Raven and the Dragon

Wolfless

Raven

"Wolfless freak," someone shouts as I walk down the street toward my house.

It's something I have heard all of my life. I am the Luna's daughter, but that didn't stop people from bullying me about not having a wolf. 'Your mother has a wolf. Your brothers and sister have wolves,' I heard all my life. My mother told me it didn't matter. I inherited powers from my father's side. He comes from a long line of powerful witches and warlocks.

"What are you doing, freak?" Bethany Wells stops in front of me with my former crush on her arm.

Bethany Wells has been a thorn in my side all of my life. Ever since kindergarten, she has picked on me and bullied me. I have turned her into toads and rats, which didn't deter her.

I eye the man on her arm, Cooper Shane. He gives me a sympathetic smile. I had a crush on him all through junior high and high school, but of course, he wound up being Bethany's mate.

"Get your freak eyes off, my mate," Bethany spats.

I roll my eyes and push past her. She grabs my shoulder, and I pull away from her, "Get your hands off me, b***h," I spat back. "You got your mate," I sneer at her. "Leave me alone."

Bethany laughs and looks at Cooper, who looks like he wants to flee. "You are just a loser. You may be Luna Temperance's daughter, but you are nothing."

I close my eyes and try to hold my temper back. Turning her into toads or using other spells have done nothing to shut her up. I try walking away, only to have her grab my long red hair with a hard yank.

"Leave her alone, Beth," Cooper pleads.

"The freak has to learn her place, Coop," Bethany purrs.

I turn to her, and my hands glow, "What should I turn you into today?" I raise my hands and watch her brown eyes widen. "Pond scum, maybe?"

"Raven, please," Cooper looks at me.

"Raven!" I hear my brother Adrian call from behind me. "Raven!"

I turn to my younger brother. He runs toward us, and even though he is five years younger, he towers over me almost a foot. "What’s up, Adrian?” I ask.

He stops in front of me and nods at Bethany and Cooper.

“Alpha,” I hear Cooper say to my brother.

Adrian is in training to be the next alpha of our pack. Our Uncle Ted is the current alpha and is training Adrian. I have heard the pack members talk about how much Adrian looks like his biological father, who had been my mother’s, fated mate. My mother is the Luna but is not mated to Uncle Ted. My mother chose to marry my warlock father over being with her fated mate. I have a few vague memories of Adrian’s father, and none of them are pleasant.

“Mom wants you home now,” Adrian tells me.

“I know,” I huff. I look down at my soiled uniform. I had just gotten off from my shift at the diner, and Mom needed me to babysit our two youngest siblings, Merlyn and Wren, tonight.

“Well,” Adrian shrugs. “How is it going, Cooper?” Adrian asks the warrior.

“Good, Alpha,” Cooper responds.

Bethany has put on a fake smile pretending she wasn’t just harassing me, “You are looking nice today, young Alpha,” She purrs at Adrian.

My brother says nothing to her. He is aware of how much she bullies me. “Come on, Raven,” He urges me.

“Tell Mom I’ll be right there,” I huff.

Adrian nods and pats my shoulder, “See you in training tomorrow, Coop?”

“Of course,” Cooper smiles.

Adrian trots towards the house, and I start walking away from Bethany and Cooper.

“Stupid freak,” I hear Bethany say under her breath.

“Come on, Beth,” Cooper snarls.

I watch them walk away. I summon an iceball and launch it at Bethany’s back before continuing towards the house. Bethany’s shriek makes me laugh.

“Raven,” Mom shouts as soon as I walk into the house. “You are ten minutes late,” she stands at the top of the stairs in a green business suit. “Ted needs me-“

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I argue. “I got out of the diner late because Felicia was late, and then stupid Bethany Wells stopped me.”

Mom comes down the stairs with a sigh, “What did she do now?”

“Oh, the usual,” I shrug as I plop on the living room couch. “She lives to make me miserable.”

Mom shakes her head, “I wish I could banish that twit, but her mate is a good warrior.”

“I don’t think Cooper really wants her,” I chuckle.

“Your father should be home later,” She mentions. “Merlyn and Wren are doing their homework. There is pizza or other stuff you can make for dinner.”

“Okay, Mom.” I acknowledge her as I pick up the TV remote.

“Make sure the kids are in bed by nine,” Mom lectures me while pulling her red hair into a bun. I am the only one of her four kids that inherited her red hair and green eyes. She brushes her hand down her skirt, “How do I look?”

I shrug, “You look good, Mom.”

“Thanks,” She smiles. “You have a goodnight, and thank you for watching the kids.”

“It’s no problem, Mom,” I mumble as I settle on watching the Science channel.

“Bye, sweetie,” she touches my shoulder before rushing out of the house.

I sigh and drop the remote. I spend a few minutes watching TV before going upstairs to take off my uniform. I walk by Wren’s room and poke my head in. My nine-year-old sister is hunched over her desk, “Hey, Wren,” I greet her.

“Raven,” She smiles at me.

“How is homework going?”

She shrugs, “I’m doing math. It’s easy.”

I chuckle, “You sure love math. What do you want for dinner tonight? We have pizza or chicken nuggets, I think.”

“Pizza,” she responds with her eyes on her homework.

“Okay,” I respond and walk down the hall. I stop at Merlyn’s room and peek in. My eleven-year-old brother is playing with his Nintendo Switch, “Merlyn, aren’t you supposed to be doing homework?”

He sighs and glares at me, “You aren’t the boss, Raven.”

“I am right now,” I fold my arms.

“Just let me finish this game,” Merlyn whines.

“Ten minutes,” I tell him. “What do you want for dinner? We have pizza or chicken nuggets?”

“Chicken,” He mumbles with his eyes on his game.

“Okay,” I mouth and walk into my room. I strip off my uniform and take a quick shower in my bathroom. I am the only one with my own bathroom. I hum while the hot water runs down my shoulders. I am about to turn twenty-one, and I want to travel. My mother doesn’t want me to leave, but my father is alright with it.

I graduated from Woodhurst School of Witchcraft two years ago. I spent many years learning how to harness my powers. I also learned many spells and graduated as a top student. My great-grandmother had been on the school board and taught me much about healing. She passed away about three years ago.

I step out of the shower and dry off. I put on a pair of Jack Skellington pajama pants and a SpongeBob t-shirt, then put my hair in a ponytail before walking out of my room. I nearly collide with Adrian in the hallway. “Whoa,” I chuckle. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing,” He shrugs.

“Are you hungry?” I ask him. “I am making pizza and chicken nuggets.”

“That sounds good,” He says as his phone starts to ring. He pulls it out of his pocket and grins.

“Is that Corinthia?” I grin at him.

He rolls his eyes as he answers the phone, “Hey, Cori,” He says while walking away from me.

“Hi, Cori,” I shout over his shoulder.

“Oh, that’s just Raven being annoying,” He turns to me with his eyes narrowed. “She says hi.”

I laugh and continue down the stairs to the kitchen. I open the freezer and dig out the chicken nuggets and pizza. I turn on the oven to preheat it while I place the food on pans. I hear the TV turn on and step into the living room, and Merlyn is watching cartoons.

“Merlyn,” I put my hands on my hips.

He turns to me, “I’m done with my homework.”

“Really?” I put my hands on my hips. “It only took you ten minutes?”

“Yes,” He whines.

“Really?” I argue.

“Oh my god, Raven,” He snarls. “Let me watch my show.”

“You know Mom and Dad don’t want you watching Rick and Morty,” I nod at the TV.

“They aren’t here,” He argues.

“Whatever,” I throw my hands up and return to the kitchen. “He’s not my kid,” I mumble while placing the food in the oven. I dig around in the pantry until I find a bag of nacho Doritos. I lean against the counter while munching and jump when Merlyn runs into the kitchen.

“Raven, someone is here for you,” He announces.

I set the chips down, “I didn’t hear the doorbell,” I complain while following my brother out of the kitchen. “Who is it?”

“You know who it is,” Merlyn waggles his eyebrows.

“Oh god,” I huff and whine internally. I step into the living room and see Claude Moonstone standing by the front door.

Claude Moonstone is the bane of my existence. We grew up together going to Woodhurst, and he made my life hell. He comes from a family of witches that rivals mine, but that never stopped him from bothering me. Tonight he is wearing a black suit while his brown hair is slicked back. He has a large bouquet of tulips in his arms. I hate to admit that he looks good.

“Raven,” He grins as I stop with my arms folded.

“What do you want, Claude?” I huff.

“I want to take you out,” He grins.

“How many times do I have to tell you no?” I roll my eyes and step toward him. I open the door.

“You are my beloved,” he sighs.

For witches, a beloved is a lot like mates are for wolves. They are divinely chosen soulmates. I, however, don’t feel anything but disdain for Claude. He has been drawn to me since we were children and has spent years pursuing me.

“I don’t care,” I fold my arms.

“I have a right to woo you,” Claude pushes the flowers towards me.

“And I have a right to tell you to buzz off,” I try to reject the flowers.

“Ooo, tulips,” Wren says and runs over to Claude.

Claude hands the bouquet to Wren. “Come on, Raven,” He pleads.

“I can’t go anywhere, Claude. I have to watch the kids,” I respond.

“I can hang out,” He grins.

“Cool!” Wren squeals.

“No,” I scowl. “Wren, go set the table, alright?”

“Raven,” She whines.

“Go,” I huff. “You can keep the flowers.”

Wren hugs the bouquet and runs into the kitchen.

“At least she appreciates my efforts,” Claude grumbles.

“Go away, Claude. You may be my beloved or whatever, but I don’t feel anything but loathing towards you,” I try shoving him out the door. “Why don’t you get that?”

“Your werewolf blood is blocking our bond,” Claude snorts. “Father tells me that over time you will come around.”

“It’s been ten years, and I still haven’t come around,” I nearly yell.

I hear a growl and turn to see Adrian coming down the stairs, “Is this asshole bothering you again?” Adrian runs down the stair and gets into Claude’s face. “My sister doesn’t want your sorry ass,” Adrian snarls.

“Down, doggie,” Claude chuckles and pushes Adrian back. “This is between Raven and me.”

The buzzer on the oven goes off, “Adrian, check on the food, please,” I pat my brother’s arm.

“I don’t like this asshole bothering you,” Adrian says while glaring at Claude.

“I can handle him, Adrian,” I pat my brother’s bulky arm. I like that my brother feels compelled to protect me, but I must fight my battles.

“If you insist,” Adrian scowls and points a finger in Claude’s face, “If you touch my sister-“

Claude pushes Adrian’s finger away, “Yeah, yeah, you’ll come bite me.”

Adrian growls, and I see his dark brown eyes flicker to yellow.

“Calm down, Artax,” I plead with Adrian’s wolf.

“The food is ready!” I hear Wren shout from the kitchen.

“Adrian,” I plead with him.

Adrian growls one more time before walking away.

I turn back to Claude, “Go away, Claude.”

“I’m not done with you, Raven,” He declares and steps outside. “I love you, and someday you will love me.”

I slam the door in his face and walk to the kitchen. Adrian is pulling the pans from the oven while Wren is putting plates on the counter.

“Why don’t you like him?” My sister asks.

“It’s complicated,” I mumble as I help them finish dinner. “Merlyn,” I shout into the living room. “Dinner is ready.”

“Can I eat out here?” He asks.

“Just make sure you clean up after yourself,” I reply.

Merlyn hops up and runs into the kitchen. I put some food on his plate and hand him a can of Sprite. “Thanks, Raven,” He grins while carefully carrying his food out of the kitchen.

I sit at the table with Wren and Adrian. My mind is all over the place as I nibble on a piece of pizza. I hear Adrian and Wren chatting but don’t catch most of the conversation.

“Raven,” Wren touches my arm, and I jump, causing her to yelp.

“Sorry,” I chuckle.

“You were all spaced out,” Wren chuckles nervously.

“I was thinking,” I mumble. I get up from the table and wander over to the fridge. I grab a bottle of my Dad’s favorite beer and open it. I sit back down and sip the beer.

“You aren’t twenty-one yet,” Adrian admonishes me.

“Five more days,” I tell my brother and chug the beer.

“Were you thinking about Claude?” Wren chimes in.

“No,” I almost slam the bottle down. “I am not thinking about Claude.”

Wren frowns, “He’s nice.”

“He’s an asshole,” I snark.

She sighs and nibbles at her food.

“Sorry, Wren,” I apologize to my sister. I chug down the beer and go to get another one.

“Hey, don’t drink all of my beer,” My father says while stepping into the kitchen. He is dressed in a long black velvet cloak. He has long, dirty blonde hair and a long beard that nearly hide his blue eyes.

“Daddy,” Wren squeals and runs over to him.

“There’s my Wreny Bird,” Dad picks her up and kisses her. He sets her down, “What are you kids eating? It smells good.”

“Pizza and chicken nuggets,” I respond.

“Healthy,” Dad snorts. “Hand me a beer,” He points at the fridge.

I hand him a bottle of beer and get myself one. “How was the conference?” I ask him. “Did Gramps and Papi come home with you?”

Dad sips his beer, “The conference was boring as usual,” He sighs. “But your grandfather had to get into an argument with Hector Moonstone,” He explains.

I shudder as Hector Moonstone is Claude’s father. “My name didn’t come up again, did it?”

“Of course,” Dad grins. “Anyways, Dad and Jeremiah are staying in Milan for a few more days.” Dad picks up a chicken nugget from the pan and bites into it. “Are you okay?”

I shrug, “I’m fine, Dad,” I respond and chug my beer.

“Where did the tulips come from?” He points to the bouquet sitting on the counter.

I just stare at him.

“Claude?” He asks, and I nod. “That little imp won’t give up.”

“How do I get him off my ass, Dad? I don’t feel anything for him. Not that I want to feel anything.”

“You can turn him into a toad,” He suggests with a grin.

“Dad,” I whine. “You know that never works.”

“Wouldn’t hurt,” He shrugs.

“Dad, I want to travel.”

“I know, sweetie,” He nods. “But your mother thinks you should try going to college.”

“I don’t want to go to college,” I huff. “I want to travel.”

“I know,” Dad sighs.

“I’m almost twenty-one. I want to break free of this place. I am tired of being called a freak, and I want to escape Claude.”

“You can’t run from your beloved, Raven,” Dad sips his beer while nibbling on a nugget.

“He’s not my beloved, Dad,” I argue.

He pats my shoulder, “We’ll discuss it later when your mother gets home.”

“Hey, Dad,” Merlyn walks into the kitchen and sets his plate in the sink.

“Merlyn,” Dad grins at my brother.

“I didn’t make a mess,” Merlyn makes a face at me.

“Did you finish your homework?” I put my hands on my hips.

“Merlyn?” Dad looks at my brother.

“Raven,” Merlyn whines.

I start to clean the kitchen while Dad lectures Merlyn about his homework. After I finish the kitchen, I help my Dad get the kids ready for bed. Then I go to my room, flop on my bed, and pick up my phone. I spent a little bit of time texting my best friend, Loki. He is an orphan that was raised by Woodhurst’s headmaster. I tell him about Claude and my plans to travel.

‘Just leave,’ Loki suggests.

‘I can’t do that,’ I reply.

‘You are an adult. They can’t stop you.’

I sigh as I look at the text. ‘I would hate just to leave. I love my family too much,’ I reply to him. The only tie I have to Erie Lake Pack is my family. I would have left a long time ago if it wasn't for them. But Loki may be right.

“Raven,” I hear my mother shout from downstairs.

‘I have to go,’ I text Loki, set my phone down, and head downstairs. I hear my parents talking in the kitchen. I take a deep breath and step in. “Hi, Mom,” I wave.

“Raven,” She smiles and sets a twenty-dollar bill on the counter. “Thanks for watching the kids.”

I take the money and put it in my pocket. I linger for a moment staring at the counter.

“Sweetie?” Mom looks at me. “Do you have something to say?”

I look at her and then at Dad. “Mom, you know I love you, right?”

She chuckles, “Yeah?”

“I love you and Dad,” I smile at my father. “I love Adrian and Wren and Merlyn,” I continue.

“Raven,” Mom drawls.

“Mom, I want to travel, and I am not asking this time,” I blurt out.