Louis POV
It's been five years since my mother passed away. During that time frame, my father became the most feared Alpha. It wasn't my father they were scared of, but his wolf Derrick. Derrick was someone who would kill first and ask questions later. Derrick ran a strict community. My father's excessive drinking habit gave Derrick ultimate control, whereas my father struggled to contain him. Derrick kept his word to my father; Derrick would hit me regularly in places where my clothes would hide the bruises and scars; he continued emotionally and physically manipulating me to get his way. I've been living in fear, repeatedly taking the brute of Derrick's anger to protect Libby; even though he has never hit Libby, he has this look of resentment when he looks at her. Libby is a constant reminder of our mother. Beta Anthony became our second father. He took over my father's position in our school activities, and he treated us with the love and care we craved from my father. Beta Anthony allowed us to train with him secretly, especially after Derrick broke several bones. It took my body six to eight weeks to heal after each incident. Beta Anthony put me through extensive self-defense and hand-to-hand combat training. I tried to commit suicide again by taking too much depression medicine. Each time Beta Anthony was there to save me. He was determined to make me stronger and wiser. Beta Anthony taught me to take over the pack under my dad's nose. Even though Beta Anthony was teaching me how to be an Alpha could not wait until I got a wolf because I intended to run away with my twin sister until I came of age to challenge my father for his title. As the summer approaches, I know it's time to go to Alpha camp again. Anthony has been sending me to Alpha camp during the summers to get me away from my father. It was the only time I got to act my age and spend time with kids who didn't know about my personal life, unlike school, where everyone pitied me. In camp, I would read Alpha history, mates bonds, wolf mental illness, and rogues. Something about this particular summer was different; I didn't feel self-conscience. I was still socially awkward, but I enjoyed being around the other future Alphas my age. I felt like a kid again, living a carefree life. I made so many friends. I wish this summer would never end. This year, we learned about artillery. I learned to use several weapons and methods to make my enemies submit. During camp, I met Alpha James's son Levi. He is Alpha James, an only child, and often Levi gets lonely; although he has friends at school, none can relate to him. Levi hung out with me every day. He was an older brother I wished I had; Levi will be turning seventeen in September. He's a year older than me. The bond we shared was unique. He taught me the essentials to camp, fish, swim, and more. We talked about she-wolves and sex-ed. He was very open with me. We became best friends. I trusted him enough to tell him about my personal life. He was speechless that my father would do those things to me. I showed him the scars I received from my father. He just hugged me. He didn't know what to do or say as I told him my whole life story. We had so much in common. Levi was my sparring partner every day. He taught me some new techniques. I couldn't wait to return home and show them to Beta Anthony. He will be happy to hear I made a friend this year, unlike every other year I used to come here. When camp ended, I was overjoyed to return to Anthony's house. Libby and I both had endless stories to tell them about camp. Seeing the joy on Beta Anthony's face is all I ever wished for. Demonstrating a few new moves to show him I could kick his butt during training. Pulling out the Vosteed Nightshade knife I won during a fighting competition. Hearing a creaking outside the front door, little did we know, my father stood on the porch listening to the entire conversation.Grey POV I woke up this morning in a better mood than I have been in a long time. I decided to listen to my therapist and take some antidepressants. I needed to change my life and return to my children's lives. I was spending extra time on my appearance before my children arrived from home camp. I miss hanging out with my little girl. Well, she's not so little anymore. Where has the time gone? Just yesterday, she was ten years old, it seems like. I was sitting on my bed, trying to think about her birthday party, struggling to remember one party."You have been drunk the majority of the time. I'm surprised you still know you have children," Derrick laughed at me. "I'm not that bad of a father," I refuted his claim."If you say so," as he returned to the back of my mind. As I stood on Beta Anthony's porch, I could hear them talking about camp. The joy in their voice was infectious. Before knocking on the door, I heard Libby say she learned the meaning of being a Luna, a
Louis POV My father excused himself from the table and went to lie down. Once the coast was clear, we all started discussing what had happened."Someone pinch me. Did my father actually say something nice to me? I must be dreaming." Nobody could believe my father complimented me. My father must have a mental disorder and it was starting to freak me out. My mind was uneasy with my father behaving this way. I visited Beta Anthony to see what had happened with my father while I was at camp."Alpha went to therapy a few times, and the doctor prescribed some medicine. The medication is effective if it is taken at the same time every day. I don't know how long he's been on the medicine or how effective it is with his fits of rage. Just be careful, is all I ask Louis." Beta Anthony inform me."Ok, I understand. I'll try to keep an eye for his mood changes and get out of the way before Derrick takes control." After talking to Beta Anthony, I had a better understanding of wha
Louis POV"Son, are you awake? Our appointment is in twenty minutes." I rolled over to see it was after ten in the morning. I have never slept that late. I guess I was extremely exhausted last night. "Give me a few minutes to take care of my hygiene." I got out of bed and rummaged through my drawers to find a pair of basketball shorts and a tee shirt. It took me ten minutes to get ready. Running downstairs, snatching a piece of fruit off the table as we walked out the door. We arrived at the barbershop right on time. "Good morning, Alphas," the barber said as we entered. My father looked confused, as if another Alpha was on his territory without permission. "He's not an Alpha," my father corrected, glaring at me. The barber turned his neck in submission."My apologies, Alpha and Louis. What can I help you with this morning?" No one wanted to piss my father off. The pack members avoided confrontation at all costs."I just want a shape-up, and my curl turned into coils," I described
Louis POV I slept peacefully last night. We woke up to my father screaming Libby's name. "What's his problem now?" Libby shrugged her shoulders and left my room. It was the last day of summer break; Libby and I settled on spending it at the lake together. It was our last day to be ourselves before she became the popular kid and me a reject. This year is going to be different because I feel different. I'm not as depressed anymore, and I stopped taking my depression medicine at camp. Everyone was at the lake today having parties. "Louis, let me know if you want to leave. There are a lot of people here today." Libby express. "It's fine for now. I don't mind hanging around people. It will help with my social skills." She laughed at me. Plus, I knew she didn't want to leave the lake. We found a spot in the shady area. All eyes were on us. Most of the younger generation knew Libby was the Alpha's daughter, but who was I? I never hung out with people except for Beta Anthony. My fathe
Beta Anthony POV After dropping the twins off at school, I returned to the packhouse to pick up the Alpha for our morning treaty meeting. Upon arriving, the Alpha was still asleep. I had no choice but to attend this meeting on his behalf. I was there to listen and take notes. I could not make any suggestions without my Alpha's consent. This treaty meeting lasted an entire day. I was exhausted. I had to listen to privileged Alphas argue about land, properties, mating ceremony, and much more. The only thing everyone agreed on was hosting mating ceremonies on neutral territory, and all wolves of age must attend. Meanwhile, I received a text message from Libby that they were out of school and waiting on me. I had already told the Alpha to pick them up when I called to update him on the treaty meeting. I guessed he was running late. A few moments later, I received another text saying the Alpha picked them up. I was relieved that he didn't forget his kids at school.
Louis POV Punching a hole in my bedroom wall, I was beyond furious. Out of days for Derrick to appear had it to be today. He wants me to be miserable just like him. Derrick has another thing coming if he thinks he will keep abusing me like before. I refuse to allow him to steal my happiness. It took everything in my power not to hit him back. I knew it wouldn't be a fair fight if he decided to shift into his wolf form. I kept my cool and stood my ground against him. I had to prove to him I was no longer the little boy he used to abuse. Soaking in the bathtub, I started planning my escape route again. I looked over the previous plans Dr. Johnson made years ago. Some of the information was useful. It was even better now that I was older. I wouldn't have to live in Fox Village with Alpha James for an extended period before I could challenge my father for his title. I planned on avoiding my father for the rest of my life. Out of sight, out of mind. It would keep the hou
Libby POV I ran out of the house crying. Louis wouldn't abandon me without telling me first. We never kept secrets from one another. I thought to myself. As I banged on Beta Anthony's door hard, my hand started to hurt. Once the door was open, Louis got an ear full."Why did you move out without telling me? Twins don't keep secrets from twins. Then I had to have dinner with a psychopath because you refused to forgive him. Now I'm stuck in the middle of the two of you all. Did you ever consider my feelings before doing this?" I was so worked up that I didn't give him a second before I started ranting off the next set of questions. Louis just hugged me until the tears stopped falling. "I'm sorry, Libby. It was best that I left. His bipolar mood swings are driving us further apart. I only put up with it because of you. Dad will not allow Derrick to hurt you. I, on the other hand, am something different. You are safe at home. I'm safer here. It's not like you don't see me every
All of us were fresh. Libby wore this yellow spaghetti strap dress with some laced-up sandals, Alexis had on a purple halter top dress with black high heel boots, and all the guys had on different color polo shirts with black slacks and jewelry to match. We had on every color in the rainbow. We waited for a cab to take us to the steakhouse located in Atlantic City. It was a mixture of supernatural beings and humans. Some humans were oblivious to our kind; nonetheless, we had to blend in to avoid the hunters lurking amongst the humans. Atlantic City was live; people everywhere shopping, eating, and hanging out. Entering the steakhouse, I ran into Alpha James and his son Levi."Hey man, what a coincidence to see you here! Everyone, this is my good friend Levi from summer camp." I introduced Levi to the squad. "I'm thrilled to see you here. Now I don't have to sit with those stuck-up older adults. Can I join you guys? You guys seem like a better dinner party suit