Chapter Two

I looked between Kara and her father with my brows narrowed. "Death? By what?" I asked, feeling confused.

"Mia, there are some unexplainable things that go on around here." Mr. Black announced.

Tell me about it.

Kara always talked about the things on the full moon. However, it's unclear why they would target my father and want him dead. Although he was a complete asshole, death seemed extreme, but maybe in his line of work appropriate.

"So, explain," I replied.

"I'm not sure it's a good idea," Kara interrupted.

It puzzled me as I stared at Kara for a moment before speaking. "Why are you hiding something from me? You know everything about me." I asked in disbelief.

It hurt that she didn't think I could handle whatever they seemed to be hiding.

"Mia, I'm sure Kara has told you about the creatures of the night." He glanced at Kara, giving her a stern look as if he was telling her 'You should have kept your mouth shut' then looked back at me. "Well, they're not just stories," Mr. Black confessed.

"Go on." I urged.

Mr. Black scanned the room cautiously as if someone might be eavesdropping, then leaned in to speak in a hushed whisper. "Werewolves."

I looked at him with a blank expression, then burst into laughter. "Really? You expect me to believe that? Real funny. And my abuela has a chupacabra."

When neither Mr. Black nor Kara laughed, I realized they weren't joking. "You're serious?" My eyes shifted between them.

"They have been here for centuries," Kara clarified.

"The tribe elders had made a treaty with the werewolves. According to the agreement, we would share our lands for hunting, while the werewolves would protect our territory. However, at some point, the treaty was breached when one of them fell in love with a human girl from town. She lost her life. After that, the werewolves vanished as the townspeople hunted them for her death. Now, we have no idea about their current whereabouts or identity," Mr. Black illustrated.

As I gaped at them, doubt etched across my face, I could only say, "I am speechless."

Kara looked at her dad and said, "I think we should get some rest because we have school in the morning."

He stood up and said, "Alrighty, I'll swing by your house one more time and speak to your father letting him know you're here." Then he kissed Kara on the cheek, smiled at me, and left.

"Hey," she said, and I glanced up at her. "I know it's a lot to take in. It took me so long to believe the stories too," Kara disclosed.

"I've witnessed and heard a lot of frightening and unusual things, but werewolves would definitely be at the top of weird shit," I expressed in disbelief as I reclined slowly in my chair, laying my head against the pillow top.

Kara stood up and pulled back the covers, then looked at me. "Let's get some sleep and talk more about it tomorrow."

I lifted my head to glance at her, then nodded and stood up, and walked over to the bed. I covered myself up with the blanket and rolled on my side, facing Kara. "Goodnight, Kar," I whispered and she gripped my hand in hers.

"Night, Mia," she smiled and closed her eyes.

~~~~~

The following day, I sat in my dull classroom. My mind was far from the mundane subject matter being taught. Instead, I found myself lost in thoughts of werewolves - the mythical creatures that have captivated imaginations for centuries. It was these mysterious beings and their legendary powers that had consumed my entire concentration.

I pondered the many stories I heard about werewolves - how they could transform from humans into wolves under the light of a full moon and how they were known for their incredible strength and ferocity. I imagined what it would be like to be one of them, to feel the power coursing through my veins as I ran freely under the moonlight.

But my thoughts weren't just limited to the fantasy aspects of werewolves. I also considered the deeper symbolism behind these creatures. In many ways, werewolves represent the duality of human nature - the struggle between our civilized, rational selves and our primal, instinctual urges. They remind us that we all have a wild side and that it's up to us to decide whether we will embrace or repress it.

"Miss Leon?"

I glanced up, and the entire class was gawking at me. "Huh?"

"Are you with us?" Mrs. Reya asked.

"Yes, I'm sorry," I said, lowering my head and sinking a bit in my seat as I crossed my arms over my chest.

The bell rang, tearing everyone's attention from me, and the students packed their things.

"Remember, there is a test on Friday. Please review your notes," Mrs. Reya said, as half the class had already left before she could complete her sentence. However, I remained seated.

Mrs. Reya walked over. "Mia, is everything okay?"

I peered at her while I grabbed my bag and packed my belongings. "Yeah, I just didn't sleep well, that's all," I said and got up from the chair. "See you tomorrow." I gave her a fake smile as I walked past.

As I entered the house, I placed my bag on the kitchen chair and headed to the fridge. Suddenly, I heard shouting coming from my father's office. I hurried towards it and called out, "Felix?"

Entering, I stopped in my tracks after seeing my father engaged in an argument with another man. The man ceased his shouting and redirected his attention toward me.

I tore my gaze away from him and turned towards my father. "Felix, what's going on?"

My father stared at me as if he had an idea. "I have just the thing to take care of my debt," my father said excitedly.

"What could that be?" the man asked in a manner that suggested he thought my father's ideas were foolish and a waste of time.

My father's eyes shifted towards me, and the man's gaze followed "Her."

My eyes broadened as I stared at Felix, baffled. "Are you serious?"

The man chuckled slightly. "You want me to clear your debt by giving me your daughter?" his eyes then came back to me as they looked me up and down.

"Why not?" my father asked casually, treating me like an object for trade. "She's young, beautiful, and has a good bloodline. She would produce exquisite children."

"You son of a bitch!" I exclaimed, grabbing a nearby vase off the shelf and throwing it at Felix. However, he managed to dodge it. "I always knew you were a piece of shit, but I never expected you to just throw me away," I said as tears threatened to spill.

My father simply dismissed my feelings with a shrug. "Life is a business, sweetheart," he smirked.

He was really pleased with himself. What father just hands his daughter over like they were trading Pokemon cards?

The man interrupted. "Okay, Deal. But I advise you not to return to my casino," the man cautioned, his eyes shifting back on me as a devilish grin swam across his lips while taking steps toward me. I instinctively retreated, but accidentally stumbled into the doorframe, providing him with an opportunity to seize me. "Don't fight," he suggested. "It will only make things worse." He forcefully pulled me from the office by throwing me over his shoulder while I kicked and screamed, trying my best to fight back, but he was so strong.

I mean, like extra strong.

I grabbed at everything possible, but he vigorously removed my hands and eventually led me to a car parked in the alley and shoved me inside.