Zeke

I fell, a lot. Running on four legs isn't as easy as it seems. I can run faster, but it's hard to get all of your limbs to do what you want them to do. It got some getting used to. "You face planted so many times!" Liam exclaimed, practically roaring with laughter.

We just shifted back, and he felt the need to be a jerk. Growling, I tackled him to the floor. We started wrestled around and laughing. "Hey! Knock it off!" Grams shouted from the porch.

Getting up, I dusted the dirt off my pants. "We were just messing around. We're not really fighting" I explained as we got closer. She rolled her eyes before telling me that I stink. "Hurtful" I mumbled.

Grams demanded that I go shower. "Nope. He has to wait cause I call dibs!" Valerie sprinted past me and up the stairs. I don't think it's fair to call dibs on someone else's shower. But I didn't say anything about it.

I simply rolled my eyes and walked to the kitchen for a drink. "Ew! You're sweaty!" Kenny pointed out as his face scrunched up.

With a grin on my face, I stalked towards him. "Come give me a hug!" I cooed. Kenny screamed before running out of the kitchen. Chuckling, I poured myself a glass of water and downed the whole thing. When I looked up, Amanda had a crazy look on her face. "What?"

"Don't drown yourself" she muttered before pouring herself a glass. "So" Amanda started off before looking at me nervously. I raised an eyebrow at her before telling her to continue. "Can I come to your pack sometime? Kat and I are the only ones that haven't found our mates. But she doesn't want to. And I really want to" she explained.

I wasn't surprised that Kat didn't want to find her mate. She is a very independent person. But I'm sure when she finds her mate, that will change. "You can visit any time. I don't mind at all. And I know Nick's cool with it. If he's not, then I'm Beta and I grant you permission" I said smugly. Amanda shook her head at me, but there was a small smile on her face. Grams walked into the kitchen with Kenny on her hip. "Kenny. Why is Grams holding you?" I questioned.

Grams is human, so Kenny must be a bit heavy for her. I didn't want her to get hurt or anything. Honestly, she is getting old. "Hush. He's heavy" Grams stated, not letting Kenny answer the question. I sighed and allowed the crazy woman to do as she pleases. "What do you guys want for lunch? I can make sandwiches or some alfredo" she offered.

Shrugging, I looked at Amanda for her to answer. "You should ask Valerie" Amanda blurted. Grams nodded in agreement and pointed to the stairs, indicating that I should ask right at that moment. With a sigh, I put my glass down and trudged up the stairs.

Once in my bedroom, I heard the shower running in the bathroom. "Cariad" I called out, knocking on the door. She told me to come it. I opened the door and steam immediately exited the room. "Is the water hot enough?" I asked rhetorically.

I couldn't see her face since the shower curtain was closed; but I'm pretty sure that she rolled her eyes. "What do you want? And talk fast cause I'm not trying to get soap in my mouth" Valerie demanded. So bossy.

"Grams wants to know what you want for lunch. She said sandwiches or alfredo pasta" I informed her. Valerie opted for the pasta before telling me to get out the bathroom. "Or I can join you" I joked.

Valerie snickered. "Are you sure you're ready for such a big step?" she teased. Scowling, I stomped out of the bathroom. "I love you!" she shouted as I walked away.

I mocked her before closing the bathroom door. "She wants alfredo" I told Grams as I came back into the kitchen. Spotting Oreos on the counter, I grabbed a few and began to snack on them. "Where's Kenny?" I asked, not seeing him in the room.

Grams glanced back at me as she got ingredients out. "Amanda and Mason took him to the store so you wouldn't have to worry about him. You'll be free to do whatever you want" Grams said. I knew what she was hinting at. And that definitely wouldn't happen at my sister's pack with people still in the house.

My phone began to ring on the counter, where it was charging as we ran. I looked at it, reading the unsaved number. "Hello?" I answered.

"Hello. I'm looking for a Zeke Kingsley" the woman stated. I confirmed that was me. "I'm calling on behalf of Hannah James" I stiffened, knowing what the call was about. I was curious as to how she even had my number, but that wasn't important at the moment. "I'm sorry for your loss, Mr. Kingsley" she said softly. I took a deep breath and thanked her. She told me that Hannah's death was painless since she was asleep when it happened. I thanked her again before ending the call.

I knew that she didn't have a lot of time to live. But that didn't make it any easier. We didn't know each other on a personal level; however, it still hurt that she passed away. She was brave and smart- a good sister. I felt guilty, thinking that I could've done something to lengthen her time. "What's wrong?" Valerie's voice echoed in my mind.

Slipping my phone into my pocket, I wordlessly jogged up the stairs. When I got into my bedroom, Valerie was slipping on one of my hoodies and had a pair of spandex on. "Hey. What happened?" she asked softly, taking one of my hands in hers and guiding me to the bed. "Zeke. Talk to me"

"Hannah died" I informed her before explaining my recent phone call in depth. "Are we saying anything to Kenny?" I wondered, once my explanation was over.

Valerie chewed on her lip as she played with my hand. "We already told him that she went on vacation. He even said that he knew he wouldn't see her again. I don't think we should tell him anything until he's a little bit older" Valerie suggested. I nodded in agreement since I had no clue what to do. Any idea seemed like a good idea. "Go shower. Get it out of your mind"

Nodding, I pushed myself off of my bed and kissed Valerie's head. She said she was gonna go downstairs while I showered. The mirror was still fogged and the bathroom was a bit stuffy when I walked in. I quickly got in the shower and cleaned the sweat and grime off of me.

Unlike Valerie, I don't take long showers. I was out in about five minutes. I wrapped a towel around my waist and began drying my hair with another one. When I opened the door, someone screamed. "Who takes showers so fast?!" Valerie shouted as she covered her eyes with her hands.

I rolled my eyes. "It's nothing you haven't seen" I pointed out.

She nodded, but kept her eyes covered. "I can't look, cause then I'll start something that you can't finish" Valerie stated. At least she's honest about her reasoning. "I just wanted my phone" She blindly reached around the nightstand, knocking the lamp to the floor. "Um. Can you just put my phone in my hand?" she asked sheepishly.

Chuckling, I grabbed her phone and placed it in her palm. However, she didn't move from her spot. "I'm gonna drop my towel now" I warned her. She hesitated for a split second before walking out of the room. I was surprised she didn't bump into the wall on her way out. After closing the door behind her, I grabbed some clothes and dropped my towel. Just as the towel hit the floor, the door swung open. "Hey!" I scrambled to grab my towel and cover my manly area.

I must've been too slow because Valerie's eyes widened and stayed glued to the towel in my hand. "I- um" Her face was red as her eyes avoided looking at any part of me. "I need- uh. I forgot" Valerie stuttered. Slowly nodding my head, I reached for my boxers. But the towel slipped out of my hands. I froze as Valerie's head snapped towards me. "Fuck it" Valerie kicked the door shut and locked it before approaching me. I said that I wouldn't be doing anything at my sister's pack. But I was seriously reconsidering now.

Valerie stood less than a foot away from me. I could feel my eyes darkening as well as see hers darken. But neither of us made the first move. This was a bad idea. I knew it was. It wasn't the right time nor place. Sensing my hesitation, Valerie squeezed her eyes shut and turned away from me. "Sorry" she mumbled. She had more control than me. It took a few moments for me to snap out of my thoughts.

After slipping my boxers and pants on, I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind. We both took a deep breath, smelling each other's scents. I calmed down and pressed a kiss to her exposed neck. "You're not ready" Valerie mused.

I shook my head. "I am. But this just isn't the right time nor place" I explained.

"That's not just an excuse?" I spun her around and firmly pressed my lips against hers. "I'll take that as a no" she said, a smile gracing her lips. I kept my arms loosely wrapped around her waist as she rested her head against my chest. "Can we stay here again tonight?" she asked quietly. I pulled away a bit so I could look at her face. Valerie was chewing on her bottom lip, tilting her head back to look at me. "I like it here. I know Kenny likes everyone here. And Grams makes good food" she informed me.

I laughed and nodded my head. "We can stay for as long as you'd like" I offered. She smiled and went on her tippy toes to give me a short kiss. "Come on. I'm hungry" I moved towards the door, but she pulled me back. Snickering, she grabbed my shirt from the bed and held it out for me. I slid it on as we walked downstairs.

Liam saw me putting on my shirt and smirked at me. "What were you two doing upstairs?" he questioned with a teasing tone. Valerie blushed and moved past him without a word. "If you need protection, I think Caleb has some" he offered, serious this time. I rolled my eyes and followed after my mate. She was setting the table. "If Valerie likes to be the one with the rubber, then she can get some from Kat" I forgot they make female condoms.

"We don't need condoms" I stated, grabbing utensils to help set the table. Valerie smiled at me in thanks as Liam continued to rant about protection. "We're not even having sex!" I groaned.

His eyes widened as he looked back and forth between Valerie and I. "You two haven't...?" he trailed off. We both shook our heads. "Why not?!" he exclaimed.

"Zeke's a virgin" Valerie blurted. I shot my mate a glare as she covered her mouth.

Liam stared at me for a few moments before he stared at Valerie. "And you're not a virgin?" he inquired. Valerie bit her lip and reluctantly shook her head. "And you're okay with that?" Liam looked at me. Shrugging, I nodded my head. "Are you sure?" he asked slowly.

"It's the past. It doesn't matter" I stated. Valerie reached over and laced our fingers together. I could sense her regret. "I love you" I said quietly as I pulled her closer.

She gave me a small smile, but her response was cut off when Kat stormed into the room. "Kat! Don't walk away from me!" Sam shouted at her as he showed up. "What is your problem?" he questioned angrily, grabbing her wrist.

Kat struggled out of his grip and glared at him. "You're my problem!" she seethed. Sam groaned and asked what he did. Every guy should know not to say that to any girl. "Are you fucking kidding me?!" she shouted. Sam winced at her tone and kept quiet. Kat looked at Liam. "I'll be back later" she stated before snatching keys off the counter and walking towards the door.

"Kat!" Sam yelled as he followed after her. Since we're all nosy, we followed them. She ignored him and kept walking. "Kathleen!" Oh, shit. He used the full name- which Kat absolutely hates. "Tell me what you want me to do! Or at least tell me what's wrong!" he demanded.

Kat clenched her jaw, shook her head, and hopped into a car. Before any of us could react, she sped away. "I knew this would happen" Everyone's heads snapped to Liam. Sam quickly rushed over to him and began blurting out a bunch of questions. "Dude. You're her twin. You guys used to be glued together. Then you began looking for your mate and spending less time with her. Then you actually met Cynthia and you didn't even call her. She found out through Zeke. When you came back home, all you talked about was Cynthia. Then you went back to Zeke's pack and whenever you called Kat, you talked about Cynthia. I get it. She's your mate. But your twin misses you. You've neglected her. Honestly, this morning was the first time that she actually had a meal with us. She just sulks around and disappears in my car, since you took the car that you two should've been sharing" Liam babbled.

Sam was frowning as he processed Liam's words. "Why didn't she tell me?" Sam wondered.

I rolled my eyes. "Do you really think Kat out of all people would admit that stuff?" I questioned rhetorically. I suddenly felt a bit guilty. Piper supports Valerie and I, but what if she feels the same way as Kat. We've always been extremely close. And now, we're just busy with our mates. Mates really change people.

Liam looked at me knowingly. "Piper is fine. She's happy for you. And she wants you to spend a lot of time with Valerie. But she did tell me that you need to visit more often since she wants Isaac to know his uncle" Liam explained.

I nodded my head in understanding. More visits could be arranged. Especially since Valerie and Kenny like it here. I just have to make sure to keep up on pack stuff. "Hey! Stop with the drama and get in here! The pasta is getting cold!" Grams shouted.

"I'm actually gonna go find Kat. Someone tell Cynthia that I'll be back later" Sam stated. Liam named off a few places that she might be before Sam got into his car and drove off.

Liam looked at Valerie and I. "Any other problems I can help solving?" he joked.

"What's three hundred squared?" Valerie blurted.

"Ninety-thousand" he answered immediately.

I faked a cough. "Nerd" I pounded on my chest a couple times and coughed more. Liam glared and stomped into the house. "Come on. We should go eat before Grams yells at us again" I suggested. Valerie laughed and grabbed my hand as we walked into the packhouse. When we got to the dining table, Liam was telling Grams about how I insulted him. I narrowed my eyes and hesitantly sat down. Grams was staring at me with her eyes slightly narrowed and her lips pursed.

Valerie leaned over to whisper in my ear. "I think you're in trouble" 

_______________

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud"

-Maya Angelou

So, remember that crush I told you guys about? Well, we just broke up. Which totally sucks. This is why I try so hard not to fall for people. I'm just gonna indulge myself in some James Patterson books, ice cream, coffee candy, and soda.

Kayyyzzz Byeeezzz

~A.J.