TESSA’S POV
After two weeks of break, I was excited to go back to school. The exams for all levels were completed, and the university switched to intramurals as a reward for the students who worked hard to pass the midterms.
I would say that a lot of things have changed since the coronation of the new Alpha and Beta. Atlas and Cohen could only be seen very seldom at the university, for they had to deal with pack affairs and were still being guided by the former leaders.
They weren’t able to visit me at our house as frequently as before, but I understood that their positions came with responsibilities. All the more, I was happy for them.
Though I must admit that I began to miss Atlas…
I still could not find the courage to tell Cohen that I had feelings for Atlas. Whenever I felt like telling him, my chest would be filled with jitters. My mind had a lot of things to say, yet when he smiled at me, those words I prepared would not come out of my mouth.
I wish it was easy to turn down people…
I’ve had experience of a lot of people turning me down before, especially when I was still in White Bridge City. Now that I had to do it myself to someone, I couldn’t do so.
Still, I needed to gather my courage and tell the truth to Cohen, as I didn’t want him to hope that I’d be able to return what he felt for me…
“We’re going to join the annual werewolf camp that will be held three days from now,” announced the dean, who stood on the center part of the stage.
All the students were lined up in the campus field. We were all called to hear the dean’s announcement. While all my classmates were so happy to hear it from him, I began to feel confused. Forehead creasing, I turned to Julie and asked her about it.
“What’s the annual werewolf camp?” I asked.
Julie held my arm with a smile. “It’s one of the most exciting events every year apart from the mating season. The activity will allow us to meet werewolves our age from different packs. We can socialize with them, and the leaders will prepare exciting activities for all of us to enjoy.”
“Different packs? Wow,” I said in awe. Now, I couldn’t help but wonder how many packs there were in North America. “How many packs are usually attending the event?”
“A lot,” Julie answered, “say around twenty or even more. There are werewolves from other continents who are attending too, so it’s really hard to count. Anyway, it’s going to be exciting. I skipped last year’s camp, but I will definitely join this time. You should too!”
I offered her a small smile. “I think I will have to discuss it with my guardians first.”
“For sure, they all permit you. Alpha and Beta will be attending too.”
Atlas would also come?
My heart skipped a beat just thinking about him.
If he comes, then I would love to join too…
When I went home, I saw Aunt Alice preparing food for the dinner. I didn’t waste much time and excitedly rushed to her to ask her permission to allow me to join the annual werewolf camp, in high hopes that she’d let me since it would be my first time.
“No,” she said, shaking her head.
My shoulders sagged as she said that word without even thinking it twice. How is it so easy for her to prohibit me from doing so many things without thinking about how I would feel about it? I bit my lower lip, and looked at her sadly.
“My friends and classmates are attending. I would love to attend to it, Auntie,” I reasoned.
Aunt Alice put down the knife she was using to cut the meat, then turned to me.
“Don’t feel bad, Tessa. I assure you I’m deciding this way because I want to protect you.”
“Protect from what?” I frowned. “It’s a school activity too. There will be professors and warrior wolves who will attend. Nothing wrong will happen to me.”
“We can never tell, sweetheart.” Aunt Alice shook her head, seemingly determined to not let me attend. “You can stay here with us. We can go fishing and do fun activities too, just not that annual werewolf camp, okay?”
I let out a sigh, lowered my head, and went into my room instead.
***
The next day…
“My guardians didn’t permit me to attend the camp,” I told Mikhaela and Julie during our lunch in the cafeteria.
Both of them frowned, and all I did was give them a small smile.
“Perhaps they’ll let me in by next year,” I added, “but I have to understand that they’re just worried about me because so much has happened in the last few weeks.”
“Exactly,” Julie stated, “Which is why they have to allow you to attend the camp. It’s going to be fun. It will make you forget what you have encountered, right Mik?”
Mikhaela nodded. “Julie’s right. The camp only happens once a year. You have to come, Tessa.”
“I don’t really think I could make it,” I said and sighed in my seat.
“There’s only one way then…” Julie uttered and smirked.
Mikhaela and I looked at her, and she seemed to have a plan in mind. She raised both of her index fingers and gestured for us to come closer. We did lean on the table to hear what she’d say, and my eyes could only pop open when she whispered the plan she just thought of.
“I’m not sure if I can do that, Jul,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief.
She wished for me to escape to join the camp. My guardians were both vampires. I could hardly hide some private thoughts from them. I don’t think they would not know if I ever tried to escape just to attend the annual camp. Also, my Aunt Alice would be mad as hell at me…
“Your call, Tessa,” Mikhaela said, as if she agreed with what Julie had suggested.
“They will freak out,” I said.
“That’s why you will leave a note in your room before you go,” Julie stated as she leaned her back against the backrest of the chair. “Anyway, it’s all up to you, Tess. But if ever you change your mind, you can run to us at dawn and then the three of us will go to the camp as planned.”
“Come on, Tessa. It’s going to be the first time you’re going to attend such an event. You don’t want to miss it,” Mikhaela urged me.
“L-Let me think about it first…” I answered hesitantly, then sipped on my glass of water as I still tried to process Julie’s plan.
For the record, I didn’t know that Julie had this kind of behavior. I could only see a prim and proper she-wolf whenever I spoke with her, so for me to hear such a hilarious plan from her really shocked me.
In the evening, I laid down on my bed and snuggled with Blue.
I petted his stomach as I looked at the window, wondering if Atlas was also looking forward to the werewolf camp. Would he expect me to attend the event?
I haven’t seen him in days. The camp would have been a perfect time to meet him again, if only my guardians would have seen the value of my attending that event.
It made me ponder Julie’s suggestion… That was the last resort, but I was scared of Aunt Alice. She would definitely scold me once she found out that I disobeyed her.
Blue turned to me, settled his little head on my neck and began to fur. I chuckled a bit, shut my eyes and continued to caress his fur.
“It would have been perfect if he’d gone to visit me,” I whispered. “I want to see him badly…”
Those were the last words I was able to say before I fell asleep.
In the middle of the night, I saw myself running in the dark woods. My entire physique looked awful, with all the sweat and blood stains on my body. My heart pounded so aggressively as I ran as fast as I could for my life, crying…
Something unknown was chasing me. While the rain poured heavily and the coldness of the night engulfed my skin, my loud cries could be heard echoing in the forest. I screamed for help, but no one came to my rescue.
“Atlas! Atlas!” I shouted.
Running, I checked over my shoulder to see if the creature that was chasing me was still there. My heart rate picked up as I saw its pair of crimson eyes, flaring in wrath in the depths of darkness.
“No, please. Stay away from me!”
I ran… and ran until my lungs started to become breathless.
My feet tripped on the big root of an oak tree, and I whimpered because of the pain.
Crying, I forced myself to stand up, but just when I was about to do so, a great force pushed me down to the ground, pinning me until my face collided with the puddle.
Screaming, I said, “Please, let me go!”
Then I heard the laugh of the creature who came after me. It was demonic, and I was so horrified that I thought my heart would stop beating.
“I’m not going to stop, Tessa,” the creature said. Its voice sent shivers down my spine. “I’m not going to stop punishing you unless you let go of the Alpha. Stay away from Atlas Edevane!”
My eyes popped open as I made a loud, long gasp.
I sat upright and immediately held my neck, catching my breath and coughing at the same time.
A nightmare… that was a nightmare…
My eyes looked around and saw the opened window. Its curtain moved gracefully as the cold breeze of air blew over it. Swallowing hard, I ran my fingers through my hair and palmed my face.
Would there be a meaning to why I had such a terrifying nightmare?
Or was it an outcome of my overthinking because of the upcoming camp?
Blue jumped on the bed and then settled on my lap. Somehow, the cat’s presence made me calm a bit, but the fragments of that unwanted nightmare remained in my mind, seemingly wanting to haunt me.
***
Camp day arrived…
There were school buses lined up in front of the main gate of Edevane University. Students were going to depart after lunch, and here I was, gawking at those buses as I envisioned how the camp would turn out.
I honestly haven’t decided whether I would go for Julie’s plan or just accept that I’d not be able to attend the camp this year. I was afraid that my guardians would be mad at me, and at the same time, I was afraid that I’d be missing out a lot if I didn’t attend the camp.
With my shoulders sagging, I huffed in frustration and just continued in the classroom. According to some professors, those students who would not participate had to attend the classes as normal. There were professors who would not attend the camp, and so that was somehow a relief to me.
I went inside the room only to be welcomed by silence.
There were no students there except me. Perhaps because all of my classmates had decided to attend the camp, and no one was like me, who had strict vampire guardians.
Gripping on the strap of my bag, all I did was let out a huge sigh.
Am I really going to be alone for a couple of days?
My chest was so heavy as I approached my desk and sat down, gazing at the empty blackboard. Seconds later, I sighed once again and started to check on my phone.
There I noticed that I had received three text messages from Mikhaela.
Mikhaela:
Have you decided whether you would attend or not?
My brother and Atlas are both coming to join the camp. Elders will congratulate them!
You better just go with Julie’s plan. I can help since there’s still time. Come on, Tess!
I inhaled heavily and bit my lower lip.
Atlas would be there…
I’d see him if I attended the camp, and there may be a chance for me to speak with him again there.
After minutes of contemplating, I finally came up with the decision. I knew my Aunt Alice would definitely get mad at me for doing this, but I really wanted to attend that event.
I wanted to see Atlas…
Without any second thoughts, I texted Mikhaela, telling her that I’d go with Julie’s suggested plan. She called my phone right away and even had a three-way call with Julie. A plan was then perfectly plotted in less than an hour.
I would go home as expected. Mikhaela would then come into the picture after thirty minutes and would pretend that Mrs. Brookes needed help because she got herself into an accident. Knowing Aunt Alice, who cared so much for the Brookes, I knew she would rush to their home immediately. While she was away, Julie would come and help me pack my things, and then we would escape the house. The bus would have departed already before my aunt even realized that I was missing.
“Do you really think this plan will work?” I asked worriedly.
“It should work. That’s why you have to act perfectly, Tessa.” Julie giggled on the phone.
“Yeah, or else our plan will become a disaster and all of us three won’t be able to attend,” Mikhaela added. “So, keep us updated, Tessa. We’re going to prepare our things. Leave the university at exactly eleven o’clock.”
“Fine, I’ll keep you both updated then,” I said, biting my fingernails.
The entire morning classes were practically just a waste of time as no professor showed up. All of them were busy with the camp. At exactly eleven, I went out of the university as planned.
I walked home for only half an hour.
Before I went inside, I immediately sent Mikhaela a text, saying to proceed with the plan since I was already home. After that, I acted normally and entered the house.
Aunt Alice greeted me with a smile.
“How’s school?” she asked after hugging me.
“Everyone’s busy because they will depart for the annual werewolf camp,” I answered.
Aunt Alice’s expression turned soft. She then cupped my cheek as she huffed.
“I know you’d want to attend the camp, but I hope you understand why it has to be no this time,” she said and offered me a small smile.
“Of course, Auntie.” I looked around trying to find Uncle Harry. “Where’s Uncle?”
“Oh, he went to the hospital to assist the pack doctors.”
I nodded in response. “Okay. Uh, I’m hungry…”
“I know.” She chuckled. “I can hear your stomach growling. Let’s go into the dining, I roasted a turkey for you!”
Both of us had lunch afterward.
I was almost done with my food when we heard loud knocks from the main door.
Aunt Alice stood up to get it, and was surprised to see Mikhaela panting so hard.
“M-Mom needs your help, Alice,” she said, and was on the verge of crying.
“What happened, Mikhaela?”
“My mom suddenly passed out when we were packing my things for camp. There’s no one I can run to to ask for some help. Most of the pack members are busy with the camp.” She then cried. “P-Please help my mom!”
Aunt Alice went into an instant panic. Even I was shocked to hear it all from Mikhaela. I didn’t know if it was part of the plan or not, as she was already crying!
My aunt turned to me, and all I did was stare at them confusedly.
“Tessa, stay right there. I’ll be back shortly.”
“Got it, Aunt Alice.” I then walked to them and tapped Mikhaela’s shoulder. “Don’t cry. Your mom will be okay…”
“I-I can’t…” She sobbed.
Seconds passed and they were gone.
I was about to close the door when Julie appeared on the porch, grinning widely at me.
My heart rate picked up. She literally looked like someone who had just teleported!
“Julie!” I warned her as I clutched my chest.
“Five minutes,” she said, “we have five minutes to get this plan working.”
I nodded in determination. We quickly went into my bedroom. While I grabbed the luggage bag that I’d use for camp, Julie took some clothes from my cabinet. Her hands were so fast that it made me give her a wide-eyed look.
“You can sort ’em out once we arrive at the camp!”
“O-Okay!” I agreed as she had a point.
I took everything I needed, and then left a note on the side table next to my bed.
Aunt Alice, I’m sorry if we lied to you. I want to attend the camp. I promise to be safe. Please, don’t go after me. xx Tessa.
Julie then grabbed my luggage bag and held me in my arm.
“There’s no more time. We need to hurry,” she said.
My eyes widened when she dragged me onto the balcony and jumped from one tree to another. She was so powerful to the extent that she carried me all the way back to the university without a sweat. I’ve never seen such a powerful she-wolf like her, and I was honestly in awe as I looked at her.
“We arrived!” Julie exclaimed and put me down in front of the bus entrance. “Let’s get inside and wait for Mikhaela.”
In just a few minutes, Mikhaela finally arrived. She was panting, and her expression made me think that Aunt Alice had figured out the plan.
She sat down next to us and then turned to me. “She’s still at home. My mom’s talking to her.”
“What?”
“My mom is an accomplice to this…” She giggled. “She acted so well. Your Aunt bit the trap.”
I didn’t know if I’d be happy to hear that or feel guilty. Inhaling sharply, I looked down and winced. I am really sorry, Aunt Alice…
“Cheer up, Tessa,” Julie said to me. “You left a note. They won’t be worried.”
“Yeah, and you’re with us. We’re going to protect you!” Mikhaela added.
A sigh of relief escaped my throat. I then glanced between them with a smile.
“Thank you, girls. I owe you a lot.”
It didn’t take long before all the buses started to depart from the school. I was totally excited, and I could not wait to see Atlas in the camp.
Hopefully, I’d get to speak with him too.