The Pack
Damn. I can feel that the girl watching me is my heartbeat. Her presence is stronger than I've ever felt from another person. Just hearing her whimper in pain sent my wolf roaring inside me. I tried to hide my feelings from Chhaya, knowing she was terrified that this situation could happen. I'm scared too. All I can do is hope the girl stays far away and that she doesn't feel these emotions as well.
When she's not around, maybe I can cope, but when she is near, her scent drives me crazy. I sit under a tall oak tree, letting the fresh breeze relax me. The wind in my hair feels amazing.
"Alpha, what's troubling you tonight?" I hear Atohi's voice.
"Nothing in particular," I reply, though I know he sensed the depth of my voice and my reaction to the girl's whimper.
He looks down at the ground momentarily, apparently trying to collect himself.
"I'll get to it before you. That girl meant nothing to me; I just didn't want you to hurt anyone. We had no idea who she was or what trouble you were getting us into. We also don't know who she was connected to."
"I've seen that look before, and I've had that look too."
"Atohi, just let it go."
"You're not going to be able to resist her."
"She's not my mate!" I yell, the words louder than I intended.
"Fine, tear yourself up with lies." I watch as Atohi walks away.
Saturn, why did I have to meet you like this?
I see Chhaya walking toward me with a sweet smile. I want nothing but the best for her and to avoid hurting her in any way possible. She sits down beside me, and her scent is sweet, like lavender honey. A different type of sweet than the other girl.
"What was that about earlier?" she asks.
"What about?" I reply, playing stupid. I knew what she was referring to.
"The girl you were protective of."
She noticed. I knew she would; Chhaya is a smart girl.
"It was nothing.We don't know anything about this girl; I was trying to avoid a fight for the pack, that's all.
"It seemed like more," she says, looking down at the ground and using her fingers to draw pictures in the dirt.
"Well, it wasn't. I was being an alpha; it's my job to protect this pack."
"I know," she nods.
"Let's leave it at that, please."
"But you would tell me the truth, right?" she asks, looking directly into my eyes. I feel guilty lying, but what am I supposed to do? Tell her that the girl is my mate. I don't even know anything about her.
"Yes, I would tell you," I respond.
She smiles and grabs my hand. I hold it tightly. I guess this is just my first dose of treatment for being with someone who isn't my mate.