by Tamara White
I place my hand over where he kissed me trying not to blush more than I should, especially since the class is watching. The female wolves are glaring my way, with murder in their eyes.
When Pete kissed me, I felt a jolt inside of me and my wolf flashed behind my eyes. That’s never happened before.
Usually I can talk with her in extreme situations, but it’s more feelings that I get from her than words. The feelings I had then were pure possessiveness. She loved Pete touching us and she wanted to latch onto him.
I definitely need to talk to Dad about this new development. He’ll probably be excited that my wolf is breaching the barrier of my mind, but I still don’t know if she’ll ever break free.
Our gym teacher is an old guy, who is way too plump to be teaching a gym class. Isn’t it a requirement that a gym teacher be young or at least fit, to teach a class like this?
“Okay, class, today I’m not feeling well so you have free reign. You can talk together or you can watch the football players run drills on the bleachers. I’ll be in my office,” he says, walking out of the class.
Screw it, I’ll go watch the boys play. I’d like to say it’s because I don’t like playing sports in front of humans, but who am I kidding? I want to check out my mates, besides it might be good research.
The majority of the class heads out onto the bleachers to watch them and I don’t blame them. Watching my mates play football together is nothing short of amazing! They flow so well together as a team, and, when they’re all on the same side, you can tell they trust each other.
Nate passes the ball to Jonnie who runs, dodging the other players until the humans catch up leaving him no choice but to pass to Pete, who bolts forward until he’s taken down five feet from the goal. He manages to pass to Mitchell before he hits the ground. Mitchell bolts off, sliding over the line, ball clutched to his chest. He jumps up and the others surround him, slapping him on the back.
It was an amazing show, and they used great restraint in not using their full speed to win. I’d imagine a lot of wolves would use that to their advantage rather than playing fairly. It shows the kind of character they have if they don’t abuse their power.
“Yo, nice game guys. Try it again with me on the opposing team,” a guy calls, walking on to the field fully dressed in football gear.
I hear the girls down in the front row sigh, and I know they all have a thing for him. I can’t smell him from here, but I just know he’s a wolf. The comradery between him and my mates is too intimate for them to just be friends. And the way he talked, he knows they’re equally measured on the field.
All the guys on the losing side cheer and whoop, while my mates grin excitedly. You can tell they want a challenge.
I hear the girls down front whispering, “He just got back this morning.”
“The Alpha is looking after him now.”
“I might have to plan an impromptu visit to the pack house later.”
I’m not sure which girl is saying what, but I know they definitely want the new guy. Then again, I’m pretty sure most of the players on the team do too.
He looks like a god. Golden sun kissed hair, blue eyes, and a tanned body. I imagine he’s packing some serious abs under that jersey.
Damn! I wipe the corner of my mouth to make sure I’m not drooling. Thank God I’m not.
As everybody gears up for the next play, I can’t help but want to get closer, so I climb down to the front row where there are a few empty seats on the left corner of the bleachers. No one else is around me. The rest of the girls see me move and start growling under their breath.
“Oh, grow up!” I whisper harshly, knowing they’ll hear me.
They all scoff, turning their attention back to the field. I shake my head marvelling at their immaturity. When I focus back on the field, my mates are all smirking at me. I wink their way, letting a smile cross my face when Pete laughs. He knew what I said to the girls and he loved it.
The new guy tries to see what has stolen their attention, his gaze landing on me. He cocks his head, intrigued by my watching them. He has no idea why they would be interested in someone as average as me.
The play starts off with the new guy hiking the ball behind him. He rushes forward, gets the ball back after a few tosses, then starts charging down the field. My wolf is alert, watching when he barrels straight into Jonnie and Mitchell as they try to tackle him, she throws herself against the barrier in my mind with determination, a growl slipping through my lips.
Mitchell and Jonnie get up, taking off after him, while Nate and Pete try to defend the goal line, but I can see the new guy is determined for a touchdown.
He feints throwing it to his right, dodging Pete, clipping him in the shoulder, sending him back on to the ground. Nate, however, is determined to stop him and rushes forward for the tackle. At the last second, the new guy slides his foot up, spins past Nate, sliding across the line. Nate swears and drops a hand down, helping him up all the while shaking his head with a laugh. The other three sulk off the field, over to my side, while Nate and the new guy laugh it off.
I can tell their ego is hurt, but Nate seems to be more accepting of it than the others.
“So, what did you think?” Mitchell asks, dropping into the seat beside me.
“You guys were awesome!” I beam, excited I got to see them in action.
“I’m glad you liked it. I thought you would be embarrassed having mates taken down so easily,” Johnnie says, blushing slightly.
Aww he’s so cute!
“Nah, besides, I think if it came to it, I could beat each of you, so that was nothing,” I tell him, smirking, watching his smile widen.
“Oh really? Well, why don’t we see about that?”
Pete’s staring at me with a wicked grin on his face. I know there’s no backing out now, if I do, I’ll never live it down.
“Fine you’re on! Where should we do this?” I ask, excited to use my skills on someone other than my father for once.
“Oh, it’s definitely on. I’ll go tell Nate. How about we do this under the bleachers? No one will see us, and the others can all keep an eye out for the humans. Meet you guys there?” Jonnie asks before running over to Nate with a huge grin on his face.
We make it around under the bleachers, and I drop my bag on the ground, stretching out my arms before this happens. I should be worried facing off against guys, but, if I can beat my father, I have a bit of confidence that I can beat, at least, Jonnie and Mitchell. Pete and Nate may be another story. They look much stronger than I am, so I’ll have to rely on my speed, which should give me an edge. I’m a lot faster than a normal wolf.
“So, who wants to go first?’ I ask straightening out of my stretch position.
“Oh no you don’t, sweetie. You’re taking us on two at a time. We’re ready when you are,” Pete says, grinning, while Mitchell gets in position behind me.
I turn so I can see them both then Mitchell kicks out taking me down. I flip myself back up and deliver a roundhouse kick straight towards his head, completely forgetting Pete’s there until he grabs me from behind.
I’m running on instinct now. I protect myself pulling out of his arms, punching him in the face, drawing blood. He grins, lunging at the same time as Mitchell. I whip behind them, grabbing them both by the heads, knocking them together and watching as they go down like rocks.
“Ha! Is that all you’ve got?” I gloat, laughing at the confusion on their faces.
Clearly, they expected me to be human weak, and unable to fight them off. It won’t be that easy though if they want to be my mate. I’m going to need someone strong enough to protect me. Even my wolf agrees. She likes them, but she’s not impressed yet.
Nate’s watching me amused, while Jonnie looks dumfounded. “Seems that we underestimated you. Jonnie and I won’t make that mistake,” Nate states as they circle me.
I should be scared, but I’m excited to fight against someone other than my father for once. Maybe Nate and
Jonnie will give me the challenge I need.
Pete and Mitchell sulk, standing by the edge of the bleachers. I doubt they want another head knock today.
Watching Nate and Jonnie, I wonder who’ll make the first move. Jonnie was wicked fast on the field, while Nate was more brute strength than speed.
Nate launces himself, throwing punch after punch, while I block him until Jonnie swipes across my legs, dropping me to my knees giving me the advantage I need. I drop to the ground pretending to be hurt, smirking as they both stop. I jump into action, kicking Jonnie in the chest making him land at Pete’s feet. Pete laughs picking him up, while Nate and I circle each other looking for weaknesses.
I run at him, hoping to scare him when he swings out, but I’m unable to miss it and my head gets thrown back. Before I can defend myself and hit back, Nate’s tackled to the ground.
I stare, shocked, at the new guy, who’s growling over Nate’s body until he delivers the first punch making my wolf see red.
She launches us at him, grabbing him by the hair, pulling him up and away from Nate, positioning myself defensively in front of him, growling low in my throat. If he wants to hurt my mates, he’s got to get through me. My wolf is adamant he can’t get through us, and, right now, I know it’s true. No way will he hurt a mate of mine.
“Cam, what the hell?” Nate asks, standing up behind me. My wolf is still in control, not letting him move forward.
“Seriously you’re asking me ‘What the hell?’ when you guys are back here, attacking my mate?! What the fuck guys?”
Mate? I’m his mate too? Oh. My wolf calms immediately, letting me straighten up.
“Look, they weren’t trying to hurt me. I was showing them I could take them on and didn’t need protecting even if they’re my mates. Same goes for you, buddy. I may be your mate, but that doesn’t mean you get to push me around,” I say, letting my dominance seep forward.
He watches me warily, about to open his mouth when I interrupt, “Before you ask, you’ll just have to come to my place with the others for an explanation tonight,” I tell him.
While I may be a dominant wolf, it’s instinctual for me to want to submit to my mate, but I won’t stand down. I don’t want jealousy messing things up. It’s bad enough they’ll have to fight each other during the trials.
Shit, I didn’t even think what that will do to them. They all seem to be friends, and fighting over me may ruin their friendship. What am I going to do?
“You were taking them on? A female? Against four wolves?” he asks, the derision thick in his voice, making me want to slap him.
Why can’t a female fight off four wolves?
“Yes, and I was doing just fine until you barged in here acting like a barbarian,” I tell him, crossing my arms over my chest.
I don’t know what makes him think he’s so special, but I think I could take him. Even more, I really want him on his ass after that douche bag performance.
“Let’s see about that! You and me then? No shifting,” he says sternly, as if I even could.
“Cam, you can’t hurt her,” Nate pleads with him, which just makes me feel insulted. If I can face off against the other four, why not Cam?
“Oh, don’t worry. I won’t hurt her, though she’ll be taken down a peg or two. Maybe then she won’t initiate fights with any more males from our pack,” Cam says arrogantly.
“Excuse me! I’m right here! If you think you can take me down then try it, but I have to warn you, I’m not what I look like,” I tell him, confidence clear in my voice.
He hesitates a moment before ripping off his jersey, standing half naked in front of me. Is he serious? This is a totally cruel and unusual punishment. Why am I suffering through this?
Staring at his body, I notice a tattoo over his heart and what looks like scars marring his sides. While staring at his perfection, I almost miss it when he comes swinging at me. I dodge him, veering to the right. I get a momentary flash of the others lined up with ominous expressions while they watch.
Jeez, so much faith in me. Guess I have to prove them wrong by showing them exactly what I’m capable of.
I kick out, dislocating his knee, watching as it heals almost instantly. Great now I’ve made him angrier. He grabs my arm as I dodge his jab to my cheek, pulling me against him.
“You know you won’t win, so why not surrender now?”
Ha! Like I’d let a wolf like him get one over on me.
I press myself against his chest, letting my wolf hum against his skin, sending shivers down our bodies, and push him back. He doesn’t expect it, and loses his balance, almost tripping over himself when I launch myself at him, sending us flying towards the ground.
I hold his hands trapped against his chest, leaning in to whisper, “I win.”
Chapter 5
Smirking down at Cam, I’m proud to see how shocked he his. His chest rumbles with the beginning of laughter, before bursting out in a joyous sound. The boys join in and help me off him, when I see the girls over by the side of the bleachers, watching us with malice.
“Jeez, why won’t they leave me alone?” I ask, hoping one of them can give me an answer. The last thing I expected is Nate’s wolf to let a growl so vicious rip out of his throat, that the girls scream and scatter.
“What was that for?” Pete asks, glancing at him clearly confused.
“Melanie has been trying to force me to mate with her for a week. And now she’s trying to bully Dani. I’m getting sick of it,” he says, shrugging.
Cam pulls a shirt out of his bag and throws it in on before stuffing his jersey in his bag. While he’s turned, I get a glimpse of scars on his back leaving me to wonder what the hell happened to him, to have so many scars. Wolves heal almost instantly unless it’s a wound from silver, so it must have been horrible to leave scars so horrifying.
“Dude, aren’t you at least going to shower first? You literally just finished a game of football, then sparred with me. You’ve got to stink something fierce,” I say, wrinkling my nose as if I can smell him from here. He doesn’t smell too bad considering, but it’s basic hygiene. Besides, if he goes the whole day without showering it will get foul.
“Well, love, if you’re my mate, then you better get used to it.”
What a smart ass. If we become mates, then I’ll be making his stinky ass take a shower or at least spray deodorant. I mean come on, I can’t shift, but I can still smell him!
“Fine, do what you want, just don’t blame me if I spray you down with a hose before coming in my home. I don’t want sweaty wolf smell to linger on the couch cushions,” I reply smartly. I toss my hair over my shoulder, before picking up my bag and heading off to the library.
Everyone is supposed to use free period for studying, but if this school is anything like the last one, then everyone will be in there talking with each other. At least I can get some peace and quiet. Well, that’s what I think until I run straight into Mr. Parks.
“Oh shit! I’m so, so, sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” he says, apologizing profusely.
I rub my chest where he elbowed me, laughing when he blushes. He’s pretty adorable for a teacher. It makes me wonder, how can he be my mate if he’s my teacher? I’ll have to ask Dad if it’s usually restricted to a certain age, or can any wolf be a mate in the running for the Alpha Pair?
“Don’t worry, Mr. Parks, I’m fine. Hey, can you tell me how far away the library is? I’m supposed to be there for study period,” I explain when he raises his eyebrow in question.
“Sure, I can take you. I never have a class during this period, so it’s no problem,” he says, as if he knew I was going to ask if he was busy. Creepy. Maybe he can read minds?
“So, how are you enjoying your day?” he asks, breaking the silence as we walk.
“It’s okay, I guess. Finding out you have six mates in a matter of two days is a little overwhelming, but knocking five of them on their ass was worth it.”
He laughs, a delicious sound
filled with joy that makes me smile. It’s such an addicting sound that it startles me when he abruptly stops.
“Wait, you said six? And you didn’t knock me on my ass, so who was the sixth?”
“Oh yeah, I don’t know him too well. He came late on the field while the boys were training, his name’s Cam.”
“Seriously?!” he asks me, shocked.
“Yeah, why?”
“You don’t know do you? Then again, I doubt you’ve had time for anyone to explain.” He pauses, rubbing his temples from, what I imagine is, the start of a headache. Well, it’s what I do when I feel one coming on.
“Somehow, you have managed to not only get one mate in this pack, but you have managed to get all the eligible males. Not only that, we’re all in line for the alpha roles. My father’s an Alpha, Nate’s father is the Alpha of this pack, Pete’s dad was also an Alpha until was killed. He won’t be Alpha until his 18th birthday, though technically, he’s in charge.
Mitchell’s mom, and Jonnie’s step-mother, are ruling their pack while they learn how to take over. Cam is also next in line for Alpha, technically, not that it will ever happen.
It’s quite remarkable, really, how one girl can come here and be all of our mates. I wonder why that is,” he muses to himself.
If they’re all Alphas, or destined to be, does that mean them being in the running is something more than coincidence? I mean, really, what are the odds? And what does he mean by ‘technically’ Cam’s an heir? It’s leaving me with more questions than I can count.
I stay silent as we arrive at the library doors, refusing to voice my questions. I don’t know what to say to him other than good bye, but it feels too lame.
“So,” I say, staring at the floor, trying to think of something cool to say. I don’t know why, but Mr. Parks makes me nervous. It’s the fear of getting to know my teacher, who is my mate, versus the excitement of getting to know my mate.
“Dani, you know I won’t push you, right? I know I’m not what a young girl like you must want in a mate, but I’m only nineteen. I promise if the age difference is too weird then I will back off. You can trust me.”
