Wolves of Enchantment

Chapter Eleven: Drama

Ember’s Point of View

I couldn’t contain my grin. All three of my brothers - and my annoying cousin - had a massive crush on Lilith! I told them she was cool, but did they listen? No, they did not. It was the story of my life being the only girl in my family. I sure hope that the new baby is a girl, too.

The funny thing was that Lilith did not seem interested in any of them. At all. Poor Jackson didn’t know how to wrap his obnoxious head over it, and Jax looked like he was torn between wanting to make a move or making a friend. Axel, well… I don’t even think Axel realized he liked her. Usually, he was very dismissive of any girl’s attention, but with Lilith, my brother smiled. It wasn’t a fake smile, either. His eyes lit up when he did. I can’t remember the last time I saw Axel smile like that, if ever.

Now, Terrance was just annoying. He was way too young for Lilith, first of all. And secondly? Terrance was like a little puppy dog chasing after someone when he liked them. The whole ‘love me, love me because I love you’ thing was grating. I wanted to be friends with the cool girl, not have that ruined because of all these stupid boys. Luckily, Lilith got along really well with Juniper, just like I thought she would. Everyone loved Juniper. How could you not?

I was happy that Hazel and Prue weren't staying over, too. Mom was friends with their parents, but the girls acted like they were better than everyone else. But Anna and Jace were fun to be around, and I really liked them. I just couldn't understand why the twins were so snobby. Maybe they thought being pretty was all that mattered, but I hope they grow out of it before their looks fade. Otherwise, they won't have much going for them, in my opinion.

Jackson, Prue, and Hazel came to sit with us after my brother finished his performance. He was an excellent singer and inherited Dad’s singing talent. I wish I had. I could carry a tune, but not like my brother could. Jackson had the talent, and if he wanted to pursue music like Dad did, he would have no problems doing so.

As soon as they sat down, the twins' stares at Axel became noticeable and awkward. Jackson tried to give Lilith a smouldering look, but it only resulted in her looking at him with disgust. Jax and Axel exchanged glances before quickly getting up and saying they would help clean up. Terrance followed after them, avoiding any potential conflict. As for me? I was all for this drama. Pass me the popcorn!

“Will there be cheerleading tryouts next week?” Juniper asked the twins as they stopped staring at Axel’s retreating backside to turn their attention to my cousin.

“Yeah. Are you going to try out this year?” Hazel asked, surprised.

“Me? Oh, definitely not. You know me. I love my books and art. I only go to support Jax when he plays. But it might be something that Lilith would be interested in. When do you think the tryouts will be?” Juniper asked.

Prue looked at Lilith and scrunched up her face, pausing as if deciding carefully how to respond to that query.

Prue's tone was incredulous as she asked, "Lilith, are you considering trying out for the cheerleading squad?" It seemed like she thought it would be absurd even to consider doing so.

Lilith c****d her head and stared at Prue in contempt.

“Maybe. Aren’t the teams and clubs open to any student who wishes to join?” Lilith asked with a bored tone.

“Of course. But… it doesn’t look like something that … you would be interested in,” Prue responded, emphasizing the word you in the rudest possible way.

Lilith lifted her eyebrows and tilted her head, taking a moment to assess Prue with a slight lean backwards. Oh, my goddess, she was sizing her up! This was getting good!

“Why would you say that?” my new friend asked, a slight edge to her voice.

“Well, you just don’t fit the profile of our team members,” Hazel jumped in, sensing that Prue could not figure out how to answer diplomatically.

“Oh, and what does this profile involve? Do tell. I’m dying to know,” Lilith responded, sarcasm dripping.

“Well, a team player, cheerful, popular and pretty,” Hazel shrugged.

I know that Lilith is Nephilim, but I swear I just saw fire blazing in her eyes. Before she had a chance to respond, Jackson beat her to it.

“Lilith is definitely a team player. You should have seen her working with Ember and Juniper on the raft to knock us into the water. She’s got a very intriguing personality; there is something about her that just draws you in,” Jackson said.

“Plus, I happen to think she is gorgeous. I may not be a football player like Jax, but I would happily go to see a football game to watch Lilith cheer,” my brother added before walking away.

“Jackson never goes to football games,” Hazel gasped while Prue stared at my brother’s retreating frame.

Well, that was unexpected. I looked over at Juniper, and she was equally in shock.

“Thanks for coming today, Hazel and Prue. It’s always a pleasure. I’m going to show Lilith her room now with Juniper. She’s staying over tonight to hang out with the boys and us,” I said and quickly grabbed Lilith by the hand and dragged her away.

“Ember! I was going to say something to them! They are nasty little bitches that need to be put in their place!” Lilith muttered, clearly still fuming.

“If Ember hadn’t pulled you away, I would have,” Juniper said. “The twins are the most popular girls in school and already look like they will cause problems for you. Make sure you speak up, and if they cross any lines, talk to my dad. He’s the guidance counsellor at our school, and he does not put up with any shit.”

“Good to know. You do realize I’m not afraid of those mean girls though, right?” Lilith asked, still annoyed.

“Oh, I know. But they aren’t afraid of you either. Even though something tells me that they should be,” groaned Juniper.