The next morning I didn't wake up to a smiley Riley, in fact I didn't want to wake up at all. I could sleep the day away, maybe go on a run later and I'd be perfectly content with myself. But if the alarm didn't wake me up than the insistent nagging from my wolf to get up and 'go see mate' would have done the trick. I quit arguing with her around 11 o'clock last night about giving up on our so called mate. She wasn't having it and threatened me as she always did when the idea of rejecting him popped up in my head.
In reality I'm just searching for ways to keep my heart intact before the Alpha and I dive too deep into this shit storm. But what sucks even more is even now while I'm waltzing to school the pull in my chest is starting to weaken. As Alpha's we tend to be more possessive, have stronger bonds to not just each other but other pack members as well, basically everything we feel is multiplied than that of a normal wolf. When you're apart from your mate, there's a tug in your chest that I've never heard about and it works wonders to get you around them. So even though my minutes with my mate were brief the bond already began to grow. As the pull in my chest releases its hold, it only reminds me that my mate who is made specifically for me but doesn't want me is going to be at school.
I could have stayed home, but I'm not a coward. I'm the future Alpha for Goddess sakes-if I choose to ever go back- and I'm not going to let some petty boy sway me otherwise. Even after processing what I said I find myself glancing at my outfit to see if it's okay. Black skinny jeans with ankle boots and my oversized white sleeveless shirt that is life, the words 'Run Now Wine Later' are in black and I so desperately want wine. Stupid law that says you have to be 21, in packs you drink by the time you're 16 just because it takes a ton to get you even remotely tipsy. We blame it on our high temperatures and metabolism. As soon as I enter the school all eyes are on me, literally. Some with pure shock, others with disgust, jealousy, anger, happiness… what's worse is I don't know why. Either way I pretend to ignore it even though my wolf desperately wants me to challenge someone so they know not to mess with me.
As an Alpha wolf we take direct eye contact to mean a challenge for superiority and submission. It has taken me years to perfect the art of caging my wolf considering rogues would stare you down until they felt the need to attack if they were stupid enough to not sense power. So right now she's clawing at her cage and whispering sweet nothings in my brain that are along the lines of, 'let me out of here and I'll show them a piece of-' I cut her off there because quite frankly the more I listen to her the angrier I will get. After sticking my bag in my locker I meander to first period, still kind of curious as to why everyone is looking for me.
But all my questions are magically answered when 'Tall, Dark & Handsome' and 'Sharp Features' blocks my path. "Let me guess, Alpha wants to see me?" I say in an almost bored tone, word must have got around about his little mate problem.
"Brains and beauty, this way Luna." Sharp Features gestures with his head and turns on his heels to walk away. No. Sir.
I furrow my brows and shake my head no, "First of all, I'm not your damn Luna. Secondly, he made it very clear how he felt about me yesterday. Third, I'm not a house pet if he wants to come see me for some unknown reason, probably to reject me then tell him to get off his high horse and come to me." Lazy ass. The looks on their faces are a mixture of disbelief, and frustration. Can't say I blame them, I'm making things difficult on them.
"MAYA!" I know that voice.
"PEACHES!" I snake my arms around the brunette who jumped into my arms and wrapped her legs around my torso, "I know you were only back in my life for one day but I missed waking up to you."
Lucas saunters up behind her looking livelier than yesterday, come to think of it so is Riley. The bags underneath her eyes are gone, though she's still too skinny. "I can believe that. I'd miss waking up to her too." It's actually very common for mates to move in together and share a bed almost instantly, or in this case instantly. I'm just happy to see she isn't marked or claimed yet, Riley's going to make him work for it. And if you are wondering what marking and claiming is, I'll explain it in great detail… later. "Alpha wants to see you Maya." He mumbles, seemingly agitated with his Alpha.
The brunette pressed against his chest is smiling widely, oh no she's turning to the dark side. "I'm sure Riley filled you in on the events that transpired yesterday but I'm a 'disgusting rogue'. I don't want a mate and he sure as hell doesn't want me."
"You're so stubborn."
I cock my head to the side and look at my best friend, "What if Lucas called you disgusting and laughed in your face about being his mate?" That smile faded quickly, and triggered a growl from Lucas basically stating 'he'd never do that'. "Exactly my point. You and your wolf would not be at school today and you'd be crying. The first thing Lucas said was, what's your name beautiful?" They had it easy.
I don't know why I'm so torn about this and why I feel jealous that Lucas all but threw himself at Riley. I didn't want a mate. "Well Alpha Josh gets what he wants."
"Then luckily he doesn't want me."
Alpha Josh wasn't in first period today, and since that is the only class I made it to yesterday I have no idea if he is in any more of my classes. I shudder at the thought knowing good and well I wouldn't be able to concentrate in the slightest if he were there. The pointed glares and whispers from the females didn't go unnoticed and around fourth period I had, had enough. I flip my focus to the she-wolf 2 rows over who immediately stops talking. "Oh please don't stop on my account. In fact I would absolutely love to hear what you were cowardly whispering." I purr, never once letting my gaze flicker away from hers.
She looks like a fish out of water and I can't help the sinister smile that approaches my lips. "IF there is something you'd like to say, say it to my face or I'll break yours." I'd probably do it either way depending on the severity of her comment.
"Maya." I throw my amber eyes to the wolf also known as my teacher. I'm fighting to get control back from my wolf but she's sick of being disrespected. "You know the law should you choose to fight. Go out into the hall and take a breather."
I crane my neck as I battle for dominance on my way out into the hallway. I pace up and down the hallway and I can feel our temper slowly retreating and my control gradually returning. As I continue pacing a pair of hands pulls me into a janitor's closet. What the hell? By the sparks on my skin, butterflies in my stomach, and scent in my nose I know exactly who it is. The hands on my wrist fall to my hips as I'm pulled abruptly into his chest with almost a jolt. "You didn't come to me when I sent my gamma's for you."
His voice is as smooth as honey. Not that I'm overly fond of the fact he's my mate because I'm not but Moon Goddess it shouldn't be allowed for men to look this good. "Because I'm not a pet waiting at your beck and call." I retort. Every ounce of energy is being put into making sure my voice isn't a moan or whisper. With one large pill of courage I remove his hands from my hips and step back.
He furrows his brows and clenches his jaw, "Mine!" He tugs me back into his chest and growls in satisfaction while burying his nose into my neck.
No matter how much I enjoy this I can't do this. He was such a jerk yesterday and you better believe if I'm going to consider even having a mate, let alone him being my mate he will have to work. "Get. Off. Of. Me."
His dark hair swishes as he hurriedly looks into my eyes. "I'm a disgusting rogue. Right?" His grip on my hips tighten as his eyes begin to fill with a ton of emotions. I pull his fingers off of me one by one. "I am not yours. You do not want me and if for whatever reason you've had a change of heart-"
"I just can't get enough of your scent." He snaps.
My reaction? I find the handle and leave. Not that I'd make it far, I knew that as I was leaving. "Where do you think you're going?" Josh asks while pinning me to the lockers.
"As far away from you as possible." He growls and tightens his hold on me as if I'm going to slip out of his hands like a ghost. I wish it were that easy. "You can't just use me because you like the way I smell." I lift my leg and knee him in the stomach. I'm not that much of a jerk to knee him elsewhere. Though the thought is more than satisfactory.
'NO we want pups.'
My wolf. Ever the planner. While he's hunched over and catching his breath I kneel down to look into those chocolate orbs. If I wasn't a future Alpha then he wouldn't be near as affected by my attack, but I'm stronger than a she-wolf, hell I'm probably stronger than his beta. But between Alpha Josh and I, I'm not so sure. Him simply being a male and having more testosterone running through his veins is an advantage. "I may be a werewolf but I'm also a half human. I have feelings." There's a glint in his eye that reeks of mischief and I realize where he's taking this.
A simple game of chase.
Except this isn't simple, it's complicated as hell considering all the circumstances. And this isn't a game, this is real life and it isn't just mine and his life affected but the sake of his pack is on the line. A slow smile approaches his lips, "I love a good game of chase."
I smirk and start walking back to class, "Well then have fun Alpha."
The last thing I hear is a growl before the door blocks out his temper tantrum.
The day passed by excruciatingly slow so by the time lunch came around I welcomed the change in atmosphere where I could talk freely and ultimately see my best friend. We have a total of 3 classes together, and all my teachers are ass hats who are mad that I missed the first day. Currently I'm debating on taking up Riley's offer to sit with her at lunch, she's begging me and I would normally say yes in a heartbeat, but where she sits Lucas sits. Where the beta of the pack sits, ultimately the Alpha does as well. "If you must just ignore him and spend time with me."
I huff and nod my head reluctantly before being dragged into the café. The smell of pizza, and meat invades my senses and all the talking and almost shouting is causing a headache. I've been away from packs for too long. My wolf however is loving this, wolves in general are social creatures that's why packs are like a family and everyone lives if not together then close by. Once she points out the table I get in line to buy my lunch when 3 overly perfumed females stand behind me. "If you she-wolves have a point then make it." I don't even turn around to look them in the eye which is more than disrespectful, but I can feel their searing gaze.
They don't say anything so I casually shrug and thank the kind woman who passes me my chicken salad. Heavy on the chicken. When they start to snicker behind me I'm aware they are using their pack link and that ruffles my wolf's fur, the hair on the back of her neck begins to stand up and all I'm trying to do is reassure her that they don't know I'm a future Alpha. I would already be one had I not left, the day I turned 18. I turn on my heels slowly and stare at the bigger one in the eyes, my wolf sensing that she's the most powerful. I'm staring as if to say 'I know what you are doing and I don't like it'. My wolf and I are challenging her, just one wolf. I just have to make an example out of one.
Everything becomes eerily silent, all the wolves feeling her anxiety flooding the pack link. I continue to hold my stare when the smell of my mate hits my nostrils. Her canines start to descend, she's signaling to me that she's wanting to take this further. I can't help but smirk, "Put your wolf away. Until you can keep up with me, you'll just get hurt."
"Are you afraid?" Her tone is taunting.
She's trying to get a rise out of me. And it is working, "Do you want to know how rogues settle things? We use our fists, we don't hide behind the law. I know what you are trying to do." I take a step forward, inviting her to take the first move. "So do it." I won't be in as much trouble if I act out of self-defense. Her eyes flicker with shock and then fear, sudden realization hits her and not just because of my words. My wolf is starting to come to the forefront, power exuding from me in waves and everyone within a good distance can feel it.
Silence.
Her teeth are still barred but she isn't snarling. My wolf slowly subsides seeing that she isn't a threat anymore. "Have a nice lunch." I smirk before sauntering away.
I slowly look around at the other wolves whose attention we've unknowingly gained. "SHOWS OVER!" I storm back to the lunch line and try to focus on the food. By the time I make it to the table the only spot available is between Riley and you guessed it Alpha Josh. I make brief eye contact with him and my traitorous heart flutters as I take my spot in between them. "Hey peaches."
"That was quite a show." Lucas quips, "Did they not realize they outnumbered you?"
I shrug casually and take a bite of my chicken, "I think they realized that even with all 3 of them they would lose."
Lucas glances at Riley who is leaning against him and she nods in affirmation. "Maya is very skilled. Always has been." I can hear Josh inhaling deeply and the pleasing growl that emits from my mate, he likes the sound of a strong female. Especially one that will lead his pack, his future Alpha female. I do ignore it though. "Do you remember that one time when you were 11 and I told you about the 2 girls bullying me you took on them and their 'boyfriends'?" I wince at the memory.
"Yes and I also remember the punishment." The scars are still there. My whole body is one big scar, not just physical. My mates fist lands on the table and Riley hurriedly changes the subject.
"Well I wasn't going there but you took all 4 of them down with ease. Even at 11 you were so strong." I know what she's doing. She's trying to hint to Josh that I'm strong and worthy of being his mate. Flattering, it really is that my best friend wants to help so much but at the same time I don't want to have to beg for his attention and grovel like that.
Either he wants me or he doesn't. Plain as day. Ugh why am I thinking stuff like that!
He seems to have gained control of his wolf again but is still breathing heavily, "Introductions!" Riley sings and in all honesty I just want to eat in peace. I find out that 'Tall Dark & Handsome' is actually named Zay and since he is winking at anything with 2 legs he's obviously not mated. 'Sharp Features' is actually named Farkle… poor guy and is mated to a gorgeous she-wolf named Isadora Smackle, but for his sake goes by her last name. They share the position of gamma, also known as 3rd in command.
"Interesting." I turn my focus towards Josh who hasn't taken his eyes off of me since introductions started. "What made you put 2 thirds?"
His eyes widen with the realization that I'm speaking to him since I've made it a point to not do so. But curiosity won out. What can I say? "Um uh, Zay is faster and stronger while Farkle is wiser. Together they make a stronger team then individually and no one else could fit the bill of filling the position."
"Huh." I mumble, more to myself than anything. It is exceedingly rare that there are two gammas but in the end it is about pack safety and if he felt it was necessary then way to break the social norm. I do find it hard to believe that no one else fit the bill. The Twilight pack was huge, it covered over several states.
"Peaches." I look at her from my eyelashes, she only whines that way when she wants something. It's crazy how I know her so well and yet I haven't seen her in 6 years. "Can you come hang out with me tonight?"
"I can't, I have to work." I mumble. She seems shocked at the new piece of information, and the gasps from around the table make me aware that everyone else is too. "I have to pay bills somehow."
"Tomorrow?" She questions with a smile.
I shake my head no, again in disappointment. "Unfortunately, rogues are only allowed on pack land from 7 to 6." The hope in her eyes all but dies out, and that breaks my heart. "But you can come hang out with me!"
"NO!" I glare at the man she calls 'mate'. "It isn't safe off pack lands."
I roll my eyes and I think it has just now registered to my mate that I live off of his lands considering he's shaking from anger. "It isn't like I wouldn't protect her." I spat, "I've always protected her and always will."
"That's my job." He growls.
"Get in line." I quip. I'm being completely honest here, I will always protect her but I just like to get him mad it is too easy when someone has a mate.
Riley caresses his cheek and his eyes instantly soften from the death glare he was giving me. "I want to spend time with her. I haven't gotten any in 6 years."
"No." I flip my glare from Lucas to my mate. Right when I'm about to threaten to castrate him for thinking he can even try to keep me away from Riley he continues speaking, "you are allowed on pack lands after hours when given permission by the Alpha. You will come to the pack house tomorrow."
I can't help but feel like this is all a clever ruse for him but one giggling and happy Riley is all it takes to make me forget all about my conniving mate and be happy with my best friend. "Tomorrow is going to be SO much fun! They have their own little movie theater!"
"Yeah." Should be very interesting.
Let me know what you think lovelies!
Just so you know a person's wolf is like a separate being living inside of a human. They are one, but they have separate thoughts and feelings. Like Maya's wolf wants Josh, Maya is still iffy. They are separate being but when it comes to one's mate, the wolf is slightly stronger in that sense. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask or comment!