Jupiter's MC Book 2: Wolf

The second-best way to greet a Saturday morning is by feeling the sun’s warmth seeping through the blinds. But the absolute best way, at least according to my family, is to wake up next to your favorite person.

Today, we’re supposed to meet up with my dad’s best friend and his family. But I’m so exhausted; my eyes are practically glued shut. I stayed up late reading, as I always do when I get engrossed in a book. So, as usual, I am up until the wee hours of the morning.

After a few minutes of lying in bed with my eyes still closed, I hear a soft giggle from the other side of my bedroom door. It’s hard to keep pretending to be asleep when I hear the slight squeak of my door opening, revealing the little imp who’s trying to sneak into my room.

I wait until she’s climbed onto the edge of my bed and is just about to pounce on me. That’s when I spring up and grab the giggling imp, causing her to let out a high-pitched laugh.

Without wasting a moment, I launch into a tickle attack. She keeps giggling until her face turns bright red and she’s gasping for breath.

After a few moments, I stop and sit there, laughing at her failed attempt to surprise me. Once she catches her breath, she looks at me with a pretend pout, her eyes still sparkling with laughter and mischief.

“Maxi! Why did you pretend to be asleep again?”

She crosses her arms over her chest, trying to look grumpy, but it only makes me laugh harder. She should know by now that she won’t be able to startle me.

“Sorry, Lottie, but you should know that you can’t sneak up on me. I’m the master of sneaking up on people, and you can’t outsmart the master,” I say.

She huffs at my response, sitting up and hopping off my bed. She smooths out her crumpled dress and gives me her usual sassy look.

“Aunt Gina said to come and wake you up because breakfast is nearly ready,” she says.

With that, she dashes out of my open door, leaving me shaking my head at how cute she is when she’s grumpy.

Lottie is the oldest child of my dad’s best friend, the local cop. We’ve spent every weekend with them since I was born, and from what I understand, this tradition started long before I came along.

Even though Lottie’s dad isn’t in the club, our families have always been close. Lottie and I have grown up together since she was born when I was three, and she’s the light of my life.

She’s always there for me when I’ve had a rough day at school. Despite our age difference, she’s my best friend.

Up until a few months ago, neither of us had any siblings. But now Lottie is a big sister to a baby brother named Conan.

When I found out she was getting a sibling, I was worried that I’d be left behind. But somehow, she manages to balance being a big sister and spending time with me.

After getting ready, I trudge down the stairs to the dining room, heading for my usual spot next to Lottie. She’s already there, waiting patiently with her full plate.

As expected, my plate is piled high with all my favorite foods. I look at her and smile when I see her proud grin and my own happy reflection.

Lottie finishes her breakfast in about ten minutes, then stands up, taking her empty glass and mine. She heads over to the dining room’s tea and coffee station, pouring milk for both of us before returning to the table.

I thank her and take a sip from my glass, but I’m interrupted by a feminine giggle. I look up to see our mothers across the table, exchanging knowing glances.

I glance at Violet, who looks as confused as I feel. I shrug, turning back to our mothers.

“What’s wrong? Do I have something on my face?”

They both laugh and shake their heads, exchanging another look.

My mother says something that throws me off. “I am starting to hear distant wedding bells.”

Aunt Gina, Lottie’s mother, laughs in response. “Yes, I believe I hear them too. Maybe we should start picking out wedding dresses now.”

I’m even more confused now. “What are you talking about? What wedding? Who’s getting married?”

Before our mothers can reply, my dad says, “They are talking about you and Lottie, Max.”

Now it’s Lottie’s turn to look at my dad. Her curiosity piqued, she asks, “Why would I marry Maxi? He’s my friend…”

My dad laughs at our confusion. “Don’t worry, you will know when you’re older.”

The rest of breakfast is filled with light-hearted banter and good food until it’s time for Lottie and her family to leave.

Aunt Gina buckles baby Conan into his car seat, then turns to my mom to continue their conversation. My dad, Uncle Luke, Lottie, and I all sigh. We know this could take a while.

After about ten more minutes in the clubhouse parking lot, I hear an engine revving. A car swings to a stop at the front of the gates, drawing everyone’s attention.

Before anyone can react, my dad pulls my mother to the ground behind Uncle Luke’s car, shouting for everyone to get down.

Then, the loud sounds that resemble gunfire in movies fill my ears. Without thinking, I grab Lottie, who screams, and I shield her with my body.

A minute or two passes, and the sound of gunshots stops. Silence descends on the parking lot for a few moments, then I hear a man screaming.

I turn to see Uncle Luke holding Aunt Gina in his lap. She’s gasping in pain, clutching her stomach.

I feel Lottie squirming beneath me, trying to get up. I let her go.

As soon as she sees her parents, she screams, “Mommy!”

She runs toward her mother, tears streaming down her face at the sight of her bleeding in her father’s lap.

I’m frozen in place, unable to process what’s happening.

Soon, the paramedics and police arrive, sirens blaring and lights flashing, but I remain stuck in place.

I don’t move even when Lottie is pulled into the car with her screaming brother and father, who speed off after the ambulance carrying her mother.

I hear a soft knock on my bedroom door as I stare out my window, waiting for Lottie to return. I turn toward the door.

“Come in.”

My mom slowly opens the door, my dad right behind her. Both look like they’ve been crying.

They sit on either side of me by the window and deliver the news I’ve been dreading.

Tears start to flow down my cheeks. I can’t help but think that I could have done something to save Aunt Gina, but I just stood there. I can’t shake the feeling that if I had done something—anything—Lottie wouldn’t have lost her mother.

I vow to myself to do better, to protect Lottie and her family in the future. I will never let her hurt like this again.

But I have no idea that I will never see my little Lottie again.