" Alright. So this is how it will work: I will tell you one thing about me if you tell me one thing about you, alright?" I say, watching at Noah takes a bite of one of the packed sandwiches.

   " Yup! I'll start." Noah excitedly says, making me smile in amusement.

   I take my leather jacket off before leaning back on my arms," So what do you want to know first?"

   He ponders for a moment before answering," What's your favorite color?" I chuckle a bit," Hey! What's so funny?!"

   I shake my head," Nothing, just your question is all." He huffs and crosses his arms on his chest, making that adorable pouting face that I love so much," It's red. Yours?"

   Noah smiles at me before answering," Teal." he replies, taking another bite of his food.

   " Okay, my turn." I say, leaning forward more," What's your...favorite hobby?"

   " Listening to music." Noah answers simply," You?"

   " Either reading or running." I hear Noah snicker," What?"

   " I just...didn't think that you were the reading type." I raise my eyebrow," But not in a bad way! I just always thought alphas were all 'sporty' and stuff. Like being a football caption or something."

   " Well, I'm not your typical 'cliche' alpha guy." I say, causing Noah to laugh.

   " My turn!" He excitedly cheers," What's your wolf like?"

   " Fantastic. Smart. Cunning. Strong-"

   " Annoying..." I answer, cutting my wolf off. My wolf growled at me, but I ignored him.

   " Seriously?" Noah asks, laughing a bit.

   " Don't make me look bad in front of mate." My wolf scolds.

   " Well, yes. But he is a really strong and intelligent wolf." I reply, my wolf happily barking at me," What about yours?"

   " He's really...quiet..." You could tell his wolf was talking to him by when his face would go blank," We don't talk often..."

   " Why is that? Did something happen."

   Noah sticks his figure at me," Tsk Tsk. Only one question at a time." I roll my eyes at him.

   " Fine, why don't you and your wolf talk often?" I asked since it was my turn.

   " There was...an incident in the past that scarred him. So we don't talk very often." Noah replies, trying not to go into detail.

   " What incident?" I asked, scooting closer to Noah.

   " Nope. My turn." Noah says, smiling mischievously.

   I roll my eyes," What's your question?"

   " Have you ever...dated someone before me?" Noah asks, a curious look on his face.

   " Nope. And if I did, my wolf would kill me." I reply.

   " You darn right." My wolf comments.

   " How about you? Have you dated someone before me?" I asked, wearing a smirk on my face.

   " I- uhh- well...." Noah seemed to be having trouble answering," umm...y-yes..."

   He hangs his head in shame," I-I'm sorry...I thought he was- I-I'm sorry..." I could see the tears roll down his cheek.

   Instinctively, I rush to Noah's side, cupping his face in my hands," There's no need to be sorry. We are allowed to see other people before we meet our mates." I state calmly, wiping the away Noah's tears.

   All he did was nod in response; I need to be more careful with my questions, it seems like certain ones are...sensitive to Noah.

   " What is your...favorite band?" I ask, trying to change the topic.

   Noah smiled weakly at me," That's a hard one..." he says to himself, taking a moment to think," I think either...Fall Out Boy or Panic! At The Disco. What's yours?"

   " Ummm...I'm not that into music...but I do like a couple of Imagine Dragon songs though." I answer, seeing Noah's shocked face," What?"

   " How can you NOT be into music?" He questions, leaning closer towards me with a curious look.

   " Because I'm so busy preparing to become the next alpha that I just don't have that much free time." I reply, rubbing my neck.

   " I see..." he says, rubbing his chin," Well, I use music when I'm either doing some type of work or doing nothing. Maybe...you could too?"

   " I don't know..."

   " It might take some stress off ya."

   " Stress? Who says I'm stress?"

   Noah smirks and walks behind me," Me." He says before rubbing my neck and shoulders, that until now, I hadn't noticed where extremely sore and tense. I let out a pleased groan and his continues to rub," See? This is what your stress is doing to you. That's why you constantly rub your neck and shoulders."

  " I don't do that..." I say, enjoying the massages my mate is giving me.

   " Yes, you do. I see you do it all the time." Noah replies, going lower on my back," Man...your back is so tense..."

   He continued to massage my back for a bit, helping rub out some knots that had formed in my back," I'm just saying: music might help you relax more when you're working." Noah comments as he sits back down in his spot.

   I rub my now massaged neck, feeling no pain at all," I'll take it into consideration." I say," But really, thanks for the rub."

   " No problem James." He smiles at me brightly, taking a sip of a drink I had packed.

   I stretch my arm above my head, feeling SO much better now," Seriously. How did you do that? No offense, but you don't seem to have much muscle."

   " None taken." Noah replies, shrugging his shoulders," I just have -what my family calls- the magic touch."

   I nod my head in understanding," So...do you have any siblings?" Noah asks, adjusting his sitting position.

   " I thought it was my turn to ask the questions?" I say with a smirk.

   " Just let me have this one!" Noah pouts, causing me to chuckle," So, do you?"

   " I did." I say, my smile deflating a bit," His name was Travis, and he was my younger brother."

   " Did something...happen?" Noah asks.

   " He ran away when I was seventeen." I reply, a frown now on my lips," I haven't seen him since."

   " I'm sorry to hear that..." Noah says, looking down frowning," How did your parents take it?"

   " My father acted the same way he did on a normal base, but at times I could catch him in his room crying over Travis." I reply.

   " And your mom?"

   " I wouldn't know." I say, looking away from Noah's gaze," She died giving birth to Travis when I was a year old."

   Noah gasp and covered his mouth with both hands," I-I'm so sorry for asking..." he apologizes, tears brimming his eyes.

   I give Noah calm smile, reaching out and rubbing one of his arms," It's fine. I have had my time to mourn over them, and now I just try to remember the good times."

   " I-I just...know the feeling of losing people close to you..." He says, his bangs covering his right eye.

   I lean over, tucking his hair behind his ear," You shouldn't cover your eyes like that. They are too beautiful for you to do that." I say, causing Noah to blush.

   " S-Sorry...I-It's a habit." He apologizes, averting his gaze from mine.

   I gently grab his chin, forcing him to look me in the eyes," You really need to stop apologizing. Not everything is your fault." I state in a bit of a serious tone; I constantly see him apologize for stuff that he didn't even do.

   I could tell Noah wanted to say something back but instead chose to keep quiet. Due to our close proximity, I began to lean close to Noah's face," May I...kiss you?" I ask, my lips hovering above his.

   " You don't need to ask..." Noah says before smashing his lips into mine, his arms wrapping around my neck while his hands tangled themselves in my hair. I could feel sparks fly from this contact, which made me crave for more. I pull Noah onto my lap as my arms snaked themselves around Noah's waist, slowly crawling under his shirt while my lips trailed down his jaw line to his neck, sucking and biting at his skin," J-James..." the way he moaned my name made my wolf go crazy.

   My lips trailed down Noah neck until I reached Noah's 'sweet spot' right where the neck meets his shoulder and began to bite and suck at it. Once I finished proudly placing a hickey there, I began to kiss his shoulder, using my teeth to move the clothing in my way," This place," I say, kissing a spot on his shoulder tenderly," This is where I'll mark you. To show everyone that you're mine." I hear Noah whimper as I use my alpha tone.

   " A-And here..." Noah uncovers my shirt from my shoulder, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on a certain spot," This is where I-I'll mark you, saying that y-your mine." I smile and give Noah a gentle kiss on the lips.

   As I am about to continue are heated make-out session, a sudden scent that reeked of rotten meat hits my nostrils, causing both me and Noah to gag. This smell wasn't of a dead animal -a dead animal wouldn't have been able to move- it was of a rogue. My protective instincts immediately kick in," R-Rogue..." I hear Noah mumble, looking frightened.

   " We need to go." I state, my voice stern, but only to hide the fear within me.

   " A-Alright." Noah replies, standing up and reaching for the stuff," I'll help pack-"

   " There's is no time." I sternly state, grabbing Noah's arm mid-action," We need to go now."

   Noah only nods in response before I begin to pull him in the direction of my car," S-Slow down! I can't keep up!" Noah yells at me, but I continue speed walking," James wait-" Noah's foot gets caught in a hole, causing him to fall to the ground, groaning his pain.

   I came to a complete stop and turned around, kneeling down in front of Noah," Are you ok? I was so focused on getting you out of here that I didn't-"

   He placed his scraped hand gently on my cheek," I-It's fine." He gives me a weak smile, but I could tell he was in pain.

   " Can you stand? Or do you need-" a twig snapped within the forest line, cutting me off. My protective instincts kick in again, and I quickly pick Noah up into my arms," Hold on."

   " What do you-" I begin to sprint full speed," MEAN!!!!"

   A smirk spread across my face as Noah clung to me for dear life, but it quickly vanished once the sound of paws hitting the ground starts coming from behind me. I didn't want to scare Noah more than he was, so I quickly said," Noah. Close your eyes." He looked up at me with a questionable look," Just do it." he obeyed and squeezed his eyes shut.

   By the time my truck came into view, my legs were burning and ready to give out on me. But the rogues were LITERALLY trailing behind me, so I couldn't afford to stop, not when Noah's with me.

   I was somehow able to grab my keys from my pocket while running, unlocking my car and quickly placing Noah in his seat," A-Are they still-" a sudden growl from behind me cut Noah off. I turned around, being greeted by the sight of three rogue wolves standing before me in a fighting stance.

   A growl ripped through my throat as I stood protectively in front of Noah," Back. Off." I growl, using my alpha tone as my eyes flash red.

   " J-James..." I heard Noah whimper, his shaking arms grabbing onto my shoulder," G-Get in and drive."

   " But-"

  " T-They are not worth you getting hurt." he said, looking straight into my eyes once I turned my head. I growled but obeyed my mate's command. I shut Noah's door, watching the rogue wolves as I walked to my side of the truck. I quickly jumped in and started up the car before the rogues could attack. I pressed the gas pedal and drove off, the rogues chasing after us.

   I pulled my phone out from my pocket and dialed my father's number, pressing the phone to my ear as it rung," James, what is it?" My father's voice asked, a bit worried; I never call my dad unless in an emergency.

   " Dad. I was down at Crystal Lake when a small pack of rogues jumped me. By the sound of their howls, there're more of them." I state, keeping my eyes on the road.

   " What were you doing there in the first place?" He asks.

   I sigh, looking over at my mate's shaken form," I tell you when I get home. But for now, go have some pack warriors scout the area, bring any rogues they find ALIVE."

   " Roger that." And he hangs up. I let out a stressed sigh, placing my phone back into my pocket.

   " I think we lost them." I state, looking through the rearview mirror to double check. I look over at Noah to see him still shaking in fear, hugging his knees to his chest," Are you alright love?" I ask, gently reaching my arm over and placing it on his kneecap.

   " I-I'm fine..." he replies, giving me a weak smile," J-Just shaken is all."

   " I'm sorry that happened." I say, before throwing my head forward groaning," And our date was going so well too..!"

   " I-I think it was still great," Noah comments, placing his scraped hand on top of mine,"...until the end that is..."

   I chuckle," You're just being nice now." I tease, smirking at my mate.

   " N-No seriously! It was amazing! I loved it, I swear." Noah replies, holding onto my arm. I smile and lean over real quick, pecking his lips before returning my attention back to the road.

   " I believe you." I say, smiling," I had an amazing time myself."

-----

   We continued to drive in a peaceful silence till I finally pulled up at Noah's house," So...should I tell them what happened? Or would you like to do the honors?" I ask, putting my truck in park.

   " I'll tell them." Noah replied," You should probably head back to your pack and explain to your father what happened."

   I smile," You're probably right." I say, opening my car door," I'll walk you up though." he nodded and hopped out of the car, slamming his door shut not long after me. He jogged over to me and intertwined his fingers with my own," Are your hands going to be ok?" I ask, walking up to his front porch.

   " They'll be fine." He waves his free hand up in dismissal. We stop at his front door, turning and looking at each other with our hands held together," Tonight was amazing...if you cut out the whole rogue thing."

   I chuckle and nod my head," I agree." I lean down and brush my lips against Noah's, wrapping my arms around his waist while his were placed against my chest," Goodbye, for now, my love."

   He smiles at his nickname and pulls me into another kiss," Goodbye for now." I smile and release Noah from my loving grip, making my way back to my car. I wave to Noah one last time before driving off.

-----

   " Why the hell were rogues in that area?" My father questions, pacing back and forth in his office while he stressfully raked his hand through his brown hair," We moved the pack to get away from these problems..."

   " I'm as clueless at you." I state, my arms folded onto my chest as I leaned into one of my father's chairs placed in front of his desk.

   He suddenly stops walking and faces me," Why were you even at the lake? It's far from the pack's territory." My father questions, looking at me with a questionable gaze," What was your business there James?"

   " I wanted to know the area better, so I visited the lake." I reply simply," Got a problem with that?"

   " Were you with anyone?" He asks, placing his hands firmly on his desk as he stood, staring right at me with a stern look on his face.

   " Why do you ask?" I question, avoiding his initial question.

  " Don't play coy James, I can smell some else's scent on you." He states, causing my body to tense up," I've smelt it on you this entire week. So tell me: who is this person? Did you perhaps find you mate?"

   I turned my gaze away from my father, unable to stand his powerful gaze," I'll take that as a yes." He states, sitting down in his chair, his arms folded in front of him," So when did you plan on telling me? And the pack for that matter."

   I sigh, looking back at my dad," Look. I was planning on telling you and the pack as soon as my mate was comfortable being around me. We both went to Crystal Lake for a date to get to know each other more." I reply, my father nodding in understanding," He didn't want to-"

   " He?" Oh crap. I let it slip," Pardon. But did you say he?"

   I gulped nervously," Yes. I did." My father remained expressionless by my response," He didn't want to meet the pack until we knew each other better." My father -who had remained silent- suddenly stood up, walking towards me in long, slow strides. I refused to show fear and stared directly into my father's dark eyes, watching as he stood in front of me.

   I showed no emotion on the outside, but on the inside, I feared my father would reject me, kick me out of the pack or worse, make me unmate Noah.

   " Son," I looked up at him and held my breath, scared of what he would say next. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. This caught me by surprise," I'm so glad you've found your mate."

   " D-Dad?" I was so confused at this moment. My strict, emotionless father was hugging me for the first time in forever (no Frozen jokes), I didn't know how to react.

   He pulled away -still holding me in arms lengths- and showed me his rare smile that no one ever sees," Sorry. I'm just...so happy you've finally met your mate. It's something you only get to have once." he says, looking away with a sad smile," I know how much it means to you."

   This was a rare side of my dad, the kind and loving father I had wished I had during my childhood. I smiled at my father and pulled him into a hug," Thank you..." was all I could say. I was just so relieved.

   " No need to thank me," he states, standing up," I'm just...being supportive is all."

   I smile and stood up from my chair," Inform me when the warriors returning from scouting." I state, turning my back to my father and walking out the door.

   I strolled down the long hallways of the pack house in the direction of my room," Hello James!" I hear Cassidy greet, smiling brightly at me as she walked towards me. That's when I noticed Cole walking behind her, his arms firmly wrapped around her waist as she walked," How was your date with Noah?" Cassidy was one of my friends who helped me cook the food for the date.

   " Date?" Cole questions, his head placed on top of Cassidy's," You didn't tell me you went on a date with Noah."

   " Cause I know you'd blab to someone," I state jokingly, causing Cole to pout and his mate to laugh; It made me smile to see Cassidy be more relaxed, and all thanks to Cole. It was extremely cute to see them together as well," Either way. It went great...until the end that is..."

   " What did you do?" Cassidy questioned, placing her hands on her hips as she looked up at me.

   " What do you mean? I didn't do anything." I protest, putting my hands up in surrender," Some rogues tried to ambush me while I was...um...m-making out with Noah..." I mumbled the last part, but it seemed like both still heard me, since they both started to laugh.

   I could feel my face burn in embarrassment," You sly dog~ Getting some action on the first date!" Cole cheered, playfully hitting me the shoulder. Cassidy glared up and Cole and slapped his chest," Whaaat?"

   I chuckled a bit in amusement," I'll leave you two alone now. See you guys later." I wave them goodbye before walking in the direction of my room.

   I shut my bedroom door behind me once I reach my room, letting out a sigh before walking towards my bed and flopping onto it," What a night..." I mumbled, staring up at my ceiling.

   " Yeah. Those rogues ruined our date." My wolf commented, irritation obvious in his tone," I could rip their throats out."

   " Easy there tiger." I joke, sitting up on my bed," The date might not have gone to plan, but it was still amazing."

   " Whatever; I'll agree with you this time."

   " Fine by me."

   I get up and take a quick shower before heading to bed, texting Noah goodnight before shutting my lights off, slowly drifting off to sleep with pleasant thoughts within my head.