- Nathan -
I haven't seen Jake since yesterday's argument, guess he's been avoiding me. I'm sure he's upset with me for benching him in his senior year, but he needs to learn to follow orders. Besides, I won't bench him all season, just a couple of games. My dad told me he will think of a different punishment, that'll take some time. Until then, he's out of the team. As for the others, there's no explanation for their behavior. Now, walking through the hall, everyone in the pack is looking at me differently. It's like they are afraid of me somehow. They don't even gossip, they just stare at me distrustfully. Is this what being an alpha will be like? Making decisions and those who don't approve staring you down. No wonder my dad doesn't frequent the rest of the pack. I just wish, they stopped judging as if they knew better. Entering the classroom, I spot Caleb and the others, just the wolves I was looking for.
- Hey... - I salute lamely earning their attention. Really "Hey"? After yesterday's fiasco, that's the best I could come up with? They don't greet me back, just stare at me like everyone else. – So, I came here to apologize. –
- We don't want your apologies. So, get lost. – Luke says harshly.
I turn to look at the others. Caleb didn't contradict Luke in any sort of way, he doesn't even bother to see me in the eye. Guess I fucked up this time. Maya saw me for a couple of seconds judgingly, before turning away. She's wearing a completely different outfit from her usual. Normally, she'd show much more skin. Now, she's wearing jeans and a long sleeve blouse, covering herself. Embarrassment washes through my body. She must think it was her fault or something... so she decided to change to avoid it repeating.
- You look nice today, Maya. – I compliment her, trying to ease some tension. But it only creates more since both rogues turned to me even more confused. – Ummm... you changed style... it looks good on you. – I stammered out. Oh, my goddess, just kill me already.
- Perv. – she says after a while and looks at me with disgust.
- Not like that. It's just that your clothes fit you... augh, forget it. That sounds creepier. Just... you look nice today... - I repeat myself bashful. Maya looks at me doubtfully.
- Aren't you gonna say something? – Luke demanded Cal, hitting him softly on the shoulder. They exchange looks before he turned to me.
- I think you should leave, Nate. – His voice didn't display any emotion. It hurts me to hear this, he doesn't trust me anymore.
- Sorry, I meant... - I tried explaining but he interrupted me.
- I know what you meant. – he says even more seriously. – But it's weird for you to tell my girlfriend she looks nice. I don't like it. – he states. What? His girlfriend? He never mentioned he dated anyone. Maya is unfazed, ignoring my existence again.
- Oh... sorry. I didn't know... – I apologize and before I could make a fool of myself, even more, another voice entered the room
- Hello class, good morning let's start. Mr. Bryce, please take a seat. – the teacher called.
I've never been so grateful for a class to start. I had no idea how to respond. No wonder Caleb's so mad. Not only did Jake cover his girlfriend in paint, but he also disrespected her by smacking her ass. Oh, my goddess. Could this get any worse? What am I gonna do...?
- Dude, what the fuck? – Mason's voice pops me out of my bubble. – I didn't know those two were dating. – he said.
- Neither did I. – I respond astonished and confused.
- We've got to get Jake out of school. Do you know where he is? – he whispers.
- What? Why? – I asked.
- Caleb didn't know what happened when they left, but now he does. What if he decides to confront Jake? – he explained concerned. He does have a point... I doubt he'd do anything. I don't know... I just feel like he won't.
- I don't think they'll do anything... - I responded vaguely. Mason looks at me confused about how sure I am.
- How are you so sure? – he inquires.
- I don't know... - I lamely answer.
There is no reason for them to attempt anything. They are outnumbered and outside their territory, but I just know that Caleb wouldn't do anything even if that weren't the scenario. Aside from Luke, none have displayed any aggression towards us, and Luke only did to defend his sister. Do they dislike us, yeah... tons of them, but not aggression. Perhaps what Caleb told me was the truth. Rogues don't attack for the pleasure of it, it's merely for survival. I was so upset at the time, I never even considered hearing his heartbeat to see if he was lying. I wonder what else we got wrong about them.
- How are you holding up? With the whole pack stuff... they're acting like jerks. – Mason asks nicely changing subjects.
- I'm fine... - I answer and was about to elaborate when the teacher interrupted us, scolding us for not paying attention.
I couldn't even concentrate for the rest of the class or the next one for that matter. All I could think of are the rogues. How we screwed everything up and the idea of Caleb and Maya dating. I never thought they were together, not in a million years. They certainly don't act like it, but then again, there are a ton of things we don't know about rogues. Who am I to say how rogues should live romantic lives? They surely don't do it the same way we do. Maybe it's a more intimate thing, for just the two of them, or they don't like public display... although, wolves don't normally care about being affectionate around others, I don't see why rogues would... Ahhhhhhh! What am I thinking? Their love life is none of my business, I need to focus on more pressing matters. Like my alpha training...
My dad started training me a couple of weeks ago. We've only had a few sessions together, most of the time Jeremiah is the one teaching me. Dad is extremely busy, but he squeezes some time now and then. Regardless, I suck. I can manage anything related to physical display. Turning was initially tricky but I got it eventually after several tries. Jeremiah began teaching me self-defense in hand-on-hand combat and wolf combat, which, believe me, are completely different. Normal combat occurs in our human form, while wolf combat, as its name, states, happens when we shift. The techniques and style are opposites. I still get my ass kicked every time, but it's the second in command. I mean, that guy is crazy strong. Either way, those things I can handle, but wolf regulation is a nightmare. Wolf regulation is everything related to body control. As werewolves, we have greater dominion over our bodies in theory. For example, because I'm an alpha, I should be able to lie, even to other werewolves; a trait only alphas possess because we're naturally stronger. Jeremiah told me that by controlling my heartbeat, I should be able to keep it from rising, thus lying at will. If you ask me, that doesn't make any sense. How can someone control every single heartbeat... it's impossible, right? Another skill I'm yet to master is scent control. By stopping the production of certain hormones, wolves can hide their scent by, literally, not smelling. There are many more skills like this and in all of them, I stink.
It just doesn't come as easily to me and quite frankly, I don't see the point in them. I mean, sure... lying to anyone would be great, but I fail to see how that would save me in a fight. The same goes for the other skills. Honestly, being able to protect myself is my top priority. This is why I'm focusing more on the physical aspect of my training. They'll be plenty of time to master the rest. Between school, football, and alpha training, things are getting the better of me, there's a lot of pressure. The lunch bell rang, signaling the only time of the day when I can relax and eat freely. Getting to our usual spot, it didn't take long for my friends to arrive as well.
- Hey handsome, I missed you. – my girlfriend says sweetly and kisses my lips softly. She sits right next to me.
- I'm okay, how about you? – I say as I lay my hand on her leg casually.
- I'm great now that you're here with me. – she says flirting. Nadia has always been like this, we probably wouldn't be together if it weren't for her. She was the one who had the balls and asked me out.
- Ughhh... get a room. – Kaya said, disgusted by our display.
Everyone laughs at her remark. She's never been a fan of affection, I feel sorry for her mate, they are up to a big challenge. Not caring, I lean in and plant another kiss on my girlfriend before resuming my lunch.
- Hey, have you heard? – Nadia once again speaks. – Rumor has it that the twin girl and broody guy are dating. Everyone is speaking about it. – she said excitedly as if it were the gossip of the century.
Although I'm not sure if it's the century's gossip, I'm impressed by how fast word travels in this school. I mean, Nadia doesn't even have a single class with them and already she knows about it... wow. There's a serious gossip web in this school. Other wolves probably overheard, and word spread, but still.
- Yeah... it's not a rumor. They're dating... - Mason joined the conversation.
- Really? What are the chances? – Nadia asked rhetorically.
- It's weird... they don't even act like a couple. – Paul adds, looking at them.
They are a couple of tables far, but we can see them. Caleb and Maya are sitting next to each other, and Luke is in front of them. Paul does have a point, their shoulders aren't even touching. Wolves are extremely physical.
- Maybe, they are just shy... They did just get transferred and they have no friends. – Nadia defends them.
- Besides, he didn't defend her with the whole Jake situation. – Paul said. – What kind of boyfriend doesn't stick up for his mate? – he says arrogantly.
- One who didn't know what happen. – Mason intervenes. – If you ask me, Jake is dead if he ever gets close to her from now on. –
- Nah... I don't buy it, something is fishy about them. – Paul objects, and I know he meant all three of them. He was one of the wolves who hated the idea of rogues coming to school, of course, he'd be weary.
- Well, I think they look cute together. – Nadia says sweetly, looking at them. – Besides, why do you care? Do you have a crush or something? – she asks a bit mockingly.
- What? No, of course not. – he quickly denies, disgusted.
- Then let it go. –
Paul just glared at her a little upset, if only Nadia knew how much he hates rogues, then she'd understand, but that's not the case, so he must swallow his words. Everything would be so much easier if I told Nadia about wolves. I just worry about how she'll react. Worst case scenario, she doesn't accept me, and then Jeremiah or some other wolf will take her memory away. Which, by the way, is another skill I'm expected to learn. Uhhhhhh, this is going to take forever.
- Oh, shit is about to get real... - Kaya said, getting everyone's attention.
We turn in the direction she's facing to find Jake approaching the rogues. Could he be any more stupid? Seriously, what is he even thinking? Caleb stands up imposing with Maya sitting behind him, he seems ready to defend himself. His eyes show hatred and disgust. I try smelling his intentions, but for some reason, my nose catches nothing. It's like, they don't portray any scent. I have no idea what he's going to do. I wanted to step up and do something about it, but Jake was already there.
- What do you want? – Caleb said harshly, his voice deep and serious.
- I want to apologize to Maya. – Jake answers truthfully. He is nervous.
- You just did, you can go now. – Caleb snarks, not allowing him to even get a glimpse of her.
- What's your problem? I just want to apologize, so take your head out of your ass. – Jake snarks back earning a small laugh from the other wolf. He needs to work on his patience.
- Watch it, boy. – the rogue threatens.
- Or else what? – he doesn't back down. His pulse is elevating, getting angrier by the second.
- You came here to apologize, don't start something you can't finish. – the rogue merely responds with a dangerously low tone.
- Huh... you think you can take me on? – Jake barks stepping closer.
- Are you sure you want to find out? – Caleb stands still, not showing any signs of feeling threatened. - Don't come here pretending to have good intentions, you just apologized so Nathan will let you back in the team. –
Surprisingly, they managed to not call too much attention to them. Just a couple of wolves nearby and us, but if this turned physical that will certainly change. To my surprise, neither Luke nor Maya spoke, they just watched. From what Luke had displayed, he would jump right into the fight, but now they look seriously concerned, worried even. That can't be good.... Mason was right, I should have taken Jake out of school. He just bit more than he can chew. I must do something about it. I stand up quickly, scaring Nadia, and go toward them as fast as I can.
- Shut up, you have no idea what... - Jake says, but I managed to get there and interrupt before he dug his grave even more.
- Jake, what are you doing? – I ask Jake seriously.
- I just came here to apologize, but this bastard won't let me talk to her. – he explains upset. – Why do you even care? – he asks him frustrated.
- I care because she's my girlfriend. – he answers nonchalantly. This time I did listen to his heartbeat... not upbeat... he was telling the truth.
- What? – Jake says confused.
- Now is not the time Jake, let's go. – I state, grabbing his shoulder, trying to pull him away from all this.
- No... this fucker is lying. – he says sure. I'm going to kill him, I swear to the goddess. Caleb took a more arrogant stance, showing his superiority. – What? Do you think you are better than me? – he exclaims angrily. The rogue just smiled arrogantly, not even bothering to answer. – Oh, you mother... - he pushed my arm away, charging towards the wolf.
He managed to get close enough to Caleb to push him, but he didn't even flinch. Cal's hand made a move, but to everyone's surprise, Maya grabbed his wrist holding him back. She's definitively weary, even Luke's heartbeat rose. Just how strong is Cal to have the other two trembling like this? Yesterday, even when Luke was extremely upset, he didn't dare challenge his friend. As soon as he said it was over, that was that.
- Jake, stop! Let's go or you can kiss the team goodbye. – I threaten, the only way I finally got him to listen. – Let's go... NOW. – I say this time louder and more commanding.
- You should probably listen to him... - the rogue said, anger irradiating from his voice.
Reluctantly, Jake turned around and followed me. I took him out of the building, where I could scold him freely, without worrying about anyone hearing me. He just ruined the only time of the day when I can relax. He's going to listen to me this time, for good.
- Are you stupid?! – I exclaim furiously.
- I was just trying to apologize. – he defends himself.
- And instead, you turn it into a fight. Right... perfect sense. – my blood's boiling.
- He was being an ass. –
- He has all the right to be, you fucking harassed his girlfriend! –
- He's lying! – he says frustrated.
- He wasn't! – I overspeak. – I heard his heartbeat, you messed with his girlfriend IDIOT. – I emphasize.
- But... -
- But nothing.... – I interrupt harshly. - He could've killed you! When are you going to grow up and take responsibility? Because I swear, if Caleb doesn't kill you I WILL! –
He remained silent while I scold him. I bring my hands up to my head, massaging my forehead while thinking about what to do. I sigh and take a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. No matter what I think there's no good path. I can't have this, not right now. We need to be on the same page.
- Listen... - I take another long breath. – I can't be worrying about your every decision... - I sit down on the stairs outside the entrance, gesturing him to do the same. – What's going on? – I say calmly. If we're both upset, we won't get anywhere.
- I wanted to apologize, but... – I raise my hand, signaling for him to stop.
- I was there, I know what happened. – I say. – I meant... why are you so caught up with the rogues? – a pay close attention to him. Finally, he accepts my offer and sits right next to me, calming himself before speaking.
- Why aren't you? They just come here, and just like that, we're supposed to accept them? – he asked a little frustrated.
- Yeah... - I answer nicely and low. – My father agreed to it. –
- That's what I mean, he didn't even consult us. He just made the decision. – he explains frustrated. So, this is what everything is about. He doesn't like my dad's decision.
- You're not angry with me... you are angry with my dad. – I state, not expecting any response. – Listen...you don't have to be friends with them... or even speak to them for the matter. But they are studying here regardless. So... instead of bittering yourself. Why not try and enjoy senior year? -
- How am I supposed to do that? You took me off the team... - he says sadly. I think I might have gotten through to him. I thought deeply for a couple of seconds.
- How about this? – I say, thinking of an offer. – I'll bench you one game and then your back. – his eyes brighten. – But I can't have you messing with the rogues. So, please behave, okay? – his face fell a little.
- Fine... - he says dramatically making me smile.
- Great... - I sighed in relief. We both stand up and he starts walking toward the door.
- Aren't you coming? – he wondered. I shook my head.
- No... I have something to do. You go on. – I answer. He looks confused but didn't protest.
To be honest I don't feel like taking any more classes. Besides, it's just literature and then the day is over. I'd rather stay out here and relax for an hour than listen to the teacher speak endlessly. And that's what I did, just lay outside on the grass, and listen to nothing. No thinking or anything, just lay there and close my eyes. Before I knew it, the bell had already rung, so I went to my locker to grab my stuff. That's right, I forgot to tell rogues something this morning. Thankfully, I found them outside; they are about to leave.
- Hey guys! – I say and walk towards them. Both guys stepped in front of Maya, protecting her. They stare at me, waiting for me to elaborate. – So... I'm sorry... about everything. – I apologize and Maya rolls her eyes. – I know you're getting tired of hearing me apologize... and although I hope this is the last time, I doubt it will... I don't like waiting a whole day to do so... - I carried on. – So, a brought you these... - I pull some devices from my backpack and show them to them.
- What are those? – Maya asked curiously making her way through the guys.
- They are phones... – I answer rather obvious when it finally clicked. They don't know, duh... - they allow you to call someone from big distances. Here... let me show you. – I hand her one phone, which she took doubtfully. I take out my own and call her, in a second the phone started ringing surprising her.
- What's happening? – she asks somewhat excited.
- I'm calling you... just push the green button. – I say, it's easier to show them than explain it. She pushed the button, and the connection was made. – Put it near your ear. – I told her, and she followed.
- Hi. – I spoke through my phone. Her face was priceless, impressed, and confused at the same time.
- What the fuck? – she exclaimed.
- So, that's what a phone is for. If you push this button. – I pressed the device still on her hand. – ... then you can hear me out loud. – the speaker repeated my voice louder. – And if you want to end the call, you just push the red button. –
- Sorcery. – Luke said distrustfully, but I laughed, finding it rather funny.
- Technology. – I explain. – I brought you all one. – I say, handing them each one. – They are old ones we owned and no longer use. These are their chargers, so you'll have to connect them when they are low, it'll tell you don't worry. Oh, and I took the liberty of adding your numbers on contacts, along with mine. That way you can call each other, or you can always call me... -
- Why would we call you? – Luke says a little harshly, but no biggie.
- I don't know... an emergency? Homework? – I say. – I know we started on the wrong foot, but I hope we can get along. I already spoke with Jake, he'll leave you alone. – I tell Maya. – I'm sorry for what he did... I should have known and stopped him before things got out of control... and for that, I sincerely apologize. – I say from the bottom of my heart. Maya stared at me some more before offering a smile. – As for the rest of the pack, they should leave you alone, but if anything happens, please let me know. I hope you can give me another chance... -
- You?! – Luke says in disbelief. – You never did anything wrong, man. You're fine in my book. – he adds, I sigh in relief and gratitude.
- Thanks... – I laugh and then turned to Caleb.
He was doubtful, turning to his face for assurance. Both twins nodded. – Okay... we're good. – he says somewhat nicely. I think that's the best I'm getting from him.
- Great, because we still need to work on that chemistry project, and I didn't want everything to be uncomfortable. – I say and he laughed briefly, but it was an actual genuine one. – Great... I'll see you around then. – I dismiss myself and, for the first time, didn't make a fool of myself in front of them. If only alpha training were this easy...
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Picture of Jake at the top