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Nothing is What it Seems

We heard Charise clear her throat several times and knew the cue was to go outside. We all sat down, and the cemetery was peaceful. This property always felt like home. Lucian proceeded to tell us about the names listed on the graves. The fights and peace treaties with different clans and how humans became more populated, so the clans went undisclosed and protected. He said each clan or “pack” made it a priority to know their surroundings, humans, and others. I picked up on the word others and I asked “Others, you mean other clan’s or other nonhumans?” He said, “Other nonhumans, there are not just us.” I clinked my drink on the ground and went to grab another one. I went behind the truck to go pee and I could hear Charise and Lucian talking. He said, “I mean her no harm, I will protect her with my life.” Charise said, “Sure as shit you will, I will rip out your throat myself. I know an Ambros and he is a son of a bitch.” Lucian said, “Oh then you know my brother!” He laughed and said, “I’m not my brother as Karina is not you.” She said, “Wow that’s a low blow, but hey welcome to the family! I like you!” Lucian clinked his bottle on hers and said, “Karina told me you did.” I walked back and was amazed they were getting along. Lucian was sniffing the air as I sat down and I said, “You are smelling my pee, aren’t you?” He just looked at me and raised his eyebrows. Charise burst out laughing and said, “This is a whole new world for you, he’ll probably go pee on it now.” We all started laughing.

My stomach was grumbling, and I turned around to ask if they wanted to get a bite to eat. Charise said, “We could change into our forms and get you something to eat.” I looked at Lucian and he shrugged like he could as well. I looked at the ground and my insecurities flooded in. I started to cry. How did I not know this? Without looking up, I said, "I’m not ready for that yet, this is a lot.” I went over to my father’s grave and put my hand on it to say goodbye. I started picking up our tools and putting them into the truck. I always revert to work when I need to calm my feelings. Lucian and Charise didn’t push it and started helping me. For a minute I became angry at the thought of them changing and I don’t know why. It was both scary and interesting to me, but it also felt barbaric. I didn’t want to see a man I was infatuated with turn into a monster. I didn’t think my brain could wrap around that yet. As we finished, up and closed the church. I heard Charise say to Lucian, “You know she is white.” He looked at her to say what? She said, “She is a white translucent wolf when she changes, my mother was too. I know they’re rare.” He said, “I wondered but wasn’t sure.” I broke up their conversation and said, “Let’s meet at Billy’s pub downtown and get a meal. Charise said, “Hop in then!” I said, “Are you kidding, I’m riding with my man!” Lucian laughed and we got on his bike and left. I turned to look back as the fire was almost out. Mentally saying goodbye to my father. Lucian grabbed my leg and squeezed, it felt good to know he knew.

When we got to the pub, I ran to the bathroom to clean up. I knew I was a mess and although Lucian didn’t mind, I still looked a fright. I changed my clothes and freshened up my hair and makeup. My sister came in shortly and did the same. We looked a lot alike with our features besides she was darker than me in all ways. She looked so much more like our father but we both had our mothers facial features. When we came out Lucian had ordered food for us and Billy the owner waved at us. Charise went to school with Billy and they had a fling now and again. Billy gave me a big hug and I could tell it made Lucian uneasy. I winked at him to show him it was ok. He looked surprised which made me laugh. I sat down and Charise had already started eating. She didn’t have much manners and sometimes behaved more like a male than a female.

When she finished she went over to talk to Billy and some friends at the bar, which was very typical of her. She left me with Lucian, and I did pick up on a few of the guys looking over at us. I whispered to Lucian, “Are they…” and before I could answer he said, “Yes, they are but they know I’m friendly.” I said, “So, where are we staying tonight?” He smiled and grabbed my hand and said, “I have a special place set up for us. Its not the hotel.” I said, “Will it cost a lot?” He started laughing and stuck a hot wing in my mouth. After I ate it I said, “Hey that’s not fair, I just worry I watch my budget.” He said, “I know you are independent but just as you need me to allow you to be independent, I need you to allow me to pay for things and take care of you. It’s in my nature and I can’t shut it off, but I try. I don’t want to offend you.” I said, “Ok fair, I trust you. I’m just used to doing everything and I don’t now how to take it.” I said, “Charise, has a house but last time I stayed there, well its gross. She is a hoarder and doesn’t clean. The smell was terrible.” He laughed and said, “I understand, but I like her. She has your best interest at heart. You don’t know this but when you became emotional about your father, so did she.” I said, “My dad and her were very similar, but that meant they fought a lot. My dad loved her but also expected a lot of her and part of that meant protecting me and come to find out, she did so clear until today when she told me everything.” I went on to say, “She told me everything because I met you. She could smell you on me." I said "Codger could too.” He raised his eyebrows, and said “Codger did as well, did he?” I said “Yes, but he is my distant cousin and his family is in the cemetery as well. He took over the fatherly role when my father died.” Lucian said, “I see, I know of Codger and he is an excellent mechanic, but he is known to not like others outside his circle.” I said “You will meet him tomorrow, he will behave in front of me. His son Christopher is out of prison so we were planning to meet up with him.” I could hear Lucian grind his teeth. I could tell he knew of Chris as well but didn’t say anything. I grabbed his thigh and asked, “Are you ready to go?” His eyes brightened up and he said, “Do we need to get your sister?” I looked over at her, and she was giving Billy the eye so I shook my head no and waved at Billy. Billy winked at me and I said, “Oh Billy is going to take care of her tonight.” We both laughed and left.

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