ACK!! Guys, I am so sorry for not posting the next chapter!! I've been working a lot and I started college last week! I suddenly got very distracted and honestly forgot! Please forgive me!

10

Soran

I flopped onto the bed beside the girl I had spoken to earlier today. My arm was draped over my forehead as I stared at the ceiling, questioning how I even got to this point. I had picked her up from the park, brought her back to where I was staying, then after a bit of teasing, we started going at each other. My mind had gone blank about half way through the ordeal then focused back to reality just as we finished.

She's now sleeping in the bed, her back to me. I sighed to myself then slowly closed my eyes.

I need to stop this. I need to get with Emma. Only then will this madness end; hopefully. I need to get with Emma, win her heart, then claim her as mine before my team and I go back to my pack land up north. The pack needs its Luna. I can't go back without her.

"Soran," I looked over to see the woman I had picked up. "What are you thinking?"

I slowly turned my head away. "Nothing."

Her face was suddenly in front of mine, giving me full view of her chest. "Wanna go again? It's only nine. We still have all night."

I closed my eyes. "Maybe not."

"But I have you all night!" I could hear the pout in her voice.

"I don't care," I sighed through my nose. My breath suddenly hitched in my throat as a delicate hand grabbed me. Within two seconds, I had her pinned to the bed. "I said no."

"You said maybe," Her voice was soft and breathy from me suddenly becoming dominate over her.

"And now I'm saying no." My eyes narrowed. "I don't do this all night. It's a one time thing then we part ways as unlikely friends. By morning, you will be gone."

She glared up at me. "So that's how it is, huh? What was with all those stories where you made love to the other girls all night?"

"That was because they never pulled away and got me out of them." I stated. "I stayed inside them all night. You pulled away. It's your fault we're not continuing."

"Bastard." She spat up at me.

At this point, my mind just made me speak words. "Say what you want, but this is how I do it. But all this will be ending. Soon, I will have the girl of my dreams under me and we will be together forever. I will drop these acts and she will never have to worry about sharing me with anyone."

"Who?"

I almost answered her question, but bit my tongue. "You don't know her." I got off the woman and got off the bed. "Get dressed and get out of here. I don't want to see you again."

"But-"

"Get out!" I growled at her. She gave a soft squeak, composed herself, then gathered her things and left after putting her clothes back on. I watched her leave. Once she was gone, I gathered my things, picked the rubber off the ground, then went to get a shower in my en suite.

What possessed me to say all that? It came out of no where. But it's all true; at least, I hope so. I've been at this since I was fifteen. That was almost four years ago. Old habits die hard.

And I have to end this as soon as possible. It has to start now.

No more picking up women.

I rolled back on my bed after the shower, then slept the night away.

----------

Emma

"Have you been researching?" I asked as soon as class started. We'd been working on the project for a week now and the teacher gave us a free day in class to work on the project. I pulled my laptop from my bag.

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, I did. I have all my information right here." I glanced up and saw he was holding a flash drive.

I gave a small nod. "Good. Give it." He placed it in my hand, purposely making his fingers brush against me, sending those sparks through our touch. I ignored them as best as possible as my Wolf purred.

As I ignored the sparks, I plugged the flash drives in ports on either side of my laptop and opened them to get the PowerPoint ready and put together. Soran hovered over my shoulder and watched, occasionally pointing out what could go where. It got annoying having him breathe down my neck, but oddly enough, I enjoyed it, even though I wanted him to back off.

After a while of working, I glanced at the time. With a small nod, I saved our work to my flash drive, then removed both of them. I gave Soran back his then shut my laptop off. Once it powered down, I put it away.

"We're making good progress." He commented.

I shrugged. "It could be better. I'll go over it tonight."

"This is a group project." I heard the change in his tone. I spared him a glance through the corner of my eyes. "We're supposed to work on it together. Not separately. It's a joint effort."

Oh, hell no... I know what he's trying to do. "But it's not exactly perfect. I want it to look good. I know you're trying, but we gotta try harder."

"So you're willing to work together on this?" He asked.

"No." The bell rang and I slipped out of the room before anyone else had a chance to even move. He very smoothly slipped in us trying to get together and work out the problems into the talk about the project. That sly bastard...

I can't wait for Gaven's ceremony for becoming Alpha. I can't wait to be rid of Soran. I'll be so glad when he leaves.

Anna gave a slight whimper, but quickly composed herself. We have to stay strong. We have to reject him and get him out of our lives. He's not healthy for us.

~~~~

"Gaven not here?" I asked around a bite of food.

Kester shook his head. "Neither is Emily. The second he got into the cafeteria, he took her out to the hall."

My eyes widened a bit. "Is he telling her?"

Linda shrugged. "He needs to, but I don't think he is. I mean, he loves her so much, he doesn't want to hurt her, and certainly make her scared of him. Come on, what would you do if you were human and found out that your boyfriend slash girlfriend can turn into a giant wolf?"

"My mom freaked and passed out." I said nonchalantly. "And this was before her and my dad got together."

Linda waved her plastic fork in the air. "Exactly. It's a shock to find that out, 'cause basically you would have been lied to by someone you trusted. It's a huge secret, and there shouldn't be secrets in a relationship. How long have they been together?"

I thought for a second. "I think... let's see... they got together the second semester of freshmen year... about eight months, I want to say."

Kester gave a soft whistle and looked to his tray. "Has it really been that long? I probably would have told her after month four-ish. But that's just me."

"And they've already had sex." I raised an eyebrow at Linda. "She told me a few months ago. I had asked if he bit her neck and she said she wished he did."

I nodded slowly. "So he hasn't marked her. The poor girl. It must be hard to be away from him. I remember when mom told me about dad accidentally biting her before she left for a trip to Texas. She was in terrible pain."

"He has to tell her." Kester said and we nodded in agreement. "I don't think he was told about the pain of not completing the mating bond."

"Sh!"

"Hey, guys..." Emily flopped into her seat at the table and clutched at her lower abdomen. "Damn, it hurts... I think I'm going to start my period..." Kester flushed bright red as Linda and I giggled.

"So, where's Gaven?" I asked Emily. "I was told he took you somewhere?"

She nodded. "We went into the hall near the gym. He told me that he had to go home for the rest of the day. Family issues, I guess. He didn't explain. But ever since he left, my stomach has been hurting me... God damn, it's worse than cramps..."

I chuckled. "I can only imagine."

"Hopefully it'll end soon." Us girls nodded in agreement as Kester remained silent, his face still bright red.

I poked him. "Kester, you do realize that a girlfriend you have is gonna feel the same way at some point."

He swallowed hard. "I hope not..." We just laughed at that.

We fell into light conversation for the rest of lunch. Gaven didn't tell her. I found out that they only completed part of the mating process. She's going to catch on that something is up when her pain only seems to dissipate when he's around her. She's going to question him. Then he'll have to tell her. Or make up some outrageous story. I hope he doesn't do that... he can't keep feeding her false stories. He needs to tell her the truth.

"Emma," I peaked up from the corner of my eyes to see Soran standing over me. "I need to speak with you."

My eyes narrowed a bit. "Why?"

"It's about our 'project'." I could hear the quotation marks over project.

"It can wait." I looked away from him.

"No, it can't." He grabbed my arm and soon he was dragging me from the cafeteria.

"Bastard!" I spat at him as I fought to get away and ignore the sparks his touch left. "Let go of me!" When he did, I found that we were in a deserted hall.

I huffed and crossed my arms. "What do you want? You were told to leave me alone."

"I can't." I raised an eyebrow at him. "It's hard. I have this constant urge to be with you. I want to make you mine. I haven't been with another girl in over a week!"

"Impressive." He gave a cocky grin. "But I'm not convinced. One week doesn't make you a changed man. You're still the same as you were last week, two weeks ago, and when I first met you. Trying to take mated women?! That's stupid and wrong! You're willing to latch on to any girl you happen to see cross your path!"

"I'm trying to change!" He growled at me. "Just give me a chance to prove myself! I swear I'm different!"

"It doesn't take a week to change you!" I snapped as my hands clenched into fists. "It takes months, and even years, to change your image! Sometimes it doesn't change and you're stuck with that label for the rest of your life! Soran, I don't want to be with you because I don't think you can change your ways!"

"Emma!"

"I, Emma Kutcher, re-" He suddenly covered my mouth and pinned me up against the wall of the deserted school hall, the sparks flying between us.

"I think not, Emma." He taunted with a wicked smirk.  "You're stuck with me." Why, oh why did it have to be him!? Why not someone else from a different pack in the state?!

I tried to shove him away from me, but he just pressed up closer to me. Oh god, please tell me that's not what I think is poking me...

"You're so hot when you struggle," He purred in my ear. "I get such a rise out of it when you do. You're feisty when you're angry and yelling at me. I can't wait to claim you as mine." He tipped my head with the hand that was covering my mouth so my neck became exposed to him.

No. Not now. Not ever. I thrashed against him with all my might, trying so hard to not succumb to the sparks as they grew stronger. I held back a moan as I felt his teeth gently nibble my neck, trying to find that sweet spot.

Keep fighting! Anna shouted at me. My breath suddenly hitched in my throat and he gave a dark chuckle. This can't be happening! Fight it, Emma!

"Hey!" I took this opportunity to use as a distraction. I shoved Soran away from me and hid behind the teacher.

"He tried to sexually assault me!" I shouted as I pointed at Soran.

"What?!" He tried to compose himself, as well as hide his lower half. "You loved it!"

"Both of you are coming with me." The teacher moved and motioned for us to follow him. I glared at Soran before following the teacher, most likely to the principle's office.

I was right. He sat us down in the chairs across from the principle. "I caught these two engaging in sexual acts in the hall during lunch period." I bit my tongue, literally. If I've learned anything, it's to keep my mouth shut. If I speak up, it will only get worse.

The principle glanced at me, most likely remembering all the reasons I was out into his office last year. Yeah, good to see you again, too...

"I'll take care of this." The teacher nodded as the principle folded his hands and leaned forward.

"Emma Kutcher..." He sighed. "You've been in my office for quite a few things... But I never expected to hear you engaging in sexual acts."

"I didn't want it." I said calmly. He tipped his head a bit. I took that as a sign to continue. "I was sitting at the lunch table with my friends when he suddenly pulled me from the table to the hall. I tried to get him to let go of me, he didn't, then he slammed me against the wall and began to try and bite my neck." I showed it to him, since I knew the light marks from him nibbling my neck were still there.

He sat forward and leaned over his desk to get a better look. He sat back with a nod then looked to Soran. "Yes, it's true..." I hid my smug grin. He can't say much since the principle is human. "I wanted to talk to Emma about a group project, but I let my hormones get in the way and take over."

The principle slowly shook his head. "I'm very disappointed in you, Soran. I opened my doors to you for the semester and you've caused nothing but trouble. As punishment, I shall be giving you a week's suspension and after that, two weeks of after school detention."

"Emma," I looked up to him. "You're free to go home. For not being where you're supposed to be during lunch hour, you're getting a day's suspension."

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Dismissed." We got out of our chairs and left the office, going back to the cafeteria to get our things and follow through with what we were told. I called my dad, briefly explained what happened, then went to wait for him at the front of the school. I only had to wait a few moments before he got me and started driving us home.

"How's your neck?" He asked after a few moments of silence.

I ran my fingers over the spot. Huh. Soran's left handed. He was biting the left side of my neck. "It's going away; almost gone now."

"Good." He let out a heavy sigh. "To think that he would try to do that on school grounds."

I cleared my throat. "Mom told me what you did." I covered that with a cough.

"Oh?" He challenged.

"She told me about how you tried to kiss her in the hall in front of some girl." I picked at my nails. "We talk a lot about you and how you two were leading up to when you got together."

"Oh," He bit his lip. "That. Well, at least I only went to kiss her. I didn't go to mark her."

"True," I sighed as we pulled up to the house. "But I get what you're saying. It's bad enough a teacher saw that, but it still could have posed a problem. What if he didn't stop us? What if I had shifted to get Soran off me? I would have exposed our kind to him, or anyone that might have walked in on us. I actually did feel close to that point..." I softly admitted.

"I know." He draped an arm over my shoulders and pulled me inside. "It happens. It's okay. You're not in trouble. You may be in trouble at the school, but not here. You were only trying to protect yourself."

I nodded and sat on the couch. "Where's mom?"

"She went out with Aunt Shelbie," He said as he flopped down beside me and turned on the TV. "Something about a sale in town on jewelry. I was too busy on the phone with you to listen."

"Can you feel where she is?" I asked.

He muted the TV. "What's with these questions?"

"Well..." I bit at my lip and looked to my lap. "Mom told me things where mates could tell where the other was, what they were thinking and feeling, and whatnot... I was curious if you could feel her. I want to know what it's like, but I don't want to know with Soran. I want a real man who knows how to treat women properly to experience that with."

"Ah," I focused on him. "You do want a mate. But not any mate. You want one that makes your heart swell whenever you see them. To make you feel warm and safe with just a single touch. You don't want the stress you have with Soran. You want to know what it's like to have a real mate."

I gave an eager nod. "Yes! That's exactly it!"

Dad chuckled and my mood instantly fell. "You see, Emma, Fate isn't always that kind. As Nyl told me, Fate has a way of fucking with us all to try and make us miserable, but it's for a good cause. Eventually, things will work out like they should, but it will take time. Hell, it took your mom what seemed like forever to finally give me a chance. She was going to reject me at first, but she didn't. And look where we are now."

"That's what I want." I held a hand up. "Let me rephrase that. What I mean is that I want a love you and mom have. I don't want all the drama that came before the two of you got together. I want a beautiful relationship, not one full of possible betrayals. I never wanted to consider rejection when I found my mate. I wanted to be forever with him, not forever and maybe a possible side hoe."

"I understand," He moved closer to me and brought me under his wing. "I really do. I know you're hurting and that you're trying to hide it. I know you want to be with him. You may not think it, but it's there. It pains you to know he's been with another girl. You want that girl to be you that he pleases all night. You're jealous; hell, maybe possessive. It's natural. You know why?"

"Why?" I sniffed and rubbed away the tears.

"Because you are soul mates." He said. "When you see him doing something against you, he hurts not only your emotions, but your soul, his other half. He may not realize that because his own soul may be clouded by something else. Something is preventing him from seeing that he's hurting you. Now, I'm not going to tell you to give him a chance right away, but I will tell you to let his soul open. Do things that will make him simmer with rage and jealousy. Part the clouds covering his soul. If that happens, then he may end up seeing what he's done to hurt you."

"So, you want me to play his game and stoop to his level?"

"No." He pulled back and grinned. "Don't play the game. Be the game."

I grinned back. "Sounds like fun."