Ch. 321..330

Chapter 0321 "You two are really going to have to show me that trick I know everyone played it off like it wasn't a big deal, but that is some superior level sh*t right there. Where did you learn to do that anyway?" She looks at both of us and I get the feeling she's listening for a lie. "Just training." Mina shrugs. "Once we get good at shifting it's something that those of us who chose to apply ourselves get to learn." Okay not a complete lie, but not exactly how this works." "What about you?" Janice looks at me. "What do you mean?" "Why did you put in the extra time to learn how to shift like "l don't like to be naked in front of other people, so it seemed logical." I try to match Mina's shrug, hoping I pulled it off. 'It's also nice to not have to carry around a change of clothes." I smiled at her and thankfully she gave me a smirk back. "That's the truth. The humans don't get it, or I would just walk around naked all the time. There's no shame here." She looks pointedly at me.

"Don't rise to it Little One. She's baiting you and you will end up giving more information away than you want to." Osiston must feel my irritation, but he's right, she's fishing just like we are. She's just more experienced than I am. More experience doesn't mean better though. I just give her a small smile. Staying quiet has worked for me so far, I will just stick to saying as little as possible, then I don't have to remember any half-truths I might be tempted to tell Thankfully the rest of the group finally catches up and some shift and change, others shift and let it all hang out. I guess when you don't have to hide.. Some of the guys light the bonfire and everyone settles in around it. Some sitting in small groups, others milling about socializing with different groups. Mina and I decide to sit on the far side of the bonfire facing towards all of the vehicles, coolers and the path we took to get here. From here we could watch pretty much everybody since no one really ventured too far from the drinks coolers.

"Why does it feel like you two are hiding?' Tyler walks over and holds out his hands showing us he brought us drinks. At least he heard me and it isn't beer, although I've never had a mixed drink from a can. This should be interesting. "We're not hiding, but it is less crowded over here and we can appreciate the fire better. I don't know if we've actually relaxed since we've been here. It's kind of nice to just sit." I tell him as he plants himself on the log next to me, leaving no space between us and I am on the end, so there isn't anywhere to scoot to. "So Tyler, you've heard our stories, so where are you from? And why did you join the school in the middle of the year?" Mina pushes right on into questioning him, but a comment like that isn't out of character for her here so I guess it works.

Chapter 0322

“Not a lot to tell. My pack was attacked a couple years ago, only a few of us survived. We met up with a few others who had the same issue. We have been traveling around not staying anywhere too long. Mike’s older brother came out here to go to school and said it was nice and no one really messed with rogues up here so we all came up. A few kids started school right away, some of us got jobs. We're doing alright now.” He doesn't look at us while he’s talking, just stares into the fire.

“Didn't anyone come to help your pack? Check on the survivors? I ask, remembering a conversation with Alpha Reggie during one of our training sessions.

“No one came.” A dark look crosses his face. It's almost like he filled with hatred at the memory. “We waited for days for rescue or help or anything, but no one came. We buried our own and did the best we could for about a month, but supplies were low and there was so much destruction that leaving became our only option.” He stopped and took a deep breath. When I thought he was going to go on with his story he shook his head and placed a smile on his face before looking at me. “Why forestry?"

“Osiston? Nickolas? Did you guys get all of that?” Mina asks over the link as I divide my attention talking about how much I love being outside and the warriors discussing next steps.

“You strike me as an outdoors kind of girl. I’m actually surprised you made it through lectures. You look like you are going to crawl out of your skin just sitting there."

“I do not! I actually enjoy classes and learning, but you're right, I prefer being out here."

We banter like that for hours, but we never circle back to the topic of his pack and I don’t know how to work it in to ask the name of his pack. When Robbie walks over with a girl snaked around him like she might lose him if she lets go, I notice the crowd has thinned out. Significantly.

“We're headed out, you good here?” Robbie grumbles his words, not like he’s mad, more annoyed that he had to walk all the way over to us.

“All good. Are Jay and Seth set to close up"

“Yep. You should probably pack it up, they are looking a little antsy, like they have somewhere to be and you remember what happened the last time they rushed their duties.” Robbie laughs deep in his chest and it isn't a pleasant sound to my ears. Something about this guy sets off every red flag radar in my body, but I can’t figure out why.

“Sounds like our cue to leave. Thanks for the run guys. Do you do this every week, or do we need another invite?” I ask, looking right at Tyler as I stand up stretching my legs.

I'm a little sore, but it is the best kind of sore and I smile at

the pull on my muscles. “I actually really enjoyed that. It's been a while since I’ve had the chance to run full tilt like that."

“You've been invited so now you're in whenever you can make it.” He smiles back at me and steps closer. “Later man.” He says, not taking his eyes off of me.

I blink a few times confused then look around to see Robbie and his girl walking off. I have no idea where Mike disappeared to. A few of the other guys came over to talk to Mina a bit, but no one came near Tyler and I. I wonder if that was on purpose.

I pull back from his personal space. “I'll see you tomorrow and we will definitely run again.” I start to turn to walk away when he grabs my wrist and pulls me back so quickly I barely have time to react and on instinct I turn my head to the side as my chest collides with his and his lips connect with the top of my cheek.

I was stunned for a minute, not really sure what to do. I just kind of clung to his shirt at his sides and waited for him to pull away from me. He finally huffs a laugh, kisses my temple and then pulls back.

“I have some work to do I see, that's okay, I’m patient.” He gives me a wink and then turns around to walk away.

“Damn, that was hot and you two didn't even do anything."

Mina laughs at me.

“Stop! That was weird and I felt nothing. I'm already awkward. Now I'm awkward with no feelings.” I slap myself in the forehead while my friend continues to laugh.

We walk down a trail and follow the scents back to campus, not moving slowly, but not in any kind of hurry either.

Osiston and Nickolas give us a play by play of what happened around them while we were hanging out and we Started to analyze and strategize the information that we are finally getting that we can take action on.

Many of the guys that were with us came and went from the party, but were never gone for more than ten minutes and they all went in different directions, so that is something we would need to look into further to see if they are just taking strategic pee breaks, hooking up, or if they are up to something. None of the girls left, ever. Which at a party you would think the opposite would be true.

We also needed to look into Tyler's pack’'s attack. Thatis a method we believe the rogues were using to recruit members. What if they were attacking packs and taking prisoners? And why did no one come to their aide? Did Alpha Reggie know about the attack and ignore a need for help? That doesn’t sound like him, but I don’t understand how they went so much time without help at all. No supplies in or out of their pack, no people coming or going? That doesn’t sound right. We stay pretty

remote from humans, but we still have modern needs that require us to interact with them. How do grocery suppliers and gas suppliers just stop showing up? How did no one notice?

We definitely don't have the whole story and it's going to take time to get those answers. I don’t know if Tyler is just omitting things that are painful to talk about or if the story is false and he’s using something generic to draw us in to trust him.

We make it back to Mina’s SUV without any problems, and the team is still flanking us out of sight and they continue like that the whole drive back to the house.

“Too many questions, and yet we did get a bit of info. The rumors appear to be true and the Rogue King’s group is attacking and taking on prisoners. The question now is, do your new friends know they have been recruited or are they acting of their own free will? They also could have just escaped and not known where to go so they teamed up with whoever was in the vicinity.” Mina says out loud to me as we drive.

Chapter 0323

“What do you mean ‘my new friends? We both went and hung out with them and we both got invited to do it again.

Did you not have fun tonight?"

“I had fun, but it was very apparent that they wanted you, but that's kind of how it always is. You seem to be everyone's center of gravity."

“What are you talking about"

“The most crazy thing is you honestly have no idea.” She takes a second at a stop sign to look at me and roll her eyes. “People naturally gravitate towards you. I have seen it at the castle and at the training compound and now here.

You don't even have to try and it’s not something that you even do or say. You just give off a vibe that pulls people in like magnets. Even Janice, who clearly doesn’t like the extra competition, acknowledged your abilities tonight.

Mind you she did it when no one but me was listening, but she also didn't give you a hard time after that either."

“She didn't do anything but ask about how we shift without tearing through our clothes. I hardly think that counts as acknowledgement."

“But she did talk to you like you are a normal person, not like a worthless tramp muscling in on her choice of guys after that. That's the acknowledgement. You were at the very least okay to be there in her eyes and that was all the signal the rest of that group needed to be friendly with you and I.

She’s a ring leader of that group, but I have a feeling Tyler might be up there in those ranks too."

“This is the stuff I need to work on, you caught so much from people’s mannerisms. It’s the social stuff I still just don't get. I can smell physical trouble from a mile away, like literally, but you caught a whole social structure from a three sentence conversation.” I am in awe a little bit and I know my voice isn't hiding it at all. She just huffs a laugh.

“I think the same thing when you can analyze an obstacle, map out how best to navigate it and get a whole team through it strategically all in your head. We all have our own talents, your problem is, people have only just started to realize what kind of asset you are."

We pull into the driveway, hop out and head inside.

Nickolas, Osiston, William and Alyssa are all sitting around the kitchen table looking over a map.

“What's up?” I ask.

“Your boys kept taking walks, but they never really went anywhere or did anything before walking back.” Alyssa starts.

“We think maybe they were doing their own perimeter check or patrol based on the spoke pattern they were walking."

William finishes. “I'm going to map this out and see if I can get any satellite imaging of the area now that I have been on the ground and see if I can find anything."

“Did you come across any weird scents or lack of scent?

That is the one thing that is confusing me since that seems to be the calling card for this rogue group. But all the wolves we have come across have their scent.” I ask the older four warriors.

“We were not close enough to any of them to track a specific scent, but I did notice when they got to whatever invisible barrier they all stopped at the scents did stop. The only thing I could smell was the forest, no other living things, not even small creatures that should be present even with this many wolves around.” Alyssa adds. She seems to bea really good tracker. —

“So we know this group is here, or at least a portion of them and they are in the forest outside campus. We can work with that, we can confirm that they are here.“

Nickolas sums up. “We need to keep tracking that forest, I know we have a team that is following up on Gentry’s route. Her coven is also on the search and they seem to be more willing to help now that one of their own is threatened so I might be able to get more information about what these guys might be using to mask the scent."

Osiston nods. “Girls, you keep working these college kids, you seem to be building trust with them quickly. We need more information to work with. Where they have been is a good start and if they plan on staying long term or if they are just passing through.”

Chapter 0324

“Got it.” We say in unison.

“You can both go, it’s been a long day. Be ready for a call at any time."

“Yes, Sir.” We both answer again and then turn to head out of the room and up stairs.

“I just want a shower and to stretch, my legs are sore. We need to run harder more often.” Mina half laughs and half whines at me as we both feel the tightness in our legs just from walking up the stairs.

Mina goes to grab her towel and head for the shower. I head for my desk and see my phone light up with a notification.

“Oh sh*t! I totally forgot. It's Sierra's birthday! We have to call her when it’s not the middle of the night."

“Is she 17 or 18?” Mina asks.

“17 one more year before we find out if Sam is her mate.” I giggle. “I swear their connection is so strong I could feel it click into place when they met. He turned to complete jello, it was really cute."

“Aren't all your friends having birthdays soon too?”

“Yeah, all the guys are just a few weeks apart. March is basically a party month for all of them."

She laughs and then stops, lost in thought. “Isn’t your birthday like April or May?"

“End of April."

“Does your pack put something in the water so everyone gets pregnant in the summer and has kids in the late spring?” She's laughing, but I'm sure kind of serious too.

“Il never really thought of it like that, but I guess.” I laugh at her grimacing a bit. “What about you? When's your birthday?"

She closes her eyes for a second and smiles, opening only one to look at me. “June.” - “Hah!! You can't say sh*t about it then!" I keep laughing as she walks into the bathroom to shower the night off. I She’s out quickly and I do the same. Once I am clean and in comfy clothes the long day kind of hits me and I look at the clock. At this point it is 4am and I have been up for almost 24 hours straight. I need to get some sleep if I am actually going to make it through classes today. I set an alarm and so does Mina, just in case, and we both quickly fall asleep.

I shoot up as my alarm goes off, then I groan as mother nature calls and decides I don't get to sleep more. When I get done in the bathroom, I'm too wide awake to even think

about going back to sleep even though I've only gotten about three hours. This is my normal internal clock and it is immovable at the best of times.

I decide to wake Mina up and we can call Sierra before we get started with our day. Neither of us bother to get cleaned up before we video call her. She'll appreciate the thought that she is more important than our appearance.

The phone dials for longer than it should and I'm afraid we might be waking her up or she doesn't have it with her.

When she finally answers, it's extremely close to her face, but she looks genuinely excited to see us.

“Oh my Goddess! How are you guys?!"

“We're great! Happy Birthday!” I basically shout at the phone.

“Aww, thank you. No offense, but you two look rough, what have you been up to?"

Mina and I both laugh. “We're on a mission right now and last night was a late night."

“Wait! What do you mean ‘on a mission?” A male voice I would recognize anywhere, shouts from somewhere behind her. Then the phone is snatched and blurry for a second before Sam's face comes into view. “Little Bit, what do you mean you're on a mission. You are just supposed to be in training. You aren't even old enough to actually qualify for that part, what is Warrior Brogen thinking putting you on a mission with fully trained warriors?"

Chapter 0325

“It’s nice to see you too Sam. Thank you for that vote of confidence, it is greatly appreciated. Osiston is here on mission, with us along with Nickolas and the rest of the team. So don't get your panties in a twist."

“Well aren't you special, no titles or anything anymore?” He tries to look stem, but it’s just not in his nature and he winks at me. “Il was hoping to see you in person while I'm here, but you're not even on the territory are you?

“It's hard to use titles when we are undercover, so no we don't use them here. And we are on territory but we aren't close enough to visit. Name's Mina by the way.” Mina introduces herself.

“Oh damn, sorry. It didn’t even cross my mind that you guys haven't met yet.” I smack myself in the forehead. “Mina, this is Sam, my packs’ future Delta and Sierra’s current toy.

Sam, this is Mina, one of the warriors in the training program with me. Her dad is a warrior for the Alpha King."

“It's nice to meet you Mina, and who are you calling a toy"

“Did we not just interrupt what I think we did? You are her toy. She plays with you however she likes. You just happen to enjoy the playtime."

“Okay, So you're not wrong. But it sounds so demeaning like that. I’m feeling a bit used and may need some TLC when we are done here.” He looks over his shoulder at, I assume, Sierra. We all laugh.

“Alright, I'm decent now, give me my friends back.” I hear Sierra before the phone blurs again and then before her face comes back into view. "So tell me everything that you can.

What were you guys doing last night?"

Sam slides behind her wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. Goddess I hope they are mates, they are perfect together.

“Nothing much really. We went on a run, getting to know some of the guys on campus. Just making connections.

It's all recon at this point."

“What campus? Where are you, Little Bit” Sam interrupts again.

“We are currently college students and trying to get close to a group of guys here.” Mina fills in some of the blanks for him.

“You were around a bunch of college guys last night?

Seriously? Did you know any of them before you got there?"

“A couple, the rest we met throughout the night. Why"

“No wonder Oliver was losing his mind and Cam and Kota kept calling to ask if I was okay. They said something felt wrong. It wasn't me, it was you.”

“Huh?"

“You have always had an extra strong connection with those three. Apparently, it doesn't matter how far away you are, they know when your'e in a potentially dangerous situation."

“There’s no way they could have any connection right now.

Mina and I have our warrior brands, we don't feel any of those emotions right now."

“Oh yeah? You arent even old enough to have a brand yet.

What the hell?!" He takes a deep breath and looks straight into my soul through the phone. “Dad told me a bit about the warrior branding ceremony and what happens. Did you happen to get your brand around Thanksgiving?” He rubs his face.

“Yeah, why?” There's no way he could know that. He would have no reason to.

“You say you shouldn't have a connection with them or us or whatever. Well, around that time we were all hanging out and then a searing pain took over all of us. Dropped all five of us to our knees. Alpha Lucas called in everyone to come help, but no one had any idea what was going on.

We all had different reactions after that. Your brother got sick, like throwing up everything for an entire night and then slept for three days. Oliver spent more time in the gym breaking sh*t than actually working out. He said he felt off and just kept having spikes of aggression that he couldn't control, that him and his wolf felt like they were being separated.

The twins didn't get sick like Mateo, but had a hard time breathing for a few hours. They both said it was like something was being pulled out of their chest.

Then they spent the rest of the three days glued to each other's side like they were actually afraid to be apart. I spent three days running between my friends on high alert, I could feel my protectiveness kick in and like Oliver I couldn't control the urge.

That had to be our connection to you, Little Bit. It's the only logical explanation. Which doesn’t sound logical at all.” He rubs his face again.

Chapter 0326

“That's crazy! I've never heard of a connection like that before.” Mina said.

“Me either and weird sh*t happens all the time around here.” Sierra says. “I'll ask mom and dad about it and see what they have to say. I wonder if Alpha Reggie knows about the connection between you six?"

“I don't know, but we can talk about that later. What are you going to do for your birthday since you have visitors?” I ask, not really wanting to discuss the guys. It just makes me homesick. And I feel bad if me getting my brand affected them like that.

“Just one visitor. We couldn't all leave. We are still investigating the breach and the information we got was accurate. There aren't any rogue camps that we can find for now, but there are indications that a few camps were on the mainland close to the waterline surrounding the island, meaning they were watching us. We just can't figure out why they left.” Sam looks at me with sadness in his eyes.

“Your information came from Midget here, she put the pieces together and you have a very good idea why they left and you just don't want to say it out loud.” Mina says, looking from Sam and Sierra on the phone to me.

“What?!" I ask looking between Mina and the phone.

“Those rogues are following you, Midget. They left when you did. Tyler and those guys didn’t even care about inviting me on the run, they were waiting for you. Now we need to know why.” She is serious and I can see the fire in Sam's eyes.

“You have college guys waiting for you and following you?

You need to come home Little Bit. We can’t protect you when you are out there putting yourself in danger."

“Don't start! I am a warrior and that is excatly what my job is. Iam not this little thing you need to keep in a locked box.

We called to talk to Sierra on her birthday, we are not turning this into a ‘put Sky in a bubble’ conversation. “You've all tried that before and it backfired on all of us. Now Sierra, back to my question, do you have plans for the day?"

“Nothing officially planned, no. Sam surprised me last night and I think my parents want to have dinner, but I think we are just going to hang out and relax today. But, Sky, he’s not wrong, I'm not saying go home. I'm the last person to tell you that, just watch your back now that we have made some connections, okay.”

I roll my eyes and hand the phone to Mina, grab workout clothes from my dresser and head to the bathroom.

I can't have this conversation anymore and my best friend is taking their side which she never does. I left my pack so I could grow and get better not to become afraid of some other bully.

Like Oliver, I need to workout my frustrations or I might break something. I change into a sports bra and shorts and throw sweats over them. I pull my waist length blonde hair in a ponytail.

I really should trim it at some point. I just don't ever think about it until I’m frustrated and just need to get it out of my face quickly. I I walk back out of the bathroom to grab my headphones and Mina hands me my phone. I looked at the screen and she ended the call. With no words she holds up a finger to tell me to wait a minute and she goes to change as well. This is why I keep her and Lillian and Oliver so close.

They just know when to drop a topic that is setting me off and help me work through the physical aggression so I can then talk about and work through the problem. She doesn't even hesitate, just changes quickly, grabs her music and we both head out, jogging to the gym to get our warm-up over with so we Can just move to weights when we get there.

Chapter 0327

Thank the Goddess no one is here yet, it’s still too early ona Friday morning. I don't know if I could fake my way through polite conversation right now. I just need to beat on some stuff and get my head back on straight. Which is exactly what we did. Mina spotted me and laughed every time I added weights to the bars, but she didn't object or try and tell me to take it easy.

We were on our last set when a voice pulled me out of my train of focus.

“You should have called us, we would have joined you."

I turned around and my sweat soaked ponytail whipped around my neck.

He stops in his tracks. “On second thought, it looks like you are out for blood, maybe missing out on this workout was okay.” Tyler laughs at us. Mina gives a chuckle and I manage a smile and an eye roll. I'm not done being mad, but at least I can understand that Mina and Tyler aren't my problem.

“You might not have survived.” I look at him in the mirror as I set up to finish my squats. “I mean your stamina was a little lacking yesterday during the run, I can’t imagine your strength is much better.” I cock an eyebrow at him.

What are you doing? We have to leave to get ready for classes? Mina mindlinks me.

We need answers, and he’s here. You said so yourself.

Maybe if I can get him moving with me I'll get some.” I respond and then open the link to her, Osiston and Nickolas.

“Tyler is at the gym with me, I'm going to see if I can get information out of him. Mina has to leave for this to happen, I assume at least one of you is nearby. Can one of you follow her home to get

ready for class and one stay with me as backup?” I look at her daring her to contradict me.

“At least you asked for back-up, jackass.” She rolls her eyes and I smile at her.

“I'll see you later, I just need some more time.” I say out loud to her. She nods, gives me a hug and walks by Tyler.

“Mina, I’m outside in the truck. Osiston has Sky.” Nickolas comes through like this is the most natural response to my request.

“Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid, she’s having a moment. And make sure that she eats...soon. We didn't get a ton of sleep last night and have been here for over an hour with no food. She will train herself into a coma.” She pats him on the shoulder and walks away.

Tyler just looks at me for a second. “Wanna talk about it?"

“Not really, I’m still irritated and if I start talking the irritation

will just get bigger. I just need to work out the aggression a little longer, can you spot me on the bench press? Wait, I don't want to interrupt your workout. You did not come here to be my trainer, I'm sorry.” I rub my face, hoping I'm getting the emotion right so he will want to stay and talk to me.

“Hey, hey, come here.” He pulls me into a hug and I reluctantly put my arms around him. “What's up? Talk to me.” I let him hold me for a minute.

“I'm so gross, I'm sorry.” I say as I pull away, actually kind of feeling bad, but he doesn't let me get more than a step away.

“You're fine, I kind of prefer this look on you. It seems right somehow. Is that weird?"

“I have no idea.” I cringe. “This kind of thing is new for me."

I point between the two of us. “And I really am disgusting and I smell, I should probably go and shower."

“Like I said, I prefer this look on you and you actually don't smell bad.” He smiles at me. "Do you have stuff to shower and change here, or do you need to go home?"

“I didn't bring anything with me, we came in kind of a rush, but I don’t want to go home yet. Ugh.” So far I haven't had to lie, which is working for me. Tyler seems sweet even if he is a part of the rogue group, he doesn’t seem like a bad guy.

“How about this? I haven’t worked out, so I don’t need to change and I was smart enough to bring extra stuff with me. Do you want to take my bag and go clean up then! can make sure you eat like Mina asked, cause I'm sure she can kick my ass too.”

Chapter 0328

“Really? You would give up your workout time and your stuff for me?” I know my guys would do that for me, but Tyler barely knows me outside of class.

“You really are new at this aren't you?” He laughs, taking a cautious step towards me and placing a hand on my hip.

The sound is a deep grumble in his chest and is comforting somehow.

“Let’s put it this way, "I sigh, "The age gap might be a problem when you find out how big it is. It may also explain a few things.” I look away from him, but I don't step out of his grip no matter how much every fiber of my being wants me to.

“Skylar, don’t you dare tell him your real age!" Osiston growls “I’m going to have to give him something that explains my reluctance to do things like hug and kiss him, when he keeps trying. Relax, we need his information and I'm going to have to be vulnerable for him to share it."

“Fine. Be careful and keep your mindlink open now so you can just talk and don't have to relay anything."

“Got it."

“If you really don't mind, I will be quick I promise.” I look

back at him and he has a small smile playing on his lips.

“Skylar, I don't mind. Come on.” He walks us over to where he dropped his stuff. He just hands me the whole bag, like he could care less if I went through his stuff. Then he walks me to the locker room, hand on the small of my back the whole time.

“I swear, ten minutes tops. Thank you Tyler.” I give hima small smile as I walk through the locker room door.

I hurry through the shower, using his body wash and 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. My sweats are fine since I took those off the minute we walked in the door, but my underwear and bra are soaked so I decide to go without. He thankfully has a brush so I can attempt to make myself presentable.

I walk out in less than ten minutes and Tyler is just leaning against the wall looking at his phone.

“Hey. Thanks for waiting."

He looks up at me, looks down at his phone and then back up at me again, a weird look on his face. “You're done already?!"

“Umm, yeah. I said ten minutes tops."

“But that usually means an hour.” He laughs.

“Not for me. I don't do a lot to get ready. If I am ever dressed up or look like effort was put in, that means I was

tied to a chair and my best friends had their way with me.” I laugh.

“That oddly sounds like something I might like to witness."

He smiles at me and reaches for his bag, gently taking it out of my hands. “Now, can! hold your hand or is that too much?"

“I'm not sure actually.” I just stand there looking at him.

“Let's find out then.” He grabs my hand and gently leads me out of the gym and down the sidewalk to a little diner a few blocks away.

We walk in a comfortable silence. I don't feel weird holding his hand, but it isn't the same as the twins or Oliver or even Sam. There is no emotion attached to it. This brand is crazy. I don’t feel awkward or butterflies or tingles or any sensation that could be attached to a boy holding my hand for the first time. It’s just numb.

“So you have been thinking awfully hard while we are walking. Are you getting anywhere inside that pretty head of yours or can I help?” He asks as he holds the door open for me to walk into the diner that has a small crowd doing a late breakfast.

I’m sure a lot of kids either try not to have classes on Fridays or at the very least start late if they can help it.

“Not really, just boys being frustrating boys. Well one boy anyway.” He lets go of my hand immediately and I look at him confused.

 

Chapter 0329

“Are you with someone else? Or does someone have a claim on you?” Is he angry? Why does he sound angry?

“Excuse you?!” I step back as my temper flares for a second, but I close my eyes and take a breath in and reign it in. I need to talk to him, we need answers. "No, nothing like...

just... let's just sit down and I can explain."

We grab a booth in the back and he sits across from me looking skeptical. The waitress is quick to get to us and we both order the same thing. Tyler never takes his eyes off of me.

“You have someone, is that why you are reluctant with me?"

He does not even mince words.

“No, I don't, but it's complicated. I'm complicated."

“How so?” Still irritated. I am doing everything to not return the sentiment in my tone.

“How old are you Tyler?"

“Twenty two, why? How is this relevant to you having a boyfriend?’ I ignore him.

“Any siblings? A little sister maybe"

“I had a sister, yes. Where are you going with this?”

“Just follow along for a second. I promise I’m not really as strange as I sound. Well, maybe I am. Who knows.” I fidget with my ponytail which is still wet and take a deep breath in.

This is my way to get him to open up to me. I have to word this right. “Anyway, How would you feel if your fifteen year old sister went off to college, because she was smart enough to accomplish that, but you found out she started talking to a twenty two year old college guy just weeks into being in school?"

“I would probably rip his balls off and shove them down his throat.” He didn’t even hesitate with his answer and I just sat there looking at him, waiting for him to catch on. It took a couple minutes. He blinks at me, then his eyes go wide and his face pales. “Oh f*ck! Are you serious?! If you are serious I am a dead man.” He rubs his hand over his mouth, his breathing more shallow. “Yep, I am a dead man. No one has a sister as hot as you and doesn’t have a protection detail on her at all times. You don't have a big ass bodyguard hiding somewhere do you?” He starts looking around nervously like someone is going to jump out saying "

you caught me."

“Of course she does, jackass, the point of hiding is to not be seen. But he’s not as dumb as we thought, is he?” Osiston decides to chime in. l ignore it.

This time I have to lie. "Of course not, but I told you I’m new at all of this and I just came here to go to class, high school

was boring and I was done with all the requirements I had there. Mina was already attending so I asked if I could come along. Nickolas said ‘why not’ since we were all moving anyway."

“And your brother? What about him? I thought it was just you and Mina."

“It is actually my best friends’ boyfriend, who is like my older brother. I knew him first, I've known him since birth actually.

But it’s her birthday today so we were on the phone talking this morning and I didn’t know he was in earshot of the conversation, but I was telling her about the run last night and he got mad at me for being out with college guys without anyone to protect me, basically. Overprotective doesn’t even begin to describe him. He told me I needed to come home, which pissed me off, and I have a bit of a temper when it comes to people telling me what to do so I usually go to the gym where it is harder to break stuff. So here we are.” I take a deep breath after all of that word vomit.

“So you are telling me that you are seven years younger than me, but taking the same college level courses that I am and worried that I might have a problem with the age difference.

Is that right? This other guy definitely has a problem with the age difference, and you are certain it’s an older brother thing and nothing more?"

“Well, basically yeah. The classes aren't really the problem.

Let’s be honest. It's the life experience that I think you might have an issue with. You've seen more than I have and been through more than I have. With all my intelligence I am still only fifteen. And I'm not going to lie, the whole relationship thing is only a concept to me. I have never had one and it makes me really nervous. And yes, my massive, overprotective, flirt of a friend is like my big brother, there are no other feelings there. The way he is with my best friend, I kind of hope they are mates. It's a goals type of relationship.”

Chapter 0330

He takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly. “Well I can see why you are different from the rest of the girls I know now. I'm not going to lie. I like you a lot, but I get where you're coming from, especially if this is all new for you.” He grabs my hand and slowly interlocks our fingers. I’m sure some girl somewhere would be fighting to keep her heart rate in check because the gesture is super sweet, but it’s nothing for me.

I know the brand is doing its job and I don't know if I would be interested in him as more than a friend even if it wasn't, but I also feel bad for this boy who is showing me patience and kindness and affection and there is no way for me to truly reciprocate.

“I just know that mates are really important and I'm afraid of what might happen if I get attached to anyone and they don’t turn out to be my mate. How devastating would that be? For either person. It's just really confusing. I’m sorry, I don't mean to be all hot and cold with you, I really just don't know what to do."

Our food arrives at that point and he is saved from having to answer me. The homestyle meal is amazing. Pancakes, bacon, biscuits with sausage gravy, a side of fruit and coffee and juice. It makes me think of home and Gretchen cooking for me when I was by myself all the time. I would just sit at

the island eating and watching her bustle around the kitchen. It was always a quiet peace, lonely, but peaceful.

I close my eyes and savor every bite, lost in the memory for a second.

“Why is that so hot? You really enjoy your food don't you?” I actually forgot I was alone. My eyes snap open to see Tyler watching me.

I swallow slowly making sure I don’t choke while he just stares. “What person doesn't enjoy food after basically torturing themselves in the gym?”

“I know a lot of girls who don't eat much, period.” He lowers his voice so only I can hear him. “Human girls are the worst about it, but she-wolves aren't much better. Most think it will mess up their figure, but if they actually worked out their wolf the way you're supposed to be, burning calories shouldn't be a problem.”

“I just eat what I want and when I'm hungry, it’s really not that big of a deal.” I try to shrug it off.

“Well, the sounds you make when you enjoy your food are making it a very big deal.” He shifts slightly in his seat.

Did he just...? Oh man. I need to change the topic, we keep venturing towards s*x and I need information, not for him to want to jump me.

I set my fork down because apparently eating turns him on. “

You said you ‘had’ a sister. Past tense. What happened to her?"

His face goes dark and I feel bad for prying, but we need to know if it was the Rogue King who attacked his pack and if Tyler and his friends joined up. I have to keep reminding myself I am ona mission.

“When my pack was attacked, it was chaos. We had no idea it was coming, we weren't at war or even in a disagreement with any other pack that I’m aware of. My dad and mom worked in the packhouse so we usually knew what was going on just from them being around the leaders. The wolves were organized and had a clear plan of attack, it was not random. They knew where to go and who to go after first. I don’t know when it happened, but I found my sister later on our front lawn."

He stopped to take a breath and I let him have the moment.

Reliving that kind of trauma in your head sucks, I know. I reach out and touch his hand lightly, not sure if that’s what he needs right now or not. He gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand back.

“You said you were stuck. Why didn't you just leave or choose another Alpha and rebuild? I'm sorry, I don’t mean to be nosey, I just don't understand."

“We weren't allowed to leave. Their Alpha took over. Said it was by order of the Alpha King, so no one was coming for us, our pack was found lacking and needed a change.” He

still has this dark haunted look in his eyes, but something else is there and I can't describe it but, I am genuinely scared of this look.