WHAT?!

What's with the mental breakdown shrimp?" Scotty came up to me on my way to the bus.

"What do you mean Scotty?" I ask him trying not to sound too confrontational.

"Screaming on the ground? I heard you lost it! Maybe I'll tell mom and dad they need to send you back. You know damaged goods? Your parents didn't even want you!" He says. I could feel fire running through me. I always held my tongue but something feels different anger consumes me.

"Maybe you should shut up and mind your own business!" I spit out. Shock flashes across Scotty's face followed by rage.

"You little!" He yells and punches me in the face. I spit out blood and... oh look! I guess I can say I finally lost my first tooth.

I stand up to meet his gaze but can't stand for long. A massive pain shoots through my stomach. I double over.

"Come on whimp I didn't even hit you in the gut!" Scotty says.

I can't see straight. Everything hurts. I just need... I... I.... i need to get away from here!

I take off running as fast as I can away from school. I make sure to not go past Ruby because i know she'll try to stop me. I bolt around the building and into the woods.

I collapse under a tree. My mouth hurts and I start coughing. Out comes another tooth. What?! What's happening to me? I run further into the woods. I hit my shoulder on a tree and lean against it to remain standing. A few more teeth are spit on the ground as my stomach tightens and I have another coughing fit. I feel like I'm gonna puke and like I'm on fire. Everything that touches my skin burns. I drop my bag and remove my shirt. No one is around to see me but I'm not even thinking all I know is everything hurts. I cough again spitting out more blood and teeth. What's wrong with me? I think I'm gonna die! I undo by belt the pressure too much to handle. The next cough throws me forward. I'm on my hands and knees as I spit again. I dont think I have anything left in my mouth. At that thought the pain increases if that is even possible. My gums feel like blades are being run through them and my whole face hurts. I couldn't stand if I wanted to. All of my bones hurt like they are being broken over and over.

"Ahhhhhhhhgrrrrrrrr." I let out a scream that ends in some kind of growl. The pain fades slowly and I lay down. What was that.

"Run." I hear a voice in my head. Now I really am going crazy. "RUN!" As much as this voice creeps me out... I kinda like the idea. I take off as fast as I can but it feels different. I look around and suddenly realize I'm on all fours. Weird I'll admit but no one can see me and it's fun. I stop for a moment and look down. Wait a second... paws? I must be dreaming I'm just dreaming. Or I'm crazy which ever.

I keep running. I figure if it's a dream it's a good one so I'll take it. I end up miles from school. "I wish I could stay like this." I think as I lay down by a stream.

"We can." The voice says. Nope I'm crazy! "Are not!" I can't listen to this! Go away! I'm not crazy! Not crazy! I wait for a moment and the voice doesn't return. Thank God!

I try to relax again but my peaceful surroundings are disturbed by a growl. A large black wolf jumps out barring its teeth.

"Yelp!" I make a panicked sound and feel something between my legs. I have a tale. Wow... I mean obviously I'm dreaming I'm a wolf. Wolves have tales... duh! Another growl breaks me from my thoughts. On that I turn and run away. I can feel the wolf chasing me for a while then I can tell I'm alone. I keep on running back the way I came then look over my shoulder to make sure I lost him when I run into a tree.

"Owww!" I groan as I wake up. That was the strangest dream I've ever had! I look around and see my pile of clothes a few feet away. Man I can't believe I stripped in the forest. I am starting to think I might be a little crazy but hay no one saw me so I guess no harm done.

I get dressed and realize my belt doesn't need to be as tight like a 3 hole difference! What the crap! The pants no longer drag the ground. My shirt is a little tight. My boots fit my feet. What's going on here?

I quickly grab my bag noticing the sun fading in the sky I run home.

"Crap crap crap... momma Ray is gonna kill me!" I say to myself as I sprint up the sidewalk. I slowly open the door and try to slip in unnoticed.

"Boy get in here!" It was poppa Jay giving the order. I walk into the living room.

"Yes sir?" I ask trying to look innocent.

"You just gettin' here?" He asks.

"Yes sir." I say.

"Hu? Peaceful... you should stay away more." He says.

"If only I had somewhere else to go." I said under my breath. But he heard me and jumped out of his chair.

"You ungrateful little punk!" He screams grabbing me by the collar and pinning me to the wall. He smacks my face. "I feed you and clothe you and let you live in MY house..."

"And you get paid for it!" I cut him off. Where this bravery came from I don't know but its gonna get me killed. He picks me up and throws me across the room. I hit the wall and wince in pain.

"You will show me the proper respect boy! Or you won't have a house to sleep in!" I look at the ground my fleeting courage completely gone.

"Yes sir." I say.

"Bed now! I don't want to see you again today." He tells me.

"Yes sir." I say limping to my feet and up the stairs.

"Dad should just kick you out and get it over with." Scotty says as I pass his bedroom. I remain silent and go to my bed. My stomach grumbles from my lack of dinner but I ignore it and eventually drift off to sleep.

Ruby's POV

I saw Alic's brother pick on him like he always does. That kid can't catch a break! I think he might be one of us but he should have shifted by now! I guess I'm wrong... or maybe just hopeful. He could use a pack that loves him.

I look back over at the boys and see Scotty punch Alic. He spits up blood. I want to help him but my group is moving away and I have to follow. I watch Alic as we walk. He bends over clutching his stomach. He wasn't even hit! My eyes go wide as I see him run off heading into the woods. I take a step to follow him.

"Come on Ruby we have to get home." Jace, one of the teens tells me as he puts a hand on my shoulder.

I want to argue but it would do no good. The teens take turns escorting us to and from school. Once in high school you are allowed to run to school and they all prefer it but they take the job seriously and I could never convince them otherwise.

"Fine." I say and reluctantly follow.

Maybe I was wrong. The way he ran off. Just maybe. He might be!

"You're quiet tonight little wolf." My father says as I stir my food not really eating.

"Sorry daddy... how was your day?" I ask. He raises his eyebrows. I normally don't stop talking and rarely ask about his day so he knows something is up.

"Well the Alphas are back for the school year." He says still staring at me.

"Yea I saw the twins at school." I say. The Alphas have twin boys Malakai and Tiberius or Malak and Ti. Ti is older kinda mean typical Alpha boy but Malak is nice. We are the same age but they are in the second grade.

"What's wrong pup?" Dad asks

"Nothing." I say and look away "it's just..." I look back at him his eyes are fixed on me.

"I don't have all day Ruby what's wrong." Dad says

"Its really nothing... well it could be nothing... I can't know for sure... it's just I think..." I don't really know how to say it. I'm never lost for words but what if I'm wrong?

"Alpha Aaron wants me in his office." Dad says and gets up. "You're worrying me little wolf."

"Can I come with you?" I ask. "I know I'm not supposed to but without momma..." I trail off he knows I hate being alone I was three when she died but I still miss her and feel so alone and scared when he leaves especially at night.

"Come on." He says with a sigh. "Stay quiet and if they ask you to leave you do."

"Ok daddy. Thank you!"

Dad takes my hand and we walk to the pack house.

"Evening Alpha Aaron, Alpha Lilly" dad says with a slight nod as we enter the office.

"Clay." Alpha Aaron says with a nod. My father is Beta so he spends a lot of time with the Alphas. Over the summer they stay in Alpha Lilly's pack a few hours away and then my dad is in charge.

"Hello Ruby." Alpha Lilly says with a smile.

"Hello Alpha." I say then I look at my shoes.

"What did you need Alpha?" Dad asks directed toward Alpha Aaron.

"A patrol saw a young wolf inside the pack boundaries near the school." Alpha Aaron says and I gasp.

"Why don't I take Ruby out of here while you boys talk?" Alpha Lilly says as she walks toward me.

"Wait!" I say and they all look at me. So much power directed at me makes me uneasy.

"What did I say Ruby!" Father says in a hushed angry tone. I know he said I may have to leave but I need to know about the wolf.

"I know daddy but.." I start to explain

"Sorry Alphas" dad says apologizing for me.

"Now Clay come on let's see what the pup has to say." Alpha Aaron says amused by the situation. Father gives me a look and I know I'm on thin ice. They all stare at me "go on little one." Alpha Aaron says.

"Well Alpha sir... was the wolf seen shortly after school let out?" I ask. I see the Alphas eyebrows raise slightly.

"Yes." He says and looks at my dad then back to me "continue."

"Well you see sir... well this boy at my school... sir... I... I think he is one of us." I say. My dad and Alpha Aaron both chuckle.

"And what makes you think that?" Alpha Aaron asks. Father looks like he wants to talk but this is Alpha Aaron's show now so he remains silent.

"Sir... I... I don't know for sure... I mean he seems different... I can't explain it." I say.

"Try." The Alpha says a slight edge in his voice. Not quite an Alpha comand but enough for me to spill my guts.

"He lives in a crappy foster home. They treat him horribly. He comes to school bruised and won't talk about it..." I stop to take a breath and the Alpha cuts in.

"A kid in a bad situation does not make him a wolf." He says.

"I know that sir... it's more than that. I get this... feeling about him... something in his scent seems familiar... like I said I can't explain it." I say.

"Has he lost any teeth?" Alpha Lilly asks.

"Not that I've seen" I say.

"Well then it's possible." She says thinking "how old is he?"

"Seven" I say. "He's in my class."

"Hmmmm... and what makes you think this wolf was him?" She asks.

"Well Scotty... his foster brother punched him and he spit out blood." I say all eyes on me I begin to fidget. "Then he bent over clutching his stomach. Then he ran around the school toward the woods."

"So you think their is a wolf in MY territory that I don't know about?" Alpha Aaron says with a hint of anger in his voice. Hes a good Alpha. He takes care of us and is never cruel so I guess he sees my suggestion as questioning his leadership.

"Alpha... sir... I..." I dont know what to say. Power radiates off of him and my wolf can't stand his gaze.

"Aaron!" Alpha Lilly says and the tension breaks as he looks at her. "Calm down you're scaring her. If this was his first shift it is entirely possible that he would seem to be a normal human child. If that's the case and he doesn't know what he is."

"He probably thinks he's crazy." My dad says.

"Well..." I say once again all eyes are on me.

"Well what?" Alpha Aaron says kindly. My wolf is still uneasy having his focus on me for so long.

"I kinda had him read a book about us." I say. It is against every rule we have to let humans know about us so admitting that will get me in trouble. I hold my breath as all three adults stare at me.

"You what?" Dad asks in disbelief.

"He thought it was boring and fiction so even if I'm wrong it won't hurt. I just thought..." dad cuts me off

"You obviously didn't! You know better Ruby!" He yells

"Clay!" Alpha Aaron says instantly calming him. Dad turns away from me frustrated. "Ruby." I look up at my Alpha "I need to see this boy."

"Ummm ok?" I say

"Invite him over to play after school. Take him directly to your house. I'll make sure their are no wolves roaming about for a few hours. I will be there you will introduce me as your uncle and we'll go from their." Alpha Aaron says

"Yes Alpha" I respond.

"Clayton take your daughter home." Alpha Aaron says.

"Yes Alpha." Those were the last words my father spoke until we got home. The sun was gone as we left the pack house the cool autumn air nips at my bare arms.

"Bed now!" Is all he says as we enter the house.

"Daddy?" I say. He looks at me still frustrated. "I'm sorry..." I say locking my eyes on his shoes. He kneels down and wraps me in a hug.

"Good night little wolf, I love you." He says then pulls away to look me in the eyes. "Its gonna be a long day tomorrow make sure he comes and tell him nothing. If he is a wolf it's not your place to tell him. Alpha Aaron decides what to do with him."

"But hes a little boy!" I say "we accept him that's it!" Dad pulls me in again

"We will see tomorrow. Goodnight." He says this then let's me go.

I go straight to my room and shut the door. I curl up on my bed and bury myself in the stuffed animals that cover half of it. Tomorrow... it is all I can think as I drift off to sleep.