It was going on two weeks now with mom leaving before I woke up and coming home way into the night. I once stayed up to try to catch her, but when I saw the stressful look on her face, I knew she was probably dealing with some complications at the cafe. So I quietly eased back into my room, since I had been watching from the corner at the top of the stairs. 

Climbing into Clara's car, my thoughts shifted to Mr. Knight -- well Lucian. He has been acting a little strange too. Whenever I tried approaching him after classes to ask him more about this werewolf thing because lately I've been experiencing some weird things like strange nightmares. Then the other day, I was sure I saw my nails grow into claws, but it was gone within seconds. 

Not to mention, my mind kept replaying that stupid kiss. He probably thought I was wrong for even kissing him. He was still my teacher after all. Yet, he said he was my mate. Weren't mates allowed to be together despite all odds? Ugh, I don't even know.

"Wow," Clara's voice brought me from my thoughts. "What are you thinking so heavily about? You usually are a social butterfly on these mini drives to school."

I debated with myself on if I should tell her about Mr. Knight and I. There's no way she would believe this whole werewolf thing, much less the mate thing. I just knew she would literally drive me to the cafe to tell my mom that I needed mental intervention if I told her I thought I was some supernatural being. 

On the other hand, she would be supportive. She was my best friend after all. We've been through so much. This, however, was really too big. I couldn't just spring this on her. 

"I'm just thinking about fall break." I felt bad lying to her, but it couldn't really be helped. "You know what you are doing?"

"The girls are going up to the mountains for the first week, so we will have to do our annual horror marathon movie night the week before school. If you're up for it." 

"Do you really have to go with those barbies?"

"We are training for the upcoming competition. This is our chance to practice without spies lurking." 

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Fine. I'll just do my homework before you get back. You can tell me all about how those fake things tortured you." 

Clara snorted and snickered as she pulled into a parking spot. "I'll be sure to save you all the juicy stuff." 

We got out of the car and headed into the school, parting ways as we each went to our own lockets. This time I had every intention of cornering Lucian. I needed answers for one. The desire to kiss him again was stronger than ever before too. Was it the mate bond? I read it draws two people together. 

Grabbing my books, I headed to class. He was the first person I saw when I entered the classroom. However, Renee Thurston was in his face. Again. I clenched my books to my chest, and headed toward my desk. Just as I was passing them, I tripped over a foot. I was sure. 

"Oh dear, you really should be more careful," Renee's mousy voice came from behind me. 

I turned around, sending a glare directly at her rounded face. I knew she was behind my trip. It was just like this rat to do something like this. I knew because she had done the same thing when we were kids, and I had attracted the attention of James Walker. I couldn't prove she had done it then nor I could now, but luckily for me, Clara was there and had socked her in her jaw. Sure, it led to a fight between the two, but Renee had gotten what she deserved. 

"That wasn't very nice, Miss. Thurston," Lucian said in a calm voice. "Apology." 

"I don't know what you are talking about." Renee twirled a lock of her hair around her finger, flashing one of her watt smiles at him.

Seeing her flirting with him, angered me. I could just pull her hair out. 

"I saw you move the corner of your foot in Miss. O'Connell's way. Now apology." He said in a much firmer voice. 

With an annoyed huff, Renee rolled her eyes. "Fine. My apologies."

I didn't believe her. She was never sorry for being a thorn in my side. I bet she noticed how Mr. Knight turned his attention to me. That's probably why she tripped me in the first place. Without saying a word, I turned and made my way to my seat. 

She really wasn't worth it. Besides, if Clara got wind of this, she'd probably do something that would get her kicked out the squad. I didn't want that for her. Keeping quiet was the best thing. For now, anyway. 

Classes started once everyone was inside. It ended as it usually did. Before I could approach him, another teacher called him out to speak with him. I decided it was best to wait until after school anyway, so I headed to my next class. 

Once classes were over for the day, I parted ways with Clara. She had practice o'course, and I had a certain someone to catch. As I rounded the corner that would take me to his classroom, I saw him walking out. "Mr. Knight, " I called, sprinting forward.

He stopped when he heard his name and looked in my direction. Before he had a chance to think about escaping, I reached him, grabbing a hold of his wrist.

"Amelia." He quickly glanced around to be sure we were alone while I caught my breath.  

Once I did, I met his gaze, releasing his wrist. "I need to talk to you."

A few emotions crossed his face. He looked nervous about something. "Sorry, Miss. Amelia, I really have to go."

"But-" 

He shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's an important matter with my family. " He quickly turned and moved down the hallway. 

Well. I feel rejected. I watched him go. I was sure he had nothing important to do. He was avoiding me. Was I in the wrong for kissing him like that?

I left the school and began my walk home. He had said we were mates, yet he acted like I was no one important. Maybe he panicked or something. As I was halfway into my walk, I noticed Alaric Miller leaning against a wooden fence with his arms crossed over his chest and his ankles crossed. 

He looked like he had been waiting for someone. It was best I simply walked by. He was one of them. Lucian had said he was. I could get answers from him. As I walked past him, I sighed and stopped. I did need answers. Turning around,  I faced him only to see him smiling brightly. 

"Are you really a…" I really didn't want to come off as a crazy person. 

A chuckle left Alaric and he pushed himself into a straight position. He stepped out in front of me. "A wolf?"

"Yeah." I bit my bottom lip, averting my gaze.

"Yes. I am. And you are too." His smile widened. 

I felt a little relieved at hearing that. "Could you answer some questions for me? I mean, I have questions — things I've been experiencing." 

"I could." His smile turned into a smirk. "If you say you'll be my mate, and I'll answer whatever you want." 

I scoffed at that. I knew he was a womanizer, but I didn’t think he was manipulative either. "Are you really going to give me that option? I have a mate. Lucian said-"

"You know he's your teacher, right?" he said in an annoyed tone. "Besides, you were given to me. We were already arranged to be together, so technically, I'm your true mate." 

"I think I have free will to choose who I want to be with, Alaric."

"And you're choosing that loner over me? Did you know why he left his brother's pack initially? He abandoned them because he wasn't chosen to be their alpha." 

That didn't really sound like Lucian, even though I only knew him for a couple of months. I don't think he's power hungry. 

"Now be a good mate and say you'll be mine because we are going to be together." 

I frowned at that. Shaking my head, I said, "I don't like you in that way, Alaric. Never have."

"No female can resist me. Stop playing and admit it." His gaze shifted to behind me for a moment before settling back on me. "Come on. My father wants to meet his soon to be daughter." 

Behind me, I felt the presence of others. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw four teenage boys approaching. I recognized all of them as guys from school that usually hung around Alaric as if he was some sort of leader. The hairs on the back of my neck rose. Was he really going to force me to go with him? He did hear me when I said I wasn't interested. Was he also controlling? 

As one reached for me, I snatched my arm away. "I'm not going with you. You just told me that you are a big jerk."

"You're going to be part of Night Walkers anyway, so you might as well come on." He moved forward, grabbing my upper arm.

"Release her, Kid. Or I'll have to break your hand." 

All our heads turned in the direction of the familiar voice. Mr. Knight walked toward us. A serious expression was on his face. I couldn't help the relief that flooded me at the sight of him. I thought he had an important matter to attend to.

Thank you to whoever is looking out for me.