The Alpha Curse

f antiseptic filled his nostrils. Laim's Ford hatchback screeched into the

pressed an ear to his ribs. In the distance, sirens screamed. Ridgewood

er boy to his feet.Ethan's legs wobbled, but he fought the impulse to sit down. H

zzed them to the sliding doors. We have got a trauma, she

morning. He could hear the hum of fluorescent lights, the faraway snap

here is the wound? the doctor demanded flatly. Ethan sucked in a breath. He unbuttoned his shirt and raked his palm over his left sid

consult a nurse. "We're not seeing any extern

itten. His voice sounded small in the sterile room. Laim gripped his

pressed a gloved finger against Ethan's side, no re

ction or open wound." He shook his head and shoved the clipboard aside. I am going to r

ctive in a rumpled windbreaker cro

ying to read the story behind his pale blue eyes. We have got an open file on unsolved Mauling. You un

ose woods. And if you think of anything, if you hear anything call me. Understood? Laim and Ethan exchang

ol night air, Ethan's stomach churned. He should feel relief, he should feel grateful. Instead, he felt hollow

d, the doctor

e just baffled. The wound dis

en his shoulders. Nerves tingled underneath his skin, but no pain. Just an odd electric buzz. Neither spo

rrying him downstairs. His mother stood at the sink, dressed in a floral robe, hair wrapped in

but didn't press further, handing him toast with strawberry jam. He bit into it, chewing slowly, listen

gossip. Ethan and Laim found Jake by th

powers? He laughed, but there was a nervous edge to his tone. Ethan forced a grin. All good. It's like it never happened.

erfect punchline. Laim shot him a glare. Look at the scarring pattern, Laim said softly. Puncture marks, torn fibers in his j

is phone to show a viral video of a guy reacting to bees, and a dozen students gathered to watch. Within seconds, the conversation shifted to prom dates and chemis

, biology samples properly labeled, notebooks, textbooks, a

suds build around the maroon stain. He scrubbed gently, expecting to se

potless. His breath

like fresh rain on wet pine needles

d the faint aroma of Laim's cologne he had worn it yesterday and e

aggered back, mouth dry. In the mirror above the si

or, cradling the sleeve

? Why did everything smell so intense? What was happeni

t of thos

hadows across his window. Ethan pressed his palm to the cool gl

ed in the forest had marked him, and now, every step he took carried him

eard it again a low, distant growl, as