"What the heck is this?" Chetan says, throwing something onto my lap.
Rubbing my eyes, I struggled to wake up.
Ahhh Shit. I feel stupid seeing the white paper from Ajay.
"Why were you going through my pants?" Sitting up, I realize it is later than I thought. The sun shined bright, and every member of the pack was up.
"I was going to wash our clothes at the river."
"I went looking for Ajay yesterday."
Chetan doesn't even say anything to me, he walks out of the den. I am such an idiot.
I grab one of Chetan's flannels. It was a red and black fleece and really comfortable. Getting dressed, I just wear that and my boots. Luckily, the flannel fits me like a dress.
I see Chetan sitting by Dev. I feel like everyone's eyes are on me. I shake off the feeling and walk into the trailer, I pour myself a coffee.
I see Cricket holding Atsila. He kisses her on the cheek while singing Little Wolf a lullaby. I smile, it was such a sweet scene.
I turn to leave with my cup of coffee. "Zare," I hear Cricket's voice.
"Yes," I turn around.
"I am sorry for last night, I was a real ass and ashamed of my behavior," he tells me.
I smile. "Thanks for the apology, and I've seen worse behavior than yours."
He laughs.
I step outside. "Ajay," I hear Kirsten cry. I feel like my eyes deceive me. I see Ajay approaching the camp.
Kristen runs and he holds out his arms. "I miss you so much," he tells her, giving her a big hug.
I walk towards him. He grins from ear to ear. "You took Zero's Potion?"
I nod.
"That's great," he says, kissing me on the forehead.
"Maybe that will satisfy the Ghost King," he tells me.
"Ghost King?"
I see the shock on Ajay's face. His forehead wrinkles, and he looks over at Chetan.
Chetan meets his glaze and walks over. "Welcome back bro," he fist pumps Ajay.
"What's the Ghost King?" I yell. Directing all my anger toward Chetan.
He looks at me with a blank face, showing no sympathy at all. "The leader of the Ghosts, he was demanding that you join his party. Ajay left to find a sword in the Enchanted Lake; it's the only thing that can kill the King," he explains.
"And that's why I directed Chetan to have you take Zero's drink, maybe as a werewolf, he'll have no interest in you," Ajay tells me.
I feel my blood boiling, and I am sure my face is red. "So you didn't have a change of heart and wanted to be fair to me. That whole being selfish was just an act."
Chetan rolls his eyes. "Come on Zare, how many secrets have you kept from me?"
"This is about you," I step into his face, pointing my finger directly into his nose.
I feel strong arms around my waist, and by the smell of tobacco, I know it's Dev.
"Come on Zare, just take a step back", he runs his fingers through my hair.
"So did everyone know about this huh was I the only one left in the dark?"
"Only Dev and I," says Chetan, his arm crossed.
"So that's why you came after me the other day," I rip myself free from his arms.
"Zare, we need to protect you. You think AB was evil, wait until you meet the Ghost King," Ajay says.
I roll my eyes. I feel so hurt by everyone, but especially Chetan. He knew the whole time where Ajay was.
My mouth drops open, seeing a new boy approaching Ajay. And that's when I feel it, that dreaded feeling I didn't need right now. Markmate.
I just stare at this new friend of Ajay. He has a mohawk and piercings all over his face. He wears tight leather pants and a snakeskin jacket.
"There are no zombies, Alpha," he says once by Ajay's side.
"This is Dixon, he is a werewolf and joining our pack," Ajay announces.
Everyone stares blankly at this new wolf. "Sorry, I'm a little bit of a rebel," Dixon runs his fingers through his mohawk.
That's when he directs his attention to me. He looks toward me and sends my wolf into a frenzy, fantasizing about his kiss. She growls inside of me.
He walks towards me and gently grabs my face in his hands. His touch makes my knees weak.
"Uwoduhi Wahya," he tells me.
"She is a beautiful wolf, but that's Chetan's mark mate," Ajay remarks, looking in Chetan's direction.
"Correction was, Zero's potion turned her into a new wolf, and the old wolf died when Zare passed away, which was Chetan's mate is dead." Cricket explains approaching.
Ajay put his head back as if he was looking at the sky. "Not this again," he groans.
"Y'all should just ask me before you let her drink the potion," Cricket huffs.
Ajay rolls his eyes.
I feel Chetan's arms around my waist. He holds me gently, but tightly at the same time. "I think it's best for you to just leave," he tells Dixon.
"I want my Mate, and then I'll leave," Dixon hisses.
Chetan turns me to face him, and I see the sadness in his eyes. "What do you, Zare?" He asks gently, stroking my cheek.
I look over at Dixon, the wolf inside me going insane. His scent, his eyes, everything inviting me in.
I break away from Chetan and I see the shocked expressions on the pack member's face. They gasp, and many of their mouths hang open. Dixon reaches out his hand for me, and I take it. His hands feel warm and smooth. His scent is sweet, and his eyes were easy.
He brings his face to mine, and I put my hand up in protest. "If you find another girl wolf, it will help with the pain."
"Zare, you know how good I'll make you feel," he tells me. Even the scent coming off his breath drives me crazy.
I close my eyes. Trying to ignore the feelings. "Sorry."
"Dixon, I do think it's best if you settle for another pack, there's an all-girl pack just past the vampire cave, maybe they'll accept you in," Ajay says.
"There'll be plenty of girls to satisfy you," Dev says, giving him a thumbs up.
"I'm not leaving without her," Dixon hisses.
"Then, I will have no choice but to kill you," barks Chetan.
Chetan changes into his wolf. It is huge and ferocious. He lets out a big savage growl.
Dev changes too. I know he'll be the first one to have Chetan's back.
Then Smoke. Honestly, I'm a little bit surprised about him. He's a bit of a wild card.
"Stand down boys, no one is going to kill anyone, Dixon leave!" Ajay instructs, changing into the biggest wolf of all.
Dixon gives me one last look. His fists were tightly clenched to the side. "This isn't over," he says, before dashing off into the woods.