Crimson Moon
Chapter 14

Something nudged my body, waking me up from the deep slumber that I was in. The sunset beamed over my body, warming it to a temperature that felt amazing. I stretched before coming to the realization that I was outside. Tiberius was stretching alongside me and I saw Caleb standing next to us. He must have nudged me with his shoe by the looks of it.

“Hello, sleepyheads.” His voice spoke inside of our heads as he was looking down at us.

“Do I want to know what you two were doing out here all by yourself?” He questioned arching one of his eyebrows.

I coughed loudly, embarrassed. Tiberius just shook it off like nothing and answered Caleb.

“It’s complicated, I will explain it all later.”

“Uh-huh sure,” Caleb responded back to us.

I just shook my body getting rid of all the grass that covered my white fur. Looking down I realized that my paw still had some bloodstains that I had yet to remove. I laid back down and began to lick it to get rid of all of it. After I was done I looked up and noticed that they were both staring at me.

“What?” I asked them confused on why they were watching me.

“Nothing,” they both quickly responded turning their heads rapidly to look away from me.

“Okay then,” I said slowly furrowing my brow. “Do you think it’s safe to go back inside?” I asked Tiberius. Instead of his voice, I heard Reed respond.

“Finally you two say something, I’ve been in here all night!”

“Oops sorry Reed, we kind of fell asleep on you,” I said to him apologizing.

“I kind of figured that out,” He said in an agitated tone. “Anyway, I still wouldn’t come home yet. Your sister is back in her normal body but your mother is pretty distressed. She needs time to cool yet.”

“Thank you,” I said to him.

It felt like that was all I was saying lately, thank you, having everyone else do things for me. I felt useless in a way.

“You’re welcome.” He responded back. “Anyway, I’ve got to go back to babysitting. Talk to you two later.” He then severed the connection and left.

“Now what?” I asked as I stood up and stretched my legs.

“Do you want to go back into your human form?” Tiberius asked me as he stood up as well.

“I don’t even have clothes to wear, as you heard I’m not allowed to go back to my room yet.”

“Come in my room with me. We can replace you something to wear in there. I’ll call Cassie and have her bring you some more clothes.”

Caleb moved over to lean against a tree as he listened to our conversation.

“You sure?” I asked him.

“Of course, I know you don’t want to remain in your wolf form all day.”

“Alright,” I responded to him.

“You coming or staying?” Tiberius asked as he looked over towards Caleb.

“Dude I’m staying here. I don’t want to see what princess and you do in your spare time.” Tiberius and I rolled our eyes at him.

I retorted, “I’m not a princess Caleb.”

“Not yet,” he simply replied and I just turned away from him and shook my head walking with Tiberius into the castle.

As I entered Tiberius’s room, my mouth fell wide open. It was the most expensive-looking room I have ever come across. Almost the entire room was made out of gold, even the bed frame, ceiling, and tiles were made out of gold. A large golden chandelier hung from his ceiling began to glimmer, lighting up the room. Tiberius’s bed was the biggest canopy bed that I had ever laid my eyes on. There was a gigantic fireplace against the wall across from the bed that was similar to my own but much larger. Ashes from burnt wood covered the bottom giving off the impression that it was used not too long ago.

“Wow,” I muttered in complete disbelief as I walked in a circle not getting enough of the room.

“It’s a bit much isn’t it?” Tiberius asked looking at my facial expression in case I decided to lie.

“No, it’s beautiful,” I said awestruck.

“Are you sure?” He asked me not quite believing what I was saying.

“Dude, if you don’t believe me just read my mind. I am completely positive it is beautiful.” I told him.

He exhaled loudly causing me to look at him.

“Good, I was worried that you wouldn’t like it.”

“Why would you be worried?” I asked him.

“Because your opinion matters to me.” He simply replied to my question.

“Anyway, I better get changed in the bathroom and then go replace Cassie. Do you want to remain in here?” He asked me as he started sorting through his drawers for clothes.

“Sure, I will stay,” I answered him.

“Ok, make yourself at home.” He said as he entered the bathroom.

He must have another door that leads to the hall for the fact that I heard another door open and close and didn’t hear any more signs of Tiberius giving off the impression that he left the room. I looked around his room some more surprised by how clean he kept it. Most guys make the biggest mess you could believe. Oh, wait, he probably has someone who cleans his room for him, I thought to myself. It wouldn’t surprise me, I mean Cassie’s friends come over sometimes to clean our house as well and bring us fresh clothes. I admitted to myself that I was excited to see Cassie again. She knew exactly how to make me happy with how kind and nice she could be. Feeling tired and bored waiting for Tiberius, I decided to crawl into his massive bed, hoping that he wouldn’t get upset if I got my hair on his covers. Being that his covers were already white though, it would be hard to see my fur on them in the first place.

I wrapped myself in a circular position and closed my eyes intending on only resting them. Instead, I must have fallen asleep for the fact that I was awoken by the sound of a knock on the door. Only a few minutes must have passed for the fact that Tiberius wasn’t back yet. Curious, I went to go answer the door to tell whoever it was that Tiberius wasn’t here. When I got to the door I realized opening it was going to be much harder than I originally thought. I jumped up onto my back legs and used my front paws to try and push the door open. After a few tries, I successfully got it. As I opened it, I was not expecting this werewolf to be here. It was a woman with gorgeous long blond hair and green emerald eyes. She was petite around the same size that I was, dressed in a long diamond-encrusted dress that flowed all the way down to the floor. By the look she was giving me, I assumed she wasn’t expecting me to be there as well. “Who are you?” She asked me in a sharp icy tone.

“Calla,” I answered her, extending a paw, trying to be nice.

“What’s your name?” I asked her.

Instead of shaking my paw, she pushed it away causing me to raise my eyebrows in shock. Wow, this girl really could be cruel.

“It’s quite insulting that you don’t know who I am.” She said pretending to give me a sad face. “Anyway, my name is Adelina and I believe you stole my fiancée.” She said flat out to me.

My mouth fell open and I shook my head.

“What?” I asked her surprised.

“It’s alright, I’m over him. I just came to tell him that I was heading back to live with my grandparents. I’m done with this creepy ugly place.” She just turned around and walked out the door, “Oh and you shouldn’t have messed with me,” She said as she turned her face to give a devilish smile. “Watch your back,” She said as she turned back around and disappeared around the corner.

I shook my head in confusion and shut the door. What was that all about? Why should I have to watch my back? I crawled back in bed and closed my eyes once more, but after a few minutes, I was interrupted by two voices entering the room. Tiberius’s and Cassie’s voices to be exact. I blinked my eyes rapidly trying to see what was going on, not ready to wake up by the way my eyes stung from the light in the room. I yawned, my mouth opening very wide.

“Hello sleepyhead,” Tiberius said to me as he walked into the room in his human form.

“Sorry if I messed up your bed,” I told him jumping off the bed and onto all fours.

“Don’t be,” He said to me. “Did you sleep enough?” He asked me.

“I believe so,” I told him.

“If you need more rest it is ok.” He said to me and I was thankful for the offer.

“It’s ok Tiberius really,” I told him walking up to Cassie.

“Yay! My favorite werewolf, Calla! I’ve missed you so much! Cassie said smiling.”

I licked her palm showing her my gratitude and that I missed her as well.

“I brought you these.” She told me with a kind tone to her voice. “I’ll just put it on your back so you can go change in private in the bathroom, I know that you like your own privacy.”

As she set the clothes on my back I brushed against her leg and headed into the bathroom to change. In moments I was back in my human form and changed into the lovely plain jeans and t-shirt Cassie brought me.

I opened the door and went back to Tiberius’s expensive room. I saw Cassie trying to clean Tiberius’s room while he was politely declining saying “Cassie, you do enough for me. I don’t want to make you do extra work. I really do appreciate it, plus shouldn’t you be helping Adelina instead? Isn’t she the one that you were assigned to?” He asked her being very friendly.

A frown started to cover her face as her happiness disappeared.

“Yeah, I probably should be helping her.” I leaned against the wall not wanting to disrupt Tiberius’s and Cassie’s talking.

“Is something wrong?” He asked her concerned for her well-being.

“Sort of, but it doesn’t matter. I will not be one to complain about anything. I owe you guys so much.” She said.

Tiberius answered, “Cassie, your like family to us. You don’t owe us anything. Now please tell me what is wrong.”

She exhaled, her voice shaking as she spoke, “I just don’t know if I can stay with Adelina much longer, I’m not happy anymore. She wants so much from me and never thanks me for it. She is too demanding for my taste, but I will continue on with her to make you guys happy. I will not let you down.” She said to Tiberius.

My heart ached for her as I wanted to help her. I guess Rafiq was right when he said that I was a bleeding heart.

“Cassie, you don’t have to help her anymore if you don’t want to. You are the most respected help we have here. You were only given Adelina because she was supposed to be my bride and she demanded the best help she could get. You were the only one who would be able to put up with her, but now that she isn’t going to become royalty at this household, she doesn’t need to be taken care of 24/7. Of course, she is a female, so the werewolf rule does still apply to her for the fact that she is supposed to be treated like royalty, so she still does need someone to take care of her. That person will no longer be you, I will make sure of it.”

“Oh thank you, Tiberius!” She exclaimed giving a huge hug that made his eyes widen in surprise.

“You are very welcome.” He calmly replied. “Is there someone who you have in mind of which you would like to help from now on?” He asked Cassie with a crooked smile.

“Of course!” She exclaimed and then ran over to where I was standing and wrapped her arm in mine.

“Can I have Calla?” She asked a smile exploding on her face.

Tiberius laughed, “I thought you would ask that.” “What do you think Calla?” Tiberius asked me.

I looked over to Cassie and smiled right back at her, “I would be honored to have Cassie help me,” I said to Tiberius not taking my eyes off of Cassie.

“Alright, it is settled then. Cassie is Calla’s new personal helper.”

Cassie jumped with joy and spun me in a circle making me laugh.

“Oh thank you, thank you! It is such an honor to be able to help such a wonderful woman. Especially since she is the woman of legend.”

“What do you mean by that?” I asked her.

“Oops, nobody told you did they?” Cassie said to me.

“Only time I heard about this was when I was almost torched alive,” I retorted.

“Tiberius?” Cassie asked him wondering if she was supposed to tell me or not.

I waited for him to answer, my brow furrowed, wondering what everyone was talking about.

Tiberius exhaled and said, “Well I guess the cat is out of the bag. We do not know whether it is true or not, but we do think that it is you. We think that you are the one that the legend talks about.”

I gave out a small laugh and said, “No pressure their right?” I asked both of them.

“Calla, we don’t really have any proof that it is you that it is talking about. We aren’t completely positive, don’t worry about it just yet alright?” He said to me.

“Hmmm ok,” I responded. “Oh, and by the way, Adelina stopped by when you were gone,” I said casually to him going to lean against the wall again as Cassie scurried away as she heard me mention her previous subject. “

"She what?” Tiberius coughed as he was caught under guard.

“She stopped by looking for you,” I said to him plain and simple.

“What did she say?” He asked me prompting me to speak.

“Just that she was going home to her grandparent's place instead,” I told him as I got the feeling not to mention anything about the whole watching your back thing. I decided to keep that a secret for I knew that Tiberius would freak out about it and overreact.

“Hmm alright.” He said. “I’ll have to tell my father later. He may not be the happiest person about her decision.” Tiberius rubbed his eyes in frustration.

“What’s wrong? Why are you frustrated? It has nothing to do with you.” I told him.

“He will blame me for her leaving for the fact that I called the wedding off. He is afraid that without the treaty of our marriage, it could lead to a war in the future.”

I was shocked by the news I just heard.

“I’m so sorry Tiberius. Maybe you should get back together with her. Maybe it is the best thing for you guys. I’m tired of making all of your lives more difficult.” I lowered my head in sadness.

Tiberius slowly walked up to me and put my face in between his palms of his hands.

“That is never going to happen, I will never cause you that kind of pain again. My father will just have to live with the decision that I made.”

“Are you sure?” I asked him looking deep into his golden eyes.

“Of course,” he said as he slowly lowered his face towards mine and gently kissed my lips.

“Oooh!” Cassie squealed loudly in the air causing me to jump backwards in fright.

My face blushed as Cassie said, “oops I didn’t mean to interrupt you two.” She said covering her mouth.

Tiberius contained his patience and laughed. “Hmm it seems no matter where I am with you, we always get interrupted. "

I laughed along with him as Cassie’s face turned red as well.

“Sorry!” She exclaimed.

“Don’t worry about it Cassie, it’s alright,” I said.

Tiberius was just about to say something before he was broken off by Reed.

“Hey, guys? I think you can come back if you want but I’ll be careful. Your mom crashed asleep in your room and Katherine feels terrible for what she said yesterday.”

“Ok we will be there soon,” Tiberius replied to him.

“Are you ready?” He asked me.

“I believe so,” I said as butterflies floated in my stomach as I was struck with nerves going in the house again.

“Ooh, werewolf business!” Cassie exclaimed. “You two go have fun and I will be over at your house later to clean.”

I walked over to her and gave her a hug. She returned the favor as I said to her “Thank you, Cassie, you really don’t have to do this.”

She beamed “I know but I want to, now go you two.” She said as she began pushing me out the door.

“Goodbye!” I called out to her and walked down the hall to where my room was located.

I lifted my small hands into the air right in front of the large door. In a fist position, they began to shake. I was nervous about what I was going to do. I did not want to face them after what happened. I still felt as though the whole incident was my fault. Obviously, my mother felt the same way. I felt Tiberius put his hand on my shoulder. I put mine on top of his and let out a huge sigh.

“It’ll all be ok Calla.” I heard him whisper in my ear as he dropped his hands to his side.

All I could do was nod my head as no words would escape my mouth. Pound, pound, pound, echoed from my door as my fist hit against it giving them a warning that I was entering. I slowly grasped the handle of the door and twisted it. I pushed it open ever so slowly causing the door to creak.

“Kat? Mother?” I said not too loudly.

By hearing my own voice, I could tell that I was nervous. Apparently, Tiberius could as well as he grasped my hands in his. I looked up to him and smiled grateful for the reassurance. He smiled ever so beautifully back at me. It caused my heart to flutter and give me the confidence that I needed to face my family after the disappointment I caused them.

I heard footsteps coming towards me from the kitchen. My heart began to race worried about who it would be. I really didn’t want to face either of them, not after what happened yesterday.

“Calla?” I heard someone call from the other room.

Slowly I walked over to the kitchen holding my breath. I saw my sister standing by the stove a worried expression evident on her lovely face. She was staring at the stove in what appeared to be lost in thought.

“I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault,” I said quietly to her my face looking at the ground.

I was so quiet that the only reason she could have possibly heard me was because of her sensitive ears. Just days before I know she wouldn’t have been able to hear what I had said. Quickly, she spun around. She jumped up and ran over to me and grabbed me in a tight hug. I couldn’t help but to make an “oof” sound as I was getting squeezed to death. Evidently, Kat wasn’t used to how strong she is now, but I ignored it.

“No!” She yelled in my ear causing me to flinch. “Don’t be sorry! It was my fault. You told me not to go there. You warned me. I was the one who was arrogant and refused to listen. I should not have said those words to you in front of mother. I have no idea what came over me!” A tear fell from her shining eyes and onto my shoulder. I hugged her back as I held in my tears.

“Thank you,” I said back to her not knowing what else to say.

“What mom said to you was very wrong as well. She is asleep right now but I will try to explain to her everything that happened. Don’t worry about it, everything will be ok soon. I promise.” She said to me acting like the caring big sister she was.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me, Kat.”

She squeezed me a little tighter causing me to yelp.

“Umm Kat?” I questioned her.

“Yes?” She responded back to me.

“Could you please loosen your grip? You’re a little bit stronger than you use to be.” I told her squeezing my eyes and refraining from pushing her away.

“Ooh! Sorry!” She yelled as she jumped backwards.

I rubbed my numb arms where she was squeezing me so tightly. If I didn’t know better, I would have assumed she was a boa constrictor, not a werewolf.

“How is that going anyway?” I questioned her.

“What?” She questioned back confusion popping up on her face.

“The whole heightened senses, strength, all that,” I said to her pointing in her direction.

“Oh, all that.” She shrugged. “Everything is so noisy and I can’t help but smell everything as well.” She confessed to me.

“Don’t worry it will get better,” I reassured her. “It was pretty hard on me as well. Just remember if you ever need any help with anything werewolf related I can help you, or at least I will try. I’m still learning things myself.”

My sister laughed at that.

“Thanks.” She said still giggling.

“Aww isn’t that sweet?” I heard Reed say from behind me.

I jumped forward straight into my sister who caught me. I was so involved in the moment that I forgot anyone else was there.

“Jesus Reed! You scared me!” I yelled as I grabbed my chest, my heart pounding so loud my ears could hear it.

He laughed at me and said “calm down Calla. You don’t gotta be such a baby.”

I walked over to him and punched him in the arm.

“OW!” He yelled giving me a fake hurt look. “

Come on, guys. Be nice.” Tiberius said to us as he walked over to me and grabbed my arm.

I smiled up at him and said, “Me? Never.”

He laughed at me and just shook his head.

I stood up on my tippy toes and reached as high as I could, smiling at him. He bent down and gave me a quick luscious kiss. As his warm lips met mine a lightning bolt exploded in my body. It caused me to shudder. As we pulled apart we looked into each other eyes and smiled.

“Hey! Get a room!” I heard Kat yell.

I gave an exaggerated sigh and focused my attention on her crossing my arms over my chest.

“I don’t like seeing my younger sister like that.”

“Come on don’t be jealous Kat.”

“You can have Reed if you want. I mean he can be immature at times but hey they can’t always be perfect.” I said shrugging my shoulders.

Immediately I saw my sister's snow-white cheeks turn a bright red hue. “Calla!” She yelled at me causing me to burst out laughing. “That’s not funny!” She yelled at me again refusing to look in Reed’s direction.

“Don’t worry babe. I’ll treat you right.” I heard Reed say.

I darted my eyes over to him as I saw a smile etching his face. In response to this Kat said nothing. Her eyes just looked towards the floor pretending to be distracted by something.

Gradually, I remembered that my mother was still here and was asleep in the other room. Anxiety began to go through me again as I came to this realization. I really wasn’t ready to face her, especially after all those hurtful things she said about me. By the look on her face, it was clear that she really believed them. Unlike Kat, she didn’t just say it in the heat of the moment. I turned my face away from everyone pretending that I heard something. My eyes began to water as the thoughts flooded my brain. I felt Tiberius squeeze my hand in comfort. I wasn’t fooling him.

“Hey, who wants to go do some training?” Tiberius asked us.

Katherine jumped in excitement screaming “I do!” Causing me to jump from not expecting it.

“Are you sure Katherine? There isn’t any rush. I mean you are still getting comfortable in your own body.”

“Calla! Quit being such a mother. Let the babe fight.” Reed said while rolling his eyes and crossing his arms.

“Alright fine,” I said to Kat. “But if anything gets too hard on you, you better stop. I don’t want you getting hurt.” Kat just rolled her eyes and headed towards the door.

“Don’t forget I’m the big sister. I’m supposed to be worried about you. Not the other way around.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Oh well, too bad,” I responded and I let go of Tiberius’s hand as I headed towards the door after my sister.

Apparently, my feet had other plans because as soon as I started walking I tripped over my own foot. Tiberius’s hands reached out and grabbed me around the waist stabilizing me.

Katherine laughed and said, “And I’m the one who shouldn’t fight.”

My cheeks flushed red as I didn’t say a word. Reed’s laugher echoed inside of my head. I flashed him the dirtiest look I could muster and went out the door.

Once I entered the hall I realized I had no idea where I was supposed to go. I looked both ways and decided to just wait for the others. I went towards the wall and leaned my back up against it. The door opened once more and the rest of the group pooled out.

“No idea where you were supposed to go Calla huh?” Reed winked at me.

I stuck out my tongue towards him and then looked at Tiberius. Kat came up beside me and stood next to me.

Tiberius said “this way,” as I pulled myself off of the wall. I followed him without making a sound.

Eventually, we made it to a door that had some weird chains on it. I gave Tiberius a puzzling look. My eyebrows were furrowed in wonder and why there could possibly be chains on this door. Immediately he answered me, obviously picking up that I was confused.

“It’s to keep the children out. It’s a little dangerous for them to be messing around in.”

I shot a worried look over towards Kat. She met me back with a vicious face.

“Seriously Calla. Stop. I’m fine.” She pushed past me and into the room.

I was so focused on Katherine that I didn’t even see him unlock the door. My heart stung by the accusation. I only cared about her health. I couldn’t stand it if she got hurt. Reed went over to me and squeezed my shoulder as he passed, reassuring me.

I heard him whisper as he passed, “Be easy on her.”

I tried to mask the pain that it caused me but I didn’t do so well. I smiled up at Tiberius and he bent down and whispered in my ear.

“It’ll be ok dear sweet Calla. Don’t take what she said to heart.”

He opened the door for me and I walked past. I heard the door close and felt Tiberius’s presence behind me. Awe struck me as soon as I entered the room. Obstacle courses of all sizes filled the room. Some even had dangerous-looking wrecking balls along with spikes.

I felt Tiberius’s arms wrap around my waist as he said into my ear, “go to the locker room and change. There will be clothes ready for you. It is your first door on the right. That is where Kat and Reed are located. I’m going to go get a few things from the closet.”

I shook my head at him speechless. I was so focused on the room that I didn’t even notice that Reed and Kat weren’t right in front of me. I shook my head and walked towards the direction Tiberius told me to go.

As I reached the locker room I heard a noise from within it. I could hear my sister's laugh echoing from the doorway. As I approached I peeked into the lighted room. The walls kind of looked like bathroom floor tile. It wasn’t the prettiest of rooms I have seen since I have been here, but there really wasn’t any reason for it to be. The only reason it was used was to change into clothing suitable for workouts. I spotted my sister who was laughing at something I could only guess what Reed said being that they were the only two in the room. As I went into the locker room, they both looked over in my direction.

“Yo, what’s up!” Reed called out to me.

“Oh hey, Calla,” Kat said to me.

She focused her gaze back on Reed. I just waved at them and continued to a pile of clothes that were laid out on the wooden bench. I could only guess that this is what Tiberius was talking about. From the look that Kat gave me I could tell that she wasn’t too interested in me. Maybe she thought that I was trying to steal Reed away from her? But why would she think like that? I only liked Reed as a friend, nothing more. To be honest, I really hoped Katherine didn’t like Reed more than friends. Just from his personality and only knowing him for a short while, I could tell that he could be a player. I don’t think that he would try to hurt us, but you never know. Plus with Kat, I don’t think Reed really likes her that way. Unfortunately, I’m beginning to feel as though Kat is developing feelings for Reed. From the way that she looks at him and only focuses on him when others are in the room. I really hoped that I was wrong. I couldn’t stand seeing her get hurt over something like this. It would just add to the many problems that are happening right now.

Katherine stopped laughing and muttered, “I’ll see you soon Calla, I’m going to head over to the courses.”

She started walking in my direction, her feet in new shiny tennis shoes. My eyes got wide as I suddenly thought about how advanced those courses really were. As she walked past me I grabbed her arm. She gave me a confused expression causing wrinkles to form on her pretty face.

“What?” She questioned me.

“Kat are you sure your ready…”

“STOP!” She yelled cutting me off mid-sentence.

I jumped in surprise by how stiff her voice sounded. My eyes widened in shock.

“I can take care of myself! She yelled in frustration.”

She roughly pulled her arm away from me and went out the door. Not before she purposely ran her shoulder into me causing me to flinch. I was hurt by what she said to me. This wasn’t the sister I knew, the one person who was the sweetest above them all. Never would she raise her voice to me like she has been doing. Never would she try to cause me harm. I looked over towards Reed who gave me a sympathetic expression and shrugged his shoulders. I shook my head to clear it. She must just be acting this way because of everything that has been happening. I personally don’t blame her. It was a huge change and it wasn’t easy on anybody.

Reed walked past me and uttered, “I’ll meet you out there.” Pointing his head in the direction of the door. “Take all the time you need. Don’t rush.”

And with that, he walked out the door leaving me alone in the empty room.

I began to change into the clothes that were stacked ever so neatly on the bench for me. Apparently, someone didn’t think that I needed a shirt. All that was left for me was a lime-green sports bra and black spandex for shorts. Someone didn’t believe in appropriate clothing for exercise or else they assumed it was appropriate because it would keep me cool.

“Oh well,” I thought to myself as I got dressed. “At least I won’t have to worry about overheating."

Once I got dressed I immediately exited the locker room and went back to where I saw my sister and Reed standing. Quickly, my sister looked over towards me, her face full of disgust as she shook her head.

“Jesus Calla. Put some clothes on. You look like a tramp.”

And with that, she looked away from me not paying any more attention. My jaw dropped.

“What?!” I questioned her.

No response came from her tight, straight-lined mouth. I drug my feet closer to her and stood in front of her line of vision.

“What did you say?” I pushed her further.

“I called you a tramp now get out of my way.” She simply replied causing me to drop my jaw once more.

“What makes you think that you could call me that?” I questioned her again, becoming very agitated.

“Because you apparently don’t believe in clothing, now get out of my way.”

Being that Kat was taller than me I had to look up while she looked down in order to look into each other’s eyes.

“Wow,” was all I could say as my eyes sparkled the way they do when I start to change. “Say it again, I dare you.” I threatened my blue eyes sparkling as I squinted with my arms crossed over my chest.

She rolled her eyes and copied the movements that I just did.

“YOU…. ARE….A…..TRAMP.” She said emphasizing every word in the sentence her eyes sparkling as well.

I dug my nails into my palms and began to shake. It took all of my self-control to not change into my wolf. My blood began to boil as red, hot, anger filled me. Reed jumped in the middle of both of us just then. His hands extending in the air in a stop position.

“Seriously Katherine. You shouldn’t call your sister that. Maybe you should go to the other side of the room while I try to calm Calla down. She is too dangerous for you right now.” He said directly speaking to her.

“Wow your siding with her?” She gave a bewildered expression.

Reed didn’t say a word.

“Wow, fine!” She huffed and stomped her feet away from where we were standing.

I closed my eyes to try to calm myself.

“Calla?” Reed asked in a gentle voice trying not to provoke me further.

I didn’t respond to what he was saying.

“You’re not a tramp, actually you are far from it. Are you alright?” He asked in a worried tone.

“Yes, I’m fine.” I was still shaking from the adrenaline.

“Do you need me to go get Tiberius to help calm you down?”

“No thank you, Reed, I’ll be alright. Actually, I think it will be better if we don’t even tell him about it.”

“Are you sure?” He asked.

“Yes, I’m positive.”

“Alright then, let’s head over to where they are standing," Reed said as he motioned towards the others.

As I looked over towards the other side of the room. I noticed that Kat and Tiberius were standing side by side. They appeared to be in a conversation with one another. It struck my curiosity about what they could possibly be talking about. There was no way they would be saying anything bad against me. That’s not something Tiberius would do. I used to think that was what Kat would never do as well, but recently that is all she has been doing. I shook my head trying to clear the thought. Everything would be back to normal sooner or later. I just hoped it was sooner rather than later because I had no idea how much more of this I could take.

“Are we ready to start?” Tiberius asked me as I approached him.

I let out a small laugh about what he was dressed in. He wore a referee outfit equipped with a whistle.

“What?” He asked me taken off guard.

“Nice outfit.” I giggled again looking him up and down.

“Oh, you bet.” He said as he winked at me. “Be careful or I’m going to make you do more than you are prepared for,” Tiberius said to me.

“Ahh, I’m so scared.” I mocked putting my hands in the air in pretend surrender.

Reed leaned over towards me and said, “I would be careful. He really will do it, and trust me, doing extra is not fun.”

I thought about this for a moment. Tiberius could be demanding when it came to physical exercise.

“Hmm, I suppose you are right.”

“Alright, Reed you’re up. You can start at the first obstacle over there.” His long finger pointed to the right. “The rest of you can wait until after he is finished. Make sure to watch what he is doing.”

It was the first obstacle in the room and it looked like the easiest. The further left you went, the harder it looked. Reed simply shrugged his broad shoulders without saying a word. He stood on the box that was the start of the obstacle course. Luckily, this obstacle course had no wrecking balls or spikes. By the looks of it, this one only had black long cylinder barrels that you were supposed to jump over.

“All right go!” Tiberius yelled to Reed causing my thinking to become interrupted.

Reed took off on a fast sprint. Barrels came from the shoot one after another. They didn’t look like they were coming too fast, they must gain faster speed the further you progress. When the barrel would be directly right in front of him, Reed would jump over them like they were nothing. Finally, he made it to the end. He stopped and looked over to us smiling. He wasn’t even out of breath nor did he look any bit exhausted or flustered.

“Very well,” Tiberius said while looking at his golden stopwatch. “You could have been a little faster though.”

“Oh come on, we all know that none of us are as fast as you. Cut me some slack.” Reed said rolling his eyes and walking back over to us.

“I’m not going to cut you any slack,” Tiberius said in a stern voice. “Speed can get you out of many dangerous situations and who knows, it could even possibly save your life.” He said to Reed, his golden eyes staring directly at him.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Reed said rolling his eyes and shaking his head in annoyance. “I’ll go faster next time.”

“You better,” Tiberius said sternly before looking away from him.

I placed my hand next to my mouth and whispered not very quietly over to Reed. “What did I get myself into?” I asked him.

“I told you he could be a hard butt.”

“Apparently,” I replied and gave out a small giggle.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Tiberius roll his eyes and look over to Katherine.

“Katherine you’re up.” He said to her.

“Alright!” She squealed jumping up into the air and clapping her hands in excitement.

“Just do what Reed did and you will do great,” Tiberius told her and giving her a pat on the back.

“Alright sounds good, just tell me when.” She said to him as she patted her feet over to the starting box.

As she reached the box she focused her attention back on Tiberius. She had one foot in front of her and she was in a crouched position anxious to start.

“GO!” Tiberius yelled and my sister pushed off with all her might and began to run as fast as she could.

She stretched one foot after another to make it to the finish line. The barrels began to get ever so close to her. She leaped into the air and jumped past the first with ease landing silently back on her feet. She attempted to do the same to the second barrel. Unfortunately, she must have caught her feet to the rolling barrel, since she stumbled and fell on her knees. Instinctively I moved a foot forward in her direction. Tiberius put an arm out in front of me as I watched her get back up to her feet. The rest of the barrels she dodged with ease. I tried to look over to Tiberius to see how long she had been running for. It seemed like much longer than what it took Reed. Since Tiberius is so much taller than I am, I couldn’t check the time. Finally, my sister reached the finish line and slumped over putting her small white hands on her knees. She looked as if she was out of energy due to the fact that she was panting.

“How… did….I……do?” She questioned taking a deep breath in between words to fill her lungs back up with air.

“You need to work on your speed and coordination.” He said to her. “I want you to do it again after Calla goes before you move unto the next obstacle. I don’t want to see you get hurt by advancing before you’re ready.”

“Alright,” Katherine said in a depressed voice.

She dipped her head in a sign of defeat. I kind of felt a little bad for her, but I wasn’t going to say anything. I was still pretty upset with her about what she called me earlier.

“Ok Calla, you’re up,” Tiberius said to me not looking at me at all, only his stopwatch.

I went up to the platform and looked over at my sister in curiosity. To my surprise, she was giving me the dirtiest look I have ever seen from her. It looked quite menacing. I shook my head to clear my thought. When I looked back over towards her she was smiling at me. It must have been the figment of my imagination.

“Go!” Yelled Tiberius as I took off running to my fullest potential.

I pushed my legs forward one foot at a time. The barrels kept coming as I jumped over each one with ease. As I made it to the finish line, I still had all of my energy. This obstacle course was extremely easy, but I didn’t want to get too cocky. Looking to my left I reminded myself that the rest were going to become harder and harder as we went.

“Very nice!” Tiberius said as I jogged over to him.

Reed rolled his eyes and said, “show off.”

I stuck my tongue out at him. Tiberius laid his hand out for a high five and I accepted it. A smacking sound echoed throughout the room.

“Are you ready to go again, Katherine?” Tiberius asked her. “

Yes.” She simply said and got into position.

Just as last time when Tiberius told her to go she tripped and fell. When she reached the finish line she looked extremely depressed.

“You will have to keep trying this one until you pass it,” Tiberius said to her.

She looked extremely gloomy so I said to her to try to cheer her up “it’s ok Katherine, you will get it next time.”

She rapidly turned her head to face me her eyes burning. “Shut up Calla. I don’t need your help.”

I looked over towards Tiberius and said nothing.

“It takes time Katherine. None of us expect you to get it right away. You’re still not comfortable within your own body, it’s ok.” He said to her trying to soothe her unhappiness.

Laughter erupted from her, shaking her slender body. “You’re just trying to back Calla up. I should have known you wouldn’t be fair to me when she is around. Little old Calla, gets everything she wants. She is just like the little princess in the group, isn’t she? You know what? I’m just going to go.” She went to the door and pulled it open with her right hand.

“KAT!” I called after her, but she paid no attention to me as if she didn’t even hear it. That or she just flatly ignored me. She went through the door and was gone, the door slamming behind her.

I shook my head but said nothing.

“Well, that just happened,” Reed muttered.

“I’m sorry,” Tiberius said to me. “I was too hard on her.”

I looked into his golden eyes and said “no, it wasn’t that. I have no idea what has gotten into her lately. She isn’t herself anymore. Whatever it is, I don’t like it.” I said to him and headed off into the dressing room.

I was so lost in my own thought about everything that has been going on that I didn’t even smell or hear anyone behind me. I felt long arms wrap around my waist from behind. I tensed up frightened by who it was. I recognized the feeling of the arms and instantly relaxed into the warm body.

“It’ll be ok dear sweet Calla,” Tiberius said, his warm breath tickling my ear.

I turned around to face him, pressing my head against his chest.

“I know, thank you. There has just been so much going on recently that I can’t keep anything straight anymore.”

“I know shhh.” He said as he pressed his soft warm lips against my forehead.

I closed my eyes as he did so.

“Why don’t we bring you back to your room and you go rest?” He said to me.

“What about training?” I questioned him tilting my head to the door.

“You have done enough for one day. We can always do more tomorrow. I don’t like seeing you so stressed out.” He said to me sweetly.

“Are you sure?” I questioned him once more.

“Of course.” He answered me. “Now come on, let’s go get you into bed.”

“What about Reed?” I asked.

Tiberius chuckled, “relax Calla, I already said that he could go. You worry too much about others.”

“Maybe.” I simply said and followed him into the hall and towards my room.

Tiberius walked me to my door before letting go of my hand. Suddenly, I remembered why I was avoiding this room. My heart rate began to rise as I was nervous. I wasn’t ready to face my mother.

“Relax and listen.” Tiberius simply said to me.

I followed what he said. No sounds were coming from the house, which meant that it was probably empty. I let out a huge breath in relief. I didn’t even know that I was holding my breath but evidently, I was.

“Do you want to come in?” I asked him as I opened the door.

“No, it’s alright.” He responded. “You go in and go to bed.” “I’ve got some business I have to take care of anyway.”

“Oooh is it prince business?” I teased him flashing him a smile.

He simply flashed me a brilliant white smile back that made my heart do a little dance. God, I loved it when he smiled like that.

“Sleep well dear sweet Calla.” He kissed me ever so softly on the head before walking away leaving me to stare after him. I leaned up against the wall and exhaled loudly. The things that he could do to my heart I would never understand. No matter how bad of a mood I was in, he could always lift it. After a few quick moments, I opened the door and went straight into my room, and tucked myself under my blankets. I closed my eyes and I sank into the dark abyss within moments.