Insider (Outsider Series)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  Bryce spoke up and said, “I’ll do it.”

  “So, basically,” Logan said as he drew random designs on the table. “We’re going to be doing twenty-four hour patrols?”

  “It’s necessary,” Caeden snapped, “for the safety of our pack.”

  Patrols had just been after school and the occasional one at night.

  “What about once school starts back up in a few days?” Logan drawled.

  “Then patrol starts right after the bell rings and through the whole night.”

  “Are you kidding?” Logan slammed his hand on the table. “When are we supposed to sleep?”

  Caeden’s teeth ground together and his tails sharpened to claws. “Are you questioning my authority?”

  Logan paled. “I- I-” he was saved from saying anything more by Amy.

  She brought over the five pizzas covered in toppings. They smelled heavenly.

  “I’ll be in my office if you need me,” she patted Caeden on the shoulder and ruffled Bryce’s hair.

  Caeden’s nails retracted and the tension slowly leaked from his body.

  Caeden and I sat down and grabbed a slice of the pizza. Two whole pizzas were already gone.

  I cleared my throat and poked Caeden in the side.

  “What?” he said.

  I gave him a significant look.

  “Oh right,” he swallowed. “Sophie needs more training in how to fight. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to do it.”

  “I’ll help you,” Bentley said.

  “I’m game,” Bryce said. “Anything that allows me to knock my brother’s girlfriend on her ass sounds like fun.”

  Caeden smacked the back of Bryce’s head.

  “I’ll help you too,” Chris said. “I may not be a wolf yet but that doesn’t mean I still can’t beat you.”

  Logan, of course, said nothing. I would never want to play the quiet game with him. I’d definitely lose.

  Charlotte reached across the table to take my hand. “Between all of our help you’ll be the biggest, baddest, wolf out there.”

  “So,” Chris leaned forward, “when do we get to kick the crap out of Sophie’s toosh?”

  “Now, I guess,” Caeden shrugged. Chris grinned wickedly and I knew I was in for a beating. “But don’t hurt her cute tooshie too much,” he pinched my hip. “I’m rather fond of it.”

  seven.

  I groaned as my body slammed forcefully down on the mat.

  Was she trying to kill me?

  I lay there for a moment as I tried to draw air into my lungs. I smacked the mat with my hand and stood.

  Chris smirked at me. I wanted to rip every single blond hair from her head. She’d already broken my wrist and I’d had to sit for twenty minutes while it healed. Her pale green eyes shimmered. She was enjoying kicking my ass way too much.

  “Christian,” Caeden said for the one-hundredth time. “You’re supposed to be teaching her, not killing her.”

  “Do you think Travis is going to teach her to fight before he kills her? I think not,” she rolled her shoulders and raised her fists. “Besides I’m not hitting her that hard.”

  I could argue with that. My bruises were quickly forming bruises and I still had a round with Bentley and Bryce.

  Chris lunged towards me and I ducked, swiping my leg around behind her legs to knock her down. Despite not having shifted, Chris’ reflexes were much better than those of a normal human. She easily jumped over my leg. “Nice try,” she laughed and dove to tackle me.

  I twisted my body so that I broke the fall with my hands and not my back. As soon as my hands touched the ground I turned back around and brought my legs back so that I could kick her in the chest. She rolled off of me and then smiled. “Better.”

  “That’s enough,” Caeden said. I was about to thank God when he continued, “of that. It’s time you practice in your wolf form. That’s the form Travis will most likely use to attack you. Not that Chris hasn’t been a most excellent teacher,” he flashed her a warning smile.

  “Kay, kay, I get it,” she put her hands up in a surrendering gesture. I was pleased to see that she was sweating and her chest heaving. Maybe I’d given her more of a workout than I thought. “I’m going to hit the showers,” she pointed with her thumb over her shoulder to the separate guy’s and girls showers. We even had lockers. I swear, the basement was a better equipped gym than any around town.

  “Sophie, you ready?” Caeden asked as he held out his hand.

  No.

  “Yes sir,” I answered instead.

  Caeden’s lips quirked as I placed my hand in his and he hauled me up.

  “Outside,” he motioned to Bentley and Bryce.

  Bryce hopped up like an over active puppy and squeezed my shoulder. “This is gonna be so much fun.”

  “Oh yeah, loads,” I my words dripped with sarcasm. He grinned and ducked out the basement door and into the woods. Bentley was already ahead. “They are so going to kill me,” I said to Caeden as he lifted a branch over my head.

  Caeden chuckled, “Don’t worry I won’t let them.” He led me to a thick cropping of trees and bushes. “Strip,” he said.

  I quirked my brow and grinned, “You want a strip tease in the woods. That’s pretty kinky.” I unbuttoned my shorts and began to ease them down my hips in a joking manner.

  Color flooded his cheeks and he turned around with his back to me. “That was so not what I meant,” he said.

  I laughed as I removed the rest of my clothes and the laugh turned to a bark as I switched forms. It was so easy for me to become a wolf, freeing. I shook my shaggy brown coat. Sometimes, it felt like I was coming home when I entered into my wolf form.

  Caeden and I switched places so that he could switch forms.

  Caeden understood that I was uncomfortable changing in front of the others. I didn’t grow up running around naked like they did. It took some getting used to. I didn’t really mind around Caeden, since he’d been there with me the first time, but I still appreciated the gesture.

  In quicker time than it took me his gray wolf was beside me. His tongue lolled out of his mouth and his eyes took on a periwinkle cast. I wondered if my eyes got lighter, took on a different tone, like his. I guess I’d have to ask him.

  Can you smell them? He asked.

  I lifted my muzzle in the air and sniffed. I turned my head northeast. That way.

  Very good. He grinned but with his inch long teeth it seemed menacing. I want you to run as fast as you can to them. Speed is your greatest weapon against an opponent. Female shifters have much more speed than males so we know to never underestimate our girls. His human laughter filled my head. Ready, get set, go!

  I was gone. My legs stretched faster, and farther, and I soon left Caeden behind. The speed was exhilarating. I was sure that real wolves couldn’t possibly run this fast.

  I jumped over a log and my claws dug in; bark chipping off. Birds, squirrels, and other woodland creatures scattered when they caught my predator scent in the air. I swung to my right and if my sense of smell was reliable I was two hundred yards from Bentley and Bryce.

  I bound into the clearing and skidded to a stop.

  A few seconds later, Caeden came through the brush. He shook some brambles from his fur, panting, and plopped on the ground. Geez, I didn’t know you were that fast.

  I came up to him and licked the side of his face. Never under estimate me Williams.

  Wouldn’t dream of it Beaumont.

  Who wants to go first? I looked between Bentley’s black wolf and Bryce’s reddish brown one.

  Me, me, me! Bryce chanted and turned in a circle.

  Bentley barked a laugh. Bryce can go first. He’ll be able to demonstrate an unskilled attack.

  Hey! Bryce said and bit Bentley’s shoulder.

  Just speaking the truth pup.

  Okay, okay. Caeden intervened. Enough arguing. We’re wasting time.

  He started it. Whined Bryce.

  Enough! Barked Caeden. Get
ready Sophie. He turned to me. Bryce over there, Sophie stay here. He said so that we were on opposite ends.

  Ready… Set…

  Bryce started running towards me.

  Dammit Bryce, I didn’t say go! Caeden scolded but I was beyond listening.

  I prepared myself for the impact but it never came. I looked to see that Caeden had Bryce pinned to the ground by the neck.

  What the hell Caeden? I’m supposed to attack him, not you! I scolded my mate.

  Sorry. I’m sorry. Caeden let go of his brother. I can’t do this. I can’t watch it and just do nothing! My instincts to defend you kick in.

  I need to learn this Caeden. Maybe it would be better if you leave.

  Leave! I can’t leave you! What if you get hurt!

  Bryce and Bentley aren’t going to hurt me. I argued. You didn’t have a problem when I was fighting Chris and she broke my wrist.

  That’s different.

  No it’s not. I said. Besides, we heal. My wrist was better in no time at all.

  Sophie.

  Caeden, I need to be able to defend myself. You’re not going to be around all the time to protect me.

  Caeden said nothing for a moment.

  Fine. But I won’t be far away and I will be listening. If you get hurt I’ll be here in no time at all. He looked warningly at Bryce and Bentley before taking off.

  Bryce looked at me and said, Ready? Before I could answer he attacked.

  Jerkface.

  He bit my shoulder and I nipped at his side. His teeth tore into my flesh and I gritted my teeth so that no sound of pain could escape. I didn’t want Caeden coming back after being gone for only three seconds.

  Get angry, Sophie. Use your anger as power. Bryce coached me.

  I pushed forward and pulled my skin from his mouth. Blood matted my fur and dripped from his mouth.

  Speed, Caeden had said, use my speed.

  Even though we were no more than a few feet apart I rushed him. He wasn’t expecting that. I had him on his back and went for the sensitive skin of his belly. Distantly I could hear Bentley’s cackling bark and his human laughter floating through my head.

  Time! Bryce cried. Tap out! Stop!

  I pulled away and he shakily rose to his feet. That was… incredible. You were like a freaking avenging angel… or wolf… whatever. If I had been a true attacker you would’ve killed me.

  What? My voice rang through our heads as a gasp.

  I definitely don’t want to end up on your bad side. You’re a fucking beast. Bentley cackled. Wow.

  Travis won’t know what hit him when it comes to you. Bryce shook his shaggy wolf head. If we keep practicing with you, you’ll be unstoppable. Un-freakin-stoppable.

  Let’s go again then. I said.

  You’re on. Bryce taunted.

  Wait. Bentley said calmly. Let’s try it with two attackers this time.

  I’m not sure I like those odds. My voice quaked.

  I think Bryce and I need to be more worried than you. Bentley said and the two wolves began to circle me. I whined and pawed the ground. No wolf liked to be caged in.

  Calm yourself, Sophie; let your instincts take over. Look for weak points.

  Bryce’s cockiness would definitely be a weak point for him but Bentley? The guy was built like a truck. As they circled me I watched for any muscle ticks, anything that would give me leverage. Bentley’s back legs tensed and I knew he was getting ready to spring. As soon as his back paws lifted from the ground I slid to my belly, not a wolf’s first instinct, and bit into his foot. His blood rushed into my mouth, hot and fast, leaving behind the taste of rust. Oh, yuck.

  Bentley was a seasoned fighter so a blow to his foot wasn’t going to take him down completely. So I bit into his hamstring, which left him incapable of walking.

  Bryce looked at me in shock.

  How did you move so fast, Sophie? You were a freaking blur!

  Are you going to fight me or not? I asked. I was beginning to enjoy this now that I was the one winning.

  Ugh… Is that a trick question? I mean you’re not going to kill me are you?

  Bryce. I whined.

  Alright, alright. He leaped towards me. I jumped to the side and before he could turn I had jumped on his back.

  You’re dead. I chimed.

  Bentley lay off to the side while his leg healed. Panting he said, You’re a natural. It’s the craziest thing ever, you move like a ninja. Bryce and I know what we’re doing and you make us look like fucking amateurs. Caeden! He called. Get your ass back here!

  Caeden’s laughter filled our heads. Oh, she whooped you two. That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. Wow, Soph, my little she-wolf. I didn’t know you had it in you.

  Hey! I exclaimed offended.

  Sorry, he said, I just expected you to get hurt after the way Chris tore you apart in your human form.

  I have this insane urge to bite you right now, I grinned menacingly.

  He laughed. I still think you should continue to practice in both forms. After all, practice makes perfect, right?

  At least I know now that I’m not completely defenseless.

  I’m so proud of you, he nuzzled my neck. You amaze me more and more every day. Come on, he said, it’s starting to get dark. Bryce you better find Logan and start your patrol.

  Oh joy, Bryce said sarcastically before taking off.

  I’m sorry I hurt you, I told Bentley.

  His chuckle filled my head. How about from now on we don’t take bites out of each other? Deal?

  Deal.

  He struggled to his feet and started to limp away. You were amazing, Sophie. Bentley said as he disappeared.

  Thanks. It felt amazing to be complimented on fighting skills from Bentley.

  Caeden continued nuzzling me and breathing in my scent. His thoughts projected to me by accident. Cookies, cookies cookies. Cakes, cakes, cakes. Icing, icing, icing. Hmmm. Buttercream icing.

  Are you done sniffing me? I chuckled.

  I’ll never be tired of your delicious scent. He said but pulled away. His tongue lolled out of his mouth. Can you smell our clothes?

  I lifted my nose in the air and inhaled. The flood of scents was enough to give me a headache. As soon as I located the scent of cookies and pine in the distance I took off running. If anyone asked me my favorite thing about being a shifter I would say the speed.

  I reached our clothes and shifted forms. I had worried that I’d have a difficult time changing from human to wolf and back again but it was as easy as breathing. As soon as I pictured myself in the other form, my body would vibrate, shimmer, and then I would become whatever form I wanted.

  I pulled my clothes on and was just finishing buttoning my shorts when Caeden’s shaggy gray wolf appeared.

  “Gosh, you’re so slow,” I joked.

  He barked a laugh before nudging my leg with his wet nose. “Ew, Caeden! You got wolf snot all over my leg!” I left him behind the bush as I stared at the wet mess on my leg. His barking laughter quickly turned to human laughter.

  “Wolf snot?” he grinned.

  “Yes, and it’s all over my leg. It’s gross,” I complained. “Just because we can change into wolves doesn’t mean we need to act like them all the time.”

  “You’re so cute when you’re mad,” he zipped his jeans.

  “Caeden!” I stomped my foot and clenched my fists. My nails dig into the skin.

  “You are,” he shrugged as he pulled his shirt over his head.

  “I guess we’ll be old and gray and you’ll still be telling me I’m cute when I’m mad?”

  “Most definitely,” he said and came out from behind the bush. He wrapped his arm around my waist. He pressed his lips to mine and I pushed at his chest. He chuckled into my mouth and only kissed me deeper. My fists soon stopped beating his chest and instead grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. Pulling away and breathing heavy he said, “And that’s how I plan to end all our spats.”

  “It certainly works
,” I breathed. “What were we arguing about again?”

  He threw his head back and laughed. Taking my hand he led me through the woods. “Nothing important.” We strode a few more feet before he said, “Ready to put your stuff in my room? I promise to give you a whole drawer.”