Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wednesday had always been drawn to the complexities and details of classic horror. They held their own bleak intrigue and tackled fables and truths-like Frankenstein-that had never made it into the sphere outside of creature knowledge prior. 

Cthulhu for example. A ground-breaking concept woven into modern works like the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Spine tinglingly horrific… Fantasy. Or so mortals thought. 

Wednesday curiously eyed the creature across from her in the student’s courtyard, his tentacles so grand they protruded from his blazer like Edward’s hands primed with scissors. 

Yes, Wednesday thought. She quite liked it here among the creatures of true reality. The oddballs that lurked in the shadows brought forth to the light here. 

“You’re staring,” Enid said. 

“When someone has the bodily composition of a sea creature one is bound to stare. His form is quite magnificent.” 

Narrowing her eyes at the boy, Enid straightened her back, feeling her wolf inside quick to anger with a flick of jealousy. “You’re attracted to him?” 

“Of course not. Men are a pathetic waste of time. Taming them is most like training an animal devoted to running in circles after its own tail.” 

“Oh.” 

“Do you think he would give me one of his scales for a séance that must be performed on the blood moon? The books stated that Cthulian scales are far more powerful than that of any other sea creature for raising spirits for communication.” 

“That sounds kinda unethical,” Enid said, laughing awkwardly. 

“Ethics are a ridiculous game played by children who think they can impose order on an arbitrary universe.”

“An arbitrary what now?” 

“I shall ask.” 

“Wednesday!” she yelled, running after her friend before she could cross yet another student’s personal space. 

For someone so consumed by the space of her bubble she often crossed those of others. Though Enid supposed it was without knowing. Wednesday’s social cues differed from her own. She would respect any boundary but only when it was made clear, whereas no one respected Wednesday’s boundaries even when clear. It was why she was so careful now about crossing them herself, not wishing to force herself into Wednesday’s space as others so often did. 

Though she could remember the hug that one night like fire dancing across the backs of her eyelids. It had coincided with a change in her wolf scent that made something worryingly clear…

Her wolf had chosen Wednesday as her mate.

Something Wednesday seemed to have no clue about, though the signs were beginning to become unavoidable. Soon she would have to broach the topic though Enid feared such. She was already bracing herself for the immediate rejection. 

The first thing she noticed was the heightened emotions, caused by Wednesday not acknowledging the bond. Then again that was likely Enid’s fault for not having told her about the existence of it. 

“You can’t just kill him,” Enid said. 

“Pugsley has stolen my beloved book on divination that is no longer in print. There are only three known copies in existence, and he is desecrating it with unwashed hands and breaking the delicate spine like an animal. He has tested the fates and now it is decided. Pugsley will pay for this offence with his life.” 

“Can’t you just torture him as you usually do?” Enid found herself saying, voice high pitched with worry. “You know, roll him down a hill in a bin or bring out your electrocution station? That would be far more fun than murder, right? Like it sounds pretty fun and if you kill him, he’s no longer there to play with.” 

“You do present a point I suppose. Though Pugsley has brought this upon himself. When one dabbles with theft, they know that they may lose a hand. This time Pugsley has called for his head.” 

“Decapitation sounds kinda messy though, doesn’t it? All that cleanup. Yeesh.” Rocking back on her heels she let out a whistle.

Wednesday paced the room before her. Enid could feel her emotions rippling through their bond connection like a peripheral feeling there in the recesses of her mind. Though she was considering murder, Enid still loved her. She would take whatever Wednesday would offer even if it was friendship. 

Though her wolf cried out, wishing to lay claim as her own. She was aware of the fact Wednesday didn’t like human contact, and she would never ask that of her. But to call Wednesday her girlfriend? Her soulmate? Well, that felt like everything and more. However even that felt far too much of an ask, so Enid took their friendship and treated that as the world instead. Anything would always be enough.

The issue was that wolves and their mates were awfully protective. “I’ll deal with him,” Enid tried. The last thing she wanted was for Wednesday to kill someone she loved even if she pretended not to. 

“No one is allowed to harm Pugsley but me.” 

“But wouldn’t it be more exciting to scare him with another creature? A wolf could scare him far more than death would. Death is easy in comparison.” 

“You would shift and scare him for me?” 

“Yes. At your instruction,” Enid nodded rapidly. “Anything you ask.” 

“Hmm,” Wednesday pondered. “I suppose it would offer a fresh take on the torture. You would be fine with this?” 

“Totes.” 

“Then I shall take you up on your offer.” 

That was how Enid ended up shifting, teeth-baring at Pugsley as she backed him into a coffin that weekend, Wednesday smiling over at her. 

The next thing was her scent. 

Wednesday felt incredibly itchy as she returned to her room from class. It was as if a million insects were crawling over her skin, like the feeling of wool clothing only even more abhorrent. 

Cursing she showered and redressed in her softest clothing, but the itching persisted. Only growing as the minutes passed. Her nails scrubbed at her skin in annoyance, fumbling to loosen her collar. However, as she paced something caught her attention. Enid’s ghastly jumper sat there on the back of her chair. It was horrific, palatable to only the likes of Care Bears or Jojo Siwa, yet she found herself drawn to it. 

The material felt soft and smelt comforting like the pool of blood that leaked from the boy who bullied Pugsley as the piranhas nipped at his never regions. The metallic tinge to the air was almost as satisfying as Enid’s smell. 

She debated it for a while and sat on her bed, shoulders straight as she considered it. The jumper was ghastly and abhorrent, yet it called to her. Her fingers danced against her limbs as they scratched searching for relief from her discomfort until Wednesday finally gave up, pulling the jumper over her head. 

The itching subsided immediately, the scent comforting as it surrounded her. Sighing, she curled up on her bed, choosing not to question her choice as she pulled out The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe. 

“Are you wearing my jumper?” Enid entered their room an hour later, face twisted in confusion though a grin was also there. Taunting. 

“I find it to be quite comfortable, even though the colours are vivid enough to down an aircraft or remind the elderly of the time they took questionably sourced psychedelics at Woodstock.” 

“You like it.” 

“I hate it,” she returned. “This jumper is the epitome of everything I stand against.” 

“Then why are you wearing it?” 

“Because I’m itchy, and for some reason, the material is soothing the annoyance of that problem.” 

“You’re wearing my jumper,” Enid repeated. 

“Is that a problem?” 

“No.” She grinned. “Not at all.” 

“Good. I shan’t wear it in public though. Far be it for the students here to get the idea that I’m personable.” 

Enid crossed the room, pulling on a black jumper she had knitted for Wednesday. It had a white spiderweb cascading across each shoulder and a single spider on the left elbow. Though Enid was sure Thing appreciated it more than she did. Thing often used it as a sleeping mat.

“Why are you wearing that?” 

“It’s cold,” Enid said. Though it wasn’t. In reality, Enid understood the signs of a soulmate missing her scent. As such she pulled on a jumper that she could leave her scent on, knowing Wednesday would wish to wear something of hers to class even if she didn’t understand why.

Wednesday watched her quietly, barely bobbing her chin in acceptance. 

It spiralled from there. 

“Would you like to go out sometime?” another wolf asked her at lunch, pushing his chestnut brown, floppy hair away from his eyes. 

“Oooh,” Eugene cooed jokingly. 

“I-” Enid swallowed awkwardly, letting out a nervous laugh. She was hardly one for saying no, in fact, Enid was normally so polite she ended up doing three people’s homework each week. The stack was becoming unbearable. 

“No,” Wednesday said for her. “She’s busy.” 

“I haven’t said what day yet,” Aiden laughed. 

“Enid has too much to worry about without you taking up more of her precious time. May I suggest you look elsewhere?” 

“What are you? Her guard dog?” 

“Yes,” Wednesday replied coldly. “And when I bite, I rarely choose to leave limbs.” He walked backward, eyeing her warily. “Why are you smiling like that?” 

“Like what?” Enid asked. 

“Oddly. Like Pugsley when he finds an eye of newt.” 

“Oh, I guess I’m just happy.” 

“Happy?” 

“The emotion that’s the opposite of sad. You’ll feel it someday Wes.” 

“Don’t call me that. And how dare you suggest I’ll ever feel such horrors.” 

Enid smiled anyway, taking a bite of her steak. Wednesday was jealous. 

Wednesday figured it out on the day after a full moon.

Enid had shifted to hunt in the forests leaving her alone with the itchy feeling that returned in full force. As she migrated to Enid’s side of the room, burying her form beneath her sheets, she knew something was awfully wrong. 

Wednesday was attached. 

The moon went on for far too long, with tears threatening to fall that certainly weren’t the enjoyable kind brought forth by torture. 

They were the product of something far more heinous. 

Emotion. 

She pulled the blanket taut around her, walking down the large spiral staircase bound in it. People shot her curious glances, laughter that she opted to ignore in its entirety. 

Continuing she glanced around her, opening the door to the hidden library. 

Whatever this was; Enid was responsible. A traitor perhaps, Wednesday should have known better than to trust someone who wore such a vast array of colours. Maybe it was the result of some form of poison.

Perhaps she was trying to kill her. Slowly.

Her hands trailed along the spines of aging texts; everything from botany to satanic rituals, poetry to science. 

Werewolves, An Encyclopaedia of Tendencies and Traits

Perfect. 

Wednesday instructed Thing to remain silent as they left, the hand crawling up the blanket and onto her head as she trawled back to her room. Thankfully her traitorous roommate was absent upon her return. 

Symptoms and Powers 

Her fingers scrolled past the expected: increased strength and endurance, appetite changes, pack mentality. Alpha standings had a whole chapter none of which was any help, then her hand stilled as she turned the page. 

Soulmates and Fated Partners

Intriguing… likely not what she was looking for, but Wednesday had previously thought such things to be fables spun by humans with little understanding and overly emotional dreams. 

Werewolves may mate with anyone. Though mates are most common among their own species, some wolves have been known to pair with humans, witches, and mermen to name but a few. Mating bonds bind the souls of two (or more in poly mates) together, beyond intervention. Meaning that both tied by the bond are at its will. 

Bonds may cause: 

Need for proximity, 

Comfort found in their scent or belongings, 

Heightened emotions, 

Jealousy and conflict with potential threats. 

The list went on. Wednesday felt nausea roiling in her stomach at the knowledge that all these things, oddly, seemed to fit. 

Symptoms of bond denial include:

Emotional instability,

Itching or a buzzing under the skin, 

Sickness, 

Lack of sleep, 

Possible death. 

She held the book in a death grip, suddenly feeling like it was a dirty secret as she wedged it beneath her bed. 

Enid was her soulmate. A soulmate? The fates were surely finding a sense of humour when it was least appreciated. 

She stewed; sat there as she contemplated what on earth to do. Her hands trembled lightly, something they had never done prior. Wednesday did not do fear. 

However, as Enid entered, pulling her snood from her face she knew she was aware of it. Enid pulled a knit jumper from her frame -one she had been wearing all day- passing it over to her. Sharing her scent.

“Did you ever intend on telling me that we are soulmates?” 

Enid stilled, her smile dropping from her face as her chin lowered. “Wednesday-”

“Don’t. Would you have ever said?” 

“No. Probably not.” 

“Why not? Am I not what you wish for?” 

“You’re fated to me. Of course you are everything to me.”

“Then why not tell me? Why not say a word about such things?” 

“Because you like your bubble. I didn’t want to intrude on it.” 

Wednesday stood, walking to stand in front of her as she eyed her features. Silently taking in each curve of a bone beneath. Her cheek, her jaw, her eyes. She sighed, holding out her hand. 

“What are you doing?” 

“This is what mates do, is it not? Hold hands?” 

“But your bubble.” 

“I’m not offering to kiss you. Maybe once in a blue moon when the darkness leaves me reckless, I may need of a reminder of how horrific such things are. But I suppose you can hold my hand, should you wish.” 

Enid beamed as she laced her fingers through Wednesday’s. It brought her so much comfort that she leaned in, resting her cheek against Enid’s shoulder. 

“Are you okay?” 

“I’m not sure. Though, I do feel more settled beside you like this. You smell like the first spill of blood on a winter's day” 

“Thank you?” 

“You’re welcome.” 

“Would you like my jumper?” 

“Please. The atrocious pink one, it’s softer.” 

Chapter Text

Wednesday was hard to read. Her face was like Fort Knox, holding within it a thousand emotions that she would rather no one see. Enid, over time, had learned cues. Changes to her posture or a minute crease of a brow that allowed her a small glimpse into that sanctuary of her soulmate’s feelings. 

Though, even that was rare. 

However, there was one thing Enid knew for sure. Wednesday never showed fear, because there was little that she feared on this earth. 

They had witnessed one boy being crushed to death by a tumbling gargoyle from the top floor the other week, and Wednesday hadn’t even batted an eye as the blood splattered across her cheeks. All while Enid stood screaming beside her. Instead, she had pulled out a small leatherbound notebook and begun sketching the boy's corpse, stating that it would provide a good reference for the book she was writing. 

Which meant Enid was utterly perplexed by the next events. 

“My parents stopped by today for some wolf networking session the academy was holding. I didn’t mention you but once they caught me this morning, they realised my scent had changed -like a lot- and so they asked, and I may have confirmed that I had found my mate and-”

“Stop rambling,” Wednesday cut in. “Did you just mention the possibility of your parents’ descent on us?”

“I mean, I didn’t advertise it but they figured it out. When they were here last, they said your scent was kinda like death warmed up, and now apparently there’s a bit of that in mine.” Enid rocked back on her heels letting out a nervous laugh. She liked Wednesday’s death scent very much.

“They are aware that I am your fated?” 

“Yep.” 

“And they wish to meet me?” Wednesday’s emotions were just as unwavering as ever. 

“Mhm. They’re super excited too.” 

“Well, that just won’t do.” Wednesday shook her head. “I am afraid I am most occupied today with educational materials that I have, alas, left to the wayside. It is imperative that I catch up on them. Addams do not fail; my mother and father would be greatly displeased.” 

“You don’t want to meet my parents?” Enid deflated. She thought her soulmate would look forward to such things, or at least want to participate in that side of her life. 

“I have work. Far be it for me to introduce idleness into the society of this academy.” With that, Wednesday reached for her belongings, making a swift exit from their room as Enid stood there. 

After a minute she gathered herself, picking her jaw up from the floor as she digested the pang of hurt. Enid was already an outsider in her family due to her inability to turn for so long. Now she was facing something far worse. A soulmate who wished to have nothing to do with her pack. Wolves were incredibly close, always leaning on one another for safety. Enid was an outsider looking in as it stood, and now Wednesday clearly disliked her family. 

She knew for a fact she wasn’t busy as they were meant to watch a film. Enid had even agreed to watch a classic slasher which she detested and that Wednesday had been vying for weeks for her to see. Though she didn’t like changes to her routine, Wednesday would openly state such. No, this was something far more personal.

Wiping away the tear she shook her head, grabbing her jumper as she went to meet her parents in town. 

“She’s busy.” 

“You said you were having a date and that she would be free,” her mother said. 

“Something came up.” 

Her father’s nose lifted just as her mother's did, smelling the lie on her. Whilst she had gotten better at lies, Wednesday was something she wore on her sleeve. Her emotions hurtled around her mate with such obviousness that she could do little to sweep them under the rug. 

“Your soulmate didn’t want to be here?” 

“She-” Enid swallowed. “She has a lot going on right now. New soulmate bond and all, emotions are kind of hectic. Like a bunch of teenagers at a Harry Styles concert. It’s wild. You know what it’s like.” 

“Did we do something wrong?” 

“Do her parents hate our kind?” her father asked. 

“No. No. I don’t think so at least.” 

“You don’t think?” 

“We decided we wouldn’t tell our families just yet.” 

“You decided? Or she decided?” Her mother sighed. “This won’t do. Mates are just as much a part of the pack as their partners.” 

“She’ll come around. I’m not sure why-”

“Maybe she’s embarrassed because she took so long to turn?” her mother whispered to her father, loud enough for Enid to catch every last word. “Her wolf is probably a frail disappointment after being held in that long.”

“Actually, she’s quite marvellous when she shifts,” a voice said from behind them. 

“Wednesday?” 

Wednesday took a seat beside her, resting her hand on her knee. 

Often Wednesday preferred to initiate contact, so now they used cues to let Enid know what level she was on. If Wednesday touched her first, similar touches and hugs were permitted. Otherwise, it was only hand holding allowed. Saying that, Wednesday had become quite accustomed to cuddling at night as the winter grew colder, clinging to her wolf’s warmth. 

Enid rested her cheek against Wednesday’s shoulder, taking in a jagged, anxiety-ridden breath. 

Wednesday reached for her hair, carefully pushing it behind her ear, leaving a kiss on her cheek that burned in the most delightful way. “I have only seen my beloved turn twice but it always quite the event. I look forward to it just as much as I do funerals.” 

Her parents sat there, frozen in shock. 

“Enid turns between moons?” 

“On occasion. We dabbled with theories of what could cause it, but no such hypothesis has been proven as of yet. Regardless, I enjoy every second of her bones resetting. It is like the most divine orchestra.” 

“That’s a lovely way to see it,” her mother said with a smile. 

“Yes, I am rather lucky. The reason I have not told my parents though is that they have a tendency to suffocate me with their love. I prefer to digest my life changes alone at first, though they will be made aware of Enid soon. However, we are enjoying the peace of learning one another’s… oddities and traits... without the outside world looking in for now.” 

“Oddities?” her father queried. 

“Yes. Edgar Allan Poe once wrote, ‘There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion,’ and if that was not true Enid would not be bound to me. I am far odder than her and perhaps that is why we are the perfect harmony of a bow meeting a newly tuned string.”

Enid felt the tears building in her eyes as she watched Wednesday conversing with her parents. It was everything she had wished for and more.

Though she could not see her emotions, she could sometimes feel them through their bond if Wednesday felt them strongly enough. And right now, fluttering there in the base of her mind was the knowledge that Wednesday felt something very odd indeed. 

Fear. 

“Thank you for doing that,” Enid said as she shucked off her coat and placed it over the back of her chair. “Wolves are different, as you’re my mate they already see you as family.” 

“They seemed caring. Though I will have a hard time restraining my emotions if your mother chooses to taunt your abilities and control. Your wolf is perfect.” 

“Young sibling. Comes with the territory.” She fell pretty much at the bottom of their pack. Even her youngest cousin had turned well before her and earned a better standing. 

“Regardless no one taunts you but me.” 

“You were scared earlier.” 

Wednesday steeled her jaw, holding her gaze. “It is rude to dip into my emotions like a thermometer for expression.” 

“Sometimes it’s needed when you won’t tell me.” 

“I try to talk of these things with you. Describing emotions is simply not a forte I was gifted with.” 

“I know, and that’s okay. But I can’t help but feel your feelings. The bond doesn’t give me a choice.” 

Wednesday dropped her chin, barely, but Enid now perceived those fractional drops like a mile. “Fine, if you must know I was worried your family would not approve of me being your soulmate.” 

“You were worried they wouldn’t like you?” 

“Historically, most people have not.” 

“I like you.” 

“A rarity. I question your sanity for it in truth.” 

Enid laughed. “They liked you.” 

“Your mother looked at me with utmost concern when I detailed the torture of my cousin.” 

“It wasn’t concern, she was impressed. You were protecting Pugsley from your insane family member. Wolves look for people who will protect their packs, even in mates. You proved yourself more than capable with each of your answers today.” 

“You could find someone far more personable.” 

“I don’t want someone more personable. Do you know how long it took me to learn about my last date's entire life? Hours. With you, I feel like we could know each other for an entire lifetime and I will still be finding out more. You’re full of surprises and you’re more devoted than any pack member I know. You believe in your choices and self with all of your being and never waver. Also, you’re like, really cute. Those bangs really pull at my heart,” Enid grinned, twirling the edge of one around her finger before awkwardly dropping her hand back to her side when she considered that Wednesday might not appreciate such contact. 

“Permission to try something?” 

“Wednesday you don’t need my permission.” 

“You ask mine; it only seems a fair exchange.” 

“Permission granted.” 

Enid expected a hug, she loved her hugs with Wednesday. She sank into them as if the world was being lifted from her very shoulders with each passing second. 

But then lips were softly brushing her own. For one second, two, then three. Wednesday tasted like black coffee and the cinnamon biscuits Enid had baked her yesterday in her food studies class. Her heart stuttered, jumping with pace as if shocked by an electric charge. Her fingertips tingled, warmth flooding her cheeks as Wednesday pulled away. She took a moment, catching her breath as Wednesday watched her with curiosity. 

“Was that likable for you or heinous?” 

“Totally epic,” Enid said. 

“Interesting. Do not expect such things often.” 

Enid didn’t care. In fact, the rarity of the event made it all the more special. 

She swallowed thickly, noting the slight dusting of pink across Wednesday’s cheeks too. 

“Now who is the horrific brother your mother mentioned? I think it pertinent we find a way to remove him of that alpha standing.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday had never understood jealousy, though it featured prominently in many a novel she consumed. It was a repugnant trait, one fuelled by insecurity and doubt. Two human emotions she refused to partake in. Wednesday was always sure of herself and of her actions and she certainly did not envy others. 

“Remind me again why you have been tediously curling your hair for the better part of an hour?” 

“My brother's friend joined the academy and as he’s a wolf, I’ve been set up as tour guide once again.” Enid finally placed her straighteners down. “Why am I always the one being thrown into these things?” 

Because Enid was far too lovely to ever say no. Wednesday had realised such things after she made Enid do a marathon of extreme slasher films. Enid had barely slept for days afterward. Wednesday had only figured it out when she suggested another and she felt her panic through their bond. Though she loved watching such things she would never force it upon Enid, her discomfort over it actually made Wednesday feel something akin to regret. 

“Will he be taking up much of your time?” 

“I doubt it. Sam’s always done his own thing; he’ll probably wander off halfway through the tour.” 

“Men’s focus is much like the life span of a fruit fly. Brief and unproductive.” 

“Yeah, that’s Sam.” Enid pulled a jumper over her head, though it was one of Wednesdays. The black on her looked magnificent, leaving Wednesday standing there rooted to the ground as she fought the need to kiss her cheek. Eventually, she gave in, making it brief. 

“What was that for?” 

“Girls, I have a student here looking for Enid.” Principal Weems said, gliding into the room with a boy almost as tall as her. His hair was long and his arms muscular, though he looked twenty rather than sixteen. 

“How old is he?” Wednesday asked. 

“Oh, a year older than us, though he appears older due to his alpha status. It often increases testosterone production in guys.” 

“Clearly.” 

“Enid, long time no see,” Sam advanced, taking Enid’s small frame in broad arms as he lifted her from the floor. 

Wednesday’s brow creased at the way his arms lingered, pulling her into a long embrace as Enid laughed. Enid never laughed like that around her. Perhaps Wednesday was hugging her incorrectly. 

“Put me down.” She laughed, slapping his chest after he dropped her. “You were always a feral beast.” 

“Not the way to talk to an alpha, Enid.” 

“I shall leave you all to your reunion,” Principal Weems stated, leaving promptly. 

Wednesday was not sure she wished to be part of this reunion, especially not as he drew Enid in for another hug. She hated it and felt her spine lengthening as if she was needing to shift herself. The emotion knocked Wednesday for a moment as she straightened, taking an uneven breath in through her nose. 

“This is my soulmate, Wednesday.” 

Sam advanced, arms outstretched before Enid placed a palm in front of his chest to stop him. “Wednesday isn’t much of a hugger.” 

“But you’re the clingiest person I know. You used to refuse to sleep alone when you were young. I remember your parents bought you a five-foot stuffed frog to stop your howling at night.”

“We hug sometimes,” Enid tried. 

Sam narrowed his eyes in confusion, nodding. “Oh, okay. Want to show me around this dump?” 

“It’s a beautiful building with impeccable gothic architecture and history,” Wednesday corrected. As much as this place pained her the design was immaculate. There was little she would change. 

“Okay then.” 

“Do you want to come with us?” 

“No, it is quite alright. Thing is most perplexed by the fidget spinner Eugene gave him. I should fend it off him before he becomes entranced.” 

Enid nodded. “I’ll see you in a bit.” 

Wednesday stewed like meat left out in the sun, becoming far more rancid as the hours passed. The tense feeling ebbed and flowed through her like an uncomfortable tide of disdain. She was still learning how to be a soulmate. Though she supposed it would come easy to many, for her it was something she was learning along the way. It involved a great deal of sacrifice, expelling some of her comfort for the reward of a blush across Enid’s cheeks when she kissed her briefly. 

The worry that she was not enough built inside until Enid returned and she snapped at her for something minute, raising her voice in irritation that truly had nothing to do with the aforementioned issue.

She had turned to something called BuzzFeed in an unhinged moment, trusting the word of someone who made Justin Bieber jokes over her usual textbooks to help her out. Wednesday felt as if she was failing her soulmate. As if Sam was a far better choice for Enid; something she hated. 

How To Be the Perfect Boyfriend

She had tried the articles aimed at girls, but every idea had made her sick to her guts. Whilst this was still nauseating it was far more palatable than the alternative.

Wednesday spent hours poring over it, even going as far as to print it out. It now sat folded and lodged between the back page of her copy of Carmilla. 

1. Make sure they know how you feel.
2. Define the relationship clearly.
3. Text back promptly.
4. Be engaged when you're together.
5. Ask about their day.
6. Listen when they talk.
7. Stop trying to win arguments.
8. Learn to empathize even when you disagree.
9. Be affectionate in your day-to-day life.
10. Be affectionate even when you're around others.
11. Introduce them to the important people in your life.
12. Prioritize their well-being—even when it's hard.
13. Learn their attachment style.
14. Respect their boundaries.

Now, most of these were completely out of Wednesday’s field of understanding. First and foremost, she didn’t have a phone, and as such had to purchase one simply to keep in touch with her. Enid had been ecstatic and as such, Wednesday had found slightly more trust in the so-called BuzzFeed.

She made a habit of always asking about her day. Though Wednesday’s mind sometimes drifted to more important things like if she had given Pugsley breathing holes in the new coffin that she was building for impromptu burial trials… so perhaps she was failing with regard to rule six.

Others were far harder. Empathy, for example, was not something that came easy to Wednesday. Whilst she tried to understand Enid’s worries, sometimes they were laughable or obtuse. 

As such, three days later -when she was rather angered by Sam buying Enid lunch- she made the most unfortunate mistake of mocking her for crying when she failed at acquiring Taylor Swift tickets. Whilst she did not think she was rude at the time, thinking back to it her words could be considered rather pointed and antagonistic, something she never wished towards her soulmate.

Enid had chosen to sleep in Yoko’s room that night, and then repeatedly. She was odd for days after around her. The rejection had felt like a crimped blade to the heart, leaving her sat up most nights as she pondered how to rectify it after days of thinking Enid would break first. 

It turned out her soulmate was awfully good at channelling her upset into distance. Some nights she even heard howling from the woods, fingers lifting to the air as if she would stumble upon her. 

Wednesday spent the next evening researching ‘attachment styles.’

‘Attachment is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another person across time and space.’ 
-Ainsworth, 1973: Bowlby, 1969

Wednesday wasn’t sure who this Ainsworth man was, but his words were acutely poetic in their wording. She did feel as if she was bound to Enid even across this mortal plane.

She concluded she was Anxious-Ambivalent, and Enid was Avoidant. Wednesday approached things with trepidation and Enid with the fear she would not be loved. It was tedious reassuring her, but secretly Wednesday craved the way Enid would calm as soon as her arms wrapped around her. 

Then she stumbled down the rabbit hole of ‘love languages.’ Though she was sure every single one applied to Enid, she managed to narrow it down to two. Physical touch, as much as Wednesday loathed it Enid always softened and relaxed at such things. 

Then the second. Gifts. Something she was yet to try. 

Wednesday had no idea what things Enid would wish for. What did a beloved get their werewolf soulmate? 

Sucking in a breath she had resorted to the thing she never wished to consider, pulling her phone to her ear. 

“Hello?” 

“Mother, it’s Wednesday.” 

“Oh, my sweet. You’re using technology after you said it was a modern curse.” 

“My arm may have been twisted on the matter but I remain sure that my prior judgment of it was correct.” 

Her mother laughed cheerfully. “Do you wish to come home? Please tell me you have not murdered another.” 

“No, it is far worse than that.” 

“Far worse?” she asked, worriedly.

“Yes, worlds more heinous. The fates have gifted me a soulmate.” 

“Apologies, it sounded as if you just said you have a soulmate.” 

“That would be because I did.” 

“Who is he? The boy you mentioned when I last visited?” 

“I did not mention him, you pestered me. And no, my soulmate is Enid, my roommate.” 

Her mother let out a slight laugh. 

“Does that amuse you?” Wednesday asked, hand tensing around the phone. 

“Yes, it does. I suppose the fates have a sense of humour. I remember you planning your house at the age of five.” 

“A house I shall still acquire.” 

“Yes, but it shall be filled with fluffy pink throws and fairy lights. Oh, how divine.” 

“Another word on this and I hang up.” 

“Why did you call? Is Enid sick? Does she wish to meet us? I could cook a spread; we have been waiting to break out your dead aunt’s silverware.” 

“I am not returning home with her. I merely wished to ask what father gets you as gifts when he does something disdainful like reorganising your dresses.” 

“Often, he will grovel with flowers or knives. Sometimes perfume or chocolates. Did you offend her?” 

“I think my commentary was not palatable, and now she is harbouring resentment for me.” 

“Soulmates cannot stay upset for long.” 

“Enid is doing a particularly good job of it; she is most maddening.” 

“Ah, how you are made for one another.” 

“Quite. I shall go now. This was miserable.” 

“You know how to warm my cold, dead heart. Goodbye. We will talk about Enid more soon.” 

“Goodbye, Mother.” 

Wednesday spent the whole day thinking of ideas, eventually ending up at a shop with a sign that hung from one string, dangling precariously as the red and green paint flaked away. 

Treasures and Trinkets Antiques

Perfect. 

She spent an hour in the store before her hands pulled something from a box buried beneath a stack of books. It was a bracelet in gold, a wolf charm hanging from it besides a small locket. 

Wednesday paid a hefty amount for it, buying her a collection of graphic novels and some flowers too, in hopes that one of the gifts would absolve her of her crimes. Then she took to the internet for more hours than she cared to admit.

Enid came back to their room once a day to gather her things, so Wednesday waited, poised on the edge of her bed for her return. 

Finally, she showed, eyes red as she walked to her side of the room, barely noting Wednesday was there. 

“What is this?” Enid asked, lifting a green velvet gift bag from her pillow. 

“An apology.” 

Enid sighed. 

“I am sorry that my words hurt you. I think often I do not consider how they may come across, and truthfully, I did not realise this Taylor Swift meant so much to you. But now that I do, I can understand why you are sad. I am most apologetic that I hurt you, Enid. It was not my intention, but I realise now that my words were cruel in their construction, as was my tone and delivery.”

Enid stared at the bag in her hands. 

“Please open it and spare me this incessant wait.” 

“I thought you were apologising?” 

Wednesday shifted uncomfortably. “You know I do not fare well sat on emotion.” 

Enid spared her, opening the books and flowers first. “You got me the new Ghosted in L.A.?” 

“I know you enjoyed the first a great deal.” 

“Thank you.” 

“There is more.” 

Enid opened the card next, her breath catching. “How…how did you…”

“A boy wished to spite his cheating girlfriend he broke up with by selling their tickets. They cost far more than I feel a ticket to such events should.” 

“You got two?” 

“I supposed you would wish to take a friend. You know loud, overbearing music is not my scene.” 

Enid smiled, shaking her head. “It’s perfect, thank you.” 

“There is one more thing in the small box.” 

Enid pulled out the soft leather box, cracking it open. 

“I placed a small cutting of my hair in the locket. I read elsewhere that such things can help with distance should we part briefly.” 

Her eyes filled with tears as she stared down at it. “You chose this?” 

“Yes, I did have some rather vague pointers from my mother but-”

“You told your mum about me?” 

“Yes, she seemed pleased.” 

Enid walked forward, resting her forehead against Wednesday’s momentarily. 

“I missed you,” Wednesday found herself admitting. “William Wordsworth once wrote ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud, that floats on high o'er vales and hills, when all at once I saw a crowd, a host of golden daffodils.’ I never truly grasped the emotion of it prior, though I think perhaps you are the golden daffodils in my life, Enid.” 

“Permission to hug you?” 

“Granted.” 

Wednesday melted into the feeling of arms tightly wrapped around her. She hated the loneliness. Normally it was something she craved but loneliness from Enid was now one of the few things Wednesday feared.

“I missed you too,” Enid mumbled against her neck, inhaling Wednesday’s scent. “I missed you so much.” 

Chapter Text

Wednesday felt as if her stomach was under fire from a thousand tiny spears as she rose from sleep. It was a horrific sensation, aching, sharp, and leaving her hunching over as she caught her breath. Far from joyous. 

She stood, wincing as the pain grew, leaving her sweaty and grim. Wednesday did not fear pain and certainly did not let it move her toward emotion. Yet, being physically stabbed had been preferable to this sensation. 

Perhaps a demon had possessed her. Either way, she ended up in the bathroom curled up by the door as she decided if she wished to throw up or not. Maybe such activities would help expel such stomach demons. It would be much like the exorcist, a favourite of Wednesday’s. 

Enid had been gone when she woke, likely attending the early morning crochet club she had started the week prior. They were currently knitting hats that were gifted to the newborns and preemies department at the hospital. Though Wednesday was against charity-really it disgusted her that it was required in the first place, dismantling the one percent was long overdue-she could respect Enid’s choice. Enid had been one of those so-called preemie babies, and had the hospital not stepped in after her premature birth Wednesday would not have her here today. 

She hated that thought. Wednesday could not imagine a world without Enid, even her memories prior to her felt hazy at best. Now everything was her smile or the laugh that irked Wednesday when they first met that now felt like a carefree lullaby. It was the way Wednesday found all colour to be abhorrent yet felt butterflies in her stomach anytime Enid added a new pastel tint to her hair. It was comforting; something Wednesday usually turned her cheek to yet sought out when it came in the form of the overly bubbly blonde.

“Must you disembowel me with your presence?” she groaned to the stomach demon. 

It was minutes later she realised she had gotten her period, though never had it been this dire. 

Wednesday made it through three lessons -how exactly, she wasn’t sure- before she gave up, raising her hand and asking to leave. The teacher had said no, though as her stomach felt as if it was trying to fall out of her body she gave up, heading out with her textbooks and ignoring his calls after her. 

Another reason to despise cis men. Someone should spite them with a womb and see how they fare.

Finally, she made it back to her room. Bracing her palm on the walls in between as she caught her breath, the sweat breaking out even stronger. 

Wednesday pulled her uniform off, slipping on one of Enid’s pyjama shirts that had a pink Powerpuff Girls print on it, pairing it with her own soft tartan shorts. 

She felt a hundred degrees, tossing and turning restlessly as she pushed the covers off her with a huff. It was most agonising, something she would hesitate to even subject Pugsley to in torture. The perils of having ovaries were most horrific, but this was far worse than ever before. 

Adding to the pain was the fact Wednesday always dressed to regulate her temperature, preferring to err just on the side of chilly much like her soul. However, her face flushed as her skin heated, leaving her more uncomfortable than any pain could achieve.

Shutting her eyes she sighed, letting sleep take her in exhaustion. 

“Wednesday, hey, cutie wake up,” Enid shook her leg lightly. 

“Did you just refer to me as cute?” She blinked her eyes open, frowning when the pain was still there. 

“You’re sweating.” 

“I can see that. I have eyes, Enid, and I am currently trapped inside this grotesquely sweaty flesh vessel of a corpse.” 

“Are you uncomfortable?” 

“I feel as if my body is trying to eviscerate my inners. I wish to be left alone to my imminent death please.” 

Enid did leave briefly but returned minutes later with a mug in her hand. “Can you sit up for me?” 

“Did you not hear my previous statement on eviscerating inners?” 

“Please, just try a sip for me. It tastes way better than it smells. Scouts honour.” 

“You were a scout?” 

“For a week, I was kicked out after I chewed through the entire bag of camping rope. I was coming into my fangs at the time.” She laughed, helping Wednesday to sit up. “Drink.” 

Bringing the tea to her lips she sipped, then continued to drink as the sweet taste marginally soothed the stirring in her stomach. 

“We have the rest of the week off from classes, but you’ll be expected to do homework.” 

“Was there another murder? We are never relinquished from class.” 

“No, okay, huh, how do I explain this one...” Enid blushed, nodding rapidly as if pepping herself up. “Omega wolves get heats, they vary but they’re often like a period only far more intense. Way more crying and like, pain and stuff. Kinda horrific really.” 

“I am suffering from a vast array of discomfort.” 

“Yeah, sorry about that. I figured it wouldn’t affect you because you’re not, you know, a wolf, but apparently, you’re channelling my wolf somehow. Maybe it’s our bond, I’m not sure. One of my distant relatives has a human mate and she’s never suffered one.” 

“I have to deal with this each month?” Preposterous. Death would be a far kinder fate.

“No, god no,” Enid laughed. “Only once a year. Your other periods will be normal but once a year I’m guessing this might… happen again.” 

“So it is something I can fix?” 

“There are ways… to help with symptoms.” 

“Why are you saying that with a grimace. You appear as if you are chewing on glass.”

“Because you won’t like them.” 

“What do these methods involve?” 

“Wolf’s tea like I just gave you.” 

“It tasted palatable.”

“There’s some medication.” 

“Interesting.”

“But most of all proximity. Cuddling should help you.” 

“Cuddling?” 

“Yes.” 

“For how long?” 

“The week.” 

Wednesday worked her jaw. Cuddling for more than an hour usually left her feeling drained. Whilst she loved Enid proximity and contact often tired her even if she enjoyed it briefly. Wednesday loved her space and it was hard to breach that even momentarily. 

“Oh.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

“I will just try the tea for now.” 

Enid nodded. Wednesday always preferred to suffer pain alone so she left her the mug and returned to her own bed, watching her soulmate with worry as she tossed and turned once more. She knew the fever could make her sick and feared Wednesday would not let her help. 

Worst of all Enid felt responsible, she had caused this with her standing as the alpha of the pair. Though, she was perplexed how that had happened. Wednesday was far more commanding than her.

After an hour of fidgeting restlessly, Wednesday rose, making her way over to Enid. “It would be preferable if we could embrace for an hour.” She slumped down beside her when Enid outstretched her arms. 

Enid bit her cheek to restrain her smile as Wednesday rested her head against her neck. 

Immediately Wednesday felt the pain shift to warmth in her chest, a feeling she got rarely. When she did it was normally on Halloween as she opened her presents and new additions to her knife sets. However, Enid too now apparently brought a similar comfort, so she buried her head deeper into her neck, inhaling her scent. 

When she woke up it was four hours later, Enid holding her tightly. 

“Morning.” 

“I fell asleep?” 

“Yes.” 

As Enid went to move, Wednesday pulled her back down. “I do not wish for you to leave.” 

“I figured we should both go to the bathroom because I need to pee and I’m sure you do too. Do you have pads and stuff, or do you need me to raid medical? Hopefully, they had some. They used a load to pack claw wounds the other week when that dragon escaped and mauled a third year.” She shivered at the thought.

“I have plenty.” 

“How are you feeling?” 

“Warm. Possibly too much so.” 

“I’ll steal a fan from Sam. He keeps one for his hormone surges.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Come on. You may want to take a shower too. It will help reduce your temperature.” Enid grabbed Wednesday’s towel for her.

She listened, following Enid’s advice before returning to her room when she missed her. The stomach pains had returned as she hopped out from the shower and Wednesday somehow knew it was due to Enid parting from her side. She sighed as her soulmate angled the fan at her. “Are you not too cold?” 

“Wolves run really warm,” Enid said, taking a seat by Wednesday on her bed once more. “Choose a film.” 

“Anything?” 

“Anything,” Enid allowed. 

“Thank you for this. I realise that I am not the most personable of people. More so when I am uncomfortable.”

“I caused this,” Enid said. “You shouldn’t feel bad about it. Also, you bought me a tub of ice cream from town last time I got my period so I feel like we’re even.”

“No, the fates caused it. They’re apparently tenacious things. And do not mention the ice cream again, far be it for people to think I am kind.” 

Enid snapped Wednesday off a cube of chocolate, passing it over to her. 

“Thank you.” 

Enid smiled, holding Wednesday as she curled back against her side like a stubborn cat. 

“I would like to watch a horror.” 

“Shocking.”

Chapter Text

“You spiked his drink?” Enid all but yelled as she walked into her bedroom. It was their first time visiting her pack back in her hometown -the first hour- and metaphorical shit was already hitting the huge ass fan. 

“Spiked is such a strong word, Enid. Your brother was being brash and antagonistic. All I did was take him down a peg by introducing him to the wonders of sleep albeit briefly.” 

“You spiked him.” 

“I gave him a valerian sleep capsule I take often. They sell such things over the counter and they’re harmless.”

“You knew full well that valerian is stronger on wolves,” Enid whined. “Are you f-ing kidding me?” 

“You can say the word fuck. It was only made taboo by certain White people who wished to impose yet more archaic rule over language often used by the Black community, for instance in rap.” 

Enid worked her jaw. “You drugged my brother.” 

“He mocked you. You know I do not stand for anyone’s torment of you but my own.” 

“He’s a pack alpha, I can’t just ruffle his hind legs like that he will claw out my throat when he wakes up!” 

“When he awakes, I will be talking to him about the misogynistic wolf standards he seems to hold you all by.” 

Enid groaned. 

“Are you upset with me?” 

“Is that not obvious?” 

“No, I suppose not. Distinguishing emotion has never been my forte.” 

“You promised me you would blend in and not cause any harm while we were here.”

“That was before your brother decided to go on a rant and belittle you immediately upon our arrival.” 

Enid grabbed her jumper in a huff. 

“Where are you going?” 

“Out.” 

“You’re hurt by this?” Wednesday said, voice wavering only slightly as she considered that Enid was actually upset with her over such events. 

“I asked you for one thing. One. And now I’m even more of an embarrassment to my pack.” She grabbed her snood and walked out the door, slamming the wood. 

Enid had put far too many expectations on their return as a couple. For once she was excited to bring her girlfriend back and to finally be respected by the pack. Finding one’s mate was huge and she had thought such events called for her to finally be proud. Not only that, but Enid also wanted her pack to adore Wednesday just as much as she did. 

Acceptance of Wednesday was something she craved even more as she knew such things would make her feel more comfortable when they returned. And now, Wednesday had put her brother to sleep within thirty minutes of meeting him, and in front of her other siblings no less. 

Her siblings had scowled and mumbled to Enid about returning from the holiday break to the academy earlier because they didn’t think they should stay here with them. 

She had lulled herself into thinking Wednesday would for once listen to her requests. As the alpha in their pairing, Wednesday should listen yet she never did. Goldfish were more receptive to her darn wishes than her soulmate. 

The worst part was that she hadn’t even tried. Wednesday renounced her wishes within the first blip of meeting her siblings. 

Wednesday pulled her knees to her chest as she sat on Enid’s bed. It smelled like her; vanilla pumpkin spice and the Ariana Grande perfume she used. She had not intended to upset her soulmate, quite the opposite in truth. She had read up heavily on wolf etiquette and everything stated she should challenge when mocked. Then again, the textbooks were from the eighteen hundreds. 

She had always been protective of Enid, so when her brother began mocking her, her wolf form, her grades… everything… she had snapped. It was easy to slip one of her own supplements into his tea and he would only sleep briefly, wolves burned these things off far more rapidly than human forms. 

Swiping the tear from her cheek she steeled her jaw, holding her legs tighter as she considered how hurt Enid had appeared. They argued rarely... squabbled often but this scared her. She was already far out of her depths like Cthulhu on land among these wolves- Enid’s family. It left anxiety bubbling like an overfilled cauldron in her chest, unwanted and constant. 

Her head lifted as a hand knocked on the door. 

“You may enter.” 

It wasn’t Enid, so much was clear when the looming shadow entered the room well before the incredibly tall boy. Tatum; Enid’s brother she had drugged. 

“Hello.” 

“I do not regret my choice,” Wednesday said. She would do it again, though Enid was hurt by her decision to resort to -choice methods of revenge- Wednesday always was the first to slap the glove for a dual. 

He chuckled, taking a seat on Enid’s fluffy, pink beanbag. His legs were so long that his frame looked incredibly awkward in it, almost like a black widow stuck in a bubble. “Is ‘Nid pissed?” 

“She was understandably concerned by my choice of medicinal actions.” 

He snorted, shaking his head. “When I met my cousin Amy’s soulmate, Ethan, I slipped him a dash of wolfsbane for making out with her in front of us. Spent all day with his fangs showing then retreating, no one knew why.” 

“You did not approve of him?”

“I am very protective of my pack.” 

“Some would find that misogynistic. Though I find it interesting you do not treat Enid with such care. You belittle her. Ridicule her.” 

He nodded, barely tilting his chin with a wolfish grin. “Did you know when you walked through that door there was one thing all of us noticed?” 

“Homosexuality?” Enid had mentioned multiple times that no one else in her pack was queer.

Scoffing he sat up a bit in the beanbag chair. “Enid’s scent. Thus far none of my other siblings have challenged me for alpha pack leader, I’m the next in line.” 

“But Enid did,” Wednesday concluded. 

“Yes. Her scent is that of a leader.” 

“You are worried your sister will part you from your title.” 

He winced. “Did you know that when Enid was six, she accidentally chewed some girl's pencil case right in half?” 

“No. Enid rarely talks about her childhood.” 

“She was bullied. A lot. My parents ended up home-schooling her at one point because wherever she went she never fit in.” 

“The Enid I know is strong. She defended me from death and unwanted advances more times than one could count.” 

“I know. She is strong. But pack leaders are the first to be picked off when hunters find us, did you know that? They target an alpha to break up a pack. Weaken them in hopes they can take out many.” 

“You do not think she is strong enough to defend a pack?” 

“Alphas die, Wednesday. Regardless of strength, a silver bullet piercing your heart will kill you. I’ve spent my life protecting Enid, she has been through too much to die now. She’s been set on being a vet ever since she was six years old and I want that for her, to succeed. Not to be hammered down by titles that are bigged up when really, no one wants them.”

Wednesday could understand that to a degree. Even Enid had shown little want to be a leader in her pack. Though the trait was clear in her everyday life, she never expressed wishing for more. 

“Must you ridicule her to secure this?” 

“No, I guess not. I’ve just always treated Enid like my brothers. I figured it would toughen her up especially going away to the academy. I was worried, I went there too. I know exactly how some students are treated by their peers let alone a girl who still collects Adventure Time merch.” 

“She does seem to adore that inane cartoon.”

“Look, I don’t begrudge what you did. I’ve done far worse to protect my pack.” 

“Enid seemed very upset with my choice of actions.” 

“My siblings are all omegas and betas, far be it for them to understand acts of war as a way of pissing on someone and stating protected territory. She was just worried they’d be irked.” 

“I was not urinating on Enid.” 

“I would hope not. It’s an expression.” He laughed. “I mean you’re defensive of her. That’s exactly what she needs.” 

“Your sister is an alpha; she doesn’t require my defence.” 
 
“She spent a large portion of her childhood being bullied. Regardless of her standing she needs someone after all these years who will stand by her side. Who will protect her and show her that they’re there no matter what. I hope you continue to do so. However, I figured we should go for a run. ‘Nid can disappear for hours when she goes into one of her moody and distant moments. She used to run one of those gloomy Tumblr accounts that ironically was all like, shots of rain and depressing shit.” 

“I do not partake in physical activity unless being chased by my therapist.” 

“I meant I will run, and you… you can take a hunting bow.” 

“You have an armory here?” 

“Follow me.” 

Enid decided she had been slightly overly dramatic around an hour into her walk to get gelato. Without her soulmate beside her, it tasted bland and not at all like the fruity pebbles strawberry surprise it was meant to.

However, when she came home -trudging past her siblings who all narrowed their eyes at her- she was surprised to find Wednesday not in her room at all. There was no note, no text on her phone, nothing. 

“Have any of you seen Wednesday?” She asked her brothers. 

“Just sniff out the corpses of our pack, I’m sure you’ll find her,” August jested. 

“Wednesday would not harm any of you.” 

“Debatable, clearly.” He sat up straighter. “And no, none of us have seen your criminal. Hopefully, she isn’t murdering Tatum after she drugged him.” 

No, Enid thought. She wouldn’t. Though as she opened the door to where they had left Tatum sleeping, he was gone also leaving a shiver running down her spine. 

Over the next hour she spiralled considerably. What if her soulmate was currently burying her brother alive? What if she had taken him to a tree for shooting practice? She often did so with Pugsley, but Tatum would find it far odder than Pugsley did. They would never be able to show their faces again. 

“Enid, honey, why do you look so pale?” Her mother asked as she entered the living room, hands shaking. 

“Wednesday is gone… and Tatum.” 

“Tatum is out?” Tatum’s girlfriend asked. “He never goes for his runs this time of day when it’s cold out.” 

“I swear to god,” August spat. “If your deranged mate lays one hand on him I will claw out her-”

“I am all for threats of violence but clawing seems far too mundane for wolves. Could you not come up with something far more devious?” Wednesday asked as she and Tatum entered the house, strings of dead rabbits slung around their necks, both of their cheeks painted in blood. 

“Don’t get blood on my floor Tatum,” her mother scolded. “Saying that, that’s your best hunt yet. I’m proud of you boy.”

“Actually, Wednesday caught most. She’s totally insane with that bow.” 

“You went hunting together?” Enid asked. 

“Yeah. You sure know how to pick them ‘Nid. Looks like we’ll be eating well tonight.” 

“You went out together?” She repeated, confused. 

Tatum patted Wednesday on the head, ignoring her threats to murder him in his sleep. “Yeah. Figured I’d better make an improved impression so she didn’t drug me again. What did you even slip that in?” 

“Your tea masked it.” 

“I’ll have to remember that for my other cousin’s ghastly mate.” 

“Only use half a capsule or he’ll be out for a day.” 

“I’m sorry what is happening here?” 

“I need to bathe before I traipse blood across your mothers’ carpet,” Wednesday said, departing. 

“You should check on her once she’s out,” Tatum mumbled. “I think she’s a bit worried about the others disliking her.” 

“Wednesday doesn’t care who dislikes her.”

“She does when it affects you.” Tatum smiled. “Proud of you sis. Keep an eye on her, yeah? I know you know what it’s like to sit on the outskirts.” 

Wednesday slipped her pyjama shirt on just before Enid cracked the door open. She had spent twenty minutes scrubbing the blood from her cheeks, so they were now tinted a slight pink from the irritation. Whilst Wednesday found blood to be cathartic she presumed ruining Enid’s family's furnishings with it would not be wished for. 

“Hi,” Enid said, shutting the door behind her. 

“Hello.” Wednesday went about folding her shirt, not wanting to meet her eye. She still felt horrific for harming Enid. Whether she had intended it as protection of her soulmate or not. 

Though, after a second arms wrapped around her waist from behind, Enid held her tight as she placed a kiss on her shoulder. “I’m sorry for earlier. I shouldn’t have snapped at you for defending me.” 

“You were right to do so. I broke the only stipulation you presented me with like an untrained child told not to eat the candy.” 

“Tatum never takes any of the soulmates hunting with him. He must like you.” 

“I do not think your other siblings do.” 

“My other siblings like no one but themselves. I wouldn’t take it to heart.” Enid released her, taking a seat on the bed as she looked up at Wednesday who would not meet her eye. 

“I love you.” 

Wednesday finally looked at her. “You do not have to coddle me because you left. I understand that I harmed you with my actions, it was deserved.” 

“I’m not. I love you, very much actually.” 

She swallowed. Wednesday had previously thought love to be utter madness. Something driven by hormones or utter delusion. Yet with Enid, she had never questioned it since knowing she was her soulmate. Though neither of them had vocalised such things prior. 

“I love you too.” 

“Why did you say it through gritted teeth?” Enid grinned. 

“You know I do not partake in romantic notions. They are for subservient women or people born prior to the nineteen hundreds.” 

“Yet you just did.” Enid beamed. “You, Wednesday Addams, love me.” 

Wednesday averted her eyes. “I caught you a baby raccoon.” 

“You killed a baby raccoon?” Enid winced, breath catching. 

“No, I know how you adore them. It was abandoned and appeared famished. We found the mother dead by a tree. Your brother hid it in the shed for you and we fed it. I am not above sneaking him into the academy for you when we return, his name is Widow.”

“Why Widow?” 

“He had black-rimmed eyes, much like that woman in the extremely implausible wartime romance you made me watch the week prior. The one where he unsurprisingly died, and she found out. Then there was a shot that made it apparent waterproof mascara had not yet been invented. Her eyes appeared like black holes that seemed to suck the acting ability right from her because that crying was most dramatic.”

“Her husband just died!” 

“He told her he was going on a suicide mission; I do not know what she expected apart from the obvious outcome.” 

Enid’s eyes filled with watery tears. “Thank you for Widow.” 

“Anything for my beloved.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday does not get sick. In fact, she was relatively sure that her stubbornness burnt away viruses before they could ever think to take or mutate. She looked the molecules dead in the eye, and they ran to the next willing host. However, all great achievements must always near their end. Just as Achilles fell, so must Wednesday.

Sneezing, Wednesday stared in horror at her hand. She walked to Enid’s side of the room, stealing a tissue she blotted her nose with. A fluke. It was likely dust particles that tickled a nerve. 

However, by the sixth sneeze, her head began to feel as if Napoleon was fighting a war within her frontal cortex. Her fingers lifted, rubbing at her temple as she sighed. The signs were not currently in her favour, but signs were often wrong. 

As such, Wednesday was sure of the fact that it could all just be a sequence of poorly timed -coincidental- flu-like events. 

She made it through the day, almost snapping just before she got back to her room because she was sweating, tired, and beyond done with repugnant men asking what an ovary was in biology and if it fell out of a woman during -as they so eloquently put it- major shark week. 

Wednesday placed her bag in its spot, moving to slip out of her jacket as she pulled a soft shirt on. Sighing she decided on temporarily rehoming a pair of Enid’s sweatpants, though heinous they were truly comfortable. 

“You’re wearing my sweatpants?” 

Instead of replying, Wednesday sneezed, lifting the hundredth tissue to her face. The pile amassed in the bin had grown so great it was almost overflowing like a plagued avalanche. 

“You’re sick?” 

She didn’t answer. Rubbing her head as she reached for a thermometer she had stolen from the nurse's office. Whilst Wednesday had a complete medical kit for autopsies and suture practice, neither was performed on the living so such equipment was not usually required. 

“Woah, you’re burning up,” Enid said, pulling it out from her mouth. “Okay, I think this calls for nurse Enid’s get well quickly plan.” 

“What?” 

Enid returned thirty minutes later; arms filled to the brim with things. Gently she passed Wednesday a herbal tea then went about unpacking whatever store she had raided. 

“I got you menthol rub that will help you breathe. Tea and soup, energy drinks with added vitamins, cough medicine, and a load of tissues and things.” 

“Thank you?” 

“Now shuffle up and we can watch something. There’s a new season of She-Ra.” 

“I don’t feel like-”

Enid ignored her annoyance, opening the laptop. Wednesday took the spoon of medicine she passed, feeling groggy ten minutes later as the dose entered her system. It was most pleasing really. Wednesday noted the brand, for next time she needed to shut Pugsley up. 

She wrapped her arm around Enid in her sleepy haze, craving the comfort of her warmth and scent as sleep took over her, leaving her eyes shutting as she sighed and sniffled. 

When she awoke, she was disorientated, hand reaching out for Enid but finding her gone. 

“Sorry, I figured I’d grab us food before you woke up so you didn’t have to deal with the sirens screaming in the cafeteria this morning.” Enid placed two bowls of cereal down on the desk. “How are you feeling?” 

“As if a plague of monkeys is playing obscene cymbals within my brain.” 

“Oddly specific,” Enid sat, perched awkwardly on the edge of her bed. 

“We should head down though; I require orange juice and sustenance other than-” She peered over. “Captain Crunch.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“I’m of much better health today.” Compared to last night at least, when she was drugged and feeling more disgusting than a Disney Christmas tree. 

Enid helped her, passing Wednesday a black hoodie she had gotten her as a gift, one with horns and a hood lined inside with black fur. Wednesday tugged the hood over her head so that her face was all that peaked through, heading down to the cafeteria. 

Few people knew that Wednesday and Enid were… soulmates. Their friends knew, of course, though their lips remained welded shut to allow them the privacy they needed. Others had seen them close on occasion and assumed that they were girlfriends or something but nothing more.

But many still knew nothing about their bond. Wednesday adored her privacy. Students were nosy and enjoyed partaking in debatably sourced gossip. 

However, the issue was that as she was sick, Enid’s scent had changed without either of them realising. What was natural to them was notable to the other wolves who smelled the strong protective scent of a mated wolf as if it was a pumpkin spice candle burning right beneath their nose. 

As they entered the cafeteria heads of other wolves whipped up, focussing on the pair with wide eyes. Whilst her pack could smell her mated scent no one else knew her well enough to note the difference. However, her protective scent was strong, pungent, and filled the cafeteria like a thick cloud. 

Wednesday noted the hushed whispers as they began, her eyes watching as people leaned into one another, cupping their faces as they whispered, eyes trained on her and Enid. What began as small whispers appeared to barge through the entire cafeteria at full speed. Spreading much like the horrid virus she had until it passed to someone close enough that Enid caught it, her face paling as her jaw dropped. 

“What is wrong? You feel off.” Her emotions were like a fearful tidal wave gripping her.

“Um,” Enid stumbled over her words, nonsensical sounds leaving her as she babbled. “We may have a problem.” 

“Do you care to tell me what such problems are?” 

“Because you’re sick, I think my scent has changed.” 

“You smell the same to me.” 

“Because we’re bound, we aren’t the ones meant to notice it. It’s to warn others.” 

Wednesday worked her jaw. “I see.” 

“We can head back.” 

“No, running only demonstrates weakness and fear- neither of which are we about to give these people.” Wednesday continued through the canteen, doing her best not to show the fear she was feeling. 

She wasn’t scared because of her ego or because she was ashamed of being mated to Enid. Quite the opposite actually; Wednesday feared that Enid would be looked down on by her peers for being linked to her. Wednesday was hardly the cause for popularity and seemed to drum up spite and repulsion everywhere she went. She didn’t wish for Enid to be tied to such titles, so she pretended not to notice the whispers, grabbing her food. 

As they headed back murmurs broke out, quickly turning into quips and laughter that met their backs as they exited with their food, Wednesday’s head held high. 

However, Enid seemed off, so much so that she barely spoke a word on the way back. Though as they returned, she did pass Wednesday a hot tea and her medicine. Taking her temperature in silence with her shoulders so rigid Wednesday was not sure if she was going to shift.

The odd thing was Enid did not even bother to hint that she wished to cuddle. Over their relationship, Wednesday had become better at reading Enid’s needs and disposition. She was forever hinting at a want to hold one another or a want to kiss her cheek. Sometimes she would perch on Wednesday’s bed swinging her legs until invited closer, other times she would simply stare at her and make discontented whines. 

Enid craved some form of contact at all times like a puppy. 

So, it was odd that after she gave her the medicine she returned to her side of the room and pulled out a book, curling up on her side away from Wednesday. 

It hurt, like a morning star to the eye in a great battle. The pain was punctuated by the loneliness that crept into Wednesday’s bed like a shadow of an old friend she no longer wished to converse with. 

She stood, taking thirty minutes to practice a cello piece before the annoyance grated on her enough to breach the still air between them. “I’m sorry,” she said. 

Enid’s head peeked up from her book as her brow furrowed. “Why are you sorry?” 

“Because clearly, it is an embarrassment to be mated to me. I’m far from the eye of popularity and I’m despised by masses of buffoons, though I do not care for their judgment I know image is important to wolves. I hurt your standing here and for that, I am truly sorry.” 

“Wednesday,” Enid sighed, wiping a tear from her eye as she put her book down. Gently she moved Wednesday’s cello from her hands and into its resting place as she tugged her up. “I am never ashamed of you. I am proud, lucky, and so fricken happy to call you mine. I’m like the luckiest girl in the world. I was just worried because I didn’t think you wanted people to know. I didn’t want to hurt you again and I realise you like to keep your private life private.”

There were two options at that point, explain a very longwinded essay on the many ways Enid had stitched her heart back together since their meeting- with surgical precision. Or give in to the odd feeling that was brewing in Wednesday’s chest that hadn’t arisen before. Certainly not like this. 

It was as if she was stilled by the emotion, standing with feet rooted to the ground as she processed the new feeling that reached through every centimeter of her being. 

Tentative, pale fingers reached out, wrapping around the back of Enid’s neck. 

“Wednesday?” 

She tugged gently until Enid got the idea. Enid assumed this kiss would be as brief as the many others. Their lips met, and Wednesday felt warmth flooding her cheeks as her lips tingled. Respectfully, after the usual three seconds, Enid went to pull away but Wednesday kept her hand firm on her neck, not yet wanting her to leave. 

Enid was a comfort in that moment, her safety and home. She was a light at the bottom of an ocean lighting a city long since lost to the seas. She was the lick of petroleum that caught a fire that burned bright across the backs of Wednesday’s eyelids, dancing wild and free. 

Wednesday tugged her closer, Enid walking her back a pace until her back hit the desk, the wood bore into the base of her spine as she let out a slight sound of contentment. Her lips moved with intention against Enid’s, trying to communicate that for this moment she was free to let go. 

After a moment, Enid caved as their bond communicated her comfort. Enid kissed her as if she knew she would be granted such things rarely. She nipped Wednesday’s lip, something that caught Wednesday off guard but was appreciated perhaps even more than the kiss. Wednesday loved the small wolf-like qualities Enid did her best to hide, craved them. 

She had once chewed a hole in the sleeve of Wednesday’s favourite sweater and then Wednesday had proceeded to wear it for four days straight, thumb poking through the hole with a smile that didn’t reach her face but was felt inside her chest.

She tugged her closer with a fist clenching her jumper, eyes slipping shut as Enid kissed her jaw, slowing Wednesday’s emotions to a calm tide as she kissed along it, nuzzling at her neck. 

“I appreciate when you give in to your wolf habits. I hate when you feel you need to hide them.” 

Enid froze, lips parting against Wednesday’s neck as she sighed, closing her eyes as she nuzzled her again, letting her nose pick up her scent. Her nose tickled the shell of Wednesday’s ear as she lifted her, gently resting her back down on her bed before kissing her temple. “Do you want to watch a film?” 

“The new scream has apparently been released.” 

Enid rolled her eyes but allowed it as she always did, settling next to her with a laptop. “Are you okay after that?” 

Wednesday was still processing the new feeling. “I doubt I shall feel like that often.”

“I know.” Enid smiled. “I don’t expect it of you, but it was nice.” 

“I may but do not hold your breath on such matters. Statistically, it’s likely an obscure side effect of this cold.” Wednesday curled into her side, letting her nose brush Enid’s neck just as hers had earlier. “This calms me though.” 

Enid felt tears burning in her eyes as Wednesday’s nose brushed against her neck. Wednesday was not a wolf which meant that some wolf things and habits that came with mates, she did not have with the human. However, at that moment, knowingly or not Wednesday was scenting her as wolf mates often did. Enid wasn’t sure there was anything in the world that would bring her more joy than such. 

Then Enid sneezed, grumbling as she reached for a tissue. “I’m blaming you for this.” 

Wednesday gave one of her rare, small smiles at that.

Chapter Text

Wednesday hated Christmas. Disdained it. 

It was deplorable. A time of year Wednesday had always had a visceral reaction to. The lights were far too bright and gave her a migraine. The smells were far too sweet like sticking her head in a peppermint honeycomb, and the clothing? Well, it was a combination of far too many primary colours that should never be seen together.

It was horrific. A time of year when rich children veered towards overconsumption whilst poorer children felt as if they had been forgotten by so-called ‘Santa’ -don’t even get Wednesday started on that creepy old wench of a man- and then the others, who didn’t celebrate the holiday at all. Others who were forced to take their holidays then or be in the mood for a period that didn’t even pertain to their religion or family traditions. 

All in all, she hated the forced commercial butchery of it and hated the sensory aspects even more. 

“Where’s your jumper silly?” Enid asked on the first of December. 

“If I had one, I would have burned it as a ceremonial stance on the matter, but alas, I never had one to begin with.” 

“You don’t have a Christmas jumper?” 

“Obviously not. That holiday is for sticky-fingered children screaming at their parents for some console or another, one that is probably out of their budget and will land them in some form of debt.” 

“This just won’t do…” Enid shook her head. 

“What will not do?” 

“This huge lack of festive cheer, Wednesday.” 

“I hardly think my festivity should be called into question. I paid students in the year above us to kidnap the others on Halloween. They all stated it was the most terrifying moment of their life.” 

“Because you shouldn’t have people kidnapped!” Enid yelled. “Eugene sent a swarm of bees after one of them too! He was rubbing cream on his behind for days and still apparently can’t sit down!” 

Wednesday smiled. 

“It’s not funny. We’ve talked about this.”

“I believe you talked about this; I was subjected to the rant. Eugene loves escape rooms. I merely presented him with the perfect opportunity.”

Enid groaned, running her hands through her hair. “Can we please circle back to the original issue? You’re not Christmassy enough.” 

“I’m not Christian so why is it imperative I partake in their commercialised holiday of consumerism?” 

She winced, recoiling. Enid’s favourite holiday had always been Christmas. It was the one time her mother would stop nagging her about her failings as she was too focussed on cooking food and cleaning the house. It was the one day her brothers were actually nice to her- too euphoric with their small presents. Then there were her favourite things: decorations, sappy films, and food. 

However, her soulmate seemed to be swayed by none of those things. 

“I thought we could go shopping for festive jumpers and then watch some films. Elf? The Grinch?” 

“That sounds like its own form of torture. Maybe that shall be the next method I use on Pugsley.” 

“You don’t want to spend the day getting into the spirit with me?” 

“Do you not have a whole month to acquire this ‘festive spirit?’” 

Enid worked her jaw, taking a deep breath through her nose. “Christmas means something to me just as Halloween does to you.” 

“Halloween is a holiday most unlike that. It’s full of pain, fear, and children crying at costumes that are too realistic. Even you adored the candy. Though I stand by the fact we should have mixed in firecrackers with the sweets, it’s meant to be trick or treat, not simply treat.” 

“Fine.” Enid turned to grab her jumper. 

Wednesday wasn’t sure what had thrown Enid into such a huff for days until her phone rang. The caller ID remained anonymous which baffled her as Wednesday was incredibly organised with adding all numbers of those who would wish to ring her. 

“Hello, Wednesday speaking.” 

“Dude, why did my sister look like she had been crying when I FaceTimed her this morning?” 

“Tatum,” Wednesday acknowledged. “I don’t know. Enid has been in an obscure mood for days.” 

“So, what did you do?” 

“I did not do anything that I am aware of.” Except now that Wednesday thought of it, Enid may have been irked by her choice to colour in one of her My Little Ponies in black sharpie.

“She said you two were fine but I can tell when my sister is lying. What the hell did you do to my sister Addams?” 

“It may have been her toy pony. I coloured the thing in with Sharpie.” 

“No, it wasn’t that. Enid is beyond used to you turning random things of hers strange. Whilst she pretends that it annoys her, really she’s been carrying that Starbucks cup you decorated with a dead student’s hand bones everywhere.” 

“Then I don’t know why she would have any animosity toward me.”

“Did you eat all of her sacred Pop-Tarts again?” 

“No, they were abysmal. I only did that prior because I had no other option for sustenance and was three days into reading about the occult.”

“Did you say no to Enid’s stupid secret Santa thing she does each year? Because that tradition is like the main thing she looks forward to each Christmas.” 

“Christmas is an atrocious holiday.” 

“Christmas is the one holiday Enid looks forward to each year.” 

“It is full of commercialised garbage and ignorant family members people pretend to like. Even when they are three hours into a homophobic, transphobic, or racist rant.” 

“Yeah, well, our family never had a whole bunch of money, so we never did the whole commercial thing. Our parents would get us each one small gift: textbooks and stationary for Enid -always- so she didn’t stick out like a sore thumb at school, then clothing or a board game for myself and my other siblings. We have such a big family and it’s not like our parents have tonnes of spare cash as is. Enid just always liked the mushy films and the food. The whole thing of decorating even though none of us wanted them up because she knew putting us to work would stop us bickering for a couple of hours.” 

“That sounds… nice.” 

“Yeah, well Christmas is everything to ‘Nid. Always has been. She didn’t even know Santa wasn’t real until she was thirteen.” 

“She believed that a single man could manipulate time better than Death himself just to scatter gifts to every child on Earth?” 

“I don’t think she wanted to question it. Our mum is obsessed with Christmas. Even though we didn’t have much she would go all out for dinner. We would gather what game and meat we could in wolf form then she always does this whole spread of veg and stuff. It’s weird that she didn’t want to come home for it.” 

“Why wouldn’t she return home?” 

“She said you had exams you had to stay for.” 

Wednesday did, she had a whole load of botany and potions classes she had gotten far behind on as she had joined the term here far later than everyone else. While she was well versed in such things there were certainly some areas that she lacked in. Such as plants used to heal rather than maim. 

“Why would Enid remain here though? My exams do not require her presence, I would more than understand her departure.” 

“Because, idiot, she’s your mate. She loves you and said that she couldn’t wait for your first Christmas together. It’s a huge thing for wolves to share things like that with their mates.” 

Shit, Wednesday thought. That was the likely culprit to Enid’s upset. “I think I realise now where I have misstepped.” 

“Did you hurt ‘Nid?” 

“I did not realise the importance of this all for her, so yes, I likely did. However now I shall make sure she has the best Christmas she could possibly wish for.” 

Tatum scoffed. “You two are so gay. I’ll text you a list of foods she goes mad for. There’s these little sausage rolls our English cousin used to bring when he visited and ‘Nid would devour them.”

“Thank you for your assistance in this matter.” 

“Anytime little dude.” 

Wednesday huffed as silence filled the other side of the line. She was used to making mistakes by now, but it annoyed her that it was normally her making them. Enid did nothing but cater to making her -begrudgingly- smile and Wednesday kept missing the mark time and time again. She did not wish to be like an absent boyfriend, no, Wednesday wished to impress Enid just as much as her parents did each other. 

Though, romance and care were concepts that she was having to study for like the most obscure exam of her life. It didn’t come naturally and she only wished for it to see her soulmate smiling beside her. 

“You owe me a favour,” she said as she reached the office.

The headteacher, Larissa, stared back at her with her chin resting on her hands. “And why is that?” 

“Because I made sure you were still in the position to hold your vocation. Now, if you would, I need to borrow you and your car for an urgent task.” 

“My car?” 

“Precisely.”

“Does it involve any dead bodies?” 

“No. No such joy.”

She started with the obvious- decorations. The shops smelled sickly like cinnamon and the crushed hopes of childhood dreams. The lights were so bright she winced as she passed them, making a note to get the softer ones that didn’t make her feel like she had stumbled into a neon-drenched bar circa the eighties. 

“Those ones look rather festive,” Larissa said. 

“They look putrid. We are minimising the number of unsightly colours. Look for neutral tones, warm but not psychedelic. I do not wish for my room to appear as an acid trip.” 

They settled on some warm yellow -but not overly bright- fairy lights, alongside a tree that she watched Principle Weems trudge out to the car with. It was small but bushy and smelled like the forest which Wednesday wasn’t entirely against. The tree smelled just as Enid did whenever she returned from a run.

Next came the decorations. Whilst she hated most, she found a collection of soft felt -greatly overpriced- decorations. She picked up a handful of the brown bats for herself and some smiling mushrooms and forest creatures for Enid including a hedgehog and deer with one eye.

She even purchased a gonk with a plaited beard that she was quite partial to. Thing appeared to like resting on its hat like a turret, so into the cart it went alongside the growing collection of horrific things. 

“That will be three hundred dollars.” 

“The price of romance,” Wednesday sighed to Thing. 

Next was the food. She had Principle Weems drop her in town where she scoured shop by shop, ticking off the list but also purchasing some food her own family bought for big occasions like parties. She purchased Enid a huge side of steak with a portion of garlic butter. Enid loved meat and garlic bread, so this seemed apt for her tastes. 

“I don’t even know what a sausage roll is.” 

“It’s seasoned sausage meat, wrapped in puff pastry according to Wikipedia and a questionable British chef by the name of Nigella- who seems to chew on her vowels like she is lusting after them.” 

“Yep, still don’t have it.” The guy shook his head. “We carry sausage meat and puff pastry blocks separately though if you wanna, I don’t know, make some.” 

“I suppose that would suffice.” 

It wasn’t even Christmas yet. From her notes, she knew she would have to leave the turkey and extra sausage rolls in the freezer in the canteen for a while. For now, she knew she had to do something to cheer her soulmate up. 

“Wednesday, what’s all of this?” Enid asked as she stepped into their room. 

It was now lit a warm amber by an array of fairy lights. A tree sat before the stained-glass window with a box in front of it. “Your brother said that decorating the tree was your favourite part, so I have left it unmade.”

Enid’s eyes cursed over to the small brown table and chairs Wednesday has stolen from her history class, covered with a cream tablecloth and a spread of food. A huge steak sat on one side, with Wednesday’s far plainer meal on the other. Both had roast potatoes and vegetables and two gravy boats sat to the side, one with gravy and another with a bread sauce. 

“You found sausage rolls?” 

Of course, that is what Enid noted. Not the steak Wednesday had seared to perfection. 

“No one stocked them. I made some, I do hope they live up to expectation.”

“You said that you hate Christmas.” 

“Your brother may have pointed out to me that I missed how much it means to you. Regardless of my views on festivities, seeing you happy makes me feel… warm, if you wish. I would be happy to oblige in continuing such traditions together if they mean something to you. What means something to you now does to me in its own way.” 

“Thank you,” Enid whispered tearfully, knuckles wiping the droplets from reddened cheeks. “This is perfect. Really, the lights are beautiful.” 

“I also booked the canteen out for Christmas day as mostly everyone shall be home. A few classmates who board here and have no family to return to shall be staying. I bought plenty of food so I thought we could all celebrate together. Three students also wish to hold something for the Hannukah period so it appears there will be weeks of events ahead for us all.”

“They don’t allow students in the canteen kitchen.” 

“I caught one of the chefs locking lips rather lustfully -adults can be so grotesque- with the history teacher, Mr. Simmonds. It appears that he is married, a fact the chef did not wish to be shared, and as such, I have been given free rein outside of normal school term use.” 

Enid shook her head with a smile. “You know I love you, right?”

“I should hope so. You drooled on my pillow last night during a dream- supposedly chasing a rabbit.”

“It was an elk!” 

“Come, sit. You should eat before your steak cools.” 

Enid placed a kiss on Wednesday’s knuckles. “Thank you. It’s perfect.” 

“As are you, my dear.”

Chapter Text

Enid had been peculiar for days- four to be precise. Wednesday had noted it as she did each and every habit of her mates, diarising them with her quill as she observed throughout the week. 

At first, it was small things. Enid would toss and turn as she slept, thrashing around like a wild animal in an attempt to free herself from her sheets. Her shoulders were covered in a visible sheen of sweat that glimmered under the amber hues of the lamplight, and her hair stuck to her neck. Meaning she now showered each and every morning. 

Her scent changed; something nobody but Wednesday seemed to note. It went from earthy -like fresh cedar and a drop of pine- to something sweet and spicy like gingerbread. Wednesday found herself drawn to it more and more with each passing day like Hansel and Gretel lured to the house that would lead to their ends. As such, Wednesday attempted to resist it. Just on the off chance that her mate did wish to cook her in an oven. 

That was a fate even she would not tempt.

Then there were more things that began to pile up throughout the week. Things which left Wednesday’s notebook crammed with notes and any information she could find in novels about hormonal changes in wolves. 

Something was wrong with her mate. 

“Eat,” Enid prompted at lunch, pushing a tray of fries toward her side of the table. Wednesday had chosen to sit opposite her as her scent was now so strong that walking beside her made it hard to think about anything other than holding her close. And if there was one thing Wednesday would die before giving into- it was public displays of affection. Putrid. Ghastly. Unforgivable. She would never bring her reputation as someone to be feared back from the depths she would plunge to from the atrocious act of snuggling.

“I’m not hungry,” Wednesday said, simply staring the fries down as if she was considering how to dissect their carbohydrate-ridden corpse. She had eaten little in the past couple of days, her mind too focused on the changes he mate was facing. Eating wasted time that she could be using to analyse said changes. 

“You haven’t eaten yet today.” Enid scowled, again pushing them closer. 

“I am not hungry.” 

However, the refusal to take the chips gained something wholly unexpected. A loud growl rumbled through Enid’s chest loud enough to turn the heads of almost everyone, her eyes burning a blazing gold. 

“Enid,” Sam said, coming over and resting a hand on her shoulder. 

“She needs to eat,” Enid said through gritted teeth. 

Sam nodded, whispering something in her ear that made Enid’s eyes flit back to their usual pastel tones. 

“Sorry,” Enid said, blushing. She couldn’t even look Wednesday in the eye, her hands clenched tightly into fists. Claws protruded, drawing pools of blood in her palms. 

For some reason Wednesday found herself drawing the basket nearer and plucking a fry out before placing it on her tongue. It had an immediate response, Enid’s shoulders growing slack again as her features relaxed, her eyes homing in on Wednesday’s lips. 

“You need to deal with this Enid,” she heard Sam say before he left. 

“Deal with what?” 

“Nothing,” Enid muttered, cheeks flaming as she dropped her chin, clearing her throat. 

Well, it was clearly something then. 

Next, it was class. 

Enid normally sat on the other side of the class to her as the teachers didn’t like students who were dating seated next to one another. Wednesday normally appreciated such rules because there was nothing worse than watching Yoko twirling the hair of her girlfriend for forty minutes straight. It was dire, to say the least. 

As such Wednesday had always respected the rule to separate students from fears of unsightly displays -of dare she say momentary hormone induced lust- that left her wanting to throw up. 

However today, upon entering their biology class she noted something odd. A feeling of tension grew in her stomach threatening to pop. It left her tapping her nails on the desk as she watched Ajax cutting open the frog, hands too shaky to perform the dissection herself. 

Then, moments later a scent stirred behind her, and Enid pressed her nose to the back of her head, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. 

“Enid, please return to your desk,” Mr. Hadid called out. 

Again, the low growl sounded from her. This time Wednesday felt the vibration of her chest through her back. 

The teacher’s eyes widened slightly; a look of shock Wednesday had never seen the man display. In fact, his features were often less emotive than her own which was truly saying something. 

“Maybe you should see the nurse, Enid,” he suggested. 

Enid ignored him, instructing Ajax to switch seats with her in a tone that stated it wasn’t up for debate. In fact, this time her claws had grown out slightly but paired with pointed fangs that left spots of blood on her lower lip from the sudden protrusion. 

Wednesday found herself lifting her thumb to her lip, catching the scarlet, and wiping it on the pocket of her blazer. Somehow knowing the spread of her scent and blood across her would calm her mate. 

“Do you wish to go to the nurse?” 

“No,” Enid said, turning her attention quickly to the frog. 

It was that night that Wednesday finally figured it out. Enid had arrived back at their room early and somehow pushed their beds together in the centre of their room. However now they were covered in an array of newly acquired soft, plush throws and pillows. 

“Why have you moved my bed?” 

“I thought we could do a sleepover,” Enid beamed, bouncing with energy. 

“Do we not always sleep in the same room?” 

“Yes, but you’re so far away. Plus, this will be so much fun. We can make a blanket fort.”

She was nesting.

However, as Wednesday advanced she noted that Enid had not showered today, and moving the beds had only made her sweat more. Meaning the sweet scent now filled her nose aggressively. It was like being hit with an ungodly truck of Yankee candles that Wednesday, for reasons unknown, craved. 

She found herself looping her arms around her waist, chin settling on her shoulder as she inhaled Enid’s scent. Her mouth briefly kissed the skin there, nipping her harder than intended. 

Enid froze, her normal human nails digging into Wednesday’s waist as her fangs dropped. 

“You’re in a rut,” Wednesday said matter-of-factly. 

“I-” Enid blushed. 

“We should go to the nurse. Retrieve you some hormone suppressors. Books said the first surge is always the worst.” It all made a great deal of sense now. Enid was leaning into her wolf’s protective instincts far more than usual because she was finally presenting completely as an alpha emotionally. “Then we should return, and you should consider biting me.” 

“What?” Enid sputtered. 

“Marking a mate is said to calm instincts considerably.” 

“Yes, but then you would be completely mated to me Wednesday.” 

“Am I not already?” Wednesday cocked a brow. “We have been joined at the hip for over a year, Enid. Your perils are my own. Your happiness is my own. We are already mates.” 

“That’s not it. Right now, you can choose to leave me, but after we’re mated… It’s like marriage. Marriage, Wednesday.” 

“Only it’s not. Fated pairings are completely different. There is no questioning them as they are never wrong. Vampires and wolves normally mate within a month going by the books, yet you have not bitten me. According to the texts the longer you go without doing so the harder things will become for you, especially with your rut. Your wolf will feel I am more at risk than I am because you are not in tune enough with my emotions.” 

“You’re talking about this so… clinically. I will not bind you to me before you’ve had a chance to decide.” 

“I’m talking about this factually because it is such. There is science behind mating bites, it is factual and supported by research. Never have fated pair split. I do not understand why you believe that we would be so different.” She swallowed thickly, folding her arms. “Unless you do not wish for us to be bound?” 

“Of course I do,” Enid said, tears filling her eyes. “I just don’t want you to wake up years from now, stuck with me and my family, regretting your choice.” 

“I have never regretted an action.” She chewed her cheek until it drew blood. “And I certainly would never regret you. We should go to the nurse, get you some medication then return. I am not saying you must, I am simply stating if you wish to, I would consent to such. It is not just you that it affects. A bond settles the emotions of both mates. We would be more in tune with one another. We would be able to sense danger from a greater distance, and when either of us is taken by hormonal changes we would not be threatening someone over a frog dissection.” 

“You would be stuck with me eternally.” 

“Please refrain from using the term stuck as if I am only glued to your side by force.” Wednesday snapped. “I love you; I have chosen you, not the fates. The fates only guide us to that which is already confirmed. You mean more to me than ravens mean to Poe. You mean more to me than the percussion of rain drowning out the world when everything becomes too much. You, Enid, are made for me, just as I am made for you. Now, please come, I wish to get you there before you claw someone’s eye out for some inane reason.” 

Enid quietly followed, daring not to say a single word. 

When they returned, Wednesday passed her the tablets and watched her take them with a glass of water. 

“Two in the morning and one in the evening. I shall set alarms lest we forget, and you take to murder. As much as I enjoy a delightful crime, I do not wish to be subjected to visiting you in prison cells for eternity.” 

Enid placed down the glass and sighed, summing up her emotions. She wished to mark Wednesday more than she wished for anything. However, there was always her mother’s voice in the back of her mind, echoing statements of how she would never be good enough for someone like Wednesday. Wednesday who deserved the world not seconds left to go stale. A subpar wolf who couldn’t even turn until years after the others.

“You are overthinking this,” Wednesday said, walking Enid back until she felt the cold of the wall against her back. 

“Do not lie to me, what do you wish for?” 

“To mark you,” Enid said, dropping her chin as if she hadn’t deserved to voice that aloud. 

Wednesday guided her face to her neck, sighing as Enid’s fangs dropped. “Go ahead.” 

“But-”

“Enid, I swear to the spirits if you doubt what I want one more-” Wednesday fell silent as teeth pierced her neck, eyes slamming shut as her blood flamed within her as if lit by a torch. It was wonderful really. As if warmth was enveloping her entirely, heating even the depths of her usually cool soul. Wednesday felt as if her world was spinning out of its axis, just as it did with her visions. Though this time as it spun the sensation of fangs in her neck grounded her like an anchor to a shoreline. She let out a slightly broken gasp, hands clutching her mate tight as Enid extracted her teeth and licked the wound once to seal it. She felt tears glazing her eyes as if her place in this ungodly universe had finally been found. Someone to walk through the Hell of it alongside her. It was love, unparalleled.

Enid’s breathing was heavy, jagged as if anxious as it tickled the closed wound on Wednesday’s neck. 

She could feel something already- the difference. The way their souls and emotions felt almost bound into one. Shared but separate at the same time. It was as if she now had a drawer in her soul marked in pen with the name ‘Enid’, set to rest there for eternity. “You should have done that months ago,” Wednesday mocked. Though it was true. Enid was always placing her first, even when it harmed her to do so.
 
Enid pulled back, cheeks flushed as Wednesday’s eyes began to glow a rippled gold, finally in tune with her wolf. “Shit what did I just do?” 

“You bit me.” 

“I bit – I bit you?” Enid yelled, beginning to pace. “Shit, shit, shit, shit.” 

Wednesday was momentarily taken aback by her mate cursing, then again, she was quite enjoying it. Rarely did crude words ever leave her lips. “Enid, I’m fine.” 

“You’re fine? You’re tied to me, for all of eternity. That is not fine. What do I have to offer? Consuming too much sugar? Playing K-Pop at two in the morning?” 

“That Black Pink group is growing on me marginally.” 

“I do not have my shit together. I’m apparently an alpha but I’m not built for this. I can’t protect you like other wolves.” 

“Enid,” Wednesday sighed, taking her with firm hands and seating her on the bed before sighing and kneeling before her. Gently she kissed her knee over her light wash jeans, then pulled the ties from her hair, beginning to unwind her plaits. She rarely wore her hair down, other than when she was drying it out of the shower. However, the couple of times Enid had caught her with it down she had seen the immediate effect it had. Her long hair spread her scent as she teased it into free waves with her fingers, heart pounding as she waited for Enid to calm. 

A hand found her hair, softly running through it as Enid finally paused to take a deep breath, eyes glimmering at the scent of her mate. 

“Are you done having a crisis? I can assure you I wanted nothing more, and I would quite like to watch a film in this… nest you have concocted for us.” Wednesday was being polite; it was a haphazard mess of random blankets strewn over beds Wednesday would ask her to move back tomorrow because the centre of the room was far too light and cheerful. However, for tonight she knew Enid needed her gratitude and appreciation of the dire nest, especially whilst her emotions were so heightened. 

“Okay.” 

“Good. You should text your brother and let him know before Sam smells the bond on us and spills the news like a cup of tea in the hand of a pensioner.” 

“Are you going to tell your parents?” 

Wednesday settled her head against Enid’s chest, her hair draping across the wolf like a blanket. “About that- in our family, we rely on a courting of sorts.” 

“Courting?” 

“My father will likely wish to duel you.” 

“Oh.” 

Chapter Text

“You look awfully flustered,” Wednesday said as they headed up the driveway from the car to her house. 

“No shit,” Enid stage whispered back. “I’m visiting your parents house and your father wants to murder me.” 

“A family duel does not result in death, Enid. Perhaps a slight maiming but that is half of the joy of it. The unknown. Furthermore, you have been practicing with me for weeks and we have yet to tell my parents that we are mated. My father if anything, will be the one who is caught most off guard and wholly unprepared.”

“Did you just say maiming?” 

“That was me being rather drastic. You duel until the draw of first blood. Both of you shall be fine.” 

“Fine?” Enid scoffed. “What if I-”

“Girls,” Morticia said as she opened the grand mahogany doors. “What a pleasure it is to finally see you both again. How you have aged.” 

“It’s been months,” Wednesday groaned. 

“Months too long child.” Morticia opened the door further, ushering them into the grand mansion that somehow appeared both dark and light at the same time. It was a hall masked in shadow though each and every wall were lit a dim amber by the flaming sconces and single chandelier that appeared more expensive than Enid’s entire house. “We assumed you would wish to share your room. After all we know how sick wolf mates get when separated. Lurch can take your suitcases up for you both.” 

Enid froze beside her, hand tightening in her own simply because Morticia was unaware they were no longer just fated mates, but now bound by a bite. As such separation did sometimes bring with it harsher emotional changes and struggles, far more so than that for unbound mates. 

Wednesday felt Enid’s panic radiating through their bond and moved her nose to her neck subtly, brushing it against her once as she felt her mate calm. 

“Thank you,” Wednesday said. “We are not superb at being parted for long.” 

“Your father said dinner will be ready in an hour, is that quite enough time to settle in?” 

“It shall suffice,” Wednesday said, already tugging Enid toward the stairs. 

“Your house is huge.” 

“It is spacious. Though it gets awfully cold in winter. Something you will likely enjoy seeing as though you run at the temperature of a cremation furnace.” 

Enid let out a screech as a hand suddenly tugged her into a room. 

“Is it okay?” Wednesday asked, worriedly. 

Over the past few months, Wednesday had leaned more and more into natural omega wolf tendencies. Something Enid absolutely adored because it now felt as if this part of her was shared. Especially when Wednesday nuzzled her when she got anxious or as she snapped at people who got too close to Enid. 

But now, her anxiety was stemming from the need for appraisal of her nest. A wolf tendency Wednesday had never shown prior. 

“It’s perfect.” 

Enid brushed her nose against her own, cupping her cheek in her hand as Wednesday leaned up on tiptoes to briefly meet her lips. 

Wednesday’s room was exactly as she had pictured, black accents and dark mahogany furniture littered the room with trinkets like skulls and statues or busts situated on most open spaces. A taxidermy fox and a collection of framed moths lined one wall, the colours of some so vibrant they sat there as an odd juxtaposition to the otherwise bleak room. However, this room screamed Wednesday, and that Enid loved more than anything else. Many wolves wished for the room to represent the alpha- like her parent’s room covered in her mother’s things- however, Enid wished to be surrounded by Wednesday. There was nothing that calmed her more than control of sensory overload. Enid had even hidden some of her own too-vibrant things once she realised that they actually set her mate on edge. However, Enid also knew that Wednesday now enjoyed her own coloured things, as long as they were more muted pastel tones and not fluorescent. She even wore Enid’s shirts and jumpers to bed most nights. 

“We’re still telling them over dinner?” 

“My father will hopefully be too distracted by the pork chops Lurch cooks for guests on special occasions, and my mother will be distracted by Pugsley likely choking on said pork chop when he inhales it. It is the best time to release such details with the least squealing and hugging. A table shall separate us from them at least. That is unless you have changed your mind?” 

“Nope, still all good to tell them. Just, you know, hoping I don’t get murdered.” 

“If they kill you, they shall have to deal with me. Something I know none of them would wish for.” 

Enid leaned in to kiss her cheek once. “Then we should head down.” 

Wednesday nodded, setting her jaw as she led her mate to dinner as if she was about to face some form of torture. 

“Parents,” Wednesday said. 

Enid pulled a chair out for her mate, letting her sit before taking her own next to Wednesday. Morticia and Gomez were opposite with Pugsley sitting at the head of the table, using his pork chop like a puppet on the end of his knife. 

They began to eat, though Enid had little appetite as she forced the pork down. It was delicious, but she couldn’t stop the fear of possible rejection or anger she was likely about to face. If Enid’s own parents had been let down by her -the two people who were meant to love her regardless of achievements- how would Wednesday’s parents feel? Would she be ejected from the property by some chair or missile they likely had stored in the basement? Would they feed her to the spirits for possession? 

“How are both of you getting on with your studies?” 

“I am an honours student as always,” Wednesday said. “And Enid is top of her class for sciences.” 

“Still below Wednesday,” Enid corrected. 

“Wednesday was always uniquely gifted with her intellect. She read Frankenstein at the age of six,” Morticia said. “So, to be second is still incredible. Especially as we hear your strong point is sports and creative subjects.” 

“Well yeah, but wolves are banned from many teams as it's seen as unfair to compete. Extra strength and all. I compete in swimming now though. And as my mother says, sports and art are useless professions in any age.” 

Morticia frowned. “Then your mother is wrong. We would be nowhere without creatives. It’s why we had dear Wednesday studying cello from a young age. Creativity fuels the soul of the world we live in.” 

Enid swallowed, nodding. She had never really thought of it that way. 

“Enid is also a fabulous cook,” Wednesday provided. 

“Food was how your father won me over early on.” 

“I thought you said it was his bravado and defence of your life.” 

“I suppose, though his empanadas won the rest of my heart.” 

“An old friend’s recipe,” Gomez added with a smile. “I used to trade homework for those until one day he got drunk and gave me the recipe.” 

“Perhaps I should have married your friend,” Morticia joked. 

“And miss out on my looks?” 

Wednesday rolled her eyes. “Must we continue with this disgusting display of adoration?”

Morticia laughed. “You, my child are the one with a soulmate. Apparently, no love runs deeper. Other than that of fully bound mates.” 

Wednesday’s eyes widened slightly, something that out of everyone at that table- only Pugsley picked up on. 

“Oh gross, did she bite you? Are you all in love and stuff now?” 

Enid felt both of the Addams’ eyes fall upon her and Wednesday. 

“Pugsley, I swear to hell I shall put you on the stretcher and lengthen your limbs until they pop.” Wednesday gripped her hand tightly under the table. “And yes if you must know we are completely bound. Though Enid waited far too long to do so according to textbooks.” 

“I wanted to make sure you wanted that.” 

“I am your soulmate, what else would I have wished for?” 

“You’re bound?” Morticia asked. 

“Sorry,” Enid swallowed nervously. “I got sick and then… I mean… It kinda happened and…”

Morticia watched her with a small quirk of her lips and a gleam in her eye. “We didn’t expect you to ask, Enid. Mates are not like spouses. They are not chosen; they are simply meant to be.” 

“You’re not mad?” 

“Why would we be? You take excellent care of her daughter and from what she tells us you are just as chivalrous as we could have hoped. Honestly, we did fear when we first learned of it. Omegas are often treated poorly by their mates. As soon as we found out that was Wednesday’s standing in your pair we were concerned. But we shouldn’t have been. I have never seen my daughter happier. Well, perhaps once when she was gifted a sixteenth-century knife.” 

“You’re fine with this?” Enid asked. 

“Yes!” Gomez cheered. “And now we have an excuse to duel!” 

“Not until after dinner,” Morticia scorned. “Let the poor girl digest her food before you parry her.” 

That was how Enid ended up in the main hall holding a foil that looked far more expensive than the ones Wednesday had her practicing with at school. The handle was a circle with intricate gold cutouts of botanical shapes, and the foil blade itself was engraved with vines that climbed toward the tip of its blade. 

“They are hundreds of years old,” Wednesday said, straightening Enid’s protective mask. They went without jackets, but Wednesday insisted on a mask, stating she did not wish to blind her mate on her first day in their home. “We keep these ones blunter than the others. Hopefully, it means you should not face any grievous bodily harm.” 

“Grievous bodily harm?” Enid squeaked. 

Wednesday moved back and Enid fell into listening to her wolf’s senses as Gomez advanced. 

“No one has ever beaten him, bar once. By my beautifully vicious daughter.” 

Enid dodged a flurry of advances, using her foil to fend off every swish of his own. 

“I see Wednesday had been teaching you some things.” 

“Just a couple.” Enid held her head higher as she smiled, pushing back toward Gomez with a mix of parries, lunges, and then a remise. She allowed the weapon not to be withdrawn as she advanced with a rapid series of attacks, none landing quite as they needed to, finishing with a parry.

However soon Gomez was advancing again with his own riposte and a grin beneath his mask that no one could see as he chuckled. 

Then one blade lightly caught Enid’s knuckles, and reflexively her claws shot forth, slashing Gomez’s hundreds-of-years-old blade clean in half as if it were made of paper. Enid stood stock still, fearing for what she had just done before the sound of heavy laughter filled the air. Gomez dropped the other half of the foil, laughing as he pulled his helmet free. Morticia was in a similar state, laughing so much that tears sprung forth from her eyes. 

“Well, that’s one way to win,” he replied, wiping the blood from his shoulder that Enid’s blade had drawn as his own foil blade was severed in two. 

“You’re not mad?” 

“No. But do you think I could have one of your claws when you shed? With something that sharp I could craft an incredible blade for my throwing knives.” 

“Father you cannot simply ask my mate for her claws. It is uncouth.” 

“Wednesday has many, I’m sure she can part with some.” 

Wednesday huffed. She herself had found out her mate’s shed claws made incredible weapons. She was currently working on a spear with some. 

“How about we settle down for hot drinks? It has been quite a rambunctious night,” Morticia announced. “Thing, can you put the kettle on to boil?” 

Thing bobbed a finger, scurrying out of the room. 

That night Enid could sense Wednesday was off as she returned to their room with wet hair and a gaze so cold it even challenged her usual blank one. 

“What’s wrong?” Enid asked. “Did I embarrass you with my claws? Because I really didn’t mean for them to pop out. They’re really temperamental at times.” 

Wednesday shook her head, but rested it against Enid’s chest, listening for her heartbeat as she matched her breaths to every fourth. 

“You looked beautiful tonight. No guest has ever beat my father.” 

“I cheated.” 

“There is no rule against what you did in our household.” Wednesday gripped Enid’s collar, pulling her down for a slow kiss she hummed into contently. “You looked majestic with a foil.” 

“Majestic,” Enid repeated, slightly dazed with a lopsided grin her fang poked out of, having dropped as Wednesday kissed her. 

“You had better not dare to give my father your shed claws. I am collecting them.” 

“I promised him one!” 

“Then he gets one, but no more promising any away.” 

Enid grinned, walking to her bag to get her pyjamas. 

Chapter Text

Valentine’s.

A holiday for years Wednesday had sneered at in utmost disgust, watching sickly couples fawning over one another like doting dogs. Her parents were by far the worst for it, spending the day kissing one another’s knuckles and showering each other with gifts. 

Though, Wednesday supposed, her family was slightly different. Whilst they harboured the usual roses tradition, it was usually accompanied by gifts of knives and taxidermy beasts. When jewellery was given it had a purpose: the poison vial ring her father got her one year or the pointed dear head ring her mother bought her father that was sharp enough to pierce a jugular with ease. 

Over the months she had realised Enid was incredibly adoring of the holiday seasons. She counted down to each one on her calendar with a temperament so bubbly Wednesday feared she would implode. 

But now, there sat the nearest holiday, one that would occur only days from now. 

Valentine’s.  

Truth be told Wednesday was abhorrent at pleasing her mate during these ‘traditions’. She had murdered Christmas for her at first, and New Year’s she had been too overstimulated by everything to kiss Enid at midnight. Whilst Enid was fine with such, it irked Wednesday that it was another thing she had failed at. 

This holiday was her chance at redemption. There was also the fact she knew that Valentine’s meant far more to mated wolves- especially alphas. Enid would wish to ‘woo’ her in a way that would make Wednesday comfortable. Whilst she admired the fact, she was damn well ready to impress her alpha herself. 

Wooing, Wednesday thought. Yes, it was certainly doable. 

Wednesday ended up on Wikipedia, following links through to the history of the holiday that while intriguing did little to help her by any means. 

Then she stumbled across another article. 

Buzzfeed. A mysterious site indeed. 

50 Creative Valentine’s Day Gifts They Won’t See Coming

Perfect. 

1. A 3D World Map

That was most definitely not Enid. Though a KPOP concert map would be ideal. 

2. A Burrito Blanket 

Tacky. Who stated their love with a food-shaped cover? Was Enid meant to be the meat?

3. A Bidet Attachment

Who on Earth had compiled such a dire article? Wednesday feared for whoever was partnered to said author. A piece of equipment to wash ones behind whilst seated on a toilet hardly screamed love. More so it suggested your partner was unhygienic and you feared their behind. Odd. 

4. A Mini Cryptic Lock to Hold a Note or Gift

Wednesday stared at the brass tunnel, covered in letters much like a bike lock. She was one for puzzles, and Enid adored them also. It was certainly something her mate would enjoy. 

She found herself at an antiques shop that afternoon, eyes scanning the collection of cryptic lock vessels the owner had. 

“Depends what size ya storin’,” he said. “If ya just wanna get her a ring, one of these would do fine. But somethin’ bigger? You’ll be needin’ one of those.” 

“Do you have any large enough to store a corpse?” 

“A corpse?” 

“Yes, of a rabbit. Or a deer leg.” 

The man frowned at her briefly before breaking out into a low chuckle as he adjusted his monocle. “Youth of today really do show their love a certain way ay,” he said, reaching under the desk for a much larger storage canister. “This one has a dual numerical and letter lock code though. I know ya we’re after the letters but that’s as good as I got kid.” 

Wednesday assessed the large canister. Definitely large enough for a rabbit. 

He opened it up, revealing the main component which opened by letters, then a smaller component opened by a numerical code. 

“Am I able to reset the code?” 

“Sure thing, gimme a second to find the book I have on these things. They never do make anythin’ easy for us.” 

The man was incredibly helpful- though Wednesday assumed he was likely swayed by the prospect of an expensive sale. They went about resetting the code, Wednesday side-eying him viciously until he looked away, leaving her to reset it in peace. 

Perfect, she thought. 

She stored it under her bed, at the back away from Enid’s prying eyes. Grabbing her bow and arrows she sighed, sneaking past the teachers with it and into the forestry that surrounded the school. 

Rabbit was always Enid’s favourite. 

She caught two due to the little meat on them then returned to skin them, slicing the flesh thin as she hung it over the stick and brought it down to the cafeteria. 

“Can you place this in the dehydrator for me?” 

“We’re busy.” 

“I am sure the teacher you are having a lust-ridden affair with is also quite busy,” she said, face stone as ever. “I just wished to dehydrate these. It should not take long as I assured it was sliced precisely.”

“Fine,” the chef grunted, snatching them from her. 

Wednesday had never been above blackmail. Placing a whole rabbit corpse in there would not be feasible. The more she thought about it she knew Enid would take her time and by then the rabbit would be vile. Alas, though she also knew Enid loved to snack on meat she carried secretly in her pocket so jerky it was. 

The ring came next, something timeless and small. A silver ring with an obsidian coffin that perched on the top far more delicately than any diamond. 

Enid loved to hold things that reminded her of her mate. Wednesday’s jumpers, her perfume, her books that slowly migrated to the wolf’s side as she read them so she could talk about them with her. This ring screamed Wednesday, which is why it was perfectly apt for her. 

There was one small difference though. On either side of the coffin, there was a small rose quarts piece that perfectly matched the highlights in her mate’s hair. 

Wednesday placed the jerky in the main compartment alongside a pair of rabbit mittens she had sewn, and put the ring in the numerical component, shutting both then rotating each letter and number out of sight so the actual code was no longer visible. The letter code was five long, and the numerical code was six. 

Well, that was the gift sorted. 

Now for the sickly part that she was dreading. She sighed, looking at the clock as she worked out how long she had before Enid’s return.

Tomorrow she would sort the rest. 

The day after the next she awoke to Enid missing. It irked Wednesday as she had planned to wake the wolf and surprise her. Now her mate was gone and Wednesday felt her brow furrowing in confusion. 

Did Enid not wish to spend Valentine's with her?

She dressed, though for once she let out her hair, running her fingers through the braids to loosen them. It was something the omega did when fearing her partner had strayed. The scent of her hair Enid was normally weak for. As such she let it down as she tugged on her clothing, heading out to the balcony where she occasionally played her cello to make some last-minute tweaks in hope that Enid would soon return for it. 

She placed the pastries on the tables and turned on the fairy lights. Mornings were still dark at Nevermore, a fact Wednesday adored. There was nothing worse than waking to light.

Returning to their room she sighed and folded her arms, growing restless at the fact Enid had not returned. 

However, ten minutes later the blonde bounded through the door, a grin on her face. “You’re up.” 

“I have been awake for a considerably long time,” Wednesday said. 

Enid did a double take, walking closer and burying her nose into Wednesday’s hair with a content sound passing from between her lips. “You smell good.” 

Wednesday fought the smile that always threatened to break out across her face anytime Enid praised her on such matters. “Follow me,” she said, grabbing her mate’s wrist and towing her toward the spot. 

“Where are we going?” 

“Here,” she said, watching Enid’s face as she finally saw the setup. 

The table was small and rickety, decorated with a cloth, pastries, and coffee for her, an overly sweet hot chocolate with whipped cream for Enid. Fairy lights hung from the walls, a twinkling amber that contrasted against the otherwise gloomy depths of the morning, almost like scattered constellations bound to the brick. 

“What is this?” 

“It is Valentine's Day, is it not?” 

“It is, I just thought-”

“That I would not appreciate such holidays?” Wednesday asked. 

“Kinda. I thought I would be doing something for you.” 

“Do you not like this?” Her face dropped, voice wavering slightly. 

“No!” Enid corrected quickly. “I love it. It’s perfect actually. It was only that I thought no one would ever do something like this for me. I mean, I’m me, and this is…” Enid swallowed. “Everything.” 

“You deserve the world, Enid. If I could package every planet for you I would do so in a heartbeat.” 

Enid’s nose dropped to her hair again, nuzzling the scent against her face. 

“Do you wish to eat?” 

“Sure.” 

They ate in relative silence, soaking in each other as Wednesday finally smiled at her mate. There was something calming about being close to her today, the moon still by their heads as it was late to set. She felt their bond simmering like a light hum of vibration between her, tickling her skin anytime Enid took her hand. 

“Did you know sexually incompatible wolf pairs can bare children by bite?” Wednesday asked out of the blue. She had a knack for voicing questions some found impromptu or unbecoming. Then again science and magic had always brought light into Wednesday’s darkest of corners.

Enid spat part of her croissant out, almost choking to death as she reached for her hot chocolate, taking a large swig. “What?” she rasped. 

“I was reading. The idea of intercourse is something you are aware I find repugnant so as such, I had always assumed we would adopt. I would still wish to do so at some point, but according to the texts alphas can impregnate their omega by bite in some cases.” 

“You’re thinking about children?” Enid’s voice had climbed so high in pitch she sounded as if she had been swallowing masses of helium.

“Not now, obviously.” Wednesday fought the need to roll her eyes. “Your brother may have mentioned something about pack expectations for the future.” 

“My brother is an idiot. Tatum doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” 

“Your mother confirmed you had always wanted children.” 

“We’re teenagers.” 

“A fact I am most aware of, Enid. I am referring to years from now. Far after we have finished college and settled down. However we are mates, and as such, it is prudent we discuss things that will inevitably come up.” 

“You don’t want to have kids,” Enid said. “And you always say they’re annoying and gross.”

Wednesday watched her features carefully, how they dropped in a disappointment she could feel through their bond. “You are incorrect. I do not wish to be intimate, but I personally would not mind carrying one child when we are closer to thirty. And I stand by what I have previously said but Addams children are raised impeccably.” 

“You want me to bite you?” 

“The text stated it only worked for some wolf pairs. Something about fang types…” 

Enid coughed, averting her eyes. “I can do that. My fang type is correct due to our bond type.” 

“Then it’s settled. When we are in our mid-twenties, we should discuss this further. Perhaps marriage also. It seems to be quite the tax haven in some regards as much as I detest it.” 

“What brought this up now?”

“The moon. Whenever it is full or near my mind seems to drift to these things. Planning our future. You know how I appreciate planning ahead. Life would be far more structured if humans would stop throwing themselves to the whim of sudden, momentary choices.” 

“It’s not unusual,” Enid mumbled, taking her hand. “Wolves often think about expanding packs for safety reasons. Especially when you’re mated- your omega or alpha will often plant an idea of expanding early on so you have time to prepare and build a stable nest. Which I guess nowadays is obvi more financial security and stuff.” 

“I am not saying I am certain on the subject, but for now I believe I may want such. Though I still wish to adopt also. I wish to have a family who we could raise to love their differences just as we both have.” Wednesday had seen how poorly Enid’s mother had treated her. In a way, she knew breaking the chain would free Enid of many of her worries. It would take that darkness and replace it with light. 

“Before I forget I have a gift for you.” Wednesday pulled out the large brass canister from behind her, placing it on the table.

“What is it?” 

“A puzzle with rewards inside should you solve them.” 

“And if I don’t?” 

“Nothing is granted easily,” Wednesday said. “You will have to work for your reward.” She was well aware alphas liked to accomplish tasks and be rewarded by their mates. This was a gift within a gift in a sense. 

Enid laughed, shaking her head. “You’re so strange.” 

“As are you.” 

“And that is why we’re perfect together,” Enid said, standing and dropping a kiss to her hair. “Now, we should head to my treat.” She grinned, bouncing on her feet slightly.

“Your treat?” 

“Yes.” 

Wednesday found herself standing in the botanic garden the students were normally banned from without teacher supervision. “How did you get the keys?” 

“Professor Donovan owed me for totes saving some girl from dying the other day after touching the pollen on one of the more dangerous species. You’re allowed to take four cuttings, so choose well I guess?” 

“I am allowed cuttings?” Wednesday repeated. 

“Anything you want.” 

Wednesday cast her eyes around the deadly plants. “Have I ever told you how I adore you?” 

“Once or twice,” Enid said with a smile. 

It took two days before Enid finally cracked it. Wednesday was out as she sat there on her bed, still trying to work out the code that was slowly driving her insane. Enid would prove her intellect to her mate if it killed her. 

She guessed the numerical code first. It was the date Wednesday first said I love you. 

A ring sat inside, small with a jet black stone in the shape of a coffin with two small round rose pink stones set on either side. The perfect mix of them both, she thought as she placed it on her finger. 

It fit perfectly, a small symbol of their unity that spoke volumes. 

The rabbit she found an hour later, alongside two plush mittens that she slipped onto her hands. 

Enid stared down at the code, the letters solved. 

Y O U R S

Chapter Text

“This is abhorrent,” Wednesday scoffed as the opening scene lit the screen of her mate’s laptop. “Edgar Allan Poe once wrote, ‘I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity’. I can confirm that this film must have been the horrific sanity he was referencing.” 

“It hasn’t even started yet!” Enid whined, slapping Wednesday’s arm playfully. 

“I have seen enough to note the director’s choice to implement a blue filter. Whilst I admire gouging at people’s souls with bleakness, even I must admit such uses seem out of place in a teen romance film.” 

“It’s atmospheric.” 

“It is tacky.” 

“Shh, watch!” Enid swatted her again, Wednesday grumbling under her breath as she shifted to rest her head on her chest. If Enid was intent on exposing her to such torture she would at least steal her scent and cuddle discreetly whilst the wolf was distracted. 

Enid had been legitimately horrified when her girlfriend stated she had not in fact seen the Twilight films. They were a cult hit, famous -or infamous depending on your circle- and some would say a perfect piece of cinematic history that encapsulated the crazed vampire and werewolf teen adoration movement in 2005-2010. Enid had -granted- not been old enough to really absorb and truly partake in the hype at the time but it stuck with her as she aged because Enid hoped there would one day be a resurgence. Vampire and werewolf media was still popular but was no longer idolised with teens dying breaths.

In that period vampires and werewolves were portrayed as cool and often heroes like in Teen Wolf. They weren’t always murderous, horrifying monsters but normal people. People like Enid who felt because of said films and TV, as if she fitted in. 

Enid had a hard time at school, mainly because her identity was concealed, and she was… let’s say odd. Most other children her age weren’t chewing on the wooden table tops as they teethed and came into their fangs as she did. Many did not have the strength she did meaning she was quickly cast aside from games like tag after she -accidentally- broke Johnny McCain’s arm. 

Werewolves and vampires were still a subject in media now, but it wasn’t like that period of time when such creatures were idolised like the gods of gods. Posters of werewolf and vampire teams and pin badges hung from every school bag. Action figures were brought out as well as kitchenware. 

No, Enid wanted that again. Though they weren’t really celebrity creatures, it was the closest she had come to such. 

“You have to pick a team,” Enid said an hour in. 

“What do you mean a team?”

“Team Edward or team Jacob. You have to pick it’s half of the fun.” 

“You are my mate, why would I pick someone else?” 

Enid’s heart leaped as she smothered her smile. “No, like a team to support as you would in sports.”

“Will they be participating in a sports match? Jousting would certainly elevate this dreary mess.” 

“There’s baseball later on. But it’s more people were deciding who Bella should end up with.” 

“Is there really any question there? He is a one-hundred-and-four-year-old man set on winning the heart of a seventeen-year-old. Disregarding that there is also substantial evidence that he wishes to maul her and he most definitely stalked her at one point. Why are people debating the compatibility of her suitors when one should very much find the confines of an orange jumpsuit?” 

Enid laughed, pulling her in closer. “See, I knew you would pick the right team.” Her wolf preened at Wednesday’s choice regardless of the fact Edward was… problematic at the least. Wednesday had still sided with the wolves. 

“Why are you making me watch them all?” 

“Education. Also, there’s a storm out, did you really wanna head out in this? It’s gross.” 

“You are a wolf. I would have expected you to wear hardier in rain. I’m normally one to wax poetic about your love and beauty within nature.” 

“I like this weather in wolf form.” 

“Then shift.” 

“You know I can’t keep shifting just because you like to collect my shed claws. If I shift too often, I’ll get tired. It takes a lot of energy.” 

Wednesday huffed. She was collecting her claws and was now building a pit trap lined with them ready for her cousin’s visit next Christmas. She had made a remark at how ‘of course Wednesday was gay’, a remark that came with a laugh lined with malice. 

The rest of her family were completely accepting as they should be. However, this one had to go. If she trapped her for long enough, she could report her missing and then have Thing ship her to an Island with no cell access. It wasn’t as if anyone would truly miss her. 

“I like your claws. Is that really such a detriment to you?” 

Enid kissed her forehead. “It is when I am balancing exams I need to pass and not fall asleep during.” 

“Fine. So be it.” 

“Another film?” 

“Another. 

Wednesday scowled at the film as they watched it. “They hate one another?” 

“Yes.” 

“Well, that seems an awfully poor representation of the indigenous and native communities.” Wednesday scoffed. “Firstly, Edward’s family are romanticised colonizers many of whom participated in civil wars. Secondly, there is absolutely no need for this break of the treaty, and Jacob and his pack are painted as uncouth and inappropriate when really, they are only trying to stop a one-hundred-and-four-year-old man from wedding and impregnating a teenager. It seems like a superfluous plot device to pull in a treaty and tension between the two only to use the wolves as a stance for bad. Regardless of if they redeem themselves later. Do they?” 

Enid swallowed. “Huh, about that.” 

“Jacob imprints on a baby?” Wednesday yelled. “Who on earth dreamt such things? Surely it is a friendship bond?” 

“No. Well, it would seem that’s um… unlikely. The author is apparently writing a book, Renesmee ages super-fast then they become… you know… a possible pair.” 

“Enid! This is atrocious literature. This could duel Cassandra Clare’s choice to write that one incredibly incestuous line. You enjoy this?”

“I just thought it was sweet. I didn’t think before much about the whole…” 

“Catastrophically unhinged writing?” 

“Yeah, that, but it was the best werewolf representation I had growing up.” 

“What about Teen Wolf? Supernatural? Buffy?” 

“What is Buffy?” 

“Well, I guess it was equally problematic with the vampires among many other things. But at least that was made in the nineties. The writer of this knew the problems with past media and continued to perpetuate the issues- and then some.” 

“Can we just accept that most creature representation is poor?” 

“Horrendous,” Wednesday concurred. 

“I just like seeing myself on a screen, or in books.” 

Wednesday nodded. “Then I will write something for you. Something that screams far less jail time.” 

“Write me something?” 

“You know I have been working on ideas for novels. This seems far more needed considering the current representation within the genre.” 

Enid swallowed thickly. “Thank you.” 

“Must we continue with these?” 

“Yes, you need to watch them all.” 

“Why are there so many? Was his lust for this teen really that profound?” 

“Yes. I mean… the birth really is crazy.” 

“Renesmee,” Wednesday felt the unholy word rolling around her mouth. “Renesmee?” 

“Yeah, that was a choice.” 

“They simply decided to mesh their mothers’ names together like some word vomit, then cast the atrocious combination upon their daughter like a spell that will haunt her for the rest of her life?” 

“She could totes change it when she’s older.” 

“But by then she has had years of sufferance under such a title. Why did Jacob not stand up for her with this? He has let me down greatly. If I was there and your mother was naming you such I would have her drowned for her crimes.” 

“Wednesday!” 

“What? Do you not wish for my protection?” 

Enid rolled her eyes. 

“I would also hope you would drown me if you ever found me to be one-hundred-and-four.” 

“But he looks young!” 

“Some plastic surgery has fifty-year-old men looking twenty, Enid, should they be advised to date a seventeen-year-old?” 

“Okay yes, when you put it like that, I realise it’s gross.” 

“I do not see why his rancid elderly man self could not just find another vampire as the others have.” 

Enid snorted a laugh into her hot chocolate. “I promise to never make you watch this again.”

“On the contrary, I wish to. I could start devising graphs for the things I dislike about it. You know how I adore statistics and a good chart.” 

Once they finished it Wednesday was glad the fates in real life, found soulmates within appropriate age categories. Some had a slight gap, but they did not find their mate until much later on when it was far more appropriate. And certainly not one-hundred-and-four years. 

“Mother?” 

“Wednesday! What brings me this pleasure?” 

“You act as if I never call.” 

“My child has been torn from me, later in life, you shall understand that pain should you have children. I miss you dearly.” 

“I seem to remember it was your choice to ship me off to such a place.” 

“Not all choices are made easily. We did it for you.” 

“Well, against all odds it would appear I am not displeased to be confined here.” 

“May I ask why you called? It is rather out of the blue; you normally save your calls until the evening.” 

“I need to secure something for Enid for our anniversary. Do you still have ties to the antique dealer that holds the collection of film memorabilia?”

“Yes, I’m still on good terms with Salvador.” 

“Good, could you enquire if he has any props or replicas from the Twilight 2008 series?” 

“Twilight?” Morticia repeated. 

“My mate is apparently a fan, and you cannot judge. Father bought you theatre tickets to see Funny Girl with Leah Michelle the month prior.” 

“The girl has a great range.” 

“If that is the bar it is profoundly low.” 

“I will ask Salvador if he has anything from… Twilight.” 

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and Wednesday?” 

“Yes?” 

“Funny Girl is a masterpiece. Do not compare it to such cinematic blasphemy.”

“Jeez,” Enid screeched as she walked to her bed, jumping back from it as she noted the clear box with something inside. “Wednesday what in the hell is that?” 

“It’s Regurgitate.” 

“It’s what?” 

“Rhubarb.” 

“What?” 

“Radium.” 

“Wednesday I swear to god if you do not tell me why Chuckey’s house of wax sister is in my bed I’m going to walk out!” 

Wednesday smirked, pulling Enid closer to the box. “It is the original animatronic they were going to use of Renesmee before switching to CGI. Adorable is she not?”

“Why does her face look like it’s melting?” 

“I am not sure. We should find somewhere to display her though.” 

“We’re keeping this?” Enid squealed in fear as she met the callous beady eyes of the doll. 

“Yes, I got it as an early anniversary present. Delightful is she not?” 

Enid swallowed, watching the doll in fear as if she blinked it would appear closer like the Angels in Doctor Who. 

“Maybe we should keep her in the box? You know… to preserve her.” 

“Good thinking,” Wednesday nodded. “She is quite the collector’s item apparently.” 

“I wonder why,” Enid said between grit teeth. 

Chapter Text

Wednesday felt it in her peripheral one evening as her eyes broke from their focus on the keys of the typewriter, turning rapidly to the window. 

Enid. 

Though she felt the pain in the distance of her mind she knew that it was there; knew that it belonged to her mate who was out running with her pack under the full moon. 

Grabbing her bag with supplies she used for animal autopsies and taxidermy, she slung the strap over her shoulder and found her feet carrying her so fast she almost broke into a run down the stairs. Her feet pounded against the worn stone steps, alerting Yoko who quickly turned to follow her. 

Wednesday had forgotten she rarely ever slept.

“Should I be worried that you’re running? I thought you despised cardio?” 

“Enid,” she said under her breath, not slowing her pace for a second as she pushed through the doors into the courtyard. “She’s hurt.” 

“Do you require help?” Yoko asked. 

“If you could raid the nurse’s locked cabinet storage.” Wednesday rummaged through her trouser pocket and held out her cloned key as she continued to walk. “Green metal safe. Look for the orange bag that holds the wolf pain medicine. It should be a collection of yellow flowers.” 

“Sure,” Yoko tugged the key from her grip and ran for the building again. 

Enid was normally fine with pain, but then again it had never really been so bad that even Wednesday could feel the ripple of it through their bond. 

Mud splashed across her boots as she headed across the field and toward the forest. Before she could make the treeline, a wolf appeared with thick, shaggy, brown hair. His form smelled like a mixture of grime and damp dog. 

“Sam. Where is she?” Wednesday grit her teeth, holding in the tears that threatened to spill. 

Addams did not cry. 

Except for her mother whenever she watched Titanic. Wednesday chose to omit that from her memory. 

Enid was not Kate Winslet’s buffoonery on a piece of wood clearly fit for two. She was smart, strong, and powerful. Enid would be fine. 

He shook his snout east towards the denser trees.

“Take me to her.” 

Sam huffed out in agreement, drool dripping from his jowls as he flung Wednesday onto his back and took to the forest with speed. His paws hit the branches that littered the floor with such force that a symphony of snaps trailed behind them. 

Wednesday gripped his damp fur tightly within her hands, knowing Enid would likely be pissed that her scent would be stronger on Sam than herself. Though, that was something to deal with after they reached her mate. She held her satchel tight against her, frowning as the pack came into view. They appeared to be surrounding someone on the floor with fur like Enid’s. 

He came to an abrupt stop, Wednesday almost losing her balance before climbing off his back. 

Enid met her eyes but lifted her lip at Sam shortly after with a growl passing between her teeth. 

“Do not fall victim to your instincts,” Wednesday scorned as she took a seat beside the bleeding wolf. “You are stronger than your misplaced jealousy.” 

Enid’s lip returned to normal, hiding the fangs that were just bared to her pack mate. 

She cast her eyes over her, hating the way Enid let out a whimper when she adjusted her leg only slightly to get a better look. 

“We can’t call the nurse,” Karly said, nude in her human form as she hid behind a bush. “We’re not meant to run in this area. We could be expelled.” 

“Why can you not run here? I thought all academy grounds were granted for werewolf passage?” 

Sam snarled. 

“Cut it out,” Karly chided. “You are right, but recently they have changed the rules. These grounds are being used to rehouse certain fairy populations. That’s why so many trees seem to have odd features. They reside here now and the school did not wish for anyone to disturb them as their numbers are dwindling.” 

“Then why are you here?” 

“Because Sam-” Karly narrowed her eyes at him. “Wished to catch an ichneumon to impress his mate.” 

Wednesday ran her hand through Enid’s hair to soothe her, knowing she couldn’t do anything that might jostle her until Yoko arrived. 

“Sam, can you retrieve Yoko? She should be by the forest edge with supplies soon.” 

Sam let out a huff but listened, running back into the forest. 

“There are no ichneumons here. That is a tale spun by the older years to make a mockery of us for searching for such.” 

Wednesday knew this for sure. Ichneumons were some of the loyalist creatures who preferred to be raised at a human’s side. They required a great deal of love and care and ate more than most could afford. In the past, they had been housed by the monarchy and landowners for defence against dragons who had long since vanished. They would choose their owners, normally dedicating their life to the path of someone who would need their strength. 

However, according to the texts, ichneumon no longer roamed the lands either. 

They had died out with dragons. Or so Wednesday had thought until the rumours -even in texts in the secret library- hinted that some sought solace on the lands of the academy here. Waiting for the right owner to be found. 

She had searched the forest for months, looking for scat or animal remnants that could hint at their presence. 

It was all a lie, however. No such creatures roamed here. 

“There are. Enid caught a scent that doesn’t fit any creature known to us.” 

“And I suppose that states that it must be an extinct creature?” Wednesday snapped. “Why did you follow him?” Wednesday asked her. “You know far better than to help your pack in trivial pursuits of impressing their mates.” 

“Enid wished to find the ichneumon for you. She knew you were looking for it, but when Sam tried to beat her to it she got irritated and followed him into the wood here. We follow Enid’s path so the rest of us filed behind her.” 

Wednesday frowned at her mate who whimpered in submission, knowing how potent her annoyance was. If she was standing Wednesday had no doubt her tail would be firmly lodged between her legs. Alpha or not she was always scared of displeasing her mate.

“The next time you choose to risk your life for meaningless blunders into taped-off land I suggest you do not,” Wednesday said, tone clipped as Sam appeared, lowering Yoko from his back. 

“Shit, Enid. That looks rough.” 

Wednesday snatched the orange bag from her lifting the yellow flowers to her muzzle. “Eat. Now.” 

The wolf gently took them from her palm, gulping down the bitter plants with a wince as Wednesday began to unfurl her bag. She sighed in irritation but also in fear, Enid was greatly harmed by her tumble. The bone in her leg was clearly misplaced and her skin had a large cut on the other side where a branch had pierced her.

“She will heal on her own, will she not?” Though she had been diving into wolf medical care she was yet to cover broken bones in depth.

“She will,” Karly confirmed. “Wolves heal way faster and on our own. However, she needs a splint so we can get her back to the academy or else she will be stuck healing out here.” 

“How do you suggest we carry a wolf back?” Wednesday snapped. 

“She will have to turn. It will hurt but it’s the only way.” 

Enid’s breath came hard and fast as Wednesday soothed her, running her fingers against her ears. “Give the flower a minute to take before you concern yourself with the pain of such.” Wednesday eyed the pack. “You should go and retrieve your clothes. I can hardly take you all back looking like Adam and Eve before they so rightly stole the fruit.” 

The wolves fled, leaving her with Yoko and Karly. 

“Enid, you need to try and turn now.” She rested her palm against the pad of her huge paw. 

The wolf let out a cry, one that pierced the sky of the forest, sending birds flocking upward as if to escape the beast. 

Enid trembled against her hand, though her limbs began to change, and her howls of pain became human cries met with floods of tears as she reached for her leg in agony. 

“Enid, Enid,” Wednesday tried, resting a palm on her cheek. “Enid please.” 

Broken cries grew louder, almost screams as she flailed in her grasp. 

“So help me I am your mate. Listen to my word and stop your incessant squirming.” 

She snapped into more muted sobs, body stilling as Wednesday lifted another flower to her lips. 

“Chew.” 

Taking the flower between her teeth, Enid began to eat it as instructed.

Wednesday ran her nose against her neck, releasing calming scents until Enid finally began to soothe beside her. 

“God you’re so gay,” Yoko mocked. 

“As are you.” Wednesday sat up slightly, gathering some of her things as Enid’s eyes fluttered shut. “Two doses should knock her out but only for a few hours. We need to stabilise her leg and move her. If we can get her out of the restricted area we can call the nurse.”

Yoko helped her, complaining when blood coated her palms, scrunching her nose up at the stench of wolf's blood as it met her vampiric nose. “You stink of mutt.” 

Wednesday rolled her eyes but continued, patching up her leg and using branches to stabilise what she had in her bag. Risk of infection was not something that threatened wolves, their bodies ran hot to the touch, especially when injured, meaning they weren’t susceptible to such things. Even when Enid had caught colds, she had only been sick for a day if that before burning them off. The only things that truly posed risk were toxic ingestion and creature illnesses. 

As the others returned they managed to get her hoodie over her head, Wednesday slipping some boxers on her mate before instructing the rest to lift her. “We need to move her before she wakes.” 

Once in the correct forest zone, they called the nurse. 

Wednesday hated the sound of the sirens as the school ambulance was used to retrieve her. It was a black car that looked surprisingly like a hearse, driven as close as it could get through the firebreak path in the forest. She watched with glossy eyes as they lifted a limp and sleeping Enid onto the board and into the car. Her face was paler than usual, her rosy cheeks now bluer. Almost like that of the dead.

She didn’t sleep, even when Enid was finally in her bed with a proper splint on her leg. A cast was not given as a wolf's healing was only disrupted by such devices. Instead, it was propped between a splint and raised on a pile of pillows and the cut sewn up so that she would not bleed over her pink bed sheets. 

Wednesday had never felt hurt like it. Her stomach felt as if it had turned inside out, her throat felt sore with unshed tears, and her shoulders sagged in tiredness. 

No, she never wished to see Enid in pain again. 

By the time Enid did wake, Wednesday was asleep on the floor by her bed. 

“Willa,” Enid called, wincing as she leaned over to jostle her shoulder. 

Wednesday’s eyes flitted open, though even Enid could see how tired she looked. 

“Come to bed.” She tugged her hand until Wednesday stood and climbed over her, slipping into bed beside her. “Sleep.” 

“You need to take your pain medication.” She yawned. “Two capsules every four hours.”

“Okay. Sleep for me,” Enid prompted, running her fingers through her hair. 

Though her mate was normally one for arguing with instruction, her eyes quickly slipped shut as sleep took her. 

Enid sighed. She had been stupid, but after smelling the scent Enid had an idea of the unknown creature’s size and scent. Wednesday had spent inordinate amounts of time searching for the fabled school ichneumons, so much so that she had begun to lose sleep. At one point she had fallen asleep in math. 

She knew it was out there, but bristled at the fact Sam had attempted to beat her to it to impress his own mate. Enid had scented and realised it. She ranked higher than him, but men were often men. Pushing women aside for their own bravado even when outranked. 

Enid would punish him later for that. And for turning up reeking of her mate’s scent more than herself. 

She put the pills on her tongue, gulping them down with water. 

Regardless of Wednesday’s annoyance, she would darn well find that creature for her mate.

Chapter Text

“Can I retrieve anything from the canteen for you?” Wednesday asked, eyes trailing along Enid’s leg in worry as they had for the past couple of days. 

“A steak, please.” 

Wednesday nodded, a barely perceptible tilt of her chin before she headed out of the room. 

The truth was that Enid had felt fine for the past few hours. She knew her leg was fully healed yet she refused to tell Wednesday that just yet. The thing was that Enid was feeling needy, but the alpha was normally the giver in relationships. Enid loved providing for her mate but -secretly- she also craved being spoilt with love by her too. 

Since her accident Wednesday had been clingier than ever. She was rained with hugs, kisses on her cheek and head anytime she shifted slightly, her mate helping her to stand and holding her arm to take her to rooms when needed. 

Enid was no attention whore, but she had craved the proximity given to her the past few days. However, wolves when injured often became so. When hurt they had an imbalance in hormones and emotional control that often led them to crave their mates. 

And Enid’s wolf was not yet ready to let go, even if her leg was fine. 

When Wednesday returned she whimpered so that her mate offered to feed her, cutting up bite after bite as her wolf preened within. She would allow herself one day of this. 

One day turned out only to be one morning. 

“Where are you going?” 

“Enid -whilst I gravitate to you stronger than the Moon does the Earth- if I miss Latin my linguistics skills will not be primed for half of the books residing in the secret library. Now, you have had your tablets, you have had your food. You should attempt to catch up on your sleep.” 

But Enid was fine, and Wednesday was the only good thing about being trapped in this room. 

“Okay, I love you.” 

Wednesday chewed her lip, finally giving up and heading back briefly to rest a kiss on her temple. 

Enid lasted thirty minutes before her fingers began to twitch. 

Her wolf was still feeling needy and wished to be close to and impress her mate. If Wednesday must be parted from her Enid would just have to win her back the way wolves did best. 

Bring her a dead animal.

She shucked her uniform on but adorned Wednesday’s crocheted snood. If anyone was to see the pink snood they would likely rat her out to her mate. Everyone feared Wednesday, and she knew well that since her accident Wednesday had the whole school on watch from fear Enid would hurt herself visiting the bathroom or canteen. 

She tucked her hair beneath the snood and pulled on a pair of Wednesday’s sunglasses. 

Perfect. 

She made her way to the north forest, dropping her blazer and clothes as she shifted into her wolf form. Slowly she was mastering shifts not forced by the Moon’s state. Her mother would be proud, though Enid didn’t know if she cared anymore. She didn’t yearn for her parent's approval like before. Since Wednesday her main wishes had been to please her. 

So when she padded along the forest and picked up the scent of something odd, her lip curled in a dopey, fang-filled smile. 

The ichneumon. 

Now, Enid was not being ridiculous. The ichneumon meant more to Wednesday than she could put into words. She had made it clear over their time spent living together that whilst she found humans abhorrent, she saw creatures and nature as something to be adored. 

She knew Wednesday believed its existence now to be a lie. Hell, even Sam had turned up to apologise stating that he had returned and just found a new hide of raccoons there. Enid, however, had caught that scent first and unlike the rest of her pack had a far more advanced sense of smell. 

No, this creature was no raccoon. In fact, it was nothing Enid had ever scented before. Though, the scent was weaker than it should be. Stating that perhaps it was smaller than Wednesday had perceived the ichneumon to be. 

Her nose trailed in the dirt, snuffing against leaves and twigs as she whined. 

Wednesday had forbidden her from hunting in the closed-off zones. Enid could not break a promise to her mate, and as such, she had to hope that it had trailed back over to this side. 

Her mate had forbidden the zone, not the hunt entirely. 

She lost track of time, padding so deep between trees that the area became one she was yet to explore. However, the scent only grew more pungent as she walked. 

Eventually, her eyes landed on it.

A creature that fit the scenery in no way, juxtaposed by the muted browns of trees. Its body was shaped almost like a panther, and its neck and head were maned by a Mohican of spines and dense fur. The creature was snow white with stripes along its spine and legs of navy blue, almost as striking as the night sky under a full moon. 

Enid shifted back, not wishing to startle it. Then again, she was weaker in her human form so that may have not been the best idea. Ichneumons chose their owners, which meant she was dependent on sheer luck not to scare the thing off. 

She took her phone out, snapping a picture for her mate just in case the beast was lost. 

“Hi there,” Enid said gently, advancing with raised palms as if to show she wasn’t to be feared. The ichneumon was smaller than she had assumed; about the size of a large house cat breed though its tail was far huger. Almost like the furred dragon tail. “I don’t know how this works. Huh, probably should have read up on creature etiquette but-”

Enid was cut off by the creature’s eyes snapping up to her own before it slowly advanced, nostrils flaring as it scented her. 

“Oh shit. Shit, shit, shit.” Yes, this was a stupid idea. Even with their size, these creatures were said to have taken out dragons. Crocodiles. Beasts of all shapes and sizes. 

Her breath caught in her chest but suddenly the beast moved, sitting in front of her as it nuzzled her stomach. 

Enid felt it, this odd connection with the beast that felt eerily similar to hers with her mate. 

A bond. One that differed but also felt similar to the one shared with her pack.

The issue was that they were far out from the academy here, and the only way to get back involved her changing. Something that posed a risk of scaring the ichneumon. She was unsure if they saw wolves as threats; everyone normally did. 

Taking a deep breath she transformed her hands first, holding the paws out for it to scent. The ichneumon preened, snuffling against her as it brushed its fur against her own. 

Swallowing thickly, she turned and winced with her wolf eyes shut. Ones she eventually peered open to see the ichneumon now rolling on its back. 

Her own muzzle brushed against its belly once before lifting. 

The creature followed her, matching her pace as she ran through the forest, its intention joined to that of her own. The creature acted like a pack omega, though appeared vastly out of place beside her own form. 

It took her an hour to get back, tugging her uniform on as she stared at the creature. 

Well… How to go about this? 

Their school didn’t allow general pets, but familiars and creatures that were bonded in some way to their owners were given a free pass. 

Enid gritted her teeth, hand brushing through its fur as they grew closer to the school.

The halls were bare, everyone in class bar a few teachers who stared down at Enid’s new pet in complete shock. Whilst the ichneumon had not been seen recently by a single soul, their kind had long since been spoken of in myths and fables within the halls of the school.

Her fist rapped on the wood, waiting for the familiar call. 

“You may come in.” 

Enid entered, her ichneumon sensing her fear and curling behind her as they walked in a single file. “Principal Weems.” 

“Enid. It appears something is hiding behind your legs.” 

She took a deep breath and stepped to the side, revealing the odd creature that Weems appraised with confusion. 

“May I ask where you acquired a mythological creature from?” 

“The forest.” 

She leaned back in her chair, shaking her head with a smile. “Oh, the forest. I wonder why no one for hundreds of years has thought to check there?” 

“They burrow.” Enid worked her jaw. “They have been in hibernation.” 

“And you know this how?” 

“Come,” Enid called, smiling as the creature took a seat on her feet, curling up as if it were a well-trained cat. “I think it shares a bond with me. Part of a pack bond maybe? I somehow know what it wants, and it somehow knows what I do too without having to voice it.” 

“You know, they were said to be the most devoted creatures to their masters.” 

“Can I keep it?” 

“Him,” Weems clarified. “The markings vary slightly according to the texts.” 

“You know about them?” 

“Enid, please. Ichneumons were long ago the mascots of the school. When humans wished for our end, they defended creature academies all over Earth. And yes, you may keep him. Far be it for any of us to try and say no, apparently, they are incredibly territorial. I would suggest you talk to your biology teacher. He would know best what diet the creature shall need so that the school can provide. Whilst veterinary checks are certainly out of the ordinary for them, I’m sure they have enough texts to refer to for advice.” 

“I can keep him in my room?” 

“Where else would you suggest we keep him? Ichneumons are strong-headed; he will go where he wishes. I do have to ask; did you go out in search of him or just stumble upon him?” 

“In search.” 

“Would your mate have anything to do with this?” 

“Possibly.” 

“Hm. And I don’t suppose you know who disturbed the fairies three days ago when you broke your leg?” 

“Please don’t kill me. Wednesday had nothing to-”

“Enid, you are one of our prized students. Just please, for my peace of mind keep your pack within the allowed spaces. No more mythic hunts in the dead of night.” 

“No more.” 

“Good. And Enid-” 

“Yes?” 

“Wednesday is not allowed to use the ichneumon on the humans she dislikes in town. Our school does not need to harm its image any further.” 

“Sure thing. No murder. Cross my fingers.” 

Weems eyed her with a smile. “You may leave now.” 

“Thank you.” 

When she got back Enid set about moving things around. The ichneumon seemed to appreciate the dark. Whilst their cupboards were too full, she began clearing everything from under her bed until he crawled under there masked by darkness. 

Wednesday returned half an hour later with a face like thunder. “You went running?” 

“How do you-”

“Sam found your clothes by the forest edge. What on Earth were you thinking?” 

“I-”

“You could have harmed your leg again. You could have feinted because your medicine is strong. If you wished to run you should have under no means done it alo-” Wednesday froze, seeing the creature that had crawled out from under the bed. Instead of pure joy, she felt a rage unlike ever before. “You ventured into the fairy area against our promise?” Tears gathered in her eyes at the thought her mate had denied her a promise. Had broken it as if it were nothing. 

“No. He had moved into the northern forest. I was going to catch you a squirrel but then I caught his scent and…” Enid bounced anxiously on her feet. “Weems said we can keep him.” 

The ichneumon walked to Wednesday’s side, nuzzling her just as he had Enid. 

“You did not cross into the fairy area?” 

“I promise I didn’t.”

Wednesday sighed out a breath of relief, subtly wiping her eyes. “You found him.” 

“I found him.” 

“Why?” 

“For you.” 

“He’s bonded to you. I can feel it.” 

“He’s bonded to us Wednesday. Both of us.” Wednesday had threatened to buy and sneak a pet dog onto the campus the month prior; at least the ichneumon would not breach rules.

“Weems has allowed this?” 

“She seemed quite taken by him. Totes adored him. I kind of thought she was going to take him for herself.” 

“People cannot pick ichneumons, ichneumons pick them.” Wednesday kneeled, running her hands through his fur. “He must be young, they grow to twice this size.”

“Principal Weems said something about talking to the biology teachers so that we can sort out how to proceed with food and things.” 

“My father will be most maddened by this.”

“Why? Did I do something wrong?” 

“On the contrary. When he met my mother he gifted her a tiger, Victor. He lived with them for many years until he passed.” 

“A tiger?” 

“Yes, which appears pitiful in comparison to who you have found for us. My mother shall be most let down she never got a mythical creature to cherish.” 

“Do you think we should get him a collar?” 

“Perhaps. But only if it’s the finest leather. Have you named him?” 

“No, he is for you. You should name him.” 

“You found him. I searched the forest for months and-”

“I think it was your scent on me that drew him to me. I was wearing your clothes on the way over before I turned. Also, I know you will veto every suggestion I have so please just name him.” 

Wednesday took an hour to think it over before she came and sat on Enid’s bed. “Dante.” 

“Dante?” Enid asked. 

“Yes, as in Dante’s Inferno.” 

“Dante,” Enid agreed with a smile. 

“I can’t wait to bring him home and shock my parents. Perhaps he will mistake Pugsley for a threat and maul him.” 

“Wednesday!”

Chapter Text

Wednesday is not a jealous person. Her first and only friend in childhood -Melissa Blair, an oddly perky redhead who shared her crayons with Wednesday when everyone else feared her- turned her back on her to impress a boy with a Justin Bieber haircut. It had hurt, like a poisoned needle to the thorax. It was a deeply uncomfortable mix of betrayal, pain, and annoyance. Jealousy, Wednesday learned. 

Something she promised herself to never feel again. 

That lasted until Enid had become her mate. Jealousy, it appeared, was vastly prominent among wolves who clung to their mates like newlyweds for every second of their lives together. Wednesday did not wish to be a newlywed, nor jealous. Both were putrid, archaic concepts designed to rein women to the kitchen.

Yet feelings had quite the odd way of simmering up even when left off heat. 

They bubbled, spat, and grew until Wednesday was working her jaw. Her nose pressed to Enid’s jumper she normally stole because this heinous pink monstrosity no longer smelled like roses and sweet deliciousness. No, it smelled like the Burberry perfume that the new -unfairly attractive- vampire who had just enrolled wore. 

Her nostrils flared as she hurled her chosen jumper at the laundry bin. Enid had not mentioned hanging out with Casey. Not a word had been spoken of her actually. Which made it all the more questionable that her scent was plastered to that jumper. 

Wednesday ran her fingers through Dante’s fur as she tried to hold back the anger, though it was much like the Titanic meeting the face of the iceberg. She knew her fate, Wednesday was doomed to plummet into the icy depths whilst Enid sailed away on a raft only big enough for her and the vampire pageant queen. (She was not being dramatic; Wednesday had heard of her numerous trophies for such as Casey blabbed about them whilst she was trying to learn about the Romantic movement.)

Jealousy was a cruel mistress. 

She managed to push away the thoughts for the day. Especially when Enid returned all smiles and rainbows as always, and it was Wednesday who got to curl into her embrace whilst Enid watched Love Island. 

They forged a deal that Tuesdays they would watch the aforementioned mind-numbing trash, and Wednesdays and Thursdays she was allowed The Traitors. It seemed a fair agreement to suffer through an hour of watching people who lacked any and all depth in exchange for watching the modern-day equivalent of The Stanford Prison Experiment. 

The next day, however, brought the feeling back like an itch that refused to soothe even when scratched. Enid’s jumper, once again, smelled like a concoction of overly peppy vampires and sweat. 

“Did you have gym today?” 

“Yeah,” Enid said, chucking her bag down. “Then I swam afterward. The school wants me to compete this year for their main swim team.” 

“Really? Who else will be given such an honour?” 

“Oh, quite a few.” 

“Any you have befriended?” Wednesday hoped that Enid was making friends. Whilst bubbly she certainly struggled to fit in with some cliques just as Wednesday did. Especially since presenting as an alpha- many creatures now feared her. A fact that baffled Wednesday knowing her mate was just about as vicious as a Minion in sparkly pink dungarees. 

Enid smiled. “Yeah, the girls invited me out for drinks later. The new members, Divina, Casey, and I got invited for milkshakes at that place up from the antiques store in town. You know, the one that throws everything into milkshakes like whole chocolate bars and frosting? Heaven!” Enid squealed in delight as she thought about the sugar overload that awaited her, failing to miss the way Wednesday clenched her fists so hard that her nails drew the slightest bit of blood in the crescent welts that littered her palms. 

“Casey? The new girl?” There were several Casey’s in their year group alone. Wednesday needed to stop worrying that it would be-

“Yeah! She’s so sweet Willa. Vampires get such a stereotyped rep sometimes so she’s really trying to broaden the students’ minds that not all of them are all doom and gloom.” 

“She does seem the complete opposite of Yoko.” 

“Oh, she is. She loves Taylor Swift too! Do you know how hard it is to find people in this school who appreciate the queen of pop? Walking these halls is like 24/7 Swiftie blasphemy.” 

Wednesday worked her jaw. “How delightful.” 

“And she’s such a good swimmer. I may have to fit in some extra practice time because I feel like I’m lacking, even though vampires do have a bit of an extra advantage in the whole speed department thing.” 

Wednesday turned her attention to her typewriter, flexing her hands back out. “Well, it seems more imperative that you fit in time for your studies.” 

“I can fit both in,” Enid said, dropping down onto her bed with a sigh. “Did you want to watch something?” 

“No.” Wednesday fought the urge to lash out at Enid, knowing her mate did not deserve the anger that had no good reason for blooming other than an ill-willed control of the green-eyed monster that reared its ugly head. “I must head out; I need to gather specimens for botany.” 

“Do you want me to come with you? It’s kinda dark out.” 

“You do not think me capable of holding my own in the shadow of night?” Wednesday challenged. Though Enid had a more modern view of alpha roles, she was still irritatingly chivalrous. 

“Oh, no, I totally do. Totes capable.” Enid coughed. 

“Good. I will return on the hour.”   

Enid walked over, leaning in to kiss Wednesday who pulled away as her nostrils flared at that scent. It was thick like a cloud, coating her mate in Casey. 

Repugnant. 

“Are you okay?” Enid asked, brow furrowing. Wednesday rarely refused her affection nowadays. 

“Fine. Enjoy your evening.” 

Perhaps it was petty, but Wednesday was seconds away from finding said vampire and gutting her like a fish. Tears welled in her eyes knowing that her mate smelled more of this ditsy blonde than herself. A girl who apparently adored the same subjects her mate did, unlike Wednesday who groaned any time Enid made her rewatch the Taylor Swift documentary. 

It struck a chord in her, several chords, none of which were played correctly and instead all sounded off and out of tune. It was the howling cry of an unpolished bagpipe player. A violinist playing with a broken bow. 

The chord was sour and new. 

Wednesday had felt jealousy with Enid prior but never like this. Her blood felt hot like syrup over a stove beneath her flesh, her stomach roiled and twisted as if a ship tossed by the unruly waves of a storm. Casey, Wednesday decided, had to be dealt with. 

“Wednesday, right? Did you need something?” The Texan peered up at Wednesday, her accent holding a twang to it that made her seem far more hospitable than the homewrecker she posed to be. 

“Is your roommate in?” 

“No,” Casey said, brow furrowing though a bright white smile remained plastered across her face. “Did you want to come in? I have tea?” 

An excellent way to poison her and remove Wednesday from standing between her and Enid. “I wish to come in, but a beverage is not necessary.” 

Wednesday took the seat offered on Casey’s bed, though her back was rigid with the annoyance her scent brought. 

“So, what brings ya here?” 

“Many things. I hear you are friends with Enid now.” 

“Oh yeah. We’re super close, even got matching monograms on our swim jackets.” 

Wednesday clenched her hands, trying to slow her breathing. “Is that so?” 

“Yeah, Enid's the first real friend I've made here. She talks about you a lot too.” 

“She does?” 

“Of course. She’s awfully proud of you.” 

“Proud of me?” 

“Yeah. Always raving about your cello and such between laps.” 

“Oh.” 

“I think it’s sweet y’all are so close.” 

“Close?” 

“Yeah. I mean, my roommate is great at times but we’re not really on friendship terms yet.” 

“Friends?” Wednesday frowned. 

“Yeah, with the amount she talks about you, the two of you must be pretty close huh?” 

Wednesday stiffened. Friends? “I should be going. I just wished to put a face to the name.” And what a blood-curdling, perfect face it was. 

“Oh, well anytime you want a drink just let me know! I make a mean hot chocolate. Would be nice if the three of us could hang out sometime? Being new kinda puts you on the outskirts if you know what I mean.” 

Wednesday was not in fact going to kill Casey. She was going to kill Enid. 

“You’re back!” 

“Yes, it appears I am.” 

“Are you okay?” 

“Okay is not something I believe I have ever been. But no, I am certainly not.” 

Enid paused, swallowing. “Did I do something?” 

“What gives you that idea?” Wednesday finally snapped, her voice far louder than she normally let it become. 

“Your eyes are glowing. They’ve uh… I didn’t realise that they did that.” If Enid could cower in her human form she was certainly half there, metaphorical tail between her legs as she bowed her head slightly. 

Wednesday didn’t have a moment spare to ask her what she meant by such statements. “I went to pay Casey a visit. She seems lovely. Peppy. Sweet.” 

“You went to see Casey?” 

“Because you reek of her!” 

Enid paled, rosy cheeks greying as she sucked in her lip uttering a ‘shit’ quiet enough that Wednesday did not hear it. In that moment the wolf realised one major error that she had made; Wednesday was presenting more as a wolf than non-wolf soulmates normally did. She had the ability to scent others for protection, and her eyes were taking on that of a jealous wolf’s. 

Now, Enid knew full well to be careful with other wolves when it came to scents. She did not, however, think Wednesday was at risk of being effected so strongly by them. Humans weren’t meant to be able to-

“You smell like her each and every day. Your clothing screams of oversold commercial perfume that lacks any and all originality. And then, upon visiting your new friend I found out that you have hastened to let her know that we are mates.” 

Enid was sweating now, hands visibly shaking because oh shit she had messed up. She was a wolf who should have known far better than to turn up for days on end reeking of another, and yet she had. Time and time again. She and Casey were both very hug-centric people, as such her scent was always prominent when they parted. 

Her eyes cast over to her jumper that Wednesday normally stole, realising now why she had found it in the wash bin only days after it had been washed. 

“Wednesday-”

“Do you prefer her? Is that it?” 

“Willa-”

Wednesday’s eyes glazed over with tears, her lip quivering slightly but just enough to break Enid’s heart. “I understand that she is more suited for you. I can see that, I just wished to-”

“What do you mean more suited for me?”

“You adore the same things. She is beautiful, even I have eyes and realise I can hardly compete with her.” 

Enid let out a laugh. “You think Casey is my type?” 

“I think Casey is everyone’s type.” Even Wednesday had felt the same awkwardness creeping into her as it did whenever she was around beautiful women. Her eyes burned gold as her nails drew blood from her palms once more. Enough blood that Enid's nose wrinkled as the scent of it met her nostrils.

She frowned, walking closer and picking Wednesday up then throwing her over her shoulder with ease. 

“What in Hell? This is preposterous! I am not above stabbing you in the thigh.” 

“We’re going to the forest and if I told you that you would refuse because you’re stubborn. So, I’m carrying you.” 

“Enid, place me on the floor at once.” 

“Sorry, can’t do that just yet.” 

Enid held her tightly, glad her mate didn’t opt to stab her as she made her way down the stairs. They passed Bianca who broke out in a fit of laughter seeing an angered Wednesday Addams slung over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, squabbling as she slapped the wolf’s back. 

She gently placed her mate down as soon as they made it to the forest. 

“What was that?” Wednesday yelled. “I am not some chunk of meat to be flung around.” She accentuated each word with a forceful jab to Enid’s chest with her finger. 

Enid ignored her, leaning in to nuzzle her. 

Wednesday silenced immediately, though stood as straight as a pole as her mate brushed her scent on her. 

“Our room smells like her. I will ask Yoko to spray some scent diffuser in there before we return. I did not realise you had picked up wolf scenting traits or else I would have been more careful.” Wolves at the school were given neutralising sprays for this exact reason. Scenting was natural, but a time-old instinct that was not needed now. It was a protective instinct that hadn’t aged well, and as such, wolves did their best to negate its effect on their mates. 

“What are you talking about?” 

“You’re jealous and-”

“I am not jealous.” 

“You are, but it’s my fault. I didn’t tell Casey about us because she is straight, and I don’t know enough about her to come out just yet. Sure, most people have been great with it but remember that one girl I told and she-”

“Threw ketchup over your favourite hoodie.” Wednesday had left a trail of organs in her bedding in response. Shockingly, she hadn't bothered them since.

“Exactly, so I’m a little cautious. Not because of you, God, never you. But because I want to protect us both from certain people. I think Casey will be fine but she’s the first real friend I’ve made on that swim team and if it turns out she’s homophobic it will hurt so much.” 

“I understand.” 

“I shouldn’t have come back smelling like her. I’m like, majorly at fault for that but I didn’t realise you would have a protective scenting nature. Most humans don’t, but your eyes… they shouldn’t act like that either.” 

Wednesday sighed, brushing her nose against Enid’s throat. “You still smell like her.” 

“That’s why I brought you out here. The perfume should diffuse faster in the open air. With your eyes glowing… I didn’t want you hurting anyone including yourself. The instinct can cause serious harm to wolves. My mum once put her fist through a cupboard when my father came back smelling like someone. Turned out they were dead; he was working at a funeral home at the time and didn’t realise the smell would still carry.”

“Your father worked at a funeral home?” 

“Briefly.” 

“What an exquisite job to hold.” 

Enid laughed, getting her phone out to text Yoko. “Do you think Dante will attack her if she’s going in without us?” 

“No. He’s quite partial to her since she started sneaking him chicken nuggets from the canteen, which I would like to add are not on his diet plan set out by the biology department. Truly he would make an awful guard dog.” 

“Good, she’s heading over now.” 

“You already smell far better.” 

“That’s because I smell like you.” 

“Precisely.” 

“You know it’s adorable seeing you get all mad over a straight girl. Also, my type has always been more edgy goth than people who are basically my twin.” 

Wednesday rolled her eyes. “Do not call me adorable again unless you wish to lose inches off your tail.” 

“Noted.” Enid grinned. 

“Stop thinking about it.” 

“But you were so mad.” 

“I despise you right now," Wednesday huffed.

“Enough to make your eyes glow?” 

“I swear I shall hide your manga.” 

“You wouldn’t dare,” Enid gasped. 

“Try me.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday was more than used to people calling her names. Peculiar. Eccentric. Odd. 

In fact, Wednesday would agree with every last one of them. She wore the names like a badge of honour in a world that strangely prized cookie-cutter ideals of normality over anything or anyone that differed.

Wednesday adored the many facets of her that others struggled to comprehend. 

But what she found most striking was that so rarely were those same names applied to Enid. Enid who she had just walked in on, finding her placing a miniature snood on their ichneumon’s head. 

Enid was really just as odd as she was. 

“Darling, care to share why you are dressing up our mythological dragon slayer with pastel green knitwear?” 

Her head snapped around, grinning at Wednesday as she pulled it taught. Part of Dante’s mane was pressed down by it but sprung up where the snood ended at all different angles. He looked awfully like one of those greyhounds in the ‘Kermie’ memes. 

“He looks so adorable, right?” Enid stood looking down at her work like a child grinning at a five-legged stick figure parents pretended to view like Van Gogh’s. Unfortunately, she possessed none of the acting ability most deluded adults did. 

Wednesday sighed, taking him in. Reducing such a creature to the hell of knitwear seemed awfully demeaning, blasphemy almost. “His eyes are bulging.” 

They were, Dante sat there stock still, eyes bulging and black, almost as big as saucers. He had a look of shock that Wednesday wasn’t sure if it was caused by the snood or onset of constipation from his recent diet change. 

“I am not certain he feels comfortable in it.” 

“Really?” Enid bounced slightly. “It’s getting really cold out at night, and we need to keep him warm.” 

“It is almost like they gave him thick fur for a reason,” Wednesday replied, voice monotone. 

“But he matches us. Do you think we should start him one of those pet Instagrams?” 

Rubbing her temple, she shook away the warning stress headache. “Dante cannot be exposed to the world like that. We have to dye him brown whenever we take him to town with a potion, we cannot ask for potions to be brewed simply for a photo shoot. The older her gets the faster he seems to grow. Convincing people he was the offspring of a dog and a horny mongoose may have pleased the masses lacking a basic understanding of biology to begin with, but now he’s almost as large as you.” 

As if to prove a point Dante sat up slightly, still appearing as a complete buffoon with the tight snood over his head. 

Groaning, Enid dropped her chin. Her eyes glowed gold slightly as if her wolf was debating challenging her mate, but Enid relaxed with a huff. “Fine. But he likes his snood.” 

“He looks like the people in House of Wax who were cast alive in wax, then all that could be seen were feint movements of their lips like a redundant plea for help.” 

“Fine. No snood.” 

Wednesday bristled but allowed Enid the snood so long as it was cold 

It gets more ridiculous from there- because of course, it does. This is Enid. 

It’s a week later that Wednesday returns, almost dropping the stack of books that was balanced in her palms when she sees him. 

Dante. Stood in the centre of his room. Enid had sneakily knitted him a sweater. It was a green sweater with a black D on the front, making him look like a fraternity pledge.  

“Dante where is your mother?” 

The ichneumon looked like he wasn’t sure which mother he was more worried by, though his eyes drifted to the door. 

Seething, Wednesday awaited her return. She pulled out a chair and waited on it with folded arms and a jaw as tense as steel.

“What in the heavens is this?” Wednesday said as soon as she walked in, startling her mate. 

“What is what?” 

“This despicable act! You have dressed him. He is a wild creature, not meant to be confined by the itchy hell of knitwear.” 

“He likes it!” 

Wednesday looked at Dante who slowly wagged his tail. He did like it, but Wednesday would not stand for this. She could feel through their bond that the jumper brought him comfort likely from his time hibernating but he looked rediculous.

“He is traumatised by the solitary woollen confinement.” 

“It’s breathable and he was getting cold.” 

She rose a brow at her mate who folded her arms. 

“Don’t do that,” Wednesday chided. 

“What?” 

“The alpha glare you seem to put on when you wish to get your way.” 

“I’m not doing a glare.” 

“You are. You get so tense your flesh greys like a corpse. Breathe, perhaps.” 

Enid however, didn’t back down. She breathed heavily, standing her ground. 

Though they occasionally had mild disagreements this was certainly new. The broad audacity of her mate challenging her. It was a disgrace, an alpha being holier art thou, betraying and…

Oddly attractive. 

Wednesday decided right then some part of her liked when Enid proposed a challenge. 

“Take it off him.” 

“Why?” 

“Enid, I swear to the flames of hell if you-”

“If. I. What?” Enid rose a brow, eyes glowing in a vibrant ripple of gold. 

With a sigh, Wednesday stood. “Dante go find your aunt Yoko.” 

Dante staggered out quickly before the jumper was stolen from him. Wednesday shot Yoko a text asking her to remove it immediately. 

“If,” Wednesday started. “You dress him up like a build-a-bear I will take away your knitting bag.” 

“Then I’ll buy more wool.” 

She worked her jaw, nostrils flaring. “Why are you most unruly today?” 

“I don’t know what you mean.” 

“Unruly. Far from amicable.” 

“Maybe I think I should get a say for once.” 

“For once?” Wednesday snapped. “If you presented an opinion or choice of reason I would consider it. Dressing up our son like that is far from reason.” 

Enid pushed forward, walking Wednesday back until her spine hit the cold of the wall. The wolf leaned over her, breathing heavily. “He likes it. I asked him if he would like one and he wanted to try. As soon as I put it on him he was so happy.” 

It was disarming in a way she couldn’t quite comprehend. Wednesday understood romance through the eyes of her parents. It stemmed from passion, challenge, duels, and fiery emotion. 

Wednesday rarely understood that fiery emotion, however on rare occasions it would appear out of thin air. Three times in her life so far. 

This time being one of them. 

She reached for Enid’s collar, tugging her down until their lips met. They landed together with such force teeth clashed, Wednesday’s lip bleeding as Enid hummed at the metallic tinge to it. 

Enid grasped Wednesday’s hip, thumb brushing along the bare skin of it under her jumper as she pushed her other hand into Wednesday’s hair. The hand in her hair completely ruined Wednesday's plaits though she couldn’t find it in her to care. Instead, she tugged the wolf closer with a sigh. 

Her mate must have gotten a little too swayed by emotion because the next thing Wednesday noted was the brush of extended wolf fangs against her neck. “Calm down,” she muttered in her ear, soothing Enid with a kiss on her cheek.

“I’m sorry. That’s never-”

Wednesday ignored her, tugging her lips back as soon as they receded. At times being close like this with Enid was needed. Though it was most rare it happened. Wednesday wasn’t sure if it was the wolf instincts from the bond or her general love of Enid when she got passionate about something, either way, she refused to ease up as she captured her lips again and let her tongue meet Enid’s. 

“Willa-”

She ignored her again, working kisses lower down her mate’s neck where she smelled most of her endearingly woody scent. 

“God-”

Wednesday smiled at that, sucking a mark into her neck for the first time. It was a win in her book, marking her alpha mate after a debate. It was a hickey on her neck that held with it the prize of winning. Enid was her alpha but truly Wednesday held the most power. 

“Did you just-”

Wednesday pulled away, using her thumb to wipe the tinted lip gloss away from the corner of Enid’s mouth. “He’s not to wear a jumper. We can look at a heating pad or something that he can lay on and leave at will. A jumper he could overheat in. I am not saying this to be pedantic, but he is a wild animal with a fur coat. Overheating is a risk even with our bond communication.” 

Enid nodded, dazed. “He could over heat?”

“Yes, how would you feel in a jumper in your wolf form?”

“Hot after a while,” she agreed, dropping her head. “I’ll take him to town to look for a head pad. He just gets so shaky with the cold.”

”Ichneumons are used to far warmer climates, it is why I was most surprised to see you find one here. We can make some changes, test out what he likes best. However his safety will always come first.”

Eventually, she cleared her throat with a nod and turned her attention back to her homework.

“I’m sorry.”

“He likes it,” Wednesday sighed. “But it is not safe.”

“I understand. Do you know anyone whose name begins with D looking for a jumper?”

The third time Wednesday was truly pissed, and anger trickled into the hollows of her bones. 

This time it is not their room, but the bathroom. Bianca alerted her to the issue with exhaustion as she said, “Wednesday, why is your mate washing your oversized dog child in our showers?” 

Sure enough, Bianca had been correct in her judgement. Heading to the shared showers Wednesday finally noted the end one running with the curtain open and a huge tail poking out. 

She advanced, peering around the corner at the scene unfolding. 

Eugene squealed as Dante shook his fur out, both soaking behind Dante who was looking… different. 

“You dyed his hair pink and blue?” Wednesday seethed. 

Eugene was rigid like a petrified mouse as Wednesday yelled at him to leave before she laced his hives with something. 

“I was just-”

“Don’t speak.” Wednesday threw the towel over Dante. “Our room. Now.” 

“Are you coming up?” 

“After I dry him, yes. So if I was you I would consider your defence for the fire currently lit under your ass.” 

Wednesday spent thirty minutes drying him. The pair had given Dante highlights of pink on one side and blue on the other, darts of vivid colour almost like a pastel hedgehog. The most irritating thing was that Dante had worryingly enjoyed his spa treatment and was practically purring as she walked him back, head held high over his fresh look. 

“Do not encourage your mother’s childish acts.” 

With a sigh that spoke of weeks of exhaustion, Wednesday shut their door and turned to her mate. 

“I-”

“You are on your last strike, Enid. He is not a Barbie.” 

“I just thought he’s look cute with-”

“Last strike.” 

“What happens if I run out of strikes.” 

“Nothing. Good.” 

“I used pet-safe dye. He liked my colour and I thought we would be cute matching.” 

She rose a brow at her mate, one that spoke clearly of her annoyance. 

“He really likes them.” 

Her brow remained cocked. 

“Sorry, it won’t happen again.”

It did in fact happen again. 

“Enid why in the world is he bright orange?” she roared as she stared at their Tango orange pet. 

“Let me explain-”

Wednesday backed her mate against the wall with fury in her eyes.

“I didn’t do it! He broke into the canteen during gym and bathed in spaghetti sauce. Weems spent the afternoon trying to organise cleaning staff because half of the floors and walls are stained too! I didn’t do it I swear.” 

“That is why our room reeks of tomato?” 

“Yes.” 

“Oh. Well, I suppose I will let you off this time.” 

Chapter Text

 Wednesday quickly became used to swim meets. 

At first, she detested them. It was the ghastly smell of chlorine and poolside cleaners as she entered the verruca-ridden floors. The sounds of every conversation and squealing teen echoed throughout the room like a concert hall. It was the way one buffoon always chose to attempt a move dubbed the ‘cannonball’ which removed no limbs nor crushed any ships but did often result in soaking part of Wednesday’s outfit. 

Or the worst thing of all; rubber swim caps. Enid had asked Wednesday to help her get it on once and the feel of the material had left her shuddering for weeks whenever she thought of the powdered tackiness to it.

It was an abomination of a sport. Or so she thought at first. Like the weather channel Wednesday’s forecast was occasionally wrong.

Surprisingly the sport had its draws. One was the way Enid looked her most elegant as her long limbs swam through the pool. She had grown during her wolf puberty and now used that height to its advantage, tackling each lap with ease as she pulled herself through the waters. 

There was also the plus of Enid’s stretching routine prior to entering the waters or the fact that she always blew Wednesday a kiss- much to the competitor’s annoyance. 

Everyone wanted Enid likely because of the way she commanded a room since leading the pack at school. Wednesday took a certain high horse in knowing she was the only one Enid would ever want in return. She smugly stared at the irritated girls and boys who flirted from afar with battering eyelashes to no avail.

Idiots. 

Wednesday grew used to the things she loved about watching Enid swim and let them quickly outweigh that which she disliked. 

However, the chlorine was still atrocious. 

“The smell, right?” a girl asked, taking a seat next to Wednesday. Her black denim jacket was covered in patches from metal bands and her hair was a dark brown making her sage green eyes pop. 

“What?” 

“You keep wrinkling your nose. I assumed it was the smell of this place.” 

“I guess I do detest it.” 

“Same.” She smiled, offering Wednesday a small lemon sherbet candy. 

“No thank you.” 

“Just trust me. The tang of these things and the sour will distract you from the chlorine. Unless you hate lemon in which case maybe stick with the chlorine.” 

Wednesday huffed, eventually taking the small yellow hardboiled sweet from the stranger as she had been vastly advised against in her childhood. She rested it on her tongue, the candy assaulting her senses but in a way that diminished everything else. 

“See? Miracle worker these things.” 

Wednesday nodded, unable to speak around the food. It did help. She slumped back against the bleacher with more ease than normal as she watched Enid swimming. Every half hour another small yellow candy would make its way into her palm and Wednesday learned to accept them without complaint.

When Enid finally finished something was off. She smelled odd, far woodier than normal, and her shoulders were raised as if to make the most of every inch of her looming height. 

“Hi, I’m Enid. You are?” 

“Oh, hi dude. I’m Steph. “

“Steph,” Enid said. “Which team are you with?” 

Steph eyed her curiously. “The humans. My stepbrother swims for Makenzi.” 

A boy who had been competing against Enid’s school bounded up. His chestnut hair was all tight curls and his grin was far more expansive than his seemingly cold sister’s. “Hi, I’m Ben.” 

“Ben,” Wednesday said. “Well as lovely as it was meeting you, we must be off. Lest we get stuck in the human town come nightfall, they will likely try and burn us at the steak.” 

Steph snorted. “You’re giving them way too many props for their creativity.” 

“Steph’s not human,” Ben supplied. “Enough that she fits into the school here but she’s actually centaur on our mothers’ side.” 

Wednesday and Enid both stared at her, searching for the hidden legs or tail. 

“He’s fucking with you. I’m a daughter of Poseidon.” As if to illustrate the point Steph drew the water from Enid’s feet into the form of a trident before letting it splash back down on her. “You were right though. Your team should go; humans here are far from amicable with people not like themselves.” 

Steph stood, lifting her headphones over her head as she followed her brother out. 

“I don’t like her.” 

“Really? She seemed cordial.” Wednesday stood, brushing the sherbet dust from her skirt. “Are you ready to leave?” 

“Yeah, I’ll hit the showers quickly on the way out, meet you at the bus?” 

Wednesday nodded, sighing as her mate headed away. 

That is not the only time they meet Steph, much to Enid’s annoyance. 

The next time is at a training meet she dragged Wednesday to with an out-of-state coach who was meant to be brilliant. 

It was a long journey and Enid was new at driving so it took both Casey to give instructions and Wednesday to calm them both down on the way over. Casey had managed to twist Wednesday’s arm into coming with her Stepford Wife pep that Wednesday was sure was one mental breakdown away from axe murder. 

“Are you okay waiting for us? It’s like two hours of training.” 

“It is fine. I brought my book and there is a coffee shop should I get desperate enough to bear human interaction.” 

Enid grinned and bounded away with Casey. 

“How do they store so much excitement in their bodies?” A voice drawled beside her as Steph took a seat. 

“Your brother got a training space I take it?” 

“Yes, and I have the car.” She waved her keys. “So, I’m on babysitting duty. Such fun.” 

“I understand the horrors. Luckily my brother Pugsley has not attempted to follow me here.” 

Steph smiled. “That close?” 

“If you consider regular torture close then, yes, I suppose.” 

Snorting Steph passed her a sherbet. 

“Thank you.” 

“No problem. Like protects like right?” 

“What?” 

She chuckled. “I don’t think either of us fit in with the blonde cheerleader image every girl at this school seems to fit.” 

“Oh, I wondered if they were all siblings.” 

“No, just clones.” 

Wednesday watched as another two blondes walked right past them. Even their highlights appeared to be in the exact same places. “Truly terrifying.” 

Enid began stretching but her eyes fastened on the bleachers in annoyance. 

“You good there?” Casey said with a laugh. 

“Do you think bleacher girl is cute?” 

Casey looked over. “I mean I’m straight but yeah. She’s cute in like a tomboy who probably rides a motorbike kind of way. She’s got brows I would legit kill for. Do you think she combs them or uses brow mascara?” 

“Shit.” Enid bit her lip so hard that she drew blood. “Wednesday loves motorbikes.” 

The vampire’s eyes drifted between them. “Wednesday also loves you. The pair of you are kinda sickening at times.” She straightened Enid’s shoulders. “Stop breathing all heavy like you’re about to cop a werewolf strop. You may be an alpha, but you are not a douche.” 

“She keeps feeding her. I’m the only one who is meant to feed her.” 

Casey rolled her eyes and tugged Enid back a pace. “She’s probably straight.” They watched as Steph gave Wednesday another sweet, letting her hand caress her own on the drawback. “Okay yeah, that was kind of gay. Why is Wednesday not stopping her?” 

“Because she’s oblivious.” Enid let out another short and fast breath. “Wednesday has been hit on so many times and never once has she ever noticed. Normally at school I just scare them off but she’s a daughter of Poseidon. She could kill me in seconds my claws are not going to scare her.” 

“Enid, chill honey. She’s your mate. The two of you are joined like forks to haybales. I don’t think you have anything to worry about other than her maybe makin’ a new friend.” 

“Friends don’t stare at each other like meals waiting to be eaten.” 

“Please never say that again. Also, calm the heck down. You’re looking all grumpy and we’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.” 

They had been. Enid let it go and instead took out her frustrations on the water as she came in from her front stroke at a new personal best. 

However, when they finished she trailed over to Wednesday, still soaked. “Hey babe, did you want to grab a drink with Case before we head back?” 

Wednesday nodded and stood. Enid let her eyes glow as she looked at her, loving the way Wednesday’s eyes glowed back in return. 

“Oh, you’re a wolf.” Steph looked between them. “Same pack?” 

“No. Enid is my mate,” Wednesday supplied matter-of-factly, missing the way Steph’s face dropped only briefly before schooling her features. “I’m human but I have a few wolf traits due to the bond. The eyes are just one of them.” 

Enid kissed her cheek, taking the towel from her mate. 

“Did you want to join us?” Wednesday asked. 

Steph froze and debated as she looked between the pair but eventually nodded. “Please. I don’t exactly fit in here and my brother will be years before finishing up.” 

There were many things that Enid predicted would occur during their time grabbing food with Steph. Her stealing Wednesday. Her hitting on her or trying to point out Enid’s faults. Water tricks she could never compete with.

What she certainly didn’t expect was for her to get on so well with Casey. 

“Oh I love Poppy, her metal album hits so hard,” Casey said. 

Both Wednesday and Enid did a double take, neither having heard her talk about a love of metal before. 

“My dad used to take me to all the concerts growing up, and my ma would get all mad about him carrying me through the mosh pits but everyone there was always so lovely. All these bikers holding me up so I could see the front when I was still so tiny.” 

That was unexpected. But the strangest part for them both had to be catching Casey making out with Steph against Steph’s car an hour later. 

“Casey… question…” Enid stared at her best friend in the rear-view mirror, once she took a seat in Enid’s car after exchanging numbers with Steph who had now left with her brother. 

Casey grinned up, sitting there in her monotone pink tracksuit like Regina George. “Yeah?” 

“Remember what you say to me like all the time?” 

“Miley Cyrus has always received so much hassle from tabloids that she never deserved?”

“No, the other thing.” 

“Oh, that I’m straight?” Casey laughed, looking out the window. “Yeah, I think I was a little wrong about that.” 

It was said in such a dazed and ditsy way that Wednesday snorted, covering her mouth as her eyes widened. 

“Did you just-” Enid started. 

“We shall never speak of that.” Wednesday sat up straighter. “Casey tell us more about what we missed in the ten minutes it took Enid to pick out doughnuts.”

Chapter Text

Learning had always come easily to Wednesday. Educating herself was something she had yearned for since young, and she couldn’t remember a time when she didn’t love the time she spent studying. 

Her brain was much like a sponge soaking up any knowledge she primed it with, and gods above did she love knowing more than those around her. 

It wasn’t a superiority thing, far different in actuality. Wednesday loved facts and liked to be accurate and knowledgeable concerning any subject that arose. She liked to enter conversations with statistics and information because often it was how she conversed best. 

The social side of conversing was never something that came easily to her. Talking for the sake of talking. She always felt misunderstood or pressed to the outskirts because her interests didn’t align with the standard most people her age seemed to favour. 

So, she learned. She entered with facts on topics others would bring up because as much as she wished to never admit it; Wednesday often wished she could fit in. 

Knowing, became a safety net. Knowing was her opportunity to participate.

Even with Enid, she had spent days memorising all of the Taylor fan theories she could find on the internet, even creating her own blog that rapidly gained popularity unfurling many of the clues. 

Accidentally, Wednesday had been branded a ‘Swifty’ or however it was spelt. 

Knowledge was her safe space. 

When she struggled with knowledge it felt like a gaping void swallowing her whole. 

“Hey, why are you looking all glum?” Enid asked as she waltzed into their room. 

The paper was still clenched in her hands, branded with a bright red failed mark at the top of the page. She was certain Miss Field had written the letter as big as she purposely could.

“It appears I have finally met the sword upon which I shall fall,” Wednesday muttered. 

Enid frowned, pulling the paper from her grasp. 

“You failed necromancy?” She blanched. “You, Wednesday Addams, queen of all things undead, failed necromancy?”

“Rub salt into my wound why don’t you?” She pulled the paper back and tore it in two. She would feed the remnants to the school rats later. At least her failure could provide them with some soft bedding. 

“No, I…” Enid ran a hand tentatively through her hair that Wednesday had let down. 

Her power usually lay in her plaits but as a failure, she didn’t believe she was owed them. 

“I’m surprised is all. What happened?” 

“She asked me to bring an owl back from the dead,” Wednesday supplied. 

“And you couldn’t?” 

Wednesday scoffed, letting her jaw set firmly as the muscle tensed beneath her pale skin. “Of course, I could." She couldn't. "But such magic seemed incredibly bland.” 

“Bland…” Enid repeated, her voice raising an octave. 

“Yes. Who wishes to bring an owl back? They’re hardly efficient for use on most occasions.” 

“So you…” 

“I brought back the lion she has on display behind her desk. It appears she was either frightened by the prospect of an undead beast or concerned that he mauled one of the men delivering her morning mail.” 

“Huh… that’s something alright.” 

“Why is your voice performing the squeaky tone it reaches when you’re uncomfortable?” 

“No reason.” It was still high, climbing an octave again until Enid cleared her throat. “Could you not just bring the owl back?” 

But that was the issue. Necromancy relied on connecting with the subject to raise them. Lions were fierce, misunderstood, and Wednesday felt a bond with that. Felt a bond mainly with the power that creature held, the ability to maul. What she did not feel a bond with was the corpse of a bird. 

“I couldn’t raise it,” she admitted. 

Enid focussed on the slight pout that graced her mouth. “Do you want some help studying?” 

“I do not require a caretaker to study. I have been teaching myself-”

“From the age of three, I know,” Enid interrupted. “But you totes need help if that red letter is anything to go by.” 

“I do not.” 

“What if I reward you for studying with Casey? She’s one of the top necro students.” 

“Reward?” Wednesday scoffed but her ears perked up. “I am not some animal to pay off with food.” 

“Not food,” Enid clarified. “What if my brother let you raid his ancient herb stash when we next go back?” 

“He would sooner take my hand before letting me near his cabinet.” 

“He owes me,” Enid said. “Would you say yes?” 

“I suppose I could be amenable to those terms.” 

That was how she ended up sitting on the floor with Casey, a dead owl sitting between them. 

“Ain’t he pretty,” she said with her upbeat Texan twang. 

“He’s dead,” Wednesday said as if obvious. “All dead things are beautiful.” 

Casey smiled and took her hands. 

“Must we touch?” 

“Yep. Now close your eyes and focus on what ties you to him.” 

“He is a bird,” Wednesday scoffed. “What could even be achieved from raising him? He will hardly suffice in an army.” 

“Not everything we raise needs to have a use and masses of power,” Casey said. 

“It seems redundant to raise something of no use,” Wednesday said. 

“Sometimes,” Casey replied, “we raise pets we have lost. Or maybe it’s an animal that may give us a clue to a murder or a use we didn’t realise until it was raised.” 

“I very much doubt this avian witnessed a murder.” 

“Regardless, we’re learning how to raise them because everything has its use. Whether you see it or not size, and power do not equate use.” 

“In an undead army, it would.” 

“Birds are airborne. Many used pigeons in the army, they were prized creatures.” 

“I know that.” 

“Then why are you over there judging an owl for its cover?” Casey said. “If you can't focus on use to bring it back, focus on something you appreciate about the specimen.” 

“What?” Wednesday scoffed.

“What do you think impresses you? Is it his wings or his beak?” 

“Hardly,” Wednesday sighed. “I suppose owls are impressive predators. They are majestic creatures when seeking out their prey.”

“Okay,” Casey said. “How ‘bout we focus on that then? Use your admiration to connect with him.” 

“Admiration.” She felt her face twisting in annoyance but followed through with her wishes. 

Holding her hands over it she summoned the usual forces, tapping into its life force with a gentle caress. Normally, here, she tuned into a creature's use for gain. Now, instead, she focussed on admiration as Casey had suggested. 

She considered the elegance of the creature with prey latched into its claws, considered the beauty in flight. 

Oddly, she felt the dead owl cracking beneath her and then heard its chirping. 

“You did it!” 

“Admiration,” Wednesday echoed. “The teacher nor books suggested that.” 

Casey grinned. “Kinda my own idea. I’m quite a bubbly person and don’t care about the whole ‘this needs a purpose’ thing.” She guided the owl onto her hand. “I just adore the company of them. Cute huh?” 

Wednesday couldn’t deny that there was something – dare she say sweet – about the creature tilting his head as he rested on Casey’s arm. 

“I suppose I see the value in your methods.” 

The next day Enid was waiting for her. The girl had more energy than a toddler and was practically bouncing on her bed. 

“Did you pass?” 

“Clearly. Though I am still plotting how to best stretch the limbs of my teacher. The Elizabethans had some interesting techniques I am currently debating,” 

“Maybe don’t… you know…. murder someone.” 

“My intention was for her to suffer, not die, Enid.” 

Enid sighed and sat beside her. “Can you help me with math?” 

“Sure my love,” Wednesday sighed. A subject she understood without the need for ‘admiration’ was most welcomed.