Alpha's Bite: From Victim to Vengeance

"You forgot your inhaler!"

Mom's panicked shout from the window made me freeze. I swallowed hard. Why did she have to do that? Now, all the East Bridge High students walking past me were giggling and whispering.

This is me-Bernice Jennings, a senior known as the "unknown object. "People call me the Krank Girl, the Asthmatic, sometimes just "Hey You" or "Her." I wish these labels would disappear from my life, but what can I do?

And tonight, for once, I just wanted to make a sweet memory for my future. But before it even began, Mom tore that dream down.

It's not that I hate Mom's attention. In fact, I'm grateful to have been born from her womb. She's smart, she's kind, she's principled.

Mom's concern has never waned, even now that I am seventeen. Since her divorce from Dad last year, she's become even more protective.

I walked over, grabbed the inhaler from her hand, and shoved it into my purse. Ew... the thing was too big, making one side of my clutch bulge awkwardly.

"Why are you using that clutch, Bern? You've got other bags big enough to hold your meds-I mean, your stuff," Mom said, puzzled.

"Mom, it's prom night. Did you expect me to bring a backpack?"

"Oh... you're right! Okay! I hope you have a great night! You look beautiful!" Mom looked nervous but proud, maybe because I looked different than usual. "I'll pick you up at ten?"

"Yes, Mom. Thanks."

A limousine rolled up, grabbing my attention. It stopped right in front of Mom's old car. The driver opened the door, and a couple of couples got out.

I took a deep breath and saw real beauty and charm; cheerleaders, beauty pageant hopefuls, and their hot dates from the hockey and basketball teams.

I knew I'd never be part of that "shining, shimmering, splendid" circle. Just watching them made me feel tiny, like stardust in a galaxy.

"Sweetie pie? Are you okay? Are you sure you want to go to the prom?" Mom's voice snapped me out of my daydream.

Shrinking back into myself, I shook my head quickly. "Oh, I'm fine!" I flashed a big, fake smile. "See you, Mom!"

"Call me if you need anything, feel anything, and-"

"Bye, Mom!" I pushed my glasses up on the bridge of my nose.

I walked quickly toward the school's back hall. I couldn't run, or Mom would scold me again. My body had always been weak, treated like delicate glass-Bernice, the breakable girl.

Someone waved at me at the entrance. I puffed out my cheeks as I approached Sara, my best friend. She's the only one who acknowledges my existence. Maybe because she also feels like an alien at East Bridge High.

Sara looked gorgeous in a soft blue dress that flared at the knees. Her dark hair was styled like a fairy princess' updo.

"You look beautiful," I told her sincerely.

Sara scoffed. "Like an upside-down tulip."

Truth be told, she looked much better than me.

What's it like to wear a long-sleeved, straight-cut medieval dress? My thin, light brown hair was braided like a zebra's tail. My pale skin clashed with the deep red of my dress, and my heavy glasses made me feel even more out of place. I looked like a grumpy, fragile European queen.

"Come on, let's go inside!" Sara sounded excited.

The hall had been transformed into a fairy tale theme, which was amazing. The DJ's music made my heart race. This was my first time out at night, and I was experiencing what prom was all about.

We stood on the sidelines and watched everyone mingle. They all looked so beautiful and confident, making me feel more insecure. How could I even think of mingling? No one knew me except Sara.

Why is this happening to me? I sighed.

Just as we reached for our drinks, someone bumped me hard from behind. I almost fell, but Sara caught my arm. The guy didn't even stop-he just glanced at me and kept walking.

Cold. That's the word.

My eyes followed him. Who didn't know the mysterious new guy, Zach?

Zachary Archer was a sensation at East Bridge High because of his cold, mysterious vibe-almost antisocial. But with that handsome face and tall frame, Zach was the exception. His aloofness had become a trend.

"Is it really that hard to say sorry?" Sara muttered.

"Maybe he's in a hurry."

"This isn't a train station, Bern."

I studied the tall guy with slightly long dark brown hair and piercing eyes. Zach had sharp features-a strong jawline, thin lips, and a perfectly sculpted nose. There were muscles under his shirt, visible on his arms.

Compared to me-small, skinny, practically light enough to be blown away-I had zero chance of being noticed by Zach.

"He smells expensive. How many bottles of cologne has he sprayed?" Sara tried to be sarcastic but didn't stop staring.

"At least he doesn't smell like a corpse. I feel like I'm dying."

"What? Don't say that! You'll be fine, Bern!"

"Probably..."

I didn't have many dreams, but tonight was one of them. Just a little happiness at the prom. The real joy? That was reserved for the stars of the school.

Suddenly, my chest tightened. Sadness hit me hard. Why did I feel this way on prom night? Ugh, this sucks!

"Hey, you!"

The call made both Sara and I look up. I pointed at myself-was she really calling me? It was Maggie, the head cheerleader. She nodded and motioned for me to come over.

Was this a dream? Had I just been noticed?

"W-what is it?" I asked nervously.

"Can you get me some tampons? I think my period just started. This can't happen tonight!" Maggie looked distressed.

I blinked. "Tampons?"

"Yes!" She leaned closer and whispered, "And a couple cans of beer. Meet me in the woods behind the hall. You'll help me, right?"

She shoved a pile of cash into my hands before I could say anything. Beer? Wasn't that against the rules? I didn't want to get in trouble.

"But..."

"Keep the change!"

As Maggie strutted off, Sara ran over.

"She asked me to buy tampons," I explained before she could ask.

"Give the money back! You're not Maggie's runner!"

But how could I say no to Maggie? Ugh, this was a mess.

"I can take a shortcut through the woods," I said.

"Don't be stupid!"

"When else is the cheer captain going to talk to us? Come on, Sara!"

Sara wasn't happy, but she followed me out. We walked along the dimly lit path leading to a woods trail.

"Are you sure about this?" Sara swallowed.

"There's nothing out here! Come on!"

Something inside me sparked courage as we turned on our cell phone flashlights. Yes, it was kind of stupid to cut through the woods. My gut was asking, "Why are you doing this?"

Yet there was this strange excitement. Maggie asked me for help. After almost three years at the same school, she finally noticed me. Maybe tomorrow, she'd say hello again. Perhaps we'd be best friends before graduation.

Okay, that was just a delusion. But who wouldn't want to be part of the popular crowd?

The half-mile walk through the woods went well. We bought the tampons and a few cans of beer. Everything seemed okay on the way back. Sara also relaxed a bit.

These woods weren't scary. They bordered the school and were often used by the kindergartners for nature activities. Practically safe.

"Are you cold?" Sara looked over at me.

I knew she was worried. I was starting to wheeze, and my cheeks must have been flushed.

"Do you have your inhaler?"

"In my purse." I showed her the clutch. "Relax, I'm fine."

Sara just nodded and said nothing else. We kept walking. The beer cans clinked in the plastic bag, leaves crunched under our feet.

Then we heard it. A twig snapping-not far off.

Sara and I froze, eyes wide open.

"You heard that?" she whispered.

"Probably a skunk."

Another snap. Louder. Then again. Sara flicked her phone's light around nervously.

"You think it's a skunk, Bern?"

"I don't..."

Then something slammed into Sara. It was huge. Dark. Her scream pierced the air.

"Sara!! Sara!!" My voice felt like it was disappearing.

I heard ripping. Snarling. Growling. The thing crouched over her limp body. Oh, God! Sara!

"No... no..." My voice broke.

The growl made my blood freeze. I couldn't move. I couldn't scream. Its glowing red eyes locked onto mine, starving.

"Please... please..." I choked out.

It lunged, slashing across my chest and tearing into my skin. I hit the ground, pain exploding through my body. I gasped for breath as the creature loomed over me.

A monster. With a snout. Sharp, blood-soaked teeth.

"Mom..." Tears streamed down my face.

The pain was unbearable. This was it. My last night alive.

In the distance, I heard a howl. The beast turned and ran, disappearing into the woods.

I could smell my own blood pooling on the ground.

"Mom... help... Mom..."

My vision blurred. I knew I was dying. One last figure approached-was it Zach?

Then everything went dark.

This must be a nightmare, right?

That was the first thing that came to mind when I opened my eyes. But no, it wasn't. I woke up in a hospital bed, my whole body aching and sore. I looked down and saw bandages wrapped around my chest and arm.

The memory of Sara hit me like a truck.

Sara's face-blank, lifeless-covered in blood.

No, no, no! This can't be real. This isn't real!

"Sara...! Sara...!"

I tried to sit up and saw Mom sitting by the window, looking at her phone. Her head snapped up the moment she realized I was awake. She tossed her phone aside and rushed to my bedside.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and that's when I knew this wasn't a dream.

Even though I desperately wanted it to be.

"Bern, you're awake! Thank God!" she sobbed, her face a mixture of sadness and relief.

"Mom...! Sara...!" My voice came out choked, choked with fear and pain.

"You just woke up. It's okay now, sweetheart. Everything will be fine. Don't worry about anything."

But seeing Mom didn't make me feel safe. In fact, it made my fear worse. I was afraid for Sara.

"Where is Sara?! Mom, where is she?" I begged.

I kept hoping she was okay, maybe in the next room recovering.

"Sweetheart..." Mom took a deep breath. "She's gone."

Reality hit me like a smack in the face.

There was no way she could have survived that brutal attack, but Sara was strong. She should have made it. She should be alive.

I should've listened to her. We never should've taken that shortcut through the woods. I lost my best friend forever because of Maggie's stupid request.

Why? Why was I so stupid?!

"No... no..." I shook my head in disbelief. "It's my fault...! It's all my fault...!"

God, forgive me! Forgive me, Sara!

"Bern, please calm down. You're safe now. I promise you nothing will happen to you. Try to rest, okay?"

If I could go back in time, I would. Sara would still be here.

All I could do now was cry and drown in the regret that filled every inch of my chest.

The next day, the police visited the hospital to take my statement. I told them everything I remembered about the creature that attacked us. Me and Sara.

It wasn't a bear. I didn't know what it was. But it was huge, covered in fur, with sharp teeth and claws, and it moved insanely fast.

After that, what happened to us became the biggest story in our small town.

Reporters wanted my side of the story, but Mom wouldn't let them near me.

And the rumors got out of control. People said it wasn't a wild animal. Some even said Sara and I were drunk party girls who had illegally bought beer at the prom.

Total lies. Baseless rumors.

"Come on, Bern." Mom helped me out of the car and into the house.

The house was cold and empty. It was just me and Mom now.

Dad had moved away with his new family. Yeah, the woman who ruined our home and her newborn baby.

It crushed me when Dad betrayed us like that. But I got through it - because of Sara. Now Sara was gone. I even missed her funeral.

I wasn't a good friend to her, was I?

I'm just a cursed soul, no good to anyone.

"I made some soup before I picked you up," Mom said quietly, giving me a sympathetic look. Do you want me to heat it up?"

I shook my head weakly. "Maybe later."

"The doctor said your bandages need to be changed. I'll help you with it."

"Okay, Mom. I just want to rest first."

"All right, sweetheart."

I dragged myself upstairs and went straight to my room. A strange rotten smell hit me as soon as I opened the door.

"What is that smell?"

Then I saw it, my fish tank. The water was murky and disgusting. And swimming in it...

"Oh... God! Maxwell! Oh... God!"

Tears fell fast. Everything was crumbling.

It was as if God had decided that I didn't deserve a happy life. That I was put on this earth only to suffer.

*

Later that night, my body felt hot. It was itchy. Really itchy.

This wasn't a fever-no doctor ever said anything about this. I was sweating like crazy, especially on my back where the deep wounds had been.

"It's so itchy...oh God..." I groaned.

I thought it was the scabs healing. But wasn't it too soon for that? The wounds were deep. Yet I couldn't feel the pain anymore. That was... weird.

I reached for the bandage on my chest and slowly peeled it off.

Gone. The wounds were gone. Completely.

The claw marks were gone. Just a faint pink trace, like a shadow. That was it.

"What the...?"

I panicked, jumping out of bed, turning on the light, and running to the mirror.

I touched the skin-it was smooth.

"I have to tell Mom," I muttered.

But as I reached for the doorknob... I stopped.

This wound-this very deep wound-needed surgery to close. The doctors said it would take weeks to heal.

How could I explain this to my mother? She'd freak out.

"Oh my God... Mom can't know about this."

If she found out, I'd never get any peace. I needed answers, not more questions.

*

A knock at the door made me jump.

I quickly pulled on a hoodie and grabbed my backpack. When I opened the door, Mom was standing there.

"You're dressed already?" she asked in surprise. "Did you change your bandages?"

"Just now," I nodded, pointing to the trash can. "I can do it myself now."

I quickly led her out of my room, avoiding eye contact. I couldn't let Mom see my skin, not anymore.

I rushed to the kitchen, poured cereal into a bowl, added milk, and sat down to eat.

I planned to take the bus so I wouldn't have to talk too much.

The doctor actually gave me permission to rest at home for another two weeks. But what should I do at home when I already feel fine?

"Bern?"

Mom's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up, trying to act casual.

"Yeah, Mom?"

"Are you sure you want to go to school? You're still recovering. Your wounds aren't completely healed."

I held my spoon nervously and nodded quickly. "I'm fine. Really! No worries, Mom."

She stared at me as if trying to see through me and sighed.

"The school gave you more time off for a reason," she said. "You're lucky to be alive with everything you've been through. I don't want you to push yourself too hard."

But staying home felt like dying slowly.

I had no one here.

Even if I didn't have Sara at school... at least there were people around. Life.

"Mom, I have to go. There's only a few months left. I have to prepare for college. If I even get in."

I gripped my spoon tighter. I didn't know why I was so nervous.

No, wait. I did know. I could feel something of Mom. Like... her aura. Wait, wait, wait. Wait, what? An aura?

But it was real. I could feel something about Mom. Something I'd never felt before.

"You'll get in, Bern. Don't worry," she said.

"Maybe I will. But Sara won't." My voice trembled again.

I shouldn't have mentioned Sara. She was gone. She was with God. But the regret in my chest was unbearable.

Sara and I should have gone to college together, maybe even joined the same sorority. Now, all that is gone.

"Bernice, don't say that. If Sara were alive, I know she'd want you to be calm. She wouldn't want you to worry," Mom said.

"Well, she's not alive."

"Sweetie pie... what happened to Sara was fate. No one could have stopped it. You can't fight fate."

I knew that. But the fact that I lived and she didn't, it didn't seem fair. She didn't even make it to 18.

"I'll drive you to school."

"I want to take the bus today."

I stood up and went to put my spoon on the table, but I gasped.

The spoon was broken in half.

I had no idea how it had happened. I stuffed the broken spoon into my jacket pocket and grabbed my bag.

Once outside, I threw the spoon in the trash.

I wasn't afraid of losing a spoon. I was afraid of why it broke.

What was happening to me?

As soon as I got off the bus and walked into the school, I could feel all eyes on me. Well, it had actually started on the bus. The moment my foot hit the school floor, I received a range of looks-some horrified, others sympathetic.

Their eyes were practically trying to strip me naked.

It wasn't the kind of attention I wanted. If I could, I'd take it all back. I never wanted to be famous; I just wanted my unknown, quiet life back.

But the damage is done, right?

I walked down the hallway, unable to avoid those curious stares.

Why couldn't they just say what they were thinking to my face? I'd take it.

Yes, I was stupid. Stupid enough to go into the woods and take Sara with me, and now she's dead.

Is that what you want to hear?

I opened my locker, shoved my bag, and grabbed a few books for my first two classes. The moment I closed the locker, I almost screamed. Zach stood beside me, leaning casually against the locker and staring intensely.

What did he want from me?

"You Jennings? Bernice Jennings?" he asked.

"Yes, and?" I snapped, holding his gaze.

He didn't answer right away, just narrowed his eyes slightly. Then, out of nowhere, he said, "Where are your glasses? Didn't you wear glasses?"

Was he making small talk or mocking me? I couldn't tell, and honestly, I didn't care.

"What's it to you?" I looked away.

"If you don't wear glasses, how do you even know where you're going?"

Wait, where are my glasses? When did I stop wearing them? Without them, everything should be a blur.

But... I felt fine. Everything I saw looked normal. Too normal.

I glanced back at Zach, unsure, then turned my shoe sole and walked away without answering.

God... why do I feel so uncomfortable?

From my fast-healing wounds to bending a metal spoon, and now this... my glasses?

I can't lie to myself anymore.

Something strange is happening to me. And I have no idea what it is.

I looked back at the hallway's corner, but Zach was gone. Thank God. I hope he stays out of my life forever. In fact, I don't want anyone to bother me at all.

I hurried into class and sat down. Reflexively, I turned to the empty seat next to me. That was where Sara used to sit. On mornings like this, she'd be scrolling through Pinterest, looking for DIY projects.

The pain hit me again. God... I miss Sara so much.

Suddenly, a familiar scent hit me, like a reminder: vanilla, with a hint of iris and peony-the same scent I remembered from that night.

Maggie's scent.

I turned toward the door, and there she was-Maggie, standing in the doorway. When our eyes met, she walked in, her little entourage trailing behind her. She stopped by my desk.

What does she want now?

"Hey, you! I hear you're feeling better. Sorry about your friend," she said.

I could tell she was trying to sound sympathetic, but I wasn't buying it. If she cared, she would've visited me in the hospital or at home. But no, she kept her distance.

Of course, she did. Because of her, my life will never be the same.

"Are you okay?" she asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Never been better."

"Yeah, I'm really sorry..." she repeated, but it sounded even more hollow this time.

"Her name was Sara, not 'your friend.'" I glared at her. "Or have you already forgotten what you did that night?"

"What did I do?"

She gave a fake laugh, echoed by her plastic little clique.

God, I used to think Maggie's circle was cool. Now I'm just disgusted by how forced their whole vibe is.

Their laughter died as Maggie cleared her throat and leaned closer, her voice softer. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something."

"Again?" I scoffed. "The last time you 'asked' me for something, my best friend ended up dead. What now?"

She looked uncomfortable. Her eyes flicked to her friends, and she gave a small smile. "It's no big deal, really. I just don't want any more... problems between us. You understand, right?"

I frowned. "Issues? What are you talking about?"

"I just... I wasn't too thrilled with the statement you gave to the police. My family got dragged into it, too. They said I asked you to buy tampons and beer."

That's what actually happened. What else was I supposed to say? That Sara and I went to the woods for fun?

She forced a smile. "Look, I hope you can change your story. You know I have a future, and I'd really appreciate it if you didn't mess it up. I know you're smart enough to handle this the right way."

My hands clenched into fists.

She shrugged. "I understand this is hard for you. I don't want another tragedy like your friend. Let's just say we're even after this, okay?"

"Oh, really?"

"Those who have passed on are better left in peace, right? We must tend the living."

And just like that, Maggie and her girls left.

What the hell did she mean? Was it a threat? If I stuck to my story for the cops?

Usually, I'd sit back and swallow my feelings. But not this time. This time, I could feel my anger boiling. I slammed my desk down, startling everyone.

I stormed out of class. Yeah, I was going after the heartless queen bee herself!

I yanked her shoulder as soon as I spotted her in the hallway. As she spun around, I slapped her hard across the face.

"You bitch!" I yelled.

Her eyes went wide in shock. But I wasn't done. Not by a long shot.

"I guess your future is all that matters to you! Meanwhile, my best friend is buried six feet under! The least you could do is show some damn compassion!" I pointed at her. "Sara and I went into these woods because of you! Don't you dare run away from what you did-own it!"

I stormed back to class, not caring what Maggie thought or who had seen it.

She deserved that slap. Honestly, she deserved more.

As I sat back down, another scent hit me. I turned to Sara's seat and almost jumped.

Zach was sitting there, the same intense look in his eyes.

My eyebrows knitted. "Why are you sitting in Sara's seat?"

He didn't answer right away. His cold stare pierced me as if he had every ounce of control in the world.

"Can we talk? After class. I'll find you."

"Talk about what?"

"Something important."

And then he walked out, leaving me with a thousand questions.

*

As soon as class was over, I rushed out. There he was, Zach, waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall like he didn't care.

People stared, glancing between the two of us. I ignored them and walked straight up to him.

"What do you want to talk about?"

He gestured for me to follow him, and we walked out of the school building into a quiet corner. Suddenly, I felt a little nervous.

"Why are we out here? Can't you tell me now? I don't have time for games!" I snapped.

Our eyes locked again. The same stare. My heart was racing. And then the memory of the woods came back. Of Zach. The last thing I saw that night.

"Me neither, Bernice," he said firmly. "Didn't I say this was important?"

"Well, what is it?"

"Listen. You need to control your emotions and behavior, or you'll be in serious trouble."

"What the hell did I do?" I shot back.

"Slapping Maggie like that? You went too far. Know your place!"

"Too far? She got Sara killed!"

"No. Maggie didn't kill your friend. That creature did."

Zach stepped closer. I instinctively backed away, but he didn't stop. He kept coming until I was pinned against the wall. Heat radiated from his body, and I could hear his low, snarling breath.

"You've been given a second chance, Bernice. Make the most of it. Your friend didn't. But that doesn't mean you're better than her," he hissed.

I scoffed. "Oh, so you're saying I should have died instead of Sara?"

"No. That's not what I'm saying." He leaned closer, his breath hitting my face. "I'm saying that both of you should have died. Because that's what was supposed to happen."

His eyes burned with conviction.

Why?

Why would he say such a cruel thing?