Jude
That prick.
I really try to be the bigger person, but Quentin constantly gets on my last nerve, destabilizing my mental health. Why does he get off picking fights with me?
What does he have to gain by being such a massive jerk?
Honestly, I'm lost. Whatever did I do to deserve this? Why couldn't I have a normal twin brother like most people? He should be my best friend, not my enemy, for Goddess' sake!
Why does he have to pick on me? For fuck's sake, leave me the hell alone!
Now, I can take a punch. I can take a beating if I have to. I can also put up a good fight, but what I can't allow is for people I love to be mistreated. I absolutely hate when Quentin and his posse call Layla a freak.
She is a werewolf just like the rest of us. There's no reason to call her names. It's not her fault if her parents are not mated to each other or that her mother is human. Neither of those factors have no bearing on her life whatsoever.
The fact that our society treats her differently simply for being born is a fucking tragedy. It's no different than singling out omegas because they can get struck by heat. What the hell is that about?
We are werewolves, people! We should be living our lives in unity and hiding from the humans to protect our existence. Not displaying prejudice on people who were born a little differently. In Layla's case, it's even worse than if she was an omega.
Here I was thinking we should leave prejudice for the humans, but no... we're still as backward as our way of thinking. Honestly, the whole thing is bullshit to me.
We should celebrate our differences, not discriminate against the people who are not the same as we are. In my book, if you shift into a wolf that means you're one of us. No matter your ethnicity, social status, financial condition, breeding, whatever. If you're a werewolf, then I'm in your corner. That's how a leader is supposed to behave. I fear for this pack if it falls on Quentin's hands at times.
I know I said I don't want to be Alpha and I really don't. That hasn't changed so far, but sometimes late at night I fear for the future with this type of leadership. My father, for all his flaws, is all about inclusivity.
He may be ruthless with his enemies, but he's all about making sure this pack serves all its citizens. A lesson I'm sure my brother should be reminded of every now and then.
After our fight in the waterfalls, my parents had us stranded inside the house for a week. We were only allowed to go to the training center to help out or to practice. I wasn't allowed any visitation, neither was my brother.
And he whined about not seeing Cassie every single day. I was just about to stuff a pillow on his face when he was sleeping. I can't take it anymore!
Why does an overgrown teenager need to whine like a bitch in heat over not seeing some girl? For Goddess' sake, give it a rest already! You like her, we get it! Shut the fuck up! It's not like she's your mate... *eye roll*
Ironically, I was very relieved every time I could go out to the center. At least, there were different people then. I could train and exercise once my wolf healing was done. Quentin did a number on me when we fought, but I'm sure I left him even worse. Well, I know so. I saw the bruising on his bare torso inside the bathroom. Fucker!
I hate him so much right now. He goaded me into a fight I didn't even want.
But if you come for me, you will find me. That's a promise. Especially if you involve Layla, my very best friend. Not to say that she needs me to defend her. She's not a damsel in distress, but she can't act against my brother.
No one can act against us unless we're training and even then, it's supervised by Mr. Booker. Or, in my brother's case, the wrestling coach. Yes, because the show off not only trains with actual warriors he also trains with the wrestling team at school.
Goddess protects me. I only train because I have to, not because I like. But my brother, the psychopath, actually relishes in subjugating people.
After a grueling week of no contact with the outside world except for texts or facetimes, it was finally time to return to school. Classes are now in session and for once in my lifetime, I was actually looking forward to it.
I know, right? A teenager wanting to go back to school. Go figure...
But it's the only way I can see my friends. So, I'll take what I can get.
The four of us are having breakfast inside the kitchen. My mother was talking to my father about some new arrivals in the pack while my brother and I stuffed our mouths.
As soon as we finished eating, my dad turned to us in a stern tone:
"If I hear about you two fighting in school, I promise you'll regret it. If you think what happened over the last week was punishment, you haven't experienced the full might of my power and I swear to Goddess I will not have you two embarrassing me again. Do I make myself clear?" - He declared with a loud commanding voice whose undertones had my bones shaking in nervousness.
Quentin and I gulped awkwardly and glanced at him.
"Yes, Alpha." - We replied, bowing our heads in obedience.
My father is not a man who should be trifled with, trust me. If he's threatening us with harsher punishments, he really means business. And I for one can't take it any harder than it has already been lately.
After much bickering, my brother and I have reached an understanding that each day one of us would take the car while the other makes other arrangements.
I'd try to argue that if we're going to the same place at the same time, we could simply go together but try arguing with a demented person. He refuses to arrive or be associated with me, even though we are easily the most recognizable pair of pupils of the entire student body.
Literally there's not a person who doesn't know who we are, be it a faculty member or a student. Even from other grades. It's pretty tough to stand out more than two identical twins born of the Alpha couple.
Layla arrives at my door while my brother drives off towards Cassie's house like a maniac. Of course, he had to take the car first. Have you met the guy?
I hugged her tightly as I climbed onboard, having missed her dearly.
"Thanks for calling my father to stop the fight, by the way. I'm sorry for everything that happened." - I said, both appreciative and remorsefully.
She looked at me surprised by this.
"Did he tell you it was me?" - She asked, starting the car. Her face looked shocked.
"No, but we figured it definitely wasn't any of his friends. So..." - I trailed off, glancing at her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want you fighting with him on my account. I can take care of myself." - She said, apologetically.
"I know you can, but you still shouldn't hear him treating you like you're Hermione Granger and he's Draco Malfoy." - I snickered, causing her to laugh at my analogy.
As expected for the first day back, our high school was buzzing with students all over the place getting reacquainted, talking, hugging and some even already getting mated.
The summer babies who turned 18 over the last 2-3 months are now eligible to discover their mates. I'm only mildly jealous of them. I wouldn't mind finding someone to spend the school year with. Despite living in a werewolf town, it's hard out here for an out queer boy.
It's a small town in the South, so we're not exactly booming with forward thinking progression. I walk quietly with Lay greeting my classmates as I go along. It's nice to see people my age again.
Arguably, it's even better than when I was in the waterfalls because this crowd is more diverse. It's not just the cool kids. After a while, it's time for the other Atwood to arrive.
Like Moses and the red sea, the crowd of students parted ways in the long hall as Quentin, Cassie, Dragomir, Owen and the rest of his jock friends walked in.
Can you imagine a sea of students bowing their heads to my brother as if my own father was walking the halls? For real, he makes people call him Alpha. Not a joke. Only slightly offensive to me. Just a smidge.
As I scowled in annoyance, the 'Kings and Queen' of the school walked like they owned the place. It would be ridiculous if they actually didn't behave like they do. Or worse, if people didn't believe them.
Straight people, am I right? *grunts in annoyance*
We move towards our first class of the day where Layla and I sit side by side. I greet the rest of my classmates I haven't seen yet and congratulate the ones who already got mated. *drools in jealousy*
"Hi, Nelly. How was your summer?" - I inquired of a short stature male omega who sits a few desks in front of me.
"Nelly! It's like the gayest nickname I've ever heard!" - Dragomir poked fun at us, laughing off from his seat next to my brother in the back of the class. Quentin laughed with him as he pointed at us.
Nelly lowered his head in embarrassment and before he had a chance to respond, my brother interjected.
"Hi, peasant. Have you had your heat yet?" - Quentin inquired with a devious grin. Panic flashed the boy's eyes as the sheer horror of all the infamous possibilities terrorized the young omega. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he shook in fear.
"Not as of yet, Alpha." - He replied, stuttering in nervousness. First heats are unpredictable [for omegas]. They never know when it'll strike them or where. And if it happens in the wrong place at the wrong time, the consequences can be disastrous for them. Which is why he's so scared of it. All omegas of his age are, specially the male ones.
"Don't worry, peasant. I got you." - Quentin smirked with a mischievous grin that had the poor boy frightened to death.
"Why can't you act like a normal person and address him by his name? It 's not peasant!" - I growled at my brother, seriously bothered.
"You don't have to defend your mate, little brother. Settle down. Remember what dad said." - He taunted me, causing his sycophants to giggle like idiots. Or a court jester, more appropriately.
Nelly blushed as he heard what my brother said. Omegas are naturally drawn to Alphas, according to nature. But he's not the only omega that could be mated to me.
"I was born first, imbecile! The only little thing here is your brain!" - I rebuked, pissed off.
"Don't mind him, Jude. He's not gonna be laughing so much when you win the fight for Alpha." - Layla interjected, causing my brother to snarl at her.
"Like that fairy stands a chance! You should hedge your bets a little better, freak!" - Dragomir stood up for his friend.
"Call me freak again and you won't leave practice today with your balls intact, motherfucker!" - She growled at him with glowing rabid eyes.
The whole class gasped at her comeback. But she's a fierce person, who just so happens to be a fantastic girl.
"I still can't believe you're on the wrestling team. Don't you get tired of all the testosterone?" - I inquired, curious as to why would anyone subject themselves to that willingly.
"It's the only way she can get close to men!" - Quentin jokes.
"No, it's the only chance I get of having your brother whimpering under me, whining like a little bitch!" - She jabbed at him with a devious grin.
My brother was about to say something when the teacher finally entered and started the class. Woof. That was tense, even for my standards. My goodness, you could cut the tension with a knife inside the classroom and it's only the first class of the day.
But like I said before, Layla doesn't put up with crap from anyone. Good for her.
As my brother and his friends glared at Layla, she on the other hand couldn't be bothered.
Before the second period, my brother and his 'non mate' swapped spit as I turned away in absolute disgust.
Meanwhile, some other girls were fangirling over Dragomir as if he was anything special other than wealthy.
I took the opportunity to reassure Nelly that he had a support system should the need arise.
"Don't worry about my brother, Nelly. We'll get you through your heat when it strikes. I won't let anyone touch you." - I told him with an encouraging smile.
"Thanks, Jude. But you can't touch me either. How are you gonna stop yourself?" - He glanced at me, worriedly. I gulped nervously.
I didn't have an answer for that. Truth is only other omegas are immune from heat. Mated (and marked) people are less affected by it, but only omegas are truly immune.
"He'll just complete the bond preemptively." - Quentin interjected, laughing it off.
"Shut up!" - I shouted at him, seriously annoyed. Nelly got flustered at this exchange.
Is it too late to change schools?
As much as I tried, it's very difficult to get away from under my brother's shadow. He continuously behaved like the king of the school while I did my best to carry on and stop being annoyed by him.
Later on, Layla had wrestling practice and I wished her the best of luck. I can only imagine what it must be like trying to succeed in a male oriented sport.
And I know for a fact that my brother and his posse don't want her there with them. Not that they have any say in the matter. It's still a school and the coach only cares that she's good.
I meet her during lunch break, where we take a seat in the busy cafeteria as far away as possible from "them".
"How was practice today? Did my brother give you a hard time?" - I inquired, tentatively.
She smiled deviously.
"He didn't get to spar with me. Instead, I made Jalensky my bitch." - She boasted. I genuinely laughed at this. I can't even imagine the big bad fearsome dragon being someone's bitch. But it does give me pleasure to hear it.
"Good for you. Quentin must've foamed because he didn't fight you." - I laughed at the thought.
"He did, but he doesn't get to pick his partners despite being the team captain." - She explained with a laugh.
I almost wish I was there to see it, but I already fight my brother too much if you ask me.
Lunch break is my oasis in school. It's one of the few periods where I get to be myself since my brother and I share most of the classes.
I talked to Layla as we ate our food, contently to have each other again in close proximity after our week apart.
Though if you see my brother and Cassie together, you'd think they stayed a month apart. They can't keep away from each other, it's so gross.
Later that day, we were just about to enter our last period when a female classmate sat on Jalensky's lap.
"Hey, Dragon. My sink is clogged. Can you stop by my house later to take a look?" - She asked with an innocent tone and suggestive expression on her face.
"He's not a plumber!" - I interjected, annoyed at the blatant subterfuge.
Both of them glared daggers at me.
"Stay in your lane, faggot! No one is talking to you!" - He jabbed at me with an angry tone.
"It's good that I am in my lane, otherwise I'd show you who's the faggot, prick!" - I snarled at him ferociously.
"Bring it on bitch! I can take you with an arm tied behind my back." - He scoffed. The girl actually laughed at his remark.
Yeah, school is great... As I grunted in rage, the lovebirds made plans for later where he would "unclog" her "sink". *eye roll*
A|N: This book is the one where I face all my triggers. LOL
Love,
Léo.
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