Dear Readers, I've been thinking of how I have ignored the Kanin/Ruby/Tyler characters thus far and I can only say that I've been having too much fun with Lucas and Sophia. Truth is I'm not a big Lou Diamond Phillips fan, though I did enjoy his characters in Young Guns and La Bamba. During Wolf Lake I always thought he should butt out and leave the skinwalkers be. LOL I guess I thought Wolf Lake was a pretty unique place and didn't want the exposure that a nosey police office might give. And I always thought Tyler was good looking and that him and Ruby would have made a good pair. Sorry if you don't agree with this viewpoint! LOL I would just rather see bad boys get together with good girls and see what happens. Good boy plus good girl BORING. Well, on the screen anyway. I do like what some of you have done with them in your fictions, however. Turning Kanin into a skinwalker was very clever. I may still use these characters in the future, but only in conjunction with the plot of Lucas and Sophia. Enjoy!

And thank you to my reviewers! Wolf Lake fans are the best!

Chapter 7 - Control

If you were skinwalker, at Wolf Lake High, the last two periods of the day were P.E. and Wolven Cultural Studies (known to the human's as History). The skinwalkers in the teaching administration had decided long ago that skinwalkers and humans should not be put in the same physical education classes together as the skill levels between the two species were too noticeable. So for Sophia her last two classes were predetermined. She happened to have P.E. scheduled first, after lunch, but she would not be going today. The nurse had written a medical excuse and she was to spend that time in the library. She was relieved about this as she did not want to face more skinwalkers after the events of the morning.

As she walked into the library, she thought about how she could get an early start on her math homework. Looking around for a table to sit at, her eyes fell upon someone she had almost forgot about. Scott! She felt like backing out of the library and finding another place to do homework but it was too late. Scott had looked up from his book and saw her, surprise on his face.

O.K. I'm just going to have to go over there and say hello, she thought. I've got to stop being such a chicken shit.

She felt bad about the last time they were together. Lucas had made a mess of their date and Sophia had a very unladylike response. She wondered what he had thought of her strong-armed toss.

She bravely walked over to his table and smiled, "Hi Scott."

"Wow, you're back! That's good! Here sit down.," he smiled back and indicated the seat next to him.

She sat down and got her math book out so the librarian would think she was busy. "Yeah, just got back yesterday."

"And you came back to school right away! You're so dedicated," he said cheerfully.

"Not really!" she rolled her eyes.

"Did you have a good time?" he asked. Scott had always wondered about that night last summer and why she had run away. He figured that he had gotten in the middle of some kind of secret lover's quarrel between her and Cates. At the time, he had no idea that Sophia had been dating someone, and especially not Lucas.

Truth was Scott never did see Sophia throw Lucas onto his car. He was too busy with his own pain and confusion. But Sophia did not know that. She had always been embarrassed when she thought of how Scott probably thought she was some kind of freak when it happened.

"I had a great time. How have you been?" she ventured.

"Oh... just the same." he let out a small laugh. "Nothing much changes around here."

They were running out of small talk. Sophia had the need to clear the air. She breathed in and began, "Scott, I didn't get the chance to apologize to you before I left for Italy about that night."

Scott wasn't sure he wanted to hear this. He did feel a little used in some sort of jealousy game.

"So I'm sorry," she went on. "I was really upset about Lucas being such an ass. I don't know why he did that to you. I hope you were o.k."

"It's o.k." he said awkwardly. "There was no lasting damage," he gave a small smile.

There were a few moments of silence before he spoke again. "I did wish that you had told me that you were dating someone else."

Now Sophia looked surprised. "Dating? Oh no, Scott. Lucas and I are only friends." She could tell by the look on his face that he didn't believe her. "He's just an overprotective friend," she tried to reason.

"O.k., whatever you say," he shook his head. "Doesn't really matter anyway. It was a while ago."

"Yeah, it was." she sighed. She began to examine her math problems and head her paper.

So much has happened since last summer, she thought. It felt like a lifetime ago.

Scott looked at his book without reading it. Sophia looked so beautiful now and more, he couldn't think of the right word, sophisticated seemed like the right one. After all this time, he found that he still liked being with her. The minutes on the clock were ticking away and he knew that this time of sitting in semi-privacy would soon end. An idea was forming in his mind and he was building the courage to speak it.

One minute left before the bell rang, and he finally spoke. "Sophia?"

She looked up from her homework.

"Are you going to the prom with anyone?" There! The words were out!

She was truly caught off guard. Was he really asking her out after what happened last time?

"Um... well... to tell you the truth, this is the first I've heard of it. I really haven't been home long enough to catch up on all the upcoming events," she answered truthfully. Why hadn't Sarah mentioned it to her? "When is it?"

"Next month." he felt a little hopeful now. He had already heard that Cates was taking that Presley girl, so he felt that whatever Sophia and Lucas had together must have ended.

"If you want to go, I'd like to take you."

Sophia did not feel any interest towards Scott or even towards the prom. She felt she had too much going on in her life as it was.

"Would you be mad if I said that I would let you know soon. I just haven't even had time to unpack yet, let alone plan for prom night." Sophia felt that she could not just turn him down straight. It felt as though she owed him a make up date for the one that went bad. She needed more time to think about this.

"I understand," he said as he gathered his belongings. The bell had rung and he wanted to get away from this uncomfortable conversation.

Sophia put her hand on his arm to stop him. "Really Scott. I'm not trying to brush you off or anything. I'm just a bit overwhelmed today." And wasn't that the truth. "I really will let you know in a few days, O.K.?"

"O.K., see you soon," he left the library in a hurry. Sophia felt like she had no time to worry about Scott's feelings because now she was aware that her next class would be a class filled with skinwalkers. She took a deep breath and said to herself, "Be brave Sophia. Just get it over with. Sarah will be there. You'll be fine."

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Sophia rounded the final corner of the corridor and had slowed to a near stop. On all sides of her were skinwalker males, gathered in small groups. As she came into view they all grew silent and their heads turned in her direction, scanning her from head to foot.

She wanted to turn right back around and run but she breathed in and told herself to just walk right by and go into the classroom. She tried to focus on the classroom door but the males were pulling her attention in so many directions and in so many ways. They moved their bodies in her pathway as she tried to walk. She would try to maneuver her way around them but they would hold out their hands and arms, gently grasping her by the arm or the waist, whispering to her things like, "Welcome Sophia. I'm glad you are back. You look so beautiful. You smell so good." She felt their hands caress her as she passed them, stroking her back, her hair, her stomach, and her rear.

Sophia's heart was beating quickly and she began to feel smothered, as if they would never let her pass. She was at the point of panic when suddenly the males stopped touching her and backed away, all heads turned toward the classroom. It was then that she noticed Lucas standing there just inside. She knew right away that Lucas must have told them to stop on his mental pathway. She gave him a look of gratitude.

He held out his hand to her and she took it gratefully. When she stepped near, he bent and whispered in her ear, "Your just too hot for them to resist." He was smiling and she smiled back. He made her feel safe, and that was exactly what she needed at this time.

He led her to a seat next to Sarah and then took a seat behind hers.

Sophia looked around the room as the males came in to sit down, still looking at her with interest. The females were more subdued due to the morning's events. Sophia saw Presley sitting near the front with her friends and she totally ignored Sophia. But Sophia could sense a tension in her and she was sure that Presley was talking about her with her friends on their mental pathways. Oh well, I don't really care, she thought, as long as she leaves me alone.

Presley was tense and still angry. She was angry that Lucas performed Rilot on Sophia last night. It was the first time Lucas had ever performed it, and it was with Sophia! Even his father had only performed it twice in his lifetime. She was also angry at how good Sophia looked now and how all the boys were drooling over her. And worst of all, she wouldn't be able to put the little bitch in her place! Well, if Lucas wanted another play toy for awhile, then let him, she thought. In the end, he'll mate with me, because I'm the strongest female. That's just the way it is, she consoled herself.

Sophia looked over at Sarah as Sherman Blackstone, their teacher, tried to silence them all down. Sarah sent Sophia a mental message, Uh huh, Lucas to the rescue again. She smiled an I Told You So smile. Sophia smiled back and shook her head slightly.

Mr. Blackstone was aware of all the day's events and he was also aware of the event that took place last night. It was his job to keep track of these matters and he had decided that Rilot would be the topic of the day. But first a little welcome was in order.

"First of all, I'd like to say a big welcome to Sophia Donner!" The males clapped and cheered. "And we are very happy that you are back in town."

Sophia just smiled at him. She didn't know what to say except a shy "Thanks."

She thought of how ironic it was that these males never even acknowledged her existence before she went to Florence.

Maybe they did not. But I knew you were there Sophia. I've always noticed you.

Sophia heard Lucas's voice in her head and threw him a quick look over her shoulder. Then she concentrated hard on just Lucas and said back:

Get out of my head!

She heard soft male laughter in her head.

Sure baby.

I am really going to drill him today about how to keep my thoughts private!

Mr. Blackstone knew this day was an uncomfortable one for Sophia, so he didn't want to put the focus on her. Instead he started talking about the ancient traditions associated with new pack members, including Rilot.

Sophia tried to listen, but she felt distracted at the energy she felt being sent to her. Her body was growing warm. She gazed around the room to find many of the males focused on her and when she noticed them, they looked at her with bedroom eyes and sexy smiles.

Finally the bell rang and Sarah looked over at Sophia. "Want to come over my house for awhile?"

Sophia shyly replied, "Well... I'm meeting with Lucas... for awhile."

Sarah's eyes opened wide and her mouth formed an O. "Call me later, O.K.?" She smiled at Sophia and Sophia knew what she was thinking. But it was no use telling her otherwise, at least at the moment, as Lucas leaned behind her and said, "Ready?"

Before she could answer, Mr. Blackstone said, "Lucas, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Hold on, I'll be right back." Lucas told her as he made his way to the front of the room.

Sophia was busy gathering up her notes and putting them away, she did not notice that Randy and Sean were posturing a short distance around her, warding off the other males that wanted to approach her. The other males soon capitulated to the dominant males and left the room. To an observer, this looked like a silent showdown. Sophia however was not looking and she picked up her backpack and went to the back of the room to wait for Lucas.

Sophia was leaning against a countertop that ran along the back wall, watching Lucas and Sherman Blackstone talk. Lucas looked so good and she began to anticipate what was going to happen next. Maybe Sarah was right and she should just enjoy herself with Lucas. But her mind was filled with dreadful thoughts of how inexperienced she was and how she might not be able to please someone like him. What if he thought I was a terrible lover and never wanted to be with me again?

These negative thoughts were going through her mind when she suddenly became aware of Sean and Randy closing in on her from both sides. She looked from one to the other as they slowly walked to her sides.

"Hi Sophia." Sean started, as he placed one arm on the counter behind her and started making slow circles with his fingers on her back, twisting her hair gently.

Randy had pressed up against her other side and his hand went over her stomach, caressing her lightly, running his finger along the top of her jeans. "You look so hot," he whispered.

Both of them had now hemmed her in on both sides and now Sean had his other hand on her thigh. On both sides of her neck she felt them nuzzle her and kiss her. Sophia felt overwhelmed. It wasn't just their touching her, but also the power they were sending into her. It was making her dizzy and a drunken feeling came over her. What they were doing to her was so hypnotic and pleasurable, she felt like putty in their skilled hands.

"Would you like us to make you feel real good Sophia?" whispered Randy, flicking his tongue out at her earlobe.

Sean then whispered in her other ear, "You can have us both Sophia."

Erotic images flew into her mind and Sophia felt like she couldn't stand up anymore.

Sherman Blackstone finally broke his conversation with Lucas, who had his back turned towards Sophia. Sherman, however, could see everything. "Hey, take that into the forest, you three." Lucas's head then whipped around and saw what was happening. He didn't blame his friends. Hell, he wanted to be doing the same thing. But Sophia's time was his today and he didn't want to share.

He walked over and took Sophia by the hand, pulling her from between his two friends. They looked at Lucas angrily, but they would not act on that anger. Lucas knew that if he weren't the Alpha male, those two would have ripped a hole in him for taking a female in musk away.

He put an arm around a very confused Sophia and said, "Sophia and I have plans right now." He left his friends standing there, staring after him.

"I just bet they do!" Randy fumed.

Sean replied, "A bit possessive, wasn't he? Never seen him like that about a female before."

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When Lucas led Sophia out into the fresh air, she came to her senses and stepped out of his reach.

"Sophia?" Lucas questioned.

She didn't answer but walked over to a low brick planter box and sat down on the edge of it. Lucas followed and stood in front of her. Tears started to roll down her cheeks and Lucas sat down beside her. "It's just that way between males and females Sophia," he said in a gentle voice.

"It was like... it was like... I didn't have control. They could have made me do anything they wanted!" she sobbed.

"They are dominant males, Sophia. Not all the males can have that kind of power over you. They also combined their energies. You didn't stand a chance."

"But it's so wrong!" she started to grow angry. "It's like rape or something. Taking me against my will!"

He knew she would see it this way. He tried to think of how he could explain the difference to her.

"Sophia, you were musking." She turned red and looked away as he continued. "That means your body wanted it."

"They forced me to musk! They put some sort of spell on me!" she snapped.

If she weren't so upset, he would have laughed. "You can't force someone to musk. Sophia you're a skinwalker. Instinct takes over our minds. It's a female's instinct to mate with males, and powerful males most of all, in order to assure a high place in the pack. It's not a choice you make with your mind. Your body recognizes power and is drawn to the strongest males."

She stared at him while she mulled this over in her mind. Then she said, "What about the male's instinct?"

He smiled and said, "Well, it's a male's instinct to mate, period."

She sighed and said, "That's what I thought."

Lucas did laugh then, which drew a small smile from her. She is so adorable, he thought. I could sit here with her forever.

Sophia looked at him and said, "Lucas, I want to thank you for everything. I know I was a bit mad this morning about last night and ..."

"A bit?" he smiled.

"O.K. I was pretty upset. You scared me with all that power stuff," she clarified. "But I know now, especially after what the females did, that it was a good thing you did. And also I wanted to thank you for taking me to the nurse and for helping me get through Blackstone's class, and for pulling me away from Sean and Randy." She let out a long breath and smiled. "Wow, that's just about the whole day!"

Her words made him feel good. But he always felt good when he was with her. He was so glad she was back from Florence he could lead a run. "Not all my intentions are pure, Sophia," he grinned at her.

"You promised to be good," she reminded him.

"Yeah, I did," he sulked. What a stupid thing to promise, he told himself. "Well, we better go to a public place if you expect me to keep that promise."

"How about the diner? I'm starving. Didn't really have time for lunch today," she suggested.

"Yeah, all right. That probably would be a good place to practice blocking and sending. Lot's of people to practice on."

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A/N: I know I'm spending a lot of chapters on one day, but this is an important day for Sophia!

Please let me know your thoughts! I love hearing from you and treasure your opinions. Thanks.