lines or you'll have to do it all over again." His dad called from the other side as he applied a layer of paint. He shook his head, his dad knew he wanted to find his mate, he had been 17 for almost a year and still hadn't found his mate. He'd be 18 in a few months and his wolf felt lonely without their soulmate.

This was different though, even his wolf was restless. They were going to find her. His parents preached about patience but he didn't have much, being an only child he never had to share or wait for what he wanted. He had just started living in his newly finished house to try and get used to it, not to get away from his parents. He still had school too and this place was closer than his parents, allowing him to sleep for longer.

He was a senior at a mostly human populated school; liked it well enough and wanted to be an engineer of sorts. He was very smart and could probably rebuild a car with his barehands with all the knowledge his dad had taught him. He was quite tall from his werewolf genes, and love for staying active kept him fit. He kept his black curls short because it got in the way of working and he could throw on a hat when she didn't feel like doing anything fancy with it.

"I'm proud of you Avery. Your mother and I both are." Her dad said unexpectedly.

"Dad, don't get emotional all over again, I've only been in the house for a few days." He laughed, setting his brush down. He went to give him a hug and was already ready for the bear hug that came his way.

"You're gonna be a senior tomorrow. Look how time flies, I feel like I was teaching you how to shift just last week." He sniffed. Avery laughed and hugged him tighter. His dad was a ginormous man, 6 foot 6 and all muscle. Yet he was a giant teddy bear, only her mom and he got this side of him. They pulled apart and started cleaning up as the sun started going down.

After his dad had returned, he swam for a bit in the pool they had built. He wanted something to feel nature but also the cleanness of a pool for when he was lazy. He floated and tried to figure out why his wolf was acting so weird. He usually was energetic but now it was almost like he couldn't sit still to save his life. He hoped he would calm down by tomorrow.

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They next morning he cut through the forest to get to school. He could've driven, he had two cars but he enjoyed the air. Partial lie, he walked to try and calm his wolf who was eager to get to school. He saw the school in his sights and felt his excitement. Maybe they would find their mate today after all.

He made a bee line to the office to grab his schedule and said hello to a few friends. He was well liked but didn't want to spend a lot of time with his peers, he found a lot of them to be immature. His closest friend was Riley, who he had known since diapers, walked over already in a sour mood. "What's wrong?" Avery asked her as they headed to their first class.

"Found my mate today." she grumbled. Avery was shocked, what an exciting time! Yet his friend looked anything but enthused.

"And that's a problem because?"

They went to enter the room and accidentally bumped into a teacher and student, "I'm so sorry!" A girl squealed as she tried to gather her papers. Avery immediately started helping the girl gather her things. When they stood, he locked eyes with a raven haired girl. She had cupid bow lips and she smelled faintly of vanilla and oddly enough, honey.

The scent made his heart clench, could this be? His mate? He tore his gaze from the girl to his friend who was having a stare off with their new Calculus teacher. Riley watched him with annoyance and a hidden look of longing as the teacher stared back in a daze. The man was clearly human, which wasn't a problem for werewolves. Neither was age, but legally teachers and students couldn't date in the human world leaving Riley in quite the predicament.

Avery felt for his friend, what bad luck. But it was better than not having a mate, "Sir? You okay?" Avery asked, trying to break whatever spell he was locked in. It seemed to do the trick, he cleared his throat and tried to smooth his messy hair.

"Uh uh yes, thank you. Uh yes, I was just trying to show the new student where to grab her schedule but I am new myself and-"

"I can show her sir, you're my first class so I can come right back." Avery offered, wanting to figure out why his heart tugged to be closer to the girl. If this was the mating bond it wasn't like people had described at all. The longing wasn't there, nor was the earth shattering attraction. More like curiosity to find out more about this girl.

"Mr. Peters but this class can call me Nathan or Peters or whatever. It's my first year and you guys are seniors, I think we're mature enough to be on a first name basis." He flushed still messing with his hair. He handed his bag to Riley who nodded as he led the new girl to the hall. The last thing he heard was, "Don't, I like your hair messy." From Riley before the door closed.

As they walked he explained where things were, what not to eat form the lunch room, and when clubs opened for sign ups. As they reached the office he held the door open for the girl, who lightly grazed her hand over his arm as she passed. No sparks, but her smell made her wolf stir. He would have to see as time goes, every one is different.

"Back again already Avery?" The secretary joked before she saw the new girl.

"Actually I was helping a newbie find her schedule, this is-" He stopped short, realizing he actually didn't know this girls name.

He blushed from embarrassment and looked to her for help. The new girl giggled and lightly touched her arm again, this time lingering.

"My name is Layla Jones."