My father sits on the couch in the living room. He takes a sip from his tea while he reads an ancient book, a strange symbol on the cover. It seems like something a werewolf book would have. Does Kate's father know something about the werewolves? Not in the original book, but so much has changed, I cannot be certain. Rushed footsteps can be heard from my parents' room. My mother is in there, getting dressed for their date night. "Well, someone looks quite handsome," I joke when I fall next to my dad. He lets out a warm laugh and puts the book down. "I tried my best. You think your mother will like it?" He stands up and turns to show off his whole outfit. I can't help but laugh as I nod my head. I stretch my legs out in front of me, grunting when they cramp. I am starting to doubt that I will be able to make it through a whole night parading around the fair. "Mum is going to love the new suit." He grins and picks up the book, his eyes scanning for his place. "Where are you going to
I tread carefully along the loose rocks and uneven ground in the woods, the almost full moon serving as the only light source. The rest of the group navigates through the woods with ease. Stupid werewolf sight and strength. Jake appears in my peripheral as he walks next to me, holding the teddy bear. I struggled to keep my balance with that massive thing on my shoulder. Jake took the teddy bear from me, carrying it for me. I kind of feel bad.It was my stupid idea and now it became his problem. We walk behind Tyler and Allison, who leads the group through the woods. Allison can somehow keep up with Tyler and she walks with no problems, like the rest of the group. She is human, like me. How does she keep her balance?"How far until we get back to civilization?" I ask out of breath. My legs are killing me and I think I sprained my ankle somewhere on the way here. Allison giggles while Tyler looks over his shoulder at me. His eyes move to Jake and he raises an eyebrow."Does she always
A cold sensation on my arm wakes me from my sleep. I groan, keeping my eyes closed as I try to figure out where I am. I turn around and adjust the blanket but freeze when I feel something stirring next to me. I take a moment to figure out where I am. The heat from Jake enfolds me and my breath catches in my throat. We both must have fallen asleep during the movie, but I don't know how we ended up like this. My hand rests against his chest and my head rests on his shoulder. How did we end up like this? I bury my face in the crook of his neck. A soft snore escapes his mouth and I smile slightly. I shift closer to Jake. I could stay like this for quite a while. The coldness touches my arm again and I turn my head as slowly as possible away from Jake's warmth. Who is that? I blink as I try to get used to the darkness. "Kate, wake up." I recognize the voice. "Allison?" I whisper. What the hell does she want? "Come, I want to show you something," she whispers and walks to the door. I
"Come on, you have to wake up," a voice calls out. I shift around, my head turning away from the voice. I try to open my eyes, but my eyelids are heavy. The same voice rings through my ears and I groan, trying to lift my hand to smack them. Unfortunately, my hand stays at my side. With a sigh, I focus on my eyelids and try to open them again. "Wake up," another voice calls and I let out a frustrated groan. Stop it, just stop it. My eyes shoot open and I dart up in the bed. "Woah, Woah. Careful." "Ugh, am I back?" I ask and look around. My head spins and I struggle to get my thoughts together. Everything feels scattered. I notice two women standing next to me. "You have very irritating voices," I say while I rub my eyes. One of them laughs. "You are fine. Luckily, you don't have a concussion. We patched . . . " I zone out while I look around the room. Am I back home? Did I, Kate, die in the story? I cannot believe I am back. I have to say that it's a shitty end for Kate though. Died
I hear footsteps shuffling in the distance. With a lot of determination, I manage to open my eyes. I am in a different room, one that looks like a bedroom. Where am I? I am not going to give myself false hope like the last time. This has to be Jake's room because I don't recognize the room from anywhere else. The footsteps stop in front of the closed door and I notice the shadow beneath the door. I open my mouth to call out but my voice is barely a whisper. My mouth is dry which causes me to burst out into a coughing fit. The door swings open and it is Wes who rushes through the door. I didn't know he was a werewolf. I thought he was one of the normal kids from school. Who is left at that school who is an actual human? "Kate, can you hear me?" he asks as he hands me a glass of water. I nod my head as slowly as possible and he lets out a relieved sigh. "I thought you weren't going to make it." I laugh and scratch my eyebrow. "Have a bit more faith in me. You're not getting rid of m
"I- I don't know . . . Kate," he pauses and for a moment, it looks like he might back away. He closes his eyes with a slow exhale. He opens his eyes again to look into my eyes."Can I hug you?" he whispers. I open my mouth to answer but I snap it close again.He wants to give me a hug? There is a moment of silence and I realize I have to answer. Just before he turns away, I gather all my courage."Yes," I say with a raspy voice. I clear my throat before I answer again. "Yes, I would like that." A wide smile spreads on my face but Jake seems uncertain. I cannot exactly read the emotion in his eyes. He seems mostly confused, but there is a hint of something else as well."Okay," he breathes out and pulls me into a tight embrace. His arms enfold me as my arms wrap around his waist. I let out a small sigh of contentment.It almost feels like the hug is taking away some of my pain. I can stay like this all day. This is the best hug I have ever received. Oh, Emily, you are in a lot of troub
Loud sobs wake me from my sleep. I open my eyes with a struggle, sighing deeply. I look around the dark room and try to remember where I am. Another sob pulls me back to my room, Kate’s room, and I shoot up. The pain in my shoulder serves as a reminder of what happened. The tearing pain causes me to groan. Why did I not die? “No, please.” Jake? I sit on my knees on the bed and search for him between the covers and blankets. My hands touch warmth and I grip his arm. “Jake,” I whisper. He lets out another silent cry, followed by the rapid shaking of his head. I lean over him to reach my nightstand and switch on the small lamp. When I sit back, I notice Jake’s tear-stained cheeks. Was he crying? He shakes his head again. He is having a nightmare. “Jake, wake up,” I say, louder this time while tapping his arm. It looks like he is captured inside the nightmare, unable to escape. I tap his chest while calling his name, hoping he would wake up. His hand shoots out to grab my arm and he
The alarm rings through my room and I pull the blanket over my head. My shoulder and neck throb, causing me to let out a silent scream. How am I going to get through this day? I stumble out of my bed and yawn loudly. I hear my mother’s voice downstairs and I smile to myself. I have missed her. I am still surprised that I managed to sleep through the whole Sunday. Somewhere last night, I heard my parents coming in. I am still curious about what my dad, well Kate’s dad, does for a living. Inside my walk-in closet, I contemplate what I should wear. The black leather jacket looks appealing, especially with my white jeans and red scarf. Jake would probably not even notice that I am wearing his jacket. I struggle to get my shirt on, but after a few pained groans, I pull my jacket over my shirt. With my trainers in one hand and my phone in the other, I rush down the stairs. I am probably going to be late. “Ah, there she is. We wanted to come say hello last night, but your light was off.
The alarm rings.06:00I stare at it, the sound cutting through the silence of the house. A sigh escapes my lips as I reach over to turn it off. Everything feels like a vivid dream. One I can’t wake up from.I thought I could handle this, that it was just a silly Wattpad story, but the emotions are real.Too real.The blood on my hands, the lifeless body of my father.I glance down, half-expecting to see the crimson stains still clinging to my skin. I can feel it.I shoot up, the empty feeling threatening to resurface. I shake my head and force myself out of bed, groaning when I hit the ground. I check my messages.Nothing.Jake has vanished, along with Tyler and Allison. They all think I’m some kind of pro-hunter, responsible for the deaths of twenty pack members.And my father.Stumbling to the closet, I sift through clothes. I search for something comfortable. I do not have the strength to curate a proper outfit today, not when I have volleyball practice this afternoon.I pull on a
“Catherine?” The familiar voice cuts through the haze of confusion. I snap my head up, blinking against the light as I search the crowd.“Dad?”My father emerges from the throng of people surrounding me. I squint my eyes, attempting to see whether I am just dreaming or is it reality.“Catherine,” he says as he takes my arms and pulls me up. My legs tremble beneath me, but I manage to find my footing. I stare at him, my mind racing. What is he doing here? Is he a hunter?“What is going on?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper My father nods to the crowd, a silent command that sends most of them retreating a few paces. All but one—a short man with a massive beard—remains.“Ah, Catherine.” The bearded man steps forward, his grin wide and unsettling. “So nice to see you again. I was just about to give up on you.” He extends his hand, waiting for me to shake it. I glance at my father before slowly reaching out and clasping his hand in a limp handshake.“I’m… sorry, but I’m confused,” I
The rope bites into my hands, rough and unforgiving. Something hard digs into my shoulder. I attempt to open my eyes, but they are glued shut.With a groan, I force them open. The room is not brightly lit and I have to adjust my vision.Where the hell am I?My head lolls to the side, my neck protesting the motion. That is when I notice Allison across from me. Her gaze is locked on the door. Her hands are tied behind her, the same as mine. We are both bound to wooden chairs.Glancing over my shoulder, I see the window. Through the window I notice that we must be deep into the forest, the dark green giving our location away."Hey," Allison whispers, her voice barely cutting through the silence. My eyes snap back to her. The thick wood beams overhead give it an almost primitive feel. It gives off basement vibes.“What is going on? Where are we?” I ask, failing to hide the panic in my voice. I clear my throat and shake my head to clear the fog.Allison’s eyes flick back to the door, then
I turn onto my side with a soft huff, tucking my elbow beneath my head as I stare into the oppressive darkness of the wall across from me. A soft sigh escapes my lips.Those stupid messages from the author have wormed their way into my thoughts. The feeling of imminent dread clings to me and it only worsens my stress-ridden migraine. I don’t know what the author has planned for me.And since she’s veered completely off the original storyline, I have no idea what could possibly happen.A thud from the window jolts me upright. What was that?I strain my ears, waiting for another sound, but the silence that follows is thick and suffocating. My skin prickles with unease. I groan, running a hand through my hair in frustration. Seriously? Is the author just toying with me now?I sink back onto the bed, pulling the covers up to my chin as if they could somehow shield me from whatever is coming.The door to my parents’ room creaks open. Heavy footsteps tread past my door, descending the stair
When we finally finish dinner, Bianca goes to Oliver’s room without any explanation. “Does she want dessert?” my mum asks, but Oliver shrugs.“I don’t know what has gotten into her. I’ll go check on her,” Oliver’s voice is tinted with frustration. Bianca has been rather rude tonight.“Do you want dessert?” My mother asks, turning to Jake.“Ooh, yes, please. Can I help?” My mother gives him a scolding look and he puts his hands in the air. He hurries to the couch where my dad is sitting. “Catherine, will you give me a hand please?” I walk behind my mother to the kitchen, glancing over my shoulder at Jake. He nods his head at something my dad says.“Is it just me, or was Bianca strange?” my mum asks in a quiet voice. I giggle softly as I nod.“Yes, but she is always strange,” I joke and my mother laughs.“Perhaps. You and Jake can enjoy the dessert in your room. He does not have to listen to your dad’s conspiracy theories,” my mum says with a wink. I have a wide smile as I take the two
“Catherine, dear.” I hear my mother call from the kitchen and I hurry out of my room. I run down the stairs, skipping a few at the end.“Jake is here,” she says with wide eyes and a smile. I chuckle at her reaction as I make my way to the door.“Thanks,” I say over my shoulder before opening the door. I shudder at the coldness nipping at my nose and cheeks. I wrap my arms around me and watch Jake parking in our driveway. I run to the car, careful not to trip over my feet.Jake has barely gotten out of the car before I throw my arms around him, pulling him in for a hug. He laughs into the embrace, picking me up to give me a tight hug.“Hi,” I whisper into the embrace. He puts me down slowly and pulls back.“Hi. I missed you,” he says, holding his hand out for me to take. I smile at him and take his hand.“Did you get what you guys were looking for today?” Jake and some of the other pack members had to skip school to find something about hunters or something along those lines. He was no
I turn my head in the direction of the voice with a smile. Jake comes jogging to me and I notice the layer of sweat on his forehead. Was he still training? “Hey,” I say when Jake reaches me. He flashes me a smile as he comes to a stop. He is slightly out of breath. “Were you still training? I thought you went home.” Jake chuckles, shaking his head. “I have to work on my distance running. Plus, I knew you needed a lift home, so I waited for you.” I tilt my head slightly, smiling at him. He is too kind. “You waited for me? Aw, thank you,” I say, giving him a quick kiss on his cheek. He blushes at the action and I giggle at his red ears. It continues to be adorable. “I want to throw a few more balls. Care to be my catcher?” he asks with a shy smile. I purse my lips, pretending to think about it. Jake laughs while he shakes my head. “Sure,” I say and head back to the field. Jake falls into step next to me and I notice his gaze focusing on my face. I turn to him. He has a deep frown
I watch as Cora falls dramatically to the floor, out of breath. I let out a breathy laugh, sitting down next to her. “Why is volleyball so much worse than cheerleading? I thought I was in good shape, but this- “ she stops talking to take a deep breath, “is so much worse. I think I’m having a heart attack.” She lets her head rest on the cold gym floor. I see her chest heaving up and down. I chuckle at her reaction while I shake my head. “Cheer is nothing compared to this. I hate suicides,” I say, resting my hands behind me to support me. Cora huffs in agreement. I look around the gym and see the floor decorated with girls. Everyone is trying to catch their breath. This coach is one of the most brutal coaches I have ever had. Most coaches focus less on fitness and more on skills, but this one is trying to kill us. Is she a werewolf? That would explain her inability to realize we are merely human. “How am I going to get up?” Cora asks as she tries to lift herself from the floor. Sh
“What?” I ask, failing to hide my frustration. Jake merely raises a brow at me.“What?” he asks as his eyes bore into mine. I open my mouth to talk but snap it close again. I take a breath, thinking of what it is that is truly bothering me. Ah, the girl. “How do you know the girl from the other school’s cheerleading squad? I remember seeing her at the party,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant. Jake has a skewed smile and he chuckles softly.“She goes way back. She was my friend in middle school. They moved here recently.” I bob my head along, suddenly feeling very silly for being jealous.What is wrong with me? I swear it is this world. I am becoming one with the Wattpad world.“Ah, that is nice. Well . . . “ I trail off, trying to think of something to say, but my head hurts too much. “Thanks for the lift and good night. You had a fantastic night,” I say with a warm smile, turning to the front door. Jake pulls me back again.“You remember her from the party?” Jake asks, his hand’s