Young Writers Society

Niki

I watch, his mom looking at his dad, "Why do I have to do it? I just got killed. Give me a break."

Elijah

Dad sighs and is about to respond when a car pulls up in the driveway.

Niki

I cuddle up to Elijah again, jumping on his back for a piggy back ride, and sigh. Bethany is sitting by a tree against Austin, playing flowers as they talk softly, and Emma is sitting on a branch above them with Jag in the same tree. River is on the stairs of the porch, Sol on his lap, and I bury my face in Elijah's neck, wondering who's in the car.

Elijah

The car door opens and someone similar looking to Dad steps out. Dad swears and rushes to the car with Mom right behind him, speaking in hushed voices.

Niki

I glance up, arms wrapped around Elijah's neck, and rest my chin on his shoulder.

Elijah

I look back at Niki and kiss her cheek before focusing on the car. Dad seems to shake his head before leading the man and a woman carrying a baby towards us slowly.

Niki

Emma looks up and I automatically know that their humans. I kiss Elijah's cheek back and stay on his back, biting my lip.

Elijah

I study them before looking at Dad as he introduces them, "This is your Uncle Nic and Aunt Jackie."

Niki

I study them as well before burying my face back in his neck.

Elijah

I look down at the baby, "They're humans. Why aren't they like us?"

Niki

I sigh, kissing his neck, and wait for them to answer. Emma's eyes turn red and I sense it, hoping that Jag is holding her back.

Elijah

I glance back at the tree to find Jag holding Emma close and still. Looking at the family, I wait for Dad to answer.

"I was human until your mother changed me, too, Eli," he says. "It was my choice. They had theirs."

Niki

"Uh..." the girl with the brown hair, holding the baby, speaks, "Are they brother and sister? Did you have more kids?"

Elijah

Dad shakes his head, "No. They're... mates, I guess. All the pups found their mates already."

Niki

I glance up at them, not trusting them, and keep my arms around Elijah before growling lowly.