**********
Once we got back to the school, I passed off an excuse to the slayer gang and headed off on my own. I knew the rest of the pack would follow soon enough. I made my way through the halls relishing in the scents of some and hating others. Nothing like someone drenching themselves in perfume or cologne to irritate the nose. I used to enjoy it when a girl wore perfume, but now... I'd rather they went like Faith.
No perfume. No real makeup. Nothing.
And the best part is her scent isn't covered then. Jasmine with just a touch of cinnamon and underneath something that is uniquely hers. I don't think I'll ever tire of that.
As I went through the halls, I passed a small group and my senses suddenly went crazy. Something, or someone, in that group wasn't normal. I 'felt' something like one of my pack, but not. Almost like they had just a touch of the beast within me. I turned to follow them to find out what was up when I spotted the Kyle and the others headed towards me. I decided to worry about it later, memorized their scents, and turned towards my original destination: the gym.
This was the only period that the gym was always empty. I should know since I sometimes skipped algebra to come here. Luckily the gym was empty as usual when we entered. I waited for the doors to close before I turned to them.
Kyle was in front of the others. They could tell that they weren't involved so they held back and waited. Kyle, however, wasn't so smart and walked towards me.
Kyle sneered at me before he spoke, "I don't recall anyone appointing you leader, Harris. So back down, I'm the leader here."
I stared quietly for a moment, then a wide grin spread across my face as I began to giggle. "You? You aren't strong enough to hold the pack. I know it. They know it. And you know it. But if you want me to prove it..." I shrugged before my right hand shot out at his neck. Lifting him was easy with my newfound strength.
So was tossing him to the ground.
I watched him skid along the smooth floor before he stopped about fifteen feet away. Kyle slowly got up, shooting glares at me along the way.
"Had enough?" I smirked hoping for more.
Kyle growled and charged. I side-stepped his lunge and grabbed his collar. One quick jerk and he was on the floor again. I walked over, reached down, and hauled him up again. He was still stunned from the throw so didn't react until I punched him in the stomach and he collapsed groaning. I stepped back and the others gathered behind me.
"See, the pack is mine. Accept it."
Kyle looked up at me with a mixture of hate, respect, and fear. I held his gaze until he looked away and nodded. "You lead, Harr... Xander."
"I knew you'd come around. Let's go, I heard we have a new mascot that I want to see," I said with a grin as we walked out.
***
Turns out our new mascot was a little pig named Herbert that Principal Flutie had picked out. Too bad it just happened to be around lunchtime and I was getting hungry. Looks like pork is on the menu for today. It took a little work, but with Heidi distracting Flutie we were able to make off with the little porker. Heidi rejoined us after we had started and we made short work of him. He wasn't very filling though so we headed back out to look for something else to munch on.
Fifteen minutes later, I was wishing Flutie had gotten us more than one. I was just about to 'bite-the-bullet' so to speak and head to the cafeteria to see what they had in the kitchen when Faith showed up wanting to talk. Who am I to disappoint my chosen mate? Besides, now would be a good time to take her as mine. I sent the others on and turned back to Faith. They knew I wanted her and left us alone. She lead me inside an empty classroom.
The door had barely shut when she turned to me angrily. "What in the hell do you think you are doing, Xand?"
"What?" I replied with a smirk. Wow, she looks even better angry, I thought.
"What's up with you? And what happened with the pig? Tell me you didn't have anything to do with that," Faith asked looking me over.
I smiled wide and moved closer, ignoring her question. Her scent flared and I noticed her anger subsiding being replaced by confusion and a little fear. Fear smells great, I thought. I'll have to get more from someone else. A little fear is good, but I don't want my mate to be terrified of me. I want a mate as strong as me. A slayer easily fits the bill.
"Time for you to realize what I've known since I got here," I said holding my hand up to her face.
"That being?" she said as she pushed my hand away.
I walked closer, backing her against the wall. "We belong together. Think about it. With me and mine behind you, we could clear out this town. No vampire would be a match for us. We'd destroy anything in our way. And we'd be together."
"This isn't you Xander, and if I have to I will knock some sense into you," she replied shoving me back.
"Feel free. Best way to take a mate is to conquer her. If you want to be taken by force, who am I to argue?" I remarked with a smirk and charged.
Faith ducked my right cross and countered with an upper cut that I dodged. Kick, block, punch, dodge. Back and forth we went, neither having an advantage. Faith seemed really surprised that I was able to keep up with her blows now. I couldn't help but giggle at her expression. That might have been the reason why I missed a block and ended up slammed against the wall from a fist to the face. I got up quickly and saw her take off out of the classroom.
How dare she!? The fight wasn't finished yet and wouldn't until one of us was beaten. I took off after her, but stopped short once I got out of the door.
There it was again. The same presence I felt earlier. And this time I knew exactly where it was coming from. A girl from the group I passed was walking by to class. I could sense her 'specialness' and a new thought entered my mind. If Faith was going to refuse becoming my mate then this girl would do nicely. And if what I was sensing was true then she might be a better mate than even a slayer.
I trailed behind her thinking of how to take her, how her hidden potential could be brought out. Yes, she would do nicely. I thought for a moment before remembering her name. A wide grin spread across my face as I followed her.
Time to find your destiny, Buffy.
***