Yey! So, this isn't Chapter 17, obviously, but I figured you guys would like Josh's POV just as much, if not better (; And it looks like chapter 17 will have to wait until next week, because I've got softball all weekend. Hopefully we'll win the tournament, and I've got to read these stupid books for school. Why can't they pick good books? Seriously? Ones actually school appropriate, please? Sorry, I'm ranting. Oh well. Anyways, this is a continuation of chapter 1 in Josh's POV. Honestly, I like Josh's view much better, at least in the beginning. I've got to go back and rewrite the beginning of IAWAV, but I still don't feel like it. That's post-story work. After I finish. Take things out, add things, fix mistakes. Whatver. ANYWAYS, man, I can talk. Welcome to my train of thought, I guess.

Enjoy, review. See you guys next week-hopefully. I've got about two thousand words or so more. Oh, and if you guys want me to post Coffeeblue's story, which is kinda short and no where near finished, I will post what I've got. You guys'll understand after you read chapter 17. Anyways, REVIEW pllleaasseee. I looovvveee yooooooou.

~Anni12

I couldn't sleep. I couldn't think about anyone else but her. Her hair, her eyes, both the same milky brown. Her lips, forming a perfect O as they parted. Her long, slender fingers as they curled in the dirt. Her smell wafting off of her in waves—I couldn't get it out of my head. The way her fingers ran through my fur, the electricity that ran through my skin.

So I went back.

I snuck out to go back to that spot.

Now, I held her notebook in my hands, staring down at it. My fingers flitted through the paper, and I caught bits of writing.

"Josh," Iya's voice startled me, and I hid the notebook back under my mattress. "C'mon! We gotta go!"

I grumbled under my breath, but my heart started up like it did when I thought of her. Maybe she went to the same school. Maybe I had classes with her. A shiver ran through me. I hoped so.

"Alright!" I called down to my cousin. "I'm comin'!"

I grabbed my binder and started downstairs. A tiny hand grabbed mine, and I looked down to find Hanna beside me. "Joshywa, where y'all goin'?" she asked in that sweet little voice.

"I gotta go ta school, picnic. You know that." I replied, squeezing her hand.

"Alwight," she sighed. "I be waitin' for wa."

I ruffled her hair, smiling. "Bye, picnic. Love you."

"Wuv wa too, Joshywa." She said as I rushed out the door after Iya.

She was waiting by the front door of the SUV, smiling widely. "Can I drive?"

I rolled my eyes. "No," I said automatically, reaching behind her to pull the door open.

"Bu…"

"No," I said.

She sighed angrily. "Can I at least sit up front?"

"But I wanna sit up front!" Levi whined as he ran out of the house, his backpack thumping against him. "Josh, that's no fair!"

I flashed a glare at Iya. "You are so childish," I growled.

"I wanna sit up front!" Levi whined, stamping his foot on the ground behind me.

I squeezed the bridge of my nose. "Fine, Levi." I snarled.

He made a squealing sound and ran to the other side of the car. Iya groaned and slammed the door shut. I rolled my eyes again before slipping into the driver's seat.

"I'm nervous. Are you nervous? I mean, I've never been the new kid. Have you been the new kid, Josh? No, a course not, you've always fitted in with everyone. Always the popular kid…"

Iya went on and on for the whole ride. At some point, Levi and I stopped listening, and he was glad to get out when I dropped him off. Still, she went on, wishing Levi good luck, and I zoned out again.

That's when I saw her. The car lurched forward as I slammed on brakes, earning the blare of horns. She walked across the parking lot, her head down, staring at the ground. I sighed wistfully, involuntarily.

Iya leaned forward in-between the seats and eventually climbed into the passengers seat. "That her?"

I would've shot a glare at her, but I was too mesmerized by her. The way she walked, the way her hair fell down past her shoulder blades; everything. "Yes," I breathed.

Iya nodded in approval. "She's cute."

Now I did shoot her a look. "She's mine."

She rolled her eyes. "Move the car."

I found the closest parking space and pulled in.

I had always thought that the whole mate thing was overrated. I always thought they exaggerated. The tightening of the chest, the erratic beat of the heart. The need to protect Her, the urge to touch Her. There was no exaggeration. In fact, there was no way to explain it; theirs did it no justice. I jumped out, almost forgetting my stuff. I needed to talk to her, to see her eyes show whatever emotion she felt.

"Hi," a new, unfamiliar voice said as a girl appeared in front of me. Before, I had noticed every possible girl I could, but now…

She was skinny, probably a little too skinny. She had sharp features, and her lips poked out and shined with newly applied lip gloss. Her large brown eyes were surrounded by eyeliner and mascara. Her hair was forced into curls and was a highlighted blond. "Hi," I said, trying to get around her before a voice echoed in my head.

My notebook! No! This could not be happening! I cannot lose my notebook! Everything was in there. I realized she didn't know I could hear her. A smile etched itself on my lips before I could stop it.

Lookin' for somethin'? I asked. The girl in front of me said something, but I didn't hear her. I didn't want to hear her. I only caught one word; Destiny.

What? I thought you weren't talking to me anymore. Her voice changed, like she didn't want me to hear her. I feel like an idiot.

Hey, don't feel stupid .I said, making my way around Destiny, or whatever her name was, only to be met with more people. Still, I couldn't stop talking to her. People were talking, but I wasn't listening. This is new ta me too. Besides, I got bored, I said, deciding it was kind of the truth, and I started hearin' yer thoughts this mornin'.

She gasped sharply, and someone said something to me. "Josh," I answered, but I still wasn't listening to anyone but her. What?! When?! She shrieked, worry beginning to seep into her voice. I don't want you listening to my thoughts.

I was about to reply when she said something else. You, she said accusingly. I forgot my notebook when I met you! I tripped over the pup and it flew away from me!

Levi. I laughed, and apparently at the right time, because every else began laughing. Oh, that's what that was? I said, deciding to play stupid. In her eyes, I was nothing but a wolf, after all. A wolf that could speak to her in her mind. That's yours? I only started hearin' yer thoughts when ya started lookin' fer somethin'—yer notebook, I guess. I don't know how or why we can do this, since yer not a wolf. I'll have ta ask my father if maybe you can block me out… I frowned, and then clenched my jaw, forcing a smile as I remembered my surroundings. You don't enjoy our conversations?

"I, um, have ta get ta class," I said, edging around everyone to make my way towards my first period: History.

Well no, I mean yes—I mean… argh, I do but I have private thoughts that I don't want other people knowing. And, obviously, you're not a normal wolf, because you know English.

I smirked, glad that I had found such a wonderful mate. Smart girl, I said.

Her voice dipped into a low whisper. Are you being sarcastic…?

I bit my lip to keep from frowning; a couple of the girls had insisted on showing me to class. I vaguely wondered how Iya and the twins were doing. What? I scoffed. Naw, a course not. Yer very smart. Not a lot of humans woulda come ta that conclusion. Most would just think they're crazy.

I am definitely not like other humans. She responded immediately.

Mhm… Did she really not speak to other people? Not even a bit? If ya know I'm not a normal wolf... then whadda ya think I am?

I don't know… that's when I start to think I am just a bit crazy.

I laughed, cutting off one of the girl's sentences, and they stared at me. I ignored them, flashing a forced smile. So I'm guessin' ya didn't ferget me?

I tried, I promise. Last night I began to think it was just a dream, but you ruined it this morning.

Well, I said, laughing internally. But, really, it would be better if ya fergot about me and my pack. I didn't want her to forget about me, in truth. But this way, I could at least tell the alpha that I tried. Mates could hardly be kept apart for very long—even when one is dead.

Now I understood why.

I can't forget now, with you talking to me in my thoughts!

Right. I smiled sheepishly. Sorry. I'll get ta class… have a nice day, Danny. Try ta maybe block me from yer thoughts—fer practice.

It's what I do best, she sighed. Suddenly, her thoughts were cut off from me, leaving a void that could not be filled. But, somehow, I knew she was still there. As soon as I stepped into the classroom, it went quiet, and all eyes turned towards me. My heart constricted as I caught sight of her, and our eyes locked. Once again, her mouth parted open. My face twisted into a scowl as I felt a unfamiliar hand press into mine, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.

"Girls," I said lowly, warningly, as I wrung my hand out of hers—whoever it was. Danny looked down at the table sheepishly.

My jaw clenched, and I pushed past the girls, towards the table in the back; the only empty seat in the room. "Hello," I choked out, hoping it sounded somewhat smooth, as I sunk into the chair beside her. She glanced up at me as soon as I spoke, her eyes widening. I heard her swallow harshly, her brown eyes staring up at me almost in… fear?

"Mr. Miller," another voice said, drawing my attention away from her to the teacher. I couldn't focus on anyone or anything. Not with her sitting there, not even an inch from me. Was I the only one that felt the electricity surging between us?

"Joshua," I corrected immediately, more for her sake than his. "My name is Joshua." Instinctively, I glanced at her.

The teacher nodded, leaning forwards on the table, supporting his weight with his hands. "Well, Joshua, this is Danny." I know that, leave us alone. "She doesn't speak much, and she's terribly shy, so you probably won't get a word out of her. Try all you like, but she only nods or shakes her head. But of course, no one knows why." He shrugged carelessly.

I nodded, turning my gaze to her. "I wonder why," the words slipped from my mouth without my permission.

He had already left, without even telling me his name. I turned back to Danny, smiling. "I prefer ta be called Josh; it's what all my family calls me."

She smiled shyly, and nodded meekly.

I had to keep talking, or else she would lose interest. I wanted her attention. For some odd reason, I wanted her full attention, and I wanted her eyes on me. "And ya like bein' called Danny? That yer real name?"

Her whole face lit up as she nodded. Her smile grew, drawing my eyes to her lips. Once again, the words slipped out: "You have a beautiful smile."

She recoiled, her smile dying as quickly as it had come. I frowned, thinking, idiot, idiot, idiot. Why would you say that?! I leaned forward on the desk, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her jump. My heart picked up speed and I narrowed my eyes, not trusting my mouth to say the right words. She blushed, returning her gaze to the paper in front of her.

She stared intently as the teacher, whatever his name was, as he began teaching about the Civil War. I fidgeted, trying to pay attention to what he was saying, but my mind was more focused on the electricity pinching my skin, and her skin less than a foot away. I caught bits and pieces of his lesson; Gettysburg, Lee, Chamberlain. But I couldn't focus. I could hardly tell what I was seeing, with her right there. And I couldn't touch her. I couldn't take her into my arms and kiss her worries away. But I could talk to her. I could build our relationship, even if it might have been one sided. I could learn to read her words through her eyes, through her smile. Like I could see her interest in the subject he was teaching in her expression.

I leaned in, lowering my voice to a whisper. "You like history?"

She glanced at me, her eyes wide. She hesitated before shrugging.

A girl at the table in front of us heard me and turned. Her face twisted into a scowl at Danny, but when she turned to me, she smiled and gave a little wave. My heart clenched at a sudden thought that ran through my mind. I turned my attention back to my mate. "Do you have any friends, Danny?" She blushed at my question, looking down and giving a slight shake of her head.

A part of me was getting impatient with the fact that she didn't speak to me, but a greater part wanted to earn her voice. I wondered if anyone else had heard her. "Did you speak?" I asked, biting the inside of my cheek. She sighed sadly and nodded, as if those days were full of bad memories. As she winced, the corner of her sleeve lifted up, exposing a part of a large bruise. My heart and jaw clamped, and I couldn't keep my hands from lashing out to pull up her sleeves. Five long thin bruises ran across her arm—almost in the shape of fingers. Anger flared inside me, and I fought to keep it in check. If someone was hurting her…

"What happened?" I asked, my voice tight as I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at her.

Everything changed in that moment. Her eyes glazed over, staring at me blankly. She began trembling, and a soft whimper escaped her throat. I relaxed my hold on her, my eyes widening in shock. What was happening? Was she alright? Please let go of me. I could hardly hear her thought, but I immediately released her, returning my hands to my side of the table. I kept silent, staring at her.

But not for long. Danny! Are you alright? I yelled, and added quietly, Did someone hurt you?

I-I'm… f-fin-e. She stuttered, fear dripping in her voice. She turned away from me, gasping lowly over and over again.

This time I couldn't keep the anger out of my voice when I demanded, Tell me who hurt you, Danny.

I-I… I can't do that, she said. I ne-need something t-to call you.

I knew she need to change the subject, to get her mind off of whatever it was on, but I didn't want to let it go. But I would. I would try. For her. Depends on what ya think I am. I sighed. I really wish ya'd tell me who hurt ya, Danny.

She took a deep breath, her eyes returning to her normal color and she gazed up at the front. But I couldn't keep my eyes off her. Who had hurt her? Was it intentional? Or was it an accident? I really wish I could too. She replied, her words striking something inside me. Why couldn't she? Was she afraid? Of what? Of who? But I don't even know why you care so much.

I do, I thought to myself, but I couldn't let her know about us. She already had a huge clue. She had seen me—us in our wolf form. Neither do I, I lied. Ugh, fine, Danny. But, seriously, what do ya think I am? I had to know if she had suspicions, in case Alpha asked.

Well…a wolf that knows English, can speak it well, acts human… werewolf makes sense, but that's impossible. I think… you aren't a werewolf, are you? Please tell me I'm not crazy.

I chuckled to myself lightly. But a thought suddenly occurred to me, and I frowned. She wasn't stuttering anymore. She wasn't shaking. She wasn't afraid. Ya seem ta bounce back from fear very fast. I noticed. Almost like… ya experience a lot.

You didn't answer my question. She said, dodging my statement.

I sighed internally. Fine. Yes, I'm werewolf. I said, figuring it wasn't going to hurt anything. She was going to come to that assumption anyway. What else would I be? She didn't know that 'wolf' was me. Not yet. Not until I was sure she felt the same way that I felt about her. And, no, ya ain't crazy.

Maybe a little, I added to myself, but not in the way ya think.

Her form began shaking and she lay her head down on the table. I stared at her in confusion. This one was going to be hard to understand. Does that mean you have a human form too? She squeaked, her breathing sharpening.

I held back a whimper at the sight of her. Yes I do, I said. I didn't like seeing her like this. I don't use it much, since we still act like a wolf when we are human. But these days, it's the only way we can live comfortably. I lied, somewhat.

We?

My pack and I.

Your pack?

Yes, I said, smiling, my pack. I am the alpha. You know about wolves?

Yes, but… she paused. Aren't you a little young to be alpha of an entire pack?

I turned defensive; Cormac always bothered me about that. I'm almost eighteen. Besides, I'm not the alpha of an entire pack. Only the youth pack. As soon as one a us starts shiftin', they officially belong ta my pack and not my father's. Eventually, we'll move up as the older generation begins ta die out and become the elder pack. It's all very complicated when ya haven't grown up with it.

Uh… okay? She said confusedly.

See? I laughed. Very complicated.

Who are you in human form? She asked suddenly.

I flinched. I can't tell ya that.

Why not? She whined.

If it gets out that werewolves live amongst humans… it wouldn't be pretty. At least, that's what Alpha had told us.

Word War III? She snickered.

I agreed completely. Exactly.

And if I guess? She asked, somewhat excitedly.

I ground my teeth together. Did she have to press? Should I be flattered that she wanted to know me so badly? Still, I had to follow Alpha Law. It was in my blood. I couldn't answer correctly, I answered honestly, it's that much of a secret. Sucks really, but it's needed. But it you ask me, and tell me when you're certain, out loud, then I promise I will answer truthfully. I swear.

Ha. Dad would just have to compromise. He never had to tell his mate he was a wolf. Let alone the fact that she didn't speak.

Out loud? She squeaked, fear lacing her quiet voice.

Was I scaring her? I didn't want to scare her. Ya gotta come out a yer shell sometime, Danny.

You don't understand! She replied immediately. I don't speak just because I'm shy! Please.

Oh, don't use that voice! She was getting under my skin, already. Cormac would be livid once he noticed. Then why don't you speak? I had to know. I wanted to know if I could resolve it, hear her beautiful voice again and again. And I would never get tired of it. I would never tire of her.

Slowly, softly, she whispered, That's my problem.

I whined softly. Why can't it be mine too?

Because you wouldn't understand! She snapped. No one would. It's my life. Not yours. Let me handle it. I don't even know your name; I still don't even know what to call you!

I would. I knew I would understand; I would force myself to understand her. But she sounded like she needed someone to rant to, to listen to her problems with no judgment. Are ya done, or do ya still need to fume ta someone that'll actually listen? I asked sincerely, feeling a bit sorry for her. But pity wouldn't do anything for her.

I'm done, she mumbled, and I noticed she tilted her head down slightly.

My heart went out to her, and she held it in her hands unknowingly. Really, I said. I'm here if ya need me. I was still just a 'wolf'. I wasn't a real person; heck, I might just be a voice in her head, an imagination, a trick of the mind.

Her cheeks turned red, making my heart thud. Oh, I was so whipped.

I still don't know what to call you…

I fought the urge to take her in my arms. Er… I said, pushing the thought of my lips on her skin out of my head. Alpha? Wolf? I don't know.

I kinda like Wolf… she said, makes you seem like the big bad wolf in an old fairy tale that everyone's afraid of, but I think I'll stick with my wolf.

Now that had a ring to it. Her wolf. Hers. I was hers, even if she didn't know it yet, and would always be hers. I couldn't believe how much one person could change someone so much—change me. So I'm your wolf? I chuckled.

Yes, she growled. And don't you dare say otherwise or I swear I'll burst out crying right now. You're the only person I've had a real conversation with for almost two and a half years.

Fine, okay. I'm your wolf. I scoffed, but turned it into laugh at the last moment. Whatever makes ya happy's fine by me.

Will I ever see you in your human form? She asked suddenly, without warning.

I swallowed an ironic laugh. If she only knew… Like I said, yer a smart girl… figure it out.

And when I do? She asked, and I thought I caught a bit of delight in there somewhere.

I began to shrug, but stopped myself, recovering by rolling my shoulders back and leaning against the chair. I have no idea. My phone slide silently out of my back pocket, sparking an idea in me. So she was comfortable with my wolf side… she needed to be comfortable with my human side too. I leaned forward slightly, tilting my head towards her to inhale her scent. Vanilla. I loved vanilla. "Hey, Danny," I whispered, "do ya text?"

She jolted slightly and I pulled away to give her space as she turned towards me. She blinked once or twice before shrugging. Pulling a handy sharpie out of my pocket, I held out my hands. "May I see yer hand?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest. I had given a lot of girls a lot of different numbers, but she was different. This time I'd actually give my real phone number.

She blinked again, hesitation flashing across her perfect features before she placed her hand in mine. I smiled, tightening my grip slightly just to increase the electricity. I glanced up at her as I slowly wrote the numbers on her skin, savoring her touch. "Text me—or call me if ya finally wanna talk—anytime." I winked.

She blushed again, making the corner of my lip pull up. She nodded, pulling her hand away, her nails brushing my palm. I shivered.

I just got someone's number… she breathed unbelievingly. A guy's number!

She squealed. She literally squealed internally, showing nothing but a smile on the outside.

I swallowed a laugh, but instead returned to my seat. Ya might want ta block me out again. I said jokingly. I don't think ya wanted me ta hear that.

Hey… that's so not fair!

I couldn't hold a laugh back, but I kept it in my mind. How had I ended up with this girl? I knew so little about her, but yet, I felt like I've known her my entire life.

Do you go to this school, Wolf? She laughed. Sounds weird, doesn't it?

She could call me whatever she wanted, but I knew enough about women to agree with them. Just a little bit. I joined in with her pretty little laugh. But, yea, I do.

Yes! That narrows it down even more.

Sure, okay. Why she wanted to find out so bad baffled me, but a part of me wanted her to find out. Good luck, Danny. Don't forget to text Joshua…