Happy Holidays! I am so thankful you guys have found my book worth reading. It means the world to me when I see your comments and how many people voted because they actually liked what I wrote! So thank you to anyone that fanned or has ever left a comment or voted!
And I had to give this to you, ReadWriteMusic. Your comments just crack me up. Thank you for all of your encouragement. And thank you for being so enthusiastic :)
(Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes)
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Chapter 9
Daniel’s POV:
I honestly didn’t mean for us to end up in that closet. I didn’t mean for us to have a heated make out session, although that was pretty hot. I’ll admit, she knows how to get a guy all hot and bothered. I was just planning on teasing her a bit, getting under her skin. When she got up in my face though, all bets were off. And God was it amazing, her lips, her scent, her hands. Just thinking about it turns me on.
I don’t know how long I stood in the closet after she had run off, replaying the scene in my head over and over again. I guess I didn’t give my little mate enough credit, she was smarter and sneakier then I originally thought. She may say she doesn’t want a mate, but I didn’t miss the growl that came from her when Lexi kissed me this morning. I chuckled, thinking of the incident. I’ve got a jealous little mate.
“Where have you been? Coach was pissed that you skipped practice. And why do you smell like Tinsley?” Trent was waiting by my car when I walked out of the school. That little episode with Tinsley caused me to miss hockey practice, something I’m sure Coach Reynalds was pissed about.
“I’ve been busy.” I replied evasively, getting into the car. Julie had already gotten a ride home.
“Alright, but that doesn’t explain why you smell like Tinsley? Wait, were you…busy with you know…her?” He asked, shock filling his features.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I replied easily, smirking slightly. I wasn’t about to tell him I had been with her but saw no harm in letting him sweat a bit. I didn’t like this crush he’s developed on my mate. Keyword being my.
“But-but you know I like her. How could you do that?” Sometimes I swear my best friend can me a wuss.
“Calm down, drama queen. I ran into her on my way out.” I rolled my eyes while my wolf growled. He didn’t like anyone crushing on what was his.
“Well why didn’t you just say so? Her scent is pretty strong on you. How hard did you guys bump into each? Did you fall on her or something?” His questions fired off and I couldn’t stop the annoyed growl.
“What is this, twenty questions?” I growled out harshly.
“Just curious. Do you think she’d go out with a stranger?” He asked suddenly. My hands tightened on the wheel at the thought of him going out with Tinsley. Oh hell no!
“You know, I uhh…I don’t know. She doesn’t seem like the type. Seems sort of…frigid. Probably not good in bed.” I said, hoping to get him off her tail. Trent snorted and rolled his eyes.
“Only you would care about how good a girl is in bed.”
“Well I have needs. Needs that need to be fulfilled. Excuse me if I want them my needs satisfied nicely and not by someone who’s horrible.” After what I witnessed in that closet, Tinsley was most certainly not frigid in the bedroom. Quite the opposite actually.
“I feel bad for your future mate.” Trent replied, shaking his head.
“And why’s that?” I cocked my head as we stopped at a red light, close to the pack house.
“She’s going to have to constantly worry about you cheating on her. I wouldn’t blame her though.” A guilty feeling spread through me when he talked about mates.
“And what if I chose not to accept her?” I replied curtly.
“Then you’d be stupid. A mate is a beautiful gift, something that should be cherished. You know how hard it is for some people to find their mates.” Trent was one of the few guys I knew that actually looked for his mate everywhere he went, hoping one day he’d find her.
“Well one thing I know, is if I decide to ever accept my mate, you know, this is if I ever find her,” I coughed nervously, hoping he wouldn’t notice my slip up. “If I ever find her, there’s going to be lots of sex in our relationship.” I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively.
“Your poor mate.” Trent cried out, exasperated.
“Not after I’m done with her, she’s going to be one happy mate.” I laughed as he groaned, putting his hands over his ears.
“Please stop talking!”
I laughed again and got out of the car as we pulled up to the pack house. The pack house was three stories and only housed about half of our pack. The woods surrounding the house were filled with smaller cabins and houses, housing the rest of the pack.
“Dan-Dan!” Lexi’s shrill voice rung out from the house as we entered.
“Jeez, Lex! A little louder, I don’t think Russia heard you!” Trent complained, earning him a slap to the head. “Damn violent woman.” He muttered.
“Shut it Trent.” Lexi snapped before practically jumping on me.
“Oh, hey Lexi.” I said awkwardly, trying to get her off of me. It didn’t feel right, having her pressed against me like that. She sniffed and her eyes narrowed.
“Why the hell do you smell like some girl?” She demanded. The Alpha part of me didn’t appreciate being yelled at by someone who wasn’t his mate.
“Lexi, I suggest you lower your tone. And for the last time, we are not a thing. We aren’t exclusive. You already know this so stop trying to make this what it isn’t.” I ground out, breathing heavily. My wolf wanted so much to have a word with her.
I stormed upstairs before I could say anything I regret. Flopping myself on my bed, I groaned quietly as Tinsley’s scent overwhelmed me. Damn woman and her heavenly goodness! It stayed quiet for another few minutes before my door opened. I knew instantly it was before she even crawled onto my bed.
“Daniel,” She purred. “I’m sorry, very sorry. Let me show you how sorry I am and make it up to you.”
Her hand found its way to my chest and she sat next to me, too close for comfort. I didn’t move when she pressed her lips to my neck. I didn’t say anything when she trailed her mouth up to my face. My wolf was growling at me. He wanted only one thing: his mate. I wanted the same thing but unfortunately for the both of us, it wasn’t going to happen. Though, that doesn’t mean I have to go and sleep with someone right away.
“Lex, stop.” I gently pried her off of me and scooted away, still lying down.
“Daniel, let me help you get your mind off of whatever your thinking about.” Lexi purred again, coming over to me.
Maybe she would be a good distraction. I couldn’t let my mate get in the way of me having some fun. I wasn’t lying when I said I had needs. Needs that should be performed by our mate My wolf growled at me. I shoved him away and didn’t say anything when Lexi scooted over and ran her and over my chest. I didn’t protest when she straddled me and kissed my neck. I didn’t push her away when her mouth found its way to mine. I didn’t push her away when she did all these things even though my body was screaming for me to do so.
Tinsley’s POV:
I strutted up to school the next morning with a newfound confidence. What happened in that closet with never happen again. I let my emotions get the best of me and look what happened; I ended up lip locked to a guy I said would never have the pleasure of kissing me. While ignoring and avoiding worked to a certain extent, it was time to combine that with plan B. Plan B involves a lot of Kayla time. And I do mean a lot. She seems to be the only person able to snap me out of my Daniel cravings, so if I should ever see Daniel, I’ll make damn sure she’s there with me. Speak of the red haired devil herself.
“Mind telling me where you went yesterday?” She demanded, hands on hips with my backpack slung over one shoulder.
“Good morning to you too. Me? I’m fine. How about you?” I retorted dryly. She glared at me and handed over my stuff.
“I’m sorry but you just took off yesterday in the middle of class. I was…worried.” I got the impression she rarely worried about people so this was a big thing for her. I smiled gently and linked arms with her, leading us to the school doors.
“Worried about me? How sweet. You shouldn’t have been though, I just got a really bad headache.” I lied smoothly.
She nodded but didn’t look convinced. She leaned up against the locker next to mine as I pulled out the necessary books, looking absentmindedly at the end of her hair. The hallway was crowded and loud just like any other day. And just like any other day, I was acutely aware of when he decided to grace us with his presence. I kept my back to him as the group moved past, conversing with each other and barely sparing anyone else a glance. People instantly quieted down as they passed, they just had the aura that demanded respect and deemed power. If I were human, I probably would have bowed to their presence.
“Hey Tinsley, I never did ask. Why do you live with just your insanely gorgeous brother? Where are your parents?” Kayla’s question brought on the cold, dead feeling in the pit of my stomach that was associated with my past.
“They, uhh…they’re not around.” I muttered quietly, hoping she’d accept it and move on.
“What? Are they traveling around the world or something?” She asked jokingly.
“Not really.” I muttered again.
“Well do tell! Come on now, I haven’t got all day.” She now had her full attention on me and a teasing smile lit her lips.
“I don’t really want to talk about.” I ground out, feeling my anger rise. Couldn’t she take a hint?
“But-”
“Kayla! I said I don’t want to talk about it. Can’t you just leave it at that?” I growled. She looked taken aback before I recognized her angry expression.
“Fine, don’t tell me.” She hissed bitterly.
“Look, I’m sorry. I just, I don’t like talking about my past. It’s not a happy one, believe me. Everyone had secrets.” I said the last part quietly. Kayla turned to me and assessed my face, obviously finding some trace of sadness as her face softened.
“It’s ok, Tins. You don’t have to tell me. Just, is it really that bad?” She asked quietly. I let a few moments of silence pass before I answered.
“Everyone has a past, Kayla. Mine…mine just happens to be darker.” She nodded and flattened her back against the locker, staring in front of her with a thoughtful expression.
“Uh oh.” She muttered suddenly, a scornful expression replacing her thoughtful one.
“Uh oh what?” I asked, not turning around.
I was having trouble getting one of my books out and it just wouldn’t…budge! I sighed in frustration and looked at Kayla for help. She stood locked in place with a glare prominently paraded on her face. I noticed the people around us had gone quiet and were staring at something behind me. It was then that I noticed his presence. Mates always know when their other half is near, and right now that radar was flying off its hinges. I turned around slowly and saw Daniel and his friend standing behind me. His friend was grinning at me and looked really excited. What was his name? Trevor? TJ? Trent! He was the guy that shared a class with me and Kayla, much to her annoyance.
“Uhh hi.” I said after a few moments of awkward silence. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Daniel move his annoyed gaze from Kayla to me. I didn’t miss the way his face softened slightly when he turned to me.
“Hello there Tinsley.” Trent said brightly. Wow this is one happy guy.
“Did you need something or something...?” I trailed off awkwardly, shifting from one foot to another. I really wasn’t sure why he was standing here. It’s not like we were friends or anything.
“I know this is going to sound forward since we don’t actually know each other or anything, but I want to change that.” A nervous wave spread through my body as I figured out where this was going. I was never good at turning people down. “Tinsley, will you please go on a date with me?”
And I was right. I tried to think of a nice way to let him down. He seemed like a really nice guy and all, but something just didn’t…click. I noticed Daniel shift his head side to side quickly. No one else probably noticed but me, annoyingly always aware of his movements, caught it. A light suddenly flashed in my head. He was discreetly telling me to turn Trent down. Did he really think I didn’t notice the scent of another girl on him? I don’t think so buddy! He so does not get to play around with another girl and then tell me not to date someone. I felt a little bad about what I was going to do.
“I’d love to.”
Paybacks a bitch.