Chapter 3 The voice within

"I'm thirsty, but not for water."

"Why are you wearing a mask?" Alexa asked.

"I'm having a runny nose," I said, trying to sound casual. "Sorry about that. Maybe we should go to the school clinic for some medicine," Alexa suggested.

"That's why we're not able to be in a relationship," I said with a smirk.

"That's not true! He cheated!" she yelled sadly.

"You found out because you're too nosy and want to be in everything," I said sarcastically.

"I know, right?" she said, almost crying.

"Don't worry, Alexa. It's a good thing you know," I said, hugging her.

"You sure?" she asked.

"Yes, I am." I love teasing her, but I don't want to see her cry.

We walked back to the classroom, with everyone watching and whispering. Alexa came to whisper in my ear, I nodded, and she left the classroom momentarily. My wolf side is becoming more active, and my school environment isn't conducive for me at all.

Alexa walked back in a few minutes later. "He said you need to bring your doctor's report tomorrow," Alexa said with a hint of mockery.

"We'll take care of it at the school clinic tomorrow," I replied.

"He asked why you didn't go to the school clinic," Alexa said, and I asked worriedly, "What did you tell him?"

Relax, why are you so worked up?" Alexa asked, chuckling. "I told him you had your medication at home and simply forgot to schedule an appointment with your doctor."

I breathed a sigh of relief immediately. I don't want anyone to suspect anything.

Alexa packed my books into my bag and carried both mine and hers. "Let's go," she said. I stood up and followed her.

Lila sat in front, and her seat was in the same row as mine. As I passed her, my clothes accidentally knocked down her book, which was on her desk. I bent down to pick it up immediately. A paper fell out with my name my name written on it,

I was in awe for a moment, but the noise from the classroom brought me back to my senses.

"Is brain damage also affecting your eyes?" a student from the back asked.

Lila responded wickedly, "It's fine. Wolves don't see well, especially baby wolves."

I took the paper and hid it behind my back, then placed the book on Lila's desk. "I'm sorry," I said and walked out immediately.

"What's wrong?" Alexa asked, already at the door.

"Nothing, Lila's book fell, and I was picking it up," I replied. Alexa was holding my bag, so I couldn't put the paper in it. I simply rummaged through my skirt's inner pocket and placed it there.

"I'll check it out when I get home," I thought to myself.

I couldn't help but keep thinking about what I saw in Lila's notebook.

"Mia," Alexa called. "I meant to ask you this: why does Lila call you 'little wolf,' and you don't seem to get offended?"

"I'm not bothered," I replied almost immediately. "Besides, Lila is just looking for a reason to get me to fight so she can get me in trouble with the principal"

To be honest, Lila has been calling me little wolf ever since we fought, but I wasn't the one and I knew nothing about it, nor can I remember what happened. But I was called to the principal's office later for something I had no idea about.

Alexa was walking beside me, talking and talking. I wasn't paying attention to her words, all I could see was her mouth moving and her neck, which seemed to be calling to me. The first and second buttons of her shirt were open, revealing her neck. What on earth was I thinking? I shook the thought off immediately; it could never be about her.

"Alexa, can we take the shorter route?" I asked. "I'm exhausted and famished."

"Okay," she replied.

My teeth kept itching. Ever since they had elongated, they had refused to return to normal.

Not long after, we arrived at my house. She handed my bag back to me and hugged me. "See you tomorrow, and get well, okay?" she said and walked away.

All my attention was on her neck. I alone knew how I was able to hold myself back. I opened the door and walked inside, placing my bag on the chair in the sitting room. I walked straight to the kitchen.

There's always food in the kitchen; I trust my mom when it comes to this. I opened the door and closed it back immediately; the scent was overwhelming. Isn't this the food I've been eating all my life? What changed?

I wanted to leave when I saw a fresh piece of meat sitting in a bowl. Why isn't it in the fridge? I thought for a moment. Staring at it made me want it more; the scent was irresistible. So I grabbed it and stuffed it into my mouth.

"Mia!" my mom shouted.

I was so scared that I threw the whole thing on the floor. How long had she been standing there?

"I'm sorry, Mom," I said and ran to my room immediately. I didn't want to see her face; she must be disappointed in me.

Not long after, my mom walked in. "Mia," she said in a low voice.

"I'm sorry, Mom."

"You don't have to apologize," she said. "You can always talk to me if you feel anything unusual. Don't keep it to yourself." She used her hands to clean the bloodstain on my mouth.

Every word of hers was comforting and hopeful, and that was all I needed.

"Stand up and go freshen up; you're a mess."

I stood up immediately and went to the bathroom. I knew my mom was sad, and I didn't want to add to her problems. She has been tearing up a lot because of me.

I put the shower on and let the water wash me from head to toe.

The last thing I remember was lying down on the bed.