CHAPTER FIVE

The Terrifying Truth

***

I growled at Paul as he tackled me to the ground yet again, followed by a smug array of celebrations in his head. 

 I haven't been to school in a week, but today would be the day I returned. Instead of work, I was training. Training with Jared, Paul, and Sam everyday for hours at a time. I have gotten better, but still not as good as the others. We have a clearing in the middle of the woods, far away from civilization, where we could train in peace. Sometimes complications arise with hikers, like when a teenage girl from Forks saw Sam running across the clearing and almost fainted. 

You guys are teaming up on me. I thought dejectedly, as I lunged at Paul and Jared crashed into me from the side. 

 That is one hundred percent true. Paul's rows of razor-sharp teeth curled into a creepy smile. The sun was just rising, casting an orange glow over the field. Sam, in his human form, called out for me to keep focus on my side, not my front, which was easier said then done. 

 I lunged at Jared's throat, managing to dodge Paul as he barreled toward me, who ended up tackling Jared and sending them rolling away in a wolf snowball. I burst into laughter, which, in wolf form, was a delighted howl. Who's the loser now, losers? 

 Paul growled as an array of curse words came from Jared's mind. Sam was trying his best to keep his laughter in check, although a few chuckles slipped past his lips. "Good job, Tony! And Paul... good tackle." 

 The silver wolf growled and launched himself through the air, tackling me to the ground. We began scuffling around, he had his teeth snapping at my throat, and I managed to flip around so we did a full roll, snarling and biting wildly. Jared, deciding he didn't want to miss the fun, jumped over on top of Paul, sending his flying to the side, and swiped at me with his claws. I tried to roll away, but Jared had me pinned firmly to the ground. 

 Mercy runt!

Never!

 I growled, lunging up and managing to clamp my jaws around his neck, shaking around like he was a chew toy, but not actually sinking my teeth into his flesh. 

 Aw! You little bitch!

 This is my thing! I heard Paul say... well, think, but before he could act on his internal obligations, Sam called for us to stop. 

 I un-clenched my jaw from Jared's neck, pushing him away with my head and standing up to face Sam. Respect is the main thing I feel toward our Alpha, he is fair, he is intimidating... and pretty cool. 

 Suck-up.

Shut up.

 "Good job, guys." Sam tried for a small smile, but it came off as a little bit pained. "You're gonna be late if you don't hurry. Emily has clothes on the porch."

Emily, if anything, was born to be a mom. So of course, she adopts the sixteen year old werewolves as her honorary children. She loves cooking, and I have a newfound appetite, so it feels like I could eat a truck every day. For this past week, I don't think I have worn a shirt for a whole day. At the beginning I tried, but with my new body-heat, it felt uncomfortable and sweltering. That isn't the reason I have been dreading school though. I haven't been speaking to any of my friends, or my sister. Dodging calls, only speaking to Alyssa the rare times I have been home. Even then it is only one or two words. It's guilt-racking, but necessary. 

 Don't worry, Tones, your little boyfriends won't be a problem. 

 Get outta my head, Paul. 

 "I'll see you all this afternoon." Sam's tone was signifying that this was the end of the conversation, so we all sprung forward, not wanting to be the last person to Emily's. Being part of this small pack is like being in a constant race. Sam usually wins, but I have learned that I am surprisingly fast for how inexperienced I am. Maybe it is because I am smaller, but I jetted past Paul, jumping over roots and brushing past the tree's. It is really the best feeling to run as a wolf. Exceptionally so when the pain of phasing fades, which is after three times... well, for me. You feel like you can do anything when you are the size of a bear and can run as fast as a horse. 

 Emily's house came into view after only a few minutes of running, her familiar stature was seated on the stairs. She stood up as I slowed down, Paul and Jared right behind me. Emily chuckled, running her fingers across the thick hair on my face. I leaned into her touch. Believe it or not, I actually do like being pet. 

 Puppy. 

 Rat.

 "Hi boys." Emily cut off Paul and I's internal argument, "how was training?" 

 I snorted in response, which amused the woman, as she giggled before holding out a plastic bag that I assumed was filled with clothing. I took in in my mouth, turning and giving Paul a look, earning a threatening step forward. I jumped, jogging over to the woods. 

 Once I was out of eyesight, I close my eyes, and did what I have done since the beginning to help me phase. Recite the periodic table of elements. Every time I do it, it takes less time for my human form to appear. I ruffled my hair, digging through the bag and tugging on a pair of underwear, and jeans that I assumed were once Paul's, because they hung low on my waist. I stuff the bag into a ball, and examined the shirt as I stepped back into the yard.   

 "Was this actually mine?" I asked Emily, holding up the shirt that seemed impossibly small. The woman grinned, coming over and tugging at it. 

 "It's stretchy fabric, you'll be fine." 

 I stared down at the bundle in my hand, before tugging it over my head. The sleeves were just long enough to cover the tattoo on my arm, but the fabric clung to every inch of my body. Stomach, chest, arms, it fit like a second skin. 

 "Maybe you'll be getting more attention than expected." Emily teased, an I flashed her a lopsided grin in response. 

 Great... more attention is just what I need. 

***

As soon as I stepped foot into school, I knew that is what I would get. 

 Whispers erupted around me as soon as I stepped into class, flanked by Paul and Jared. I knew what they were thinking. Hey! The scrawny kid all of a sudden has muscles and two scary friends? How do you spell drugs again? 

 "Don't sweat it." Jared whispered as I fidgeted in my seat. "You'll get used to the staring." 

 But it wasn't the staring I was worried about. This is the one class I share with Jacob. 

 And behold, there he was. 

 His familiar eyes raked across the room, until they finally landed on me. A flash of confusion shot across his face which was enough for me to turn around and ask Jared for a pencil I didn't need. 

 But no, as per usual, science was the worst. 

  Neither Paul nor Jared were in my class, so I had to face this one alone. Everyone in class stared at me as I walked in and slung my bag over my usual seat, crossing my arms and staring at my desk until Swain entered. 

 "Huh, it's so nice of you to join us, Mr. Carter." He smiled ruefully, and I squinted back at him. If I could stand up I bet this guy would be more polite to me. "Did you have a nice vacation?" 

 Some kids chuckled, but I just stared the rat-like man down, smirking slightly. "I wouldn't call it a vacation, sir." 

 He did a double-take at my new voice, but as quickly as the confusion appeared, it past, and his lips curled. "You seem to have gotten better." He emphasized the word better as he grabbed a textbook, rifling through the sheets in attempts to look important. I leaned back slightly in my chair. 

 "I feel much better." 

 The lesson began, and just like before, I crossed my arms and zoned out. It was going good, I didn't even feel the urge to look back at Quil, until a balled-up piece of paper landed on my lap. With only four words etched on the surface. 

 what happened to you?

 I crumbled up the ball and threw it in the garbage can. And as soon as class was over, I ran out with my new speed, dodging a student and retreating to Paul and Jared, who were waiting for me. 

 "Let's go." I mumbled, running away from Quil's watchful stare. Ignoring my friends was harder than I originally anticipated. 

 "I wish I could read your thoughts in class." Jared spoke up as we walked down the hall. Surprisingly, I didn't get shoved today. Maybe it was because the two scariest guys in school were with me... or maybe because I am one now. "Maybe then I wouldn't be failing Algebra." 

 "I could tutor you." I blurted out, before my face burned at how eager that sounded, "I mean, if you want, I'm good at math, and English, and Spanish, although I think I-" 

 "Dude, chill." Jared patted my shoulder, smirking at my awkwardness. "Good to know there is still an awkward dork under all that muscle." 

 "Are you flirting with me?" I teased, the natural joking tone of my voice returning, Jared flipped his imaginary hair. "Of course." 

 "This is too much for me." Paul muttered, making me chuckle at his small head-shake. "I hate being a third-wheel." 

 "You must experience it a lot." 

  I tripped over my own feet before Paul even had the chance to hit me, grabbing Jared's arm and almost taking him down with me. Paul howled with laughter at how I never grew into my feet. And there we were, like a weird boy band, walking down the hall, laughing like maniacs at my bright-red face. These guys are my brothers now, and I think it is crazy that I thought they were scary assholes a week ago. 

 "Tony?" 

 Oh no. 

 I glanced up, my eyes meeting Jacob's dark ones. He looked utterly confused, like he didn't understand who I was... I guess I could understand that. 

 "Come on, Tones." Jared tried, but I was rooted in my spot. Quil met my eyes and shook his head like he was disappointed. I knew that he was wondering where the shy, awkward, short nerdy boy was... I wanted to stand up and yell that I'm here, that I'm the Tony he grew up with, but my throat seemed to have constricted into twine.

 And then there was Embry. 

 I was expecting the same sad look that I got from my other two friends, but instead, I got something entirely different. My eyes met his, and I could practically feel my pupils dilate, wow did his eyes always look like that? 

 My heart lurched almost painfully in my chest, my eyes softened, and my knees gave out by the way I pitched to the side and slammed painfully into the lockers. I could feel the wolf inside of me push my at stomach, drawing me toward Embry. I gasped, I need to get to him, I need to-

 "What's happening to me?" I asked as my face burned red, and not in the way it did a few minutes ago, I couldn't stop staring into his eyes, like honey, like molten gold. I groped around wildly until I grabbed Jared's arm. I felt like I was going to phase, but that wasn't what scared me. I wanted Embry, I wanted to touch him, I-

 "Hey!" I was jerked from my haze as Paul grabbed my shoulders and slammed my back into the lockers in a way that should have been more painful. "You need to snap out of it, man." He hissed in a low voice, his breath touching my face. I turned my head, trying to get another glimpse at Embry. My heart was pounding so loud that I could hear it. Paul retracted his arm and pushed me back again. "Tony!" 

 "Don't touch me!" I hissed, suddenly growing very defensive, and shoving him back. I wanted nothing more than to get to Embry, my stomach was pushing me forward like I was on a fishing line. I felt a hand touch my arm, and I jerked it forward with so much force that Jared staggered. I was breathing heavily, my entire body feeling hot. I have never felt so mad before. 

  I think Paul and Jared saw that, as the former took the liberty to place his hands on my shoulders, pushing me back until my back hit the Emergency exit door, opening it and sending the fire alarm ringing through the air. 

 I think it was that sound that truly jerked me back to reality, as my head snapped forward, and I turned and sprinted out the door, into the warm air, leaving Paul and Jared behind to deal with the consequences.

 I had to get out of there, so I phased, and I ran until my stomach no longer pulled me toward Embry. 

 My best friend. 

 ***

 "Alyssa?" 

 My sister's head popped up from her pillow, looking almost as shocked as I felt to see me. Yes, I know, it's dumb, but I am scared, and confused, so I am going to the signal most down-to-Earth person I know. 

 Alyssa Carter. 

 "Tony?" 

 I winced at the way she said my name, like she didn't even know who I was. She sat up straighter, pulling her headphones from her ears, although not inviting me in. I cleared my throat, leaning against the door frame. "I, uh, I need some advice." 

 "You want advice? Put on a shirt." 

 I blushed, but otherwise ignored her as she patted the spot next to her, nervously sitting down. "It's about, uh... relationships?" 

Alyssa's ears perked up at the word, and she turned so she could face me, her own glasses that she barely wore perched on the edge of her nose. It made me think of mine, abandoned on the school parking lot. "Like, girls?" 

 I winced, "uh, no." 

 "Okay, so guys." She scooted forward, making my lips part at how nonchalantly she changed subjects. "W-What?" 

 "Please, Tony, I thought you were at least bisexual before, and now all you do is hang out around a bunch of shirtless guys." She shrugged, pulling her braid over her shoulder. "That's kinda gay." 

 I blanched, my ears turning red and my mind racking for something to say. "Huh?" 

 "Nothing." She slapped my knee, pulling back her hand, "Jesus, you're like a furnace. Whatever, so who is it?"  

 "I... can't tell you." 

 "Come on!" Alyssa whined as my mind play-backed all of today. "Is it Paul Lahote? Oh God is it Jacob?" 

 "No it's not Jacob!" I rolled my eyes at my sisters imagination. "I just... I'm a little freaked out." 

 "Tony, you don't need to be. My only concern is that you're gonna steal all of the cute guys from me." 

 I chuckled, however truly doubtful that would happen. Still, the thought of Embry's eyes was running through my mind. "But seriously." She shifted forward, her eyes seeming to bore holes into my soul. "Tony, I'm worried about you! You and all of your new boyfriends." 

 I cleared my throat, averting my eyes. "What do you mean?"

 "You've just changed so much!" She didn't move, but I felt like I was pacing. "Not just physically... when was the last time you hang out with Jake, Embry and Quil?" 

 My heart thumped at his name. "Lyssa, you don't understand-" 

 "That's where you're wrong." She did stand up, point an accusatory finger in my face. "This isn't you!" She paused, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "And to be honest, I don't know if I want to know the truth." 

 A/N: Hey guys! Wow, I really should be writing Forever and Always, but here I am! Thank you all for reading, and do you guys think that Alyssa should phase? 

 As always, lots of love!