Chapter 7

Louis POV

My father excused himself from the table and went to lie down. Once the coast was clear, we all started discussing what had happened.

"Someone pinch me. Did my father actually say something nice to me? I must be dreaming." Nobody could believe my father complimented me.

My father must have a mental disorder and it was starting to freak me out. My mind was uneasy with my father behaving this way. I visited Beta Anthony to see what had happened with my father while I was at camp.

"Alpha went to therapy a few times, and the doctor prescribed some medicine. The medication is effective if it is taken at the same time every day. I don't know how long he's been on the medicine or how effective it is with his fits of rage. Just be careful, is all I ask Louis." Beta Anthony inform me.

"Ok, I understand. I'll try to keep an eye for his mood changes and get out of the way before Derrick takes control."

After talking to Beta Anthony, I had a better understanding of what was going on with my father.

As I prepared for my junior year of high school, I settled on changing my look for this upcoming school year. I went from having low self-esteem to loving myself more. Nothing was going to break me down again. Over the summer, my body developed. I went from 135 pounds to 185 pounds and from 5'5 to 6'2. My muscles were toned and defined. My wardrobe needed to be updated. Being 15 years old, I did not have a fashion sense whatsoever. Who could I ask to go shopping with me? I thought to myself.

"Libby, I need a favor from you." I looked away guiltily, knowing she was going to say yes either way.

"Can you go to the mall with me? I need new clothes, and I have no fashion style," Before I could finish my speech, she was squealing with excitement.

"Of course, I would go with you. I have been wanting to get rid of your five sizes too-big clothes forever," I laugh at Libby.

"Do you guys mind if I tag along?" We turned around to see my father standing behind us. We wanted to reject him, but instead, we bought him with us.

At the mall, my sister pulled me into every store you could think of, from Hollister to Coach. It was easy to find clothes that went well with my skin complexion. I have smooth chocolate skin and honey-brown eyes. I saw black, blue, white, and green to look exceptionally lovely on my body. It was a significant change from the emo look I had going on. These clothes had personality. My father took me inside a suit store. We got matching suits. It was a fun day.

We spent six hours shopping. I did not realize how exhausting shopping could be. How in the world did my sister spend the majority of her time here? After the mall, we went out to dinner. It felt good to spend some quality time with my father again. I was slowly letting my guard down because I knew he was trying to do better.

"Son, would you like to get your haircut with me tomorrow?" He said happily. I know this is his way of making up for the lost time. I nodded my head, "Yes."

"What about my hair? I want box braids." Libby pouted. She was taking advantage of our father's kindness, and of course, he gave Libby whatever she wanted.

We all said good night and went into our separate rooms. While putting away my clothes, I stumbled across my photo album. It had a ton of pictures of my mother. Looking through the photos, I fell asleep.

"You have turned into a handsome young man. I see life has been mistreating you." A female voice similar to my mother's. I followed the voice through the grassy meadow, where I saw this amazing wolf. The wolf had tan fur with streaks of brown. The wolf's eyes were hazel; they reminded me of my mother's. As I walked closer, I saw my mother rubbing this beautiful wolf. I ran into her arms, crying. She hugged me tight until my tears ran dry. Your wolf is gorgeous, I told her. We sat there for a while, rubbing her wolf together.

"I am proud of you for sticking around and enduring your father's abuse. I need you to be careful and protect your sister. You'll have to choose a path soon. The path you choose is a matter of life or death. Derrick is unhinged, and your father can no longer control him. Your father's outer appearance can be deceiving. Continue to stand tall. I know you will make the right choice when the time comes. Leaders are made, not born. All great leaders need to make sacrifices to better the world," her tone was serious.

"What path? How long do I have to prepare? I will never trust him. Derrick is a monster. I love my father, but his wolf wants me dead. I'm sorry for not protecting you. Maybe my life would be different."

"Your father will have to answer for his crime. Son, remember what I told you. I love you dearly." she said while disappearing.

I jumped up out of my sleep. My body was covered in sweat. It was just a dream, picking up the photo album and laying it on the nightstand. My mother felt so real. I could feel the warmth coming from her body. First, my dad is acting strange, and now I'm dreaming of my mother. Maybe I'm just stressed out. I went into the bathroom to shower to ease this tension. I let the hot water run over my muscles and started to decompress, pondering over my mother's words.