"…So in the ocean of life we pass and speak one another, Only a look and a voice; then darkness and silence again."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Oceans of Life
Adonica's POV
The rest of the classes passed quickly, but I was nervous when the lunch bell rang.
"Adon-y-ca!" I grinned fondly as my brother made his way over to me through the crowds of teens.
We shook hands as we grinned toothily at each other, "How's your day been so far?" I asked as sat down at a random table. He shrugged, "Meh…been good, I guess. I'm gonna go sit with some guys I met in class, so spill. How's your day been?"
"Good, but look at what my first period teacher gave me." I murmured, handing him the pink card Mr. Hunter gave me.
"Washington Dance Studio." He read aloud, his eyes widening as he glanced at me, "You sure, Donnie?"
"No." I shook my head, slumping in my chair miserably. "But you were a great dancer, Adonica!" Jarrod protested, "And I don't think Aunt Fatimah would appreciate you throwing it away as if though it had never meant anything to you."
Before I could reply I heard someone call my name, I turned. It was Wade and Seth; they were in the lunch line, waving me over. I turned back to Jarrod; he shrugged, waving his hand dismissively, "I guess that's my cue."
I grinned as we shook hands, "See you later, alligator." He laughed, "After a while, crocodile."
I walked towards Seth and Wade, Seth's gaze making me feel…unsettled.
I observed him as I got closer. He was undeniably gorgeous, with straight black hair that slightly fell unto his forehead, dark amber eyes, and colossal, bulging muscles.
He looked up and grinned happily, "Hey." He greeted, filling his food tray. "Hello, Seth." I murmured, feeling breathless as I watched his muscled arms move.
"Was that your brother?" Wade asked from in front of Seth. "Yeah, that was Jarrod." I nodded. "Aren't you going to get lunch?" Seth asked, frowning.
"Nah, I ate at home." That was partially true. I ate the entire bag mum had packed for me on my way to school.
"You're not hungry?" He insisted. I laughed, his worried frown reminding me of my mother, he blinked as if dazed. "It's ok, Seth, I ate at home." I repeated, shaking my head.
"Where are the others?" I asked, glancing around. Wade and Seth shared a glance; "Brady and Colin weren't feeling good so Quil took 'em home." Wade explained.
They were lying. I knew they were. But I didn't pry.
I shrugged as they guided me to their table. I received strange looks from everyone as I took a seat next to Seth.
"Why are they staring at me as if though I were willingly walking into a wolf den?" I asked them, hating the stares.
I hate it when people look at me that way. As if though I were a freak.
Wade and Seth shared a look before bursting out laughing. Loudly.
I blushed as we received stares from nearly the entire cafeteria.
Wade wiped a tear from his eye as their laughter subsided, "You're funny." He laughed. I shrugged.
"Here." Seth handed me a red apple. "Oh. Thank you, Seth." I was surprised but delighted, smiling gratefully at him as I took the apple from his hand. Our fingers touched.
Eleven years of concealing fear and shock was the only thing that kept me from gasping and jumping away. It was as if though some shock of electricity had gone between us.
I pulled away, ducking my head as I blushed, thanking him again before biting into the apple.
"So tell us about yourself." Wade said conversationally, neatly slicing his fried chicken, sending Seth a strange look.
Seth glared in response, clenching his fist. "What would you like to know?" I asked.
"Why did you move from Spain?" Wade asked immediately. I stiffened, "That's personal, Wade." I said coldly.
Seth threw Wade another glare before turning to me, asking, "What do you like to do? What are your hobbies?"
I smiled at his question, "I like to draw, I used to sing so I guess I still kinda like it," I winced.
I was once an excellent singer; I was going to take opera lessons. But then I encountered one of them.
He was a violent man, shaking angrily and in fear, screaming for me to get away.
I was only twelve at that time. Only twelve. I was on the floor in the corner of my bedroom, hugging my knees to my chest, rocking myself as I shut my eyes and tried to pretend he wasn't there.
But I heard his footsteps as he neared me, crying and screaming, shaking his fists. I flinched, backing away as I whimpered. He yelled angrily, bringing his fist down upon me with such strength I passed out.
I woke up in a hospital the next day. My brother was the one that had found me and alerted my parents whom immediately took me to the hospital.
My jaw was fixed but it was wired shut for six months. If I sing now, I still sing well but my jaw is now forever stiff.
"You sound like a very artistic person." Wade nodded in approval. "Um…thanks, I guess," I frowned, "It was induced by my mother, she's truly artistic." I rolled my eyes.
"You dance too?" Seth asked. My eyes widened and watered up a bit as I turned to look at him.
"H-how-?" I took in a breath, "What makes you ask?" Seth looked confused, "You, uh, j-just seem like the type of person that likes to dance." He blurted.
I frowned. "I don't dance, Seth." I noticed Wade throw Seth an eye roll; Seth simply clenched his fists in response, shaking slightly.
I shook my head in confusion, "So what do you guys like to do?" I asked. Wade nodded for Seth to go first, "I like to be outside." Seth smiled. I cocked my head, gazing at him curiously, "Just out doors doing nothing?"
He shrugged good-naturedly, "As long as I'm outside, I'm good." I smiled slowly, "I liked your response, Seth." I murmured. His grin widened, as if he had just won the lottery.
"Yeah, yeah, score for Sethy," Wade rolled his eyes before sending Seth a joking wink, "I like to run. I used to be in track." He gloated proudly. "Nice. My father used to be in track in his high school days." I said without thinking.
I. Did. Not. Just. Say. That.
I wanted to slap my hands over my mouth, regretting bringing up my father but I nonchalantly glanced down towards my watch to avoid them asking questions.
"The bell's about to ring. I'm going to start off to class so I won't be late in case I get lost." I muttered, standing.
"I'll go with you!" Seth said, standing swiftly. "Okay." I nodded. "Be safe, you two!" Wade called loudly after us, sending a wink at us. Seth clenched his fists but his cheeks darkened, as did my mine.
He walked closely to me, I noticed some girls at a table send me envious looks. I ignored them but I felt myself get angry.
It's rude to stare.
"So how do you like LaPush?" Seth asked as if though my answer would be the ultimate truth. "I like it, I guess." I smiled slowly, "Very quiet compared to Spain." I added. He laughed. I decided I liked that sound.
"Do you miss your friends back in Spain?" he asked softly. I frowned, "I didn't have much friends back in Spain, Seth. I was more of a loner."
"Why?"
I clenched my teeth, "I prefer it that way. That's why." I snapped coldly. I felt guilt inch its way towards my heart when I saw his hurt expression.
I sighed, "Sorry." I muttered, "And I lied to you, Seth," I added quietly, "I did dance."
"Why don't you dance anymore?" He asked, his tone not curious but genuinely concerned. "Doesn't fit into my life anymore." I shrugged sadly.
The warning bell rung, we had made it to my classroom and were now standing outside the door.
"Hey, are you…um, a-are you busy on Friday?" he asked randomly, rubbing the back of his neck.
I was puzzled by his question. "I don't think I am." I shrugged again, frowning, "Why do you ask?"
He glanced down at me, stepping forward. I automatically stepped back cautiously. I hated it when people stood too close.
"I wanted t-to know if…If you wanted to go out with me." He murmured, his cheeks darkening. "Oh." I understood now, he was asking me out.
I had never been asked out before, really.
"Go out where?" I asked suspiciously, not wanting to end up going to see some sucky action movie. "Skating. Do you skate?" he asked curiously. "Yes, I skate, Seth." I nodded.
Skating. Another thing my father and Aunt Fatimah taught me.
He sighed contently.
"What is it?" I asked curiously. "You said my name." He breathed, his eyes dazed.
I frowned, "Yes. You say people's name when addressing them, Seth." He laughed, "Yeah, but it sounded so nice on your lips."
"Oh." I blushed, glancing towards my classroom door. "C-Can I have your number?" he asked quickly when he saw I began to open the door.
"Only if you give me yours." I replied cheekily. He beamed so happily I couldn't help but smile back.
When my brother and I got home, we decided to go for another walk in the forest.
"Who were those two guys you sat with at lunch?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant. "Seth Clearwater and Wade Rivers." I replied, holding my arms out to balance myself as I walked on a log.
"Seth Clearwater asked me out." I added. Jarrod stopped to turn and look at me in disbelief, "Donnie, are you serious?" "Why? What's wrong with them?" I frowned, leaping off the log to keep up in pace with him.
"My friend Danny was telling me about them. They have some sort of cult, they follow some guy around…Jack or Jacob, I forgot, but they're like on drugs too, and-"
That's when I cut him off, "Jarrod, c'mon. It was our first day; people will try to fill our heads with biased opinions. Besides, Wade and Seth were very nice, I don't think they were on drugs or steroids." I shrugged.
He glanced down at me warily, "Just one date, Donnie." He frowned. I rolled my eyes. "Donnie." He repeated, his stern voice making me look up at him.
"Be careful around them, Donnie, a lot of people I met kept saying the same about them." He paused to make sure I processed what he said, "Just one date, Donnie, then you stay away from him."
"Yes, master." I rolled my eyes, "Just one date and nothing more. 'Sides, I don't think I could ever care for him…or anyone else." I added the last part quietly to myself.
We both jumped when we heard an agonized howl somewhere nearby, "C'mon, let's get out of here." I said, grabbing his hand as we ran back home.
"After all, we're only human. Always fighting what we're feeling, hurting instead of healing. After all, we're only human: is there any other reason why we stay instead of leaving?"
-Jon McLaughlin, Human
Seth's POV
All I could see was red. I let out a howl. An angry and agonized howl.
How dare he tell her to stay away from me? My own imprint!
But it hurt most when I heard what she said.
"I don't think I could ever care for him…"
"Dude, what the fuck?" Paul asked, annoyed at my angry thoughts.
I showed him what I saw.
I followed Donnie after school, making sure she made it home safely.
I felt as if though I were in some sort of trance as I watched her balance herself carefully as she walked on a log like an innocent child, her cheeks blushing from the cold, her green eyes wide in concentration and shining in happiness.
"Her brother sounds like a little bitch!" Paul let out a growl.
Sam's old pack and Jacob's pack reunited, making Jacob our chief. So it meant all of our thoughts were now once again connected…Which was both a good and annoying thing.
"Who's a bitch?" Quil asked, sounding like an old woman eager for gossip.
"Seth's imprint's little brother is telling her to stay away from Seth." Paul scoffed, understanding how annoyed I was, having an imprint himself.
"Oh, wow." Quil said, "But she's going out with you on Friday, isn't she?" "Yeah, but after that no more." I snarled.
Both Paul and Quil were stunned. "What?" I growled, turning towards them. "Dude, I've never heard you snarl during a conversation." Paul gaped. Quil nodded his wolf head in agreement, "Or growl in anger."
"Well, thanks to her little brother," I frowned, "just how am I going to continue seeing her after that one date?"
"Simple." Paul shrugged, "Win her heart." I sighed, rolling my eyes, "Winning someone's heart takes time, Paul." "Bullshit!" He yawned hugely; shaking his fur clean of any twigs or leaves, "Winning a woman's heart is the easiest thing. She'll deny you, but she'll always come back for more of you."
"Since when did you become the love guru?" Quil demanded. "Don't be jealous, Quil. You can always watch Dr. Phil if I'm not around." Paul smirked.
I shook my head as Paul's comment began an argument between the two.
I continued to watch Donnie throughout the entire day. She was interesting and so beautiful.
She had a pretty big window; the curtain was practically transparent so I was able to see her perfectly.
She was sitting on her bed, leafing through a book before stiffening, staring blankly at the wall.
A cold gust of wind blew, and she shivered inside, flinching as she stiffly shut the book, standing and coming out of the house.
She walked into the forest, still in her thin cable knit sweater.
She continued walking deeper, hugging herself, her breath coming out in small gasps.
I made sure to keep up in pace with her, never letting her out of my sight.
"Why does she randomly freak out? Is she crazy or something?" Paul asked in a bored tone, running near the border.
"I don't know, and she isn't crazy." I growled.
She stopped walking, snapping her head towards my direction. Her eyes were filled with tears. "Wolf?" she asked quietly, her green eyes scanning the area.
I came closer to where she was, coming out slowly, not wanting to startle her.
"You have no idea how happy I am to see you." She choked out, opening her arms for a hug. I couldn't help but nuzzle my nose into her shoulder as she wrapped her arms around me.
She was shaking, soft sobs causing her shoulders to shake.
What happened? What happened, I'll fix it! I whined, hurt to see her so hurt. When she pulled away, her face broke into the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. I don't think I'd seen her fully smile.
"Hello, wolf." She grinned as she wiped her eyes, sitting Indian-style on the floor. She patted the ground next to her.
I stepped forward and lied down next to her slowly, "Keep me warm, will you?" she asked, shivering as she leaned her body into me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
She was still shaking; she sniffed, wiping her nose with the back of her hand.
I whined, nudging her elbow gently with my nose, wanting to know what was wrong. She smiled slowly, "I got a little scared, is all." She murmured, looking away as she lied.
"Bullshit." Paul stated, eavesdropping into our conversation. "Dude, go away. You're so rude for butting into their conversation." Jared scolded him. "Hypocrite!" Paul accused.
"This boy named Seth Clearwater asked me out." She murmured, leaning her head on my stomach. She shook her head, closing her eyes as she inhaled, "But I can't care for him. I can't allow myself to care for anyone but my family."
I felt my heart crack, I whimpered. She looked up at me, caressing my face, frowning, "I wonder why it's so much easier to talk to animals than to people." She shook her head again.
"I moved here with the hope to have a new beginning, a new life but I just find myself being constantly haunted by my past and my…problems." She whispered, nuzzling her head deeper into my fur.
She began to shake again, letting out a quiet sob. "I'm so tired of being afraid." She whispered.
It hurt me to see her like this, so broken and sad. It was my job to make her happy.
"I'm so tired of being hurt." She added, glancing down toward her stomach.
I nudged her shoulder gently, wanting her to show me.
She sighed quietly, lifting her shirt, exposing her smooth stomach.
I felt my eyes widen and my blood run cold.
"Whoever hurt her is going to pay."
There was a bruised cut on her waist. I couldn't help but growl. She looked up at me, putting her shirt down and leaning into me again. "Don't get angry, wolf. You couldn't help me even if you wanted to." She chuckled humorlessly.
"That most definitely doesn't look like an accident. She either cuts herself or her mother is abusive." Jared gasped in disgust at the sight of her cut. "I think I'm gonna be sick." Paul gagged.
I growled protectively. She glared up at me, swatting my shoulder, "Enough, wolf. It happened, I can't do anything about it except cure my wounds." She snapped, shaking as she rubbed her hands against my fur to keep herself warm.
I whined in apology. She smiled slowly, "How can you be so intelligent." She shook her head, grinning before sobering up and asking, "You wanna know why I don't want to allow myself to care for Seth?"
I nodded vigorously. She blinked, "You surprise me, Wolf." She murmured before answering, "Being a wolf, I don't think you'd understand, but everyone has secrets." She whispered.
"And sometimes, some of us have bad secrets. Secrets that we're scared to expose to the ones we love or care about, fearing that they'd run away if they knew. That they'd think differently of us if they knew that secret." She murmured, staring up at the darkening sky.
"Oh, the irony." Jared gasped as if watching a movie.
"Wow. Is she a mind-reader?" Quil asked in disbelief. "Don't be stupid, Quil- oh wait, you already are." Paul shook his head forlornly.
Quil growled.
"Guys, shut it!" I snapped, not wanting their growls to scare her.
She looked back down at me, "And I have a secret, wolf; a secret that I can't avoid if I want to be in a relationship with someone. And I like Seth. I don't know why, but I like him very much so quickly." She frowned, "And I think that one date could become something more. More than just one date. But I'm scared," she whispered, petting my fur absent-mindedly.
"I think it'd hurt to see him run away from me." She frowned again, her green eyes wide and vulnerable.
I whimpered and nuzzled my nose into her shoulder. She hugged me, "You have no idea how happy I am to see you." She repeated, "You're like…some sort of therapist. The best I've had." She giggled.
I snorted, rolling my eyes.
"That's probably the only compliment she's given you other than saying 'you're warm'." Paul laughed, his laugh coming out a loud howl.
"Shut it, Paul, this is probably the only entertainment you're getting." Jared shot back.
Donnie snapped her head towards the sound before turning back to me, "I should've known you ran with a pack." She smiled softly.
She stood, dusting the leaves off her pants, "Well, I better be going now. Don't want my mum to worry." She rolled her eyes, "See you when I do, Wolf." She waved as she walked away.
I sighed, admiring her backside.
"Quit it, Seth, you're such a pervert." Quil sighed. "I heard it's typical for the youngest ones to be the most hormonal ones." Paul sighed dejectedly.
"Don't act like you don't do that to your imprints." I growled. That shut them up.
