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Chapter 1 — Back To School, Brandon Is Back!
Chapter 1
Rays of sunshine woke me up with a slight breeze of morning wind. I wiped my eyes lightly to give my eyes a bit time to adjust from the light and ease my sleepiness.
Today is the first day of school and the day my bother, Zach and his best friend and soon to be Alpha, Brandon come back from their annual Alpha-Beta camp.
Remembering that made my senses alert and I excitedly headed to my bathroom to take shower. I hurriedly finished my morning routine as I just needed it to wake myself from sleep. Not much dirt needs to washed since I also took a bath lastnight before going to bed.
After it I rushed to my closet to pick a tank top and jeans. Upon checking the time on my wall like as if on queue, my brother Charlie called and knocked on my door.
"Gem, you ready? We need to go down and eat now so we won't be late to school." He howled behind the door and his foot steps are heard going straight downstairs.
"I am almost done." I answered still knowing he'd still hear it with his wolf hearing sense. I applied my daily make up look and just combned my long brown hair and let it loose.
Approaching the kitchen, I instantly smelled the chocolate chip pancakes that are being served at the table by non other than my mother.
"I see my princess is so ready for sophomore year." my Dad says with a knowing smile on his face.
"I am Dad, morning you guys!" I greeted both of my parents smiling. I sat down and took two pancakes. Charlie is almost done with his food and much paying attention with his phone.
He stands and grabs an apple and asks, "you coming with me to school sis?" he raises his brow at me.. "I need to meet with the pack warrior trainees in the school field before the school starts" he continued.
My brother Charlie is the soon to be Gamma of our pack. Usually the post must be given to the Gamma bloodline, not our youngest man in the Beta bloodline, but Gamma Peter and his wife Lisa were not blessed with pups.
With that, Alpha Mason along with Beta James,my father and Gamma Peter agreed that Charlie is qualified to fulfill the role. He is now training and overseeing some activities.
I almost choked on my last bite when I heard a thunderous growl from my brother. I hesitantly looked at him and gave an apologetic smile. He hissed and started walking, totally annoyed by me spacing out..
I threw my parents a timid grin for my not so good morning start that gained a soft chuckle from my mom and dad. "Bye Mom, bye Dad" I said and hurried to the door.
"Hurry before Charlie decides to leave you, honey." my Dad called out and laughed a bit when I started sprinting to the door.
Charlie was about to honk his car when I exited the door. He only shakes his head, but still a small grin made its way on his face.
I am lucky my brothers cannot get mad or annoyed at me for more than a few minutes. Though it takes hours or even a day depending on what I did.
The ride was quiet and I took the time to enjoy the scenery. I cannot wait to get to school. I know for a fact that my eldest brother Zach and Brandon will go straight there, though he doesn't know what time they'd arrive.
I can't wait to see Zach for not being around for 3 weeks, but what I am most excited about is to see Brandon.
Brandon is the eldest son of our Alpha, and soon to be taking the seat. I have been crushing on him since Goddess knows when. I am trying to make myself believe that I make it not so obvious, but if that is really the case, I cannot be sure.
He is the most handsome and one of the kindest to me among the boys in our pack. One of my best friends, Alex says even if he is handsome and all, there is nothing more special about him since most werewolves are way more attractive and stronger compared to humans.
Well, I guess that is one thing about attraction, right? Others may not see what it is, but to me.. He is special, it's like his bluish-greenish eyes tell deeper than what he tells and let you know.
"We're here. Enjoy your day. I can't be sure I am able to drive you home later." My brother pulled me out of my reverie.
I smiled at him and said, "it isn't that far from home, I will just walk if I won't ride with my friends." I gathered my bag and gave him a kiss on the cheek before going out of the car.
He only gave me a knowing look and I waved him bye and made my way to the piling numbers of students near the entrance, catching up with their friends.
Passing through crowded hallways on the first day of school is like going to a big sale in a mall. Tons of students are scattered greeting and waiting for their friends.
As I walk through the hallways, familiar scents hit my nose, knowing who is around even without or before seeing them.
I make my way by waving and saying a few hellos with students that caught me on my way.
Walking by, I already have seen and greeted pack members and the people I know from our nearest neighboring pack, the Crescent Moon Pack.
I wave and smile quickly making sure to not get much attention.
I do not want to be sighted by certain people this early. It will only ruin my mood and definitely be a disaster.
Triton High is on the common ground of Blood Moon and Crescent Moon Pack as it is located between borders.
To maintain friendly friendship with two packs.. Alphas probably hundred years ago agreed to establish the school open for our packs.
Yes, I guess they had the brightest idea to have a school with nothing but werewolves students. But since not a lot of pack members decide to teach, they hire human teachers and other staff.
Maybe in the long run, they realized a school without any humans around would only bring havoc or any other normal school mess.. The only difference is it is messier.. and totally brutal so the humans keep us on ground.
We cannot let them know of our kind for our and their safety.
I am not sure if humans do not find it odd that there is a school named Triton and is only open for selected students.
My mom would always tell me that humans simply took it as private school being too selective of their students. How they bought that is a wonder to me. But hey, we can't be anything but just thankful about that.
"They are in the lockers" my wolf says in my head.
"That's where we are going, in case you didn't notice," I replied jokingly. "thought you forgot how to speak with me" I added that earned a low growl from her.
It's her first time talking to me today, not a morning wolf. I skidded my way and their scents getting stronger and stronger as I nearing our lockers.
They were so busy talking that they did not even look my way when I arrived.
"Here she comes" Vincent, one of my friends, says not looking and shoving his stuff in his locker.
He is currently double checking his backpack, putting things back and forth undecidedly. His hair looked messy.
"Were you stopped along the way?" Alexandra eyed me knowingly following it by shaking her head and slightly grinning.
"Like as if they care about me when my brothers aren't around to see" I answered sourly, making my way to my own locker to leave my things.
Most people in our packs act friendly and all with me when my family is around. Not that they are picking on me or something when they aren't, but just do not care that much.
"And like as if it matters." Vincent bumped me slightly on the shoulders. I turn to be met with his gray eyes slightly darkening in spite of him trying to lighten the mood.
"It's okay, really." I assure him. "Where is Jaxon, by the way? I asked, changing the topic.
"Still in the field with the warriors and the Gamma, your brother remember?" answered Chelsea showing her head behind Vincent, her eyes mirroring his.
The twins share the same shade of gray eyes and dirty blonde hair. She moved to her locker and gave me a smile that says sorry, even if she is not voicing it out.
Chelsea has long and curly blonde hair, mesmerizing gray eyes that hold softness in them giving them a slight difference as her brother's eyes hold toughness and authority given the twins are from Delta bloodlines.
"They always know when to play nice, as always, those packs trying to get closer to your brothers." Alex growled, her golden eyes getting darker than their original color, failing to sound funny and bobly.
Fixing her black bob cut hair she pulled me to start walking, followed by the others. As if on the dot, the students started to pile up going to their lockers.
"Jaxon will just meet us later for Biology, third class." she stated while practically not giving a care to most people that are greeting us.
"Hey there, you guys!" says Drake. He is from our pack and from the same year as me. Not all of our pack aside from my friends are fake to me.
There are good numbers of them that are genuinely nice, Drake and his friends being one of them.
"Hello Drake!" I greeted, and a glint of excitement swan in his for a second. It instantly went back to normal, or maybe I am just imagining things.
He licked his lips and smiled even more and looked to my friends to give them regards.
Vincent greeted him with a slight tap on his shoulders and the girls greeted him.
Drake has copper hair that is always kept in a clean cut. His blue eyes shine whenever he smiles and speaks with excitement that makes him look cute.
Vincent and he talked about the upcoming meeting that we are attending soon regarding patrol duties now that we are mostly sixteen year olds.
While talking he would throw me glances and smiles. I always find Drake super kind.
He did it a couple more times and I started to feel conscious and started rechecking on my things and looked the other way.
Silent giggles travelled my ears and tilted my head towards my two friends.
Chelsea is trying hard to conceal her giggles while Alex is smirking at me.
"What?" I hissed at them through a mind-link trying to not catch attention.
"Are we still going to deny the fact that Drake has a huge crush on you?" Alex answered with playfulness in her voice.
"He doesn't. He is just really nice and all smiles." I reasoned out and mentally rolled my eyes at the two of them.
"He is always all smiles, alright. But most of the time he is the one getting sneak glances from girls and not the other way around." Chelsea chimed in still giggling
"Shut up, you gals! Don't give it any other meaning. I said.
"Whatever makes you sleep at night, Gem." Alex said and shook her head, smirking still.
I just decided to cut the link 'cause I know for a fact they won't stop so reasoning with them is a waste of time.
The bell rang signalling us it's time to get to class.
"Vincent and I have the same 1st class. So we are this way" Drake says pointing in their direction.
"We are this way." I answered pointing the opposite seeing that he was looking at me and it is rude not to answer especially with how nice he is all the time.
"Laters then,ladies!" He waved goodbye to the girls, looked back at me and gave a boyish grin and took off.
Vincent smirked and raised his brow at us, then jogged to catch up with Drake.
I shook my head and started walking to the hallway and dared not to say a word.
I just do not want to feed my friends wild imaginations. The guy is just really nice ever since.
"So he's coming back today" Alex whispered in my ear and passed right ahead of me then went straight inside the classroom not waiting for a response or anything.
Chelsea definitely heard her wolf hearing and just gave a grin and walked past me. She waved me once they found a seat motioning me to hurry and sit in the seats they took for the three of us.
The class teacher showed up five minutes later and gave us the first day routine of introducing ourselves and gave us a sit work that will test how much we've learned the past year.
Every once in a while the girls would tease me about Zach's and Brandon's arrival fuelling my absolute excitement and nervousness.
To be honest, I've been feeling all nervous for weeks now since Brandon's nineteenth birthday is nearing.
Werewolves start feeling and finding their mates at the age of nineteen. He never showed interest in me, but who knows?
Mates are the most wonderful gift from the Moon Goddess. It is not unheard of that others do not feel any romantic feelings for one another until they reach the age and find out they are mates.
Who knows and the Goddess might hear me out,right?
The bell rings, surprising me completely. I heard Jaxon and Chelsea chuckling at my surprise. And just like that, the third period is finished and it is now time for lunch.
I am classmates with Alex and Chelsea for the first and second period. Third period I share with the love birds, Jaxon and Chelsea.
They really do adore each other, and are hoping that if they stay strong .. they hope they turn out to be fated mates. And as much as I do not voice it out much, I am deeply rooting for them.
"Try to stay where your body is, if I were you." Jaxon teases me as we walk out of the classroom and make our way to the cafeteria.
"Just that first day of school is a bit boring." I lied, which I know they totally know anyways.
This morning I was nothing but so excited. I still am, just do not know what to do as the time passes.
I am excited and nervous at the same time. It is always a wonder why I still get excited when I am nothing but a nervous wreck around him.
Alex waved her hand when she saw us enter the cafeteria. She is already sitting with Vince on our spot.
I waved motioning. We'd just get our food and stand in line.
"What are you thinking about getting Chel--?" I stopped when turning Chelsea and Jaxon weren't the ones behind me.
"What an honor to be standing next to the Beta princess." sarcastically thrown in my ears by an irritated Stephanie, Brandon's girlfriend.
There are a few people in fact who show their true colors when no one sees them. Stephanie and her friends being one of them.
I decided not to take her bait and turned back front and just continued waiting.
"Always playing the good girl, aren't we? She said again so low to avoid others from hearing.
She chuckles slowly giving the illusion of us being in an interesting conversation.
"I do not want to fight Stephanie, please." I say so low to make sure to not get any attention from anyone.
That must have annoyed her more instead then I felt her claws extending and on my sides.
"What a shame. Just know your place mutt." and with that, she flicked her hair and walked away followed by her minions, Ella and Diane who rolled their eyes on me.
I discreetly checked myself for bruises or if my top was ruined. Good thing she did not grip it strong enough.
I plastered my practiced calculated face not letting anyone see, even if deep inside I just want to burst in tears.
If there is anything I am good at , that is probably acting. I fake it all.
I act as if id doesn't bother me.
But I cannot tell anyone, can I? That will only satisfy them.
Only proving that I am just being protected by my family.. that I am worthless.
I cannot let that happen. I will show them.
I sigh and continue with the line to get my food and relax my nerves.
I got myself salad and yogurt and made my way to our table. I smelled someone very familiar as I was sitting. His scent making its way on my nostrils made me smile. Totally shoving Stephanie and her minions out of my mind.
I stopped midway to sitting and two callous hands covered my eyes.
"You know.. you need to accept that it doesn't work on us." I commented mostly to myself and chuckled a bit.
"Hey! You can't blame a brother for trying." Zach answered by removing his hands on my eyes and flapping his whole body on the seat.
"I missed you, princess! He added and pinched my nose that I instantly slapped.
I hugged him and inhaled his scent that earned a chuckle. I buried my head on his neck, not thinking of the eyes watching us.
I do not have to worry about a thing since it is normal for all werewolves to smell and inhale scents, especially the ones so close and important to them.
He hugged me back inhaling my scent, once content he pulled slowly and grabbed a box in his pocket.
He retrieved a pink velvet box there and handed it to me.
"I may have missed your birthday, but not the gift giving." He smiles at me and nods to urge me to open it.
I see Alex and Chelsea eyeing the box with much excitement in them.
Opening it, a necklace with an iced gem cookie pendant is neatly placed in the box.
It is so beautiful a tear fell on my eye. I know he sensed that it was a happy tear because he stayed quiet and just smiled at my reaction.
I hugged him again and said thank you.
"Belated Happy Birthday, Gemma!" I froze a bit when I suddenly heard a husky voice in my head through mind-link. Voice I haven't heard for a few weeks.
I searched and there he was in the far corner of the cafeteria, sitting with Stephanie and their other friend Brandon.
His bluish-green eyes are looking straight at me in acknowledgement. He nods and smirks.
"Tha--Thank you!" I tried but still came stuttering. He smirks again and goes back to whatever he was telling Stephanie. She laughed at whatever it was and snaked her arms around his.
How I wish I was the one sitting next to him and not Stephanie who acts nice to me when they are around, but always finds a way to torture me little by little when no one is watching.
Chapter 2 — A Bit Light Of Hope
Chapter 2
The sound of paper flipping is heard as I walk through the corner of the library.
I am looking for a certain History book for werewolves I need in my class.
Passing through I catch sight of the secluded area that I am looking for.
Our library has a restricted area that only students and the old she-wolf librarian have access to.
It is enchanted with a little help from witches to conceal what it really is.
What you see from a far are old books and it has a small gate pass with an ID scanner that will let you in.
It is designed this way to prevent the human staff from seeing what the books truly are.
I was about to tap my ID when it was yanked harshly, making me lose balance.
"Guess your friends aren't here, yeah?" Stephanie growled menacingly.
I was about to get up when she sat in front of me to yank my hair and force me to look in her
eyes.
"You bitch has another idea to get my man?" she hissed, her eyes turning darker than they usually are.
"What are you saying?" I frowned, feeling my hair getting pulled harder.
"Keep it up trying to look as if you don't know. Brandon is mine!" she whisper-shouted in my ears menacingly.
She stood up and kicked me, making my arm hit the metal.
She pulled the shelf in front and left before the books started to fall.
I was hit by heavy books everywhere and noises started to come my way.
"Gosh! What happened?" Leanne, the librarian, shakes her head seeing my state.
"I trip my foot trying to look for my book," I lied.
"Why do you let her do this?" my wolf's annoyed voice in my head.
"At least let me deal with her '' she states, her eyes glowing from anger.
"It will just get worse if we stoop down her level." I slowly cut the link as people started to pile up trying to see what happened.
Josh, delta from the Crescent Moon Pack eyed me but didn't say a word. He simply extended his hand to help me stand.
"Careful, Green" his voice laced with meanings he does not tell.
"Thanks" I say and help other students pick up the books.
After putting the books in place, I decide to go out to the field and get some fresh air.
The sun shines just brightly enough for it to be considered a good time to stay out. I am currently on the bench in the field killing time for my two hour free time.
The soccer team is out practicing. Half of them are pack warriors, some are from security. How do they get all the time to joggle all those? No idea.
"Maybe we should ask for advice? We are starting to patrol soon" I ask my wolf in my head.
She did not answer letting me know she's still angry with what happened earlier
"We'll get through just fine. We will observe and see how things go." I tell her softly. "Are you nervous?" I asked.
"Nah, excited.. but I also do not want to look stupid, you know." she says scratching her nose with her paw, letting it slide again and again.
"You fit just fine, compared to me." I say in a matter of fact way.
"Only if you start fighting as you should be." her voice is so low from anger and annoyance.
"They just need to know you better. And you know, maybe they are just a bit jealous." She says resting her head over her paws.
She cut the connection not wanting to hear my non stop blabbering about it. She has the tendency of dismissing me when it comes to the subject of our packmates belittling me.
Not that I am saying it out loud to anyone, but I know how it is.
It is not just Stephanie and her minions.
Most of our packmates think I am not enough. They won't say it out loud or publicly. But I hear their murmurs on training.
They won't talk about it loudly, not wanting to be on the bad side of Zach, Charlie or worse, my Dad and Mom.
I went back to reading and as I started to be absorbed in the world of the book I am reading I felt a tap on my shoulders.
My brows meet in confusion when I see Alex when I turn.
I discreetly hid my arm in my bag to not let her see the bruise in my arm that is starting to heal already.
If there is something I am so thankful about is that we werewolves heal fast. Unless you are hit by silver.. that heals for hours or even days depending on severity.
I sniffed again to confirm it was still to avail. "I cannot smell your scent." I said, throwing her confused and worried look.
"Nothing to worry, Gem. It is a scent covering spray I am developing." She waved her hand in front of me, signalling as if it was not a big deal.
"Developing?" I confirm. I know she has a thing for tactical stuff and all. She has been paying much attention to books regarding them.
"Will present them in class once I perfect it to my liking. I mean we have them around. I am trying to make one that will cover a scent longer." She says watching the day in the field.
"Is that--? I was cut when she spoke again.
"I asked the admissions office to let me know in case they can put me in our special classes. They messaged me yesterday, someone changed his or her mind and had an opening. I had to take Biology another time, though." she continued and tilted her head to look at me and the book I am holding.
Oh, that explains why she was suddenly not in my third class anymore. Our school holds special classes for packs that want to take specialties. She's been going on and on in getting into one this year and here she is, landing on one.
"Why are you here alone, reading? she inquires.
"Others are in class. I have a free period, I answer simply. "You?" I tried to forget about it earlier.
"Same. What are we doing later?" she questions smirking.
"None that I am aware of, other than the meeting, I guess? I answered in a question-answer way.
"Right.. I hope we are in the same patrol team." she says. "Not a bad idea if we end up with Drake as well, you know." she continued nudging me on the shoulders and pointed on the field.
Right there in the middle is Drake, who was pulled out of the game. He looks at me and nods in acknowledgement and walks straight to the coach and drinks from his water bottle.
"Stop it." I tell Alex.
"Gem, Brandon doesn't pay you attention more than what he needs to his best friend's sister." She comments in a matter of fact way.
Something grumbles in my stomach with that. I know that. She is stating the facts on the table, but it still stings to be slapped with it.
This definitely feels worse than getting hit.
"You know that I only say this because you are my friend, right?" she scooted over to rest her right arm on my shoulder.
I look at her and just shrug my shoulders. What am I supposed to do?
"I am just saying, there are a lot of chances put there." she said again when I didn't say anything.
"I know.. I guess.. I guess I am just not there yet. I still have a chance, you know." I say giving her a weak smile.
"Fine, you have. But, what if you aren't? She looks at me searching my eyes.
"I dunno." I admit. "Maybe I will just cross the bridge when I get there" I do not want to admit it, but in times like this.. I really do wish I knew.
I wish it was just easy.
"Promise me you keep your doors open, and please... ready yourself." She says in full seriousness.
"I promise." I smiled weakly and avoided her gaze.
--
The time passed by so quickly trying not to think too much of my conversation with Alex.
I know she's worried for a reason. I have my feelings for Brandon for a long, long time that we actually do not even remember when it started.
I try not to show it, hoping that one day he'd see me in a different light. As time passed by, nothing changed.
Yes, he is kind to me, looks after me even. But, he always feels so far from reach. He would talk to me when around.
That is all, it is fair to me to say that he sees me as nothing more than just a pack member if not the daughter of the Beta family.
I wouldn't even be surprised if he doesn't know my existence if I wasn't a member of my family.
"Attention pack members, all of you receiving this reminder are expected to be at the pack house at exactly 6:00 pm for our meeting with Beta Zach. Do not be late." Brandon announces through a mind link. His voice is deeper than usual with his Alpha authority.
"That gives us a couple of hours" I say to no one in particular exiting the doors of the school.
"And here I thought you left your tongue somewhere." Vince says jokingly, throwing his left arm on my shoulder.
"You were absent minded almost the whole Gem."Jaxon chimes in.
"Just nervous with the more intensive training that we'd be attending starting soon. " I say not meeting their eyes and just continuing skidding away to the parking lot.
"Try harder convincing yourself." My wolf growled. By the looks of it, it is not just her catching on that.
Alex says nothing and just raises her brow at me.
Vince and Jax were nodding with the I-do-not-buy-that look evident in their eyes. Then there's Chelsea who just rolled her eyes on me.
We decided to just hang out a bit in the field and just go straight to the pack house later for the meeting.
Sitting in the grass at the field, they started talking about the upcoming events and homeworks we are supposed to turn in.
My senses heightened up when I smelled wolves approaching, especially the one arriving with the most authority. Sensing him I realized I didn't see and smell him yesterday.
"Hey there Gem!" Alpha Tyler of Crescent Moon Pack approaches with a ball in his hand. I looked at him and he winked the moment my eyes met his.
"Alpha." We greeted him. We were about to stand when he waved his hand and tapped the guys' shoulders.
"We were just supposed to stay and play a bit" his Beta and Gamma nodded at us in timid acknowledgement.
"We were just killing time, Alpha." I say politely.
"You do not have to be so formal, Gem." He says, his smile genuine.
"We must go then. We have a pack meeting to attend." I smiled back at him and gathered my things.
I was surprised when he extended his hand to offer me his hand. I was hesitant at first, but I am not going to humiliate the Alpha so I took it and he pulled to help me up.
"Will see you all around, then." he says goodbye but just looking at me.
I nod and smile and look at my friends to see they are also now ready to leave.
"See you.." I answered and started walking.
I dare not to look back feeling their.. and his eyes burning our backs.
We went straight to the pack which is a good idea as people were already piling up when we arrived.
We took our seats and waited. Drake waved at us when he arrived and took a seat in the far corner from us.
After five minutes, I felt his presence, his scent hitting my nostrils even before he entered the conference room.
Brandon went straight in front in all seriousness evident in his aura. His light brown hair combed back.
My two brothers walk on his sides, their faces in Beta and Gamma mode.
He looked at his watch and started.
"Good evening everyone! As you know from the agenda, this is about the training and the patrol duties." He started off.
"As you are now of age, your training will be intensive compared to what you are used to. We will start the training this coming Saturday. You will be expected on the grounds at 5:30 AM for jogging then we'd start the training straight after it." He explains, looking at the crowd for any questions to be raised.
He searched the whole crowd, I held my breath and felt my heart going crazy when he looked at me.
He looks at me with his eyes empty of any emotions and playfulness. He held gaze with me for a couple of seconds. I breathed out not knowing I was holding when he looked back in the middle.. Looking at no one in particular.
"As for your patrol duties, your groups will be announced soon once it is finalized. For now, take the rest you need and prepare yourselves. Feel free to see Gamma Charlie if you have any questions."
"Yes, Alpha!" we answer in unison. With that he nods and walks away from the front and talks with Zach in the corner.
Pack members started approaching Charlie who is sitting at the table in front with Gamma Peter who looks so proud of the three boys. Charlie is being assisted with the soon to be Deltas, Michael, Sienna and Greg.
All the time, Peter was by the door and just went inside when Brandon was finished. He is there overseeing everything.
I searched for Zach and Brandon, but it looks like they already left.
.
"Let's go?" I asked no one in particular, suddenly feeling tired. I guess the disappointment of not being able to even speak with Brandon as much as I wish to is catching up with me.
"Vince and I are staying to confirm something, with our warrior training and all" he says walking straight to join the line.
"You two, go ahead. I will just wait for Jax and Vince." Chelsea tells us to stay in her seat.
"Okay, catch up later" I smiled and waved them all goodbye.
"Are you going home?" I asked Alex walking through the doors.
"I actually need to stop by the coffee shop to meet some org members." She says pointing to a nearby cafe as if we see it here. I just shake my head at her and grin.
"Let's go then we can just separate ways from your block." She says making an effort not to mention anything else.
I know she's been observing me since this morning and just being nice to not tell me her thoughts. Probably giving me some space and not to be so pushy about it.
I am definitely not in my best state and was taken aback to see my Dad and Alpha Mason at the front porch of our house. Looking across, Alpha's car is parked.
Maybe if my mind is with my head and flying somewhere I would have noticed the moment I entered the block, and of course their scents.
"If not our beautiful Gem." Alpha Mason says the moment I step on the porch.
"Good evening Alpha Mason, Dad" I neared them to give both of them a peck on their cheek.
I debate if I need to stay, say something or just go up straight to my room being not really so much of myself today.
Something just doesn't seem right. I just really do not know what to do with myself.
Maybe the pack is right. I am really overrated.
What a waste.
"Well, you really are no better than those idiots if you believe them" my wolf growled so pissed with what I was thinking.
"Why don't you go inside and freshen up before dinner, honey?" my Dad saved me from totally making stupid fool of myself.
"Alpha" I said excusing. He gives a warm smile and nods.
Opening the door, my mom's scent is in the kitchen mixed with food she's preparing.
"Mom, I am home. Will just go upstairs to change." I howled.
"Hey, honey. Dinner's ready in a bit. "My mom's voice is heard midway down the stairs.
Inside my room, I put my things on my study table and walk to the bathroom.
I strip and instantly go for a shower. Feeling the warm water runs through my body eases my nerves.
It relaxes me and makes me feel better. My worries of being washed with the sweats and dirt from being outside the whole day.
"You're very affected by our Alpha." My wolf taps in my head.
She is now acknowledging Brandon as one already since we are in the same generation.
"Aren't you?" Confusion hits me while still taking my time in the shower.
She raised her head and settled it on her paw, "Not as much as you, considering there is no pull of mate bond."
She scratches her ear with one paw looking more at ease than I felt her earlier.
With our connection, I do know she is also affected by how I feel for Brandon. But she is right, our wolves are more tamed with feelings until they feel the mate bond with our mates.
My body started to turn pinkish with the warm water, so I decided it's time to finish. "He could be our mate, but it sucks to think he could also be not." I breathed out.
"Let's see. Cheer up, I can't take your long face, anymore" she walks away.
I shake my head and smile feeling way better after the long shower. My wolf makes me want to be like her more and more.
Walking by my wardrobe, I catch a glimpse of my designed wall clippings. The saying "What is meant to be will be. What's yours shall be yours" written beside my bookshelf.
I breathed out and smiled. Yes, no need to think much I thought.
Might as well just wait for fate to unfold. I just hope I will be ready to face whatever it is.
I grabbed a pair of sweatpants and wore them. I combed my dark brown hair, and stared at green orbs that stared back at me through my mirror.
I smile and walk my way downstairs.
The smell of food makes my mouth water. With all that happened today, I did not notice how starving I am until now.
I walk straight to the table and grab one of my mother's chickens, placed neatly.
I am shocked when suddenly my hand is slapped preventing me from taking one.
"Go get your Dad and the Alpha in the study, dear" my mom shakes her head and walks straight back to get the mashed potato.
"Can I at least get one?" I breathed in to take in the delicious smell.
"Honey, we'll eat soon. Go now." she chucked a bit making me pout a little.
I walk my way to my Dad's office to call them. Nearing them, I hear they are in a hushed conversation. They sound serious, too.
"The northern packs are reporting sight of them" the Alpha says in a hushed voice.
"What do the other vampires do?" It was late and I already knocked on the door when my Dad inquired.
With that, I suddenly feel curious but shake my head. It is not good to be nosy on what the elders talk, besides it could be just nothing.
My Dad cleared his throat and told me to come in.
I open the door slightly just letting my head in "Mom says dinner is ready." I smiled and slowly closed the door when they both nod and stood up.
The dinner is delightful with them chit chatting about current events and funny stories. Definitely nothing serious compared to the sound of my Dad and the Apha earlier in the office.
After eating, I politely excused myself to leave the adults to talk more openly.
I walk straight to the porch to get some fresh air.
"Long day?" My mom appears handing me hot cocoa.
"A bit excited and nervous about patrolling" I took a sip and smiled.
"That I heard '' My Mom sighs and tucked a loose strand of my hair in my ear. "I can't believe all my kids are almost all grown ups now" She breathed out.
Her green eyes like mine glimmering with pride.
"Don't stay up too late, honey." with that, she stands up,kisses my head and head inside.
I finish my cocoa and walk up to my room. I halt to stop on my tracks the moment I open my room.
I must be going crazy with all the non stop thinking about Brandon that I've been doing, because right now... I swear, I sniffed his scent.
It is not so strong.. but it is somewhat here. I am definity imagining th--
I was cut off from my thoughts when a breeze of wind whipped and I titled my head to the window. It is open.
By the window of my study stable, there I noticed a small box.
I walk to it slowly scrutinizing it. Was he here? He must be. His scent is still faint, but a lot stronger here.
I picked up the box and opened it. A bracelet is sitting in it. Picking it up, I see that it's gold with a wolf charm.
I looked at it closely and I gasped a little. The wolf charm does look like my brown russet wolf.
"You didn't think I forgot, did you?" Brandon growled in my head. I looked through the window and there he was..
Standing with his hands in his pockets.
"Your brother won't share his momentum, yesterday. Show off, your brother is." he chuckled through the mind link.
"Thi--This is beautiful, Brandon" I smiled and waved the bracelet at him. My heart goes wild with his mere presence.
He grins and starts to walk away. Soon after that, my brother Zach jumped on his back, and they started running to the forest.
Their playful laughters faintly heard until they move further and further into the heart of the forest.
I was left looking in the forest with a wide smile on my face.
I lift the bracelet up to look at it again closely. I smile staring at the wolf charm.
"It is me, us." My wolf came forward taking a peek.
I sigh and smile even wider if possible. I feel like a ton being lifted on my shoulders. The breeze of the wind is taking my worries away.
Chapter 3 — Training
Chapter 3
I woke up feeling cheerful with last night's surprise still sitting in my head. I do not even remember what time I slept, but it was definitely with a wide smile plastered on my face.
I shook my arm a bit when I raised it to take a look at the bracelet I wore. It does not really fail to make me smile.
The wolf charm shining bright by the sun ray hitting it. I cannot contain the grin that made its way just looking at it.
"Looks like someone's so cheerful today."
Stephanie's low growl startled me a bit. I make sure not to show it and shove my hand at the back of my books before turning to look at her.
One thing about Steph is that she does get bored right away if she doesn't get anything from you.
Her dark brown eyes glowing and turning darker when she met my eyes, telling her nothing.
"You showing at school like a princess on cloud nine disgusts me" she hissed, balling me from head to toe.
I try harder and stay still. I am not going to give her the satisfaction. Besides, I know she'd leave me soon. Might as well make it faster by staying silent.
She does love it when I show emotions and hold that against me for days.
She would always say that I am just nothing but a name.
That I am nothing without my family rank. Without my parents, without my brothers I am just a weakling doll.
At least she does say it in front of me,I guess.
I do not know what's her bad blood about my rank in the pack. She is not low ranking herself. At least not from little we know of her.
She is Gamma Peter's wife's orphaned niece. Sha came in with her when she's mated with our Gamma.
She was around seven when she arrived. That's it. She was welcomed and loved, yet she grew hatred of me.
I unknowingly grabbed my necklace's pendant and played with it. I have been wearing it for a few days,and I am already growing attached to it.
Stephanie followed my hand and stared at my hand slightly grabbing at the pendant.
A dangerous smirk appeared on her face, "right.. the princess and her infamous necklace." her voice was laced with annoyance.
"Bet you enjoyed that, huh?" she stared back at me. "Beta Zach showering his sister with gifts and all. Makes you feel so important, doesn't it, little Gem?" she smirks again, her eyes turning darker again.
I intently stayed silent waiting for her to get bored.
Just got bored already, I thought.
"Well, that's all you'd be, anyways." She growled lowly and whispered in my ear "the beta family's doll."
With that, she flipped her hair, and walked as if nothing happened.
"At least that was fast." I fixed my hair and sprayed some of my perfume to find Stephanie's scent
on my clothes.
"If you only let me take control, I would have shoveled her ugly face in the ground" My wolf growls loudly in my head making sure I feel her anger.
"She's just shallow, just let her be. " I put my perfume back and make my way to the hallway.
I smile not letting Stephanie ruin my good day. It's one thing letting her dosage of annoyance get to me, making its way in my head is another.
I slid my way to the tons of students and made it to the field.
It is still early and going here is better than inside away from the eyes of people.
"Where are you? The class starts in a few" Jax taps in my head through mind-link.
"Just in the field for some air. Will meet you in class." I answered by cutting the link.
I am about to flop myself in the grass when my senses heightened.
I searched the area for any unwanted guests. Being the strongest pack does not mean we do not get sightings of rogue wolves anymore.
I was about to go to the tree on my left when I heard noise coming from the tree accross.
Making my way, the noise turned to low moans. It is evident the noises are controlled, probably making sure it won't be heard.
As I come nearer, the scents become more evident. Scent of arousal is so strong mixed with the scent of a she-wolf from Crescent Moon and Alpha Tyler.
Knowing that it is something not to interrupt, I decide to turn around, but was taken aback when suddenly the Alpha is in front of me.
"Gem."He eyes me intently while fixing his messed up hair. His mouth reddened and swollen from whatever they were doing.
"Alpha Tyler." I regard him calculatively, not being able to meet his eyes.
"Why act as if you're the one caught red handed?" my wolf shakes her head.
"What a nice morning it is to see your beauty this early." he eyes me, his eyes not showing any emotion.
I feel some movement behind, turning back to look.. the girl running away.
I gasped when all of the sudden I am pinned on the tree, Alpha Tyler nearing his head to me.
"Lets just keep this one to ourselves, Gem?" he whispers in my ear.
His scent mixed with arousal is not allowing me to focus. To be honest, as an Alpha, I always find his unique scent to my liking.
That is part of his genes, alluring features and scent.
But this time, I find it suffocating.
I heard him growling low when I did not answer.
"I hope this is not what kills us" my wolf growled in my head.
"Of course, Alpha." I say.
"It is always Tyler for you sweet Gem." he says calmly that it makes me a bit uncomfortable.
He distanced himself and looked at me. He smirks and tucked my hair in my ear.
"See you around" he lowered down, and kissed me on the cheek.
I gasped loud enough to earn another smirk from him. He turned away and walked calmly leaving me with my mouth a bit open from shock.
My heart skips a bit from fear and slides in my butt. What was that? I asked myself..
"You tell me," my wolf answer-question me.
I bit my lip and stood up. If there is something to be thankful about just now is that no one was here to see that.
Checking myself, good thing it was just his scent that lingers a bit on my clothes and nothing else.
The last thing I want in me is the arousal of other wolves.
I run back inside the school, I definitely do not deserve to be late because of meddling on someone else's business.
"What a good morning start, Gem. Good job!" my wolf stirred with sarcasm in my head.
It is not as if I planned to be met with people and have some encounters with them first thing in the morning.
I just shrugged her out my head and walk straight trying to avoid everyone and only stopped when I reach the door of my first class.
"Hey sis!" I stopped entering the room when I heard Zach nearing our room.
"Hello Zach!" I greeted him and was surprised when instead of him I was greeted by Brandon's eyes.
His greenish-bluish eyes not showing any emotions in them. They both stop in front of me.
"Hi Brandon." I shyly greeted.
"Well we are on our way to class. I didn't see you with your friends earlier." Zach's brows meet in confusion.
Brandon just stares at me nonchalantly, as if he just happens to have the time in the world to kill.
He suddenly sniffs and frowns. His eyes darted on me and for a second, his eyes showed annoyance. Then just like that, it's gone.
"Did you go somewhere else, Gemma?" he asks, mimicking Zach's confused look.
"I just went to the field to get some fresh air." I pointed the way to the field unknowingly using my left hand.
The bracelet made a little noise that got Brandon's attention. He looked at it a bit and a smirk made its way on his face.
"Okay, see you later, then." My brother says and taps me in the shoulder and walks the hallway.
Brandon looks at me again. He grins a little and messes my hair and follows my brother.
I try to hide my face from blushing and stop myself from grinning so wide.
"He messes your hair like a guy would a five year old girl, and here you are blushing." Alex sarcastically says in my head.
I am on my way to our seats when I feel other connections on the link and already late to find out all my friends even in other classes heard her remark.
"He pet her head again, I assume." Vince is clearly trying to stop himself from laughing.
"And he takes it as a girl." Jaxon chimes in.
"Stop teasing her, you guys" Chelsea tries to scold them but fails with her sweet voice.
"When will she learn?" Alex questions rolling her eyes when I settled in.
I showed the bracelet to the two girls trying to not get attention from other students. I signalled them that it is from Brandon.
I even shoved the charm in their faces. Chelsea smiled at me appreciating the beauty of the charm. Alex smiles but shakes her head.
"Mind you, she was all blue yesterday, he happened to give her a bracelet with her wolf as a charm and she's on cloud nine again." Alex reports on the link that is apparently still open.
"He does give gifts to everyone in the higher rank family, just saying." Jax states and with that the link was cut.
It's also the same time the teacher arrives.I smiled not giving much thought to what they said.
I am in a good mood today. Yes, because of his gift. A hope, it is.
And no one is going to stop it.
--
Days passed with my friends still non stop teasing me and the next thing I know, it's now Saturday.
I woke up with the blaring sound of my alarm clock. I stretched my arm and turned it off.
I stretch my two arms to wake myself more. With sleepiness still evident in my system, I walk
inside the bathroom to freshen up.
I changed to my sports bra and leggings. I stared at the mirror throwing my hair into a messy bun.
This looks like a long day, so might as well dress comfortably based on what the task is asking you to dress up for.
I walked my way downstairs to be greeted by my Mom. I checked the clock on the wall that says 5:10 AM.
She smiles at me and motions for coffee. I sat with her eyeing the tiredness in my mother's
beautiful face.
"Why are you up so early, Mom? I inquire after sipping coffee.
"Your brothers left earlier. They didn't want to wake you up, giving you more time to rest." She
stirs her coffee contentedly.
"Take some more rest, Mom. It's Saturday. I eyed her and checked the clock again. I took some sips from the coffee and stood up.
"Should get going now, see you later Mum." I waved her bye and ran to the door.
It's now 5:17 AM and the last thing I want is to be one of the last one to arrive.
Non-stop murmurs from our packmates is the last one on my list of how to start your training on day one.
I arrived to see a few early birds. I look around to find Vince sitting with Drake.
The pack house grounds are big enough to cater the whole pack, but it is looking extra enormous for me in times like this.
"Good morning!"Drake smiles at me, scooting a bit to give me space in between him and Vince.
"Morning you guys" I greet them both and sit.
Vince just gave me a tired look that earned a low chuckle from Drake.
Moments later Alex, Jax, and Cheals joined us.
At exactly 5:30 AM, Brandon shows up in front in a full black running suit. He blew his whistle and we took positions.
He gave a few moments for everyone to take positions, and when he blew the whistle the second time, we sprinted off.
I run not fast and not slow, keeping enough pace to let my legs get a good start of stretch.
5 minutes in and the guys started to pace faster leaving us behind.
When I feel like my body has adjusted already, I mind-linked the girls "Ready to go faster a bit?"
"Sure." they answer in unison.
I sprinted not expecting too much since I am not on the fast side of shifter runner.
But to my utter surprise, I left the girls and started passing a good number of packmates.
Gasps are heard everywhere as they tilted their head sideways and soon forward to see who it was.
Surprise is definitely an understatement finding it is me.
"What are you doing?" I frown to my wolf in a total loss of words.
"I was gonna ask you the same, when did you get so fast?" she waves her tail moving forward to look at me intently.
"Nothing, I thought it was you." I was cut when I felt someone pushed me sideways.
Why am I not surprised to see Stephanie? Her annoyance radiating too much seeing I am now sided with her when she is .. well was way faster than me.
I blocked her push and tried to run faster. And to say that I am able to go further and pass her is unbelievable.
"What the heck, Gem?" Alex roared in my head.
"Where are you?" Chelsea chimes in.
"Nearing the warriors." I am definitely nearing them with Zach and Brandon leading even if they ran moments after we started.
"How?" the girls inquired in unison.
"No idea. I thought it was my wolf". I wipe my sweats but still keep up.
Noting after we already circled the perimeter and back to the pack house field. I am welcomed by surprised gazes not only from my brothers who are currently in front with Brandon, but also from the warriors.
I look around and gasp when I realize they are looking at me as if they see a ghost.
I am the only one who's here who is not a warrior.
Not being able to stand their burning gazes, I walk straight to where I was sitting earlier and gulf a good amount of water.
Vince and Drake exchanged looks at each other but said nothing and just stayed with the warriors.
I feel the intent looks of the three wolves in front and I try to relax and not pay attention knowing I won't be able to formulate a proper explanation on this.
How did that happen? I was not this fast a few days ago.
If it is not my wolf, then how and when did I develop without me knowing?
Alex and Chelsea came almost the same time and sat straight next to catch their breaths.
They both gave me weak smiles seeing I am not comfortable with the attention and weird looks I am receiving.
"Talk later." Alex blurts out in the link and cuts it right away.
I sigh and straighten my seat when I see Brandon stand in front.
"I see everyone has now caught their breaths, let's start sparring" Brandon says in finality.
I sigh again and stand not really looking forward to what is next.
I really dread sparring as I just always make a fool of myself.
"We all wanna see the strengths and weaknesses of each and everyone so we'd have the basis for our training." Brandon roared for everyone to hear as everyone started stretching separately.
"There is no big or small, nor strong or weak in combat, so for today, you will not sparr based on your class." Zach states imitating equal authority in his voice.
"We'll draw names for partners." he continues at the same moment as Charlie sits a fish bowl in front for Brandon and Zach to fish paper from.
I hear my heart throbbed harder from the announcement feeling the doom I am in.
The roll call for names started and I started to feel my hand shaking from fear.
My doom appeared in front of me when my name is called and is partnered with Ella, Stephanie's minion and number one supporter.
"Fate is really a b*tch!" My wolf low growled in my head.
Ella happens to be good at martial arts, hence my nightmare on this training.
"I will be happy enough if I make it today in one piece." I tell my wolf.
"I will try my best to extend as much strength as I can. Make guard of as much as you can" she says softly, feeling my nerves.
Ella approaches me on our assigned mat with a smug smirk on her face.
She stretched her head with her unnerving grin staring straight at me mockingly.
I stretch to help my body take the coming blows. I look around and a few people show pity on their faces mirroring my friends'.
I looked at my brothers' and they nodded at me, but the worry left their eyes when I looked at them.
"You can do this, Gem." Charlie states in the link sounding more like he's convincing himself.
The whistle was blown again as a sign of start.
Ella andances right away, not giving me much time and blows punches my way.
I cover my face for the first three blows. My mistake to put effort in my face as she throws one
big blow in my stomach the first opening she gets.
I stumbled and hissed in pain. She doesn't give much time and leaps.
This time, I am able to see her and move before she lands on top of me.
To my surprise, I moved fast enough to make her meet by the empty mat.
I hear muur by my sudden halt. I didn't expect to be able to miss.
"Nice! We do not know where you suddenly got that speed, but might as well use it to your advantage." My wolf cheers in my head.
I heat tap in my head for the link, but didn't allow it as I feel a sudden urge to focus on the fight.
I suddenly feel this light feeling of confidence and ready my stance for my opponent.
My wolf is right. Might as well use this unfamiliar speed.
Ella stood up with annoyance evident on her face and ran towards me to attack again.
I look straight at her and dodge. She gasped in surprise to see that I was suddenly fast enough to dodge her attacks.
I find an open and throw punches her way. She's able to block my advances, but I am not giving up.
This might be the only time I get to attack once she recovers so I continue throwing punches and kicks.
She continues to block until I find an opening and punch her in the face. It is definitely not strong enough as she only smirks, but that moment of unguardness gave an opening and kicked her in the stomach.
She steps backward a couple of times but does not lose balance.
She wiped her face and threw me a deadly glare. That takes a couple of seconds and advances right away.
This time I leap when she's near enough and jump her overhead.
I stretch my arms to hold her head backwards and bring her with me when I reach the ground, making her tumble over my head.
Gasps and cheers are heard in the crowd stopping others from their sparring.
I did not give enough room to recover and kneel on her back.
I feel my heart going wild but gather the last strength I have in me and pin her head in the mat.
I count to five in my head and she starts tapping her hand wildly on the mat.
The next thing I know is I was snatched by Zach lifting me away from Ella.
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