LUNAR DECEPTION

Lilith Lockwood

My mother's voice, sharp and insistent, echoed from downstairs waking me here.

"Lilith! Wake up, dear! It's time for a new day!"

I groaned, my half-asleep mind protesting the intrusion of morning. But I couldn't ignore her call, not when she had such a commanding presence. She was the heart and soul of our family, the alpha in her own right.

Rolling out of bed, I slipped into a soft pair of slippers and padded down the creaky old staircase. At the foot of the stairs, my father sat in his armchair, engrossed in the morning newspaper. He glanced up as I approached.

"Morning, Dad," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.

"Morning, my little moonbeam," he chuckled, setting the newspaper aside. My father's fondness for nicknames was legendary in our family. "You're just in time to witness the morning show."

I raised an eyebrow in response. "Morning show? What's going on?"

Before he could answer, the air was split by another shout from my mother, this one even more ear-piercing than the first. My father and I shared an amused glance.

"That's your cue," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Time to face the morning hurricane."

I grinned and made my way into the kitchen. There, I found my mother, her fiery hair pulled back into a messy bun, wielding a wooden spoon like a weapon. She was a force to be reckoned with, even in her pajamas.

"Late as usual, Lilith, Where the hell is Damien?" she scolded with a playful glint in her eyes.

I laughed and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Morning, Mom. What's got you in such a whirlwind this early?"

She waved the wooden spoon dismissively. "Just the usual chaos of trying to get this family moving. Your father's been no help, as usual."

My father appeared in the doorway, a grin on his face. "Now, now, dear. You know I'm utterly useless before my morning coffee."

My mother and I shared a knowing look, and we couldn't help but laugh. Despite his grumbling, Dad was always ready with a smile.

Our playfully scolding banter was interrupted by the sound of my mother's laughter. She had that mischievous twinkle in her eye again as she picked up a wooden stick from the countertop.

"Now, Lilith, how about we give your father a wake-up call he won't soon forget?" she suggested, brandishing the stick.

I glanced at my father, whose eyes widened in mock terror. "You wouldn't dare"

But my mother was already lunging toward him with the stick in hand, and with a yelp, Dad leaped out of the way, the chase was on. They darted around the kitchen, laughing like teenagers as my mother gave chase and my father danced just out of her reach.

I couldn't help but join in on the fun. I grabbed another stick and playfully swatted at my father's retreating form. We ran in circles around the kitchen, our laughter filling the room.

Just as we were all thoroughly winded and my mother declared a truce, my brother Damien walked into the kitchen, his tousled hair and sleepy grin revealing that he had just woken up. He shook his head at the sight of our family antics, a fond smile playing on his lips.

"Morning, Damien," I greeted him as I took a seat at the kitchen table.

He grabbed an apple from the fruit basket and took a leisurely bite. "You guys never change, do you?"

"We're creatures of habit," Dad replied with a wink.

My mother, stick still in hand, sighed with exaggerated drama. "And proud of it!"

We all laughed.

Damien, now seated at the table, continued to nibble on his apple as he turned his attention to me. His eyes, the same shade of deep blue as mine, sparkled with curiosity.

"You know, Lilith, your birthday and graduation are coming up next week," he said, his voice thoughtful.

I nodded, though the prospect didn't excite me as much as it did others. "Yeah, they are. But honestly, Damien, it's not a big deal. Just another day."

He arched an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Come on, Lilith, it's a milestone. You'll officially be an adult in our pack, and you'll have your whole life ahead of you."

I shrugged "I guess so. But you know me, Damien. I've never been one for big celebrations or pomp and circumstance."

He leaned closer, his expression gentle. "Lilith, I know you're not one for grand gestures, but Imma throw you a part-ayy"

I sighed, feeling a hint of guilt for not sharing his enthusiasm. "I appreciate that, Damien. I really do. But I think I'd be happier just spending the day doing what I love."

Damien's eyes softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on mine. "And what's that, sis?"

I smiled, my heart warming at his understanding. "Well, you know how I love running in my wolf form. Maybe I'll spend the day in the forest, just me and the moonlight. It's where I feel most at peace."

He nodded. "That sounds perfect, Lilith. It's your day, after all. You should do what makes you happy."

My mother, having overheard our conversation, chimed in with a soft smile. "He's right, Lilith. Your happiness is what matters most to us."

I felt a surge of love for my family. "Thanks, Mom, Dad, Damien. You guys are the best." I spoke.

"Well, what's for breakfast Mami?" I asked as my stomach growled.

"Bacon, toast and eggs" She said and advanced to the kitchen to get our breakfast.