Ava walked attempted to step closer to me, fear taking over caused me to jump back as I heard a growl pierce the space between us.
"Amira." I heard Ava's voice call out in offense.
she made an attempt to step towards me again but my body reacted on its own and peered up at her teeth bared. The familiar growl that I was hearing, I now realized was coming from me. My vision flickered and everything became more clear. I have never had such a perception of the environment around me.
"What wrong with her?"
"Ava step back." Her father urged her as he stepped away from his wife.
All my sense were tuned into everything that occurred around me. I was aware of everyones breathe, everyones movement, and everyones position in the room.
"What's going on why is she reacting like that."
"Its her fight or flight sense, she has no control over them yet. After what she just witness it reasonable." Her father said trying to slowly approach me himself.
A growl admitted from my chest and my attention shifted to him.
"Amira calm down." He said in an easy tone.
A growl resonated again from me.
"Stand down." He said, his eyes glowing.
I wanted to calm myself, yet I shook the urge to comply. My body having it's own reaction separate from my thoughts.
"Why is she not complying." The Luna face finally showed concerned from the interaction.
"I'm not sure."
"Even Caleb submits. She is young and in experienced." Luna voiced her thoughts
"This doesn't make any sense." Ava cried out still panicked. "She is familiar with me let me try."
Her quickened pace quickly caught my eye and I felt my body leap forward. I felt my nails and teeth elongate in an instant and something inside of me drove me towards Ava, my focus solely on her neck. This is not what I wanted and luckily for me I felt strong arms around me. Still my body thrashed and pulled, breaking free once before returning back into the strong embrace. I instantly sniffed the air recognizing the sent as the one belonging to Ava's father. My panicked state calmed slightly when her mother walked towards me and stroked my cheek.
"It's okay." She said in a melody voice
I felt pressure against my wrist before I completely blacked out.
I woke to a gentle stroke of my hair. My eyes slowly opened and the sense of defense over came me again. I sprang to my feet and crouch in the corner.
"It's okay love." Caleb didn't move instead his eyes readily watched my movement.
He maintained his position on the bed but his eyes never left mine.
"I know you're scared but you can trust me. You know this." He said in a calm tone.
My defense slowly lowered but my sense remained high.
"I don't understand what I seen." I said almost in tears.
"I rather have this conversation with you in my arms." He said patting the bed next to him. I looked at the space next to him but didn't move.
"I won't come to you. I heard you almost attacked my sister and they had some trouble restraining you." Caleb spoke with admiration.
I used my sense to exam the room around me. My eyes peered around the room, I listen intently to the noises around us, and sniffed the air. We were the only ones in this room, and I didn't smell any other scents but us two. I slowly rosed from my crouched position and walked towards Caleb. He smiled when I sat directly next to him. Finally I felt normal again, my senses decreasing and I was only aware of the interaction between us.
"I was so scared." I instantly wrapped my arms around him and pulling myself into his lap.
He engulfed my body into his arms and held me to him.
"I'm sorry I didn't want you to find out like that I definitely didn't want to put you in any danger like that." Caleb whispered go me in a soothing tone.
"So what are you some kind of wolf." I asked as my tears started to slow.
"WE, are Lycan's to be exact, though some refer to us as werewolf." Caleb stress inclusion of myself in his statement
"So we change every full moon?" I asked ignorantly
"No." He laughed. "That's a myth, though we are stronger during the full moon."
"What happened in the woods?" I asked
"Those are rogues. They are typically those who have spent too much time in wolf form. Their behaviors are savage, more animal like than human. They have trouble shifting into full human form usually still possessing their sharp claws, piercing eyes, and elongated teeth." His thumb stroked my forehead, "When we transform half way like that we call it Paene. That's the stage you were in earlier."
"Me?" I asked perplexed.
"Yes. Our senses are heightened. Our eyes shift to our wolf color, sometimes our nails and teeth elongate." Caleb rubbed up and down may back.
"How did I not notice any of that?" I asked him in bewilderment.
"At the time you were at a state of fight or flight. In this instance your wolf reacts over your human side. As you get more in touch with your wolf it will be easier to control."
"My wolf?"
"Our kind is two parts, together we make one vessel. You have wolf instincts as well as human instincts. During Paene they can evenly merge, though at times one can be stronger than the other. During your human state your human instincts are superficial but we are more wolf than anything." He took his nose and buried it in the crook of our neck.
"The story is long ago when the land was one, the wolfs dominated the wooded area. There was an agreement between man kind and wolf, while we had the woods, humans monopolized the land by the water. Man split into many tribes but the wolfs stood strong in one large pack. Over time man grew tired of fish and started venturing into the woods to hunt the game, within those creatures that they hunted were wolves. This was against the pact that they have long made and the wolfs grew angry. In retaliation there was a war between man and wolf. The human and wolf population dwindled significantly over the years. One night the wolf in charge, the alpha, lead the militibus into one of the human tribes where they destroyed everyone but a young child.
"What is militibus?"
"Thats the warriors in a pack. They fight most battles and protect the rest of the pack."
"What happened next?" I asked looking into his eyes
"Well several of the members in the pact questioned why he left the child alive. No one really knows why but the alpha tore through the home when he spotted the child and something stopped him from killing it. He put an order out that no one was to hurt the young girl. This did not sit well with some of the wolves among the pack, many of the wolves tried challenging him but to no avail. In order to keep the girl safe the alpha agreed to split the wolves among several different packs each one with their own priorities, set to different parts of the land. Some wanted peace, others wanted all humans dead, and some wanted war to end the attacks. Each one was appointed their own alpha and the original alpha stood Rex to all packs."
"So how did the wolves turn human, or the human turn wolf?"
"The young girl had grown into an adult under the protection of the Rex. Through that tint they fell in love."
"Wasn't he way older than her?"
"We age a lot slower. Environment and others things play a role in our aging. If we have too many pups in the pack the older ones will age up. If we do not have a lot of pups then we age slower. At the time because of all of the deaths in the wolf population they aged real slow. That and the alpha was mated to the human girl. It is unsure if that is why he stopped anyone from killing her or not, still he was the first to fall in love with a human so the phenomena was new. It seemed then Rex grew complacent as time when on and the attacks by the humans slowed. One day on his return from hunting Rex returned to find the human girl gone and several of the members of his pack had been slaughtered. The humans had taken her. Still under the extreme rule of the Rex the separated packs had no choice to obeyed when he had them join forces to attack the humans in an all out war. During these months of the war the earth looked decimated, there was a shortage of food, fires burned bright throughout the lands, and no-one could find peace or safety. It was a late battle when evening when the earth had a solar eclipse causing darkness to engulf the world. The human girl disappeared it seemed into thin air. The wolfs could not find a scent and the humans failed to track her. The search for the girl became a coinciding focus to both creatures. With the girl they had power and control. It was several days later when she appeared in the woods in the sight of both the Rex and the human King. It is said she appeared as a glowing figure surrounded by a white aura. The girls aura was the only source of light on earth at the time luring the presence of everyone around. The parties in search of the human girl raced towards her before the light shined brighter. At that moment those surrounding the girl experienced a change in figure. The wolfs all turned into humans and the humans turned in to wolfs. Everyone roared in confusion uncomfortable in the new skin they were in and unable to communicate in their new language. This went on for several hours until the eclipse ended and everyone returned back to their original state. It wasn't long before they realized that they could sense each other, sense their presences, thoughts, and for some their emotions. Over time they found out that they could change between human and wolf form. This changed pack grouping and family life. It also ended the big battle, Lunam Proelio."
"What about the human girl and the Rex?" I asked after several seconds of silence.
"They both became Lycan, the strongest. They appointed set woods for the wolves to govern, and set lands for the humans. As time went on humans and wolves forgot about our history and governing rule for reconciliation became obsolete."
"Is that why we are seen as myths to the humans?" I asked
"Humans and wolves. Typically wolves can sense our presence in the woods. They are not sure what we are but they typical run away. When they actually catch sight of us the shock is apparent." Caleb looked off smiling to himself as if reminiscing on a memory.
I pulled on his chin and bowed his head meeting me half way for a long over due kiss.
"I missed you." I said looking into his eyes.
His eyes glowed with intensity as he peered down at me. After he took my lips into his feverishly he quickly pulled away closing his eyes tightly as if calming himself.
"I always miss you."
My lips rose in to a smug smile. I don't know why he effected my emotions like this. I felt it was more then this Lycan thing. It was all Caleb's appeal.
"They are asking us to join them in the lounge." His eyes opened as he looked to the sky as if reading a message in the air.
"How do you know that?" I asked
"Your parents are here too. My father called them because of your previous state." Caleb growled after he stated that. "I told him you be fine when I returned. He is just mad because you didn't submit."
I instantly grew scared not in the same manner as before, more out of insecurity.
"What's wrong?" Caleb asked holding me tighter.
"Did I offend your father?" I asked feeling ashamed and embarrassed.
Caleb laughed, "No you have just… perplexed him. He is known as a a strong alpha too many neighboring packs, and yet he couldn't get a teenage girl Lycan to submit to him with out his luna's calming technique and the use of pressure points."
Caleb brought his nose to the crook of my neck send a tingling sensation down my spine. I pulled his head to mine again initiating another kiss.
"Your becoming more forward." He commented.
"Do you not like it?" I asked kissing him before he could respond.
"Any other time I would be ecstatic, unfortunately they are threatening to send someone up if we don't come down." He finished his statement through gritted teeth.
"How do you know this?" I asked still perplexed.
He tapped his head, "Mind link. Wolves are able to communicate with mental wave length. Of course it typically has to be the same pack, I believe it is due to the ability oof our bodies to become familiar with the wave lengths of those around us. Some believe humans have the same power but lack the skills to tap into that portion of their brain."
He growled once more rolling his eyes as he stood with me in his arms. He placed a chaste kiss on my lips before lowering me to the floor.
"Alex is on his way up."
He grabbed my hand intertwining our fingers as he pulled me towards the door. As soon as the door opened Alex stood their grinning.
"What were you guys doing?" He said cheekily
"Move out the way." Caleb said pushing him with very little force.
I heard Alex behind us laughing as Caleb and I rounded the corner still hand and hand.
The Lounge was a large room with a wall sized television. The room was broken into a split level, on the upper part was a pool table and foosball table. Once you step down the three steps splitting the room, the space was monopolized by a huge section which probably seated seven and two recliners. The colors of the room were white and beige which gave it the sense of sophistication. Even the pool table matched the decor with its beige and white color, the stature of the table I believed was called a waterfall pool table.
I quickly took in the surrounds before I was ambushed by my parents. My father grasped my shoulders scanning me from head to toe. Caleb growled as they pushed him aside to complete the assessment.
"Why were you upstairs so long? Did you mark her?" My father asked not giving anyone attention but me
"I would never do that before the ceremony she doesn't even fully understand the mating bond. We were just talking."
"About what?" My father quickly sniffed the space around me.
"I explained the Lycan history."
"That should have been a discussion me and her mother had with her."
"She had questions and the cat was out of the bag." Caleb said irritated already.
"Dad, mom I am fine." I was embarrassed by their reaction especially in front of everyone here. Especially in front of his parents who I have already offended.
My mom instantly stopped and smiled at me sheepishly. Dad hesitated to move from my side until the alpha spoke
"Why don't we sit down so we can all talk?" Though it was formed in a question I felt a sense that he wasn't actually asking.
Caleb's mom gestured to the open seats. My parents and Caleb's parents all took a seat around the room.
"Until we get the rouge situation fully controlled we think it is best if Amira stays here with the pack. Of course you guys are welcomed." The luna spoke up first giving a calm sense to the room.
"She should be at home with her family. She is just a teenager she does not need to live with her boyfriend." My father said full of irritation.
"I know you are not fully comfortable with our son, this a hard time when parents struggle with letting go of our children." Caleb's dad tried to calm my father.
"That is easy for a you to say. You gain a child when we loose one." My mother spoke for the first time with agitation, as my father nodded in agreement.
She has never shared how she felt about this whole ordeal. Was she against me and Caleb as well. So far she has seemed to be so supportive.
"I understand that but you guys have no allegiance to anyone, you're nomads with no pack." The alpha stated, "I am willing to allow you to join our pack."
"No." My father said not even looking at the alpha
"I'm being polite." The alphas voice was stern and unwavering followed by a grow.
"Victor" the luna placed a hand on the alpha's shoulder calming him.
"My husband does not mean any disrespect it is just. We have our reason for not raising our daughter in the pack life." My mother spoke up trying to reason with Caleb's family.
"Though this may be so, you know the counsel would not let a matter like this go so easily. Especially not with our pack which has contributed to the wolf nation so much." The alpha spoke with a voice of confidence.
I had to admit I was very uncomfortable. I know my parents have their reason for the way they handle things, that is why in the past I have never questioned them. At the same time I wanted to do what ever I can to be with Caleb. I could picture us being separated and I felt like my parents should understand especially more so because they had firm knowledge in mates.
From my peripheral view I seen my parents share a scared look. I wasn't sure what was going through their minds but something that Caleb's parents said scared them. I quickly looked around the room to see if anyone notice but quickly shook away my own suspicious look vowing to ask them about it later.
"What ever your concern are we can talk about them." The luna stated
"For now we'll be in agreement. We ask that at this time she has her own room. My wife and I will take our leave now. Amira call us to night before you go to sleep. We'll bring clothes by in the morning." My father quickly rushed out his statements kissing me on the forehead as he and my mom headed for the door.
My mother hand lingered on mine as if she didn't want to let me go. I stood quickly not allowing her to let go of my hand.
"I'll walk you guys out." I said ignoring the looks from everyone around me
Sensing my moms uneasiness I held her hand tight all the way out to the car.
"Dad why did-" before I could get the question out my father cut me off.
"Amira we will talk about this later." He gently tapped on his ears signaling other could hear.
"Honey here is your medicine. Make sure you take it." My mom pulled out my medicine from her purse and I grabbed the bottle reluctantly from her.
"We love you." My father kissed me on the forehead and got in on the driver side.
My mom still holding on to one my hands held tears in her eyes not allowing them to fall. She hugged me tight and got in the car. They were acting as if they were now on the run leaving me behind. The car started and my moms window rolled down.
"I'll have Caleb drop me off at the house in the morning."
"Ok I will have breakfast ready." My mom waved along side of my father who quickly sent a wave in my direction before they pulled off.
I watched them until they were out of sight and was slightly startled when I felt an arm wrap around me. I calmed down when I realized Caleb's presence.
"Are you okay?"he asked with his voice close to my ear.
"Yeah" I quickly spoke with out evaluating my own emotions.
I didn't want him to worry, plus I don't know what I was actually worried about.
I tossed and turned all night with everything running through my mind. I didn't know how to make sense of everything. I was hoping to clear up the uneasiness I felt with my parents up this morning. I wanted to ease their stress. I never seen them this upset about anything and I did not want to be the reason why they went to an early grave.
I was ready and waiting by the door when Caleb found me. He was straightening his clothes and putting his shoes on as he inspected me from head to toe.
"Do you want to eat before we leave?" He asked me with uncertainty
"No my mom is suppose to be making me something." I said eager to get home.
Once Caleb was properly dressed he stood directly infront of me still not done with his inspection. After a while he reached out his arm for my hand and held it within his. My mood calmed slightly and I relaxed for the first time since last night.
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked me. ,
I reached up on my tippy toes and kissed him.
"How can I not be with you by my side."
He smirked at me still holding my hand as we headed to the car.
The car ride was pretty silent. Caleb kept my hand in his squeezing it every once in a while throughout the ride gaining my attention briefly. When we pulled up to the house I quickly unbuckled myself.
"Do you want me to wait for you?" Caleb asked me. I sensed his hesitation in leaving me.
"I'll be fine. I'll see you at school." I said kissing him on the cheek and stepping out the car.
I opened the front door and slid my shoes off my feet.
"We can't run this time." I heard my father's voice gritted through his teeth. "I need to know how to keep her hidden."
I kept still trying to breath lightly, who was he talking to? was this about me? "I don't know if we can trust anyone here just because she mated to an alpha." He sounded exhausted as he continued his conversation.
"Honey." I heard my mom speak up.
"We'll continue this conversation later." I heard the phone hit the counter.
Followed by my parents peering from around the corner, "Honey your home." Mom spoke first.
"How was it?" My dad asked his voice filled restrained control. His hand were shoved deep into his pocket as he tried to prevent himself from running to my side.
"I was fine dad. After you guys left they served dinner, and I was given my own personal room. Once in my room I fell asleep almost immediately and did not see Caleb until I meet him this morning at the door to head here." I tried to address each of his unspoken concerns at once.
My mom couldn't restrain herself anymore and rushed towards to me, pulling me in her arms.
"I missed you." She nuzzled her face in my hair.
With her so close to me I smelt something that was unfamiliar, like another persons scent.
"Was someone else here?" I asked peering around the house
Mom pulled away from me slightly and glanced back at my dad. I caught the glanced they shared before they quickly tried to cover it up.
"Honey have you taken your medicine today?"
I gave them a weak smile, "yeah."
"Why don't you go upstairs and get ready for school while I finish up breakfast."
"Okay." I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before I headed up to my room
I headed straight to my room and closed the door leaning against it. I the smell of the other person I smelt downstairs did not resonate up here. I know for sure he must have been the company of my parents.
"Do you think she heard part of that conversation?" My focus zeroed in on my fathers voice, pin pointing him in the kitchen.
"I'm not sure. She shouldn't have been able to hear us from the foyer with the beta blockers she is on." Mom responded
"Yeah but she has been a little off lately. The medication tough still blocking some of her senses has not been working as they should." The tone my father held was full of confusion and frustration.
"Do you think it is because-" my mother began but was cut off by a shushing noise.
I pulled the pills from my pocket examining them in my hands. I already felt disconnected from people who were more like me than anyone I met before. With out these pills I can find a greater connection. I tossed the pills on the bed before heading into my closet to grab something to wear. Keeping it simple I grabbed a pair of skinny jeans and a tee and then headed for a quick shower. I was dressed and brushing my hair back into a ponytail with in fifteen minutes. Once I was satisfied with my look I headed to the kitchen in search of my parents.
"Here you go honey." My mom slid me a plate of bacon eggs and biscuits
"Thanks mom."
It is weird how different life is now. This move has been the best and the worse move we have ever had. The best because I found Caleb and friends I felt myself with. The worse because I felt this has impacted the harmony within our family. Prior to moving here my parents took turns cooking and meals were always held in the dinning room. Now we always felt like we were in a rush and often just ate at this island. Still we were together and it looked like none of us were letting each other go. Overall this had been an awakening for me.
"So I know you guys have in the past kept much of the reason for our moves secret. I feel like things are changing, and I am older. I'm ready to listen and understand why I am I different than other humans and werewolfs."
"Why do you think you're different than other Lycan?" my dad responded correcting my, I am assuming, terminology.
"The big secrecy, the attempt to separate me and Caleb, and fear of me connecting with them."
Mom and dad shared a glance before looking back at me.
"You are different, but how different is not to be shared yet." My mother spoke this time.
"We know how you feel about Caleb, and we no because of the bond he will keep you safe no matter what. Still he is not alpha yet and there are boundaries to his loyalty to you…I am just not sure who we can trust right now," My dad clarified.
"Our vow is to protect you, that is even from yourself. Because of the mating bond you will have trouble resisting sharing things with him. And there are things about you that cannot be disclosed to just anyone."
"Still-" I attempted to interject
"Just let us come up with a plan and we'll share more with you when it is safe." My dad cut me off before I could question them.
"Does this plan include leaving?"
"It's too late for that," My father said irritated. "If we do that they would hunt us down for you."
"Why would they do that?" I asked
"Having a luna is just as important as having an alpha. Plus separating mates unwarranted is seen as cruelty and punishable by the counsel and the moon god herself."
"What does a luna do?"
"She balances the alpha." My mom said gently.
"Yin to yang."my dad added
"Alphas are set in strength is discipline. Where a luna is nurturing and gentle. That doesn't mean alphas are cruel and unyielding or that Lunas are permissive it just the overall contribution they make to the development of the pack." My mom spoke with pride.
"Also lunas's typically are in charge of minor infractions in the pack, mate coordinations, transfer of members, and female training." My dad explained to me the bases of my position.
"What is all of that?" I asked with the feeling of nervousness beginning to set in
"Don't be afraid. It will come natural for the most part, plus there will be formal training. Just as Caleb is formally trained to be an alpha." My mom rubbed measuring circles on my back.
"Come on kiddo let me get you to school before it gets too late." Dad grabbed my bag and kissed my mom on the cheek before heading to the door.
I walked out the door slowly with my dad. I had so much on my mind I couldn't keep everything straight this was all just becoming too much for me. Just a few weeks ago I was human now I am some mystical creature with all of this responsibility. I feel like I would disappoint Caleb.
I looked up at the window when I heard a knocking. Caleb stood there looking concerned. He opened the door and grabbed my bag.
"Jeremiah." Caleb slightly nodded his head at my father
"Caleb." Dad returned the gesture
Though small and not complete in the tone of admiration I was pleased that they were trying.
"The scent of rogue still remains in the area. She won't be left alone today. After school we'll probably head straight to the pack house. You're more than welcome to come by, the offer still stands."
"It appreciated but my wife and I feel more comfortable in our own home." A look of struggle crossed dads face as he attempted to remain polite
"We have open homes if it is your own space you are looking for." Caleb attempted again.
"HonestlyCaleb were fine. Just drop Amira off each morning so we can see her. That's all I ask right now."
I gave my dad a kiss on the cheek and took Caleb's hand as a climbed out the passenger seat.
"Part of me feels as if your dad is giving up and the other part feels he is hiding." Caleb opened up to me as we walked into the building.
"I don't think it's either. I think right now he is just feeling a little defeated and hurt." I said
Caleb took his bottom lip into his mouth and nodded his head.
"I'm going to be leaving early today. Mark will be by your side, and you'll come home with him." Caleb said shifting uncomfortably.
I smiled which quickly disappeared when Caleb let out a low growl.
"Way to stay incognito." I closed my locker.
"Then don't look so happy." Caleb said through gritted teeth.
"He is one of my closest friends beside Ava. He helped be adapt to a new surrounding." I tried to reason with Caleb.
"He is unmated. If you're not careful I'll bind you to me before you are ritual." He stated.
Confusion surfaced to my face.
"That is frowned upon, not only will dad kill you I am sure he will have help from her dad." Ava's voiced interrupted with a disapproving tone.
In surprise we looked to the side spotting Ava and Cameron.
"What is binding and what ritual?"
"Not a conversation for the public." Cameron stated as he looked around.
"Did you have a conversation with Ava?" Caleb turned his attention to Cameron
"About what?" Ava asked
"I haven't spoke to her yet." Cameron answered Caleb's question
"Cameron will walk you to your morning classes but before lunch Cameron, Alex, Lexi, and I will be leaving early. You guys stay with Mark for the afternoon." Caleb explained to Ava
"What about my afternoon classes we don't have together?" Ava asked
"You have been temporarily switched to their classes." Caleb said with authority.
I reached out for my bag from Caleb ready to head to class. Instead he grabbed my hand.
"I'll walk you." Caleb stated.
I was unfocused for the most part in my classes. Mark was back in each class, he sat directly next to me never leaving me alone. After each class he left before me and standing outside was Caleb. I was headed to the last class before lunch when Caleb pulled me to a deserted hall. Caleb leaned me against the wall one hand placed by my head the other wrapped around my waist.
"I'm getting ready to go. Don't forget to stay with Mark." Caleb buried his face in my neck.
Caleb pulled away from me and looked in my eyes before kissing me, "Keep some distance."
The precautions that Caleb was taking made me nervous. He slid his hand up my arm in attempts to reassure me.
"Mark is very strong, besides that the school is the second safest place out side of the pack homes. There are several wolfs here loyal to the pack, when you come fully into your senses you'll be able to sense them," It was crazy how Caleb new what I was thinking. He played with my fingers looking as if he didn't want to leave. "Cam is my beta, second in command. Lexi and Alex are both my skilled fighters. Especially when it comes to tactics. Mark holds both strength and skill so he is the most plausible to stay with you two."
Caleb looked over his shoulder as Mark appeared.
"The alpha is waiting for you." Mark stated
Soon after Cam appeared with Lexi and Alex.
"Ava is in class already we're ready." Cam reported
Caleb leaned in and kissed me before nodding at Mark. I followed his silent instructions and head towards Mark preparing to head to class. Mark stepped aside making sure there was space between us as we headed down the hall. I looked over my shoulder to see the rest of them heading the opposite direction towards an exit.
Mark was pretty quiet the whole day and barely spoke to us. I know it was because he was trying to keep some distance between himself and I, assuring he didn't do anything too upset Caleb. I was sitting on the back porch of the house when I spotted him heading towards the woods. I slowly followed him until we came to a spring, the banks filled with beautiful flowers.
"You know it is rude to follow people." He spoke with out facing me, as he sat with his feet in the water.
I took off my shoes and sat beside him.
"You shouldn't be here." Mark said looking into the water
"You knew I was following you the whole time. You could have stopped me." I said looking at him.
"yeah." He stated still avoiding eye contact.
"You know I miss you. You were the first person I meet at this school. Part of me still feels calm in your presence. With all of this going on I need the calm." I said in haling deeply.
"I feel the same. You quickly became someone who I feel I can trust. The urge to protect you still reigns strong." Mark said with Confusion. "It could be the Luna aurora, though it isn't as strong for the others." The last part came out as a mumble which would have been previous been in auditable for me.
"So where have you been all this time. I spot you sometimes in class but for the most part you have been absent?"
Mark let out a small giggle And looked up to the sky. His eye winced when caught a ray from the sun.
"At first you know Caleb ostracized me from the friend group. That was to keep us apart. Though it was just at school that he ordered me to stay away it flowed over into ur home life. If it wasn't pack related I did not attend. More so due to my comfortability." Mark spoke sneaking only a glance at me.
"I'm sorry he did that I tried to talk to him about it." I said feeling guilty.
"Thanks but it probably made it worse." He said still laughing it off
"Sorry." I let my eyes fall to the spring
"It's nothing. He didn't band me for good he allowed me back, but for me it was hard not to be the way we were." He paused to see my reaction. "Don't get me wrong it isn't a romantic feelings."
"I know." I said smiling at him.
"It's just like we both said, we have a bond that is hard to stifle. You're like my sister and to Caleb that not acceptable or comprehendible." Mark's teeth sunk into his bottom lip has he sat in contemplation.
"Despite what Caleb says just know that the friendship we have is always going to be here." I said pulling him into a side hug.
He allowed it for brief moment before quickly pulling away.
���No hugging." He said putting space between us once again.
Mark and I sat there for a while longer before heading back to the house. When we cleared the woods Mark turned to me.
"Shower when you get back. When you hugged me my sent lingered. To most it would be undetectable due to the short amount of time, but to an alpha you will reek."
I nodded my head and headed into the house before Mark. He stated that he was going to check in with patrol to make sure everything was safe still. I showered and climbed in too the bed too tired to get dressed.
I was awaking to a soft feathery kisses to my temple. My eyes opened to see Caleb sitting beside me. A smile instantly appeared on his face as I shifted closer to him. That's when I realized I was still in my towel.
"Caleb get out." I said pushing him away
"What?" he said laughing
I pushed him closer to the door before his face changed he grabbed my hands and held me to the wall as his nose turned up. He let go of me and began to walk around the room in search of something.
"What are you doing?" I asked as he threw up his pointer finger signaling one second.
He finally came across the clothes I left on the bathroom floor bringing them to his nose. An intense sound passed through him as his he shifted to Paene. His eyes glowed and his sharp claws extended. I caught the light as they bounced off his sharpened teeth.
"Mark" he gritted through his teeth
"Caleb calm down." I stood in his way
"Amira please move." He begged
"Caleb what is wrong? you need to calm yourself." I pleaded with him.
"Why do I smell Mark?" He asked me
Realization dawned on me as I began to catch up to his thought process. How did he smell anything on the clothes I barely hugged him.
"We were talking earlier." I said in panic.
"He would of had to have touch you for the smell to last on your clothes." Caleb eyes brightened.
"It was just a hug." I responded still in a state of panic.
Caleb lifted me gently by my shoulder and moved me aside. He raced from the room leaving me behind. I quickly pulled on a t-shirt and shorts before racing behind him. I entered into the room filled with commotion when I saw Mark flying though the wall and landing in the yard outside. The house shuttered as others raced to find supports.
"Caleb calm your-" Caleb pushed his father aside ignoring him. As he shot through the hole in the wall towards Mark.
I followed after him but they both were gone. I followed the scent of both of them into a clearing in the woods where they stood at a stand off in full wolf form. I paused looking at the beautiful grey and blacks weaved into the coat covering Caleb. I only briefly seen him last time, but now the majestic appearance of his wolf pulled me in. It wasn't until I seen Mark hit the tree after being flung from Caleb that I became aware of what I needed to do. I ran into the clearing placing myself between the two.
"Amira move." I heard Ava scream in panic.
I felt my eyes glow, nails extend and teeth elongate.
"Stop it!" I yelled at Caleb who shook his head as if someone was attacking him.
Once he stopped shaking he growled out in my direction urging me to move. I stood there as he advanced towards me taking small calculated steps. Unfazed by his form of intimidation I stood my ground. His eyes squint at me before he backed up slowly then ran towards me. I predicted his moves and adjusted my position as he jumped over me, placing me back infront of him. I was amazed at my speed and I am sure he was surprised as his eyes widened. I let out a loud growl that echoed throughout the woods. Caleb fell to the ground in human form.
"Why are you siding with him." He stood infront of me completely naked
"Your not listening to me." I said
He pulled me close to him and took in my scent through a deep breath. I looked behind me when I heard a noise. Mark stood with a deep wound on his shoulder that stood out while the others began to heal.
���Why is that one not healing?" I asked with concern
"It's a reminder. From an alpha." Caleb said pulling me closer
Alpha Victor draped a robe over Calebs shoulders as Alex and Cameron helped a limping Mark.
"Take him to the infirmary." Victor ordered before pulling Caleb, who would not let me go, towards the house.
As we approached the house there were supports put up in the hole of the wall and people were already fixing it.
"This is the second time you have put a hole in the house." Victor said as he laughed it off.
The luna appeared as she checked over Caleb, "Is Mark okay?"
"He is fine." The Alpha responded before turning to Caleb. "Why don't you go get properly dressed."
Caleb nodded his head and pulled me with him towards the stairs.
"She'll stay here with us." Victor halted Caleb
Caleb growled, but was met with a strong and more fierce growl.
"Go." His father ordered with a stern intent.
Caleb whimpered quietly as he headed up the stairs.
"Sorry about them. You must be scared again." Chrisette spoke as she guided me to the sofa. The Alpha behind us.
"This is typical of boys, usually newly changing pups, but sometimes the older ones get amped up too. Do you know what set him off?"
"I gave Mark a hug earlier. I showered but the smell was still on my clothes." I said
"Yes the alpha scent is a lot stronger, but even more so when we're a younger alpha." Victor explained.
"As a luna though you have to be careful. The only male wolf you should be close to is your mate. The jealousy is stronger in unbound and marked mates.It will die down once you guys go through the ritual. Even then it won't be appropriate for you to be so close to Mark."
"But I see Mark as a brother." I tried to make them understand
"But you're not, and Caleb does not see it as so."
"With all do respect this is between me and Caleb." I smiled at them and headed up stairs to find Caleb.
I found him in his room pulling on a clean shirt. When he spotted me he rolled his eyes. He looked like a little kid throwing a tantrum.
"Will that cut heal?"
Caleb moved quickly to me throwing me on his bed, "stop antagonizing me." He gritted out
I smiled up at him and kissed him. Though I know he was angry every move he made was gentle when it came to me.
"I'm not trying to." I said calmly with my arms wrapped around his neck holding him in place.
"Then why do you keep bringing him up and hanging around him?"
"So you know nothing happened between us yet you attacked him." I pointed out the flaw in his thinking
"The logical part of me knows he is my best friend and will never do that, and you as my mate wouldn't betray me. Yet the illogical thoughts fuel the wolf."
"Well you need to reign that in because besides you Mark is someone I really trust. He is been like a big brother since I first came here. I can't abandon that connection because our hormones are all crazy."
He let out a muffled growl and kissed me roughly on the lips. If he is gone to be rough with me, this I don't mind.
"Mine." He stated between kisses.
His kisses traveled down my jaw as his hands traveled up my sides. I was instantly consumed with pleasure as he continued to kiss towards my neck. Trying not to make any noises I bit in to my lip but stopped when a metallic taste pooled in my mouth. As soon as the smell of blood radiated into the air Caleb's mouth was back on mine as he cleaned up my lip with is tongue. When the bleeding stopped he turned his attention back to the crook of my neck where he continued to kiss and nibble. I winced when I felt something sharp pierce my skin slightly. Rational thought returned as I pushed him away. His eyes glowed brightly and his two of his teeth showed elongated. Was he transitioning?
"Caleb stop." I panicked unsure where his head was at this point.
"Mine" he growled as he ripped open the top of my shirt expose part of my breast.
��Stop." I raised my voice slightly as his head dropped and he began to kiss feverishly right above my breast.
His hand slid beneath my shirt stopping right above my belly button pinning me to the bed. The panic I was feeling wasn't because I felt I was in danger but because I felt he would take this too far losing himself in only the thoughts of pleasure. Though this felt nice, I knew it was not the right time. We weren't there yet. I heard my shirt rip further as he pulled the fabric with his teeth.
"CALEB STOP!" He shook his head squeezing his eyes shut.
My hand grasped his shoulder putting some space between us. I didn't move but watched as he fought for control. When his expression calmed he opened his eyes and his appearance was back to normal.
"I'm…I'm sorry." He pulled himself up and sat at the foot of the bed.
I could hear him taking deep breathes before he buried his face in his hands. Guilt hit me, I knew this was partially my fault. I scooted myself til I sat behind him and wrapped my arms tightly around him so he couldn't remove them.
"It's okay, I'm partially to blame." I said softly in to his shoulder blade.
"I usually have better control over my wolf." He sounded ashamed. "My wolf felt you were antagonizing us. Well we both did."
I pulled his face to the side with my body leaned into his back. I kissed him deeply trying to express my compassion for him.
"I promise that was not the case." I stated as I pulled away slightly.
"But you smiled at me, before mentioning his name again." He said with his eyes narrowed
"Thats what set you off? I smiled at you because I was admiring you." I placed my forehead against his and looked into his eyes.
"Oh… I was under the impression you were trying to set me off." The look of guilt filled his face
"I know Mark is a sore subject for you. I would never take that lightly." I said in a honesty tone as he stiffened.
"Why are you fighting so hard to have a relationship with him?"
I sat back on the bed folding my legs. I nawed on my bottom lip in thought. It was hard to explain but I knew he was listening and this a chance to try to get him to understand. Caleb adjusted himself so he was facing me wit his legs crossed as well.
"I feel this pull towards him, like we were meant to find each other. With him I feel safe. I know I can tell him anything without judgement." I refused to look at him not wanting to know if what I said was hurting him further
There was a pause before he spoke, "…Don't you feel all that with me. I know I feel that for you."His face contoured into confusion.
"It's different with you. My pull to you is driven by my passion. I feel that with out you around I cannot breathe. Even when you are by my side I want you closer, to hold you, touch, you, kiss you. What ever will connect us more. When we are close together I feel like we are in sync, our breathes, our movements, and out hearts. I Cannot possibly be or feel more connected to someone. I would give my life for you in a blink of an eye because without you I would be destroyed. I don't feel anything close to that with Mark."
Calebs hand pulled me to him as he kissed me as if driven by pure lust. The kiss deepened as he laid me back on the bed. This time it was different, there was no urgency and though his hands traveled they were never restricting. His touch was soft in its exploration of my body and his kiss was slow and sensual. We stayed like this with out any progression for several minutes before he pulled away looking agitated.
"Whats wrong?" I asked holding on to him so he couldn't pull too far from me.
"My mother is calling us for dinner. She has also expressed her concern as to rather your alive still." He stood on his knees right above me shaking his head with his hand placed to his forehead, "childish."
Caleb moved so he was sitting on the bed with his feet on the floor.
"When will I be able to communicate like that?" I questioned
"When you join the pack. It is part of the mating ritual we'll have." Caleb picked his shirt up off the floor. He must have took it off at some point after I was thrown on the bed.
"What is a part of the mating ritual?" I asked confused
"You joining the pack." He said pecking my lips. "Oh one last thing. Please don't get mad when you see Mark."
I my face scrunched up. Why does everything he say to me sound so confusing.
"The cut you seen earlier, it won't heal like the rest, right now it looks really nasty. But don't worry it has been treated and it will heal. There will just be a nasty scar."
"Why did it not heal like the rest?"
"Because is was a deep wound inflected by an alpha." He said proudly
"You did it on purpose." I stated in annoyance.
"I won't apologize for the scar. As an alpha it is my right to show brute force to tell everyone I am not to be challenged. If I fought him and didn't land a significant mark or killed him I would be labeled as weak."
I felt the testosterone resonate from him. He took a pause for second and he demeanor calmed.
"I know I can't stop you from running to his side, but please do not touch him. I don't think I can handle anymore tonight."
I was proud he was attempting to compromise. I knew his struggle, I would be pissed if another woman was by his side.
"Agreed." I said pulling him to the door.
I was abruptly stopped before I could turn the door nob.
"Grab one of my shirts. I'll kill every man in the room if they see you like this."
I looked down and seen my breast on full display. Shit. I forgot he ripped my shirt. He walked over to his draw and pulled out a shirt helping me pull it over my head.
"Thank you."
Once covered we headed to the dining room hand and hand. We walked into the room at the same time as Mark. My eyes instantly found the black stitches weaved into his skin, then area around it held a black color.
"Mark are-" I went to run to him when I felt Caleb stiffen next to me his face turned in the opposite direction.
I stopped and returned to Caleb's side sliding my hand into his. He looked at me in surprised.
"Are you Okay Mark?" I asked from beside Caleb.
"Don't worry Amira I am a strong wolf I can handle this."
"Its not like it's the first time." Alex jeered as he walked pass us.
"Alex." Caleb signaled to him to be quiet. "Come let's sit for dinner."
Caleb pulled me to shit in our usual seats. Conversation started slowly but eventually everyone got in to a comfortable vibe with each other. Caleb even seemed calmed and carefree after awhile joining in the conversation. I laughed along when Alex made is jokes though some were at the expense of others.
Among the commotion of everyone at the table I felt a gaze lingering on me. I looked in the direction and found the alpha's eye staring at me in deep thought. When he notice me looking he turned his gaze the other way. It was my turn to stair at him. What was he thinking? Was he mad at me about the way I left the conversation earlier? Or was he just not a fan of me? He must of felt my continuous gaze me cause he turned to me and smiled when our eyes met. I returned the favor the gesture and joined back in the conversation.
The rest of the week continue much the same. I woke up early Caleb drove me to my house and my dad brought me to the school. Caleb waited for me outside of the school and made sure I got to each of my classes. The one thing that seemed to change was that he allowed me time to spend with Mark. One day this week he left me and Mark at the table alone while he went to go talk to a teacher. The next day he asked mark to bring me home so he could go on patrol. I was happy that he was trying because I seen the effect it had on Mark. He was happier and seemed himself more. Still in the presence e of Caleb I keto my distance from Mark, which help their relationship return to normal.
There were still times when Caleb had to leave school before I did to look for the rogues. They caught one but he refused to give up the others. Asked both my father and Caleb what happened when they caught the rogues but neither of them wanted to tell me. It seemed that I have learned so much but at the same time there was till more that they refused to tell me. My father shared no new news about who I am and why this world was so dangerous to me. More so than just a few rogues running around.
This past weekend my parents came to Caleb's every day to visit me, but left after a fe hours.Everyone was trying their best to get along with each other for the benefit of me and Caleb's relationship. For this I was grateful. I felt that our relationship has grown more ass we spent more time getting to know each other. Though school wasn't hard in felt it often got in the way of the time I had with Caleb, that's why it was hard to motivate myself to get up this Monday morning.
Now I was sitting in the English class next to Mark as we listened to the teacher go on about a new assignment we had due next week. I was to interested in this assignment similar to the past assignments she has given us. All of the work was super easy which frustrated me to the core.
"Which assignment are you going to do?" Mark asked me
"I think I am going to do assignment A. It's easy and requires the minimum work ." I said looking at the prompt.
"They're both easy." Mark said looking over his paper.
"Exactly." I said throwing the paper down on the desk.
"Are you going to read the book."
"I have read of mice and men several times I probably know it by heart. I'll just watch the movie for a refresher." I said closing my eyes for a second.
"Let's watch it together."Mark said putting his prompt away.
"Is Caleb okay with that?" Alex turned around to us.
"I'll ask him to join us." I said thinking it through.
"Include us." Lexi stated
"fine with me." Mark said unaffected
"Me too." I said looking for the movie online.
"And can we get some help?" Alex asked
"I seen that coming." Both me and Mark said at the same time.
"Come on it is going to take you guys two seconds to write your paper." Alex pleaded with us m
"Fine." I said holding my hand up before he began to beg.
My nose turned to the air as a wif of several…wolfs hit me. My eyes felt a as if they began to flow as my vision zeroed in on ant near the teacher desk, six seat a head of me.
"Amira? Amira? You okay?" I felt Marks hand on my shoulders shaking me slightly.
My ears began to ring before the blaring sound of sneakers running across the gym floor resonated.
"AHHHHHH!" I screamed bringing my hand to my ears.
several sounds rang through my head, I shut my eyes from the blinding light, and tried to cover my nose.
"Mira, what's wrong." I felt myself being pulled in a set of arms I acknowledged was Caleb's
That's all I remember before everything went silent.
"I need you all in to wait in the hallway." I heard a familiar female voice speak
I felt hr presence over me as he took a towel over my forehead.
"You can open your eyes I know you're awake." She said to me
I opened my eyes to see Lucinda smile down at me.
"So you stopped taking your medicine?" She said with a slight chuckle.
I took my bottom lip into my mouth and peered at the door.
"It's okay they can't hear us." She brought the damp towel across my neck.
"Yeah. I was tired of feeling different then everyone else. It started with skipping one day and my sense increased. After that I was tired of listening to what everyone else was telling me to do and I wanted to make a decision for myself. So I took matters into my own hands."
"May not have been the right way to go about it." She said sitting me up slowly. "You have freaked out many people who care about you."
"I didn't mean to." I said unaware of the repercussion of my actions.
"The issues is at your age there are several changes your body would haven gone through right now. The medicine you are on has surpassed those changes. Instead of you slowly coming into those changes as you would have with natural aging, they are rapidly coming in." She poured some water into a cup and handed it to me. "If we made this decision together I would have tapered you off."
"I guess this can mark a dumb decision I have made." I said drinking the water.
"We all have made them." She said handing me my bag. "Everyone is eating for you."
She walked me into the living room where literally everyone was. Caleb and our friends, his parents, and my parents all stood around. Caleb rushed to my side first pulling me to him.
"Is she okay what happened?" My dad asked standing next to Lucinda.
"I told you taking this medications had some adverse effects." She reminded him
"This is because of the medicine?" My dads face filled with guilt
"No its because she stopped taking them." Lucinda rated me out.
I hid my face in Caleb's chest.
"She will quickly come into her wolf senses without the medication. Due to the years of suppression her body may be over whelmed for the next few days." Lucinda explained
"So do we put her back on the medicine to dull the effects." My mom asked
"Impossible. At this stage it's too late to try to suppress them. I can imagine it was already wearing off." Lucinda responded to my mom. "It is time for nature to take its course. When it become to painful you can try giving her these." Lucinda handed me a pill bottle.
"What is it?" The alpha asked
"It's like aspirin for wolfs. It may or may not work… Something tells me for her wolf it won't do much." She looked at me with inquisitive eyes
"At School she entered into paene in front of the whole class." Mark step forward.
embarrassment took over, shit!
"Did anyone see her?" Luna asked
"No we were infant of her." Alex assured everyone
���That is to be expected as both her wolf and human side learn to occupy the one vessel. I would keep her home for at least this week." Lucinda explained
Everyone stayed around for a little while longer asking all of their concerning questions. When it was time to leave I got in the car with Caleb.
"I will never admit this to anyone but I am kind of happy you stopped taking this pills. I am concerned about the discomfort you will face though." Caleb admitted to me.
"Why are you happy?"
"You'll finally feel what I feel for you." He said with no shame.