The alarm had yet to start beeping from the bedside table when Miranda slowly opened her eyes. Feeling the warm body against her, she instinctively inched closer to Braydon. The familiar beat of her neighbor's aerobic DVD had interrupted her sleep and the more awake she became, Miranda found herself tuning into the even more constant hum of traffic outside. It was a cosmopolitan jungle outside the warm and secure bed she was currently curled in. Instantly she found herself longing for the serenity being away from civilization had treated her with, or even the temporary haven going home had offered.

With a sigh, she rolled over and Braydon instantly adjusted his own position to cradle her against his chest, but the peace that returned to them both didn't last as the alarm finally went off. Thanks to making a few minor changes to her roster, Miranda made her three working days into two full and two half days, so she could help Braydon adjust to going to his classes and make sure he actually got to them without becoming lost or being late.

"Make it stop!" Braydon growled, pulling the blanket up over his shoulders and completely covering Miranda in the process.

"Your arms are longer, you do it." She yawned and not making an effort to be careful of moving her, Braydon simply leaned across Miranda to hit all the buttons on the top of the device until it stopped it's beeping.

Nearly being crushed underneath him, Miranda only giggled and barely opening his eyes, Braydon wrapped his arms back around her and rolled Miranda over so as he laid flat on his back, she was now laying on his stomach.

Everything felt, new and Miranda had never felt so hopeful about the future as she did in that moment, knowing something had definitely changed between them. Reaching up, her finger traced the outline of Braydons chin and jaw, moving up higher, she brushed against his lips and as he playfully went to bite her finger, Braydon loved the laugh that followed. Giving up on going back to sleep he started to tickle her instead, making Miranda squirm.

By the time they stopped, both were breathless and glowing from their unusual wake up routine. This time when Braydon was hovering over Miranda, there was no hesitation in further contact or what be expected to come next, and her lips felt even more natural against his. His 'practice' from the night before had clearly paid off as Miranda ended up with her legs wrapped around his waist, wanting more.

Braydon moved down her neck, along her chest and as Miranda tilted her head back to give him access, she caught sight of the time and forced herself to let him go. "Crap! Braydon, we're going to be late!"

"I don't care." He really didn't, giving into instincts that were completely human and eager to explore more of what she had to offer. Every inch of him was responding to her having her so close; each touch was pushing his nerves to the limits.

"Move, I gotta shower!" Wiggling out from underneath him, MIranda brushed back her hair and catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror on her dresser, couldn't help smile at her flushed appearance. "Go get ready, I want breakfast on the way!"

Food was appealing and with a frustrated groan, Braydon got up and headed into the main bathroom while Miranda ran to hers. The whole time she couldn't stop smiling, feeling more like a teenager with a crush than a grown woman who should know better. The smile stayed with her until she was dressed and went to find Braydon. Expecting him to be ready, she did find him washed and clothed, only he was now pacing his room on the verge of shifting.

The feeling something was about to happen had Brayond's stomach in knots and sensing her in the doorway, he froze. The look in his eyes was feral, untrusting - more wolf than human and without thinking Miranda stepped back. Her sign of retreat didn't make the situation any better and the growl confirmed what was obviously going on. Rather than meet his gaze, she avoided it. Years of being around all kinds of dogs with her Father had Miranda subconsciously trying to make him see she wasn't a threat, even if she didn't realise what she was doing. 

"Braydon, what is going on?"

Her words were firmly, yet softly spoken and taking a step closer and back into the compounds of his room had him standing taller. Puffing his chest out slightly, it was clearly a dominant, defensive display. Even if he wanted to stop, Braydon couldn't. Giving the animal this much control was all he could do to stop from changing completely. He wanted to tell Miranda to get out, more for her own safety than anything else, as he had never felt so lost or out of control and he didn't know why.

Miranda stayed. She had been worried something like this could happen at the college so now was much better timing. In fact, ever since bringing him home she had been waiting and expecting some kind of freak out to happen, and here it was. For a second she wondered if it was because of her and the way she had given in so easily to his kisses the night before, but not wasn't the time to dwell over that. "If you don't want to go today, that's fine."

The problem was that he did want to go, but everything that had happened with Miranda only increased the sense of dread he was overcome with. Going closer, Miranda extended her hand, keeping her movements slow as not to startle him, just as she had to the scared, new dog her Father had. Touching his arm, Braydon flinched, the growl not hidden yet the worst was over. "We can stay here if you want?"

Looking into her eyes, there was no sign of fear or judgment and as she stood in front of him, Braydon fed off her confident and calming energy. A few deep breaths later had him gaining control and Miranda noted how his pupils retracted and that a human eye now stared at her.

"Braydon?"

"So- sorry." He released the breath he had been holding and closed his eyes, feeling each muscle uncoiling and his mind clearing.

"Don't be, it was too soon. We can try school again later. I'm sorry for pushing it." Miranda brushed some of his hair away from his face, noting how stressed he still was.

"No. I want to go."

That wasn't what she had been expecting and hesitating, Miranda didn't know if that was actually a good idea. "I don't know Braydon, you're clearly stressing about this."

"No, I want to go!" He said a little more forcefully, the sulking edge reminding Miranda that not only was he a wolf in human clothing, but some of his more childish attitudes were hidden in a mans body.

"Braydon-"

"Come on, we'll be late!" He mumbled, finding the bag that had his notebooks and other things in.

"Are you sure?" She asked again.

"Yes!" Braydon sighed impatiently, pushing all his fears aside.

"Okay, but if you get like that again, call me. I can only stay for a little bit to start with." Miranda felt like she was lecturing him and followed Braydon out to the street. What ever connection they had established seemed to have vanished. It wasn't helped by the way Braydon walked a little faster than Miranda was used to, keeping ahead of her.

By the time they had gone two blocks, Braydon realised what he was doing. Reigning in the urgency his wolf was pushing him with, he turned back and took her hand in his. Kissing her knuckles, Miranda knew he wasn't completely over what ever all that was, and prayed she wouldn't regret letting him go this morning. The working crowd had the city bustling with the movement to get to work and finding a quiet cafe, they were able to get breakfast with out much delay and the time to take Braydon to class came too soon.

The same receptionist sat behind the desk, only now she was busy pointing people that looked at lost of Miranda and Braydon in the direction of their classrooms. The crowd startled Braydon, before he realised he was also going to stuck in a room full of people too and while Miranda got his schedule and a map of the lower levels, Braydon found himself keenly inhaling all of the different smells on offer.

"Ok, so you're in room Lower B two, which should be this way." Miranda traced the corridor out on the map and started to walk while Braydon was hit with disappointment at not catching scent of that woman.

Maybe it wasn't her?

'Maybe,' He thought back. Either way, he didn't know why he was so interested in it.

Finding his classroom, Miranda went in first and a few new students had already taken seats in each corner of the set up. All were nervous and no one talked to each other.

"And who do we have here?" The older man greeted them with a smile, stopping what he was writing on the chalkboard. The first thing Braydon noticed was that the grey dust from the board matched his hair, that and he smelt like pine.

"Hi, I'm Miranda Wright and this is my," Miranda hesitated. Boyfriend, friend - what was Braydon now? "Braydon Winters. Did you see the note with his enrolment?"

"Ah yes, pleasure to meet you Braydon! I'm Mr Rogers, but you can call me Kyle!" Extending his hand, Braydon shook it, suddenly regretting his decision to come here as all eyes stayed on them.

Luckily his teacher seemed friendly enough, and he couldn't help size up each of his classmates, positive none of them would be a threat to him. Next he spotted all the doors, needing to know how to get out and quickly. This was a new environment and he had to establish his place in it. The fact they were all human helped, as it automatically put him at the top of the food chain. It helped boost his confidence and as Miranda looked at him and frowned, he'd never tell her what was going on in his mind.

"You're welcome to stay Miss Wright. I have had students with similar, histories, as your friend!" Kyle put down the piece of chalk and Miranda really doubted that. "I used to work in the hospital system with patients who have suffered amnesia before coming here, so rest assured, he is in good hands!"

"Thats, great to know. Isn't it Braydon?" Miranda snapped Braydon out of what ever he was going through. There was an intimdating glare on his face, yet she could see the panic in his eyes. 

"Well take a seat, and we've still got a few minutes and some more people to arrive before we get started." Kyle motioned at the desks in front of him as a sign to take a seat and with a quick smile, Miranda guided Braydon to a desk near the window on the outside of the room. At least he had a nice view out of the park in the lot beside them to try and stop him from feeling claustrophobic.

Unable to shake the feeling of being watched, Braydon soon realised it was because he had Miranda with him. It was a mixed group, with Braydon not being the youngest as the girl at the front looked barely sixteen. The few other women looked over at them with the same kind of curiousity they were looking at everyone with, while the man in the back clearly had different intentions due to the way he looked at Miranda. There was something dark in his eyes, that Braydon didn't like, especially when it was directed at her.

Silence still dominated the room as no one was brave enough to start talking to each other and as another woman arrived, Braydon knew what he had to do.

"I think you should go." He whispered, and Miranda frowned looking at him almost hurt.

"What? Why?"

"They're all looking at us. No one else has someone with them." It really was like school all over again and Braydon felt his own self concious fears returning. He didn't want the extra attention Miranda was bringing.

"Oh!" Looking around again, Miranda realised he was right. "Will you be okay though?"

"Yeah." He sunk down in his chair, fiddling with a pen as he refused to look at her. He didn't want her to go, but he knew she couldn't have stayed for ever either. Besides if that guy didn't stop looking at her, they'd be leaving for other reasons as the urge to chase him off was making him even more agitated. "Ah, thanks though."

"Okay, I'll go. Call me if you need anything and I'll be back at one."

He only nodded and Miranda quickly made sure Kyle had her contact information. Leaving she tried to forget any worries she had and walking back down the corridor, nearly knocked over a woman as she exited the bathroom. "Oh! I'm sorry!"

"It was my fault!" She laughed rather forcefully, and as Miranda made eye contact, she had to look away before looking back, positive there had been something different about those brown eyes. Flicking her long black hair over she shoulder, the woman glared at Miranda - not appreciating being stared at and blushing, Miranda stepped out of her way. "Thats an interesting, perfume you have on. What is it?"

Miranda didn't remember putting any on this morning and quickly sniffed the collar of her shirt. "Sorry, I dont remember!"

It didn't look as though the dark haired woman believed her and with a shrug, she walked down the corridor without another word.

"Rude!" Miranda mumbled, carrying on out of the building. There was no denying the woman was beautiful, but she didn't have to act like that. Unable to ignore the unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach, Miranda decided she was just worried about Braydon and at least going to work now would be able to distract her from that.

-x-

As Miranda stepped out of the elevator, Melissa nearly dropped her coffee from where she was about to take a sip and not just because Miranda arrived late to work. In her hand, she carried a large bag holding a big green and white box full of donuts, and while Miranda had her usual white blouse and black skirt on, the rather bright blue, flat shoes were very out of character. So was the way Miranda had left her hair down, instead of having it tightly pulled back and Melissa had never, ever seen Miranda smile like she currently was in the office, and especially not at her.

"Morning Melissa! Donuts in the staff room if you're interested!" Miranda called out on her way past and forgetting coffee she had spilt, Melissa got up to watch her disappear down the corridor before jumping on the phone to tell her friend in the room over, what just happened.

Abby sat on the corner of Rory's desk, expecting Miranda to turn up so she could finally attack her friend and as Rory saw her enter the office area, he quickly stood and grabbed his note book, prepared to fill her in on what had happened during that first hour of her absence. Those words failed him as she stopped in front of him.

"Whats that?" He asked instead, pointing at the box.

"Donuts, could you put these in the staff room and let everyone know?" Miranda handed them over to Rory and seeing Abby had her smile widening. "Hey!"

The pair hugged, and while they had a good friendship, Abby was instantly suspicious as they had never hugged at work. That was usually left to drunken nights out and yet it had just happened, practically in the middle of the office. "Hey yourself! Look at you all tanned and gorgeous! Girl, you're glowing!"

Miranda laughed, shrugging off the compliment. "Shut up and come in here!"

The pair went into her office and as Miranda dumped her bag behind her desk, she noticed Rory already her computer turned on and a recently made coffee waiting for her. He really was a great assistant, and these last couple of weeks he had turned out to be a good friend - not just for her, but Braydon too.

"So, who is he?" Abby demanded, sitting on the edge of her chair in front of Miranda's desk.

"Who?" Sipping the coffee, it was perfect and Miranda looked over the rim mischeviously.

"The guy that has you looking like this! It can't be Jason cause otherwise-"

"Abby!" Miranda scolded, yet the twinkle in her blue eyes had Abby's curiousity reaching dangerous levels. "Not at work!"

Rory soon reappeared, and it was then he noticed the more, relaxed appearance Miranda had adopted for the day - and she was still smiling. "Are you sick?"

"Thanks for the coffee Rory!" Miranda answered quickly, before realising what he had asked.  "No?"

"Love sick!" Abby teased, and Rory pretended to have no idea what was going on. He was starting to think as much too.

"Shut up Abby or I'll have security escort you from the building!" Again Miranda's scolding wasn't serious. "I can be in a good mood can't I?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't happen here. Anyway, Emmy misses her Aunty Andy, what you up to tonight? You can spill over Johns world famous chicken pie!" 

"Not much, I was just planning on-" Miranda hesitated, she hadn't told her friend about Braydon yet and had wanted to keep the night clear to spend with him after his first day at school.

"Your schedule is free Miranda, I was taking care of things tonight with that game remember?" Rory tried to cover, having spoken to Braydon yesterday about playing one of his new war games together.

"Oh. Really?" It was news to Miranda and Rory quickly nodded, praying Abby would keep quiet about what he had told her the day before, and she did.

"So you're mine tonight Andy! Come over about six! Anyway I better back to work. Did I hear something about donuts?"

Miranda focused on her emails as the pair left and pausing to get her mobile out of her bag, was thankful there hadn't been any calls from Braydon or the college. She had a lot of work to cram into a few hours and despite her relaxed arrival, she was back to business as usual.

-x-

While Miranda spent the morning working, Braydon felt an idiot as none of what Kyle set out for them to start with made sense. He could read most of it, but his writing was even worse than he remembered it being in the first place. The buzz from his phone had him discreetly creeping a sneak peak into his bag and seeing Rory's name, he quickly opened the message. After a few goes, he managed to understand it enough.

Don't know what you're doing to Andy, but keep it up and don't forget about tonight bro!

Braydon didn't answer it, instead putting the phone away. Tapping the pen against the desk, he looked back to the board. Kyle had told them to try and sound out words and while Braydon could read half of the sentance up there, what was in the book had him lost. Not being a great student as a child had most of this even harder on him and his mind began to wander, turning to stare outside instead. The sudden burst of pain against his temple from the beast within wanting his attention had Braydon holding his head, until the door opened to their classroom and as the pain left him - he understood it now.

She was even more beautiful than he remembered and her eyes instantly found his. "Hey Kyle, need any help in here?"

"Ah, Miss Corbani, please come in. Class, this is Carolina Corbani. She did her work experience here when she was studying to become a teacher and never really left. Should any of you be interested in additional tutoring, she is the lady to see." Kyle introduced.

The two teachers stood by the front desk, whispering together yet she constantly looked over at Braydon. His work was forgotten as Carolina made her way towards him and as she stopped to talk to his class mates on the way to him, he felt a mixture of fear and anticipation take over. That aroma that had first called to him hit Braydon first, her scent was unlike anything he had ever encountered. It was artificial like a perfume, but it was just as intoxicating. He froze as she stopped by his seat, and looking up at her, the out of control feeling had him balling his hands into fists.

"Hello Braydon," she greeted, extending her hand. "I'm Carolina."

He looked at it, then at her, as the confidence she had within herself was felt in the air around them. It only intimidated him further, unlike that soothing presence Miranda had. Against his better judgement, he shook her hand, not letting go as they made eye contact again.

"Hello."

It took every bit of self control he could muster to speak; his voice coming out croaky and weak, which was not at all how he wanted to appear before her. The sensation of his wolf stirring within his skin had him finally dropping her hand, yet if he didn't know better, he was positive she was having the same issues.

"Do you think you'll need some additional class help?" Carolina asked, trying to keep her own breathing steady. It didn't help that all she could scent on him was that human she had come across earlier in the morning and she had never found herself so drawn to a male of her species.

You would have to be stupid not to understand why that was and while Braydon didn't disappoint visually, she had expected her mate to be less submissive and not having some kind of relationship with a human. She had spoke to Kyle briefly on Braydon, the old lecturer telling her of his amnesia and so Carolina decided not to let that part bother her. As long as the other woman didn't know about what they were, it would be fine. 

Despite feeling stupid with the class work, Braydon wasn't that behind with other things. Especially not with the hints his wolf was dropping him about Carolina. Even though he knew humans didn't find the kind of love and connection with their partners as what shifters did with each other - he knew that a part of him had Miranda taking the place of his mate.

Mate; one word with so many pretty promises, wrapped up in one neat little package. A partner, another shifter with which, if you found them, you would find everything you ever wanted or needed. Love, trust, companionship - a bestrfriend and protector. He had found all of that with Miranda and turning from Carolina, Braydon looked back to his textbook.

"Braydon?" Carolina was positive she wasn't getting him confused with the one other shifter destined to be hers. An unfamiliar panic filled her as he seemed to be battling something internal and letting out a deep breath, Braydon couldn't stop himself.

"Yes, I need help." With what, it wasn't exactly clear and Carolina smiled, not backing off.

"Good. How about this afternoon? I don't have any classes today so we can get, better aquinted?" The lustful edge to her words had goosebumps breaking out over Braydons skin and as Carolina carried on talking to his classmates, Braydon really wanted to talk to Miranda.

'She is human. You have to do things on your own. Be with your kind'

The scolding words of the wolf rung loud in his mind and again, Braydon wasn't keen on listening to it - just like when he was told to leave Miranda at the wreck and to give her back. He didn't understand where this instance of being with his own kind came from, it wasn't that way at the hopsital. Even so, looking back over towards Carolina, he wondered if things really did happen for a reason because by following Miranda, he had found her.

Then why didn't it feel right?

-x-

Miranda was about to leave the office when her phone beeped and seeing Braydon's name, she was impressed he was sending a text. Kyle must be a great teacher if he had him doing that kind of thing already and opening it, Miranda only frowned.

I won't be needing you to pick me up. I have joined a study group and will be staying until later. I can get my own way home.

Instead of messaging back, Miranda rang him.

"Miranda?" He asked cautiously, despite having her face appear on his screen.

"Hi Braydon, I just got your message." Miranda hated how defensive she sounded, but her gut instinct told her something wasn't right. Thinking back to the womans eyes, had she not imagined it and was he in danger now?

"Yeah, Kyle got some help from another teacher and I really need this extra tutoring." Braydon felt his stomach knot as he lied. While he did need the extra help, that wasn't why he was staying and looking at Carolina who sat across from him in the campus library, she only nodded approving his lie.

"Oh, okay. Um, I guess I can stay at work a little longer then? Will you be done by four?" If he was going to be later, she'd be late for dinner.

"Yeah, I think." Came the reply.

"Well, Rory said you were doing some online game with him tonight, so maybe he can swing by after work and take you home. He has a key and I just realised you don't." Miranda bit her lip, not sure why she was feeling so, rejected. She had looked forward to picking him up and hearing about his first day at school despite how corny it sounded.

"Yeah that will be good," Hearing Carolina sigh, Braydon looked back at her. She was clearly bored. "I gotta go Miranda. I'll see you later."

"Okay, but wait! I was going to my friends house for dinner and-" Miranda looked at her phone as the screen flashed off.

Braydon had hung up on her.

"I'm just going to leave Greys meeting details on your desk for tomorrow," Rory went to put the folder down only to have Miranda snatch it from him. If he didn't know better, she looked close to crying which was weirder than the good mood she came into work with. "You okay?"

"Fine. Will you be able to get Braydon, he is staying back for some class so clearly he likes it!" Miranda faked her smile, and Rory nodded, seeig through it. 

"Sure, I was going to come over anyway so yeah." He quickly mumbled, yet Miranda was already lost in the paperwork and got started on putting together the conference Grey was holding next week. "Can I get you anything?"

"No. That will be all, tell Jason I'm still here if he needs anything too." She snapped, throwing herself back into her work.

Of course the fact Miranda was staying in the office and not running off to Braydon had Jason's interest and he not needing an excuse, went to go see her. "MIranda, have I told you how lovely you look with your hair down before?"

Not looking away from her computer, Miranda nodded. "Once or twice Jason."

"Dinner still on for tomorrow?" He asked hopefully and Miranda stopped, having forgotten about it.

"Yes, of course!" Flashing a quick smile, she kept her focus on her work and Jason couldn't help be pleased over the fact she hadn't cancelled on him yet. Though as he went to walk out, he overheard Rory on the phone, the mention of Braydons name making him drop the folden he had in his hands. Taking his time pick it up and leave, he didn't care as he shamelessly eavesdrop.

"Apparently Braydon is staying back at school so find out what you can tonight. After seeing her so happy this morning I thought something must have happened between them only now she is back into bitch mode! You know when somethings wrong by how into her work she gets." Rory nodded into the reciever a few times, "Don't tell her tonight that I told you, and I'll see what I can find out too! Bye Abs!"

Jason knew he to had to find out what exactly was going on and going back to his desk, made a call of his own. "Its me. Get someone else to check out the Winters leads, I want you following him. Now!"

Miranda knew he had the P.I looking into Braydons past, but to now have one following him, Jason knew it would be hard to win her back after that. It was a risk he was willing to take, especially if it meant getting Braydon out of the picture once and for all.