In my panicked mind all I can think is he’s dead. How can General Phelan be dead? I can’t help but think it is because of me. If people weren’t looking for me then he’d be alive. Maybe if I stare out of this stupid window long enough the answer will magically appear. With General Phelan dead it leaves the Pack without a true Alpha, but I’m not ready. How can I be Alpha when I can’t even shift yet? How can I be Alpha when I close my eyes and I hear Pru crying as her father took his last breath? I’m not strong like them, I’m just a kid.
I turn around at the sound of my friend Bryon snoring (I let out a sigh of relief) as he is sprawled out on my futon. The latest victim of the wrath of my sister, she kicked him out of her room when she came to town for the holiday weekend. Allie hates the idea of Bryon living with us and finds it offensive that he was sleeping in her room. She pulled one of her tantrums, screaming insults as his stuff went flying into the hallway.
I heard a light knocking on my door before it quietly opened. “Abel, I know you’re almost grown, but you need to go to sleep. You promised you’d help dad get the deck done tomorrow.” Mom said. “I know you’re thinking about Mr. Phelan Abe, he’s at peace now. I’m so sorry you kids have had to deal with such grown up stuff lately.”
“I know. For the love of everything sacred! I’ve heard about the deck since Father’s day. I’m okay, really I am. Sweet dreams, I love you,” I say as I pull my blinds down to obscure the view outside. She has no idea what grown up stuff is, I thought to myself.
“Do you know if your sister has made it home? Her bedroom door is locked so I’m not sure.” She asks as she wipes some sleepy stuff out of her eyes.
“I don’t think so, I haven’t seen her.” I scramble around trying to find the words to keep her from worrying. “She’s fine, don’t worry, you know how she is.” I bump my leg on the footboard of my bed as I walked over to hug her good night.
“I know. I just can’t help but worry about her. She was in some kind of mood today huh?” She leaned in further taking note of Bryon crashed out. “He sure is loud, no wonder you can’t sleep. I love you, at least try to get some sleep.” She kissed me on my cheek and I listen as she goes down the stairs.