Page 17 of Brothersong (Green Creek 4)

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“There is no one like him,” our mother whispered. “But there is also no one like each of you. You are all special in your own way. I believe in you.” She looked down at Joe, a tired smile on her face. “I believe in all of you.”

IT WENT LIKE THIS:

Joe grew.

I found my tether.

I shifted.

The pain was exquisite, and I

am wolf

smell

smell everything

run fast run fast run run run

hunt i want to hunt and

father wolf

mother wolf

joe laughs he’s laughing he says you’re so pretty carter you’re so pretty

i’m not pretty

i’m amazing

kelly says

wow

kelly says

look at you

kelly says

you’re so big

kelly says stop licking me carter stop licking me stop licking

i don’t stop

i never stop and

The day came when Dad took Kelly away.

“You don’t have to worry,” Mom said. She sounded like she was trying not to laugh. I glared at her, but she kissed my forehead and ruffled my hair.

“Why is Carter worried?” Joe asked when she went back inside, leaving me on the porch. “Kelly’s with Dad.”

“Because it’s a big day,” Mom said as I paced back and forth.

They were gone for hours. By the time they came back, I was about to crawl out of my skin.

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