Chapter One

Damn so loud. I threw a pillow over my head to block the sounds of heavy breathing matched by some heavy footsteps from my clumsy roommate, moving about in some frenzy in our dorm.

OK to be fair to her she’s a garden witch, she doesn’t gasp how sensitive a were’s ears are. I picked up and threw the pillow that was on my head aside. I located my cell faced on my nightstand and squinted at my glaring phone’s screen, even at its lowest brightness it is still blinding to my eyes. I looked at it long enough to read the time before I accidentally blind myself. It’s 2:06 in the morning. TWO IN THE MORNING. What the hell got my roommate causing a racket this early in the morning.

I slid off my bed and quietly made my way across my room to the door. Well quietly by her standards, I was moving quite loudly for a were and for any other super with sensitive hearing. I cracked my door open ready to confront her when I noticed the big breathing mysterious heap in the middle of our shared living area.

WHAT THE LITERAL HELL!

I wanted to shout, scream, demand answers from my roommate. But everything from my instincts, training, and literal experience told me to shut up and watch. I keep my door open as I slid to the ground and watched in dead silence.

There in the middle of our living room was a living and breathing plant. My roommate was flowing back and forth in and out of my view. Most of the time she would be caring a large disintegrating book and mumbling to herself the same thing on repeat:

“Is this right? No, this can’t be right? But I follow it exactly. Is it supposed to look like this? Why isn’t there any pictures? May there are pictures in the other books? No, other book has this, ugh. Why is there never any pictures. Know what, just trust the process? Trust the process. Trust the process. Shit if I messed this up I am definitely going to fail my classes! I can fail this year. I can’t fail this year. Please, work, I really can’t.”

Is that misshapen morbid thing really for classes. I don’t attend any witchery, sorcery, or conjuring class. The closest is magic and mystic 101 and 102; nothing like this ever popped up. There is also personal traning with my mentor and have been on a handful of hands-on assignments with her, and again nothing like this ever popped up. Should I just pop up and just confront her about it then. Would she even tell me? Not like we have a close warm relationship. Fuck it let’s just go.

I stood up ready to swing my door wide, when after a short disappearance came back into view with a small blue pouch in one hand a clench fist in another.

“Time to sleep,” she whispered before blowing out whatever she had in the clenched fist.

Unfortunately for me she blew it in the direction of my room’s door. The dust or whatever it was landed not just on the monstrosity but flew past it to my door and through the crack. Hitting me directly in the face. The dust stung my eyes and burned my nose. I really am going to have a talk with her now. But instead of moving forward my body was stumbling backwards. I swung my hand behind me ready to grasp on to something. But my hand ended up flat against the wall. I tried to be quiet as I stumbled to the floor. Why was I trying to be quiet? Because I hate loud noises. They irk me. Why am I talking about noises? Where am I? Why am I? ….

CHEE CHEEE CHEE!!!!

I woke up with a gasp. Like I had a pillow put over my head, suffocating me and I am now allowed to breath. Weird, didn’t feel like I was suffocating or dying while I was sleeping.

CHEE CHEEE CHEE!!!

My alarm continued to go off. I stood up just realizing I had slept on the floor the whole time. Weird and definitely need to investigate later. But the most important thing right now, is to turn off that damn alarm.

CHEE CHEEE!!!

CHEE CHEEE Click!!! I manage to get to my bed and nightstand on wobbly feet. What the hell did I eat last night? Before moving here I thought very little of things like liqueur and necrotic. For one besides beer I don’t drink or do drugs and even then werewolves can’t get drunk off thing like beer. The liquor burn through our system faster than we can get drunk. It was only after moving here and one little slip up, that i learn those rules don’t apply here. I don’t know who or what super wanted to experience human hangovers and regrets but fuck them.

This is not the time to mentally fight one of the world’s most ridiculous inventors of all time. I fumbled out of my pajamas and into a fresh pare of were-proof washout jeans and bra, and an old light olive short-short sleeve shirt. My bag, that was already packed for the day, as resting on my chair by the desk. I swung it over my shoulder and walked out the door already steadier on my feet. I instantly spotted my roommate in her floral bubble gum pink and lime green dress by the shared kitchen counter facing away from me. Her hair looked half done. It looked styled, two braids done at the side then pulled back and held together by a big pink flower clip. But it wasn’t done neatly and lot of hair remain frizzy. It is not my place to say anything, so I don’t.

I rounded the corner to the fridge and pulled out three bottles of water, two threw in my bag, one I open to drink now. I turned to face my roommate as I downed the bottle of water. She was staring empty at her full cup of her usual homemade brew that smelled like herbal mud to me. I should ask her if everything is ok, but it would be weird to all of a sudden after giving a terrible attitude and basically ignoring for the first 3 month of living with her so to suddenly be asking, ‘hey are you good?’ , right. I finished the water and tossed it out. I looked over to the last room to my left, thinking of leaving this to our other roommate. But the door was closed shut, once again unable to tell if she’s in or not.

Whatever. I pulled out some of my bars from one of the high shelves and turned leave. Hand on the knob but I don’t turn it. Damn it.

“Heeey, ______ are you okay " I touched her upper arm gently with my empty hand.

She flinched. She turned to me surprised by my presence. Her usual bright green eyes darkened for a moment before clearing up. She blinked rapidly as she sit up straighter.

“Laila?” Her voice sounded distant dispute sitting right in front of me.

“Are you OK?” I asked again more slowly this time, I looked over to the last room again.

“_________ is not here. She never returned last night. Was probably staying out somewhere.”

Noted, I nod still looking at her skeptically. She smiled, her bright green eyes at full shine now, but her smile was tapered a bit.

“I’m fine… just a bit tired. Was working late on a project.”

“I heard.”

“You did,” she flinched and so did my ears.

My memory is a bit foggy. I remembered hearing noise and getting up, then…. Sleep? Was that how I ended up on the floor?

“Yeah but I don’t remember much, I went right back to sleep.”

“Oh, great,” she sighed in relief.

I arched an eyebrow. She must of read something off my face cause she hurriedly added:

“I didn’t want to interrupt your sleep. You already hate me enough as it is.”

“I don’t hate you,” I corrected, “I just like to keep my distance from everyone,” I sniffed.

“Right,” she gave me a tight smile.

Whatever. I checked my time. Shit, now I really have to run.

“I’m going to be late, you should get going soon too,” I added turning and rushing out the door. Not bothering for a reply.

Ran down the dorm, down the street and through the campus. I made it to the building but now had to minutes to make it to class. Thank the gods for this being a school for supers as no one blinked twice as I jumped up using the railings to get the sixth floor. And skid to my class door just before my professor entered behind me.

“Ms. _______ your to late.”

“Actually professor since I came before you, I actually on time. After all how can you judge how early or late someone is if you are not present to witness it,” I walked to the open seat in the middle careful not to hit anyone with my bag.

“I am witnessed you walking in front of me,” he placed his bag on his desk and looked at me questionably.

“In front is not behind,” I stood my ground from my seat.

He chewed on my words for a bit looking at me through furrowed brows but not angry eyes.

“Maybe today’s class should be on the philosophy of late.”

I smiled at the challenge. He grinned slightly showing off his own carnivorous teeth, a fight in his eyes. He blinked and it was gone, slammed on his desk with both hands.

“Unfortunately, this is Psychology 2: Understanding of Our kind and Ourselves. So, shall we begin?” He looked around the class but he didn’t expect anyone to answer.

“Great, so let us begin with where we left off,” he turned to the white board and started to scribble words officially starting class.

Classes went off uneventfully today. The perfect type of school day. Technically it is lunch time but other than gym all my studious classes were done for the day. Starving and willing to eat almost anything my focus is where I should eat. I was walking down the stairs ticking off all my options when I heard a loud cheerful voice coming from on top the stairs.

“Laila!!!!”

Goosebumps ran all up and down my body, my shoulders raised and stiffen a bit. Half my mind wanted to run the other half refused to give in.

“Laila” the shrilly cheerful voice called my name again running down the stairs to my side, “I’m so glad I bumped into you.”

I’m not.

“Are you going for lunch,” my silence apparently was an open invite to keep talking as a matter of fact she didn’t even wait for a response, “of course you are. You must me starving. I saw you when I entering Professor _____ scarfing down one of you bars.”

She giggled but I was offended. I was not scarfing it down. I wanted to hit her but instead I held my books tighter and looked off to the opposite side of where she was walking besides me.

“I didn’t mean it in an offensive way,” she hurriedly added reading my mood, “it was an exaggeration. I’m sorry.” Her voice was low but sound loud and clear in my ears.

I said nothing and still refuse to look at her but loosen the grip on my books and shoulders not because I forgive her but I refused to let her words get to me.

“Now about the matter of where to eat,” and she refuse to drop this subject the way I refused to drop my pride, “How about the cafeteria or you can join me and the others, we are eating at Pepe’s pizzaria today.”

Thanks I know exactly where I am not going to eat today. She sighed.

“You attend classes with us, live in the same dorm with us. Will eating with us be all that different?”

Yes.

“You know I still remember your introduction in the first term,” when I didn’t respond she kept going, “I came from a town where all different supers live together: witches, banshees, weres, vampires.”

I stiffen at the last one. If she was hurt by it she wouldn’t let it be known. I said what I said during first term to come off like a bitch to scare off or at have all the vampires avoid me. But here I am walking besides the most friendliest and most stubborn vampire of them all.

“We may not always get along but we respected each other differences. We live, study, and eat, not always with, but within the same facility. Some of us became genuine friends. In fact my hometown best friend is a were. Even though we attend different schools now we still talk and catch up every weekend. ”

I know my pack members will love that place. Especially my vampire dating alpha. When I said nothing she kept on going.

“You know ________ one of your dorm mates is going to join us. She’s also a were and went through a similar experience as you.”

I don’t even try to think of it.

“As a matter of fact,” she went silent, I peaked over at her and she was wiggling her eyebrows, “I hear she is dating a vampire now.”

I puked inside. She was smiling as if that was the best thing.

“Maybe one day you’ll find yourself dating a vampire.” She cheerfully offered.

Every fiber of my muscles stiffen. My teeth sharpened against my full will. I stopped walking and turned to her.

“NEVER. I WILL NEVER DATE A VAMPIRE,” I said through clench teeth.

Not trusting myself to open my mouth and that I won’t literally bite her. I turned and walked off, leaving her standing there stunned.

I made it to _________ grocery store next to _________ doughnut and bakery shop. It may sell groceries but they have a counter that will make sandwiches for you from there meat and cheese fridge selection. I need meat, lots of it and a pick me up treat.

“Aaaaaay, __________, still not eating with the others,” ____________, the Tasmanian-were that owned the deli greeted me from over the counter.

And as if my silence was a invite to keep going, “Why do I always see you alone, hmmm? Why not eat with the others, no?”

He asked as he made his way around the corner to the meat and cheese selections. I tried not to glare at him while I answered.

“I like being alone, plus it would be hard to study with that obnoxious crowd.”

“OK, OK,” he put his palms up waving it a little, “I get it. It truly isn’t my business. OK, I will get ready now.”

Apparently I’m not the greatest at hiding my emotions. I watch him turn his back to me as he washes his hands then dries them turning back to me.

“So, what can I get you.”

I looked over the fresh bread section, “a sesame roll with mayo and spicy mustard,” I started off with moving my eyes to the meats skipping over the cheese, “I will take some there slices of ham and turkey, some slices of pepperoni and salami, oh and bit of pastrami. Maybe top it off with more mayo and mustard. "

________ chuckles at my order but prepared it exactly. After I paid and he hands it to me he adds.

“Best of luck with your studies.”

I nod and head over to the shop next door. As soon as I opened the door I was greeted by the scent of sugar plums, fresh baked bread, and chocolate. A trio of scents that I don’t think should work but for some reason in here it does.

“___________! So good to see you love. What can I get you,” _______ more sang than said when she came from the back with a fresh tray of chocolate pastries.

Some say she’s a fairy others say that she is related to witch from that Hansel and Gretal story. I say it doesn’t matter either way her treats are the best. Including the bread she makes for the grocery next door.

“One of those please,” pointing to the pastry she was putting in her display case.

“Of course love,” she sang, “anything else?”

I looked over her array of treats, “for now, two chocolate cookies, one rum raisin cookie, one mini orange cake, one regular croissant, two chocolate croissant, and three mango and dragon fruit honey tart please, no, make one of them maple.”

She smiled at me before getting my order. As I paid and she hands it to me she eyes my stomach and the sandwich in the grocery bag.

“I envy you weres,” she sang sighed, “can eat all this and not gain an inch, much less a centimeter.”

I smiled at her comment and headed back to campus to find somewhere to eat in peace.

The rest of the day ran the same as morning, uneventful. Thank the stars, I guess. Have to of research to do so stopped by the library first before returning to the dorm. Despite the advancement of technology and AI, we supers still have to indefinitely rely on books. Can’t have the rest of the world knowing we actually exist and stuff. Not that I would use it, using my phone for more than an hour causes me minor headaches.

The library was full in some areas but sparse in others. I made a beeline to the librarian and handed her a paper with book tittles, authors and call numbers. She snatch the paper from my hands, head tilted down she peered at it over her thick glasses. Her bright green reptilian eyes looked at it the up at me and back to the paper again. Then in one movement turned and headed to the back.

I released a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding. The librarian isn’t a were, as far as I or anyone else can tell. Nobody knows exactly what she is except she has been here since the school was first founded and opened in 1800.

She round the corner and I sucked in a breath. She was carrying a stack of books she dropped them on the counter between us and then placed a written note on top and stabbed it with a finger. It went through the paper and the cover of the top book. She was looking at me through her glasses this time making her eyes look like normal humans green eyes but her gaze was still piercing and fierce. I glance at the paper not really reading it and nod.

With that she removed her finger and moved on with her other duties. I on the other hand did not take my eyes off her as I grabbed by books and left. Taking a breath once I was a few steps away from the counter. I now looked at the paper and what was written:

‘Three of the books on list are borrowed, come back next week Tuesday. Remember to return all books BY due date or else …’

Cool. I smoothed out the paper when I brushed the area where the hole is, the paper reformed to its former glory, hole-less. As well as the book cover underneath it. Magic, how convenient. As I was about to make my way out a familiar scent caught my nose mixed in with a stomach crushing nauseated scent as well as something woodsy and like fresh leaves.

My other roommate, the Jaguar-were, was sitting alone at a table with her knees pressed to her chest. But it seems she was, or is, sitting with someone else. The chair is currently unoccupied but can see clear evidence of books open and towards the chair opposite her. Heard her boyfriend was vampire, but was a full one. Not that it mattered or change anything. I would be happy to walk on by but there was something nagging at me that I have to know.

“Hey ________.”

She says nothing but looks up at me from her phone.

“Are you … you wouldn’t be returning to the dorms tonight?” I asked then eyed the seat across from her.

She looks at me then follow my line of sight, then back. A smile slowly stretch across her face before she’s shakes her head no.

“Oh, OK, great, good night,” I said the busted out of that library.

So it’s just me and _________ tonight. That’s, great….

I still have groceries and leftovers so no need to make a pit stop to eat. I whipped up a simple rice and meat dish and made a side of steam vegetable with tomato paste based gravy. I used the leftover meat and vegetables to make luke-warm sandwiches. Made a note and list to go grocery shopping tomorrow since I will have a half day of classes.

I ate my meal while I casually played a game on my phone. __________ came home while I was washing the dishes. She looked bewildered to see me for a second, me, her roommate. She quickly readjusted, said hi, the shuffled into her room. No pouring of how her day went. How she was feeling. How the other witches looked down on garden witches and stuff. I am not complaining or asking for it but does come off a little, odd? Or maybe my prickly nature finally won out and she finally leaves me alone…..

Yeah, that is most likely it. I took my sandwiches to my room for snacks as I studied, did homework and worked on my research papers. As soon as the clock struck ten forty-five I put everything away cleaned up and head out for a wolf run. Not with the other wolfs and weres mind you. I avoid the paths they take. Return to the room around twelve thirty. __________, as promised, didn’t returned and _______ was also in her room. From her breathing she seems to be a sleep. I took a shower and head to bed myself.

Just as I was about to lull to sleep I was awaken by similar noise. Shuffling, heavy breathing matched by some heavy footsteps, and it is two in the morning. I don’t know have no idea what is going but one thing I know for sure I am not having _______ as my roommate for the next semester.