Chapter 18

"Oh, he's just like this because he's the youngest and he hasn't developed his Talent yet."

Jim tries to wave it off, "He's probably jealous of you because you have everything he doesn't; the best Talent, looks, and position in the pack."

"But we don't need jealousy," Caleb laments, his voice rough and full of anguish, "We need loyalty."

"Now, now Caleb," James smiles, patting him on the back slightly.

"We're a family. It is good for families to have little disagreements every once and a while. It helps us grow closer."

Caleb looks at them both, his eyes fierce. I gaze at him, drinking in his startling blue hair and enticing eyes, his lips as he forms his next words. It is all—his face, his body, his every movement—perfect.

There must be something wrong with me.

"I wouldn't exactly call this a little disagreement," he murmurs, then whirls to face me.

My heart begins to beat faster, and I suddenly find it hard to breathe. How can one look affect me this way?

"I'm going to take her to the orphanage," he suddenly spurts, taking my arm and dragging me along with him.

I can feel his harshness, so different from the gentle touches I am used to. His movements are stiff and brisk, each step robotic.

Even his grip on my arm is strange, so tight that it almost cuts off my circulation.

We pass through the old fashioned corridors into the beautiful lobby. I gaze at the spectacular artwork, yet being careful not to look above.

For if I do, I might burst into tears. Caleb doesn't seem to notice my sudden insecurity, his expression unchanging.

He pulls me to the bridge, forcing me to cross it with him. I think of earlier, when Caleb was smiling and laughing with me as we first reached this place.

It seems so distant now, like the whisper of a memory that is on the brink of fading away. We walk for a little while, his grasp tightening.

It feels like it is going to explode; my hand, my whole body, and my heart. I am scared of this stranger, this man full of uncertainty and worry. The care free version of Caleb, the guy that is so naive, is the one I... just might be falling for.

Suddenly a flashing pain enters me, his grip suddenly bone breaking in strength.

"Let go of me!" I scream, my voice filled with pain and anguish. Crumpling to the ground, I cradle my hand with the other, letting the life flow back into it.

Caleb turns, startled, and I just stare.

He runs to me, bending down so his handsome face is at eye level.

"Did I hurt you?" he asks, his face flushed.

I gaze at him, tears brimming at the corner of my eyes. Slowly I let them fall, running down my face in rivers.

"I'm so sorry..." he murmurs, sweeping me into a hug, his touch now like before.

After a minute, he pulls away, and I notice that his face mirrors my own, tears staining his cheeks also. Strangely, I laugh. I can finally see him.

This is the man I know.

"You are better now!" I smile through my tears, "I don't mind the hurt, as long as you are okay."

What am I saying? I must be going crazy.

Caleb looks at the floor, his unnaturally long eyelashes fluttering against his cheek.

"I'm so sorry, Berenice," he apologizes, a hint of sadness in his tone.

"It is just that I'm worried about how this is all going to turn out. I want you to be safe more than anything."

He finally lifts his head at these words, his face contorted in a scowl, "and George cares nothing for your safety. He is a heartless werewolf, Berenice, more than anyone else."

"Then why did you take him in?"

"Because he is a Beast Talent," Caleb shakes his head, "and because he is my twin brother. I can't turn away family."

I reel back from his words. They are very identical, but their personalities are so different that it is somehow difficult to believe.

I suppress a heavy yawn, and Caleb chuckles quietly.

"Let's get you home."

Picking me up in his tender embrace, he begins to zoom through the forest, everything a blur. I let my eyes close, feeling more comfort than I have in a long time.

Why does Caleb always do this to me?

After a short while, we reach the ugly orphanage—a collage of graffiti, brick, scattered paint, and rough landscaping—and halt.

I scan it quietly, taking in the two stories of misery, the windows that are commanded to be shut always, the old door that barely swings on its hinge.

"Thank you Caleb" I smile, though suddenly feeling fear. Ms. Pearl is going to kill me for being out so late.

My walk becomes a soldier's, knowing that each step leads me to certain death, or sometimes torture.

Caleb vanishes, making me feel more alone than ever. I never thought I would miss his desire to follow me absolutely everywhere, but now, a pit of nervousness builds in my stomach.

What is Ms. Pearl going to do to me?

With shaking fingers, I slide the door open, only to fall prey to the vicious beast.

There Ms. Pearl stands, her face contorted in anger, her hair frazzled and messy.

"Where have you been?!" she roars, grabbing me in the arm so tightly that I wince.

My head shakes as she drags me over to the kitchen. With long, switch-like fingertips, she slashes me, slapping my skin with all her might.

Pain erupts, vivid, dastardly hurt that spreads throughout my entire body like wildfire. She smirks as the blood starts to appear, staining my tomato red cheek.

"People shouldn't have to worry about you," she snarls.

"You are too useless and ugly for them to waste their time over."

I bend my head, hoping to avoid another terrible slap, my tears racing to join the blood.

"I'm sorry," I apologize, my words almost a cry.

"Well, sorry is not enough," she snaps, "You will have to clean the entire orphanage tomorrow after school, instead of just your room. And that includes their rooms, the lunchroom, and the bathrooms."

I flinch at the word bathroom; they are so dirty that the orphanage usually has to bring in a professional cleaning team to get it done.

"Please, Ms. Pearl," I beg, my voice anguished, "I won't have any time for homework if I clean the entire orphanage! That is a task for maybe two to four days!"

She smiles in return.

"Berenice, if you don't get it done by tomorrow at ten o' clock, then I won't give you any breakfast or dinner for the next week."

I gasp, my breath caught in my throat. Turning towards the stairs, I run up them to my dorm, rushing to the room I like to call mine.

Throwing myself onto the bed, I let them all loose, my tears now like a rushing river, my cheek throbbing with unbearable pain.

"You are going to get the sheets wet if you continue like that," a melodic voice whispers, startling me in my silence.

"Would you like to let me in?"

I glance up at the window, spying the werewolf I thought had ditched me a while ago.

He is sitting on the tree branch closest to my window, beckoning for me to open it. I crawl on the dull mattress to the wall, where the window is located, and flip the lock.

With a little pain from the hand Caleb had hurt, I forced it open, wondering how Caleb can fit into such a tiny space.

Suddenly, a creamy white mass flings itself through the window, landing on the same bed I am in.

He peers at me with his emerald eyes, the wolf part of Caleb, and morphs into the handsome man that is coupled with the beautiful beast.