Heirs, 15

(POV: Lucca)

Another day at this school, another day of hearing the same jokes. Why can't I be more like my brother? Make them respect me even if it means resorting to violence. I wish I could go without hearing these insults; they hurt my soul. I know I'm the future Beta, and I should command respect, but I can't. I'm weak.

It would be great not to have to come to the academy anymore and not have these annoying guys on my back. But I have a few reasons to keep coming. First, my parents would kill me if I didn't. Second, I want to show that I am indeed a wolf, and my time will come only like everyone else's. And then I can prove I'll be a good warrior - I'm the future Beta. Third, but not least, at least in the academy, I can spend more time admiring the most beautiful girl in the world!

Isabella, my teenage love. I don't even know if it's right to hold onto these feelings for her, especially since I might not be her mate. I wish I could shift right now to find out if she's my soulmate, my mate, my female.

She can't come today, and that makes me real sad and frustrated. She's the one who makes my days at this academy bearable. Today, my mind is restless and a bit distant; I remember the girl we found in the forest with my brother. What was she doing around here? Could she also be a wolf? I sense a strange but good connection to Lena, as if it's some kind of bond.

I shake my head from side to side to clear my thoughts and try to focus on the class.

"Lucca," the coach calls my name, and I look at him in surprise. I hadn't paid attention to a word he said. "Could you explain to the class the difference between a fight and a brawl?"

"Is there a difference?" someone asks, and everyone laughs. I sigh.

"The difference between a brawl and a fight is that a fight is a clean sport where there are rules. A proper place, professionals to ensure the physical integrity of each athlete. And above all, respect among competitors," I reply calm. Something everyone should know. "A brawl, on the other hand, is an unfair form -" I emphasize the word "unfair" - "where many seek to resolve personal problems and even impose their choices by not accepting the decisions of others."

"Wow, the intellectual speaks," I hear someone mock, but I don't bother checking who it was.

"Well done, Lucca," the coach approves.

"Teacher's pet," Edgar grumbles.

"More respect, Edgar," Coach Lukky scolds him. "You should all be more like Lucca."

"No way," Edgar says, laughing, and his little gang joins in.

"Yes," Lukky confronts him with a superior look. "In war, it's not enough only to know how to fight. Physical strength must be in harmony with intellectual strength to develop the best strategy and defeat the enemy."

I raise my head and puff out my chest; yes, idiot, I may not be the best fighter, but I'm certain the smartest.

"Watch out, weirdo," Edgar smacks my chest so hard when the coach turns his back that I gasp for air. "I'm gonna get you, little genius," he says mocking. I hate this guy, I swear by the moon goddess, Edgar, that I will get my revenge, I think as I try to catch my breath and glare at him in anger. "Scared of your ugly face, weirdo."

(POV: Luan Raphael)

I wish I could be as intelligent as my twin brother. He always gets good grades, tops the class in theoretical terms, and stands out for his sensibility and intellect. At least I have my fights; he excels in books, and I excel in punches!

I wish he would engage in some form of combat; snobby people keep making fun of him, picking on him, and he never takes any action. It irritates me.

Even if I save him from some, they only come back and do worse as soon as I turn my back. I think that's why he refuses to tell our parents about these things. Our mother, patient as she is, would only rest after that Edgar guy was transferred. I understand Lucca; he wants to solve his problems on his own. I respect his decision, but he should at least try to focus more on his training so he can fight back.

I'm going to get that jerk Edgar. Ms. Lina bought boxing gloves for me and for him. This time, I'll drag him to train with me, even if it's by force.

"Good morning!" Lúcia arrives and kisses me on the cheek. She sits next to me on the bench at the academy's plaza. "What miracle is it that you're not exchanging punches in the academy's ring yet?"

"Who would think I'm all about training," I say with a laugh.

"In part, you know I'm right," she smiles gent.

Sudden, my thoughts are fixated on this most beautiful smile in the world. I've never felt like this before; I've never looked at girls different. But sudden, Lúcia seems so different, with more curves, and her scent is stronger. She's turning into a beautiful adult female.

I had forgotten; next year she turns sixteen, the common age for wolves to find their mates. She's going to find her mate.

"I'm only distracted today. Thinking about some things that have been happening," I say and give a small smile as I look at the blue sky with a few white clouds.

"And what happened that's so serious it's taken your will to punch punching bags, or rather, flatten the faces of some cocky wolves?" she asks sweet. She knows me well.

"Yesterday in the forest, my brother and I found a girl asking for help," I say, remembering the moment we found Lena. "She was hurt."

"And did you help her?"

"Yes," I confirm. "She's at my house now, and I have a strange feeling about this girl."

"Could she be your mate?" she asks, and I get the impression her voice has become somewhat downcast.

"My father asked the same question," I say and smile, but she looks away and lowers her head.

"So she really is your mate..."