My mother would kill me if she knew I was staying at some guy house and making out with him while sitting on his kitchen counter. I was a 'good girl' from the year of avoiding everyone. My behavior will be as surprising as learning who Nevaeh was dating a few years back and what he really was.

But I guess that's what makes it more exciting.

Keiran broke the kissing first, “I have a surprise for you.” he said..

“Really?” I asked, chuckling.

He nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling out a black box. He held it out for me and I bit my lower lip, smiling excitedly as I opened the lid and found a beautiful oval shaped locket with a beautiful flower design with a crescent moon in the middle with a big O next to it. It had a vintage look to it, but still look very expensive.

“It's beautiful.” I said as I looked up at him. “I love it, but what's the O stand for?”

“Ochoa.” he said as he reached into his black t-shirt and took out a necklace I always seen hanging around his neck. It looked like a dog tag but it was made of pure gold since silver hurts us and I saw a crescent moon with an O next to the moon.

Oh, kind of strange to put his pack name on the necklace. I looked down at it and wasn't sure if I wanted a necklace that represent the pack. It was a very beautiful necklace, but did it have to have the O in it? Oh well, I shouldn't look so disappointed because of that. It was still such a beautiful necklace. I took the necklace out of the box and held it for him, “Help me put it on.”

I turned around a little and held up my hair so he could put it on. It rested against my chest as he clasped the hooks together and I turned around, wrapping my arms around him and pecked him, “How many other girls have you given necklaces to?”

He chuckled, “You really care about the other girls before you.” he said, tickling me and I giggled. “None. I wouldn't never give a girl with my pack symbol.”

My eyebrows came together, “Then why do I get one?”

He grinned, “Because you're special.” he said and I smiled. “You're different from those girls, something about you just makes you different Ash.”

I turned my head a little and arched my right eyebrow, “Are you just sweet talking me?”

He chuckled, “I am serious.” He tapped his finger against the locket, “Whenever you wish to return to Peru, you will be accept into the pack once again.”

“Well nice to know I'll have a place to go if I do.” I said.

I leaned in to kiss him but he leaned back, holding his finger up, “I have one more surprise.”

I groaned, chuckling as he walked away into his living room, “You're spoiling me!”

“Don't you just love it?” he asked jokingly as he walked over to the closet.

I laid across the counter, holding my feet up, placing my elbows on the counter and placed my face in the palm of my hands, “Sure I do, but not when things are expensive. I love market jewelry just as much to.”

He took out a medium size rectangle box, making me curious as he walked over to me, “That is because you are a hippy.” he said, making me chuckling as he walked back over and placed the box in front of me. 

“The term now is called bohemian.” I said as I opened the box and moved the wrapping paper. I saw the sweetheart neckline of a dress. It was black and as I touched the cloth, it was soft. I frowned though as I looked down at the dress. I sat back up as I took the dress out. It was a black little dress, surly tight by just looking at it and I have grown curves over the years. I went from lanky to curvy.

But it being tight wasn't what upset me.

Tight black dresses was Haidar things. He always dressed me in dresses, black or red and I never felt comfortable in them. I was his dress up doll, his little pet for everyone can look at me and judge me by my clothes. I was only fourteen, but I dressed as if I was a seventeen year old hooker. I dressed after that in the most comfortable large clothes as I could.

“What's wrong?” Keiran asked, making me look at him frowning. “You don't like it?”

“It's beautiful.” I said I didn't want to say 'no' and be rude.

He reached out and took the dress from me, “That wasn't an answer.” he said. Darn it.

I took it back, “I do—it's just...” I lowered my head as I looked at it. “What is for?”

“The pack and us are going out to a club.” he said and I nodded.

“You don't like my clothes?” I asked as I looked back up at him. “I have dresses.”

“You have dresses that you would wear to church, my little good girl.” he said as he reached up and pinched my cheek. “And this is a going out dress. Why don't you want to wear it? You went from happy to sad the second you saw it. Ash, answer me.”

I sighed heavily, “You wouldn't care.”

He shrugged, “Try me.”

I hesitated, wondering if should. I didn't want to make myself sound like a child but it seemed like he wouldn't let it go. “Haidar—the Serpent who kidnapped me would dress me up in these kind of clothes. He would get angry, either forcing me to wear them or glamor me into wearing them because I needed to look more 'mature'. I was fourteen, I didn't have boobs or a figure and he liked his girls wearing dresses.”

He jaw clenched and he nodded, “I see.” he said before snatching the dress from me and started ripping it.

The sound of it ripping made me jump and I reached out, trying to take it from him, “Keiran, no! You don't need to rip it—“

He dropped the dress and gave me a hard look as me came close to me, placing both hands on each side of me on the counter. My eyes widen as I looked up at his hard serious look and I was worried because I think I might have pissed him off. It wasn't ever good to piss off a Lycan, they had tempers. I pissed Scarlet off by putting my silver bracelet in her mouth when she was in Lycan form and I’m a Lycan because of it.

“No one will ever hurt you again, Ash.” he said, surprising me since I was thought he would yell at me. “You can wear whatever you like, I don't care. Three time larges since you size for t-shirts? You still look beautiful.” he said. “I didn't know, Ash, I didn't mean to upset you. I thought maybe you would like it and—“

I smiled and reached my arms up, wrapping them around his neck, “It's okay.” I said, leaning up and kissed him,

“I wish he was here so I could kill him again.” he said coldly. “Just for you.”

“He never went too far into hurting me.” I told him. “He never tried to force himself on me or anything. He was just a big bully to me.” Senka would never allow them, he probably would have killed Haidar because even Senka knew better than Haidar that Nevaeh would come and find me.

“Still no way to treat a child.” he said. “You had to grow up so quickly during that.”

“Everything happens for a reason I suppose.” I said. “I'm surprise you care so much.”

“Just because I’m a Demon doesn't mean I’m a monster.” he said. “Demons are created by Angels. Most are bad, they like that repetition of being the rebels. I may not care about Mortals, but Lycans are family no matter what.”

“Even if I'm half?” I asked.

“You're still a Lycan.” he said and I smiled. He reached up and caressed my cheek with the back of his hand, “You have a pretty smile.” Just because he said that, I made my smile bigger and he chuckled. He leaned down and kissed me hard on the mouth. I ran my hands threw his hair, bring him closer to me.

+Rafael.+

I was staring down at my phone, a picture of Courtney was up. I was biting my nail, my nerves still on fire from yesterday. How could she be here all this time and hanging out with them? Doesn't she know who's she hanging around? She's a Hunter for Heaven’s sakes! I just badly want to know why's she's hanging out with the Ochoa pack.

“Hello, Rafael, my son.” my father said, bring me back to earth and I lifted my head to look up at him. He held his arms up and smiled, twirling around in his tux, “How do I look? Handsome, huh?”

“Yeah, you look great.” I said but I didn't sound very interested.

He sighed heavily, “What are looking at?”

He walked over to me but I pressed my phone against my chest protectively, “I’m texting Inkasisa.”

He grinned, “Oh okay, I see.” he said and I forced him a smile as he turned and walked over to the three mirrors. He looked at himself, “Young love, it’s a beautiful thing to see. The way you were admiring the phone, your mother would be so happy to see that look in your eyes.”

I lowered my phone and it only made me sadder as I looked down at a picture of Courtney and the thought of my mother.

“She would be so proud of you, Rafael.” he said as he looked at me from the mirror. “You took the time to get to know Inkasisa and you two gotten along so well. You brother and sister—God bless their souls—are proud of you.” He turned to face me, “I lost Aren at a young age, he was only twenty-two when Senka first wanted to wipe out the children.”

“You don’t need to be so protective of me though.” I said. “I’m a man now and Senka is gone. Rien has kept his word, the Demons don’t look at me now.”

“There will always be trouble on this world.” he said to me in his usual serious tone. “I protected your sister Dalia even after she was married. When you have your own children, you will understand how desperately it is to want nothing but to protect them.”

“I thought it was just you gotta love them.” I said. “No matter what, how they end up—you gotta love them and support them.” I said.

He turned to face me, “I protect you because I love you.” He walked over towards me, “I know I’m hard on you, Rafael. I won’t deny it, I felt like I had a lot of pressure up there. I was trying my hardest to please him and it felt like a big slap in the face when he created mankind. I acted without thinking, I swore his name and called him a liar for saying he ever loved us. I regret everything I have ever said to him and only hope he knows how much I love him. I know you say you hate me sometimes, but those are just words Rafael. This marriage proves to me how much you love me.” he said, wrapping his arms around me. “I love you, Rafael.  I only want you to be happy and help guide you in this life. In the end, you only have your family at the end of a dock waiting for you.” he said, kissing the side of my head.

I looked down at my phone I was holding behind him at the picture of Courtney and I closed my eyes. I have never felt so confused like this in my life.

+Courtney.+

“Well you could have called sooner.” Nevaeh said. “Ezra missed his goodnights from his Auntie. And who is Keiran?”

My eyes widen, “How do you—“ I groaned, “Azariah.”

“Well?” she asked. “And why don’t you sound happy and so in love? I have been waiting your whole high school for you to talk about boys.”

I opened my mouth but I wasn’t sure how to explain so much. I had just told her I was having an awesome time in Lima but I didn’t go to much into detail. “Promise not to tell mom?” I asked.

“Promise.” she said. “I can keep anything from her now, I kept Hadrian from you all for a while there.”

“Promise not to freak out?” I asked.

She hesitated, “Alright, I promise.”

I bit my nail and I leaned back to look inside of Keiran bedroom where I saw him spread out on his bed asleep. I sat back up, “Well, things didn’t turn out so well with Rafael.”

“Aw, why not?” she asked. “You were so excited, Court. I’m sorry.”

I sighed, “I didn’t even talk to him, I saw him. I saw him with another girl.”

She gasped, “What?” she said, clearly surprised. “Who is she?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know and I wasn’t going to ask but it’s clear she’s his girlfriend. They were holding hand and she was smiling up at him so lovey dovey. It was disgusting.”

“So wait.” she said. “You’ve been in Lima for almost eight days! What have you been doing all this time?”

“Uh, well…” I hesitated. I groaned, “I’ve been hanging out with some people, they’re pretty cool. One of the guys in the group is named Keiran.”

“Do I wanna know who these or what they people are?” she asked, not sounding so pleased.

“I…I don’t know Nevaeh. I never actually been around Lycans, I just heard about them.” I said.

“Courtney!” she coldly said. “Are you nuts?”

“Calm down!” I said. “I leave tomorrow anyways, I can’t be here. I shift in two days, it’s not safe to stick around.”

“What in God names are you thinking about hanging around those animals?” she asked, scoffing. “Their kind made you them, you’re the way you are because of them.”

“I know, Nevaeh.” I said, scoffing back. Does she think I forgotten? I have the damn light scar on my back where Scarlet had scratched me! Of course I haven’t forgotten it was Lycans who did this to me. “But Keiran isn’t the one who did this to me. And they haven’t judged me for being half Mortal.”

She sighed, “Oh God, I’m sorry Courtney. I was just surprised and—“

“I get it, you think I’m an ‘animal’ just like them.” I said.

“No, of course not—“

“I don’t wanna hear you’re excuse Mrs Perfect.” I said. “It’s okay for you to be with a Demon but it isn’t for me. I can’t be caged up forever. So what if I want to have a little fun? I’ve been little miss tamed forever, maybe I just wanna have a little freedom before I had to come back to chains.”

“Courtney, I never meant it like that.” she said, sounding upset clearly but it only pissed me off more. I was angry, I’ll admit. I probably would have forgiven her but I was also hot head and I didn’t like being judged. My protective instincts were getting strong and I didn’t feel like her judging me was right. “I just know not every Demon is like Hadrian and I only want you safe. You didn’t go down there to cause trouble, you went down there because of Rafael.”

“He’s with someone else—“

“You still care about him, don’t you?” she asked and I didn’t answer. “Don’t waste the trip because he hurt you. At least talk to him. I know it hurts and sucks, but it’s only going to continue hurting unless you find comfort and that’s by talking to him. Okay?”

I pouted, “Maybe I don’t wanna see him.”

“Deep down, you know you do.” she said and I looked down at the hard wood floor. Okay, so maybe that’s true. I do want to see him still, to talk to him since it’s been awhile. It just still hurts so much since I know I’ll be leaving without him and giving him to someone else. I guess I should just face reality and at least talk to him.

“I can’t stand you sometimes.” I said and she chuckled.

“I love you.” she sang and I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. Love you to.” I said before I hanged up the call. I hoped off the sink counter of the bathroom and walked out of it. I tip toed over to the bed and crawled into it, Keiran moving over as he woke up and quickly fell back to sleep. I laid down on the pillow and stared at him. I reached my hand up and pushed his curly hair out of his face. Can I really say I don’t have any sort of feelings for him? I wouldn’t have stayed here this long if I didn’t. I could deny it and just say I was just trying to find comfort after Rafael which it did start like that but now?

It kind of felt horrible to leave him. I really don’t want to. Earlier, something about his protectiveness I liked. The way he sounded determine after I told him about Haidar, I liked it. Maybe he does care about me. I don’t know, I can’t tell after only six days. Maybe he was only sweet talking to me. But what would be life without making a few mistakes?

Maybe I will come back to Peru for a couple of days again. This time though I’ll let him know so I won’t have to be broken hearted when I see him with another girl. I can give a warning and if he says right now isn’t the best time, I’ll know what that means and won’t come.

+

“Your plane doesn’t have to go until nine tonight.” Keiran said as I put my clothes inside my bag.

I turned and forced him a smile, “I know, but it’s got to have everything ready. You know I said I have to leave soon.” I said as I walked over to him. He was sitting on his bed, his back pressed against the frame of his wall. “I have someone to go see before I go.”

“And you still won’t tell me who.” he said and I nodded. He huffed heavily, “Fine, be secretive. But I’ll miss you.” he said as he took my hand and I smiled. He pulled me in closer as he leaned forward and kissed me. I placed my hand on his chest to push him away, knowing I won’t want to leave if I didn’t stop it but he moved his arm around my waist, pulling me until our chest pressed against each other. I placed my hand on each side of his neck, kissing him back. What’s wrong with just a few more minutes?

Keiran quickly flipped me onto the bed and I giggled. I felt him grin against my mouth as he kissed me. He pressed his body against mine and I could feel my blood heating up. That wasn’t very helpful and it always happens. I would blush heavily like I was doing now. My thighs pressed against his waist tightly as his mouth traveled down to my throat.

His hands groped everywhere on my body. He took a bond move by lifting his hand under my shirt and slowly inched up. I opened my eyes, taking deep breaths since I felt like I was losing my grip.

Control, Courtney, that’s all it takes to stay safe. To never hurt anyone but I wasn’t hurting anyone but myself. So why’d it feel good to have this kind of attention? Keiran lifted himself up by using one of his hand and he reached with his hand up behind his back to lift his shirt off. Once he got it off, he threw it aside and kissed me.

My hands balled into a tight fist, Control! Control! Don’t be an animal.

It felt good to be an animal though. Free and out of control. I wasn’t worried about hurting anyone else, no one lives were in danger. Keiran was a Lycan, he had every instincts like I had and we all have needs. It was probably the wrong needs but I can’t think clearly when Keiran is kissing me.

I turned us around and Keiran chuckled I sat up, “You’re shell is surely open.”

I pressed my hands against his chest, “Keiran, I’m not ready to go.” I said. “I want to stay, but it’s so complicated.”

He rubbed my thighs with his hands, “You have the choice to stay.”

I shook my head, “No, I don’t. You know how I am, I’m not like you all. I’m different.”

“Do I have to beg for you to stay?” he asked, looking up at me seriously.

“You wouldn’t do that.” I said. “I don’t understand why you would anyways.”

“You’re special.” he said.

I scoffed, “You say that, but I don’t see it. How could I possibly be special but be a different type of girl you usually have flings with. I’m sure they’re will be more naïve girls coming your way.”

“Because you’re all I want.” he said.

“But I can’t be everything you need.” I said and he looked confused. “You need a confident Lycan, not me. I’m weak and caged up. I doubt myself allot when it’s comes to Lycan stuff. You even said I haven’t loved myself.”

“And you think going back is going to help?” he asked and I shook my head. “You’re perfect the way you are, I wish you could see that.” He sat up and lifted my shirt up, “And beautiful.” He kissed my neck and further down my chest. His fingers played with the straps of my bra, “I only want you to be free.”

Right when his mouth touched close to my chest there was a knock against the door. Keiran lifted his head and turned his head around, growling, cursing in either Portuguese or Spanish. I don’t know which, he said the Mortal that owned the body was from Portugal but Keiran learned Spanish and other different languages.

He looked back at me, “Whoever it is will just go away.” he said as kissed me before kissing down on my neck. I tilt my head back a little, biting the moan back since I always felt a little embarrassed. He turned us so I would be laying on my back, his hand quickly going to the strap of my bra but right when he unclasped it there was another knock at the door.

My hands flew up to my bra before it could fall and he looked angry as he got up from the bed, “This better be a damn good reason.” he said as he walked out of the room. I bit down on my nail for a second before I got up, hooking my bra back on and I walked over to the window. Keiran lived in a one floor house so I could easily see who was at the door.

I peeked out through the shuttered and my eyes widen as I gasp, seeing who was knocking. Keiran opened the door and he cursed.

“Are my eyes playing me?” Keiran asked in Spanish, sounding amused. “I did get out of bed for a damn good reason.”

“I’m looking for someone.” Rafael said. “

Keiran scoffed, “And who may I ask are you looking for that I would know? Wouldn’t you’re father be angry if he knew you were angry? Go home, I’m not looking for a target on my head boy.”

“I’m looking for Courtney.” he said and I shook my head.

“I don’t know anyone named Courtney.” Keiran said. “Go home now.”

I quickly grabbed my shirt and ran out of the bedroom.

“Don’t lie to me, I know she’s here—“

I pushed Keiran out of the way and looked at Rafael. His eyes widen as he looked at me, clearly surprised to find me here. I was surprised myself to find him here! What the hell is he doing here and how’d he know I was here? Oh no, this is bad! I wanted to go back and hide in Keiran bedroom under the covers so badly. I was scared, really scared. Maybe I should have just stayed in Keiran room. Why’d I have to run out here like an idiot?

“Courtney.” Rafael breathed out as he looked at me.

I stared up at him for a second since I didn’t know what to say. The way he looked down at me, surprised and something else I didn’t know what was. I remembered Keiran was behind me though and it wasn’t a good thing.

“My name is Ash.” I said and his eyebrows furrowed together. “I’m sorry, you confused me someone else." 

“What?” he questioned in English and shook his head. He opened his mouth and I gave him a begging look. He quickly closed his mouth and nodded.

Keiran put his arm around my chest, pulling me back against his chest and I gave Rafael an apologetic look, “Do you know this guy, Ash?” he asked, kissing the side of my head.

I didn’t want to, but I changed my look to a slight snotty one, “No, but he smells good.

Keiran chuckled, “He’s off limit though.”

How true about that. “How sad.” I said. “Who’s Courtney?”

“A girl I use to know.” he said. “I miss her, allot. You just look like her, but it’s clear you’re not.”