Ch. 111..120

Chapter 0111

The medical team came to check on all of us and bring more water and food. Once everyone is cleared. We are all brought back to the sparring side of the arena and allowed to sit while we listen for instructions for tomorrow. I sit with my team and lose track of how many protein bars I smash as Nickolas talks, I'm so hungry. We have to be back again at 10am. That is the only information we really got, that and "

everyone did well today.’ Whatever the hell that is supposed to mean.

I move to get up to go find the guys and get real food.

“I thought they were going to do cuts today.” Jeff mutters out.

‘‘Me too.” Wyatt says, looking around.

“Maybe they will still announce that later or individually.” Lilian shrugs.

“Or maybe anyone who didn’t make it to the capture the flag round is out.” I say. “There weren’t many in the game, but I’m not sure if that was an injury thing oracut thing. We’ll find out tomorrow. I need to go get food, before I pass out from starvation.” I wave to them as I turn and see my guys walking up to me, grinning from ear to ear.

I run straight at my brother and jump into his arms. "

You were incredible Shorty, I can’t believe you just did all that.” He puts me down and I go to hug Sam who is giggling.

“Of course you got Capture the Flag as a test. That jump was epic!"

“The flag in the bra thing, seems’ to be your go-to.

You’re going to have to change it up now or people are going to figure you out and start digging in your clothes.” Oliver teases me. I hugged him around the neck again. “...And I won’t be having any of that, you hear?” He whispers in my ear and I'm sure I am blushing again.

I step in between the twins and smile up at them. “I need to eat and then! need to sleep, it took me too long to figure out what I needed to make me comfortable enough to sleep last night in my new home."

“Whatever you want, TIny.”’ Cam says, smiling at me.

‘Mom is waiting for us.” Kota holds out his hand to me and I take it without hesitation.

“She thought five hours was enough and will probably try to fuss over you for a little while.” Cam says, Sliding his hand onto my lower back.

‘Let me know if you need another piggy back ride Bite Size, you took a few good hits today.” Oliver says directly behind me.

“I'm good, I’m not fragile guys, just tired. The walk will help my muscles cool down anyway. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to suck just as much."

They all laugh with me, but no one argues.

We all walk into the pack house and Luna Ava greets us at the door. She moves straight to me cupping my face in both hands. “That was harder to watch than I thought it would be. I’ve seen you fight and I know that you can, but it is different knowing you are with the boys and they don’t mean you any real harm. And you are going to do this again tomorrow.” She sighs and I do the only thing I think I can in this moment. I wrap my arms around her and let her wrap me ina hug. A hug that a parent gives a child to lend them strength and tell them it will be okay without using words.

As much as she doesn’t want to see me do this, she won’t stop me either. Nor will she stay away, she will be there to support me, because this is something that I want for myself and she knows how badly I want it.

“I need to shower, I am so gross.” I say muffled into her shoulder.

“Okay, hun. Do you want dinner down here, or do you want to eat upstairs?"

“Would it be okay if I ate upstairs? I don’t want to be rude, with the Alpha King here.” I pull back and look up at her. I’m worried about appearances. I don’t want to offend the royalty that they are hosting, just because I am here and too tired to socialize.

“Of course you can. He will not be offended at all. He saw what you did today and will completely understand. Would you mind if I send Xander up? I think he is bored hanging with all of the adults and would probably like some time with kids his own age.”

Chapter 0112

“Yes!” I almost shout and I feel more than hear alow rumble behind me. I look over my shoulder with a scowl, I don’t know who it was, but this pissing match is stupid. “That would be great, we can set up in the media room.” I smile at her and start for the stairs.

“I'll send Xander up when I send food up. That should give you plenty of time to shower and change. That will give the boys time to put their protective cavemen away as well."

“Mom!"

‘What Dakota?” Damn she used his whole name. "

You five have been acting crazy, she is not a tree for you to pee on every time another male your age comes around. Save that for your mate, Goddess help her.” And with that she went around the stairs, presumably to the kitchen to get us food ready.

I just laugh and head up the stairs not waiting for the guys who seem to be a little dumbstruck at what she said. Sierra followed me and we laughed all the way to my room.

‘You really did kick ass today girl. You should have seen how fast some of the other contenders went down. I get what Warrior Nickolas was talking about though. People want the best or want to be the best, but most of them haven’t put in the work and it’s a joke.” Sierra says as I come out of the bathroom, having showered in record time. I was afraid I would fall asleep if I stayed under the warm stream too long.

“You'll have to tell me more from the stands, it was so crazy on the field, I didn’t always know what was going on, and they just tapped us to point out our new target.” I told her my version of the

whole training and she filled in the gaps from her vantage point from the stands as I got dressed and we settled on my bed.

“T can’t believe it went on for five hours. I have trained that long before, but this was different. I had to rely on others I’ve never met before and just had to trust that we were all on the same page, without any kind of introduction or anything. This was all business, and I think! really like it. I liked the rush of adrenaline I got when the horn blew and all hell broke loose.” Sierra just laughed at me when I confessed my feelings.

“Of course, you enjoyed that. You got to finally be completely you, no holding back."

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“You ladies decent? I’m coming in either way, just to warn you.” As my door flies open and Sam walks in flopping on my bed, then rolling to his side propping his head in one of his hands. “So, what are we gossiping about? It’s me, right? Tell me it’s me, even if it’s not.”’ We both burst out laughing. “All jokes aside, your fan club is here and we need a mediator. I don’t know what you did, but territorial doesn’t even begin to describe the vibe.” I laugh again letting him pull me to my feet and lead us to the media room.

The ‘U’ shaped couch has been moved and adjusted to line the two side walls with a large table set in the middle with a spread made for the King.

“It is official, you are her favorite.” Mateo laughs at me. “I don’t think we exist anymore."

‘Stop, this is not all for me, this is for all of us.” I plop into the middle of the far couch and start digging in. I am too hungry to wait for anyone.

‘Umm, no. Had we done double what you did today, she would have sent a plate of sandwiches and water and called it a night if we couldn’t be bothered to come down to the kitchen and eat with

everyone.”

Dakota laughs from the bar where he Is standing with Xander, who’s looking awkward.

“Xander, come sit by me, you have to tell me what you thought of the trials today and give me any inside tips for tomorrow.” I looked over at him and caught Sierra’s eye, she winked at me knowing what I was doing.

Chapter 0113

Sierra moves to sit on my right side and he slowly moves to my left while the rest of the guys look dumbfounded at my request. They don’t get to be rude and treat me like a toy they don't want to share, so they can learn to act like decent people or suffer.

Xander flops next to me, but wisely keeps a visible distance between us. We eat and talk, Sierra joining in the conversation. Eventually the guys resign themselves to the fact that I am going to include Xander and join us. Once we all started talking and relaxing it was actually fun. Xander is a mix of Dakota and Sam, but has Cam’s responsible oldest child vibe.

I really need to ask about his younger siblings.

Once the food was done the guys cleared the tables and put everything into the hallway for the house staff to get and we all moved the couch back to its ‘U’ position. This time Kota was not missing out, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me to the center of the couch, my brother flops next to me and the rest of our group, including Xander settle in for a movie.

I didn’t even get past the opening credits before I was asleep on Dakota's shoulder.

I got up earlier than expected considering how tired I was from yesterday, although Luna Ava did come to wake me up with a soft knock on my door, before coming in with a full tray of steaming breakfast foods.

“This looks amazing. Thank you!” I beamed at her.

Sierra stirred next to me. It was then that I realized I was in my room, in my own bed. I think this might be the first time I have actually slept in here overnight.

“It’s nothing, sweet girl. Now eat before the boys smell food and come running. I don’t usually bring food up here for them."

“They may have mentioned that once or twice last night when they saw what you sent up for dinner."

Sierra yawned by me. “They did call Sky your favorite and pouted about it."

Luna Ava just laughed before turning around and walking towards my door. “You have about an hour before you need to leave, I know you like to get to the training grounds early. It’s about 7am."

It’s so strange to be so comfortable in this house that I sleep in so late, no matter where I end up actually sleeping. “How did we get in here? The last thing I remember was starting a movie and leaning on Dakota’s shoulder.” I look over at Slerra as I crawl to the end of the bed and start digging into the plate with pancakes.

She giggles and follows me to the food. “Well, you made it all of five minutes before you were snuggled into Dakota and snoring."

“I do not snore!” I can’t snore, how embarrassing would that be? I’m looking at her with a forkful of pancake halfway to my mouth.

“You do, but it’s cute. What was more cute was how much gloating Kota did while you were holding on tight to his arm. There was even a little scuffle about who was going to carry you to bed and then, where you were going to sleep. Your brother eventually won and put you here, then asked me to stay with you to keep the rest of them out so you could get enough sleep for today."

She shoved her mouth full of whipped cream covered pancakes and smiled at me.

‘“‘That’s the dumbest thing I have ever heard. There’s no way they fought over carrying me.” I rolled my eyes and stuffed my own face. She just shrugged her shoulders at me.

It wasn't long until we were joined by all the guys, including Xandar, and they polished off everything that we didn’t eat. And even though she said it was for us, she made plenty for the boys too.

It took some convincing, and threatening on Sierra’s part, to get them to leave so I could change. I decided on more grubby clothes today, knowing we were going to be in wolf form. I wasn’t sure if we would have to shift unexpectedly and tear through clothes and I can’t risk tearing through my favorite stuff.

Again.

Just like yesterday, I got a piggy back ride from Oliver. He and Sam played rock, paper, scissors for it.

My brother and the twins just shook their heads and smiled at the antics. Xandar, however, looked confused, but said nothing and joined us on the short walk over to the training grounds. I was the first to arrive again, but not by much. Wyatt, Jeff and Lillian all walked over to say hello and I introduced the groups. There were a lot of titles to throw around. I now know I take for granted the fact that I get to call all of these friends by only their first names.

Chapter 0114

The guys and Sierra leave me to go and sit in the Alpha’s box to watch. As soon as they walked away I could feel my anticipation start to rise again. We were going to be in wolf form today. Only a handful of people even know I have a wolf let alone seen her. I find myself wondering if my dad is going to be angry that I didn’t say anything about it to him or if he will be pleased that I was strong enough to shift so early.

I didn’t get a chance to fall too deep into those thoughts though as Delta Kyle walked up and got our attention.

“Alright, today we will begin similar to yesterday.

You will all be broken down to fight one on one in your wolf forms. Our instructors will give you your opponents as you go. We will divide you into males and females at first then mix you up according to your fighting skills and styles. There are changing tents lined up along the edges of the arena. This will give you the chance to change and our instructors a chance to get to know your wolf form without having to strip awkwardly in front of hundreds of people."

Our whole crowd lets out a little chuckle, but you can feel the collective sigh of relief too. I know I will breathe easier without having to get naked in front of everyone. That was my biggest fear this morning. I don't want to have to explain my scars to anyone, especially not right now. I came prepared to just shift and tear through my clothes, though. Sierra has a backpack with backups for me.

Delta Kyle gives a few more instructions then leads us in and shows us our respective tents. While we are walking, I can see Lillian looking at me every couple seconds from the corner of my eye. She follows me back toward the furthest corner from the tent opening.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” I question her as I sit down on a bench and slowly work my shoes off.

“How are you even going to do this? You’ re only like fifteen/sixteen, right? You can’t go human against wolf. Especially those Elite wolves."

“Umm, I actually got my wolf a year ago.” I shrug trying to make it seem like it’s not a big deal. “That’s why Delta Kyle was given permission to let me join trials. And, we train human versus wolf, so that’s not really new either.” I skipped over confirming how old I was, hoping she doesn’t notice or doesn’t bring it up again.

Her eyes got wide and I thought I was going to have to help her pick her jaw up off the floor.

“You have had your wolf for a year already?! Holy sh*t!" “I'm a beta and my brother and his friends got their wolves around the same time. I just figured that was normal.” I shrug again, hoping she believes the flimsy lie. I figure if I play innocent she’ll drop it. I was rewarded with one more quizzical look. Then she began to focus on her own changing.

There were only about 50 or so people left in the trial, and of those about 20 women. It was nice to know that female warriors are appreciated and not as few and far between as I had thought.

The female warriors have the girls change and shift a few at a time and make note of the wolf’s color, scent and other markings. I hang at the back, not really having to act nervous. I tell Lillian to go before me, that I need a minute before I head out. Once everyone is out of the entrance, I head forward, still clothed , toward the warriors taking notes.

“Can you not shift yet, sweetheart? I thought you looked a little young.” The taller of the two said.

“No, it’s not that. Can I ask a favor? Can you only make note of the markings on my wolf?” I asked quickly, not wanting to miss anything.

Chapter 0115

“I’m not sure what you mean, honey, but we can do that, I guess.” She's still looking at me funny.

With that I nodded and began to undress, trying to keep my back to them as much as possible, but I won’t have much control when my wolf starts to take over to shift.

My shift was quick, but I didn’t miss the intake of breath before it was complete. I know they saw my back and the ugly scars I get to carry around. I just hope they don’t ask about them later or mention them to anyone. The last thing I need is for them to start asking questions.

“You are beautiful!” The shorter warrior exclaims. “I don’t thinkI have ever seen a pure black wolf before.

It’s so rare to not have any other markings."

I told you we are special. My wolf gloats to me.

Whatever, let's go before they send a search party in here for us.

We trot out and take the position given to us by the warriors who are helping with the trials. We square up to a beautiful brown wolf with red tinting the ends of the fur. As soon as the whistle is blown we are in full focus. Because the fighting was so fierce, the warriors had to jump into the fray to get our attention and then direct us to another opponent.

Sparring in wolf form was exhilarating. I have never had this much fun or felt this powerful in my life. I lost track of how many opponents they put me against. They never let anyone get to the point of being pinned. I’m not sure if that was because all of the fighters were just that good and we were all having trouble submitting eachother or if they wanted to preserve energy to see us against a bunch of different opponents.

After the individual rounds we were told to simply '"

get past the line of warriors.’ I wasn’t sure what kind of task that was until I saw all of the Elite Warriors saunter out in their wolf forms looking intimidating and ready for battle. They took up a defensive stance in a semicircle around the obstacle course. Similar to yesterday, there were barriers and other things added to give us cover, but I had a feeling we were all royally screwed.

Delta Kyle blew a whistle and we all ran toward the hostile wolves, ready to prove we were not worthy to join their ranks. I focused on the line. They all seemed to be hyper aware of their surroundings, all taking on more than one wolf at a time and at lightning speed. I had to remind myself I was a part of this whole show and I couldn’t sit here and watch in awe at the graceful and deadly movements of these highly trained machines. I couldn’t ignore it either. It was almost magical.

Some wolves just ran forward head on into the line, tyring the most obvious way to get your ass beat.

Others tried to dart between the things piled up, but not really looking at their surroundings for the best ways to move and getting caught up by an Elite warrior before getting too far. I belly crawled from one hiding spot to another, keeping myself as small as possible. There are benefits to being my size. I made it to a low woodpile about 20 feet from the ropes course side of the obstacle.

The Elite warriors were pinning wolves left and right like it didn’t cost them any energy or effort at all. My plan was to find a gap when two were focused elsewhere, but they never strayed from their general positions. If one wolf moved, the whole unit shifted. I have no idea how long I stood there and just observed their movements, it was like a dance, so mesmerizing.

A loud snarl broke me from my trance and I sawa huge gray wolf with black markings barreling towards me. My wolf scrambled back and tried to get around the other side of the woodpile only to be met with three other wolves, I had been corralled.

How did that happen? They were all just engaged with other people not a minute ago. Damn they work fast. Now the question is, do I fight and try to keep going or surrender? Before I can answer my own question with some form of action, a whistle is blown.

“You all did a great job today. The warriors have a lot to discuss. Please go and change and meet at the pack house to celebrate a successful trial session. You all deserve it.”

Chapter 0116

All of the wolves dispersed back to the changing tents and I vaguely heard the crowd cheering. I completely forgot we were being observed. I was so engrossed in the fighting, it felt like a normal training day, just with really well trained adversaries.

We walked back towards the tent and were stopped by Delta Kyle. “Good job today kid. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little worried about today. I know you have been training in your wolf form, but clearly more than I even knew."

My wolf nods her head accepting the compliment for me. Thank you. I appreciate all your help. I just hope it was enough to get me on their radar for when I can actually be accepted into the program.

“T don’t think that is anything you will ever have to worry about. I don’t think I am supposed to tell you this but, you went up against the most opponents yesterday and today and got the closest to the target as a wolf today."

There’s no way! I was watching some of these guys fight. It was crazy. And there has to be people that got just as close today, I was so far from the target and I didn’t even engage until the very end when they cornered me.

He just shook his head. “Nope, but I think your tent is clear and you have some friends who want to celebrate your success with you. Go change. I’ll see you at the pack house."

I turned around to see that almost everyone had cleared out of the arena and I had an even bigger appreciation for Delta Kyle. He knows I keep my scars to myself and gave me the excuse to not have to change in the excited tent with others, where I would more than likely be cornered and asked a ton of questions. He does it all without pushing for more information, even though I know it bothers him to not know what is really going on.

I change quickly and head out the gates of the arena and get immediately thrown into the air. I have no idea what is going on, but I am weightless with my hair wrapped around my face so I can’t see up from down. Then a pair of warm, calloused hands grab me and a familiar salty ocean scent wraps around me.

Sam.

“Holy sh*t, Little Bit! I thought yesterday was amazing, but I don’t think I have ever seen you move that fast. You’ve been holding out on us.” He pouts a little at me.

“Alright, put her down so we can share her.” Sierra giggles.

Sam places me on my feet and she wraps me in a tight hug. “There were a couple times there I was actually afraid for your safety. That was harder to watch than yesterday. I don't like being on the sidelines at all."

She lets out an amused huff, but there is something else there I can’t quite place.

I don't have time to dwell on her meaning as my brother grabs me up in a hug. “You should have heard dad’s reaction when I explained which wolf was you. I don’t know if I have heard him cuss that much in my life and most of it was at me and Delta Kyle. I don’t think he believed that you could shift."

He places me down in front of Oliver, who says nothing, but hugs me tightly and buries his nose in my neck inhaling deeply. He steps back and the twins do the same. Again, actions I don’t totally understand, but I don’t get the chance to think about them when Xander walks up.

“That was amazing!” he grabs each of my shoulders in his massive hands and stares down at me. “I have never seen our top warriors have real competition outside their own circle. You were incredible!” He pulls me in for a quick hug, then pushes me out toa safe arm’s length distance when

a low growl sounds behind me. “You went against each warrior that travels with my dad and mom personally! They heard about you yesterday and asked to join in."

That was news none of us expected to hear. It was all such a blur though, I couldn't pick the wolves I fought out of a line up if I tried. Still in Xander’s hands I turned to look at the guys, “Can we go eat please? I am starving!"

Chapter 0117

“Of course, Smalls, but this time you’re mine!” Kota swings me on his back and starts running. The rest of the guys are laughing and running to catch up.

It took us no time to run to the packhouse which was completely overflowing with people. The front doors were thrown wide open and groups of people were milling around the front lawn and porch all talking and enjoying themselves. I could hear the music coming from the back yard and could smell the delicious scent of barbeque billowing from the Alpha’s pride and joy grill.

‘Kota, can you run me upstairs for a quick shower and change of clothes?"

“Sure Smalls, I would love to get you all cleaned up."

He says low, in a tone I’ve never heard from him before. Then he looks over his shoulder and winks at me before I even caught on to what he was implying.

“Ugh! NO! Get your head out of the gutter. Just take me to our floor.” I roll my eyes back at him.

“You said it not me, Smalls. I can keep it quick though so no one suspects.” He chuckles again.

“Will you stop! I'll just go myself, you are being weird.” I tried to jump off his back as he reached the porch, but he had a death grip on my thighs. I was not going anywhere without a scene, and we both know I won’t cause a scene at Luna Ava’s party.

Stupid boys. “Fine, just move it, [ don’t want to keep your mom waiting. She's probably expecting you and the guys to play your parts as hosts and is not happy it took us this long to get back."

“‘Mom knows where we are, it’s fine. Besides, she wants you, not the rest of us. You are the jewel of the pack right now, from what I overheard in the stands."

He nonchalantly throws that out as we make it to the door to their floor and starts punching in the code.

“You are full of sh*t.” I scoff. “I can't even compete for a real spot yet, no one was even looking at me with so many real candidates."

He turns to respond, but is interrupted by my favorite sound on the planet.

“Oh, my goddess! Babe, there you are, I’ve been waiting forever. You totally need to get downstairs.

The Alpha King is waiting to talk to you and your brother, you really can’t keep him waiting any longer. He probably wants to hear about all the great plans we have to make this pack even better when we are Alpha and Luna. Where is your brother?"

Kota puts his hand up to stop her rambling. She either hasn’t noticed me on his back or is choosing to pretend that I’m not here. My guess is the latter. "

Kaley, who am I?"

“What?” She opens her eyes wide and tries to look innocent.

“Who. Am. I? It’s not a hard question. Or at least it shouldn’t be."

“You are a future Alpha, silly. That's such a weird question.” She giggles.

“My name. Say my name. Which future Alpha am I?"

It hit me then. She can’t tell them apart. I never thought of it until now, but she never calls them by their names initially. It's not funny but at the same time, it isto me. I bury my face in the back of Kota’s neck to stifle a giggle of my own. Can't she just tell by their scents who they are? She can’t be that stupid.

Kota lets out a purr-like sound from his chest and I pop back up looking at him with my eyebrows furrowed.

‘Smalls, you probably shouldn’t do that, unless you want our previous conversation to become a reality.”

My eyes go wide again. Kaley raises her eyes to me, "

I’m sure you’re capable of walking on your own, stop playing the victim and making him slave over you. It isn’t appropriate for a future Alpha to be schlepping the help around."

“Kaley, you never answered my question. Who am I?” Kota gains her attention again, and for once she looks nervous.

“Uh, well...” Kaley starts to stutter out and takes time to smooth and adjust her livid pink dress before our hurricane of friends comes blasting up the stairs and saves her from answering the question.

“Would you quit hogging my sister? Where are you guys going anyway? The party’s downstairs.” Mateo looks at Kota and I suspiciously.

“I was trying to go upstairs and clean up a bit before I went down. I am disgusting from the trials today, but all of you think I am not capable of walking, so I’m stuck here while Kota finishes up his conversation.”

 

Chapter 0118

‘See Dakota, even she thinks you need to put her down and come with me to talk to the Alpha King."

Kaley jumped into the conversation and twisted my words to her advantage.

‘We'll be down in a bit, you should go and rejoin the party.” Kota says turning, still holding my thigh tight with one hand while punches in the code to the door with the other. I didn’t miss the way he turned to block Kaley’s view of the keypad. If she noticed too, she wisely didn’t say anything.

‘Well, I guess I could walk down with her and we could wait for you guys together.” She pointed to Sierra. She’s grasping at straws now.

Kota has the door open, and we all turn to look at her, the guys just as confused as me.

“Sky needs to go to her room and change first, and Sierra needs to check her for injuries that might need to be dealt with. She took a couple of hard hits today.

We'll see you in a little bit Kaley.” My brother's words were polite and about as final as you can get and Kota took the out, turning back towards the doorway and the stairs leading to our floor.

We started the walk up and I could feel the rest of my friends behind us, moving in a bit of arush. I heard Oliver at the back, “No, you are not allowed on the third floor.” A growl rumbles from him that sets my stomach buzzing, but not in a bad way. “Move your fingers so they don’t get crushed. Mateo said we'll see you later.” Then the distinct click of the door and lock engaging.

“She’s getting more and more desperate and bold, you two are going to have to watch yourselves.” Sam says somewhere behind me.

“Yeah, but she still has no idea which one of us is which, and doesn’t give ash*t. Even if we wanted to take a chosen mate, why would we choose someone who can’t and doesn’t even try to tell us apart?” Kota says over his shoulder. “She just likes the idea of status and thinks being Luna is just throwing parties, spending money she hasn’t earned and parading around in front of people. She has no idea how much work our mom does on top of everything she does with dad."

“Wait! She can’t tell you two apart? Like, at all?” I ask from my perch.

‘No, most people can’t. They tend to just see us as one collective unit.” Cam sighs behind me.

“Even we have a hard time when they dress the same.” Mateo says.

“How is that possible?” We made it to our floor and Kota finally put me down. I wiggled my legs a little to wake them up from having to straddle Kota’s wide back for so long. “There are so many things about you both that are different."

“Like what?” Cam asks, crossing his arms, almost in a challenge.

“Well for one, you both have different colored eyes.

That’s a dead giveaway, if anyone pays attention.” I rolled my own eyes as if it was obvious.

“Our eyes are teal, the exact same shade.” Kota says with his eyebrow raised.

“What? No they aren’t!” They have to be trying to mess with me now. “Cam’s eyes are green. It’s a really pretty bright emerald shade and Kota’s are blue, like the Caribbean ocean. I could see how, if you mixed the colors, that it would look teal though.” I said the last part more to myself than anyone else. "

And your scents are different, just to name a few.

How could anyone mix you guys up?” I shrug my shoulders and turn towards my room to go get cleaned up and changed.

“Wait, wait, wait! They smell different to you?!” Sam almost shouts. “How is that even possible, when they smell the exact same to the rest of us?"

“Huh?” T turn back around. “What do you mean they smell exactly the same to all of you? Cam smells like a mix of oranges and lemons. It's a really clean citrus smell and Kota smells like sweet cinnamon. When they stand together they smell like fall.” I can’t help myself, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Their scents are actually really calming.

When I open my eyes, everyone is staring at me like I have lost my mind and I'm starting to feel self conscious.

Chapter 0119

“So you're telling me, you would know who was standing next to you based on our scent and eye color alone? Even if we were dressed exactly the same?"

Kota asks.

“Yeah, probably.” I shrug.

“Our parents can’t even do that.” Cam says. His tone is strange, like disbelief.

“Okay, you guys are being weird. I’m going to jump in the shower quick and change. Give me five minutes.” I turn around again and head to my room. I can hear them muttering, but I tune it out.

They are being so weird about this whole telling them apart thing. Of course they smell different, they are two separate people. Just like they have different features like eye color and their builds are a bit different, even if it is subtle. Their hair isn’t even cut and styled the same. If people are too dense to notice those kinds of differences and see them as individuals, they don’t deserve to be considered friends.

I get in and out of the shower in record time and notice an outfit placed on my bed. I’m sure Sierra is responsible. Making sure I dress the part of a non- awkward pack member instead of recluse. I had to let out a laugh when I noticed two full outfits as I walked closer to my bed. One is a subtle but statement- making yellow halter dress that is far too short for my comfort level. The other is a pair of dark washed skinny jeans and a white sweater with an off the shoulder cut neckline. It looks amazingly soft and feminine. She at least left a cute lacey bralette. These cute tan ankle boots were left on the floor.

Apparently she thought they went with either outfit.

I obviously chose the jeans. She lost her mind thinking I was going to voluntarily wear a dress toa backyard party. But, I’m sure she knew that and laid the dress out to keep me from complaining about the dressy sweater and heels. It’s sad she knows me so well.

“You ready yet?” The devil herself calls from the door.

“Almost, just need to get dressed and throw my hair up.” I don’t need to do anything fancy, it’s a bunch of warriors, not diplomats from other packs.

“Absolutely not!” She scoffs. “Get dressed, I'm doing your hair.”

‘We can't take forever, the guys will come barging in here and carry us down the stairs. I would like to walk back down on my own two feet thank you very much."

“It will only take a second. You don’t even need make -up, you’re already so tan from training, but I want you to get a little of your hair out of your face.” She gives me a deep side part, then finger combs my hair.

Instead of tucking my hair behind my ear on the part side, she whips two jeweled clips out of nowhere and pins the loose strands back. It’s super simple, but looks like I put effort in. I can't help smiling at my reflection. She always knows how to dress me up, but keeps me comfortable.

“They are literally about to bang on the door, let’s go."

“What? How do you know that?” She looks at me funny again.

“T can smell them from here.” We are at the vanity just outside my bathroom, on the other side of the room. “Kota and Oliver are right behind my door, Cam is further away behind Kota and Mateo and Sam are behind all of them.” I shrug, heading to the door and throwing it open.

Kota had his hand raised to knock, but they all had varying looks of surprise.

“Holy sh*t! How did you do that?” Sierra breathes out behind me. “I couldn’t smell them til we were halfway across the room. And you got the order correct. Or at least I think you did. Did you guys change?” She asks the twins.

They both nod. “Call it a social experiment.” Cam says, looking straight at me.

‘What are you trying to prove Cam?” I ask, really intrigued.

“That, so far, you are the only person who has been able to say who is who while we are dressed the same, without hints."

“T told you, you both have different scents and eye color. That alone should be enough if people pay attention. Your hair is usually done differently and your builds are slightly different. There are so many things that make you each unique, I don’t understand."

“And I really want to unpack the fact that you are the only one who sees those differences, but mom is starting to get impatient, we have to go.” Cam smiles at me and reaches for my hand.

I take it and let him lead me down the stairs, but let go when we get to the second floor landing as we are accosted by people. There are so many more people now than when we went up not even fifteen minutes ago and everyone wants to talk to the guys and Sierra and surprisingly, me. We all kind of spread out mingling with the crowd, but I can still see all of them. Thank the goddess all my friends are tall. A guy I know I have seen around gets close to me and starts going on and on about something in the trials. I’m not really sure what he's talking about though, he’s talking too fast to keep up. I don't really notice how close he is until I feel something brush my hand, I look down and see him stroking the outside of my hand with one finger. When I look up he’s only a couple of inches from me and I freeze.

Chapter 0120

“Why don't we go take a walk.” Rando says in a low voice, that, I’m sure, was meant to be inviting, but I am just stuck having never been flirted with by anyone other than the guys, who I don’t take seriously at all. He slowly starts to trail his hand up my statue-like arm and gently wraps his hand around my bicep. “You seem like the type who likes a good rough time.” My eyebrows shoot up into my hairline and I try to step back, but his grip tightens.

“No thanks, I’m good.” Is all 1 could sputter out.

“T was promised a really good time with you and I don’t intend on missing out on all the fun everyone else has been having. Watching you fight today makes me even more excited. I wonder how much you could handle before you break.” = “What are you talking about?” Of course the insult brings me out of my scared state. “Let go of me.” I say strong and stern, trying to keep my composure. I won't start a fight in the packhouse while the Luna is hosting, but this guy is giving me the creeps and has clearly been misinformed.

“Not a chance, I want what I was promised.” He goes to pull my arm again and clearly thinks he can overpower me. He must not have really been paying attention to my fighting today. I pull my arm back, but he doesn’t release his hold, just lets me pull him in closer. “See, I knew you couldn’t resist me.” He says close to my ear, then a low growl rumbles directly behind me. I can feel Oliver’s body heat warming my back.

“T suggest you keep your hands to yourself, Micah, if you value the use of them.” Oliver’s arm wraps around my waist and pulls my back completely against him. “She said no, hear the rejection, get over yourself and move on.” He’s still looking directly at Micah, but talking to me, “Come on, the Luna will be looking for her favorite girl.” A threat was clearly implied here. I could feel the menacing aura coming off of Oliver.

He moves to my side, but doesn’t take his arm off of me as we move down the big staircase to the first floor and on through the kitchen to the back patio.

He doesn’t release me until we get next to the Luna and Alpha and the rest of the guys. He more or less places me between Luna Ava and Sierra and then steps back by Mateo. Based on the dark look that crosses my brother’s face, he was told of what just happened with Micah over their mindlink. A low rumble comes from Cam and Kota on the other side of the Alpha.

Oh, goody they are having a conversation about me and my completely lame situation upstairs Whatever you guys are talking about knock it off.

People are staring. I hope that is the end of it, but that would be wishful thinking.

Someone put their hands on you Sky without your permission and after you told them to back off. Cam says plainly. I didn’t miss the use of my name.

We’ve been through this, it’s not the first time and Oliver did step in before there was a problem. Now stop, your mom and dad look like they want to speak.

“T had better get a full explanation of what that was."

Sierra says in my ear.

I roll my eyes slightly. “Was it that obvious? Just boys being overprotective."

‘Well you did kind of challenge them to pay attention, now you have five bodyguards. And that was more than just being protective, their auras are in full force right now. If they were full leaders everyone would be in submission right now.” She huffs out in a whisper and I have to fight a smile, it’s not that bad.

Luna Ava clears her throat as she and Alpha Lucas Stand, stopping all conversations.