Chapter 4- Arabella
Once we reached the clearing of the cabin, mom plopped down on the ground and looked at me sternly. She motioned me to sit down and I reluctantly sat down in front of her.
This place always felt like home. It calmed me down every time I was agitated but today, seeing mom like this, it was riling me up and making me nervous.
“Spill.” She ordered.
I don't have a choice now, do I?
“I was sitting under the tree and Zeno walked up to me.” I mumbled. She didn’t say anything just looked at me with a blank face. Well she looked scary. “Mom can we not talk about this please.”
I made a last effort to save those idiots’ asses. She just replied me with a glare so I continued.
"At first I didn't pay much attention to them like every time but he said some things about mom and dad and the next thing I know I was seeing and hearing the memories of that day.”
I chewed on my bottom lip to stop myself from crying.
"What do you mean by every time? How long has this been going on?” Her voice came out sharp. Oh no. She is furious.
"Since I started living with you.”
“WHAT? AND YOU DIDN'T BOTHER TELLING US?" Mom bellowed.
“Mom calm down please. It wasn't this bad before. Just some snide comments and stuff here and there. I never paid much attention to them in school anyways. It just got to me today. I think they never liked me moving in with you guys.” I said looking at my fingers.
"What were your brothers doing when you were going through all this? I am going to ground their asses for eternity. And why the hell didn't you beat the living day lights out of them? I think I taught you well till now.” Mom snapped.
I sighed. I think uncle Ryder is really rubbing off on her. I didn’t know she can be this violent. “Mom, it's not Ben and Ethan's fault. Fabian and Francis usually keep them busy and Zeno comes to mock me. About not beating them up, mom that's ridiculous. How can you tell me to beat them up? I mean come on. You are my mother. You are not supposed to say things like that.” I replied amused.
She smirked at me. Situations like these made me understand how wonderful of a friend she is to me despite being my mother and mentor.
“Well I almost beat someone on my first day at school here.”
“What? Why?”
I was shocked.
“They were bulling Aaron.” She said through gritted teeth.
I nodded.
“Is that why you asked to change school?”
“Yeah. But I guess I can tolerate them for one more year.”
I signed in exhaustion.
“I will get you transferred to Greycoast high. You can at least enjoy your last year of school.”
I looked at her to find her smiling softly at me. I grinned at her and jumped on her to hug her. “Don’t go beating their asses’ mom and don't tell the others about it either. Especially the boys. I can imagine them going on a hunting party with dad in the lead.”
I shuddered at the image. They would probably beat them black and blue.
“Fine.” Mom grumbled. “I will have to tell Steven though. I'll make sure he won't harm anyone. I seriously want to hurt them for hurting my baby.”
She was actually pouting. I laughed at her antics. She is sometimes like a child in a grown up’s body but she doesn't even look a day over nineteen.
"Who do you want to beat up princess?” Uncle Ryder’s voice came from the tree line and then his massive form emerged in front of us.
Oh no! If mom is childish and possessive, uncle is on an entirely different level. I hope Uncle won't rile mom up.
Uncle Ryder sat down beside mom and she leaned on him. Their bond is truly envious. Uncle Ryder will do anything to keep mom safe. He even gets upset when mom doesn’t need his help. I wouldn't dare to voice it in front of him but it's really cute how he gets territorial over mom and demands to be groomed like a pup.
Yup! He still asks for that. I never saw mom do that though. I am frankly not sure how she will manage to lick Uncle Ryder. The image made me shudder in disgust. It will take her forever to do that. Females doesn't have wolves after all.
"Zeno, Francis and Fabian.” Mom grumbled.
"What did they do? Did they hurt you?” Uncle growled.
“Nahh. They bully Aria and she had a panic attack today.” Mom explained nonchalantly.
"WHAT?"
Here we go again. If mom is dramatic, Uncle Ryder is off the chart. I sighed at his outburst as he cursed the entire past generations of the three boys to the deepest pits of hell. I was tempted to tell him that it is not their ancestors fault but I know he won't listen so I shut my mouth and listened to him berate them. At least he didn't shoot up and run to murder them.
“I am changing her school for the last year.” Mom told him ignoring his rant.
"You do that. I don't want them near Aria. I knew those boys weren't ready to lead a pack. Especially Zeno." He grumbled and mom hummed in reply.
My eyes widened in surprise. So they are deliberately keeping them from shifting. Hmm. Makes sense. I feel the same way. They truly are not ready yet.