The Wolf

Ch. 13: Leaving

Uncle Joe approaches quick and fast. My feet step back unconsciously. When I see he's coming for me, I run out of the living room and down the hallway for the front door. I barely make it around the bend of the corner when Uncle Joe swipes my legs from under me. I slam into the hardwood floors. All in the air in my lungs runs away, and I'm left breathless.

Joe grabs my hair in a fist. "Where the fuck were you?!" He screams.

My heart just about stops. "I-I was at my friend's house." I stutter out.

His brown eyes are like burnt coffee. He glares at me with those dark orbs full of hatred. My breathing has practically stopped as he puts his face close to mine. His features contort into a snarl that makes him look more a monster than I am. Who is the monster and who is the man?

"Who the hell said you could stay at a friend's house, you little shit!?" A vein is popping out of his forehead as he yells. Spittle flies from his lips and makes me flinch in disgust.

"I-I-I'm s-s-sorry." My eyes clench shut when I see his fist pull back.

When the blow doesn't come, I open my eyes cautiously. They widen in surprise when I see Alex holding Uncle Joe's fist back. Joe is sputtering with rage and glaring daggers at Alex. If looks could kill...

"Let. Him. Go." Alex demands.

Uncle Joe throws me down to the ground and stands up. "Who the hell are you?" He demands.

"I'm Nico's friend, Alex." He says calmly.

I'm disappointed that I couldn't stand up to my own attacker, but had to be saved. Right now all I can do is tremble on the floor. I back up from Uncle Joe before he can try something again.

Footsteps on the stairs can only be one person, Kyle. Kyle looks upon the scene dumbfounded. "What's going on here?" He questions.

"I'm teaching this bitch a lesson, but this asshole got in my way." Joe spits.

Kyle's eyes show how lost he is; he doesn't know what to do. "D-Dad, please stop treating Nico like this. He doesn't deserve it." Kyle looks scared, and his voice is soft; Uncle Joe has that effect.

Joe swings his gaze upon his son. "What in the hell are you talking about, boy?"

Kyle takes a step back. "This little faggot tried to feel you up, remember? You think that it's okay to let something like that go? Not only that, but he's a monster. A good-for-nothing." Joe snarls.

His aura is absolutely terrifying. He started beating me in seventh grade, and I could never find my courage to fight back; I was only twelve at the time.

"Listen, old man," Alex says, "You're going to sign this paper, and I'm going to take Nico away. If you don't I'm calling the cops, and he'll come with me either way. It's up to you." Alex pulls a folded piece of paper from his pocket.

Uncle Joe sneers, "Yeah, and why the hell should I give him to you?"

Alex's eyes flash golden. "Because he's one of us."

Joe seems taken aback, a bit afraid even, but he quickly recovers. "So you're one of those monsters as well, huh? Figures that the kid can't make a single normal friend."

"Just sign the paper, and we'll take his stuff and leave." Alex tries his diplomatic voice.

Aunt Tanya stands in the door frame of the living room, looking on at the unfolding scene. She sashays from her spot and walks over to Alex. "Give me the papers." She demands, holding out her hand.