Climb a Tree to Catch a Fish

"I don't think Cam supports protecting dangerous predators."

Luna Esther's crippling attention turns on Ellie in an instant. "He doesn't? Well what about you? Have you ever considered that under the welfare state, criminal rogues could be supported by the government?"

"I haven't really thought about it..." I doubt she is being entirely truthful here. Ellie and I have definitely talked about whether it's easier for rogues to live in the wilderness as wolves or try to integrate in human society. "...and I'm not sure what percentage of rogues are criminals..." Addy would know. "...but I know Taylor Mansfield and his mom weren't. Right? Otherwise Alpha Edmund wouldn't have invited them into the pack?"

"The Mansfield's were a special case—"

"Right, so maybe there should be some sort of safety net for those special cases. Like maybe children, even human children, shouldn't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from."

"I agree, but it is the responsibility of the community, not the government to support disadvantaged groups, like children and the disabled. That's the difference between werewolves and humans. We take care of our own, because we value family and community. Throwing money at the poor is never going to help them get out of poverty until humans start practicing traditional values again."

"Maybe the government is the tool of the human community. It could be the way they support each other. It's not perfect, but it's a work in progress?"

"That's a nice thought, Ellie, but a little naive. The government is too corrupt to be trusted. They aren't altruistic; everything they do is for their own gain."

"Well…." She pauses, but not out of anxiety. Nothing about her mannerisms convey discomfort, neither from the Luna's attention nor the sensitivity of the conversation topic. "You have a point there. People can be pretty greedy."

"Exactly." Luna Esther looks pleased to have Ellie apparently agreeing with her. "If they really care about the low-income working class, why are they raising taxes on businesses? They are killing the jobs of the very humans they claim to be helping."

My sister looks thoughtful. "I think you're right that tax increases can hurt small business owners like us. Just last week one of my human friends told me her father got audited by the IRS for tax evasion. I got the impression they are really starting to crack down on small businesses. I think these new tax policies hurt the working middle class, like you suggested. Her poor father had to file for bankruptcy, because he couldn't pay the fines. My friend said she was really scared when an IRS representative came to their restaurant, demanding he pay the fines…" She trails off, pondering for a minute as worry creeps slowly over her expression. "Are human government officials allowed on pack territory?" she says as if the thought only just occurred to her.

It was a very convincing act. If I didn't know Ellie very well, I wouldn't know that she was choosing every word with extreme care. Usually when we talk politics she is sharp and fast with her comebacks and arguments. She likes to play "devil's advocate" with me and often makes ridiculous points only to later admit they made no sense. I always thought she was a little too brazen in how and to whom she expressed her opinions. Sort of immature.

But right now, she is being painstakingly meticulous about what she says, not because she is afraid of rejection or reprimanding—like I am—but because she is crafting the right thing to say. It is… astonishing. Fascinating really. Their conversation reminds me of a volleyball match; back and forth the two omegas with cool, collected confidence debate.

But now the debate seems to have crawled to a halt. For the first time, Luna Esther fails to receive the spike. She huffs slightly, before finally answering Ellie's question. "I don't want you kids to worry about things like that quite yet. Let the Alpha and I worry about the humans." It's a copout, but she looks thoughtful as she returns to work, apparently closing the discussion.

Did what Ellie say worry her? Would it be enough to stop her tax fraud?

I'm not sure one conversation will make much of a difference, but I'm still amazed that Ellie navigated it without eliciting the older woman's ire. I don't think it is something I could have done. Maybe I just lack confidence and skill, but I also suspect my sister was better received because of what she is: someone who fits. A heteronormative woman who embraces her role as a future wife and mother. And yet… she used her palatable covering to appeal to the judgemental Luna. Like a Trojan horse sneaking in her ulterior motives to enemy territory.

I'll admit, the thought angers me. I shouldn't have to sugar coat my beliefs in order to be heard. Maybe I'm just jealous of my sister, but I don't think that's the real reason I'm upset. I certainly don't envy my sister for who she is—a female omega was never something I wanted to be—and I don't want to envy her skills either. I should be happy that she is growing up and learning how to navigate adult conversations.

It's just… the injustice of it all. The double standard. If I said the same things she said, would I be received the same way? Was Ellie just the right tool for the job? Or did I just need to take the bull by the horns?

On the last Monday in September, Friday's precalculus tests are returned to us graded. Another easy A. So, I'm surprised to find a note at the top of my test written in red pen.

"See me after class".

After the bell rings, my anxiety spikes when I notice Alastair also approaching Mrs. Huang. I nervously join him at the teacher's desk. He doesn't look my way.

"Ah, boys. Thanks for sticking around for a few minutes."

"Am I in trouble or something, Mrs. H?" I can't fathom what I could have possibly done to warrant her attention, but she just chuckles lightly.

"Not at all, Mr. Berkley. You are doing incredibly well in my class. That's the second hundred percent on a test you've gotten in my class. I want to offer you an opportunity for extra credit and, if you keep doing as well as you are right now, I'll write you a letter of recommendation for college at the end of the year."

I'm a little startled. I hadn't thought much about college. Although Nico and Daisy were both attending the state college, it was actually pretty rare for werewolves to leave the pack for an extended period of time. I suppose there was always the community college. I think that was only a forty minute drive, but did I even want to go to college? I suppose now that I wasn't going to be the Luna, I should start thinking about my future seriously.

I nod mutely at my precalc teacher.

"Excellent," she beams and then gestures towards Alastair. "I would like you to tutor Mr. Malum."

"What?!" I whip my head to look at Alastair. He seems… irritated. It's the first expression I've seen on his face in weeks.

"I can't work with him," he says evenly. Goddess I missed his voice.

"Nonsense. Mr. Berkley is my best student and beggars can't be choosers." She waves her hand dismissively.

"I'm confused," I turn on Alastair, addressing him for the first time. "You love math! Why on earth do you need a tutor?"

"Mr. Malum, despite his previously stellar performance in two math classes last year, is failing now," she tells me before turning her attention back on Alastair. "Now, if you accept tutoring sessions from Mr. Berkley, I will let you retake your last two exams."

"Please," he tries again through gritted teeth. "Anyone but him."

She clasps her hands in front of her lips, tapping them pensively. "It is my understanding, Mr. Malum, that Mr. Berkley is well liked by most students, but if I'm wrong about him I'd like to know. So, tell me, why should he not tutor you? Is he bullying you in any way?"

Alastair clenches and unclenches his hands, biting his lip for a moment. "No," he says tersely. "Cameron would never bully anyone."

"Good, it's settled then."

"Mrs. H, if Star doesn't—" Alastair shoots a glare at me, so full of hate it takes me a minute to process what I said to elicit this response. The nickname. "Sorry," I mumble. Mrs. Huang looks curiously between him and me. "I just meant, if Alastair doesn't want me to be his tutor, surely there is someone else just as… um… qualified?"

"No, I don't believe there is. After all, you don't climb a tree to catch a fish."

"What?"

"Now, shoo. I have grading to do, and I'd like to get home before class tomorrow."