Chapter 23

I slumped down on the steps outside, trying to piece my thoughts together before I headed home. How could they do this to me? Did they really hate me that much.

The door opened behind me and I heard 3 sets of footsteps. I didn’t look back, not caring who it was or what they were going to say.

Warm bodies sat down around me. I finally looked up to see the triplets. I scowled, anger welling up inside of me. “Go away.” All I could do was whisper.

Cheney was in front of me, and I saw him lower his head. “We’re sorry. We thought it would be funny, but we were wrong.”

I could feel Nicholas nod beside me. I looked at Brian who was standing a little away from us. He was just starting at his feet.

“I don’t believe you.” I looked back down, wishing they would just disappear. “Let us make it up to you. We’ll drive you home.” Cheney actually looked a little concerned, but I wasn’t sure I believed it.

I stared, looking back and forth between him and Nicholas. I couldn’t see clearly, couldn’t think properly. All I could think was that I wanted to get out of there. If they would take me, then fine.

“Fine.” I whispered, standing up. “I’m not going, I’m staying here.” Brian said roughly, already turning to go back in to the dance.

Cheney shrugged and moved towards his car. Nicholas walked beside me, not saying anything. He opened the back door for me, closing it after I had gotten in.

We drove in silence for a few minutes. I still couldn’t think clearly, and was trying to focus on my breathing. I was so angry at them, I didn’t know what to say.

When we were about half way between the dance and the mansion, Cheney spoke from the driver’s seat. “You know, it really wasn’t as funny as we thought it would be, tricking you like that.”

He paused waiting for my answer, but I said nothing, just stared out of the window. He cleared his throat, and I saw him give Nicholas an odd look. “You know what’s funnier, though?”

The tone of his voice made me uneasy, and I looked over at his profile in front of me. I could see the cruel smile I had become so used to, and felt my stomach knot up.

“Leaving you here, to walk the rest of the way in that stupid outfit. Now, THAT, would be hilarious!” He was already laughing at what he thought was a brilliant idea.

He pulled over and jumped out of the car, he opened my door and pulled me from it, slamming the door behind me. “Find your way home, little turkey!” He doubled over for a moment laughing, and the got back in the car. Nicholas had his window down, but wouldn’t look at me as they drove away.

All the anger, frustration, humiliation, and every other negative emotion they had made me feel over the past few months cascaded over me, filling me up with despair. I felt myself changing, unable to control it.

My wolf rose to the surface, and the need to run took over. Running helped with the excruciating pain boiling inside of me. The tears streamed down my wolf face, and I could almost feel my heart shattering into pieces.

In the car, Nicholas and Cheney were arguing about whether or not they had gone to far. “She’ll get over it, and who cares anyway.” Cheney wasn’t bothered at all, but Nicholas seemed more concerned. “I just don’t know.” He muttered and looked out of the window.

“What the hell!” He yelled, causing Cheney to jerk the wheel a bit. He turned to see what had caused Nicholas’ outburst and saw a beautiful white wolf running beside them, steadily gaining speed.

Something about the wolf was familiar to both of them, “Is that…” Nicholas started to ask. “It can’t be.” Cheney answered the unfinished question. But they both knew deep down that they were watching Beryl in her wolf form.

She was fast, faster than Cheney speeding in his sports car. They were astounded at her speed and beauty, even though she was heavier than a normal wolf would be.

They slowed and watched her run off in to the distance, neither of them saying a word. They were thinking the same thing, though neither would ever admit it. They were thinking that she was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen.

I was running blindly, letting instinct take over. The thoughts running through my head were harsh and hateful towards myself. Maybe if I could just change, then they wouldn’t treat me so horribly.

In the haze of self-hate, anger, and bitterness, the only thing that felt good was the running. Something clicked inside me. If I run, I’ll loose weight. I could do that. I will do that. I decided it then. I would run every day, whether in human or wolf form, and I would get in shape.

The days following the dance become a blur of rushing through school to get away from the laughter that follows me, and running through the woods both to find peace and to better myself.

The routine feels good, and safe. It takes me away from the negativity that surrounds the triplets. But one afternoon, my peaceful run is interrupted.

I’m running next to the small creek that I love so much, when I hear the unmistakable sound of love making. I slow down and look ahead of me, seeing Brian and his girlfriend, Cleo.

“God, Brian, yes. Harder, baby!” She cries out as he pushes into her over and over again. He remains quiet, but I can see the pleasure on his face. My heart beats wildly.

Brian thrust into her one last time, and shudders as she calls out, “Fuck yes!” She curls around him as he collapses on top of her. They are still for a moment, aside from their ragged breathing.

He pushes himself up off of her and turns away, searching for his clothes. “Brian, baby, come back. Hold me for a little while.” She purrs at him like a satiated kitten, stroking his toned and glistening back.

He jerks away from her, causing her to gasp. “What’s wrong with you?” She sits up grabbing for her shirt. She throws it roughly over her head, and moves in front of him to sign everything she’d just said.

“We need to talk, Cleo.” He says, not looking up at her. She stand still for a moment, then reaches down to lift his face up, making him watch her sign her question, “What is wrong with you?”

He shakes his head, and looks back down. “I can’t keep doing this. It’s over.” She crosses her arms for a moment, considering, and then kneels in front of him, so he has to look at her.

“You’re being ridiculous. We’re great together.” She signs with a grin on her face, and then reaches out to smooth his hair and caresses his chest.

He lets her for a moment, obviously enjoying the feeling, but then grabs her hands and pushes her away. “No, this is it. I’m done.” He’s looking at her now, making sure she sees the seriousness in his eyes.

Her face turns angry, and she speaks and signs at the same time, “Don’t be stupid. You can’t just dump me and get rid of me that easily.”

He sighs and then reaches for his jeans, pulling them on and then pulling his check book out of the pocket. “How much will it take to make you leave me be?” He asks even as he’s writing a number.

Her expression is incredulous until he hands the check over to her, and then her face changes from shock to delight.

“Well, if you’re that serious about it, then fine. Thanks for the great sex!” She signs to him even as she’s getting dressed and leaving. Whatever the amount on the check, she’s happy to be done with him now.