Chapter 5 Kate and the Bullies

Author's POV

Evan arrived at his house, surprised to see his parents' car already parked in the garage. Panic surged through him. Without wasting time, he slipped into a hidden corner of the yard and quickly tried to cover the bruises on his face.

Unfortunately, the mark on his cheek was far too visible to conceal entirely. Still, he had to do something. His parents had warned him-no fights, no confrontations, under any circumstances.

He adjusted his cap low over his face to mask the bruising as much as possible and walked inside.

His parents were in the living room, packing bags for their trip scheduled for the next day.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad," he greeted.

"Hey, you're back," his dad replied.

"We're just packing up for tomorrow," he added as he zipped up a bag.

"You're packing already? I thought you said it was just the outskirts of the city, not somewhere far," Evan said.

"It's not far, but what we're about to do is necessary," his father said.

"Come on, son. We've already explained this to you," he added, his tone serious.

"I know, but the way you're saying these things-it sounds dangerous. It's freaking me out," Evan replied.

"It's alright, darling," his mom said soothingly. "Your dad will be with you through everything. You'll be just fine."

"Why can't you come with us?" Evan asked.

"You know I don't have what you have. I wouldn't be welcomed there," she replied gently.

"But don't worry. You have your father. You'll be fine," she added, hugging him warmly.

As they pulled apart, her expression changed. "Darling, what's that mark on your face?"

"Oh-it's nothing, Mom," Evan said, quickly stepping back and adjusting his cap.

"Let me see it," his father said, walking closer. He gently moved Evan's face to examine the bruise. His expression darkened.

"How did you get this?" he asked, his voice low.

"It was just a fight with some guys at school," Evan said, eyes downcast.

"You got into a fight?" his father asked sharply.

"I swear, Dad-they started it. They've been harassing me and my friends. I tried to avoid it, but I had to defend myself," Evan said, trying to explain.

"I warned you to stay out of trouble. There's a reason for that!" his father snapped.

"Why can't you just expl-"

"It's alright, darling," his mother interrupted, trying to calm them. "I'm sure he tried to avoid it."

"He's a man, and trouble sometimes finds you no matter how hard you try. These things happen," she added.

"That's not the point," his father said grimly. "After tomorrow's transformation, those bruises will be gone-but what will you say when people notice the sudden change?"

"That'll raise suspicion. I don't want people to start seeing you as some kind of freak."

"This is all for your own good, son," he concluded.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'll be more careful," Evan said quietly.

His father sighed. "It's alright. Go to your room."

As Evan left, his mother turned to her husband. "What should we do now?"

"I don't know," he said, worried. "Let's just hope not many people noticed."

---

The Next Day

Kate's POV

I was woken up by the shrill ringtone of my phone. I groggily reached for it and saw it was my mom calling.

"Hi, Mom," I answered sleepily.

"Hey, honey. Good morning!" she chirped.

"Morning... Have you reached yet?" I asked, rubbing my eyes.

"Not even close. But we should be there by this evening-before the moon reaches its apex," she said.

"That's a long journey," I muttered.

"Yeah, it is. How are you holding up?" she asked.

"I'm good. We're heading out for a school experiment this morning," I informed her.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" she asked.

"Trust me, Mom-I can handle myself," I said with confidence.

"How's Dad?"

"He's just warming up the car for the next leg of the trip."

"Alright. I'll talk to him later."

"Okay, darling. Take care of yourself, alright?"

"I will. Bye," I said, ending the call.

I stretched and yawned before heading into the bathroom to freshen up. As I showered, I thought about Kira's threat from yesterday. I couldn't afford to take it lightly.

They meant what they said-and now, it was me against them. If things spiraled out of control, I might have to kill them.

I opened our secret locker and picked out weapons that could kill werewolves, just in case.

I was zipping up my bag when a knock came at the door. My friends had arrived.

I opened the door.

"Hey, guys," I greeted.

"Hey, girlfriend! All set?" Emily asked.

"Yeah. Perfect timing," I said, grabbing my bag.

"What are we going to do about Aaron and Kira?" Abby asked nervously.

"I think we should plead with them-to avoid any more trouble. We got lucky yesterday. Today might be different-especially since Evan's not with us," she added.

"I understand your fear. But there's nothing to be afraid of," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

"Can we go now?" I asked as they stared at me like I was some kind of superhero.

"Alright... I wish I had your courage," Abby said, and we stepped out.

---

A few minutes later, we arrived at school and made our way to the bus. A crowd of students were already climbing in.

"C'mon guys, before all the seats are taken," Emily said, and we rushed forward.

We managed to snag seats just in time-seconds before the last one was taken. The rest had to stand. The lecturer stepped into the bus.

"I guess that's everyone," he said, about to close the door.

"Ugh, thank God those guys aren't coming," Abby sighed. I glanced around. She was right-Aaron and Kira weren't in sight.

"That's a relief," I said.

But just then, we heard a loud bang on the side of the bus-and it suddenly stopped.

"What took you so long?" the lecturer asked, stepping outside.

"Sorry, Professor Malik," a male voice said.

And then they climbed in-Aaron, Kira, and four other bulky guys.

"Oh. My. God," Emily whispered.

"They came," Abby said, her voice full of dread.

They were scanning the bus like hunters tracking prey-and I knew exactly who they were looking for.

Kira spotted us, nudged the others, and pointed. They smirked and made their way toward us.

The new guys with them had the same menacing aura. Definitely werewolves.

"Hey, guys," Kira said with a sly smile. "Glad you could make it."

"Where's your boyfriend?" Aaron asked. "Don't tell me he bailed just because of yesterday."

"I thought he'd be here. That's why I brought backup," he added with a grin.

"Oops. Looks like you're outnumbered," he said mockingly.

"You're pathetic, you know that?" I snapped. They exchanged glances.

"This just proves you're cowards-calling your friends to fight your battles. And look at them-obedient little dogs," I added, glaring at the newcomers.

I could feel my friends shrinking beside me. I knew I'd just escalated things.

"You've got a big, fat mouth," Kira said coldly. "You've just signed your death certificate."

"Well," I said, leaning back with a smirk, "I'm looking forward to this trip. It's going to be so much fun."