Fire Wolf

I advanced my hand with hot chocolate coffee. Ava smiled at me and grabbed it enthusiastically. We were sharing the same eyes inherited by our father, light grey eyes, her hair was blonde and straight. On the other hand, my hair was dark brown like my mother's. She didn't wait for me to sit down with her and sipped from it, "Um," She moaned, "I was missing the taste of chocolate." She took another sip, hungrily.

I nodded with a smile. Her smile mattered to me. I returned to the kitchen and looked at the second cup. I poured the steaming hot water into it. No one needed to know, particularly Ava.

I trudged toward the kitchen and put the cup back with a soft sigh. I grabbed the cloth and began to clean the kitchen counter.

It's my father's house, no splendid, no luxury, but a home. I don't know where he is.

I stopped rubbing the counter when a hand came before my eyes holding the cup. I glanced up. Ava was frowning at me, "I can't finish it alone," She said,

I usually stayed quiet. The argument wasn't part of my life, "Are you peeping in the kitchen?" I asked her.

Her frown broke and she looked at her feet, "We have enough food for a week and mom's medicine?" She asked under a soft voice.

I let out a deep breath. I put my hand on her wrist and pushed it away, "We have enough food and mom's medicine." I worked in a store.

She let out a breath through her mouth, "Thank goodness," She said, placing her hand over her chest. She looked at me, opening her eyes, "Now drink," She shoved the cup in my hand.

I pushed the piece of cloth away and gripped the cup. Ava thought. I worked for a local store. That wasn't truly a lie but not the full truth. I hoisted the cup up. We shared a smile.

"Go away! Go away! You monster! You can't take my kids away." A high-pitched voice came. Our smile disappeared.

I put the cup down immediately. Ava's face whitened in fear. She didn't wait and rushed out of the kitchen. I quickened my pace out of the kitchen to her room.

Ava halted in the doorway. I followed her gaze. Our mother was standing near the window and yelling, "Go away. They are my daughters. You took my son away." Her face contorted in anger, her eyes full of fear and glistened with unshed tears.

'I don't remember that we have a brother either. She never shares anything. We haven't seen our father. Only in the picture that's hidden under the piles of clothes in mother's cupboard.'

"Mom," I said out loud and darted my gaze out of the window. There was no one. I didn't remember my mother behaving like a normal person.

She looked back at us and pointed her index finger out of the window, "He came again." Her eyes were widened, almost round in shape, scared face, sweat trickling down her forehead.

I ran forward and took her in my arms, hugging her tightly, "There's no one, mom." I said to her softly.

"Of course, he ran away, darling." She spoke as she was perfectly fine now. I gazed at Ava. She was looking at our mother in horror. I was used to her scared face too. She had grown up. She never stepped in the room when our mother yelled at night. We heard our mother but we never trusted her concoction.

I also worked for a coroner inquest. That was what I called him. My salary was enough for our food, mom's medicines, and Ava's school. She was sixteen. I didn't want to tell her about my secret job, but she knew just a little. She was the only one in our house who could understand me. Our mother wasn't in the position to guide us.

I was twenty years old. If I had seen my father. I didn't remember. But I knew. Where did our mother hide his picture? He was a tall, blond hair, muscular man with light grey eyes, like mine and Ava's. If I would have changed the color of my eyes I would have. I didn't want to keep anything that reminded me of him. Whenever I looked at my eyes in the reflection. It reminded me of my father. He left her in his house when he knew about her mental health. He never came back. Our mother described him as a monster and asked him to leave us alone. She was scared he would come one day and take us away from her. 'I won't let that happen.'

"There's no one, mother," I told her again. She looked relaxed.

"I saw him. I shouted at him. Of course, there will be no one now." She looked normal when she said that. Her cheeks were red, a soft smile on her face, and there was love in her eyes for us.

I smiled back at her. I love her. She was our world, "It's sleeping time, mom." I spoke tenderly. I glanced around and held Ava's gaze. She wasn't looking terrified but her face was tense. I beckoned her to come inside. She looked at our mother and plucked a step inside in hesitancy

Mom was looking calm now. This happened suddenly. The doctor couldn't tell us more. I couldn't sell our house. I couldn't afford rent. This house made things easier.

Ava stopped next to me.

"How was your day?" Mom's smile broadened as she rested her gaze on our faces.

"It was ok, mom. A lot of customers came into the store today." I couldn't resist smiling back. It put a burden on my soul that I lied to her.

Shifting on her feet, Ava stopped in front of us. She didn't answer her. She looked at our mother for a few more seconds, "Mom," There was hesitation in her voice, "Are you ok?" She asked. Her gaze was painful.

' I won't forget that time when we cried hugging each other.'

Confusion flashed on her face. She cupped Ava's cheek, "Of course, how was your school, Sweetie?" Her broad smile returned to her face.

Ava returned the smile and embraced mom from the second side, "It was fabulous, mom. I'm part of the cheerleader's team."

She was practicing to be part of the team from the starting of the classes. I was glad for her.

I slipped away, "Where are you going?" Mom's eyebrows puckered.

"Nowhere, mom." I gestured at the bed.

Mom frowned, "Yes! Yes! I'm going to sleep now." She said and slithered under the blanket, "He won't come now. Not at least for a few days." She muttered to herself, looking out of the window.

"To whom do you talk mom?" Ava asked.

"Ava!" I warned her. I didn't wanna prolong the matter. She always asked the same question whenever she got the opportunity. We were not getting any answer from her.

Mom flattened her lips like always, "There's nothing you should worry about, my princess." She looked at us. Her smile didn't waver like always when she beheld us. Sometimes, she behaved like a queen and treated us like princesses. Was our father any king?

Who knows?

Mother wasn't going to tell us anything about him. I didn't want her to ask. It could worsen her health. I didn't ever want this.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I touched the pocket of my pyjamas. Ava followed my gaze. There was only one meaning of it. Mr Morris needed my help.

I yawned in a fake way, "Good night, mom, Ava. See you in the morning." I said out loud.

"Good night, sweetie." I heard mom and footsteps behind me.

I spun after reaching out of my mother's room, "Stay with mom." I chided her and shoved the phone out of my pocket. I opened the message. There was an address.

"Where are you going?" Ava asked, a little frown covering her forehead.

I was still looking down at the display, "Somewhere, in the wooded area." I muttered under my breath.

"What?" She squealed.

My eyes snapped at her, "Lower your voice," I glanced at her back. Mom was holding the photo frame of us three, "I have responsibilities that I'm holding." I shifted on my feet.

"I know. What will I tell mom? You know. I can't handle her alone." Ava complained.

My gaze was on our mother. She was drifting off, "You can do this. She won't wake before sunrise." I rushed to my room.

Mr Morris never appointed me for hard tasks but simple ones, carrying his file, writing everything he speaks, bringing his coffee and carrying his files.

"Alright," A small frown formed over her forehead again as she followed me, "I'm not responsible for anything." Her gaze narrowed at me. Her expressive face screwed up into a tight knot of annoyance.

I know. She's scared. I'm too. But we need food on our plates every day. my hard-earned cash was enough for us now. My job is important to me. It's not a boring job to work with an old detective. He could have picked me as caretaker of his house. I applied for a caretaker job but I got this.

I embraced her, "I trust you," I whispered in her ear.

Her tensed body relaxed and she curled her arms around me, "Come soon."

"Sure," I plucked a step back. I grabbed my old bag from the wooden chair and slid one strap over my shoulder. I hurried to the door.

Opening, I shoved my hand in my pocket and took out the small key. I glanced back before climbing down the wooden stairs. It creaked under my weight. I wasn't heavy.

Ava locked the door. I unlocked my bicycle and climbed on it. It was affordable. I reread the address he had sent me. It was somewhere in the middle of the woods. It would take me longer than I imagined.

Taking a deep sigh, I reached my feet for pedals. Slight bending ahead, I began to ride the bicycle.

I wasn't scared of the dark. The moon was half in size and followed me over my head. There were a lot of things to be scared of, like dying with hunger, seeing my sister's broken face when her dreams would remain uncompleted, seeing my mother on the hospital bed.

I was planning to tell Ava about my secret job. I did. I told her not to ask for the details of the cases. It wasn't always good. She never did after. Keeping them secret was a part of my job.

I stared at the wooden house. I slowed my speed.

I leaned my bicycle against the tree. I wasn't expecting this. A splendid wooden house in the centre of the wood. I was expecting grimy panes, a house covered with dirt. My eyes widened finding a tidy house in the middle of the woods.

I retrieved my phone and checked the address. It wasn't the wrong place but it did not seem right to me.

I shoved the key and my phone in the pocket. I did not lock my bicycle.

In case, I need to run away after seeing something unpleasant.

The unusual fear engulfed me. It happened every time. I slipped my hand in my bag, clasping it for dear life, I took out a hammer. It's not horrible looking, but a small

weapon to keep attackers away. Clenching the hammer, I hugged the bag to my chest, the strap of my bag hanging over my shoulder.

Walking close to the door, I lift my hand to tap on the white-painted wooden door. This house should be looking haunted at night, but it looked the opposite. So beautiful.

My mind was already telling me to run away from this place. I held my breath and fastened my hand, I was prepared to attack with the hammer.

"Emma," His face was wrinkled with a full smile. He was a tall and lean man with grey hair and grey stubble. He was wearing dark blue trousers and a white shirt. A black cotton scarf was hanging around his neck. I never saw him without it. I didn't need to ask. It must belong to his late wife.

I breathed out feeling relief after hearing Mr Morris's soft voice, "Always prepared," His smiling face came into view as he stepped forward. He was gripping the door open for me.

"Mr Morris," I sighed again, smiling at him. He was a kind man. His wife died four years ago with Cancer and his only son, Cane, was married and staying in New York. He had asked Mr Morris to come to New York and stayed with him many times. But Mr Morris was in love with his job and with the memories of his late wife.

"I hope. I'm not late, " I smiled

"You're on time, Miss." He moved aside to let me in.

I nodded my head and lowered my eyes while walking in. An unfamiliar aroma of herbs filled my nostrils. Confused! I tried to recall the names of herbs by smelling them. My smelling power was stronger than normal people. I felt blessed to have it. Sometimes, it saved me from unknown troubles. I let out an exaggerated sigh when I couldn't comprehend the herbs, "What's this place?" I asked, looking at the walls and ceiling.

The walls were painted white, a lot of paintings were decorating the walls and an old but classic chandelier was hanging in the centre of the roof. Reaching my hand up, I ran my hand in my hair, using my fingers as a comb.

Mr Morris cleared his throat. In praising my surroundings, I forgot that I came here for my work.

"I'm sorry, Mr Morris." I lowered my eyes in embarrassment.

My gaze caught the sight of another man in the house. He must be the owner of the house. He looked close to Mr Morris's age. He was wearing a grey suit. He looked aristocratic. His lips were curled up in a smile and an amusement expression on his face.

"Is this your weapon, Miss?" His lips parted in a full smirk. His gaze was fixed on my hand.

I looked down at my hand and squeezed my eyes shutting them in embarrassment. Opening my eyes, I shoved it in my backpack and slung it back, "I'm sorry."

'Shit!' I cursed inwardly. I had repeated the sorry word many times. I cast my head down and hugged the strap of my bag close to my chest.

" Emma, He's Donovan Wolfe," Mr Morris said.

My eyes widened one more time. He was a billionaire. I had read about him in the newspaper. I snapped my gaze at him and looked closely. His elder son and daughter-in-law died in an accident. I didn't know the details.

Yes! I have seen him on the news channels' screen. He was a millionaire. His younger son has joined the family business and he has earned a special space in society and became a billionaire.

"I know you, sir." My voice was full of astonishment.

He laughed and nodded his head. He looked in deep thoughts as he gazed at me without blinking his eyes. He gave a shake to his head as getting rid of his thoughts.

I was wondering. What would have brought him to Mr Morris when he could hire the best detective of the world. I glanced back at Mr Morris. I didn't know him very well. But I could give a character certificate. He's a good old man.

"Mr Morris," I adopted my professional voice, "What was so urgent? " I asked. My job could call me at any time. But in the centre of the wood, it didn't settle well with me. There must be something big.

He glanced at me, his sweet smile was on display. There were no wrinkles on his face When he didn't smile and it astounded me.

"Mr Wolfe needs a caretaker for his granddaughter." Mr Morris said.

I blinked my eyes looking at Mr Morris to Mr Wolfe. Now I understand. But why have they summoned me here?

"You're firing me," It came out of my mouth with a shocked expression. I shouldn't. But I was in love with my detective job, though Morris does the all essential part.

Mr Morris heaved deeply and shook his head. His small smile never wavered from his face, "I'm visiting my son." He said with a sad note.

"And you're planning to stay there longer," I whispered.

He nodded his head instantly, "Donovan is my friend. I trust him. I wanna help you, child."

My heart melted when he said 'child' though, I'm not a kid but my father must have addressed me the same way.

"Yeah! When can I join?" I asked as there was no reason, I was going to kick the new job. I need to feed my family, take care of them.

Mr Morris nodded and took a step forward. My brows pulled together. There was more he wanted to discuss. Perhaps! I wasn't getting this month's salary. I exhaled sharply. I could manage.

"I have requested Donovan to admit you to the high school. So you could complete your study." Mr Morris said.

My jaw dropped to the ground. I wanted to study, too. But I have no money. My family is more important than me.

"My salary?" I drawled, "I can't afford it. Ava is more important than me." I said with no hesitation.

She wants to be a doctor. I'm fulfilling her wishes. Our father should do this.

Another sigh left my body.

"I'm paying for you and your sister's study. I know the best doctors in the world." Mr Wolfe said.

My eyes turned huge. He must be kidding me.

"Why would you do this?" I asked.

Is Mr Morris pushing me into something unpleasant? No! I don't know.

I shook my head. It couldn't be.

Donovan shifted on his feet, "This shouldn't go out of this house. If you promise to me. I'll continue..." He said.

I nodded my head immediately as I had no option. I was accepting this job until it wouldn't harm me and my family.

He sighed and shoved one hand out of his trousers, "My granddaughter needed to be around humans." He said.

OK! That's confusing.

"Is she locked in her room?" I asked, "Or she has gone through a lot?" My gaze was fixed on him.

"This shouldn't go out of this house," Mr Morris's voice was deep and explaining a warning.

This could be very serious. I nodded again.

"She's human," Donovan said.

"We all are. Aren't we?" I chuckled. I clamped my lips together when no one joined me.

"You must have heard the stories." He said.

He was talking about werewolves. I gulped and nodded my head slowly. I looked at Donovan closely.

He doesn't look old except for his grey hair. Are they coloured? No! It can't be. My life isn't any horror novel. I'm in my nightmare. Werewolves don't exist.'

Mr Wolfe started to explain.

My eyes dilated in fear. My stomach swirled. I wasn't prepared for this shit. I squealed and rushed to the door. My hand hurried at the doorknob and I fastened it, "No!" It was hardly a word from my mouth. The door was locked. But I didn't see them locking it.

Gradually, I turned on my heels. My forehead was sweating.

"Nothing to be scared of, child." Mr Morris assured.

I trust him. But I don't know anything about werewolves. Are they real? I have heard stories in my childhood too.

"Yeah, I guess." I nodded, controlling myself from not jumping out of the window.

"We're harmless," Donovan said.

I wanted to finish it soon. So, I nodded my head again.

"Sisley is my granddaughter. Her mother wasn't a shifter. She..." Mr Wolfe stopped.

"Shifter!" I cut him off.

"Her human body can't shift into a wolf." He explained.

"Can you shift?" I gulped. It could be a stupid question.

He looked at Mr Morris and nodded. My jaw hung open hearing him.

"Can you show me?" I hesitated. I didn't know what to say or ask.

Mr Wolfe chuckled, "We need to go outside," He walked toward the back door and opened it for me.

I walked to the door with Mr Morris. Mr Wolfe closed the door. I couldn't pluck my eyes from him.

He's kidding me, making a fool of us.

I held the bag tight, ready to take out the hammer.

Mr Wolfe smirked, looking at my hands, "You won't need it, Miss Emma."

He was talking about my hammer.

Removing his coat, he began to run away from us. He's not an old man I can bet now. Turning his pace into a run, he jumped into the air. His clothes were torn off. My jaw hung open in shock when he landed as a dark coffee brown wolf.

A nervous chuckle left my lips as I explained everything to Ava. Her face was a perfect picture of shock. I couldn't trust them yet.

"I'm excited to join the school of shifters," Ava said, her voice full of excitement. I wasn't expecting this. Her shock remained only for a few seconds.

"I'm doing this for mom," I said. Donovan promised me that my mother would be fine like before. Their medical system was the best one in the world. He had assured me of my mother's health.

"Will they like to be our friends?" Ava asked.

"I don't know." I whispered, "We need to convince mom." That seemed the hardest job.

"I can do that," Ava said. Her excitement didn't stumble for a second. Shifter's world seemed dangerous to me.

I nodded and got on my feet, "Good night, Ava. Go to your room." I said.

"That's all. Ain't we going to discuss more." She asked, pouting her thin natural pink lips.

I shook my head and gestured at the door of her room, "Good night," Her tone was still excited to find a new world to escape into. She pushed herself up and walked toward mother's room. I didn't stop her.

I hope I'm not making any mistakes. The change will be for good.

I pushed myself up and spun to the door of my room. But I stopped when I spotted my mother standing in the doorway of her room. She wasn't looking sick.

"Mom, it's too late," I told her in a slow voice. I smiled at her.

She did not return the smile, "Ava told me." Sighing, she darted her eyes around, "We will return home soon after you both completed your study." Mom said.

'I don't know. What Ava has told her. Mom looked convinced. I'm grateful. I wasn't capable of persuading her after knowing so much from Donovan and Mr Morris. I'm not going to sleep for sure.'

"Of course, mom." I walked toward her and engulfed her, wrapping my arms around her. I needed it. I didn't expect anything in exchange.

The air left my lips when her arms came around me, "Are you okay, princess?" She asked in a sweet, slow voice.

I smiled. I didn't know. Why did she call us princess, "Yes, mom? It was a long day at work." I muttered.

She kissed my head. She looked at me with her soft amber eyes. Her smile was reaching her eyes. I was seeing it after many years, "You should rest, sweetie." She tucked my hair away from my face, brushing her palm.

"Yeah! Good night, mom." I kissed her cheek.

She giggled like a little girl. She looked like our elder sister, instead of our mother. I always wondered. How would she have been managing her beauty during her illness?

"Sweet dreams, sweetie." She shoved me toward my door and walked into her room.

When I closed the door of my room. I had a genuine smile on my face.

I can stay with shifters, for sake of my family. I can hope for things to change for good. Particularly for mom and Ava. Life isn't perfect. But we can steal some good moments and never forget to smile.'

I heaved a sigh of relief, rubbing at the back of my neck to loosen the muscles there. It was a busy day and a secret unfurling. I wasn't putting my family in any trouble.

A soft knock came, jarred me from my thoughts, "Emma," I heard the sweet and slow whisper of Ava.

I opened the door immediately and pushed it enough for her to come in, "What's it?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

She looked at me biting her lips. She mostly does so when she feels nervous, "Are you really going to stay in a small town, while I'm going to study in Oxford." She asked, her eyes were glistening with tears.

"Yes, I wanna see you happy, a doctor and mom, you don't need to worry about her." I told her, "Thanks for persuading mom." I hugged her.

I felt her tears as they soaked my T-shirt, "I will miss you."

I chuckled, "We're going to meet every weekend." I told her. I don't know that exactly.

Pulling back, she wiped her eyes and smirked, "Great. Are you sure? You'll be fine?"

I chuckled, "I'm worried about you,"

"I'll be fine. There will be a doctor. So, mom will be fine, too." She smiled.

I smiled and tugged her to the single bed on the one side of the room, "You can stay with me, tonight."

"I wasn't planning to go back to my room." Ava rolled her eyes.

I shook my head smiling, "Go to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow." I pushed her toward the bed.

She climbed up and slipped under the blanket. It wasn't cold, but the weather was changing. I climbed next to her. She missed sleeping with mother hugging her like her favourite doll, but she was scared of her sometimes.

She embraced me as I rested my back.

'I'll miss them. '

Despite the worries, I pushed myself out of the bed. Ava wasn't sleeping next to me. To study in Oxford was her dream. She must be packing. She was sad that I wasn't coming with them.

I took a quick shower and headed out of the room. My feet froze when I saw Mr Morris sitting in the living room and drinking tea.

My mother was sitting on the second single couch, sipping her tea. She always cooked breakfast for us.

"Hello, Mr Morris." I greeted him with a smile.

"Child! The tea is very good. Join us," He lifted the cup and took a long sip, enjoying it.

I sat on the couch but didn't forward my hand to serve myself a cup of tea. I forgot. He was coming to give a ride to my family as he was heading to London too.

Ava walked into the living room. She was carrying her backpack. Her eyes met mine, "We're ready to go," I felt sadness. I was doing this for her bright future. After a couple of years, we would be together. Mom would be fine. Ava would be a doctor. Everything would be perfect. I could hope for this.

I couldn't imagine the goodbye time so soon. Mom and Mr Morris got on their feet. They slid the cups on the wooden table.

"I'll be waiting outside," He said.

I didn't notice but they had already packed their luggage. Ava crushed me into a tight hug. My eyes brimmed with tears. I wasn't going to cry.

I curled her in a engulf, "Take care of mom and yourself. Don't forget me," I chuckled.

She pulled back looking offended, "I won't." Her voice cracked. Tears were running down her cheeks.

I swiped my thumb over them, "You can come with me and help me with my job. Your dream... can wait, " I trailed off, mocking.

"No," She hugged me again, "I'll miss you."

"Me too," My throat began to tighten.

Ava pulled back, wiping her cheeks. Mom took me in a tight hug, "Study hard, princess. Message me every day if you can't call. When I want you to come for weekends. You will." She demanded.

I hugged her and smiled at her commanding nature. I would miss it, "Ok, mom." I pulled back and sighed deeply, "Mr Morris will be waiting for you." I said.

They nodded and headed to the door. I paced behind them. Mr Morris held the door open for my mom and sister.

They gave me a quick hug and got in.

"Donovan will be here in the evening. Good luck, child." Mr Morris said.

I nodded, "Thank you, Mr Morris,"

He smiled and climbed into the passenger seat.

I don't need to say or ask him to take care of my sister and mother. They'll be fine.

I waved my hand at the car as the driver pulled away. Ava peeped out of the window. I could see her watery eyes.

Closing my eyes, I took a second to breathe deeply, I couldn't sit calmly. I had to pack things. Mr Wolfe might be here at any time.

I returned to the living room. I slid my phone over the wooden table, put the cups back in the tray and grabbed them. I carried them to the kitchen and placed them in the sink. I washed them immediately. I couldn't afford a caretaker.

I sighed again. I wasn't doubting my decision but it was feeling f***** hard.

I packed my luggage. It was only one suitcase. I didn't waste money on clothes and other luxurious items.

I had received a message from Donovan that he must be reaching at any time.

I was waiting for him for five minutes. I understood I was taking care of his grandchild but shifters, it unsettled me. Was I really going to meet one? Or Mr Donovan Wolfe was testing me for taking care of his grandchild, Sisily.

I growled inwardly. I was excited if it was true and scared too, In case, they'd harm me.

If a seven years older girl can survive to stay with shifters. Why can't I? If I couldn't see myself fit in that world. I'm taking my ass back home.'

"Miss Emma," I startled, jumping on my feet.

Mr Wolfe peered at me, his forehead creased, "I don't mean to scare you," He said in an apologetic tone.

"No. I didn't notice you. I was just..." I trailed off, I didn't want to share my thoughts.

He nodded his head, "Are you ready to go?" He asked.

I nodded as there was no option but to accept it. I had already decided. So, no use in wasting time backing up.