Chapter 33 already. Time flies, right?
Chapter Thirty Three
Part One
Waking up to the early hour sunshine breaking through the window, with my wolf pacing back and forth inside of me wasn't the best way to greet the morning. I called out to her wanting to know what was wrong.
Wiping the last evidence of sleep from my eyes, I sat up in bed. It didn't hit me straight away, but seeing the empty spot next to me which Mason had occupied hours earlier gave me the reason for her being unsettled.
Where is he? Looking around my room, I was greeted with complete stillness and absolutely no sign of Mason. For a second I wondered if I had dreamt last night, but the woodsy, masculine scent that swirled around me put that thought out of my head.
I checked the time on my phone and decided that at half six, there was no point in trying to fall asleep again so, pushing back the cover, I jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
The cool water against my burning skin was welcomed as I tilted my head back allowing it to wash over my face. The longer I stood there letting the water cascade down my body, I realised no matter how good it felt, no amount of it would ease the dull tightening in my chest.
You miss him. My wolf's almost silent whisper trickled through my mind. That much was obvious. I knew I missed him, but I still wasn't used to getting these kind of feelings.
It wasn't only my feelings for Mason I had to deal with; it was also the unavoidable irritation from my wolf. Part of it was her need to be mated, but I could also feel her torment of being caged. This had been the longest I hadn't let her run for and I was feeling the effects of it.
Browsing through my clothes, it hit me that I had absolutely nothing to wear for the date. Sure I had some nice clothes, but having no idea what we were doing or where we were going certainly didn't help and I definitely didn't want another shopping trip.
Picking out a pair of dark grey yoga pants and a fitted white t-shirt, I couldn't stop my mind from racing with thoughts of Mason leaving without a word this morning.
Did that mean our date was cancelled? Was that his way of saying he'd made a mistake with everything between us? I honestly didn't know, but I didn't like the sinking feeling in my gut when I thought about it.
Whatever made him leave wasn't something I wanted to think about. I fought against my wolf not to use our mind link to ask him. I wasn't ready to face anything that would hurt us and I knew I'd find out sooner or later.
* * *
With another check of the clock, I still had some time before school started so once I was done with breakfast, I grabbed my phone and text Jude to tell him I wouldn't need a ride because I was going to make my own way there.
Making my own way consisted of running and plenty of it. Making sure I had everything I needed in my bag, I left a note for my dad, who would no doubt be up first, letting him know I had already left. Quickly stripping my clothes, I threw them into my bag before giving my wolf full control of our shift.
Her excitement was uncontainable as the sensation of my bones shrinking, snapping and re-shaping themselves surged through my body. The feeling, something similar to popping limbs, gave me amazing relief and there was definitely nothing else like it.
Ash grey fur sprouted from my arms, legs and stomach, and before I knew it, had completely covered me in a thick, silky smooth coat. Lapping my tongue over my newly sharpened canines, I grabbed the strap of my bag between my teeth and left through the kitchen door, immediately being hit by the warm, morning sun.
What I didn't expect to see was the huge, midnight black wolf sanding in front of me, his electric blue eyes boring into my own. Cocking my head to one side, I blinked trying to make sense of how Mason was suddenly in front of me, in my back garden.
With a wolfy chuckle, he closed the distance between us. Good sleep, little kitten? Teasingly, he nudged his snout against mine before running his tongue along the tip of my nose.
Hell yes, was my initial response, but instead I gave my best attempt at a nonchalant voice. It was fine. Two could play at the teasing game.
Edging even closer, his frame completely towered over mine. Just fine? His smooth, deep voice rang through my mind with a hint of amusement in his question. I was certain that if Mason was in his human form, he would have been raising his brow at me.
I've had better. I could hear his wolf snapping, obviously not appreciating my dismissal of our first night together; Mason on the other hand seemed to find it amusing. What about you?
Best sleep I've ever had, sweetcheeks. The purr that came from his throat was mirrored in my chest and if I didn't have the strength of my wolf's legs beneath me, I was sure I would have crumbled to the ground at his words. Why are you leaving for school so early? Gracefully falling into step beside me, we padded together over the fields behind my house and into the woods.
She needed to run and I decided today was as good as any. I left out the part about her waking me up because she was pining for him and his wolf. Glancing at him out of the corner of my eye, I swallowed the sudden nervous lump that had formed in my throat and asked a question of my own. Where did you go last night? Not wanting to sound like one of those clingy girls, I kept the tone of my voice easy and calm. Hopefully it sounded like nothing more than a conversation starter.
Gently nudging his head against mine, a light growl rumbled in his throat. My wolf's still pissed at me for leaving you both. Mason chuckled, shaking his head slightly. My dad called me back this morning, I wouldn't have left if I didn't have to Rain. His voice held the regret of himself and his wolf.
Was it about the fight?
Isn't it always. He mumbled. They're calling the pack meeting this afternoon to tell everyone and my dad wanted to make sure I would be there.
The second his words were said my stomach took a nasty dip and disappointment washed over me. Did that mean the date was cancelled?
Like hell it does. My head snapped to the side - not realising I had completely left my mind link open - to find two mesmerizingly beautiful eyes staring at me. I've told you little kitten, you've waited long enough to be treated right. I want to finally take my mate on a date.
And there go the butterflies.
All I could do in that moment was thank whoever was above me for letting me be in wolf form and not susceptible to a very embarrassing, very noticeable blush that seemed to flush my cheeks whenever Mason was around.
With the disappointment lifted and a familiar excitement coursing through me again, my mood was lifted with giddiness. How about a race?
Mason stopped still beside me, his eyes searching mine with an unmissable glint of excitement and mischief. You think you can win me, Rainie Harper? His tone was light as he teased me, his eyes lit up with amusement.
There's no thinking about it, I said confidently, my wolf reeling with pride at my words. I will win you, Mason Vermont.
Closing the distance between us, I could feel his warm, smooth fur brush against mine. Pressing his snout against my ear, his voice lowered to a seductive whisper that had tingles rushing down my spine. Ready when you are, kitten.
He had no idea how ready I was. Digging my hind paws into the grass, the power surged through me as I took off in the direction of the woods. I could hear the faint chuckle from Mason behind me, but I didn't slow to look back. I wanted to win this race.
Shades of green and brown flashed past my vision as I drove my paws into the ground harder, quickening my speed. Leaping over the fallen tree logs and jagged rocks, I used my small build to give me a better advantage, but it didn't last long. Within seconds he was running along side of me, his pace picking up with every step he took. One thing was for sure, I would definitely have to work hard in training.
Admitting defeat? His teasing voice streamed through my mind. Ignoring him, I sped up. There was no way I was giving up, especially not when he expected me to lose.
Not only was I reeling in the excitement of racing Mason, but I could also feel the rush of my wolf finally being able to run free. Her soft purr of contentment confirmed that I had made the right decision to make my own way to school.
Through the faint fuzziness in my head, Mason's mumbling about something was lost in the back of my mind. Not taking the chance of looking behind me, I continued racing forward, my eyes glued on everything around me. Unluckily for me, the ground hadn't got any flatter since entering the middle of the woods, so there was more debris to tackle.
The sound of branches snapping not an inch away from me had my head snapping around to my right. What the--
My thoughts were silenced by the huge iron-weighted body that crashed on top of mine taking me to the floor. Giggles erupted from my chest as I tried with everything I had to wriggle out from underneath Mason. You jerk, you're cheating!
His snout pushed against mine as his teeth nipped at my fur. I'm using my strengths to give me a fair win, that's all. His eyes shone with a mischievous glint and there was no mistaking the excitement in his voice.
Whatever. Using what little power I had against Mason, I flipped us over causing him to land beneath me. Hovering over him, I perched my paws on his back holding him down. You're a cheat.
Kicking out his hind legs, I rolled backwards off him with an 'oomf' and landed flat out on my back. You're just annoyed that you never thought of it, sweetcheeks. There was a tinge of laughter to his words as well as the ever present egotistical trait he wore so well.
Pouncing up from the ground he landed gracefully on all fours, hovering above me with his snout inches from mine and his paws either side of my head. I didn't have to think of it, I was already winning, you idiot. My attempt at a snarl didn't hold out and a second later, another giggle bubbled in my chest.
Round Two? He asked, his head tilting to one side.
No cheating. My voice was stern.
Slowly inching his snout closer, the wetness of his nose touched mine. It was brief, but sweet and the memory of the first time he did that formed clear in my mind. It was crazy how much had changed since then. No cheating. He promised.
* * *
"Shut up." Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I spun on my heel and walked away from the over confident jerk behind me. Sensing he was about to say something, I turned and held up my hand. "Don't even think about it, Mason."
Fighting the uncontrollable laughter, he jogged up beside me and slung his arm over my shoulder. "Don't feel bad, baby. You put up a good fight." Groaning, I pushed him away from me, swatting my arm through the air hoping to hit the idiot. Trying to stifle his laughter, he held up both hands defensively. "Don't bite me, will you sweetheart?" He winked.
Narrowing my eyes, I blew the stray tendrils of hair out of my face. "I don't 'feel bad' and I'm not angry. You won because you cheated." I had to admit, whether he cheated or not, that guy could run like hell. There was no way I would be telling him that though, I'd rather boil my own head.
He called out my name, but I continued to walk towards school, ignoring his pleas for me to turn around. I wasn't a competitive person in the slightest, but I did hate the fact he wore that smirk so easily, especially when I wanted to knock it off his pretty little face. My wolf wasn't exactly on my side either. She was completely in awe, basking in the strength and power of her mate.
Traitor.
Suddenly, my movement halted as two hands gripped hold of my hips, spinning me around. "You're too cute." He whispered, before pressing his lips hard against mine.
Flattening my hands against his chest, I tried pushing him back, but he was too strong, so instead I stepped away from him. Fighting the smile that was tugging at my lips, I shook my head. "No kisses for cheaters."
"How about if I promise to make it up to you?" Pulling my body against his again, he lowered and tilted his head to the side so he could meet my eyes. "Do I get a kiss then?"
Okay, so that had me slightly intrigued. "Maybe. Have you planned something?"
A bright smile lifted his lips. "You'll have to wait and see, little kitten." I fought against the urge to roll my eyes and stomp my foot like a child. I loved surprises, but I hated having to wait for them.
Brushing his hand up the side of my body and over my shoulder, he cupped my neck and brought my face closer to his, whilst his other hand slid around my waist and settled on the small of my back. "Too damn cute." He murmured before his lips found mine once more.
The distant sound of the first school bell rang out, giving us less than five minutes to get to class. Groaning against my lips, he pressed his forehead against mine. "I guess a guy and his mate can't catch a break." His wolf growled, obviously as unhappy as Mason was about being interrupted. Leaving one last kiss on my head, he entwined his fingers with mine and began to pull me towards school.
Today was the perfect day not to go in and I wish I would have done as he had asked and stayed away, but as we closed the distance between us and the enormous, red brick building, I didn't have a choice but to go to class.
As we walked across the fields towards the front of school, not only was I very much aware of Mason's large, warm hand covering mine, but also the hundred or so students that we were slowly, but surly closing in on. Suddenly the simple task of walking became difficult and I froze on the spot. "You okay?" Mason asked, once I had pulled him to a complete stop.
Call me stupid, but it didn't cross my mind that we would be walking in together, I just assumed he would have dropped my hand and we would have gone our separate ways. I don't know why I thought that but I guess it was because I didn't know what we were yet.
Sure, we were going on a date and we were obviously a lot closer than we had ever been before, but there was still the niggling fact playing over in the back of my mind. He hadn't actually asked me to be with him. There was no 'will you be my girlfriend?' it hadn't even been said out loud that we were properly dating. It was just a date. One date that might not lead to more.
The more I thought about it, the more panic took over me and caused my chest to tighten. "Rain, what's wrong?" Now standing in front of me with his hands wrapped tight around my upper arms and gently shaking me, he asked that question over and over again. "Please tell me." His hands cupped my face.
Even with sheer panic overwhelming me, I knew how stupid my thoughts were, but I couldn't do anything about them. "Everyone's going to see us." I said in the hope I wouldn't have to explain further.
"Yeah, so?"
"What are they going to think?" I was never the type of girl who cared what other people thought, but in that second that's all I could worry about. "When they see us together, I mean."
His face scrunched and his rows pulled together. "Who cares what they think?" The sound of his wolf's growl at my words had my own wolf cursing me. "Rain, this is me and you. What happens between us has got nothing to do with anyone else and if they've got anything to say, they can come to me and say it to my face."
He was trying to hide his anger from me, but I could feel it rolling off him. Not only that, but also the hurt my words had caused him. "I'm not ashamed of this Mason, I just... I don't know." Resting my hand on his, I shook my head, trying to escape the stupidity my thoughts had brought me. "You know what they're like. This will be the perfect gossip for the whole school; especially if they find out we're mates."
Had I really of been that naive to think no one would have found out?
"Of course they're going to find out, Rain." Gripping my hand, he reached for the other before holding them both tight against his chest. "I don't care if the whole town is talking about us. This hasn't got anything to do with anyone, but us. Not Bella or Nicky or Cole. Not any of them." Sighing, his eyes fell on our hands. "I know this is new for you and it's the same for me, but I get it if you want to keep it between us for a while."
The smile he gave was forced and the tone to his voice betrayed the hurt he felt. Why was I so afraid of people knowing? I tried to reason that it was because I didn't want my parents finding out by the idle gossip from someone else, but deep down I knew that had nothing to do with it.
Mason Vermont was the ultimate guy in this school, he always had been. He was the star player, the heartbreaker and one of the most popular guys to walk the halls with a string of girls happily following behind. Then there was little old me. The girl who had the same friends since she was born, the girl who was average in everything she did and the one who's shadow got more attention. There had never been two people more opposite than Mason and I, and I knew I wouldn't be the only person to notice that.
I hadn't realised how long we had stood in silence and jumped slightly when Mason spoke. "I get it." He lifted my hand to his mouth and left a kiss on my knuckles. "I want you to be happy, little kitten."
"I am happy."
"Yeah, but you're not ready."
I let my head fall. There wasn't anything I could say because I had no idea why I couldn't just do something as simple as hold his hand and walk to class. Then, certain faces flashed through my mind and I realised what I was so nervous about. "They're always going to hate me, Rain." Keeping my mind link open I knew those images of Emma, Ray, Bella, Nicky and Jude would stream through to Mason, letting him know exactly what worried me. "They're your friends and I hurt you in one of the worst ways I could have, I don't expect them to like me." Nudging me, he winked. "Especially Bella, she'd take any chance she got to bite my tail off."
I laughed. He was right, given half the chance, Bella would pounce on him like a lion with raw meat. "I'm being stupid." I gave a shy smile.
"You're over-thinking."
I shrugged, "Stupidly over-thinking."
He lifted my hand to his lips again. "I'll call you later to let you know when I'm picking you up, okay?"
I shook my head. "No?" He repeated, looking a little confused.
"No, I mean yeah, that's fine." Holding his hand just a little bit tighter, I walked around him, pulling him with me. "I'm worrying about nothing and it's dumb. People are going to find out so it might as well be now, right?" I shrugged, needing his reassurance now more than ever.
He nodded and a huge, perfect smile formed on his lips. "I'll be right there with you, Rain." A small smile was all I could muster as the ball of nervousness grew inside of me.
Glancing over the field, my eyes immediately zoned in on my four best friends. Standing by Nicky's jeep, Bella, Emma and Ray were talking and laughing together. My eyes began their search for Jude, but I couldn't see him anywhere. Maybe he had already made his way to class.
With one final kiss pressed against my temple, Mason pulled me towards them. "Ready?" I nodded and tightening my grip on his hand.
As expected almost every pair of eyes settled on Mason and I as we passed. Some continued to stare as if they thought they were seeing double whilst others began their silly whispering to those around them. My heart was in my throat and my stomach spun with unease, in fact the only thing that felt stable was my hand tightly wrapped in Mason's.
With a brief nod in Cole's direction from Mason, we continued walking until we reached the small group that had completely turned their attention towards us. "I was going to say you're late, but now I see why." Ray folded his arms across her chest, looking Mason up and down. With a not so subtle elbow to the ribs from Emma, he quickly went back to his position leaning against the jeep.
Nicky however, didn't seem as excited as Emma looked. A frown had easily found its way onto his face and the only greeting Mason received was a very angry looking snarl. "Is this..." Emma motioned her hand between us.
Keeping my lips firmly shut, I let Mason answer. "This is me realising how much of a jerk I was and now I'm trying to make it up to her." He said, turning to me and kissing my forehead. Emma gave a little squeal and draped her arm over my shoulder, whispering 'finally' in my ear.
It hadn't slipped my attention that Bella hadn't said a word and neither had Nicky. "Where's Jude?" I directed my question at both of them in the hope one would answer me.
Nicky slipped his hands into his pockets, "You screw up and all is forgiven." He chose to ignore me and kept his gaze burning holes into Mason. Everything about Nicky told me how angry he was, and I couldn't lie and say I wasn't expecting it. I couldn't even blame him for thinking that way.
Taking a step forward, with my hand still in his, my arm stretched out in front of me as Mason stood tall inches away from Nicky who had mirrored his motion. "Always got something to say, haven't you pup?"
I tugged on Mason's hand trying to pull him away, the last thing I wanted was for anyone to argue. "You're damn right I have, dog. You treated her like a she was nothing to you and now you're acting like nothing happened. She was ripped apart when you rejected her, but you didn't see that. You didn't pay her any attention because you were too busy finding yourself another girl to hook up with."
Ray stepped in between the two guys, his hands placed on Nicky's shoulders trying to calm him down. "Are you kidding me?! I know exactly how I made her feel, I felt that pain every single day and it killed me. I was an idiot for rejecting her, I know that, dammit everyone knows that. What she needs is for you to be her friend and what I need is for you to back the hell off."
"Nicky's protecting her, which is more than you ever bothered doing." Bella stood tensed, with her fists balled up at her sides.
Turning his eyes onto Bella, Mason sniggered. "You don't think I'm a good enough mate for Rain?" His hand tightened around mine and I knew his wolf was seething inside of him. "Wake up sweetheart, that's not exactly news to me. I know damn well I'm not good enough for her, but I'm not going to stop trying to make it up to her until she tells me to. You can all think whatever the hell you want about me, I couldn't care less. What I care about is her," He jabbed his thumb in my direction, "And as long as she's happy, that's all that matters. As her friends, you should feel the same way."
All coherent words vanished from my mind and I was left looking a lot like Emma and Ray was. My eyes wide and my mouth hanging slightly open. Never did I think Mason would have come out with something like that and as much as I tried to concentrate on my friends and how I should have told them in a different way, my wolf wouldn't let me forget his words.
There was no forgiving to be done for her, she accepted his apology and right now, standing in front of me, I understood why.
Blowing out a long whistle, Ray caught everyone's attention. "That was kind of intense." A small amount of laughter bubbled past my lips. "I'm happy for you, Rainie." He said, pulling me into a hug then quickly releasing me and laughing when a suspicious growl left Mason's chest. "You too, man." He held out his hand, which Mason accepted. "Come on babe, we should get to class." Picking up both of their bags, Ray waited for Emma to follow him.
With the widest smile I had ever seen, she patted Mason's chest. "I knew you wouldn't always be stupid." She chirped, before turning to me. "You'll have to tell me everything at lunch, promise?"
I smiled. With another squeal, she danced on her heel and spun round to Ray, slipping her arm through his as they walked into school.
The saviour sound of the bell gave me the perfect chance to break away from the animosity that hung heavy around us. Without a word, Bella picked up her bag and stormed away from us. I didn't want to leave things like that with her. Sending a silent message to Mason, he nodded and dropped my hand, letting me run to catch up with her.
A small part of me wanted to stay with Mason and Nicky. I didn't want anything to happen between them, but at that moment Bella was more important. "Bella, wait." I called out, but she didn't stop.
How stupid to think she would make it that easy for me.
"Bella, please just wait for me." My attempt was in vain as I realised she was starting to speed up. Finally catching up to her, I reached out my hand to grab her bag. "Holy crap, will you just slow down."
Hitting my hand away, she spun on the balls of her feet. "Why the hell didn't you tell me?" For the first time, I noticed how much hurt she had in her eyes. "Didn't you think I'd want to know that my best friend had accepted her mate? I might not care about a lot Rainie, but I cared about that and I care about you."
Hanging my head in shame, I fiddled with the hem of my shirt. "I was going to tell you before anyone knew, I was going to tell you the other day, and today after school but..." I trailed off, not knowing whether to say anything about the fight. Alpha Tom wanted to call a pack meeting to tell everyone and I was sure he wouldn't appreciate it being spread throughout the pack. Bella wasn't exactly the best secret keeper in the world.
"But nothing, Rainie. That was a crap thing to do to someone who has been there for you through everything." Her voice broke on the last words.
"I know it was and I promise never to do it again. I don't know what I would have done without you these past few months and I really wish you hadn't found out like that." My eyes stung with unshed tears, I absolutely hated myself for telling her the way I did.
Shaking her head, she frowned. "It's easy for you to say that now, but you didn't think twice about it skipping up to us with your new boyfriend."
I was on the verge of saying he wasn't my boyfriend, but I didn't think now would be the best time to correct what she was saying. "I'm a jerk."
Narrowing her eyes, she hoisted her bag up her arm. "Yeah, well you're the perfect match for lover boy then, aren't you?" She spat, before turning around and leaving me standing on my own.
Seconds later, Mason's arms circled my waist as he rested his chin on the crook of my shoulder. "She'll get over it, Rain, she's just upset."
I signed, knowing he was trying to make me feel better. "I'm the worst friend ever."
"No you're not." He kissed my cheek. "Bella's just upset because she had to find out like everyone else. I guarantee she'll be back to normal by the end of the day."
All I could do was hope that he was right.
* * *
Sitting on the wall, swinging my legs back and forth, I waited for Bella to walk out through the doors. Mason had been completely wrong. For the whole day, she walked passed me, ignored my calls and texts and refused to sit with us at lunch.
Mason had asked if I wanted to go with him and some others for lunch, but I told him it was best if I stayed with the guys. I didn't want them thinking I would ditch them the second Mason popped up, plus I barely knew any of his friends.
I had absolutely no idea what was keeping Bella, but I knew she hadn't left school yet. Checking the time on my phone, I saw that it was a little past half three. I had asked Emma if she had detention, but even she didn't seem to know where she had gone.
If she thought she could avoid me she was wrong, I didn't care if I had to wait here all night, I wanted to sort this out.
Another half an hour later, the double doors had been pushed open and out walked an exhausted looking Bella. Lifting her head as she walked past, our eyes met for a brief second before hers narrowed. "Thought you would have left by now. I figured you would've had better things to do with your playboy pup."
Jumping down from the wall, I picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. "No such luck there then." I hit back with as much sarcasm as she had used. Taking a deep breath and shaking my head, I started again. Arguing with her was not what I waited over an hour for. "I honestly never meant to keep it from you, Bella. I actually have no idea what's going on between us myself."
"You know enough to hold his hand and walk into school looking like the new couple of the year." She snapped.
Instead of rising to it, I ignored her comment and tried again. "I really was going to tell you first, even before my mom." I said truthfully. In fact, I was probably more nervous about telling Bella than I was my own parents.
Coming to a stop, she turned on her heel. "They don't know yet?" I shook my head. "They're going to freak out, Rainie." Her lips curved.
I nodded. "My dad probably will, I don't think he expected it to happen any time before my thirtieth birthday. My mom met him when Alpha Peter and Sara came for dinner with Nicky and his parents. She liked him, I guess." I shrugged. She did say he was a nice boy so I'm assuming that meant we would have her blessing, though with my mom you could never tell.
Falling into step beside me, Bella walked in silence for a few minutes. I however, knew exactly what was going through her head. It was killing her not to ask abou-- "Why were they there?"
I pressed my lips together to hide the smile. Sometimes Bella was too nosey and too obvious for her own good. "They came to talk to my parents about my duty as Beta." I did consider not saying anything, but I also knew it wasn't fair of me to say I would tell her everything and then skip that part.
That grabbed her attention. Her head practically spun off her neck. "What duty?"
"I'll tell you about it if you forgive me for not telling you about Mason." I reasoned. Feeling confident, I let a smile work its way onto my face. I could tell by her lip biting and pursed lips, she couldn't wait to know what it was about.
Folding her arms over her chest, she sighed. "I hate that my best friend kept her mate a secret from me, especially with everything you went through because of said mate. It was a really dumb thing to do."
"I'm sorry..."
"And it was selfish of you."
"I know..."
"And you're a complete tool for lying to me."
"I am..."
"And I hope that jerk realises what an awesome girl he's got." My head snapped up to find a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'll only forgive you if you promise me one thing."
I nodded, never more eager for anything else. "Anything."
"Promise me that you'll never hide things from me again and that's you'll tell me everything that's happened between you and lover boy."
Pulling her into a tight hug, I squeezed my arms tight around her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." I kissed her cheek and stepped back, keeping my hands on her shoulders. "We'll go somewhere and I'll tell you everything, deal?"
Not missing a beat, she smiled. "Deal. Now let's get out of here. It just feels wrong to be in school when we don't have to be. Besides the sooner we leave, the sooner all your lovey doveyness can make me sick." Throwing my arm over her shoulder, I pulled her in to me and walked through the parking lot with a huge smile on my face.
* * *
Bella's wide eyes, open mouth and sudden paled face resembled my expression when Mason told me about the Redblood Pack. "They should be extinct."
Nodding, I sighed and lifted the hot cup of coffee to lips. "It's really bad and from what everyone is saying it's going to get a hell of a lot worse."
Falling back into her chair, she let out a heavy groan. "What do you have to do?" It was a question I knew neither of us wanted to have the answer to.
"I've got to fight alongside Nicky."
Her face was set. "Can you not say you're sick?"
Giving her a blank stare, I couldn't control myself any longer and burst out laughing. "Say I'm sick?" I managed to get out.
She nodded her head with nothing but a serious expression on her face. "Yeah, you know, you've suddenly got the flu or something." She shrugged, leaning forward. "That way you don't have to fight."
Reaching over and grabbing hold of her hand, a soft smile was all I could manage. "We're all going to be involved in the fight Bella, even you."
The air was thick and sombre, "No wonder Richard's been training us like crazy for the past few weeks. He knew all about it, didn't he?"
"Alpha Tom would have told him so he could get us ready."
"And our pack is joining the Harbour Pack?" I nodded. "Which means Mason will fight as well." I nodded again, noting how her brows rose. "I thought he would have gone insane knowing you have to be in the fight. Is his wolf happy about it?"
I honestly didn't know the answer to that. Mason had never said anything about how he felt with me fighting, but I could guess his wolf was less than happy that his mate was going to be put in danger. Unfortunately for him, he didn't really have a choice to accept it or not. "There's nothing he can do. I have to fight."
Slowly nodding, she let my words sink in before tilting her head to one side. "How are you going to fight when you're in heat?"
It was another question I didn't want to have to think about until the time come. "I have no idea." I answered honestly. "We haven't spoken about it, but I don't think I'd last five minutes if any unmated wolves were around me. Whether they were on our side or not."
"Don't you think you should talk about it?"
I nodded my head in complete agreeing. "We will eventually, but I want to have our first date before we go into details like that."
Suddenly the dark mood that surrounded us slowly lifted as her lips formed a knowing smile. "Ahh and finally I get to the juicy stuff."
Rolling my eyes, I reached for my cup of coffee and sat back waiting for her to fire her questions at me.
When she said she wanted to know everything, she wasn't lying. From our first conversation and first kiss to how much time we had spent together and how he asked me on the date. By the end of her questioning, my head actually hurt from trying to remember it all.
Contrary to what Bella is normally like, it felt as if I was talking to Emma. Sitting forward with her arms propped up and folded on the table in front of her, she asked every question and took every answer with a hopeless romantic sigh.
"Wait..." She held up her hand, whilst digging around in her bag with the other. A few seconds later, she pulled out her phone. "Your date's tonight?" Sipping my drink, I nodded. "What time is he picking you up?"
Swallowing the thick, creamy liquid, I shrugged. "He said he'd call to let me know. Why? What time is it?"
A huge, perfect smile lit her face up. "It's time to help you get ready."
I didn't know whether the ball of emotion in my stomach was excitement or fear at the thought of Bella picking out something for me to wear.
And that's part one guys. What did you think?
On to part two...