After such a serious conversation it got a bit awkward. Whit just Tyler in the room all she could think about was wondering what he was thinking about. They had barely spoken other than short sentences that would never get very far. So after a good while, Tyler finally decided to leave. She didn’t want to be rude but it was a relief he left. The tension drained instantly when the door closed.
When it was time to go back to school, Rhiley was actually looking forward to it. Cassidy would be healed up so there wouldn’t be any evidence of their fight except for the rumors. And she was lucky enough to learn Cassidy go her Gym class moved to a different time so the most interaction they were likely to have was maybe a pass in the hall every now-and-then.
Brendon was driving himself and Tyler that day so she was in a fairly good mood. She didn’t want to avoid him but wasn’t sure if he would still act strange around her or not. The moment she met them at the picnic table outside she realized she had been stupid to worry.
“Morning Red.” They both grinned. She sighed. The nickname sadly had stuck with them. They used it more than her real name. Enough that some of the other pack members where staring to use it.
“Some of the guys are planning a bonfire this weekend. Are you guys coming?” Brendon asked. He was close with the sports guys so naturally he was more ‘in the loop’. Their popularity was wearing off on her. Most of the school knew her on a slightly more personal level from always being around the two of them. In her eyes, it was a lot better than her name being on a bathroom stall door or something.
“I’ll definitely be there. How about you? Need a ride? I would be more than happy to drive you.” Tyler seemed a little too enthusiastic and she knew why.
“You just want to drive my car.” She crossed her arms.
“Why would I want t- Alright, I want to drive your car.” Tyler sighed.
“What day is it?” Rhiley turned to Brendon.
“Saturday night out in the woods. It’s easy to find.”
“Damn.” Tyler muttered.
“We can go for a drive Saturday to the beach or something before the bonfire.” Rhiley would’ve been on the ground if she hadn’t expected it. He jumped up and gave her a not so gentle hug.
“Okay, time for class.” She laughed nervously. It was only a friendly hug but it still felt wrong to her. Abrahm had told her once in their night time meetings she needed to move on. Even he had to know that was next to impossible. You only get one mate in life and he was hers.
The day was going smoothly. Cassidy had kept her distance and Jax was nowhere to be found. Rhiley was in a good mood all day until Chloe popped up beside her on the track in gym. She slowed down to a walk to make it easier for the human to talk.
“So, Cassidy disappeared from our class? Did the principle finally separate you both?” Chloe laughed.
“I guess so.” Rhiley smiled. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Chloe, it was just hard for her to relate with girls.
“So, I wanted to go to the mall later this week but don’t know who to bring with me.” Crap.
“You don’t mean me do you?”
“I want to be friends. You seem like a cool person.”
“I’m not exactly the mall type of girl.” She felt bad declining but she isn’t really into shopping and checking out boys.
“I’ll supply coffee and junk food.”
“And I will supply my car.” They both laughed together. “I cannot turn down coffee and free food.”
“Oh my god, I know.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “If I wasn’t gifted with a high metabolism I would be so fat.”
And that was the start of what seemed like a blossoming friendship. Rhiley learned more about Chloe throughout the week. She dressed nice in public but wasn’t really much of a girly girl since she hung out with her older brother a lot. Their personalities just seemed to come closer together the more Rhiley relaxed.
That Friday afternoon Rhiley was meeting Chloe at the nearby mall. She was headed to the front entrance when Chloe came out, followed by a tall blonde girl.
“Hey!” Chloe waved Rhiley over, grinning like an idiot.
Chloe was just starting to grow on her. She wasn’t sure how well today was going to go throwing another girl into the mix.
“Rhiley, this is Mara. She’s been my friend since I was seven.”
“I’ve never seen you in school before.” Rhiley went right into the questions.
“I got to the local community college. I’m a few years ahead of you two.” Mara seemed surprised but dealt with it nicely.
“Let’s go shopping!” Chloe did a little happy dance before pulling them along on either side of her.
“Is there something we’re looking for or just browsing?” Rhiley looked up at the two of them. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t a bit intimidated by the two human girls beside her. It was strange because they weren’t wolves, nor were they scary. Confidence seeped out of every crack and she noticed she was uncomfortable with her height for the first time. Both Mara and Chloe were much taller.
*It’s not a big deal. Get over it.*
“Well, I know I want a new bikini but other than that I’m just looking.” Chloe shrugged.
“I’m going to the beach tomorrow with Tyler. Maybe I should get one too….” She spoke thoughtfully.
“Ohh! Who’s Tyler?” Mara asked.
“A guy from school.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Chloe interrupted, “What’s going on with you two?”
“Absolutely nothing. We’re friends, like you and me or Brendon and me.” She was shocked anyone would think they liked each other.
“Sounds a tad defensive to me.” Mara chimed in.
“Yeah, he definitely seems interested.” Chloe nudged Rhiley’s shoulder.
“Believe me, he’s not.” Rhiley thought about how Tyler has a mate out there somewhere. Even if he did like her, he hasn’t found his mate and she wasn’t ready to be with another man yet.
“Alright, moods down so no more boy talk” Mara gave Chloe a look when she was about to say something. The intensity of her eyes made Chloe drop the subject.
They were actually having a lot of fun together. As long as Rhiley remembered to relax, she found both the girls to be tolerable. Not that she would tell anyone else, but she wouldn’t mind hanging out with them again. There was no denying that it felt good to be out with girls and not thinking about pack problems. They even helped her pick out a nice bathing suit for the beach.
She was a bit worried about the outfit the girls picked for her to wear. She didn’t want to attract any male attention and was hoping being with Tyler and Brendon would help.
The clothes were nice and comfortable and easy to take off if she needed to shift. Just denim shorts, a simple baggy white tank top and black Greek sandals. It was strange seeing her bikini through the top but liked how comfortable it all felt.
Tyler and Brendon would be there soon so she got a gym bag of stuff together before heading down to the kitchen.
“You look nice today.” Rachelle said. She was at the stove making breakfast. Marcus wasn’t at the table yet but his coffee was waiting.
“Thanks.” Rhiley smiled down at the plate of food in front of her.
“Still going to the beach?”
“Yeah, Tyler and Brendon are coming. I invited Chloe and Mara too. They might meet us there.”
“You’d better not be wearing that.” Marcus gave her clothes a disapproving look as he sat at the table.
“Honey, shut up. Did I hear you right, Rhiley?”
“Yes, Rachelle. I made friends with two girls.” She sighed. Rachelle squealed like a little girl and set Marcus’ plate in front of him quickly so she could give Rhiley a hug.
“Calm down.”
“Sorry. I’m just happy you made new friends. Every girl needs time away from boys.” Marcus looked a bit hurt so while Rachelle went to make him feel better, Rhiley scarfed down her food and went to wait on the front porch. She pulled her sunglasses out and sat on the front steps, enjoying the morning sun.
Tyler was out of Brendon’s car before he even stopped. He went straight over to the driver side of her Subaru.
“He’s been way excited since I picked him up. Wouldn’t shut up about it. You look nice by the way.” Brendon said as he stepped out.
“Why does everyone keep telling me that?” She rolled her eyes behind her shades. She suspected somehow he knew what she was doing.
“Since it’s your car and you’re the lady, you get shotgun.”
“Thanks.” She huffed. Rhiley unlocked the doors with the key-faub and by the time her and Brendon had everything in the trunk, Tyler was bouncing in the front seat.
“Calm down, dude.” Brendon laughed as he got in behind Rhiley. Tyler was turning around to say something back to him when he noticed Rhiley sitting beside him. His words got caught in his throat and he froze.
She wasn’t exactly sure what to do or even what happened. He was just staring at her. It was getting weird so she jingled the keys in his face. That seemed to snap him out of it. He went right back to talking about the car and how awesome the drive will be but with less enthusiasm than before.
The ride there was invigorating to say the least. Tyler drove faster than Rhiley thought was safe but they made it to the beach in one piece (and an hour earlier than expected).
The day was perfect. They found a nice spot around not too many people and started to unpack. The boys laid out a big blanket and put up to beach umbrellas. While they were busy, Rhiley decided to jump in the water than work on her tan. She got undressed and shook her hair out before stretching her arms overhead.
“I’m getting in the water real quick.” She waved over her shoulder and headed towards the gentle waves. She didn’t want to look. She could feel them staring and just wanted it to stop.
Rhiley was floating around in the waves by herself when Tyler and Brendon came up to her. As soon as she went to say something she got splashed in the face.
“That’s disgusting!” She spit out the salt water and was wiping it from her eyes when a slightly bigger wave came up and hit her right in the head. Both guys started laughing so she threw water at them both, not knowing who started it.
The trio started flinging water at each other. Tyler and Brendon were working together but they turned on one another quickly. She was laughing while Brendon pushed Tyler’s mop of blonde under the murky ocean water.
“Where’d he go?” Brendon asked. She noticed Tyler was gone and started looked around, trying to see under the water.
Rhiley jumped when something touched her leg. Before she realized what was happening, hands were on her hips and she was thrown fairly high into the air above the water. She heard Tyler chuckle just as her back hit the water. A wave came and made her world topsy-turvy for a few seconds before she could stand up. She was a couple yards away from the boys but gave them the middle finger anyway, knowing they could see it. That just made them laugh harder.
“You guys are mean!” She sighed and went back to the shore instead so she could lie out in the sun.
It wasn’t too long before Mara and Chloe showed up. Rhiley was glad to have someone else around. She should have expected all the boys would do is screw around.
“How are they so attractive? It should be illegal.” Mara laughed as they sat down with Rhiley.
“They’re not that attractive.” She rolled her eyes at her human friends. It was hard for humans to resist a wolf’s charm, even if they weren’t trying to get attention.
“I do believe they are, Rhiley. You’re just oblivious.” Chloe spoke up.
“You’re both ridiculous.”
“I’m fine with that.”
“Me too.”
The boys finally noticed the two additions to their fun and headed back to the girls.
“Hello ladies.” Brendon cooed. They sat on either side of Rhiley, so they were surrounded by girls. Rhiley sighed and prepared for an interesting afternoon.
The five of them actually did have a lot of fun together. The boys liked Mara and Chloe as much as Rhiley. It was hard to keep the pack things quiet though. Chloe was really cool but Rhiley was still watching her closely. She was acting off all day and when inside jokes involving the pack were spoken of, Chloe seemed a bit too interested.
Skepticism aside, they had to ditch the humans to get to the party.
“We need to get going. I drove them and I have a few things to take care of.” Tyler said.
“You drove us in my car because I let you.” Rhiley scoffed.
“What’s the difference?”
“Bye guys.” Rhiley rolled her eyes and went to start packing up the car. Convenient of the guys to join her after she was done.
“Can I drive this time?” Brendon asked. Instead of answering, Rhiley just threw him the keys and got in the car.
It was dark by the time they got back to Rhiley’s house. Instead of going in, the three of them went out back and took off into the woods toward the party. Even on two legs they were quick and agile. After dealing with the girls flirting all day and guys staring at her, including Tyler and Brendon, Rhiley needed a drink. She went straight to where four or five coolers were sat at the edge of the clearing the party was in. She looked through one or two before finally pulling out a can of beer and chugged half of it right there. She grabbed another and went to sit on a log by the huge fire.
She searched the area for Cassidy but didn’t see her. Cassidy’s scent was everywhere but she seemed to be missing for the time being. That wasn’t really a problem to Rhiley though. The less she saw of her the better.
Finishing her first beer, she threw the empty can in the fire and opened the next one.
“Slow down, Red.” Brendon sat down beside her.
“I’m fine.” She laughed.
“I don’t want to deal with Marcus. What do you think he’ll say if we bring you home drunk?”
“Nothing because you’re not taking me home. I can get back myself.”
“If you say so but don’t blame us when he gets mad.” He pat her shoulder and went to join a group of his other friends.
She finished the can she had shortly after and tossed it into the dancing flames. She was about to stand up when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Whoever it was roughly pulled her backwards, causing her to fall onto the ground. She recognized Cassidy’s laugh before she even saw her.
“Seriously?” Rhiley sighed and stood up. Cassidy and her group were already glaring.
“What are you doing here?” The bitchy brunette growled.
“Having fun.” Rhiley replied in a ‘duh’ tone.
“Ha. Nice outfit. The tramp look suits you.” Mandy smirked at what she thought was a good insult.
“You know what? I’m not in the mood for this.” Rhiley went to leave but Cassidy moved to block her.
“Go home. I beat your ass once and I’ll do it again.” Rhiley laughed at her attempt to be intimidating.
“I’ve seen human girls scarier than you. And if I recall, I tore you to pieces.” Rhiley took a threatening step toward them and laughed when they all shied away.
The rest of the night, she wasn’t bothered. She was past tipsy but not quite drunk by the time she decided to leave. After spending about 5 seconds looking for the guys she just left without saying goodbye.
She wasn’t exactly sure if she was going in the right direction, just kind of hoping. The girls had tried to get Rhiley into a pair of heels but she was glad now that she said no. She was stumbling enough as it is.
She tripped and almost fell but grabbed a tree to support herself. Suddenly her back was up against the bark. Her world was spinning in front of her eyes. She could just barely make out the face inches from her own.
“Jackson?” She mumbled. From what she could see it looked like he was smirking.
“Who else?” He was really close so she poked his forehead, trying to get some space. She pulled her hand away quickly when he almost bit off a finger.
“What do you want grumpy?” She laughed in his face.
“I came to apologize for Cassidy’s behavior earlier.” He leaned back slightly.
“Crazy bitch needs to be put down.” Her words were a little mumbled but he got the jist of it.
“You shouldn’t talk about her that way you know. She wants to be our Luna.” He barely resisted the urge to scowl at the thought of mating with her.
“But she’s not your mate, obviously.” She giggled when the last words came out as a mess.
“You could always be our Luna, you know? I wouldn’t mind not finding my real mate. I think you could be great. Unless-“
“What the hell is going on here?” Tyler’s voice spoke loudly from behind Jackson. Rhiley grinned and waved at him.
“Cool it. We were just talking.” Jackson played it cool.
“Doesn’t look like it to me.” Tyler crossed his arms.
“I’m going home now.” Rhiley stated. Without waiting she ducked under Jackson’s arm to leave. She almost fell onto her face but the future Alpha caught her around the waist. Tyler saw her shirt ride up and pulled her over to his side, hopefully before Jackson noticed the intricate black and blue design on her hip. Something told him he saw it and knew exactly what it meant.
Before either of them could speak, a twig snapped and a hushed voice was heard. Both boys tensed up while Rhiley waited impatiently for Tyler to let go of her arm.
Jackson sniffed the air discreetly.
*”Know who it is?”* Tyler asked. Jackson shook his head. Other than the obvious scents around them, he couldn’t pick up much. There was a strange smell he couldn’t place but it was almost familiar. It hit him hard out of nowhere.
*”Gunpowder.”*
Tyler picked up on the double meaning right away. *”Hunters.”*
*”Get her home to Marcus. Stay there until you hear otherwise.”*
Tyler nodded and they both bolted in opposite directions. Jackson deeper into the woods and Tyler toward Marcus’ house with a very surprised Rhiley in his arms.
Seconds before he got to the tree line he heard Alpha Don’s voice through the pack link ordering everyone home. By the time he got to Rhiley’s back door, Marcus was waiting anxiously.
He looked down at Rhiley, now sleeping in Tyler’s arms, and nodded; a silent thank you for keeping her safe. Once she was in her room, Tyler went downstairs to go home.
“What’s going on?” The older wolf could tell Tyler knew something. He was a ball of nerves.
“Hunters. We think so, anyway. I need to get home.” Tyler glared at the door but Marcus stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
“You’re staying here.” The young pup knew better than to protest.