Ch. 31..40

Chapter 0031 There's no way, just wishful thinking on her part probably. That's what you get for giving into the crazy ones. Now that she's had you two in the sheets, she thinks she's got her claws in you permanently." Mateo supplies. My face goes beet red again. All this open, nonchalant talk is new for "You two actually slept with her?" Sierra sounds appalled. "It was a very drunk and terrible mistake." Kota supplies. "One she hopes you both will repeat. That's why she keeps bringing the tequila.• Oliver mumbles next to me. I'm not completely stupid when it comes to six, but by what it sounds like these guys get up to, I am less than an amateur. And this is not the group I want to learn from, I am going to permanently be red from all the blushing. I sit up straight, she is going to try and kill me after this, I need to get home quickly and hide. I will not get away with just simple beatdowns after they defended me and rejected her so publicly.

"l just realized, I need to go. I have a big project I need to start on." I am ready to climb over Dakota and Cameron's laps if I have to. I am seriously about to have a full blown panic attack and need to go before I make a complete scene. "Please let me out" I look at Cam and I don't know

what he sees in my eyes but he doesnt argue, just starts to shift and pushes Kota. I can feel my breath pick up. just a couple minutes and we can drop you at home." Cameron looks at me worriedly. "No, it's okay, you guys are still eating. I was done I say as Cameron shifted to put his hand on me, I dodged to the side a bit, far enough out of his reach. "I'm just going to walk. It will help my food settle." I turn quickly and head out before anyone

can argue with me. Once out the door, I look around to see if she is waiting for me before darting behind the diner to take my short cut through the woods. She doesn't seem to ever want to look for me there, but she will corner me if I'm walking down the sidewalk, been there, done that, no thank you. I've gotten good at avoiding main roads as much as possible. Once I get to my backyard, I look everywhere and my wolf and I sniff for anyone hiding out before dashing to my backdoor.

Once I am safely inside, I lock the back door and lean on it for a minute taking deep breaths. Once felt calm, I went straight to my room where I stayed the rest of the weekend. Mateo tried knocking once, but I ignored him completely, so he didn't try to bother me after that. I did every bit of homework I could and took a risk running at 4am Sunday morning. I figured I would be safe from Kaley and her minions and the guys. The trio would be working on their beauty sleep and I don't think even they have the power to make someone watch me 24/7. It's not that I'm afraid of them, I think. I just don't want any more trouble than I usually have.

She actually left me alone for two whole weeks. Which was weird, but that didn't stop me from jumping every time I heard my name or when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I know something is coming and it's just a matter of time. It's too much to hope that she would leave me alone for good because the guys have decided I am a part of their friend group and she clearly wants that status. I do think having one or more of them around in between classes has kept her away, for now.

I did my best to stay away from all the guys too, but as they all slowly discovered, I'm in a few of their classes and they insisted that I sit near them and work with them. I wasn't allowed to disappear into the background. Thank the goddess that Kaley wasn't in any of those classes. I just wasn't sure which people she had spying for her and I always made excuses to not walk with any of them for

too long so she rarely saw us together in the hallway. I even avoided my brother, who shouldn't have been an issue at all, but I don t know with her level of crazy, she may not have put together that we are related and therefore he isn't a romantic option for me. I'm sure Marnie sees me as a complication for Mateo and that would be enough for Kaley to retaliate.

Chapter 0032 After two weeks, was pulled into a dark closet following school, a large hand covering my mouth and part of my nose making it hard to breathe, another gripping the back of my neck, squeezing the muscles tight enough to render me motionless.

Then I felt punches to both sides of my ribs from the back. It was over almost before it began and no threats were made, but the message was clear. I'm a target again. I was shoved out of the closet quickly and tripped over myself hitting the ground. The sound of footsteps running away hit my ears as I sat there struggling to breathe and sit up straight. I didn't even try to look to see who grabbed me, just know they were huge and I am for sure going to have bruises for a few hours.

The mandatory trainings became hell as well. With the display Sierra and I put on, many people wanted to train with us to genuinely get better, but several were trying to hurt me for Kaley or they were upset that I made them look bad. It was hard to tell some days, but I became a punching bag and could do nothing about it. I set myself up for that. Now that I took the time to show off my skills, the pool expanded from Kaley to anyone who was trying to climb the ladder and get noticed by our leaders. was the one to knock down a peg and if I showed any weakness they all would eat it up, so I showed no weakness and took it all without making a sound. Most of them only got in really good shots when I was tired from previous fights, but I wouldni let Delta Kyle or any of the other guys step in to help. I can't look like the favorite or like they are spoiling me, it would just make everything worse. I can guarantee she is fueling that fire too, I just can't prove it. Ifs the little comments that are made when I'm close enough for them to whisper in my ear. The other problem is none of the guys could do anything either. They did finally catch on to the fact that my sparring partners were more than just training rough.

But the discussion of them helping me was shut down quickly, but had to be done daily. If they stepped in, it made me look weak and like I can't actually defend myself, making me a bigger target. They did help though, in their own way.

They all managed to be 'randomly paired with some of the guys who were exceptionally aggressive with me later in the week by Delta Kyle and they returned the aggressiveness in kind. And none of them challenged me in front of the group. Sierra tried to get me to talk about my sudden introverted tendencies at school, when I clearly am not based on what she saw her first weekend here. I did my best to dodge the questions, but eventually I had to give her something. She wasn't going to let my lame excuses slide for much longer.

She got pretty creative with her lines of questioning. Throwing in the oddball comment while we were talking about homework or when she joined me on early morning runs, which she agreed with the guys, was ridiculous. They all flat out refused when she asked them to join so the torture could be shared among the group.

I have never been more thankful than when they said no. didn't want to have to stop or find another thing to avoid doing with them.

That early morning run and teaching the pups is all I have left that brings me any kind of joy now and I can't avoid talking to them at the pups training. We seem to always have a future leaders fan group at extra training,

they don't train however, they sit in the stands and cheer. Even the one we have with the current leaders, which is starting to make the Alpha irritated, so hopefully he will ban spectators. can't be

myself with the guys with all of these people watching and I'm sure they notice even though none of them bring it up.

Chapter 0033 About a month after the diner incident Sierra pulled me into an empty classroom. She looks around to make sure we are alone. "Talk, or I am going to Delta Kyle and Luna Ava. They clearly know more than the rest of us. I saw the marks on your back and you have more and more bruises all the time. You can't tell me it's just from training. You don't take that many bad hits. you're too fast for that. You walk around this school like a paranoid nervous kitten, which you are not. So start talking or I will go to someone who will give me answers." She actually looked angry, and I know her threat is not an empty one. I huff knowing there's no way out of this, but I have to make her understand that she can't step in. It just gets worse when people do. "Fine, I will tell you what you need to know and that is all. First you need to understand that what is going on is actually a controlled version of the situation." She actually snorts at me, but doesn't interrupt. •No, we cannot go to anyone, no adults, no teachers and will not explain why." I looked around the room. I am convinced listening devices or cameras are planted. "There is one student who wants control of the school, and for the most part has it. I have gotten in the way on more than one occasion and I am a problem to be handled. This person has converted several people to that line of thinking. They clearly take their dislike out on me physically. But better me

than any of our younger students, who used to be the main focus. I have made myself the target. on purpose. This is my choice and it is not so bad that I can't handle it." I rush all of this out in a whisper, just loud enough for her to hear "What about the guys? They would be pissed if they knew what was going on. You have become one of their favorite people and, in case you haven't noticed, they are a little on the protective side. It's actually kind of weird to watch you with them from the outside. They each show their protective streak in a different way, but it's there and unmistakable. They would rip someone's arms off for laying a hand on you." She at least caught on to the whispering, but her voice was rising in a sort of

panic. "NO! Do not tell them anything. They know bullying happens in the school, it has for years, and they have never done anything to help control it." "But, it's not just anyone getting hurt, it's YOU getting hurt. They would lose their minds!" does the fact that it is happening to me make the situation different?" I can feel my temper rising. • I am not more important than anyone else. Anyone getting bullied is a problem, not just me because I'm the Beta's little sister and friends with the rest ofthe guys. That is absolute bullsh* t!' I take a few deep breaths to calm myself. Sierra goes to argue some more, but I hold up my hand to stop her. Besides, I will not look like a weakling that has to run to her

big strong guy friends to protect her. No, absolutely not. And trust me that friendship hasn't gone unnoticed, and is a current problem. I received a couple more love taps and a reminder to keep my distance very recently. Say nothing to them, I am trying to figure out how to make it stop, without putting anyone else in the crosshairs of my bully, but right now I have nothing and no one else could handle the level of brutality they dish out." "Huh." Sierra says looking at me like it's a big decision. I don't break eye contact though. She's not going to win this argument. I was dealing with this long before she got here. Fine, I will keep this quiet, for now, but on one condition." Wiat?" I know I'm going to regret this, but it feels good to be able to tell someone other than Delta Kyle. I give him even less details, I thought his wolf was going to force itself out when I confided in him the first time he noticed whip lashes on my back His reaction was on par with what I think my brother's and possibly the rest of the guys' reactions would be. "l want to know every time it happens."

Chapter 0034 "Wait, what? No way! Didn't I just say I wasn't running to anyone for help?" "Not for help. You don't have to give me details, I want to know so I can help you heal quickly. You won't let anyone step in, but you at least let Delta Kyle give you stuff to treat the really bad injuries. Let me be a part of that, but I want to know immediately. The first time I see a new cut or bruise or whatever and you told me. I'm going to the guys." My eyes widened in shock. 'You wouldn't?" "l would. Starting with your brother." She crosses her arms and stands to her full 57" height. Daring me to object. I roll my eyes, she knows I'm caught now, I can't do anything but accept. If I don't she'll just go to the guys anyway. " Fine." I grumble out. "Fine what?" She raises her eyebrows not wavering from her demanding stance. "Fine. I will tell you anytime bullying happens so you can help me heal." "Great!" She chirps, her mood changing instantly and wraps me in a tight hug. "l, sort of, understand why you are doing this, but you really have to be alone, okay? And we need to get the guys on board with opening their minds and

observation skills. They really do suck at noticing things happening right under their noses." I just nod and let her hold me while I force the tears down. will not cry here, not at school, not when anyone could be watching. They will not get to me. only have a little bit more time here and then hopefully we can all grow up. This is how the rest of my freshman year goes. The winter was brutal, but kept to the same training schedule I always did, no matter the weather or how much my frineds complained. Sierra, finally, convinces me that it is okay to let the guys in a little bit as friends, but I keep it to training and school as much as possible. No matter how many times they invited me to parties and to the diner again, I always found a way to get out of it

I may be a little crazy for allowing the bullying to continue, but I'm not suicidal. I am not trying to earn jealousy punishments too. Other girls give me dirty looks when I am with the guys, they just dont go to the extremes that Kaley and he friends do. As the school year goes on, more and more rumors start flying about Kaley being the next Luna and no matter what Cam and Kota say or do to squash them, the rumors just keep coming. I'm sure most of it has to do with Kaley cornenng one or both of the twins at every possible chance in and out of school with hands all over them. Social media

pictures have started popping up too. From what the guys say, the Alpha isnt going to do anything right now since everyone is underage and it's 'harmless teenagers practicing marking their territory.' She also shoots any girl who looks their way a death glare, giving the universal girl sign for back the 'F' up off my men. don't know how much of her crazy behavior the guys see though. She can turn it on and off ike a switch. I'm sure the rumors are all started by her through Marnie and Jeanie. At least hanging out with all five guys together, she couldnt really accuse me of going after the ones she wants and what is she going to say about me hanging out with my brother? We are less than a year apart in age, making us almost as close as Cam and Kota. I was true to my word and went to Sierra every time an injury happened. She did a decent job of holding in her anger and never asked me questions, but she was right, I wasnä alone and her knowledge of healing solutions, powders and creams was seemingly endless. I recovered in no time with her help and my wolf didn't have to work so hard to help me heal, allowing me to get stronger. I was also becoming more comfortable in the crazy ass clothing she is trying to get me into. I'm no longer allowed to wear all baggy long clothing that allows me to hide. According to her, I have to show off the figure I have earned with all my over training.

Chapter 0035 Crap really hits the fan in the spring when our annual mating ball happens. It was originally designed for any wolves who are 18 or older, who are unmated, to try and find their mate if they are in the pack. We can't find our mate until the first full moon following our 18th birthday so if your mate is older or younger you just have to wait to find out. About a decade ago or so, the school council decided that any of the highschoolers could attend the ball too. This basically took the place of our spring dance. I think it was a way for them to get out of having to host and chaperone a high school dance, but that's just me. Elther way, it has become THE event of the year and come April, was all the girls could talk about. I honestly could care less. I never had any friends to go to things like this with and I really didn't like dressing up. I have my dad to thank for that Any time we had to dress up for some event he was required to take both Mateo and l. He would have me dress a little closer to the queen of England on a business trip than a young girl. The skirt suit felt like a straight jacket and was not comfortable in any form. So now when I hear 'formal' that is all I can think of. Since I wanted nothing to do with naturally my best friend was obsessed. Sierra had drawings upon drawlngs of dresses she imagined for this dance. It didn't even matter,

we couldn't find our mates yet anyway. She did not like or care for my logic and ignored my lack of enthusiasm at the idea of dressing to impress. One day at advanced training she threw me under the bus with Luna Ava, hoping to get an ally. color do you think would look best on Sky, Luna? " All the women had been casually taking about past mating balls and regalling us with their stories. The question was innocent enough, but it shocked me and I froze, allowing the female warrior I was sparring with to take me down. At least the Alpha finally made these training session private. No one saw me take the distracted hit or could eavesdrop on this conversation.

"She could actually get away with several colors, I think. Blue in any shade would bring out her eyes and make her hair glow. But deep jewel tones would look amazing on her skin tone. What were you thinking?' Luna Ava throws over without bslowing her movements down. Like to conversation was a part of the sparring she was doing. "I'm not sure, really. She refuses to dress shop with me and says she isn't going to the dance, leaving me all alone with these crazy boys. And we have to go, this will be my only year here. I leave this summer to go back home and we can't miss the 'biggest event of the year." She air quotes the overused tagline. Making a pathetic pouty face to go right along with it. I close my eyes and take a deep breath through my nose, adjusting the shoulder that took the brunt of the hit. Luna Ava stops to look at me now. "Oh, sweetheart, you have to go. You will have so much fun, we have so many things planned. I normally wouldn't push a freshman to go, but you can't miss going with your best friend and who would keep the boys out of trouble?" Her pout matches Sierra's. "Lets get something straight, No one keeps the boys out of trouble." All the females on our end of the training arena laugh loudly. "And I don't really see the point in prancing around in uncomfortable clothes and shoes like a slave for auction when I can't even sense my mate, therefore getting nothing out of the torture." Luna Ava and the other females just laugh again, they know I'm not wrong, but at the same time, I'm wavering. They are right too, I can't miss Sierra's only dance here in the pack. Ugh, can't believe I am considering this. I rub my temples with my fingertips. "It's not all bad and depending on the dress there are some remarkably comfortable undergarments that help you feel like you're wearing regular clothes. How do you think I got through all the formal events with the Alpha? If you don't want to buy a new dress, I'm sure I or any of the ladies here have several things you could look at and we can have them altered. We could always do a dress day at the packhouse, it would be so much fun!" She claps her hands and is getting far too excited. I can see the wheels turning.

Chapter 0036 "Fine, fine, l'll go." They all squeal, getting the full attention of the guys. "But I have conditions." I say to no one listening to me at all anymore. *What's got you all excited, Love?" Alpha Lucas walks up and asks, wrapping an arm around Luna Ava and kissing her softly on the cheek. He can't seem to not touch her when he is within ten feet. It's really cute. "We just talked Skylar into going to the mating ball." She said happily as I winced and shielded my eyes trying to hide as best I could from watching eyes, waiting for someone to make fun of me. you weren't planning on going?" Oliver asks, taking his usual defensive stance crossing his massive tattooed arms over his chest. Why would he care if I go? He's got Marnie to entertain him anyway. There's no way I'm going to be able to hang out with the guys much with the Barbie trio around. "Uh, no. Where have you been the last couple weeks? I hate all of this dress up stuff and I'm not old enough to find my mate, so it's kind of pointless. But it's Sierra's one and only time to go, I can't miss it, according to her and the Luna." Dripping my last words with sarcasm just for her. "We have to go shopping this weekend." Sierra claps her hands, like the Luna, skipping right over my last comment. are totally joining you, you know, for professional opinions." Sam adds, stepping comfortably close behind Sierra and trying to wrap his sweaty arms around her shoulders. She squeals and jumps out of his grasp. "Gross, you are exceptionally nasty today, go shower before you touch me." She wipes her shoulders off with her own towel scowling at him as we laugh. you just want to watch me make a fool of myself trying on stupid dresses." I roll my eyes at him and laugh at my friend. "It will actually be a nice change from your usual choice of baggy and comfortable or workout clothes." He laughs and jumps out of the way as I aim a swift kick to his butt. "It will be interesting to see what you're hiding. I'm sure you're fit enough to make all the girls jealous." He wiggles his

eyebrows at me. I take a deep breath fighting the heat in my cheeks. "Fine you can come, but you are buying me food." I snap back, missing another kick as he dodges around my brother to hide from me. "Deal. Little Bit." He stays behind my brother, intelligently anticipating another attack from my foot, but he reaches around Mateo to shake on it and then he's looking at me funny. 'What?' ask, questioning if I really want to know.

"l was just wondering if they made dresses in hobbit sizes." He laughs along with everyone else and takes off as I chase him across the field. I easily caught up to him and jumped on his back. He jogs back to the group like, I'm not even there, both of us laughing. "Hey, Sam, let me help you out, you have a tiny little something on your back." Oliver chimes in and lifts me off Sam by my armpits and holds me out away from his body like someone who's never held a baby before. His large hands have a firm grip on my ribcage and I am painfully aware of how close he is to touching my boobs with his massive hands and I'm not sure what to think about that. My feet dangling off the ground. "Put me down a*shole_" I kicked my legs backward, trying to divert my embarrassment, earning more chuckles from everyone since it did absolutely nothing. "Let me help you with your baggage." I'm still squirming as Dakota grabs me bridal style. At least I feel less like a little kid now. I wrap my arms around his neck naturally, to try and hold some of my own weight. My brain kicks in at how close I am to him and feel embarrassed all over again. Before my cheeks can even flame up. Cam steps up to us. "That's not how you carry her properly." Cameron quickly scoops me up with one arm and throws me over his shoulder. I squeal and then laugh at the abrupt change in direction. His hand rests just above my knees, in between my legs. He gives me a playful squeeze while all the guys continue to laugh. "Is she the new toy you're all trying to play with now?" Sierra laughs at them and smacks my butt while I'm in a compromising position and can't do anything to stop her. The smack was hard enough that I could feel my butt wiggle with the impact and I let out a little squeak.

Chapter 0037 That's going to leave a handprint on my ass!" I shout at her trying to reach back and rub the sore spot _ Her and are still laughing and I'm trying to look around Cam's back to see where she went when Cam puts me down slowly and Sierra and I realize they are no longer laughing. have to run. See you guys at training tomorrow morning." Oliver says a little strained, before they all take off. Sam looks amused, Mateo angry and Oliver, Cam and Kota are, I don't know, uncomfortable and blushing maybe. Weird. Wiat the hell was that all about? I ask watching the guys leave the large training grounds like they couldn't move fast enough. You're kidding right?' Sierra asks, hands on her hips. I just stare blankly at her. Even for them, that was weird, but she is looking at me eyebrows raised, like I missed a punchline. " They all just realized you're a girl, a hot girl, that's what." Wiat does that even mean? When have I ever not 'been a girl?" Sarcasm dripping in my words. "l have my suspicions, but let's just wait until we shop this weekend. You know they are all going to come to 'give opinions' since you don't normally dress up and your brother is probably going to try and smack at least one of them for

making inappropriately accurate comments." "No way, my brother would never fight any of them. They all make inappropriate comments all the time. Why would shopping make it any different?" bet?" *You sound like Oliver and Sam." I laugh. "But sure, I think you're effing crazy. There is nothing different about me now versus this morning or in training gear versus a dress and they are not all going to want to dress shop with us, that would be torture. I know it will be for me. Sam is just coming to hang out with you and give me a hard time about being awkward as hell."

n.Nell you sound like all of them with your new colorful language and if they all show up and if your brother argues with any of them you owe me lunch at a place of my choosing." She laughs at me flipping her still sweaty dark hair. "Deal. What is it with me and making deals with everyone?" I shake my head and laugh as we start to make our way out of the arena too. It's just the two of us now. I'm not sure when the adults left, but it must have been before the guys took off randomly. "Another product of hanging out with very competitive and idiotic guy friends." She stops and looks around the parking lot. "Those jack*sses left us. Man, you really messed them up, they must be scared of you now." She laughs as we both

start walking towards our street. I just roll my eyes. She is speaking in riddles and I normally think of myself as a pretty smart person, but I can't figure out what in the 'F' she is going on about. wave her off when we finally make it back to her house 20 minutes later. The twins' truck is in the packhouse driveway, but there is no sign of any of the guys. I keep on walking to my house and head straight for my room once I'm inside. The silence used to comfort me. It let me know I was safe and no one was around to find something to correct or criticize, but now that I have been spending so much time with such loud people, it's almost suffocating. I can hear soft music from my brothers room, letting me know he's home. I would love to talk to him about what Sierra was saying. He usually will give me a straight answer when I don't understand people's behavior, then again he left us high and dry with the rest of them, which is just as weird. But I'm afraid to knock on his door, music can mean one of two things. He's doing homework or a girl. I really don't want to interrupt in case it's a girl. My brother doing the horizontal tango is not something I want to imagine, let alone get a live picture of. Those boys seem to get around and I guess I understand the appeal. They are all tall, hot and completely muscled out and I don't even think they have hit their prime of good looks yet. They know how good looking they are, their egos are a testament to that. Combine that with the fact that they are future leaders of the pack, makes

them celebrities. I keep this train of thought as I head into my room and straight to the shower. I just never understood the complete lack of self respect it takes to throw yourself at someone with status just for a little bit of attention. If you aren't noticed without having to, sometimes literally, throw yourselves in their path, why bother? They aren't worth the time. They have probably been with all of the Sophomore and Junior girls and are making their way through the Seniors now. Which also surprises me. Kaley doesn't seem to make a big deal about them sleeping around with most of the upperclass female population of our school. She just has a problem with Sierra and l.

Chapter 0038 It's kind of nasty if you think about it too much. Thank the Goddess wolves don't get STD's or they would be in trouble. I'm not a prude, well not really. I get the appeal of six and have even done some self exploration, but I am one hundred percent inexperienced when it comes to being with a guy. And yet, I have no desire to jump some rando strictly to say I did, that is less appealing than having zero game in the s*x department. I'm a little jealous of how easy it is for Sierra to flirt with any of the guys. She seems to only have eyes for Sam, but is playful with all of them. Just the thought of trying to flirt makes me sweat bullets. I am just that awkward, so I figure I will wait for my mate who will love my crazy, inexperienced awkwardness no matter what. On that note I step out of the shower and wrap up in a towel. As I brush out my sandy blonde hair I look at myself and really analyze my reflection for the first time.

I don't think I am ugly by any means, I just don't think I am anything special either. My hair is mostly straight with a slight wave at the end and it is so long it goes past the middle of my back. I like it full and I think I would look like a baby doll if I ever cut it. My muscles are defined in my arms and legs and I know my back and abs have definition. I am putting on muscle now that I eat most of my meals with the guys and get the calories I need for all the training that I do.

I wear sports bras and tank tops for training all the time, still covering the scars on my back, but being more comfortanble in my skin. My figure is still on the smaller side with no real curves to speak of, even with the muscle definition. I'm only fourteen and I don't really know what my mom looked like. My dad only keeps one picture of her in his office and I'm not allowed in there, I saw it once when was little, but I dont remember it at all. According to everyone else who knew her, I look exactly like her, but that doesn't help me predict what kind of woman bits I may end up with. I sigh

and get dressed in some pajamas and get started on my homework. I have a feeling there will be no room for homework this weekend if Slerra has any say, so need to get ahead now.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened the rest of the week at school which is really only saying I didn't bleed from my attackers. It's almost like they knew what I was doing this weekend and were being courteous with their torture.

Saturday morning came and I found I couldn't sleep so I took my very early run alone today. I decided to take a chance and let my wolf out too. We ran the full border patrol route around the pack territory.

I'm not on patrols, so I don't have to really pay attention and can run as fast as want to so it only takes me a couple hours. usually wait until it's dark so it's easier to hide with her thick jet black fur. It was dark and peaceful right now, the sun still not up yet, and allowed me to wrap my brain around all the crazy was about to be subjected to.

When got home, I started breakfast and got out ingredients to make enough to feed everyone, since our house has been the new Saturday hangout before training. Even the Alpha and Luna join us sometimes too. I was worried the first time Mateo brought the guys over so early that dad would have a fit.

But I guess when it comes to my brother and the future Alphas he doesn't really care what goes on. Dad went as far as to ask Mateo what needed to be on the grocery list specifically for the Saturday morning breakfasts the third time it happened.

That conversation got tense really fast when Mateo said he didn't know and to ask me which earned me a disapproving look and the reply. "I'll have Gretchen follow up with you kids and make sure the

kitchen is stocked." Before he abruptly walked out of the kitchen.

Chapter 0039 His avoidance of me shouldn't hurt, it's been like this my whole life. He only talks to me when he absolutely has to in front of other high ranking wolves for appearance. But, every time he outwardly and blatantly rejected me I felt that familiar jab in my heart and all of my insecurities would haunt me for days after. I became more obsessed with training and school work, avoiding people, including Sierra and my brother after that interaction shortly after the christmas holiday. Something they both noticed and questioned and I expertly avoided talking about. My room and anything I used in the house had to be spotless and metlculously put away. The sad part is am fully aware of what I'm doing and why, but I can't help myself and I can't go to anyone for help. How would that make my dad look in the eyes of his peers? The peers he's been putting on a show for my whole existence. Ruining his reputation would make the emotional hell I have been going through completely worthless and I don't need to feel anymore like an unwanted problem. And as much as I should be mad at him or hate him, I just can't bring myself to make him look bad, hoping one day he will wake up and notice all the hard work and effort I put in to please him, to make him happy, proud of me. As long as there is that scrap of a chance, I will hold onto that hope. It took several days

for Sierra to pull me, mostly, out of the obsessive behavior. Really, I think I just got better at hiding it from her. I shake my head out of the dark memories and keep working on the breakfast spread. I really do like having Sierra and all the guys here. I find I enjoy caring for the group as a whole. They make me laugh and forget about all the things I normally focus on everyday. I actually feel like a teenager during this time and I find I have relaxed into the friendships the longer I am around all of them. My dad's demands don't exist, Kaley and her bully patrol doesn't exist, schoolwork doesn't exist. It's almost magical. The front door slams, I jump and I look at the time. It's not quite Sam and I'm not even halfway into

prepping all the food. What the hell is going on? The commotion in the hallway tells me it's at least a few of the guys. Their sounds are pretty distinct. I start to walk out to tell them to be quiet, I haven't even gotten Mateo up yet and my dad will actually be pissed at the ruckus this early. I slowly walk down the hallway and into the entrp.'ay. "Guys? What ar-" "SURPRISE!" A whole group of people shout at me. "Oh I yelled and then clapped my hand over my mouth as I'm trying not to fall on my butt in front of everyone. Sierra ran up to me first, catching me in a hug. "A little birdie told me It was your birthday today and we thought we would surprise you. We brought breakfast, I hope you haven't already started cooking." She steps back and takes in my running clothes. I don't usually shower or change since we go and workout with the pups, which leaves us disgusting. "Um, uh, I just started getting things together." I am super confused and disoriented. We don't celebrate my birthday, never have. It's the day my mom died, the day I killed her, and that is the only part my dad remembers about today. Mateo used to make me cards when we were little. He would never sign them or say anything about it, but I knew it was him. Once we hit about eleven though and he started focusing on his position, those stopped. "Um, come on in, we can set it up on the island." I led the group down the hall and stood off to the side watching the parade come into the kitchen. Mateo comes strolling in with the rest of the guys. He was a part of this? Did he tell them? I can feel my heart tighten at the thought. Then all the adults come through. Alpha Lucas and Luna Ava have 2 large platters of fruit and pastries, Cam and Dakota are each carrying a tray of food. Gamma Brett follows Oliver in with a very large pan that is steaming. Delta Kyle and Gwen come in ahead of Sam and they are all carrying balloons and a vase of flowers. Sierra's Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Robert bring up the rear with another steaming pan.

Chapter 0040 All my friends were carrying gift bags too. I was so overwhelmed, but I couldn't help myself and look at Mateo. He knew my question without me having to ask. He just shook his head once, almost imperceptibly. I couldn't help the wave of sadness that rolled over me and I felt my heart breaz I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was not going to let his absence detract from this amazing thing my friends and their families did for me. They can't have any idea what this means to me. The first birthday I will celebrate outside of my bedroom and with other people is my 15th birthday. Even my nanny wasn't allowed to celebrate my birthday. She always said 'happy birthday' to me, but we couldnt do more than that. She tried once to bring me a cupcake and my father punched her in front of me, then kept her away from me for a week This will be one of the most special memories I have. But, cannot cry, I won't cry. I take another deep breath. Not happy tears, not sad tears. Today is going to be an amazing day, even if it has to include dress shopping. come out of my daze and walk around to hug and thank everyone. Luna Ava hugs me longer than necessary, telling me she probably has a pretty good idea what this actually means to me. Like always she lets me have my silent moment and then moves

on like it was nothing, not drawing attention where I don't want it. She has always just understood me without explanation. A'Vhat about training?!" I suddenly ask, looking at Delta Kyle and noticing the time. Panic washed through me at the thought of the pups running a muck by themselves. canceled it today and told the pups you were not allowed to workout with anyone today on pain of having to play capture the flag against you solo, after completing your entire, personal, daily workout. I can guarantee none of them are going to even look in your direction today." Delta Kyle laughs along with everyone else. I don't know if I should be offended or smug.

"l guess it's good I already went for my run today then, jeez." They all just laugh again. Luna Ava helps me get dishes out and stack them on the island and we all dig in. The food is amazing. Along with all of the fruit and pastries, the hot dishes had eggs, sausages, and fried potatoes. We go through most of it, these boys can put down some food. Sierra and I eat almost as much as the guys do, and Delta Kyle is quick to mention it. "l like that you girls eat a healthy amount I am always worried about some of the girls who don't eat enough, getting hurt at training. They are worried about gaining weight, but it's really hard to do even if they train the bare minimum." That launched a whole load of conversations about girls and eating and picky eaters. This then launched a competition of the worst dinner dates. These boys spent far too much time on high maintenance girls from the sounds of it, but who am I to judge. Until I met Sierra I did the exact opposite and avoided people like it was my job. I'm standing at the center of the Island. Cam, Kota and Mateo to my left. Oliver, Sierra and Sam to my right and their respective adults across from them. It was kind of a neat image, previous and future generation of leaders all at the table. The Beta is the only person missing. It makes me sad for a moment, not for myself, but for Mateo. Because of me, my dad refuses to share this moment with him. "Okay you have to open your presents." Sierra sings at me from the end of the island. '%at? Now? I thought I would just open them later. We are all having fun just hanging out and I really need to go shower, I probably smell." "You smell fine to me." Chorused from all of the boys, except my brother who looked at his friends with his eyebrows smashed together and letting out a little growl Wiat?" asked Oliver, looking around. "She smells fine, like the forest." He shrugs. 'l assume that's where she was running this morning." Yeah, Tiny, you smell good, just open your presents." Cam smiles at me.

The look that Luna Ava gave Alpha Lucas did not go unnoticed by me. What is going on?