Pride

The days had grown bitter, it was a warning sign that winter was imminent, a rather normal thing to happen in Montana. Soon, the clouds would canvas the sky and snow would fall. Bet even then, its allure of the snow flurry would fall short, and it would turn to sleet giving the vision of frozen diamonds, dangerous diamonds. This just happened to be when the nitwits would make their presence known, some just didn’t know to drive in such conditions and the highways would be littered with wrecks. Midnight couldn’t help but bellyache as she rose from her bed, and peered out her window, groaning, “Another cloudy day.” Shaking her head as she spun around, snatching up her clothes and she headed to her bathroom.

The bathroom had grown into her very own safe haven, no matter what was going on outside those doors, there, she could find her freedom, freedom from the uncertainty of life and no matter how cold it grew outside, she knew that she could crank up the hot water and lose herself within its folds of warmth. But this morning was different, today was a special day for Midnight, she was turning sixteen, and finally, the moment of her birth she would come into her wolf but also the day would soon be upon her that she would be sent off to another pack’s lands for ‘training’. Not wanting to be a ‘Debbie Downer’ on herself she hopped quickly into her shower and enjoyed the warmth. She wasted no time when she hopped out of the shower, not realizing she had landed in a puddle, her arms went to flying about and her feet slipped from beneath her causing her to land smack on her ass with one of the loudest thuds she had ever heard.

Midnight couldn’t help herself as she laid over onto her side and groaned when there was a knock on her door, “Mid... Mid are you okay?” her mom yelled from the other side, “What happened!?” Midnight could hear the worry in her tone, “I’m fine, momma, I just busted my ass is all.” Midnight grumbled while she climbed back to her feet. She stood there in silence for a moment, “Momma, are you laughing at me?” she yelled out just as her mom broke out into a loud fit of laughter, “I ... I’m sorry Mid, but that was something that I wasn’t expecting. I’m going to let you finish getting ready, and don’t forget, you’re still going to school ... birthday or not.” And before Midnight could object she heard her bedroom door close. “Never get a special day of no school.” She muttered to herself before leaving the bathroom to get dressed. In very little time, Midnight was out the door and taking the stairs two at a time and made a b-line for the kitchen, she could already smell breakfast and the laughter of her momma.

“It smells good momma.” Midnight told her while taking a seat on one of the stools, it was just about that time that her older brother, Zeth, came bolting in. “Slow down Zeth, we don’t need you to fall too.” Mom had said receiving a glare from Midnight. Zeth stood there and just looked at her, “Okay mom, but you should know I’m not as clumsy as Midnight is here. Don’t think I didn’t hear you bust your ass this morning.” He poked fun at her as he sat down beside her. His teasing earned a glare from Midnight, “Yeah well I would rather fall and bust my ass than wake up and look in the mirror to the nightmare that is you!” Midnight shot back, Zeth looked at her with a shocked expression and his hands bolted to his chest and clutched his heart, “You wound me, dear little sister.” Midnight sat there for a moment and stared at her brother, shaking her head to let his guard drop before she shoved him with all her might forcing him to lose his balance and fall crashing to the floor, Midnight busted out in laughter, her sides began to hurt and she was pretty sure her face was the color of a strawberry.

“Now you two behave yourselves, and Zeth, get up off the floor. You guys eat your breakfast or you will be late for school.” In unison, they responded, “Yes mom.” Midnight sat there and stared at her plate, it was one of her favorite breakfasts, pancakes with peanut butter slathered on top, and in no time, her plate was clean. “Oh wow mom, that was so good.” Midnight told her while licking her lips and rubbing her, now, full stomach. Midnight’s mom smile while clearing off the counter, “Why thank you darling, now, you two get your butts to school, and I better not get a call from the Principle... Again!” She had to yell out the last word because the kids knew where this was going, so while her back was turned, they both lite out of the kitchen like someone and lit a fire under their asses. “So, turning the big sixteen today huh Midnight? You ready to meet your wolf?” Zeth asked her as they closed the door to Zeth’s car. Midnight slid into the passenger seat and closed the door without slamming it, “I suppose so, and although, I’m a bit nervous you know. I’ve heard so many horror stories about how painful it is.” She started and shifted in her seat to face Zeth. “Is it true that we can die from the change?” This worried Zeth a bit, and he wondered just where she would have heard of such a thing, although, it was possible, there hadn’t been a death from the change in almost a century. “I’m not going to lie to you Midnight, it’s quite painful.” He began while he started his car, “And besides, there hasn’t been a death to the change in about a hundred years Mid, so I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. Besides, you are my sister and daughter to the Alpha, I really think you will be just fine.” He told her and gave her this huge grin. “I think dad gets more of the props than you do dear brother.” Zeth looked at her he was crushed before he laughed, “Well, either way, you’ll be just fine, besides you will have all of us there to help you.”

Zeth and Midnight chattered back and forth on the drive to school, unlike most teens they were to an all-exclusive high school made up of at least sixty percent wolves. Although humans did attend the school, it was more so for the federal funding that the school could get, even if it wasn’t needed, and of course, over time, some of the humans had turned out to be mates to some of the wolves. It wasn’t unheard of, just really rare, thankfully those that did know about the pack kept it to themselves, no one would have believed them anyway. “Zeth, do you know where mom and dad are sending me for winter break? You know that I really don’t want to go right?” Midnight asked her brother and all he did was shrug as they both walked into the school to start their day.

The day went started as normal, with Midnight’s worse class, calculus. It definitely wasn’t her strong suit, but at least her best friend Alma was there, actually, she was in most of her classes, of course, this didn’t bother Midnight, it gave her someone she could talk to, after all, she was considered the ‘odd one’ at her school. Slipping into her desk next to Alma she heaved out a sigh, Alma arched her brow, “Bad morning already, it’s your birthday! You should be excited about your ... ” Alma paused and peered around the room, “Change.” She whispered. Midnight shrugged her shoulders, “I am excited about that part, just not what happens afterward.” Midnight openly admitted just as the teacher, Mr. Grug walked in, who just happened to be the school’s Principle.

“Good Morning class, shall we start with attendance?” He asked knowing he wouldn’t get a response from any of the students. Mr. Grug went down the list and it wasn’t until then Midnight noticed that the one she always went gooey eyed on wasn’t absent. “Well, seems we will be without Mr. Parker Banes.” Midnight could feel her shoulders slump at the news; Parker is the son of the Alpha from the neighboring pack, Broken Banes, she never did understand the meaning behind the name, unlike her own was named after her family, The Pride Pack. Other than Parker being absent, calculus went on as usual, with terms and such that Midnight just couldn’t grasp, “I’m going to fail this class. What the hell is antiderivative, and continuous function?” Midnight had asked just before slamming her forehead down against the top of her desk. Alma laughed, “Girl, you know I’ll help you like I always do, and if you don’t at least get a B, then, well that means I’m a failure too.” Alma told her while shaking Midnight by her arm. “And you don’t want me to be a failure like you huh?”

That question forced Midnight to pop her head up with a swift movement and her jaw dropped, “You didn’t really just say that.” Alma shrugged her shoulders, “Eh, it made you look either way.” Midnight rumpled her brow at Alma before they both started to laugh. Mr. Grug was just about to get onto the girls when the bell rang for the next class, as everyone gathered their things and tossed them into their bags Mr. Grug called out, “Okay class, study section four, part three of your book, there will be a test tomorrow!” Everyone groaned and continued to complain as they headed out the door into the hallways. “Well shit Alma, there goes that B you claimed I would be getting.” Midnight told her just as the exited the class. No sooner had she stepped a single foot over the threshold into the hallway when she was slammed into, the books she had been carrying scattered, her backpack went flying, and once again her ass was planted onto the tile floor. “Watch where you’re going!” was shouted down at her in an overly deep voice.

Midnight sat there in complete shock as she peered up at the guy that had literally just run her over, normally she would have shrugged the entire interaction off and ignored the rude comment, but today, was different. Midnight lifted to her feet with a new found speed and glared up at the guy, her finger poking him as hard as she could against his chest, “Why don’t your dumbass watch where you’re going your oversized lug nut, didn’t your mother teach you any fucking manners?” Midnight could feel her face growing hot with anger as she pushed the guy away from her; “Stay the fuck out of my way!” she yelled at him and started to pick up her things. Alma had already grabbed Midnight’s backpack and was holding it for her to take with this look of dumbfounded look plastered across her face. Midnight snatched her bag from her and glared, “What?” and without waiting for an answer she turned and headed down the hall. Her anger had been so high at the time she hadn’t realized that everyone was staring at her and moving out of her way, that was a first. The day had blown by and Midnight hadn’t even noticed that it was lunchtime until the bell rang the second time around. She had fallen deep into thought, although, she couldn’t remember what she was thinking about.

Leaving the classroom, she could feel the teachers eyes on her, but no one said a word... Stopping off at her locker she jammed everything she was carrying into it, “Ahem.” Came from behind her, slamming her locker door she turned and had to peer up at the guy that stood before her, blocking her way to the lunch room, “Not you again.” She grumbled showing that she was quietly annoyed at the fact he was interrupting her. “Come to finally apologize for running me over?” she asked. The guy just stood there and shook his head with a mocking smile clearly across his lips. “Nope.” Was all that he said. Rolling her eyes at him, “Then get out of my way.” Midnight hissed and started to push him, although not being as angry and irritated as she had been earlier that morning, the guy didn’t budge.

Midnight stood there, her arms crossed over her and of course her temper starting to rise when she heard shouting coming from down the hall, it was her brother, Zeth. “Hey, you, get the hell away from my sister!” Zeth continued to yell as he came upon the guy, using all the force and rage he had been building since Midnight linked him and the guy went flying down the hall and all Midnight could do was laugh. By the time she moved away from her locker her brother and the new guy were already duking it out and of course, being the wonderful little sister she was, she was rooting for Zeth, she knew he would beat that guy’s ass. Sadly, the fight didn’t last as long as most would have wanted before a group of teachers along with Mr. Grug came running and pulled them apart. Midnight stood there, a grin plastered across her lips when she looked at the new guy, “Serves you right, dumbass.” She told him. “Miss Pride!” Mr. Grug yelled out, “Since you feel so inclined to put in your two cents, why don’t you join us in my office.”

“This is taking forever!” Midnight whined as she slumped even further into her chair, “And I’m missing lunch,” she whined just as she peered out the windows from the main office and saw the kids piling out of the cafeteria, “Missed lunch that is.” Midnight sighed with a loud grumble yet the growling of her stomach was louder. The secretary that was sitting at the desk whispered over to Midnight and motioned for her to come closer. Midnight recognized her as a member of her pack and smiled as she neared, “Here Midnight,” and she slipped her a small snack, “I’ve also contacted your dad.” Grumbling her thanks to the secretary before returning back to her seat, they were in for it now, her dad was on the way, and he was going to wonder why neither had linked him. Many were under the belief that no wolf could mind-link until they went through the change, and although this was true with most, there had always been something special about Midnight, like the fact that she could link with her blood family as soon as she could talk, that’s when her parents knew that she was special. She had always been told to not let anyone know of what she could do, although at times, Midnight wondered if it would have made her school life easier, or worse, that was a thought for another day.

Midnight sat there eating up the last of her granola bar when she heard shouting coming from Principle Grug’s office and sat straight up. Not a moment later the sounds of crashing echoed throughout the small office and Midnight was up in her feet in a flash bolting for Mr. Grug’s door, just as she grabbed the doorknob the door literally cracked in half from the new guy getting slammed through it. Midnight didn’t have a chance to move when the new guy came flying and crashing into her knocking the wind from her lungs. “Shit Midnight!” Zeth screamed while pulling the guy off her, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you were there.” He apologized and pulled her to her feet. “No worries dear big brother, I’m tough, remember?” She reminded him before glaring at the new guy, “Well, at least we can tell who won that fight.” She smarted and laughed.

The new guy lifted to his feet without any form of struggle and brushed off his shoulders before laughing, “Yeah well, your brother hits like a pansy ass bitch.” Midnight knew that was going to set off her brother again and just as Zeth was about to go at him, “ZETH!” a man at the door screamed. The secretary quickly held her breath and ducked behind her desk while Midnight turned and spotted her dad, “Hi Daddy.” She said with a grin yet not getting a single reaction from her dad. Zeth, on the other hand, froze where he stood, his gaze went wide while he turned to face their dad, “Yeah?” he asked showing no form of respect as he glared at his father, standing there, in the doorway, his face red with anger and his arms crossed over his chest. They stood there and stared at each other for a moment before their dad pointed to the chairs and headed into Mr. Grug’s office. Midnight was happy though in the thought that at least no one could close the door and now she could eavesdrop with ease.

“Michael, I’m sorry you had to come down here for something like this.” Mr. Grug spoke and motioned for Michael to take a seat. “James, what the hell happened, we both know that this is not like my kids,” Michael spoke a clear sound of disappointment in his tone. Midnight watched as Zeth heard this and they both slumped in their chairs, the new guy, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care, “By the way, since we’ve been beating the shit out of each other, I think it’s only fair that you know my name. The name’s Kole.” The Pride kids ignored him, but they were chatting in the mind link. “Dad is so pissed Zeth, what are we gonna do?” Midnight asked only to catch a shrug of Zeth’s shoulders. “I have no clue, but when I heard that you were being picked on, I couldn’t hold my anger back. By the way, what’s I hear that you actually pushed that guy off his feet? I knew you would get stronger, but then again that’s not supposed to happen until after your change.” Zeth seemed truly concerned because it was true and Midnight knew it. Shrugging her shoulders, “No clue honestly, but I mean does that really shock you, I’m not supposed to be able to link with anyone either.” Zeth nodded and sighed yet his glare never left Kole. “Dude, no one here cares what your name is at the moment, but I’m sure my Dad is gonna want to talk to you as well.”

Kole just shrugged his shoulders, his arms, like everyone else, was crossed over his chest, “Oh well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.” Kole said as he peered over towards Midnight grinning while tossing her a wink “Ugh, don’t even look at me you freak.” Midnight scolded before her gaze widened, she finally noticed what her brother was talking about, she hadn’t even gone through the change yet and she was already showing signs of aggression. “What the hell is going on with me Zeth?”She asked her brother through the link, and all he could do was give her a shrug, “I don’t know but it’s something we should talk to mom and dad about, maybe they would know.” Midnight nodded and left it at that. Michael and Grug were finally standing in the doorway, both of them looking down at the splintered office door, “Sorry about that Grug, I’ll purchase a new one and send someone over to install it.” Grug nodded and shook Michael’s hand, “I would really appreciate that Michael, and thank you for coming over so quickly.”

Michael nodded before motioning to his kids for them to follow before they left the office he glared at Kole, “And you too young man, you have explaining to do as to why you are trespassing in my territory without my permission.” He told said and Kole could only smirk, “Well, I was planning on stopping by later, but now will do.” Kole answered as he lifted to his feet and followed at the back of the line behind Zeth.