Aunt Hala turned to me with a grin, "Wanna see something cool?" she asked. 

I nodded, "Sure." 

She stared at me for a second before her face scrunched up and her eyes turned silver. Her face morphed into a Jaguar—well sorta. Her face still seemed human but her nose was like a Jaguar and her skin turned a dull black with darker black spots. I quickly fell back in surprise but caught myself before I could fall off the rock. A cry escaped through my mouth and she giggled. Her teeth weren't straight anymore but all sharpened like a real Jaguar. She brought a morphed up hand up, pushing some curls away from her face. 

She closed her eyes and shook her head. Her face was back to normal with her eyes back to their normal brown color. She laughed slapping my knee with her human hand, "Oh relax, Thalia. The city Jaguars think it's pretty cool." 

I sat up as I reached out and touched her face, "How'd you do that! I didn't know we could do that." 

"Regular Jaguars can't do it, their not that special." she said. "But we're true Jaguars. I'll teach you how to do it. . .you know if you come with me." It was quiet for a moment and I lowered my head. I looked down at my arms that no longer had grayish spots on them. I had normal light brown skin again with peach fuzz hair. My nails were nice and long though, a good length. They were strong and healthy so at least they won't break. "Lets go for a fun." she said, getting off the big rock and I looked at her confused. "A run, duh. Let the wind blow through your hair and stretch your legs. You dad never does these things with you?" 

I shook my head, "No. Mom and him never go out running. Kavan did it once and awhile but we mostly stay inside the house. Dad hates going out to the woods, he says he feels himself losing control when he runs." 

She snorted, "Sounds like Aron. He always been the paranoid type." She held her hand out, "Come on,lets go. It'll feel amazing." I stared at her hand for a moment since I was a little afraid. I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it but put my hand in hers with a grin and she pulled me off the rock. We started running out of the park towards the woods and it did feel good. My hair was pushed behind me as I ran very quickly in the woods and I jumped over things. I laughed loudly and I heard Aunt Hala laughter since she was ten feet away. 

My vision went a little weird and everything started to seem so focused up. I was able to dodge allot of trees so I don't run into them. It was sort of scary but exciting at the same time. Aunt Hala jumped onto some trees, climbing on them, and jumped to each other one until she jumped off. She landed on all fours and ran over next to my side. 

She grabbed me and made us roll on the ground. We both laughed loudly and I landed on my back. I stared up at the sky, chuckling. I stretched my arms and legs out, feeling so good at the moment. So alive, so free. . . 

That's what I hadn't been expecting. I hadn't been expecting to feel so free and alive. It was such a scary thing, turning into a Jaguar and finding all new abilities. When you don't know how to control them yet anything can happen and I should be more careful like my dad always drilled into my brain but I don't care at the moment. I felt so good. 

I could feel my blood racing through my veins and my heart pounding with excitement. I stared up at the bluish-lavender winter sky through the branches of trees. I knew if someone was to come out here it would be strange to find a woman who was in a t-shirt and jeans and a girl in a robe but I didn't care at the moment. I was enjoying myself looking up at Heaven. Okay, so maybe it wasn't Heaven but I sure felt like it was. 

* 

I laughed as I walked into the Espina's house but then I remember everyone must be a asleep for it being so late. I turned to Aunt Hala, bring my finger up to my mouth, "Shhh." I said before we both giggled. "God I'm hungry." I whispered as I went over to the fridge. 

I opened it as Aunt Hala came behind me and I grabbed some lunch meat. We started eating allot of it and my mouth water as I saw some steak. I picked up the plate. Aunt Hala and I got excited as we digged our teeth into it and ate. I watched her ripe off a chunk of red meat and it with happiness. 

"Aunt Hala," I started and she looked at me. "Do you. . .do you eat humans? I mean, I know it happens to allot of us but do you willingly eat them?" 

She stared at me for a moment before she opened her mouth to speak but the kitchen light was turned on. We looked at the entrance of the house to see my dad, mom, Peter, Gesikah, and Ander. 

"Oh course she does." my dad said, stepping inside looking annoyed at us. 

She scoffed, "You taught me better than that, Aron. I know I went through a rebellious stage but that isn't me anymore. The risk is to great." She looked at me, "Thalia, I have before when I was younger but I haven't anymore. I went back to a strict diet when I was in my late twenties." 

"How rude of you guys to come in so loud." Peter said, leaning against the wall. 

Aunt Hala rolled her eyes, "It's called making an entrance." she said, making me giggle a little. "I'm sorry we woke you guys up. It's only three o'clock, what are you doing in bed so early? You all should be outside running and enjoying the moonlight." 

My dad looked annoyed, "Not all of us stay awake all night and sleep all day Hala. We work hard, which you wouldn't know about." 

"Actually Aron, I do. You think you know me but you really don't." she said coldly. "It's been a long time, I have changed allot. I do work, make my own money, and have my own apartment. And guess what—I did it all without a man help. 

Ander snorted, "You're just some lonely mean woman in her thirties. No wonder you're not married." 

Aunt Hala breathed heavily out her nose and lunged at Ander but I grabbed her arm. I pulled her back and glared at Ander, "Shut up, Ander. Don't talk to my aunt like that."Ander looked at me and looked like he wanted to say something but walked out of the kitchen. I heard him go upstairs and he slammed his bedroom door shut. 

I looked at my back in the back and I saw her wrist wrapped up. I frowned as I stepped towards her, "Oh mom, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you, I just lost myself a little." I said, going over towards her and took her injured wrist. I hugged her, "I'm so sorry." 

She sighed heavily, using her good hand to pet down my hair, "I know, Thalia. It's okay." 

My dad sighed heavily, "Thalia, just go get a shower. Your hands and feet are all dirty." 

Aunt Hala chuckled, "When did you became such a clean freak, Aron?" she asked as I stepped back and I looked at myself. I was pretty dirty from running all day. She came up behind me, "Even this is evidence how much she enjoyed her day. I didn't nag at her to stay home but told her to come out and be herself. You probably tell her to always hide herself, no wonder she was so scared about today. You tell her to be proud of who she is but yet you kept her trapped up in the house and tell her to look pretty." 

My dad scoffed, looking at me and I lowered my head since I felt kind of bad now. He breathed heavily out his nose, "Look Hala, just go now. You came to do whatever you wanted to do but you can go now—" 

"No!" I said quickly, turning and grabbed Aunt Hala hand. "No, she staying here with me. She's the only one who'll teach me things—things about myself. Things you wouldn't be able to." I said coldly to him and his green eyes looked hurt. 

"Actually," Peter said, stepping towards us. "This is my house and I don't want her sleeping here. I have children here in the house." 

Aunt Hala laughed, "Scared I'll poison their minds? Oh! Or I might attack them while I sleep? Oh come on, Peter. I would never hurt cubs." she said, rolling her eyes and sounded offended. She turned and went over to the small table in the kitchen, "You should really treat me like I'm the queen of fucking England. Lots considered it an honor to have a full blood Jaguar in their home." she said, sitting down casually on the chair. 

Peter looked annoyed, "Get out. Now!" he yelled at her. She quickly got up from the chair, her eyes burning silver. "I don't want you back in this house, understand?" 

"No!" I said, walking over to her. "She's right, you should let her stay. She's a Silver Jaguar, you should respect her." 

"Thalia!" my dad said coldly. "Get over here now!" 

"Respect her?" Peter questioned. "She's a trouble maker! I won't have them in my house and I want her to leave. She should respect me in my own home!" 

I opened my mouth to speak but Aunt Hala spoke, "Thalia, wait." she said, her voice softening and I looked at her surprised. "He's right, this is his home and I should respect him. I was taught to give respect to others even if some people don't think I did." she said, her eyes turning to the corner to my dad before she looked at me. I opened my mouth to speak but she shook her head, "No Thalia, it's okay. Trust me, it's not the first time I slept out in the woods. I'll be fine." 

"I'll come with you then—" 

"No, you sleep here." she said, shaking her head. She cupped my face in her hands, "You stay here with your family and think about what I said." She put her hands down and turned to look at Peter, "I'm sorry for waking your home up and coming off rude. Goodbye." she said before leaving. 

I watched her walk out the house from the kitchen door and I frowned since now I was left alone here. My dad came up behind me, putting his hand on my shoulder, "Staying here the best thing, Thalia." he said. 

I stepped away from him and went over to the basement door. I closed the door behind me and I went downstairs. I went over to the cell and laid down on the floor of blankets. I breathed out heavily annoyed and my eyes tickled as they shifted to silver. 

* 

When I woke up, I heard noises upstairs of everyone talking for breakfast. I laid there on the ground for awhile until I only heard Rosa, Gesikah, and my mom voice upstairs in the dining room. I forced myself up and I noticed how much I needed a shower. I went upstairs to go get a shower and when I walked into the dining room I saw books of wedding dresses and other planning stuff out. 

"Whoa Thalia, I wish I could walk around the house covered in that much dirt." Rosa said amused. "Mom freaked out on me last year because I came inside after it rained and covered in mud." 

"I'm," I said, looking down at the books of wedding stuff confused. "I'm gonna go get a shower." 

I quickly ran upstairs to the bathroom and got into the shower. I pressed my back against the wall and brought my hand up to my head. No, they actually can't be thinking of still going on with the wedding right? No, of course not. Not after yesterday when I learnt they been all lying to me! No, it must have been for my mom and dad vow renewal. I kept telling myself that as I scrubbed the dirt all over me off and washed my hair. 

I grabbed a towel and wrapped myself in it. I towel dried my hair and let it hang down passed my shoulders close to my belly button. I opened the door and peeked my head out to see if anyone was in the hallway. I stood up and grabbed the dirty robe from the floor. I stepped out of the bathroom and came face forward to Ander chest. 

"Shit!" I cursed since I hate that! I looked up at him coldly, "You all need to stop being so quiet! My ears still aren't that good yet. Kavan use to do that all the time! Sneaking up on people to scare the crap out of them." Ander stared down at me for a moment and my eyebrow arched up confused. "Ander?" I said, snapping my fingers up to his face. I pushed his shoulder, "Ander, hey. Wake up." He put his hands on my waist and pushed me against the wall, "Wha—hey!" I yelled, pushing at his chest. His blank eyes turned a reddish-yellow color before he lowered down to kiss me and I pushed him away, "Ander! Stop it." I said before I pushed him away and slapped him across the face real roughly. 

His faced jerked to the left, "Whoa!" he yelled, bring his hand up to his face. He lifted his head up, his eyes back to their normal brown color. "Holy shit—Thalia I'm so sorry!" he said, coming near me but I quickly stepped away as I glared at him. 

I held my towel closer to me, "What happened to you?" 

He shrugged, "I don't know! I was coming to get a shower and I just started losing control." he said. He stared at me for a moment, "It's because now that you're a full Jaguar—guys are gonna want you. You're fresh meat, that's why you need to be married." he said coldly. He walked into the bathroom, "Ask any Jaguar girl, they know the struggle." he said before slamming the door shut. 

I brought my nails up to my mouth and chewed on them nervously before running over towards Rosa room. I locked the door behind me, hitting myself. I should have remember that since it was true. After a girl become a Jaguar, it's more dangerous to be around other male Jaguars. It's why allot of them get married because if they have husbands the other male Jaguars back off. I got dressed quickly in jeans and big black hoodie. 

My stomach was growling since the shower and I stepped out of the room. I heard the shower going off so I quickly went downstairs. I went into the dining room where the three girls still were. I went into the kitchen and made some food up for me. When I was done, I went into the dining room and sat at the table. 

Gesikah smiled as she grabbed a book and opened it, "So glad you finally came in here. What do you think about this dress?" she asked, showing me a picture of a pretty simple lace wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves. 

"It's pretty." I said, biting into my eggs. It was pretty enough for my mom to wear, she'll look gorgeous in it. 

"That's good you think that." she said. She brought a pen up to her mouth as she grabbed a notebook, "So you're mother and I was thinking of some wedding themes. Maybe like vintage wedding theme or southern or country. Or there this one called a tea party kind of theme but I was thinking maybe save that for another occasion like a baby shower. Hmm, this flower theme seems real nice." she said as I just stared at her. "Or this really good pastel theme so if you can't choose a second color this colorful one would be nice since it'll be in may. What do you think?" 

"I. . ." I started but couldn't finish. "I think my mom should choose." 

"Oh no, you are. We just came up with some ideas. What kind of wedding do you wanna have?" she asked, making me drop my fork. She looked a little surprised but continued, "I like the pastel theme, maybe with the vintage theme also in there. It'll be so pretty." 

"My wedding?" I questioned. 

She nodded, "Yes. And we only have three months to plan it, so we should be quick to start planning. Don't worry, I'm good at these things. It'll be the best wedding ever of this year." 

"It's still. . ." I started again but couldn't finish because I couldn't believe this. They were still planning a wedding! How could they still think I want to marry Ander after yesterday? Sure it was crazy before I knew he knew about what I was but what if I wasn't a silver Jaguar? Would he still want to be with me even I was a normal Jaguar girl? Would he still think want to marry me even though I was normal and average? Probably not. He wants someone who he can tell the other Jaguars he married to a Silver Jaguar. He doesn't really like me, he just wants something. To him, it'll be like winning the gold medal. 

They looked at me confused, "What, Thalia?" my mom asked. 

My blood went cold and rushed through my veins. Around my eyes tickled a little as they turned silver. No! I won't let them do this—I refuse it. I quickly got up from the table, "No." I said, shaking my head quickly. "No! No!" I said coldly as I slid the ring Ander gave me off and slammed on it on the table. "No wedding, no planning! I don't want to!" I said before running out of the dining room and the house. 

* 

I ran dozens of blocks until I ran through the unused plantation field of Rian family home. I ran over towards the house and went up the stairs. I knocked on Rian door quickly with impatiens. I looked into the window that showed my reflection and I noticed my eyes were dark again. I went back to the door, knocking on it, "Yeah, hold on!" I heard Rian on the other side and a moment later the door opened.Rian looked down at me with surprise, "Thalia, what's wrong? What are you doin—" 

I pushed my way past him inside the house, "I couldn't stay home! My mom and Ander mom—they're just so ugh!" I said 

"Hey, calm down." he said, walking near me before he looked down at my bare feet. "Did you run here with no shoes?" 

I groaned, "Rian, not the point. I wish they'll just leave me all alone." I said. I wrapped my hand around his neck staring up at him and he looked confused. "I don't know why I came here. I just needed. . .I. . .I—I made a mistake." I said stepping away from him. I laughed humorlessly as I turned away, "I don't know why I came here. It was stupid of me, of course you don't care." I spoke more to myself since now I felt so dumb.Of course you don't understand,I wanted to say also. 

Rian grabbed my arm and made me face him, "Thalia, what's wrong?" he asked. He took my hands confused, "What happened to your hands? Those grayish spots are gone." 

I pulled my hands away, "Makeup. Look, I should go. It was dumb of me to come here." 

"No, no." he said, shaking his head. "You're here already, you should just say. My siblings went out to church with my mom and my dad at his office in the city." He ran his hands up and down my arms, tugging at the hoodie a little, "I'm just surprise you come to see me of all people. Makes me feel special." he said grinning and I couldn't help but grin back a little. "You been avoiding me all week." he said, walking around me and went into the living room. He sat down on a recliner chair, "What's going on, Thalia?" 

I stood in front of him, "I can't tell you but just no it's fine now. I was mostly worried about something but it seems not to be as bad as I thought it was." 

He looked up at me confused for a moment, "Are you talking about me?" he asked, making me roll my eyes. He chuckled, "What? I know I'm a pain and my mom nuts. I thought she scared you off." 

I shook my head, "No, it's not that. It was. . .family things. My birthday was Friday and I thought it'll be the worst thing ever but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." I mean, the transformation was terrible but after it wasn't so bad. Then Aunt Hala came and she didn't nag me about anything. It was good until I came home and everything else happened. 

He quickly got up, "You're birthday? How come you didn't tell me your birthday was Friday?" 

I shrugged, "Just didn't come up in a conversation." 

"Well did you celebrate it? Have a cake and party?" he asked. 

I shook my head, "No but it's okay. Wasn't much in a celebrating mood." 

"Don't be crazy, of course you wanna celebrate it." he said, walking around me and I followed him into the kitchen. "My mom weirdly into baking and even more weirdly good at it. She always has ingredients around to make a cake." 

My eyebrows furrowed together, "Rian, what are you doing?' 

"Who has a birthday without cake?" he asked. He turned, opening a cabinet and went inside. He started grabbing things and went over to a counter. "I watched my mom when I was little make cakes, it doesn't look to hard." 

* 

I was at the dining room table when I heard the door open. I started to turn around, "Oh no! Close your eyes." he said. I chuckled, closing my eyes and turned back around in the seat. He came over and he set the cake down in front of me. "Okay, open." he said. 

I opened my eyes to see a round cake with chocolate frosting on it. There was colorful sprinkles everywhere and a bunch of candles. I chuckled, "Not to bad,Rian." I said as he sat down next to me. "I thought the house would catch on fire but you seem to surprise me allot. But please spare me the whole happy birthday singing." 

He grinned and pulled the round cake near me more, "Make a wish and blow out your candles before the wax gets on the cake." 

I sighed heavily as I closed my eyes and made a wish,Help me make the right decision to where my heart should go.I thought before I opened my eyes and blew the candles out. Rian clapped and I giggled a little. He leaned over and quickly kissed me on the lips. I froze up for a second surprised but I kissed him back. I brought my hands up around his neck and made myself forgot all the troubles of my life.