So, um, there will be no chapter in Danny's POV until she's found. This is because I want you guys to feel closer to Josh, to feel his anguish and hurt along with him. Hopefully, I wrote it well enough that you can. Although somehow I doubt it. I don't know when I'll be doing Danny's POV again, but it will come, don't worry. But there are reasons for this being in Josh's POV. This way, you can know his feelings, how much he really cares for Danny, and get to know him a little more personally than Danny even knows him. And, frankly, I just don't want to write in Danny's POV. I know what's happening, and I really don't wanna write that, so, there. Anyways, enjoy.

Okay, so I really wouldn't have stopped it at the last chapter, I would've just ended the book. and after I finish the thing, I might do that anyways just because. I don't know. Anyways, school's started, so I wouldn't really expect updates every week or so. Not that that would really happen anyway, but, at least I have an excuse. There's a really really long flashback in this chapter, but I wanted y'all to know what Josh was thinking during their little tiff. But I think it's really well written, at least that part and the part before it. Sooo... enjoy, and please don't forget to review. I really really enjoy them and I know some of you are probably like what's the big deal? They're just reviews. But I swear if I didn't have reviews, I don't think I could finish... hint hint... Sooooooo, please please review and tell me what you think.

Chapter 20

Josh

My heart lay in pieces scattered on the ground. My whole existence strutted off behind her. How could I not have known? How did I not see? How did I not see the signs? Yet, it made everything make sense. The day she missed school. How different she acted after that day. Her unwillingness to trust me. Her skittishness.

But I wasn't about to let her retreat back to that again. I wouldn't let her get away. I bent to gather the shattered pieces and rushed after her. "Danny!" I called. "Danny, please, wait!"

I stopped once I reached the road, glancing around. I sucked in a breath as I caught sight of her, standing next to a grey van. Her hand rested on the door handle and her foot was halfway in the car. A gun was pressed to her temple. Alarm built immediately in my chest. As though she sensed my gaze, she turned. Her eyes were wide and her lips moved softly in a single word. Help.

The alarm heightened. "Danny!" I yelled, my feet thinking before my mind did. She gasped as she was pulled inside. The van began moving even before the door slide shut. I picked up speed, running after it. "Danny!" There was no doubt in my mind that she was being kidnapped. By whom, for what, and why, I didn't know. But someone was taking her away from me, and I would not stand for that.

I felt myself shifting before I had even considered the idea. Soon, my four paws were pounding against the asphalt, moving more quickly than before. Still, the van speed up, suddenly taking a sharp turn left into the woods. It teetered onto one side and I heard a scream. Danny. A strong pain flashed through my head, but it wasn't mine. I willed myself to go faster, but I only seemed to slow down. The driver pressed on the gas, and even I couldn't match. It soon disappeared from sight completely.

Even the trail ended abruptly at a wide creek. I pressed my nose to the tracks, memorizing the scent. I wadded into the creek, but there were no signs of tracks on the other side. I lost her. I realized with a start. I lost her.

I went back into the creek, sniffing the air. But the scent was gone. Not knowing what else to do, I lifted my muzzle and howled into the air. Hearing my own voice, I could clearly pick out the pain and the worry. I closed my eyes and called to my family, my pack.

My mother was the first one to respond. Josh, honey? Are you alright?

No, I replied, my breath catching in my throat. Danny's gone. She's been taken.

What?! Coffeeblue screeched.

I closed my eyes again, trying to grasp the reality of the situation. It didn't seem real. She couldn't be gone. By-by the creek. Pl-please come quick. All of you.

Immediately, I heard the assembly howl of my father. He was gathering the pack.

The water around my ankles rippled and I realized I was shaking violently. I had lost her. I had let her down. If only I hadn't tried to kiss her. If I hadn't told her that I loved her. If I had chased after her immediately. I could've saved her. I could've stopped them.

I was still staring into nothing when the water around me splashed, announcing the arrival of the pack. What happened? Iya yipped, whining, her ears flickering back and forth.

I raised my head, glancing at the tire tracks on the other side of the creek. We-we were fightin' wh-when she stormed off…

Fightin'? Alpha asked.

I hardly glanced up. She thought I didn't love her.

Cormac scoffed. Then what?

She-she was forced into a van… I-I tried to chase them, but…but they were too fast. I… I lost 'em. I…I lost her. I… she's gone. I closed my eyes again, gasping for breath to fill the growing hole in my chest.

We've gotta find her! Coffeeblue barked, shifting around uncomfortably. The big, dark brown wolf next to her nudged her.

Alpha pressed his ears to his head, his tail flashing with agitation. He shifted around as well, his eyes glancing everywhere, filled with confusion.

Dad… I thought, anger toward him building in my chest again. I have ta find her. And I'm bringin' her back whether ya like it 'er not.

For the first time sing I'd known him, his expression filled with doubt. Josh… I can't… I can't risk her tellin' everyone because she's mad at ya.

I held onto that anger, finding it much more comfortable than heartbreak. I growled at the alpha, baring my teeth at him. I will find her. Whether y'all help 'er not ain't my problem.

Peter… Mom said, turning towards him. They conversed to themselves as mates and alphas can do, but he nodded.

He looked at me, raising his head. A member of my pack is missing, and we must find her.

A riot of howls followed him, and I joined the song.

Coffeeblue, Adam and Tannar follow the tracks back—see if they let 'er off somewhere. Cormac, Kyler and Iya follow the creek down to the right of the tracks. Alpha instructed, taking his role as leader of the pack. The groups nodded and took off in the direction they were instructed.

Dad turned back to me, and I finally noticed a smaller wolf by his side.

Levi? I asked sharply, glancing up at my mother. What is he doin' here? What're ya doin' here?

Levi shrunk back, pressed his ears to his head.

Mom growled lowly. Levi has fully shifted. He and Kyler're officially a part a the pack.

Alpha nodded. Josh… Gail, Levi, and I will scout around. I suggest ya follow the creek. I hope ya find 'er, son.

They soon disappeared in the dark of the trees. I let out a shaky breath, letting my head fall. The water lapped at my nose, settled on my tongue. With a gasp, I shot up. Water was not supposed to taste like oil and gasoline. In the distance, two dim red lights clicked on and then off. Tail lights, I realized. I shot towards them, the water splashing around me. A new hope burst inside me as I jumped on the shore. I would find her.

I kept towards where I had seen the light, but they were gone. The water swirled as though it had recently been disturbed. Mud and dirt settled gladly back to the bottom. A set of tire tracks turned back into the mud. As I skidded around to follow them, determination set in.

White specks floated down from the sky to rest on anything they landed on—including the tracks. No, I thought.

It's snowin'! Coffeeblue gasped. It's gonna hide the scent.

And the tracks. I added, pushing myself further.

All of a sudden, the scent strengthened, and then changed. Danny's scent was no longer mixed in with the van. I stopped, sniffing the air, opening my mouth to taste it. Strange, human voices called out to one another, but I couldn't decipher the words. I took off in their direction.

The van was parked, and two boys leaned against it. They were about my age, but I didn't care. Hiding in the foliage, I crept towards them. The van door was open, but the interior was completely empty. Danny? I thought towards her.

She was no longer in the van. She had to be in the woods somewhere. But she didn't answer.

I considered attacking the two boys, but I knew it was unwise. "How long do you think he's gonna take?" the first boy asked, chuckling with a devilish smile.

"A while," the other laughed. "Maybe he'll let us have a turn, eh?"

I bristled as the other one agreed. It was all I could do not to run out and close my jaws around the boys' necks.

The first one elbowed the other. "Let's go see if he will."

The second one straightened, grinning devilishly. "We have no idea where he is, though."

"Somewhere around here," he shrugged. "We'll just have to look."

I was shaking with rage by the time they were gone. Gaining my composure again, I made my way to the van, jumping inside. Blood stained the carpet on the far side. The scent assured me that it was hers. Many other scents floated around the car, but I could only pick out hers. It was the one I was most familiar with. I jumped back out of the van into the already packing snow and followed where the two boys had gone.

In the distance, a figure emerged from the ground. I slunk behind a tree as it came towards me. It was definitely male, but not one of the other boys I had recently encountered. Instinctively, I knew he was the one who took Danny. I bared my teeth, but kept back. I couldn't attack him. Not yet.

Something suddenly hit my head from behind with so much force that I was knocked to the ground. Spots surrounded my vision, and I tried to stand, but a foot connected with my side, sending me back into the dirt. "Not such a tough guy now, are ya?" One of the boys laughed.

The black spots grew and I struggled to keep my consciousness. "This the wolf you warned about, dude?"

"Of course it is, you idiot!" The other guy snapped. "Why else would it be sneaking around here?"

"Do we tie it up or something? Kill it?"

There was no answer, but there was shuffling around me.

"Knock it out," The first guy said. Immediately afterwards, pain filled my head and the spots grew until everything went black.

Finally, I held her in my arms, pressing her to me. My face was buried in her hair, wallowing in her scent. She pulled away from me to trail her fingertips along my unshaven jaw, her touch alighting feelings I had never known before. I closed my eyes, sighing softly as her finger continued to slide along my skin. Her hand brushed my mouth, and my heart went into overdrive. Opening my eyes, I reached up to grab her hand. Her mouth parted in confusion and she gazed up at me with those eyes. My lips grazed her knuckles, placing a soft kiss in the palm of her hand. I released her hand and pulled her closer still, enjoying the slight gasp I pulled from her mouth.

All I could focus on were her lips. The soft pink, the way they curved up at the corners, just inviting me to kiss them. Just as I leaned down to press our lips, her soft voice stopped me. "You could've saved me…" She whispered, her eyes flashing with hurt.

"Danny…" I breathed, shaking my head.

"It's your fault…"

"Danny, no…"

Her eyes darkened until the light completely dimmed. "You could've saved me…" She repeated before falling limp in my arms.

"Danny!" I cried, trying to shake her awake. "Danny!"

I sat up, gasping and throwing the covers away from me. I glanced around, sucking in breath after breath. The dream, still fresh in my mind, had shaken me completely. I ran my hand through my hair, looking around the room for something to distract me. What was I doing in my bed? When had I gotten back in my room? Last thing I remembered was… "Danny!" I shouted in alarm, jumping out of bed.

I had to go back. I had to go look for her. I bounded down the stairs, coming into the living room. Dad stood from his spot on the couch. "Good, yer awake." He said.

"I-I—Danny," I stammered.

He frowned, making his away over to me. "Son, we looked everywhere. There was no sign of her at all, and when we found ya passed out, I decided it was best ta go home."

"I have ta find her!" I cried, backing away from him. I reached up to bury my fingers in my hair, closing my eyes at the frustration building in my chest. "I-I can't leave her. I-I can't let her down. She… she could… be hurt… or worse…"

"There was nothin', Josh. She must've just been picked up by one a her friends 'er somethin'. You'll see her at school." He assured me.

"You think I'm overreactin'?" I growled. "I saw her get inta that van! At gunpoint. I found that same van last night, along with two boys. They-they snuck up on me and knocked me out. I-I was so close…"

His expression never changed, but his eyes told me he was unsure. "Yer mom and I'll look fer her while yer at school, alright?"

"School?" I asked in disbelief. "I-I can't go ta school… not without her there. I have ta find her first."

Dad frowned. "Josh, you need ta go ta school."

My chest tightened and I closed my eyes at his words. I tried to resist the Voice, but it prevailed, as always. I felt myself sigh without my permission. "Alright."

"Go get ready."

I turned involuntarily and went back up the stairs at a slow pace, my fists clenched and growling the whole time. Hurriedly, I took a shower and threw on some clothes. Seeing a notebook laying on my desk, I picked it up, paging through it. I put it on top of my binder and made my way downstairs again. It was hers.

A part of me hoped he was right. Maybe I was overreacting. But Danny didn't have any friends, especially other guys, and no one in her family had a van like that. But I couldn't help that tiny bit of hope sprouting in my stomach. Maybe she'd escaped. Maybe… But I knew the chances were slim to none.

Danny? I tried as I snatched the keys off the coffee table.

"Josh?" Levi asked behind me. "Ain't ya gonna wait fer Iya and me?"

"What?" I asked turning around to stare at him. "Oh… uh… sure…. But hurry up. I-I…" I can't stay here long. I thought, but couldn't finish my sentence.

He looked up at me with pity filled eyes. "Alright… I'll tell Iya."

But Iya was already coming down the stairs. She didn't stop as she approached me, but instead wrapped her arms around my waist. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, her voice cracking. Tears filled my eyes as well as I returned the hug, pressing my eyes shut. She squeezed me once before pulling away with tears in her own eyes. "We'll find her, okay?"

"I hope yer right, Iya." I sighed. "Are y'all ready ta go?"

She nodded, frowning. Levi came up behind her, holding out a piece of toast with one already in his mouth. "Here ya go," he said, his eyes still filled with that look.

I took it from him. "Thanks," I said as I turned, pulling the door open and nearly racing out to the car. I wanted to get the school day over with so I could search for my best friend. I jumped into the truck, starting it as the two got in as well. I pressed on the gas as soon as their doors were closed, speeding out of the driveway.

All I could see was her wide brown eyes as she called for help. The weapon against her skin. The glazed look in her eyes when I trapped her in my arms. The tears forming in her eyes as I leaned down to kiss her.

"Josh!" Iya suddenly yelled, and I realized her hands were gripping the arm rests so tightly her knuckles were white. "You may not value yer life, but we do. Slow down!"

I felt my cheeks heat as I glanced down at the speedometer. "Sorry," I mumbled, taking my foot off the gas immediately. I heard Levi sigh from the back seat as I slowed to the speed limit. "I got a lot on my mind…"

"I know," she sighed sadly. "I can't stop thinkin' 'bout her neither."

My hands tightened on the wheel. I turned into the elementary school parking lot and let Levi out before I spoke. "What if we don't find her? Wha...what if she's kil—" I couldn't finished the sentence as my voice cracked and I sucked in a large breath.

"We'll find her," she growled. "Or she'll find us."

"But—"

"Josh, stop. She can't be kept from you the same way you can't be kept from her. Don't worry."

"I… I can't live without her, Iya. She doesn't even love me…" I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

Iya scoffed. "Are ya kiddin' me? Of course she does. She's yer mate. Mates always love each other."

I shook my head slightly. "You in love with Jesse?"

She flushed immediately. "What? No, of course not. We're just friends. What does that have ta do with anythin'?"

"Because then that's not true."

"What?" She turned to me, her eyebrows furrowed. "I—I don't understand."

"You wouldn't," I sighed.

She frowned, turning away to ponder what I had said.

As soon as I parked, Destiny appeared at my window, her eyes ringed with red. She waited until I had opened the door before she spoke. "Where's Danny?" she asked, her voice cracking.

I should've known. I should've seen Destiny feigning worry. I couldn't explain how I had seen her be taken. I widened my eyes to look surprised, and then furrowed my eyebrows. "Wha-what do ya mean? You don't know where she is?"

"She never came home last night," she said, sniffling. "I was hoping she was with you."

I shook my head slowly. "I didn't see her last night after dinner."

Her head tipped to the side. "But I thought I heard you two fighting or something."

"Maybe…" I said quietly. "But I would never hurt her. It was a stupid fight anyways." With a jolt I realized I had never apologized. I had never said sorry for what Destiny had done. My heart clenched at the thought.

"I know," Destiny sighed. "But I'm so worried about her. She never disappears like this. What if something bad has happened to her?"

Did she actually care about her sister, or was this all just an act to get attention? "We'll find her," I assured her. I'll find her.

"Or she'll just show up on her own," Iya chirped, a hopeful look in her eyes.

My chest tightened at her words, and I knew the chances of that were slim to none. I had to find her. I brushed past Destiny before I could do something I regretted and started towards the school. Before I knew it, the twins and Adam were by my side, their silent presence a simple comfort. I lifted my head a bit higher with my pack with me, but the hole in my chest never closed. But with my family, I felt like I could accomplish anything. But I only had one thing in mind. Finding Danny.

But anytime I thought of leaving, a sharp pain would flash through my head, and I cursed the Alpha's Voice. I stopped outside the classroom, frozen. I knew she wouldn't be there, but I didn't want to have it confirmed. I couldn't bear to glance beside me and not see her where she belongs.

Cormac suddenly grasped my shoulder. "You'll be alright, man. Don't think about it."

"It?" I hissed, whipping around to scowl at him. "Danny is not an it."

His eyes widened. "Josh… I… I didn't mean it like that. I just meant the whole thing. Not just her."

I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath before letting it out. "I'm sorry, Cormac. I…I'm a little on edge."

He nodded. "I understand."

I watched as they walked away to attend their own classes, and sighed to myself, trying to ignore the feeling in my chest. I kept my eyes to the ground and forced my feet to step one in front of the other. My entrance was much like my first day. The classroom went completely silent, and my skin prickled at the feel of judging, pitiful eyes on me. I took a deep, settling breath, trying to shake them off. With my eyes cast downward, I could hardly make out the path to my seat, but when I did, I slide in cautiously. I tried to pretend that she was still there, silent as a mouse just like she used to be.

But I couldn't lie to myself. There was no electricity buzzing between us. There was no overwhelming urge to glance to the side just to get a peak of her beautiful face. There was no need to slide my hand into hers just for the sake of the feel of her skin on mine. I didn't want to pull the chair closer to bring her nearer to me. Her voice and sweet laughter weren't ringing in my ears. Her still but silent presence wasn't lingering in my mind. She wasn't there, and the emptiness inside me reinforced this fact.

"What's up with him?" a curious kid whispered unsuccessfully.

"Dude," his neighbor replied. "You haven't heard?"

"Huh?" the first questioned. "Heard what?"

The second paused. "His girlfriend's disappeared."

There was a pang in my chest. Girlfriend. I didn't know if I could say that anymore. I loved her, but I still didn't know if she felt the same. Did we break up last night? I couldn't say no to that without doubt. That had been a pretty big fight… our first, in fact. My eyes burned as the memory flashed through my mind.

"Because I love you!" I nearly growled at her, baffled that she hadn't already figured that out. It was so obvious. There was no way you could miss my feelings for her. I stared at her bewildered expression, glad that I could finally tell her without someone interrupting me.

She gasped so lowly I almost couldn't pick it out. Her eyes widened at my words and her eyebrows furrowed. "I-I think you need to leave."

What? Did she… did she just ask me to leave? After I just told her I loved her? I could feel my whole expression fall at her words. "But Danny…"

"Leave," she snapped harshly, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

I nearly jumped at her newly found confidence, and I couldn't help but feel a little proud. But her words struck me more than the power of them. I glanced down at the carpet, knowing I could think better if I wasn't distracted by her. I frowned, but I knew I couldn't go against her wishes. I wanted to, but there was no point. She needed time, I knew. To think, to forgive, hopefully. I stood, looking her straight in the eyes as I said, my voice unwavering, "I ain't givin' up. I'm gonna get ya back."

She turned away from me, her eyelids shutting. I backed away while I still had my self-control, letting myself out the door, scowling as I went down the stairs. "Joshua!" my mother scolded, but I ignored her.

Grant stood in the entrance way to the kitchen, his head tipped back as he downed the bottle of liquor in his hands. I stomped up to him, grabbing the bottle and setting on the counter. No reason to make Danny pick something else up. I pushed him back without thinking, my anger coming to the surface. "You touch her again," I snarled, "and you'll regret it, ya understand? Keep yer filthy hands off a her."

Grant scowled, his eyes hazy as he regained his balance with difficultly. "You have no right to tell me how to raise that girl."

I was so mad that my face burned and the anger got caught in my throat. I growled lowly at him, stepping forward. "Raisin'?" I spat. "Abuse is no way to raise a child!"

"With a boy like you involved, a little force is necessary for a stubborn girl. It's worked, hasn't it?" He smirked, his eyes glinting devilishly.

My fist was flying before I knew it, coming into harsh contact with his jaw. Danny may be a bit stubborn at times, but I wasn't the one damaging her. I was helping her grow into who she wanted to be, not someone cruelty and hurt had made her become. Pride ran through me as he grunt, falling to the ground harshly from the blow. Something grabbed my shoulder roughly, pulling me away from him. "Joshua," Alpha snarled in my ear. "Control yer temper."

"I was," I scowled. "He had it comin'."

"We need ta leave," Mom said, her voice hard, and I knew a lecture was in my near future, but I didn't care. In my mind, I had done the right thing concerning Grant. He did deserve it. He needed a taste of his own medicine, and who else better to deliver?"

Dad took my arm harshly, pulling me away from the cop lying on the ground, cradling his chin. With a last scowl, I ripped my arm from his grasp, instead turning to follow them on my own. My parents headed for the car, but I stopped. "I-I can't leave her." I told them, frowning.

The two glanced over at each other and Dad sighed. "Alright, but don't get caught."

I smirked. "Do I ever?"

Mom raised an eyebrow and I felt my neck heat. "Other than with Danny, a course."

Dad sighed.

"She was gonna find out anyways!" I insisted. They didn't answer, but slipped inside the car. I could see them grasping each other's hands as Dad backed out of her driveway.

The sound of a window opening caught my attention and I turned around the front corner of the house towards Danny's room. Fear and surprise erupted in my chest as soon as I saw her crouching on the window sill. "What are you doin'?" I asked before thinking, coming to stand directly underneath her.

Danny jumped, gasping sharply and clutching the window with while knuckles. "What are you doing?" she asked, fear swirling in her eyes as she glanced down at me.

I sighed. "Danny."

"Go away!" she hissed, her mouth pressing in a straight line.

"Danny!" I said, my voice rising in volume as worry ran through me. "What're ya doin'?"

"Go away!" Her voice was harsher, and I knew she was still mad at me.

I ran a shaky hand through my hair. "Danny!"

She closed her eyes. "He's coming for me. I-I don't wanna get beaten today."

I growled at the image her words put in my mind. "Jump," I told her. "I'll catch you."

"Josh—" she said uneasily before glancing back, fear taking over her expression. You better catch me. I heard. Next thing I knew, she was flying, falling through the air, and I jumped to wrap her safely in my arms.

"There," I chuckled, enjoying the feel of her with me again. "See?"

"Put me down!" She screeched, clambering out of my protective hold.

Pain flashed through me, and I stepped up to her. "I love you, Danny."

Her expression didn't change, but she glanced up at her window. "Sshh!"

"No," I said stubbornly as she grabbed my arm, dragging me around the back corner so no one would hear up. "Danny, I love you."

"Will you be quiet!" She snapped, but something in her eyes told me she didn't mean it.

"No, I will not," I shook my head. "I want everyone ta know. I LOVE—"

She cut me off with a hand over my mouth, and the shock was enough to shut me up. "Ssssssshh!" The way she touched me stirred things inside my stomach, but she stepped away. "I need to get away from him. I don't know what to do." She turned away from me, crossing her arms over my chest.

"Come with me." I suggested, seeing the obvious solution. Stay with me.

"With you?" She scoffed, spinning back to me with a raised eyebrow. "Ha!"

My jaw clenched at her tone, and that same hurt whipped through me. I took a step towards her, silently pleading with her. "Danny, trust me."

She scowled and stepped further away from me. "Trust you? I tried that once."

Anger flared through me along with the confusion rushing through my veins. "What're ya talkin' about?" I growled lightly, glaring at her. "I never did anythin' ta you. I love you!"

"Shut up!" She said, and I froze at the intensity in her voice. She was furious with me. "You kissed her. You don't love me. You only used me to get to my sister!"

She thought I didn't love her? I almost laughed until I realized what else she had said. "Is that what this is about?" I sighed, rolling my eyes at her insecurity. "I love you, Danny Kimble. Yer sister kissed me."

I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around her waist. She put her hands on my chest, preventing me from bringing her closer. "And I pushed her away. I can't see any other girl but you."

In all honesty, I expected her to break under my words. The last thing I expected was for her to shove me. Taken by surprise, I stumbled backwards, catching myself from falling. "Liar!"

"Believe me, Danny!" I said. I couldn't believe she thought I didn't love her. How on earth could she think that? "I love you."

"Would you quit saying that?" she hissed between clenched teeth, her tiny hands closing into fists by her side.

My eyes narrowed in a glare. "I ain't gonna it sayin' it until ya know it's true."

Her eyes burned. "Go away."

"I'll take ya with me." I told her, smirking.

"Drop dead," she snarled, stalking away from me.

Pain flew through me, and I lashed out to grab her arm and turn her around to face me again. I tried to hide the hurt through an arrogant voice as I said, "You wouldn't want that, would ya?"

She jerked away from me, and I let her. "Go die in a hole."

I raised an eyebrow at her choice of insult. "Harsh."

She jumped forward as the back door slide open and I took her hand. Eyeing the house, I told her, "We've got ta go Danny.

"I ain't going anywhere with you!" She yelled loudly, trying to rip away from me again, but I held onto her.

I felt my expression darken. "Would ya rather take a beatin' fer it?"

She glanced over her shoulder before turning back to me with a scowl. "I hate you."

I frowned, my jaw clenching. That was the exact opposite I wanted to hear. "Glad ta hear it. Let's go." I pulled her into the forest, walking as quickly as I could so she could still keep up. She tried pulling away from me again, but I tightened my grip lightly, telling her I wasn't letting her go again. I had spoken to Cormac about Danny, and now his words flashed through my mind. "Sometimes, Josh, ya just gotta push 'er up against the wall and kiss her fer all she's worth."

She stopped as soon as the house came into view, and I dropped her hands, muttering the words to myself, trying to convince myself that it would word. I turned to her, stepping towards her. Her eyes widened and she stepped back into a tree. She closed her eyes and I stepped up to her, trapping her in-between my arms. I was leaning in when she spoke. "Wh-what are you doing?"

"Sometimes," I swallowed harshly, "ya just gotta throw her against the wall and kiss her for all she's worth. Well, that's what I'm doin'."

A frown dipped at her lips and her eyebrows furrowed. Her hands shook as she pushed on my chest weakly. Her breathing hitched and her whole form shook. "I-I-I- stay away from me!"

"Danny?" I asked worriedly.

Her lower lip quivered. "P-please don't hurt me."

"Danny?" I asked again.

"P-Please," she whined. "G-Go away. P-Please don't. P-P-Please."

The fear in her voice startled me and I backed away, confused at her expression. Her eyes opened and she breathed out. She stumbled away and into the yard, collapsing on the ground.

"Danny…" I breathed, coming up to her slowly.

"Stay away from me!" She yelled, her voice choked with tears. "I'm not your girl toy anymore, alright? So congratulations, you got the mute kid to talk and trust you. Hey, you even got her pretty sister wrapped around your finger! Yey you. Go throw yourself a party. Just leave me alone. I don't want to be hurt anymore."

"Danny…" I said, my fingers brushing her shoulder gingerly.

She flinched and I pulled away from her. "You were the first boy I really trusted. The first one I really spoke to. You were my first kiss, and you showed me how to love myself too. I see what a fool I was now, okay? You can quit your little game. It's over. You won."

My fists closed at her words and I scowled, growling loudly, "It ain't over!"

She stood, wiping underneath her eyes as she turned to me, her brown eyes narrowed. "You won, Josh! Isn't that enough?"

"No, I didn't win." I snarled. "The only way I win is if I have you. This ain't just a game, Danny. I've told ya before and I'll tell ya again until ya believe it. I love you. I always have. I always will."

Tears streaked down her face and guilt pulled on me. "How can you see so sure?"

I relaxed. This was something I could answer. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

Her eyes hardened. "I didn't ask that. I asked how."

"Love is a feeling, Danny." I said, stepping closer to her. "Just like ya know when yer angry, sad, or happy, I know I'm in love."

She glanced down. "Must be a great feeling to love a beautiful girl."

"Not really," I sighed. "It ain't complete unless she loves ya back."

"I'm sure Destiny does." She mumbled.

I growled in desperation, throwing my hands up. "I don't care a lick fer Destiny! Why can't ya get that through yer thick head?! It's you I care fer, darlin'. Yer my one true mate. Not her. Not anyone else. You."

"I won't say it." she muttered.

I smiled at her stubbornness. "That's okay. As long as ya believe me, that's okay fer now."

I stepped to her, pulling her to me. "Besides," I breathed, my lips brushing her jaw. "Destiny ain't really my type. Yer sweet and innocent—"

"Innocent?" she scoffed, cutting me off. "Ha!"

I pulled away, furrowing my eyebrows as I stared at her. "What're ya talkin' about, Danny?"

She straightened, lifting her chin in the air. "I ain't a virgin—"

I sucked in a breath, closing my eyes and pushing the memory from my mind. My fists clenched. My Danny… my mate was… I let out a shaky breath.

"Girlfriend?" the first guy asked, and I gave them my attention to keep from my thoughts.

"Yea," the second one answered. "Danny Kimble."

I flinched. "Who?"

The second one sighed irritably at his words. "Danny?"

"Who?"

"The girl that sat right beside him?"

"Who?" The first repeated.

"The mute kid," he groaned.

"Oh!"

I growled lowly, shutting myself away from them.

The rest of the day was easier almost. I could stand third period because I was facing the other way and I could lie to myself that she was there.

I drove Iya and Levi home, but as soon my feet hit the ground, I was racing into the woods once again on all fours. Danny? I tried, panting as I stopped to try and catch her scent. Danny, please answer me. I know yer still mad, but I need ta know yer alright.

I waited, holding my breath, listening for her response.

But it never came, and there was only one reason I could think of why it didn't.

She was dead.

Soooooo... I love cliffhangers ^.^ This is the best cliffhanger yet. So you guys thin he's overreactin? Or you think he's right? Is she really dead? Why isn't she answering him? Do you guys think you know Josh just a little bit better and his feelings for Danny? Review and tell me your idea. :D

~Anni12