The Wolf

Ch. 33: Wolf Meets Druid

~Alex~

My body feels heavy and my eyes droop. Last night I couldn't sleep a wink. The thought of Druids and Vampires haunted my dreams. I even stayed up late trying to think of ways to prevent an all-out Supernatural war. 

The consequences of not sleeping hinder me as I walk through the halls. I just dropped Kayla off at her class and now I'm just trying to make it to the first period. Kayla was worried about me after seeing the dark circles under my eyes.

I stop walking for a second and close my eyes, feeling a bit dizzy. I take a deep breath through my nose and I notice the scent of jasmine and sea salt. This pleasant smell can only be one person. I open my eyes and spot Nico. He's looking around the halls. I wonder if he'll look over here... Our eyes connect, they clash together and I could almost see the electricity. I look away first.

By the time I look up again, Nico's standing a few feet away from me. His sharp blue eyes appraise me. They bore into me as though he knows everything I'm going to say and deciding what to say. He shifts under my gaze, glancing behind him nervously. I shift my gaze to look at a tall, lean boy with blue hair, leaning against some lockers a short distance away. The way he's glaring at me makes my skin crawl with irritation.

"H-Hey, Alex," Nico stutters. Nico looks as tired as I feel, with dark purple painting the underside of his eyes and sickly pale skin. His hands are hidden by sleeves that are too long. Now that I notice it, all of his clothes look too big and awkward on him. They also smell like mint and burnt honey, which smells nothing like him. I glance at the stranger, I can tell by his smell that they belong to him. A low growl builds up in my throat. Out of my peripherals, I can see Nico flinch and take a step backward. 

"Hey, what do you want?" The question comes out sounding more aggressive than I intended, but this set up has me feeling irritated.

"I have something really important to tell you," He says, his face solemn.

"About what?" I inquire. What could possibly be so important that Nico would overcome his pride to talk to me about?

He glances back again. "Can we talk somewhere more private?"

My eyes narrow in suspicion. Right when I'm about to answer, the bell resounds throughout the halls. "Maybe later," I mutter. I push past him, bumping his shoulder.

I disappear into the crowd, leaving Nico behind. Even after pushing me away he always comes back. Seeing his appearance and how serious he is, I wonder what he was going to say. I shake my head, it's not like I care either way. But I guess that explains why he wasn't at camp last night. Something pulls on my jacket sleeve, making me turn my head. I groan as Nico glares up at me.

"I said it was important!" He hisses.

I pull my arm out of his grasp. "So? What was it then? Spit it out."

"It's about the Druids." He whispers.

Unconsciously, I grab Nico by the shoulders and push him up against the lockers. My blood boils and I can tell that my eyes are glowing. "What about them?"

Nico's eyes glow blue in alarm, looking surprised at my sudden actions. "Why are you so worked up all of a sudden?"

"They're dangerous Nico! They're working with the vampires and they're plotting against us, we need to stop them." Nico looks honestly afraid of me right now-- as if the first thing he wants to do is run away with his tail between his legs.

The hallways are devoid of students as the late bell rings. No one to watch and no one to listen. Classes have started, but right now they're the last thing on my mind. Whatever Nico says next about the Druids could make or break my plans on what to do with them. What does he know about them and how? He wasn't at the meeting last night and I doubt that anyone told him about the two threats.

Before I can even open my mouth to speak, there is a hand on my shoulder. Glaring, I turn to see the blue-haired boy. He's scowling at me. For some reason, this kid didn't go to class like every other student. Just as I thought, he must be with Nico.

"Let go of him," He demands.

I let go of Nico and turn toward the stranger. Who does he think he is? What is he to Nico? I puff up my chest and glare at him. He doesn't back down and doesn't show the slightest sign of being intimidated.

"Who are you?" I spit.

"I'm-"

Nico cuts him off, "This is Luca, he's my friend." Nico stands beside Luca, grabbing his arm protectively.

The sight angers me for some reason, but I do my best to not let it show. Who does this guy think he is? He hasn't known Nico for nearly as long as I have and yet he's getting all cozy with him. I grab Nico by the wrist and pull him over to my side, whistle glaring at Luca.

"Whoa- Alex? What are you doing?" Nico stumbles over and rights himself. His face is scrunched in confusion.

"Who is this guy?" I demand, not taking my eyes off of him.

Luca grabs Nico's other wrist and tugs him over, but I refuse to let go. It's like a tug-of-Nico.

"I already told you, he's Luca-"

"No, what is he to you?" I ask.

Nico flushes, "He's ah, my friend, and he's a druid."

By his flaming cheeks, I can tell that he's not just a friend. But more importantly, he's a druid. I lunge at Luca. He's the enemy and I need to stop him. Luca raises his hands, ready to fight back.

"STOP IT!" Nico shouts. Blue waves of energy pulse out of him in waves, sending me and Luca flying back a couple feet. Nico heaves with exertion before his knees give out. He sits in a pile on the floor.

"What was that?" I ask, confused. Did Nico just use magic like a Druid would? How is that possible, he's a werewolf after all. You can't be both, can you?

"Nico, are you OK?" Luca picks himself off of the ground and rushes to Nico's side.

"Yeah, I'm just a little dizzy." Nico holds a hand to his head, closing his eyes. He opens them and glares at me. "Alex, I've found the Druids and we need your help."