Wendy

My body stiffened up at his question. He obviously saw the Mark. It was on full display. I completely forgot about it while taking off my cardigan. My hair was up, so it wasn't covering any parts of the Mark. I was caught. There was no way for me to get out of this. Unless, I play dumb. Maybe he doesn't know what a Royal Mark is. Asher didn't even know what it was when he gave it to me. "What do you think it is?" I asked, stupidly.

"I was thinking it's a tattoo" he stated while examining the Mark. I did a happy dance in my head. "But-" Oh, shit. "I don't get why you would get a tattoo that says you're a traitor. Plus, it kinda looks like a branding of some sort" he informed me.

Before I could stop him, his finger moved to touch my Mark. My shoulder burned as I bit my lip not to scream. I flinched away from his touch and turned, so my back was facing the mirror. "Crap. Sorry. I didn't know that it would hurt you" he apologized.

I shook my head, waving him off as the pain died down. I don't think playing dumb will work after that. Sighing, I shut and locked the door. "A Royal Mark" I answered. "It's a sign, I guess. To warn other weres that I betrayed the Royals" Tyson backed away from me, and I tried not to get hurt by the action. "Long story short: I had a relationship with my Alpha. His mate turned out to be the Princess. I didn't know that she was a Royal. I said and done a lot of things. And he gave me that" I stated, pointing at the Mark.

Tyson cocked his head to the side. "Does Shane know?" he inquired. I nodded my head. "Dominic?" I looked down, already knowing that he was obligated to tell his Alpha. And Alphas are obligated to turn me in or kill me. Tyson placed a hand on my shoulder that didn't have the Mark. "I know that you're a nice girl and you just made a few mistakes. But this is a big deal. We're basically harboring a fugitive" he told me in a soft voice.

Now I'm a traitor and a fugitive. Just peachy. "I'm not gonna tell Dom" Tyson blurted. I lifted my head to look at his eyes. I was expecting him to say 'just kidding' or to laugh that I almost believed him. But he actually looked sincere. "Look. When we were all younger, about 14 or so, the three of us made a promise. When Ralph came along, he got included in all of this. We promised we would look out for each other's mates no matter what. We would protect each other's mates like they were our own"

I was frozen as I listened to him speak. "I take all my promises seriously, but that one is my number one priority. It comes before everything. I haven't met my mate- but when I do, I know that Dom and Shane and Ralph would do anything to protect her. So, I'll do anything to protect you. I'll keep this a secret. I'll help if anyone else finds out. I'll do whatever you need to stay safe" he promised.

Smiling gratefully, I wrapped my arms around his waist. "Thank you" I mumbled softly. Slowly, he hugged me back. It was slightly awkward, but it was a hug nonetheless. We pulled away and I took the hair tie out of my red locks. I shook my head a little to drape my hair over the Mark.

"Shane will probably be out tomorrow" Tyson said randomly. I still don't know where Shane was all day, today. "And Dom has another Alpha and Beta coming, so he'll show them around the territory tomorrow" he informed me. I nodded my head, still confused about why he's telling me this. "We're going somewhere. I'll pick you up at Sarah's house and then you can tell me about all of this" he suggested.

I nodded my head. It's smart that he thought about what everyone else was doing so it wouldn't be so suspicious if we went somewhere. But would it be dangerous if all of the high-ranks aare out and about. Then again, Ralph is here and Dom will still be on territory, so I guess it would be okay. "You are staying at Sarah's house right?" he asked. Nodding, I confirmed his statement. "Okay. I'll be there around noon. We should probably get out the bathroom now" he stated.

Chuckling, I opened the door and we both walked out. "Hey. Where'd you guys go?" Ralph asked when we got to the front door.

I could practically feel the panic rolling off of Tyson. I have a feeling that he hasn't kept a secret from these guys before. "Tyson spilled his drink on me. I went to the bathroom to clean up and he helped me wash my cardigan" I explained. It's not a lie. I did not lie. I just left out a few parts.

Ralph shook his head in amusement before taking Clara from Maddi's arms. "Sarah's waiting in the car for you. And the others said that you can just run back home" he told me before facing Tyson. I said a quick goodbye before running out to the car.

*****************************************************************************

The next day, I woke up earlier than I had planned. Surprisingly, I was even up before Sarah. Deciding to attempt to repay her, I dragged myself out of bed and to the kitchen. I had hours before Tyson was supposed to pick me up.

Straining my ears, I was able to hear Sarah's soft snores from inside her bedroom. I tried to be as quiet as possible while I took out a couple of pans to make breakfast. I wish I could do more for her, considering what she's doing for me. But I still don't have money. I completely forgot to ask Dominic about jobs.

The day that I was supposed to was the day that Maddi had gone into labor. Of course the thought of a job slipped my mind. I started humming a random tune as I read the directions off of the pancake mix box. I'm not the best cook. But I'm pretty sure that if the pancakes taste like crap, Sarah would just say 'it's the thought that counts'. Then she'll probably make another breakfast that would be a million times better than this crap.

After spilling the water in the bowl, I had to add more mix to make the batter less watery. Whoops. I guess we'll have extra pancakes then. But that gives Tyson something to eat when he gets here, so it won't go to waste. I quickly started cooking the pancakes and took out some bacon. There is no way to mess up bacon. I mean, it's bacon. You know that you fucked up if your bacon tastes like crap.

I put the bacon in another pan before flipping the first batch of pancakes. I started the coffee pot, so it would be done when Sarah wakes up. The food didn't take that long to cook. By myself, I cooked 15 pancakes, a shitload of bacon, and I cut up some fruit. The fruit didn't really count as cooking, but I cut it up nicely- if I do say so myself. I put the fruit in small bowls and started putting everything on the table.

"Good timing" I praised myself as I heard Sarah's bedroom door open. Her feet padded softly on the floor as she walked into the kitchen. She froze in the doorway, gaping at the food on the table. "I made breakfast" I announced.

She slowly nodded her head as she walked over to the coffee pot that had just finished brewing. "I can see that" she noted. "What's the occasion?" Sarah inquired while I sat down.

I shook my head as I fiddled with my fork. "No occasion. Just a way to say thank you. You've done a lot for me and I just can't repay you for this" I said softly.

Sarah smiled and placed a small kiss on my head. "All I ask is that you treat my grandson right. That boy is crazy about you" she stated. I sure hope so. I thought. I couldn't stop the heat the rose to my cheeks. "Wow. We're having a feast" she said while sitting down at the table.

Smiling, I turned so my legs were actually under the table. "I spilled the water, so I kinda had more batter than I had planned" I admitted. She laughed and placed a couple of pancakes on her plate along with some bacon. "Oh. Um... Tyson is supposed to pick me up later. We're gonna hang out" I informed her.

She nodded her head. "What time will you be back?" she asked.

Good question. I thought. I didn't ask Tyson. "I'm not sure. But it'll be before ten, I promise" I stated.

Sarah swallowed her food before speaking again. "You don't have a curfew, darlin'. Just make sure you stay with Tyson so you don't get hurt" she said softly.

I gave her a small smile for her concern. "Thank you. And I'll be careful" we finished breakfast with light conversation. It was mostly random things. Like how I'm allergic to fish and she's allergic to kiwi. I've never had kiwi, but I'm pretty sure it's the green squishy fruit. I'm not a fan of squishy fruit. It sounds unappetizing.

"Grammy Sarah!" a loud voice boomed through the small house, interrupting our conversation. I had already showered and got dressed, so I was ready. Sarah and I just talked until Tyson came. "I smell bacon!" he shouted as he entered the kitchen. He immediately swiped three pieces off the plate, stuffing one in his mouth and holding the other two in his hand.

Sarah and I both made a face at the sight of him unmannerly devouring the strips of meat. "Have some decency, would ya?!" Sarah scolded the Beta. He grinned sheepishly as the tips of his ears turned a light shade of red. She rolled her eyes and reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. "It's nice to see you again, Tyson" she stated.

He smiled and popped another piece of bacon in his mouth. "Actually, I take back my previous statement" Sarah deadpanned. Tyson chuckled, resulting in him choking on his bacon. Karma's a bitch. Sarah started patting his back as I handed him a glass of water. "Idiot" she muttered.

Tyson obviously heard her, but didn't say anything. "You ready?" he asked, turning to me. I nodded my head and grabbed a small clutch that was sitting on the chair. It had the 'essentials' as Sarah called them. When in reality, it was just make-up and a burner phone. Since I'm not part of the pack yet, I can't mind-link anyone. Sarah thought it was a good idea to give me a phone so I would be able to communicate with them.

We both said a quick goodbye to Sarah and I followed Tyson out to his car. It was a navy blue, two-door car. Spotting the logo on the back, I realized it was a Honda. It wasn't fancy, surprisingly. Most high-ranking members have fancy cars and clothes and phones and- well everything they own is fancy. They have money to spend, so they mostly buy shiny, expensive things. I can tell that it wasn't the case for Tyson.

He was wearing a tight, white v-neck, a worn out black leather jacket, and black jeans. On his feet was a pair of old sneakers. He wasn't like most Betas. I knew that for sure. "You know. I don't think Shane would appreciate your checking me out" he stated, sounding quiet amused.

I shook my head as I slid into the car, since he had opened the door for me. Before I could say anything, my door was closed and Tyson was walking around the car to his side. "I wasn't checking you out. You're just different" I stated once he got inside the driver's seat.

"I'm not sure how to respond to that" he said slowly. I laughed as I buckled up my seatbelt. "Humor me. How am I different?" he inquired.

I took a few moments to think of a way to explain it without making it sound like he looks like a poor person- which isn't what he looks like at all. "Well. Unlike most Betas, you don't have an expensive sports car that you show off. You don't wear expensive clothes or a Rolex 24/7. You're just different" I attempted to explain. I realized how weird it sounded. "It doesn't make sense but-"

"No" he interrupted me. "It makes sense. I get it" he assured me as he started up the car and drove away from Sarah's home. I looked out the window, enjoying the view of trees whizzing past. "I'm different in the way I spend my money" he noted. I nodded my head in agreement. "The way that I think about it, I don't need all that stuff. I have a phone that tells me the time, so I don't need a thousand dollar watch. I have a functioning car, which is good enough for me. I don't need a car with doors that open upward. I have clothes, which I know is more than some people have. I don't see a point in buying expensive things, if I have what I need" he explained.

I nodded my head, slowly taking in everything he was saying. "Oh, yeah! We're stopping by the pack house because all your stuff is there. You know, the stuff you bought with Maddi" he informed me. I completely forgot about the clothes and stuff. Maddi's labor had me forgetting about everything.

"So... What's your favorite color?" I asked, trying to make conversation.

Tyson spared me a quick glance before turning back to focus on the road ahead. "Orange" I couldn't stop the way that my face scrunched up. I never head of someone's favorite color being orange. It's usually red, blue, purple, or black. "What's your favorite animal?" he questioned.

I grinned mischievously. "A female octopus!" I practically screamed.

"Um... Not to be rude or anything. But why?" he asked with a weary expression.

This question just made my grin even wider. "A female octopus is one of the most savage animals alive. They mate with a male octopus. Then right after, they strangle their mates with their tentacles and feast on them" I informed him nonchalantly.

His face scrunched up like mine did when he answered my question. "I feel like I should warn Shane that his mate might strangle and feast on him" he mumbled to himself.

"He's lucky that I'm a werewolf and not an octopus"

__________________________________________________________________________________

Female octopi are savage...

Anyways... I got 91% on my mathematics final, so that's good.

Just two more finals, then I'm on break! Which means more free time. Which means more writing. Which means more frequent updates. I should be studying or sleeping, but screw it.

Don't tell my teachers...

Kayyyyyzzzz Byeeeeezzzz

~A.J.