by Lou Grimes
The wish to draw a Lupine transforming grew each time she stared at the blank canvas. She wasn’t certain of the rules on that sort of open display of existence, but her art could just as well be put on as her imagination, creating what she and society thought werewolves were.
She had intended to ask Arsen on multiple occasions, but again he had been stolen away before she could. Placing the pencil on the paper, she decided to go for it. She would do a rough sketch so Arsen got the full effect of exactly what she was wishing to achieve. If he said the piece was too blatant, then she’d keep it for herself to finish later. She had no idea what she’d do if he said her entrance piece was too revealing.
The soft lines flowed across the page with little resistance. The subject fascinated her the most, so it would naturally result in some of her best work. She lost herself in that paper for several hours until the sound of the front door opening broke the spell she was under. Taking in her progress for the night, she was satisfied. Though now she was even more tired, so she got ready for bed.
Midway through the process, her mother knocked on her door, wearing black jeans and a white shirt sporting new stains from her job. A job she was now able to quit, except she still felt the need to contribute. They still lived on her mother’s wage for the most part so they wouldn’t burn through the Blackwood inheritance. However, Louvette wasn’t quite sure it was possible for people who were rational and made rational business decisions to burn through that much money.
“Come in,” Louvette called as she crawled into bed.
“Hey, Louvette. Did you have a wonderful day?” her mother asked.
“Yeah, but it was long. How about you?” Louvette questioned back.
“It was a day,” she said, walking into the room. She paused over Louvette’s table where her drawing was still lying. Her mother kind of cocked her head at the drawing for a second.
Louvette watched her as a falcon would a snake, waiting to eat up any reaction she had.
“You must have heard the local legend. I was so fascinated when I got here and first heard the local legends. Until I met Declan, of course,” her mother said. Louvette’s movements stilled, including her heart. Astonishment infiltrated her body from realizing her mother had heard the legend.
“Yeah, they did a lesson in school and I was thinking about the idea of submitting this to an art college I was interested in,” Louvette murmured. It was her mother’s turn to freeze. She peeked at Louvette.
“College? You’re thinking about college. Oh! I’m so proud of you,” her mother whispered. Her face was filled with pure joy and hopefulness. Louvette hadn’t meant to tell her mother yet because she’d react as if Louvette had already gotten in. In her mother’s eyes she had.
“Yeah, Cara begged me to apply to the same school as her and I think I might since we both want to major in art,” Louvette admitted, twisting her hand in her covers.
“I always knew I loved Cara since you first brought her over. Now, I know for sure. She’s a positive person to have in your life,” her mother said. She could barely contain her pride that Louvette was applying to colleges.
“Well, that works out perfectly. Me and her are going to have a girl’s night sometime after this weekend if that’s alright with you? It may have to be a school night since the holidays are coming up,” Louvette said.
“Of course, sweetheart. Do you think I’d stop the good influence from coming to the house? You’re crazy,” her mother answered. Louvette couldn’t help but giggle at her mom.
“I’m going to go to bed before you become the bad influence in the house,” Louvette said.
“Sounds great, honey. I love you. Goodnight,” her mother told her.
“Goodnight, Mom. I love you,” Louvette responded. Louvette could imagine the kind of squeal, happy dance, or smile her mother would do as she closed the door to Louvette’s room.
Louvette lay back. She checked her phone for the thousandth time, watching for something from Arsen, but found nothing. He had not gotten any time to message her. Her heart ached for things to go back to normal. For all the changes to stop.
She closed her eyes, then dreamed dreams she didn’t remember.
Chapter 3
Louvette attempted to straighten clothes that didn’t need straightening as she stood at the entrance of Arsen’s house for the second time. This time was different. She was finally getting to meet the woman who had not only given life to Arsen, but saved every piece of work he had done throughout his childhood, and raised him to be the young man he was today.
Her clothes had been carefully selected after hours of deliberation. She had on a deep maroon sweater dress, a black belt, and black tights. Today, she had broken out her black leather boots that stopped below her calves. It was a pair she normally didn’t wear when there was so much snow, but Louvette couldn’t resist. She simply avoided deep snow as best as she could in Montana.
Upon arriving, she parked behind several cars that had arrived before her. Then, she walked to the front door. Since no guests were around, she took a second for herself. The door she faced had a great wolf’s head carved into the wooden door, fittingly enough. Someone’s fingers had bled more than a few times to create the masterpiece looming before her. She prepared herself for this. Not only was she going to meet Arsen’s mom for the first time, but she was going to acquire permission from the Rivers’ to tell Cara about the Lupine world. At least, she hoped she’d get permission.
Louvette could hear music playing inside. The brisk cold air caused a cloud of a dragon fire to flood out as she sighed before she knocked.
The door creaked open resembling a haunted house. Louvette frowned. During her first visit, no ominous creak had sounded as she crossed the threshold.
A tall woman with wavy strawberry blonde hair who she had never seen before opened the door. The woman wore a navy belted dress that flared out and gave off a classic vibe.
Louvette took in the model standing before her. She recognized the woman as Arsen’s mother. This was her house so it would be the normal custom for her to answer the door. Second, the woman’s facial features were familiar. Lastly, she was the right age to be Arsen’s mom.
“You must be Louvette Blackwood. My son’s told me all about you. I’m Melanie Whitecreek,” the woman said warmly. She threw her arms around Louvette and squeezed her in a hug only the Whitecreeks could do.
“Nice to meet you,” Louvette stammered for a second. She certainly hadn’t thought it would be that simple to get Arsen’s mom to like her, but she did seem more like the type to bake cookies than to hate on her son’s girlfriend.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Louvette. From the way Arsen talks about you, you sound too good to be true,” Mrs. Whitecreek said.
“I’m far from perfect, Mrs. Whitecreek,” Louvette told her, recalling all the times she had been in trouble.
“A feat not many can accomplish in my son’s eyes, or my own,” Mrs. Whitecreek said.
Louvette caught sight of Arsen weaving through the crowd, and he left Louvette breathless as always. He had on blue jeans, a light brown half-zip sweater, and a brown leather jacket instead of his usual black. His boots were suede brown.
“Mom, I see you met Louvette before I could introduce her to you,” Arsen called.
“Maybe next time you’ll answer the door when I ask, but we both hope I won’t have to meet another,” Arsen’s mother chided him, then sent Louvette a wink. Louvette smiled back, being more sure of herself as the conversation went on.
“Sorry, Rivers wouldn’t stop talking, as usual,” Arsen defended himself. Louvette perked up at the mention. It seemed the Chatty Cathy syndrome ran deep in the Rivers genes, which was amusing to her because Cara had inherited her fair share of the constant love to talk.
“Uh huh, speaking of guests, I need to do some rounds. Louvette, it was great to finally meet you,” Mrs. Whitecreek said in a tone sounding almost regrettable. Louvette tried to keep her fac
e as neutral as possible.
“Where’s your ugly sweater?” Louvette teased Arsen after his mother left.
“I don’t do ugly sweaters. I barely do sweaters, but Mom wouldn’t lay off my black leather jacket earlier,” Arsen said, chagrined he had yielded to what his mother wanted.
“I bet she was happy when she saw the brown one,” Louvette teased.
“Not really,” Arsen answered.
“A shame she doesn’t like the leather jackets because they suit you,” Louvette professed.
“Everything looks excellent on me,” he teased back, placing a hand over his heart. Louvette shook her head.
“I didn’t know I was creating a monster. Next time, I won’t compliment you,” Louvette mocked.
“You can’t lie to me, Louvette Blackwood. Or to yourself,” Arsen added. Guilt rose up in her heart similar to a nasty monster, rising out of some swamp. She was lying to him still.
She kept meaning to come clean, but was unsure of the proper time to do so. Each time they had seen each other had been around other people and this was not something she wished other people to witness. Blindsiding him at a party or while his friends were around was not the way to go about it. If she didn’t tell him soon enough, he would find out on his own. He was too smart not to. Luckily her Gift was not something that could be seen.
“How did the Bozeman meeting go?” Louvette wondered.
“It went okay, though they were noticeably thrown off by the fact we changed locations. We pretty much had to convince them we weren’t planning an attack or war on anyone, though,” Arsen informed with a certain degree of reluctance.
“That’s awesome. I’m creating war fears from merely existing,” Louvette bit out. She was beginning to think being kept a secret was more trouble than it was worth.
“Everything is fine, Louvette. If it wasn’t, you’d be the first to know,” Arsen responded.
“Okay, I trust you,” Louvette said.
“Thank you. Now quit worrying and let’s enjoy at least part of this night,” Arsen instructed her.
Needing to blow off some steam, she did just as the so-called doctor had ordered. They did a few rounds, talking to some of the guests.
“Those are Cara’s parents,” Arsen told her, being as discreet as possible, nodding to a couple. Louvette followed his gaze, searching for similar features that had created Cara’s own. She hesitated, finding none.
“Are you sure that’s them?” Louvette asked. They looked nothing like Cara.
Cara’s mother was exotic. She had long black hair and dark brown eyes. Her skin was a light caramel. Her long and flowy dress was red and appeared to have cost more than the Grand Am her mother owned.
Mr. Rivers was an amber-eyed brunette. The sweater he had on was green, giving him an overall earthy vibe. His skin was a few shades lighter than his wife’s.
“Did you really ask me that? Who has lived here his entire life and who moved here a couple months ago?” Arsen asked, not expecting an answer. Arsen searched around as if that someone wasn’t him.
“Okay, I trust you! They’re just not what I expected,” Louvette said.
“Winter, don’t get your hopes up. Go into this expecting ‘no’ is a genuine possibility,” Arsen said, voicing his doubts again.
“I know; I even have a pros and cons list, too,” Louvette told Arsen.
“Okay, are you ready?” Arsen asked. Louvette took in the situation and decided that privacy was probably the best route.
“I’m as ready as I ever will be. They are talking to someone right now. I would like to talk to them alone or with only you,” Louvette declared.
“I’ll run interference for you,” Arsen said.
“Have I ever told you you’re the best?” Louvette asked him, sending him a sweet smile. He looped his arm through hers and they walked together towards the couple. She was comforted that Arsen would be at her side while she waged war against the Rivers’. A column of support in uncharted territory. Though, according to Arsen, the territory was already considered lost.
“Mr. Rivers, I’m ready to continue that conversation now that my date has arrived. This is my girlfriend, Louvette Blackwood, who would love to learn about pack politics.” Arsen introduced her to Cara’s father.
“Oh, I was just talking to Mr. Williams,” Mr. Rivers said, waving his hand in the general direction of the man he was talking to before they showed up.
“I believe Mr. Williams seems a bit parched and might like a refill before his buzz wears off,” Arsen said, clapping the man on the back. Mr. Williams peered at his glass as if just realizing the drink was empty.
“Not at all, Arsen, I would like another drink,” Mr. Williams said. Relief filled his tone at being released from whatever conversation Mr. Rivers had trapped him in. Louvette attempted to smother her smirked discreetly. He all but ran away.
“Ah, the Blackwood girl who’s a Lupine. I’m Ron Rivers. I went to school with Declan Blackwood. This is my wife, Cindy Rivers,” Mr. Rivers said.
“Declan was my father. Me and Cara go to school together,” Louvette added to get the ball rolling.
“I don’t think she’s mentioned you,” Mr. Rivers said bluntly. The comment pained Louvette, but she chose to chalk up his lack of knowledge to him not being there for Cara half the time. She highly doubted that there was a surplus of time to talk about high school friends in the Rivers house.
“Your daughter and I are actually quite close. But Arsen told me that you didn’t wish for her to know about the Lupine,” Louvette said.
“That’s right,” he declared. After he didn’t offer any reason or excuse, Louvette pressed further. Gaining permission was all about the correct amount of pressure.
“She’s my best friend in the whole world. Keeping this from her is killing me. May I have permission to tell her?” Louvette asked.
“No, I think not,” he said as outrage entered his eyes.
“I’ve got a whole list of pros and cons,” Louvette added.
“I don’t care about your pros and cons,” Mr. Rivers responded.
“Please just hear her out,” Arsen said.
“Is that an order, Arsen?” Mr. Rivers asked.
“No, Ron. It’s not.” Arsen sighed in an exasperated tone.
“Can you at least tell me why?” Louvette beseeched him to give her a valid reason for breaking her friend’s trust. No reason he gave her would be enough for that betrayal.
“Yes, because I don’t want her to know,” Mr. Rivers said, offering no further explanation.
“Mrs. Rivers, please. If you were in her place, wouldn’t you want to be told?” Louvette appealed to Cara’s mother, hoping to plant a tiny mustard seed in her mind about allowing her daughter in on the family secret.
Cindy’s dead eyes flicked toward her husband’s face for a millisecond. Louvette wasn’t sure she even saw the fraction of movement. She might have hoped so much that she had imagined it.
“We both agree that we aren’t going to tell her about the Lupine world and hope you will respect our wishes,” Cara’s mother said in a cold and uncaring tone. A statement that she had repeated many times in her lifetime, and it was obvious.
“This conversation is over,” Mr. Rivers said. He stalked off, hunting for a better topic to talk about. Mrs. Rivers trailed after him in a puppy-like manner.
That left Arsen and Louvette staring after them.
“Poor Cara. For a man that loves to talk so much, he chooses anyone but her to talk to,” Louvette said as she perceived that sad truth.
“Cheer up. You at least tried for her sake and that’s what matters,” Arsen said, gently placing his hand over her arm.
“You’re right. I’ll just have to do better next time,” Louvette agreed.
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?” Arsen asked.
“Not a chance. I owe it to her to tell her before she finds out on her own,” Louvette said.
“If I know you, you’ll chan
ge in front of her on accident,” Arsen said sassily and even made quote signals around the word ‘accident.’
“Thanks for the idea,” Louvette teased.
“Don’t do that. The Rivers might not let you two hang out anymore,” Arsen advised.
Louvette sniggered out loud at the thought of anyone telling Cara Rivers no. “I swear, I won’t do anything that’s not an accident,” she promised.
“Thank you,” Arsen said. “Come with me. I need to give you something, but it’s stashed in my room,” Arsen added.
Louvette wiggled her eyebrows in a mockingly suggestive way.
“No, I’m being genuine,” Arsen replied, chuckling. He extended his hand to her. The two of them walked up the stairs to Arsen’s room. After they were in, he turned toward her.
“Listen, I was going to wait until Christmas to give you this, but the guy I got to do your present finished it so quickly, this has been burning a hole in my pocket. I’m so terrified I’ll lose it before I can give it to you. This isn’t something I can have made again, either. It’s one of a kind because of what it’s made of,” Arsen said, capturing both her hands in his giant paws.
“Ah, what is it?” Louvette stammered, breaking out in a sweat. She wasn’t sure he understood what this situation was similar to. There was no doubt in her mind she cared deeply for Arsen, but she was not ready for wedding bells at this time.
“Close your eyes,” Arsen said.
“Okay,” Louvette whispered, not prepared to break both their hearts once she had to say no. She gulped awkwardly as if she had never done it before.
“Put your palms up,” he instructed her. She did what he requested and put her palms up.
A small object was placed in the center of her now sweaty palms. She cupped it to avoid losing it. The thing felt similar to a block of magicked wood. Though the size stayed the same, the weight increase was directly related to the importance of its true meaning.
