The forest gleamed with dew, as I ran through. The feeling of being free as I shift. Running in full wolf form was accelerating. It felt like my brain was racing faster than it had before, and the world was expanding to take up more space every step forward. I was running on all fours, and the ground was giving way underneath me as my paws contacted earth. I had been practicing my speed over the last few weeks, and now that I could run as fast as I wanted, things were finally starting to come together.
I heard a growl behind me, making me stop mid track. "You were told no wolf shifts near the new family." My mother's mind is linked to me. I whined; I did not realize I had gotten close to their backyard. I followed mom back to our backyard, through the forest. As we walked, there were nothing but trees around us. I could see the edge of the forest through the leaves above me. We stopped in front of the house and mom took a deep breath.
"I am glad you have become so attached. It's good for the pack to have someone who wants to learn. But you need to listen." I thought of the other wolves in the town. Dad was beta to the Alpha Jack Reed. They want to betroth Jack's son, Jack Reed Jr and I, together I refused. The Alpha's son won't take no for an answer. Mother broke me out of thoughts. "You should be getting ready for school." I nodded at her and transformed back into human shape. I took one final look around the backyard. Mom was already walking away from me. I headed back to the house, where we always eat dinner. When I got back in, I started packing. I was going to miss the small amount of freedom I enjoyed. The walk to school was boring until Andy ran to join me. "I saw you running this morning." Oh no, if he saw it's a good chance the new neighbors saw, since they live right next door to Andrew. My face turned sour and Andy started asking questions. "What's wrong? What has happened? You, okay?" Andy stopped when he noticed the look on my face. He just stared at me for a moment. After a while, I sighed. "The neighbors will probably ask about wolves now." I answered. Andy's mouth dropped slightly. "They wouldn't do that!" I gave him an exasperated look. "Andy, if you saw me, there's a chance they did too." He looked like I slapped him. He shut his mouth and started walking again. I started to feel bad for hurting his feelings. Andy is usually Very happy, but this wasn't the time for him to be upset. I needed to focus on my own problems. If they knew I was a werewolf, that would cause problems for the pack and myself. The bell is ringing time for class. "Welcome back to class. We will start today with introductions and what you'll need for this class. I'll start; I am Mrs. Wallabe." The teacher said. Each teenager gave out their name and one thing about themselves. Midway through it was my turn. "My name is Mika Kree and I love to run." Before I sat down another young woman rushed in. "Sorry, I'm late. I am new to this town and school." She blushed. I couldn't sit down; I was in shock. She was the most beautiful person I have ever seen. She had light coffee skinned and hazel eyes. "You can sit down now, Miss. Kree." Mrs. Wallabe said, making the others laugh at me. I couldn't believe I was still standing by myself. I sat down and the young woman sat in the seat to my right. I blushed and turned it away. Why me? I think she noticed because she smiled at me. I tried not to gulp and tried to pay attention to Mrs. Wallabe.
The rest of the class went by in a flash. Once the bell rang, I jumped up to lunch. I ran through the halls until I reached the courtyard. I found a quiet spot near a tree and set my bag there. After a minute or two, some students began heading toward the cafeteria. I glanced at them, then turned away. There weren't many people in this area. Some of them were older, some younger. Andy saw me and ran to me. "I thought you were going to wait for me! You are hiding from Jana?" Jana? I forgot about her. I haven't seen her all morning. I shook my head no. "Oh! Then let's go get lunch!" He grabbed my hand and dragged me to the cafeteria. I ate some food while Andy talked about some girl he met; he likes her. He told me she's new here but that she's cute.
I wanted to open it and say the same thing. I wonder if we're thinking about the same girl. "There she is." He whispered, pointing at the lunch line. There were two girls I have never seen before, at least until today. One was the girl from class. Oh my gosh, I just realized I didn't catch her name in class. The other girl was a bit darker than the other but also had hazel eyes. They must be sisters, I concluded. "Hey, Mika." Andy called. I looked back at him, still trying to figure out why he had called my name so suddenly. I didn't even realize I had stopped eating. "Yeah?" "You seem lost in thought. What are you thinking about?" Andy asked. I shrugged. "Nothing really. Just realized I didn't catch the new girl's name." Andy laughed a little at my expression. "Well, don't worry, it's probably going to happen eventually anyway." He said, shrugging. I looked confused. "What's going to happen?"
The girl from the class came over to us. "Hi Andy, hi Mika." She greeted both of us. "Can, my sister and I sit with you?" She asked. "Yeah, of course!" Andy replied. "Hi, Andy." The other girl said, pulling her dark hair behind her ear. "Hey, Maybelle and sorry I don't know your name." Andy chuckled. "April. It is April." She replied. April is her name noted. "May, told me your name Andy and I have English with you Mika." April smiled. I nodded. "So, your new here?" I asked. "Yes, we just moved here during winter break. With our parents and brothers, Jason and Remy." April smiled. "It is nice to meet you guys." She continued to smile.
Andy pulled me aside after lunch. "Why are you so quiet lately?" He inquired. "I do not know. My mind is just a mess. That girl in class is cool, isn't she?" I smiled, remembering how excited she was to meet me. Andy looked confused. He looked at my hands, which were clenching and unflinching.
"She is cute. I should introduce her to my friends." He laughed. "No! Do not do it!" I cried. Andy frowned and crossed his arms, looking a little hurt. "Is it because you might date her? Because it would make sense, considering you are so attracted to her. Plus, she likes you." Andy said, teasing me. "Shut up." I pushed him away playfully. "Whatever." Andy laughed. He was right though. I liked her and I did not understand my feelings. My heart has never beaten so fast. "Do not worry. I will not say anything." Andy smiled. "Thanks." I mumbled and then we left for the library to do homework.