Amelia;
I woke up and sat bolt upright, I was out of breath and sweat was dripping from my head, it took me a while to snap out of the daze that I was in. It was just a dream! And yet, I couldn't shift the awful feeling that riddled my body. I shook my head and got out of bed. I needed a cold shower. I hurried into the bathroom and eagerly showered. I knew that I was going to need another one after this, but I didn't mind.
I stepped from the shower and threw on my clothes before hurrying down the halls unnoticed; I had decided to go earlier than I needed, so that I could avoid the others. Before I knew it, I was walking into the great hall that was at the back of the mansion; this was usually used as the ball room, but today it was my personal gym. We knew that no one really came in here, so it would be the safest place to train! The light brown glossed floors were gleaming like a mirror; who ever had cleaned it did a spectacular job; and I certainly did not envy them. The hall was incredibly big; you could have at least fit 500 people in here. I allowed myself to daydream; wondering what it could look like to attend one of the packs annual balls. I had never been to ball before, I could imagine myself wearing a stunning dress and dancing with my friends; and him, until the morning sun was beginning to peak up on the horizon, a girl could dream.
Today was the day that I would start learning to fight; properly. I wore a black spaghetti strap belly top and grey joggers; so that it was easier to move about. My dark long curls were put up in a messy bun on top of my head so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting tangled in it, and so that I wouldn't overheat. Now I just had to wait for Matt and Arlo. It was Saturday and pack meetings weren't held on the weekends; plus, Matt only trained the pack Monday to Friday; meaning that he was on his day off.
Matt had already set up for me. Two large training mats were placed on the floor, as well as the training weapons that he used to teach the others, I walked over to them; running the tips of my fingers over the thick wooden staffs, feeling the smooth grain of the wood before crossing my legs beneath me and dropping down onto the mat. Hopefully they wouldn't be much longer. I clasped my hands behind my head and laid back, staring at the ceiling. I thought back to my dream that I had, had the night before, maybe I just dreamt about the blue wolf because of mine and Arlo's conversation? It made sense though, everyone dreams about something that is playing on their mind, right? And perhaps I just felt such a deep connection to the wolves of the legends that they were all I could think about? Even while asleep. The sound of footsteps came from outside and I felt my whole-body tense in fear. Please don't say that someone is going to catch me in here! I held my breath as the footsteps grew closer before the double wooden doors flew open. I stared silently with wide eyes, my heart thumping in my ears; and the moment that I realised who it was the tension left me in a rush.
Finally, two of my favourite guys walked in who were about to start training me properly. I propped myself up on my elbows and watched as they both smiled as they saw me. I pushed up with my hands so that I was sitting up, and rubbed my hands together nervously taking in a deep breath. Arlo glanced up at me, he looked me up and down and smirked. I blushed and looked down at the floor. Every time he looked at me my heart skipped a beat, my face flushed, and I felt as though I couldn't breathe. No matter what he wore and no matter the situation, my attraction for my Alpha was growing alarmingly fast.
'Are you ready?' Arlo asked softly, grinning, standing in front of me. He was wearing a tight black T-shirt; that showed off far too much of that mind blowing body, and black jogging bottoms, his curls today were tied back into a short ponytail, I had only ever seen his hair down, I was surprised at how much I liked the "man bun" look on him. 'Matt is the packs best fighter; he will train you well.' He said walking over to the other side of the hall. I took another deep breath in and out.
'I'm ready.' I whispered.
'Of course, she's ready.' Matt shouted crossing his arms with a playful smile on his face. 'This girl has a fire in her, I am looking forward to the day she whoops your arse mate!' Matt teased, glancing over to his friend and smirking. Arlo narrowed his eyes and glared at the pair of us and shook his head gleefully.
'Sorry mate, that is never going to happen.' Arlo responded, folding his arms across his chest, causing his biceps and pecs to twitch and flex with the movement.
'Oh? And what is that supposed to mean?' I snapped playfully, placing my hands on my hips. Arlo waggled his eyebrows, clearly challenging me and I shook my head laughing. 'One day, I will kick your arse; Alpha. You have now set me a challenge, and I will gladly rise to the bait!' I said through giggles; although I was trying to sound serious.
'Guys! Focus!' Matt said, glaring at the pair of us. I bit my lip, trying my hardest to keep myself composed. But it was so hard to focus on anything when Arlo was sitting there, staring at me with those eyes that were beckoning me. 'Ok, Lia, just allow yourself to relax! I know that you are going to have to be someone to watch.' Matt said enthusiastically. I am glad Matt had confidence in me, because I certainly didn't. Matt gestured for me to follow him over to a stack of wooden shelves and pulled some items from it, before turning to wrap my hands up; protecting my knuckles and held up a black punching glove.
'The aim is to punch this as hard as you can, I know you can throw a punch so this shouldn't be too hard for you.' Matt smiled encouragingly. I did as he said and punched as hard as I could. The first punch I threw was weak and feeble. Any other werewolf would have probably at least caused him to stagger. I barely even made him move is hand. I turned my embarrassed stare to Matt, feeling the burn in my cheeks as my face flushed red.
'See, I told you that I was going to be useless at this!' I cried, dropping my head into my hands and growling in frustration.
'Hey, Lia.' Arlo called, raising himself up from the chair and slowly making his way towards me. I turned my eyes to meet his stare and waited for him to continue. 'I want you to focus all of your strength and anger into that punch. Every bad word that someone has said against you, every time that someone or something had left you hurt or heartbroken. Use that energy and push it into your punch.' He added, gently running his hands up and down my arms. It was in that moment that I lost concentration on everything else, and it was just me and him. Matt cleared his throat, snapping us both out of our own little worlds and causing us to look over to him.
'You, go and get warmed up again, we will continue with the punches in a moment.' He said, pointing at me. 'And you, get out of here and let the poor girl concentrate! How is she ever going to learn anything when her alpha is sat there staring at her!' he continued, turning his pointing finger from me to Arlo.
Arlo rolled his eyes and shook his head.
'Ok, ok. I am going' he said with a chuckle, holding his hands up defensively. I watched as he crossed the room and the moment that the doors closed with a bang, I squeezed my eyes tightly shut and mentally removed all thoughts of Arlo from my mind and turned back to Matt; who was now getting back into position with the punch pads. I rolled my neck on my shoulders, bouncing on the spot for a moment; reminding myself of a boxer waiting to get in the ring with his opponent. I exhaled through my nose and narrowed my eyes at the pad in front of me.
I raised my fists just in line with my chin and focused on all my anger. I held my breath and allowed all the hurt in my life to come rushing to the surface; and goddess knows, that's a lot! I shakily pulled my right arm back and pushed all my anger into my punch. The minute that my fist connected with the pad, a driving energy swirled inside me, bringing with it an anger that was alien to me. I punched the pad over and over again, not caring how I looked anymore. I kept on jabbing, left, right, left, right, and I could feel my rage rolling in the pit of my stomach. I lost all sight of everything other than my own anger. Maybe if I had been paying attention a little more closely, I would have noticed when Matt moved the pad down. But it was too late. The sound of my fist hitting skin made my stomach drop and I watched as Matt tumbled backwards, rubbing his jaw.
'Oh, my Goddess! Matt, I am so sorry!' I cried, rushing over to him and helping him back to his feet. 'Are you ok?' I asked. Matt turned his stare to look at me for a moment with a look in his eyes that I couldn't place; when he did the unexpected. He threw his head back and laughed. A lot!
'Excellent Amelia!' He chuckled, still rubbing his face; which was now turning red. Woah, how hard did I hit the poor guy? He cleared his throat and winked at me. 'Keeping going, imagine this is Lori's face.' He added, waving the paddle in the air. 'Not this.' He added; then pointing to his own face. My face flushed and I bit my lip, I wasn't sure if that was to stop me from laughing or crying; or possibly both? When he leapt back up to his feet and rolled his shoulders, holding the pads out for me once again.
'Are you sure that you want to do this again? What if I hurt you again?' I asked, feeling a little uneasy at the thought of hitting Matt again. He rolled his eyes and moved closer to me.
'Lia, I literally do this for a living. I am the one that teaches the younger pack members how to fight. So, please, stop worrying ok?' I nodded and drew in another deep breath. Ok, here we go. I closed my eyes and allowed my anger to build inside me once again. I threw my first punch and was filled with another rush, this time it felt as though every hit on the pad eased my pain a little. No wonder people worked out when they were stressed!
Although my hands were wrapped up, my knuckles hurt. I could already feel them burning from connecting to the leather pads and my skin was becoming red and slightly bruised; but I didn't care! I don't know how long I had been punching, but I could already feel the beads of sweat gathering on my forehead and others trickling down my spine. The temperature in the room had suddenly felt as though it had increased by 10 degrees and my lungs were beginning to burn from the over exertion. I stopped, bending over slightly and placed my hands on my knees, panting for breath when Matt jogged over offered me a bottle of water. I took it without hesitation and drained half of the contents in one gulp. The moment that cold refreshing liquid washed down my throat I began to feel my energy returning to me.
'Now for self-defence.' Matt said, dropping the punch pads to the ground beside us and snapping me from my thoughts. I stood up straight again and suddenly the world around me wobbled and the edges of my vision darkened. I seriously needed a shit load of training! Matt reached out and steadied me, keeping his hand on my shoulder for a moment, waiting for me to tell him that I was good to continue. He cleared his throat and I turned my eyes to meet his.
'So, let's try a little bit of combat now. I know that you really aren't that keen on this part, but trust me, this is going to be the part that benefits you the most.' Matt said smiling. I gulped down a deep breath and rolled my shoulders, hearing them crack and release their pressure. Matt stood in front of me and gestured for me to throw the first punch. And me being me, had to rise to the challenge!
I don't know why I expected any different but; Matt whooped my arse at self-defence. My back hurt from being pinned down so many times, but I didn't feel as defeated this time, I was being trained by the packs best fighter and he was my friend, I felt so lucky.
I had friends who cared about me, and my Alpha wasn't too much of an arsehole, so that was a plus. I suddenly realised that I had everything that I had ever wanted, right here within with walls. Matt and I continued to train, I don't know how long it was, but the morning sun moved into the afternoon, and then that faded into dusk. The only time we stopped was when Arlo came by with two large plates loaded up with so many different types of food. I never realised how hungry I was until I laid eyes on those plates and my stomach screamed out in protest. As soon as we had eaten; Matt was giving me another round of intense training. I had literally never worked so hard at anything in my life, and there was a feeling of satisfaction that it brought with it.
By the time that we did eventually stop, Matt was stood here in nothing but his shorts, his face was slightly flushed, and he had a few beads of sweat gathering on his forehead. I on the other hand; was as red as a beetroot, my lungs were burning as though I had just breathed in thick smoke from a camp fire, every bone, muscle and joint in my body were screaming out in pain and I had sweat truckling down my back and soaking into the material of my clothes. Matt locked eyes on me and looked me up and down.
'Well, I must say Lia, before we started this training today, I said that I thought you would be one to watch. Now, I take that back. You are definitely one to watch. Just after one day, look how far you have come.' Matt said, sounding pleasantly surprised. I offered an embarrassed smile and tucked one of my lose strands of dark hair behind my ear.
'I guess that's just because you are such a good teacher!' I replied, smiling with pure happiness. Matt nodded and turned back to face me.
'I wish that that was true, but trust me, I have seen a change in you that I don't see in most of my fighters for at least the first six weeks.' Matt paused for a second and rolled his shoulders once more. 'Why don't you got hit the showers. I think that this is enough training for one day. I don't know about you, but after today I feel like I could sleep for a week!' I nodded and slowly turned, dragging my feet towards the exit. He wasn't wrong. I had worked my arse off today, and every muscle was burning. I was even feeling pain in muscles that I never knew that I had! I fled from the great hall and made my way up to my room. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I was actually happy. Genuinely happy!
Arlo;
I dropped lunch off to Matt and Amelia before heading back to my office to sort through the agendas for the next pack meeting. I hadn't been there long when a knock at my door brought my attention away from work.
'Come in!' I called, without looking up from the pages before me. The door opened and my father walked in; this time alone.
'Arlo, we need to talk.' He barked, closing the door with a slam behind him. I let out a sigh and leant back in my chair.
'What is it now?' I asked, not in the mood for all the drama again. I didn't need him to answer my question, I knew what was coming, but I braced myself anyway.
'You need to call things off with Amelia. She is not good for the image of this pack! The rumours surrounding her are spreading through the pack like wildfire. Did you know that she was having sex with that Mutt in the stables?' He continued. I rolled my eyes and dropped my head onto the back of my desk chair.
'And who told you that?' I asked, sounding more than a little bored.
'Everyone! It is said that they were seen coming out of the stables looking extremely flustered, and that he ran out after her before they kissed in the rain. How do you think that is making you look? A girl that you are interested in is fraternising with Mutts? Do you not think that people are starting to question your authority with her? You are letting her get away with far too much… and your mother…'
'Speaking of mother, where is she?' I asked, raising an eyebrow.
'She is out shopping. That is why I thought that now was the perfect time to talk to you about this. Man to man.'
'So, you waited for mother to be out before bringing this up again?' I asked with a smirk. My father narrowed his eyes at me and let out a low growl; his tell-tale warning that he was losing his temper.
'This is not a game.'
'I know it's not. But as I said before; you and mother requested that I get close to her… because she is different and needs to be kept an eye on and now that I am and you do not like how she is with the Mutts, you want me to stop?! Well I won't stop, because she may be different from everyone else, but she is actually a really nice girl. Now I wish that you would stop interfering in my affairs and leave me to lead this pack. You may have been the alpha once, but now it is my turn. So maybe you can leave me to judge things for myself?'
'That night at the pub. You ordered that Mutt back into the building. What happened when you did that?'
'He did as he was told!' I snapped, starting to feel a little irritated. What was my father's problem? Why was he acting this way?
'Did he? You know that for sure?' He asked sarcastically. I opened my mouth and hesitated for a moment, allowing my thoughts to drift back to that night. I ordered him back into the pub and he… My eyes widened as realisation hit me. I ordered him back inside and he… he stood in the doorway. He never did what I ordered. And I used my alpha's influence. What the fuck was going on here? No one is resistant to the alpha influence. It is an ability that a werewolf gains the moment that they become the alpha. No one; especially Mutts, are able to resist the orders that are given to them. I turned my angry stare back up to my father's smirking face and growled. He was right. Something wasn't right here. And it had to have something to do with Amelia!
'See, something is not right here son!' My father said, his voice stern.
'How did you know that he resisted the alpha's influence?' I asked, my voice sounding hollow and drained.
'Like I said Arlo, rumours are spreading like wildfire.' He replied with a heavy sigh.
I glanced over to the clock on the wall and noticed that it was nearly time for dinner. I stormed past my father, and headed out into the hall, before storming up to my room. Things needed to change. I couldn't let the pack see that my authority was starting to be questioned by others!
Amelia;
By the time I was showered and changed, it was dinner 6 pm and dinner time and thank Selene because I was so hungry. I know that we ate so much food at lunch, but us werewolves have a high metabolism, so that means that we get really hungry really fast. As usual I was late, arriving just before Arlo and his parents and my father and Charlie gave me their usual disapproving looks. Although this time, I strolled into the room with my head held high. I was not letting anything bring me down this evening. I turned my stare to Lori who was glaring at me. Not even she was getting to me today. I stopped at my chair and sighed loudly.
'Late again; Amelia.' Charlie hissed as I stood behind my chair. I rolled my eyes and ignored him being a dick again. 'I am talking to you; Mutt.' He mumbled under his breath still glaring at me. Again, I ignored him, and it angered him even more, he slammed his hand down on the table and growled at me 'I said I am talking to you.' I turned my stare to him and smirked, sticking my middle finger up in the process. One day I would hurt him so badly; that he would never disrespect me again. I would make sure of it.
'Charlie! Amelia! What hell is going on?' Arlo roared, entering the room causing everyone in the hall fall silent. Arlo stared at his beta, who was too busy staring at me to notice.
'She was being disrespectful.' Charlie sneered. I looked at my brother in confusion.
'How was I being dis-respectful, I chose to ignore you because I do not want to argue again.' I said defensively. Charlie laughed at me mockingly,
'You are disrespectful, you are always late, you talk to your Alpha like he is one of your friendly Mutts and you gave an Elite member two black eyes and you stick your middle finger up at me! Know your place; Amelia.' I couldn't believe what was going on. In order to stop an argument breaking out I ignored Charlie, admittedly I swore at him but who wouldn't do that? But instead it made things worse and he had to cause a scene. I just couldn't win; I would never win. I looked up at Arlo trying to read his face, but his eyes were black, he was angry.
'Amelia; I would like to talk to you in my office.' He grumbled as Charlie started smirking. I looked at my father, when will you ever defend me? I thought sadly, I looked at Eddie who had his head down,
'Not either of you then, no?' I asked glancing at them both. 'He starts on me and not one of you will defend me?' I waited for them to respond and laughed. Not one of them would ever protect me. I pushed my chair into the table with force and stormed out of the dining hall. I am done with this.
'What?' I snapped as Arlo lent against his desk with his arms crossed. 'Why am I being called in here when I have done nothing wrong?'
'People are talking; Amelia… about us.' He replied.
'And?' I questioned; a bad feeling started building in the pit of my stomach.
'And, I can't be seen with you, like that. I can't defend you against my Beta and I can't let you get away with everything that I have been letting you get away with. I mean look at what just happened. You and Charlie arguing in the dinner hall, in front of everyone. That is my pack and my Elites are being disrespectful to one another. It's not fair to them and I cannot have anyone thinking something is going on between us.' My heart sank at his words. 'Not only that but rumours are spreading about you and Ethan. You slept with him, didn't you?' My jaw dropped and I stared at my Alpha, anger bubbling up through me.
'Are you joking? Are you actually being serious right now? No! No, I didn't fucking sleep with him! How dare you even ask me that!' Relief washed over Arlo's face and then his expression turned serious again.
'Wherever you go trouble follows, the Elites are questioning my authority insisting that I am showing too many signs of weakness. And that is because of you, with you I am weak, I don't know why, but I am. I am so sorry; Amelia. But I just can't do this with you.'
'Do what with me? We aren't doing anything Arlo; we are friends, are you not allowed to be friends with me? With anyone that isn't an Elite?' a tear fell down my cheek, this was hurting, more than I cared to admit.
'But we aren't just friends, are we? There is something more going on and I can't allow that to happen, especially when you are kissing Mutt's! Anyway, I have a pack to run. A job to do and you are a distraction.'
'That is a load of shit and you know it!' I cried walking over to him. 'Why are you really doing this? Is it because to everyone here I am scum? Because I have respect for people no matter what their status is? Or is this really because of Ethan?'
'No! Listen to me; Amelia! I can't be anything but your Alpha! I cannot imprint with you, it will never happen, and I do not want to fall for someone I can never be with, we can never be together and the sooner we both accept that the better.' He shouted.
'Tell the truth! It's nothing to do with that! You just don't want to be with me, you don't want to be with someone that your perfect Elites will never accept. This is not you talking Arlo, it's them! You call yourself an Alpha, but you are ruled by others. That is not an Alpha. That's pathetic!' I stormed out of the office slamming the door behind me, not bothering to wait for another answer that was an obvious lie. I couldn't believe what had just happened. It was only last night he was holding me, making me think that maybe there was a future for us somewhere; and now this.
I started walking to Piper's house, I had called ahead to ask her if I could stay at their house for a couple of days, I needed some time away from the mansion and from everyone in it. Matt had to stay with Arlo and eat dinner, he was the packs Delta, the next in line after the Beta wolf. I knew Matt wouldn't agree with this, he wouldn't agree with Arlo, but he had to stay loyal to his best friend and his pack. And I understood it.
'Hi, Hun.' Piper smiled opening her front door.
'Amelia, What a pleasant surprise. I would just like to say that it will be a pleasure having you stay with us, and if you need or want anything, anything at all, then please don't hesitate to ask.' Pipers mother said, appearing beside her daughter and gesturing for me to enter. I smiled at the woman and nodded.
'Thank you so much Mrs-'
'Please, call me Tanya.' She said, cutting in and smiling kindly. Tanya stepped aside and directed me up to Pipers bedroom, before quickly hurrying back down to the kitchen. Piper took my bag, hanging it on the end of the bed, before turning to face me.
'What happened?' She asked, with a look of concern in her eyes. I sighed and dropped down beside her; fighting the urge to cry.
'It is such a long story. Basically, Arlo is a prick!' I growled, clenching my teeth and shaking my head in frustration. Pipers eyes widened and her mouth fell open. It suddenly dawned on me that people probably weren't used to pack members talking about their alpha this way.
I sighed once more and smiled. 'Everything is just getting a little much for me. I am sick of all these rules. Charlie accused me of being disrespectful, Arlo agreed. So, I left… oh and apparently, I had sex with Ethan! Funny thing is; I don't recall that happening, but obviously they know more about my life than I do, everyone else said that it happened; so, that must make it true.' I said sarcastically.
'Oh, Lia. I am so sorry. You know that you can stay here as long as you like. My mum has already said so and if it is any consolation; I didn't believe that awful rumour.'
'As long as I'm not imposing. I am sorry about putting you in this position. I just had to get away and you were the first person that I thought to call.'
'You have nothing to apologise for. I wouldn't have seen you stuck somewhere that you didn't want to be. And my mum has said that she is so happy that you thought of us as a place to escape to. As you know, us Mutts aren't really thought of by the Elites. The only time they do is when they are abusing us.' Piper said, gesturing to the extremely sore looking wound on her head.
'That is so wrong! I just don't understand how people could treat others in this way.'
'And that is what makes you so special sweetheart.' Tanya said, entering the room and smiling over to us. 'Now, I have just put the kettle on. So, how about we all go down and have a nice cup of tea? I put some cookies in the oven the moment that I heard you were on your way here. Triple chocolate chip.' She added smiling sweetly.
'That would be lovely, thank you so much Mrs- I mean, Tanya.' I watched as Pipers mother turned away and made her way back down to the kitchen as me and Piper both rose from the bed. I took a step towards the door when the distant sound of the lullaby filled my ears. I spun around on the spot and stared out of Pipers bedroom window and noticed that it overlooked the gates and stared out deep into the forest. The call continued, seemingly beckoning me to follow. I stepped closer to the window and placed my hand on the glass, refusing to blink, or tear my gaze away from the dark forest.
'Hey, Lia… what's up?' Piper asked, placing her hand on my shoulder causing me to flinch. 'Woah.' She said, taking a step back and holding her hands up defensively. 'Is everything ok? You look like you have seen a ghost.' I sighed and forced a smile.
'Of course, I just thought that…' I was cut off midsentence once more as the lullaby echoed around me once more. 'Did you hear that?' I asked, still refusing to take my stare away from her window. Piper stepped closer to me and followed my stare, standing in silence for a moment before shaking her head.
'No. I… I don't hear anything.' She replied, looking at me from the corner of her eyes. 'Lia… are you sure that everything is ok?' I sighed and pushed the calling to the back of my mind, trying my hardest to block it all out. I trusted Piper with my life. But this secret, it was something that I had fought against my entire life, and now it was finally about to come out. A single tear rolled down my cheek as the fear took over me.
'Pipes, I…' I paused and shook my head, sitting on the edge of her bed once more. 'All my life… I have heard this… calling… a lullaby. I hear it in my dreams. I hear it when I am awake. I heard it that day that I ran away from the cottage. And I hadn't heard it again until that morning that I woke in the medical ward, after Lori and her goons beat the crap out of me.'
'Lia, I don't mean for this to sound insensitive but… I don't think that that is normal. I mean, I have never heard anything like that… but then I am a Mutt. But I am pretty sure that it is something that we would have been taught about growing up.'
'That's what I was afraid of.' I whispered, sounding defeated. We sat in silence for a few moments, before she spoke again.
'Do you know what it is that this… calling is saying to you? I mean, you said that it was a lullaby, so does that mean that it has words?' I shook my head.
'It's more like someone singing the tune of a song. The only time that I hear the words are in my dreams. But… by the time that I wake up, I can't remember what the words are.' I hesitated. 'Piper… do you think… do you think that there is something wrong with me?' I asked, turning my saddened stare towards my best friend.
Piper hurried over to me and pulled me to my feet, staring at me intently. We stood in silence for a few seconds, her seemingly trying to figure me out.
'Do you know what. Yes. There is something wrong with you. You're a freak Amelia Hunt.' Piper said plainly. My eyes fell open in shock from her words, especially as they were matched with a serious look on her face. I held my breath as I tried to understand what was happening when a smile broke out across Pipers face. 'You… an Elite, are nice to all the Mutts you see. You stand up for yourself against the alpha. You treat everyone you meet with love and compassion. You are a major freak Amelia. And do you know what. That is why I love you. And I am so proud to call you my best friend.'
I felt as though my heart was about to explode as I narrowed my eyes playfully at my friend, grinning wildly.
'Piper… I may be a freak… but you… you are a bitch.' I giggled, bumping her with my hip. We both dropped back onto her bed laughing as she beat me playfully. She leapt back up to her feet and pulled me to mine.
'Come on. Let's go and get that tea before my mum thinks that we have run off into the sunset.' She said still giggling, pulling me in for a hug and kissing my cheek. Through all the sadness that was happening with me currently, in this moment, I couldn't have been happier. Is this what it felt like to have a "true" friend?
The two of us made our way down the stairs and I followed Piper into her cosy kitchen. I had never felt so comfortable in a house like this. Not even the one that I grew up in with my grandparents. I sat at the table as Piper made tea, her back was turned to me which gave me a chance to look at her head, the healing process had started but it was slow. Why did I heal so quickly, and she and Lori didn't? I guess that was just another thing to add to my list of things that I didn't understand.
I had been at Piper's house for a week now, even when she returned to work and went for the Pack meals, I didn't leave at all, hiding away was better than having to face everyone and that degrading rumour. She and her mum made me up a bed on the floor of Piper's bedroom although I ended up sleeping in Pipers bed with her and I would tidy their home when they were all at work, they said I didn't have to, but I wanted to, for me it was a way of saying thank you. Matt would come over and do some training with me in their back garden for an hour a day; Piper had even started joining in. We never discussed Arlo at all, I guess he didn't know what to say and I didn't want to talk about it, he was my Alpha; and nothing more.
I had just finished hoovering the bungalows main hallway when I heard the doorbell ring. In the whole week of me staying here; other than Matt, we hadn't had any visitors. I switched the hoover off and slowly made my way to the front door and sucked down a deep breath. I didn't know if anyone other than Piper, her mother and Matt knew where I was or not, I was hoping that I was going undetected. But living with creatures that were some of the best scent followers in the world probably meant that everyone knew where I was. I looked through the peep hold and gasped; Marie was waiting for me to answer the door. I sighed softly and cursed under my breath before hesitantly pulling the door open.
'Hey.' I smiled opening the front door, moving aside so she could come in.
'Hello, sweetheart. How are you?' she asked looking around.
'I am okay.' Pausing for a moment. I took a step back and gestured for her to enter the house. I wonder if Marie had ever been to any of the houses of the "Mutts" before? I waited for her to be in the hall before closing the door and leading her into the kitchen.
'We miss having you at the mansion.' She said sitting on one of the stools. I turned the kettle on to boil and lent against the kitchen side.
'You mean, you and Matt miss having me at the mansion.' Marie paused for a second and then weakly smiled.
'Not just me and Matt.' I sighed and got two cups out from the cupboard which was on the kitchen wall.
'He made his feelings perfectly clear to me last week at dinner.' I replied, feeling the burn of anger rush through me at the very memory. 'I know he's my alpha, and your son but he can be such a-' I stopped and pressed my lips into a thin line. This was not the time or place to have this rant. Especially to his mother! I decided it was best to change the subject. 'Arlo, told me that you are originally from another pack?' I poured us both a cup of tea and sat on a stool opposite Marie.
'Yes I am. I am originally from the Shadowfang pack, my mother at the time was the Alpha's daughter and she fell in love with a Mutt…; Marie paused and shook her head before continuing. 'Sorry sweetheart, I just hate using that word, let me rephrase, she fell in love with someone who wasn't an Elite and got pregnant with me. Once I was born, she abandoned me in the woods, just outside of our territory. I am not sure if she left me to die or if she hoped someone would find me but thankfully my adoptive father did whilst out hunting. They raised me; him and his wife, my adoptive mother, as if I were their own, always making sure that I had everything I ever could have wanted and more. I am extremely lucky, I now that not everyone who has had a life like mine could say the same.' She said, smiling sympathetically. I creased my brow in confusion and considered her words for a moment. Was I supposed to understand what it was that she meant by that? Perhaps she was referring to my father and my brother? Marie looked sad for a moment and then she smiled at me reassuringly.
'Have you ever been curious about possibly finding your biological parents?' I asked.
'That would be difficult darling, my biological parents were both murdered by the Alpha at the time… my mother's father, and he didn't stop there, he tried to have me killed when I was a child also. That is one of the reasons why we do not get on with that particular pack. It's only because I became Luna that he couldn't hurt me. Thankfully he is dead now, but my uncle took over and was just as bad as his father.' She paused for a moment, her gaze snapping from her distant memory back to my face and a slight blush crept across her cheeks. 'I am sorry sweetheart, you must think I am so horrible, thinking that way about my own biological family.' She added with a sad smile.
'Not at all! I can't believe that people would stoop that low. All because someone wasn't in a certain class? That is a vile way to live!' I retorted, balling my hands into fists under the table. I have never met a woman as sweet and kind-hearted as Marie; other than Tanya and her daughter of course, and to think that there was someone in the world that wanted to take this beautiful woman's life for being "wrong" in their eyes! In that moment I felt so bad for Marie. She must have lived in so much fear, maybe that was why she had always been so kind to me; because of the family that I came from. I am just glad she was found and got her happy ending. I looked down at the table.
'Marie; could you possibly tell me more about the legend, of the twins?' She shook of her and smiled
'Darling that is just a silly made up story, but I do have something to say.' She paused and then smiled, her blue eyes twinkling 'Amelia, just remember, it's not where you came from that defines you, lineage does not matter, status does not matter, parents do not matter. What matters is that you do not give up on yourself and keep being the good person that you are, fight for what is right no matter who tries to stand in your way.' Unshed tears shimmered in her eyes as she rose from her stool and turned back toward the front door.
'Thank you, Marie.' I said, my voice small. Marie turned and pulled me in for a tight warm embrace, kissing the top of my head and then holding me out and arm's length before looking me up and down.
'Remember Amelia, that beauty is found within. And not everyone could have as much beauty on the inside as they have on the outside. You are a rare one, Amelia Hunt.' With those final words, she gave me a wink and disappeared out the door.
After Marie left, I sat and thought about our conversation, why did she just change the subject after I brought up the legend? Why was she happier to talk about her sad past then that? I shook my head You're just overthinking all of this; Amelia …but why? I thought to myself.
Piper came home at half past 2 and sat with me in her bedroom.
'How are you feeling?' she asked, wondering if I was ready to go back to the pack mansion.
'Like I need to get my own house.' I replied, gazing out of the window. 'But I would have to ask Arlo for that, and I doubt he would allow me to have one.' Piper sighed and followed my gaze as I stared at the woods.
'You're not thinking of leaving, again are you?' she asked, sounding panicked.
'No, but I am thinking of biting the bullet and asking Arlo if I can move out of the pack mansion. I wonder if I can voluntarily become a… Mutt? I am not welcome to them and I can't keep putting myself through torture anymore.' I picked up my mobile and searched for Arlo's name and I started composing a message.
Amelia: I want to move out of the Mansion, so I was wondering if you would allow me to move in one of the empty houses, I could start working in the kitchen and do some jobs to earn my keep.
Arlo: No!!
Amelia: Why?!
Arlo: Because I said no!
Amelia: I am not staying at the Mansion; I am not welcome there by anyone one other than your mother and Matt. Your being selfish! And anyway, me moving out would help the rumours about 'us' stop spreading and then that way your life would be a lot easier. Wouldn't it? So just let me move into one of the houses…please
Arlo: My life would be easier if you stopped sulking and come back here! You are so stubborn!
Amelia: Sulking? What the fuck Arlo? I am not sulking… and my answer is NO! I do not want to go back to the shitty mansion, I hate being there, I would rather sleep in the stables with Pretty Girl! You are being so unreasonable now!
Arlo: Amelia I swear to Selene, you will come back to the mansion even if that means I have to bring you back myself! Get your stuff ready and come back… please, if you don't then I will come and get you myself.
I threw my phone on the floor and growled in frustration.
'I hate him!' I cried staring at Piper, a smile crept across her lips and she started giggling. 'What? What is so funny?' I grumbled. She shrugged.
'I think you have met your match in him, I have never known such a stubborn couple in my life, you were made for each other, I swear it.'
'We are not a couple! And we are not made for each other, he is an Elite and I am not; or I won't be once he agrees to revoking my status. We won't ever be able to imprint with each other so it's just a lost cause,' I said sulkily crossing my arms. We sat in silence for a few more seconds before Piper started shifting eagerly. She clearly wanted to ask something but didn't know how… I sighed and turned to face her. 'Just say it.' I said with a smile.
'Ok, I have been dying to know about this… you and Ethan? I mean. He is so hot. But… he's a Mu-' Piper paused as I narrowed my eyes at her before correcting herself. 'I mean, a Non-Elite. So, what is the truth about you and Ethan?' I paused for a second as I tried to process her questions. What were my intentions with Ethan? I really did like him. A LOT. But he wasn't Arlo.
'If I am honest, I really like him.'
'But, what about Arlo?'
'He infuriates me! He is stubborn, moody, sulky…' I paused as I took in the look on Pipers face. A cross between fighting the urge to laugh and confusion. 'What?' I snapped impatiently. She rolled her eyes.
'Hey, that sounds just like someone else that I know…' She said plainly with a slight shrug. I narrowed my eyes at her and hit her with one of the pillows from her bed.
'Now that's rude!' I said with a giggle.
'Rude… but true.' She cackled, throwing her head back and laughing hysterically.
'In all honesty, I do really, really like Arlo. But there are rules to follow. He told me that himself!'
'Hey, listen; stranger things have happened, like you always say to me, you have always been so different, and the normal rules definitely do not apply to you! Selene knows what hope the rest of us have, because I personally think you were made for each other. And if the Goddess hasn't made that official then I think she needs to have a stern word with herself!' She said rubbing my tense back. My phone buzzed again. Piper and I glanced down at it before looking at one another.
'Leave it!' I muttered, turning to look back out of her bedroom window. Piper sighed and reached for my phone glancing at the screen. I had a couple more texts from Arlo.
'Read them.' Piper said passing me my phone and placing it in my palm.
Arlo: Answer me.
Arlo: For fuck sake! Why are you being so stubborn?
Arlo: I am sorry for what I said… I was wrong, I shouldn't have listened to anyone, now will you please answer me.
Arlo: Fine! I am on my way to you now.
Arlo: I am nearly at Piper's house, stop ignoring my messages!
I growled angrily as I replied to his last text.
Amelia: Turn around! I am not coming back to the mansion, even if that means I live in the stables with Pretty Girl.
Arlo: Too late, I am outside.
I let out another growl of frustration. This man was seriously starting to piss me off! I rose from Pipers bed and stomped down the stairs; storming to the front door.
'What do you want; Alpha?' I grumbled closing the front door, so I was now standing outside with him. Arlo looked at me and then narrowed his eyes.
'What do you think you are playing at?'
'Excuse me? Arlo, What the fuck do you want? I have nothing to say to you!'
'I want you to come back to the mansion.' He replied, slowly starting to walk towards me.
'I don't want to come back though. It's horrible there, I hate it. Everyone thinks it's okay to talk to me like I am a piece of shit. I am so fed up of it all. I am not even allowed to defend myself without getting into trouble. I try to ignore the comments but somehow I am still in the wrong and to top it all off I am being accused of sleeping around with everyone.' I grumbled slowly backing away from him. He growled in frustration and grabbed my wrist before pulling me back towards the mansion. I tried to fight him. Well, I sort of tried to fight him, it bugged the hell out of me that even just the feel of his hand on my skin was sending fireworks shooting across my arm. We continued onwards, ignoring all the pack members that we passed. Arlo hadn't acknowledged any of them.
We went to his bedroom, both ignoring everyone's stares as I followed him up the stairs.
'So, I have another apology to make.' Arlo started as he sat on his settee. 'I should have never said all of that, you were right and before you say anything, you are part of this pack whether anyone else likes it or not. And that is why you are not moving into one of the houses. You are going to stay here and as your Alpha I will defend and protect you. Just like I should have done in the first place.' His face was serious, and he sounded sincere.
'What about them questioning your authority?' I asked crossing my arms across my chest as I lowered myself down onto the deep purple rug which was next to the settee. Note to self, I think that this rug was softer than most beds I had ever slept in! I needed one of these!
'What about it? They can't question me; I am a good alpha and I look after my pack. I haven't let the power go to my head like most Alpha's do and I won't be told I am wrong for choosing who I want to be with. And I want to be with you.'
'But wherever I go trouble follows and I am a distraction' I said repeating the words he said a week before.
'Then let it follow, it's nothing I can't deal with and you are a good distraction. I am still working my arse off for this pack and in my spare time I spend it with my friends, just like I should do and plus I really like being around you.' He said a smile breaking out across his face. I couldn't help but smile back at him, this man way driving me crazy! Literally! He reached forward and took hold of my hands. 'Am I forgiven now?' he asked pulling me over to him.
'I don't know; Alpha. I need your word that you're going to let me have my own house, with one of those amazing rugs and then maybe I will consider forgiving you.' I smirked. A light in Arlo's eyes flashed and it was a cuteness that was almost too much to deal with. He reached down and helped me to my feet before leading me over to the sofa. He sat down and I mimicked his actions; all the while, climbing onto his lap, both of my legs were bent either side of him and I was sitting on his crotch.
'You think your funny huh?' he growled looking into my eyes. I smirked at him and nodded,
'Yup, and so do you.' I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes as he wrapped his big arms around my waist.
'I have missed this.' He whispered.
'Me too' I admitted lifting my head to look at him. I stared into his golden eyes and allowed myself to get lost for a moment. Before I had a chance to process anything, I pushed my face forward and slowly locked my lips on his.
I pulled back from the kiss and stared deep into his golden eyes once more. I was scared to admit it, but I could slowly feel myself falling in love with him. How could I be so stupid? I knew that it wasn't a good thing. Nothing good would ever come from falling in love with an alpha. I had read all about it in one of the many ancient books of our kind in the library. The moment that he imprinted with someone else, I knew that it would be over for us. There was no guarantee that a werewolf would imprint. But the alpha always found their Luna. I guess that the Goddess made sure that that happened. I sighed softly and dropped my gaze down to our interlocked hands. I could feel every little movement that he made, it sent jolts of electricity rushing up my arm, seemingly directly into my heart.
'Why are you sad?' Arlo asked, snapping me out of my deep thoughts. I plastered a smile on my face and shook my head lightly.
'I'm not sad. Was just thinking I replied with a shrug. He ran his finger over my lips and smiled, a twinkling in his eyes. I leant forward and kissed him passionately, running my fingers down his chiselled abs. Before I knew it, I was playing with the waist band of his boxers; although he still hands jeans on, his boxers were poking out the top, and I could see the black elasticated waist band. I tugged at them, sliding the tip of my finger under the band and lightly stroked the soft skin just underneath. Arlo let out a short groan that sent me wild.
I pressed into our kiss a little harder, running one hand through his hair and the other stroking the prominent V of his abs. I glanced down at where my hand was stroking and watched as his jeans twitched as he slowly got hard. I pulled back from our kiss and bit my bottom lip. My hands were trembling. Was it with fear? Or desire? I leant in once more and softly kissed his neck. I felt his breathing turn ragged and knew in that moment that he wanted me. I dipped my fingers a little lower into his boxers and lightly stroked the trimmed hairs, causing him to drop his head bad over the arm of the couch and thrust his hips forward lightly. I had never done anything like this before, but there was a feeling in the pit of my stomach, a hunger that was new to me. I slowly kissed lower down his neck, across his collar bone, pulling his fitted t-shirt up to reveal his beautiful tanned torso. I flicked my tongue out between my lips and touched his nipple. He groaned once more and shifted, causing my hands to slip a little deeper into his underwear. My fingers grazed the base of his hardness causing him to gasp and sit upright.
'W-What is it? D-Did I do it wrong?' I stammered, my cheeks burning as they flushed bright red. Arlo laughed and dropped his head back on the arm of the chair? He actually laughed! Prick! He sat forward and met my eyes once more, pulling me onto his lap.
'Lia, why did you assume that it was you that had done something wrong?' He asked, tipping my head up with two fingers placed under my chin. I stared, almost hypnotised into his golden eyes and took in the multitude of colours; the hint of brown, a splash of yellow. I shook my head and shifted uncomfortably and shrugged.
'Well, you seemed into it, and then… then you stopped so quick. Did I hurt you?' Arlo let out a small growl of frustration before tilting his head back and closing his eyes.
'Lia! I am not letting your first time be on my couch. And…' He hesitated for a moment and I closed my eyes. Shit! Here it comes. He's going to end it. AGAIN! 'I don't want to hurt you. That's why I stopped.' He paused once more and bit his lip; an innocent action that turned my insides to lava. 'I really do like you; Amelia; a lot and it scares me because I don't want anyone else and what if we don't Impr-'
'Shhhhhh' I hushed putting my finger to his lips, feeling a smile tug at the corners of my lips. That was it? He was scared of hurting me. 'Don't. I don't want to think about that right now.' Arlo smiled at me and moved a strand of my hair and put it behind my ear.
'Stay with me tonight?' he asked looking into my eyes. I smiled and nodded yes. At that moment. I wished I could stay with him forever. I closed my eyes, drinking in this moment. I wanted to remember things just like this; how happy we both are in this moment. I drew in a deep shuddering breath, fighting the sobs that I could feel building in my chest.
'Is everything alright beautiful?' Arlo asked, tracing the lining of my jaw with his thump. Oh no! The tears were coming! Without another thought, I pushed forward and gently placed my lips on his. He hesitated for the briefest of moments before he reached his hand up; tangling his fingers through my hair, pulling my face closer into his. A rush of heat exploded in my stomach and rushed through me, causing my inner wolf to rage on, giving me a sense of need unlike anything I had ever felt. A small groan escaped from me as he grazed his teeth across my bottom lip. I know that he said that we shouldn't have sex. I understand his reasoning. I understand that he is a gentleman. But why the fuck did I have to find a gentleman as hot as him!