Comment all your thoughts & enjoy the update!

"Hey," I greet when I get to the door and he shakes the look on his face, returning my smile. "I'm so sorry about being late, I completely stuffed up the dates and yeah—my mistake."

"It's fine, don't stress. Everyone is just inside getting to know each other, you haven't missed much," he reassures. I notice immediately as we enter the foyer the sheer size of the place and the extravagant decorations lining the walls. It makes me inhale a sharp breath. "It's just through here, we were going to just eat at our private dining room but my mom insisted on using the pack house one. We aren't usually so extravagant," he says lightly but it makes me gulp.

Extravagant isn't exactly the word I want to hear right now, not while I'm dressed for a backyard barbecue. I notice his suit then, and how damn good he looks in it. His hair is styled back and he's cleanly shaved, everything about his appearance screaming fancy. I mean he'd probably be dangerously attractive in a potato sack but still—it doesn't make me feel much better. 

I don't want to take off the leather jacket. Revealing a t-shirt under all this is like pouring salt in the wound.

"It's just in there," he says, pointing to a room a short walk down a hall in front of us. I can hear the music playing through the closed doors and the chatter of voices. "Oh, right. Um is there somewhere I can put these?" I ask, holding out my bag and helmet.

He stares at the helmet a moment longer than the bag and I can see the multitude of questions forming beneath his eyes. I should've just gotten a taxi or something, a thought that didn't even occur to me until right now. "Yeah, you can just chuck them down there. No one will move them," he says, pointing to a small table next to the entrance and I smile.

"Cool, thanks." I put them down and unzip my jacket, feeling the warmth of the building immediately on my bare skin. I place it all together bundled in a heap and when I turn back to face Micah his eyes don't meet mine like they usually do.

They are trained on my shirt, his nostrils flaring slightly before an icy look fills his eyes. His jaw tightens as the cogs of his mind turn and I feel a stupid amount of guilt and fear at the fact I'm in someone else's—another mans—shirt.

I squirm under his intense gaze. "Should we go in?" I ask and he loosens his jaw, letting out a regulated breath before giving me a tight-lipped smile.

"Yeah, of course. After you," he answers, waving towards the door and I have never not wanted to be somewhere so much in my life. I'm about to face his whole family. Like this.

I open the door, biting the bullet to enter slowly, the attention of the whole room shifting towards me. Everyone is there, my parents, my younger siblings, his younger siblings. The Alpha and Luna.

All dressed extremely nicely eating off silver starter plates that are all basically empty with calm classical music playing in the background.

The Luna looks me up and down, the judgement naturally passing over her face in shock before she smiles, catching herself. My own mother just looks deflated, all hope on me given up and my father looks like he's trying to conceal a laugh.

Micah walks in behind me and the reminder of him being here makes me move forward with him. We walk to his parents first. "Mother, Father, this is my mate, Athena," he introduces, his voice formal. I brush past his use of the word mate, try to ignore its implications.

I smile at them both though nerves consume me. "Hi," I say, waving at them before I hear my mom cough pointedly, her eyes going wide. "Alpha and Luna, I mean. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you, finally. Um, sorry about being late I," I chuckle nervously. "I don't know what happened there. Silly me."

The Alpha gives me a blank look, his face remaining stoic—unimpressed. But his mother smiles warmly, leaning into her mates side. "How lovely it is to meet you, too. Our son has told us so much about you and we are both so happy for him to have found his mate," she says and it's hard to look past her sheer beauty as she speaks. "These are my other children, Joey and Charlie," she says, introducing two younger boys, one near the twins age and the other more in his teenage years.

"It nice to meet you all," I say, forcing the words out because it's not nice. It's awkward and horrible, really. These people are probably thinking through how they are going to make me join their family and become... I need to stop thinking about that. Not right now at least.

"I guess you've all met my family," I say, clasping my hands together in front of me in order to appear some sort of sophisticated.

"Yes, we've all had ample time to introduce ourselves to one another," his father says, his tone definitely not as warm as his mates. It makes my stomach twist. "Shall we start dinner?" He asks, looking around to everyone not that they would object the Alphas wishes.

"That sounds like a great idea," my dad comments, taking the heat. I meet my moms stare again and her glare holds less fire this time around, a slight amount of sympathy for my position showing.

We all approach the table and I notice the name cards immediately, finding mine next to Micah and my younger sister. I take my seat, thankful my dad sits across from me. The Alpha and Luna are at the head of the table and the rest of the large setting remains vacant, not enough here of us to fill it.

Someone must've mind linked in between us standing and sitting because all of a sudden, servers walk out of a small door in the back of the room, bringing out steaming dishes of food, placing them down in front of us. Its some kind of roast with vegetables and mash but my description doesn't do it justice. It smells divine.

I look at the smiling server as they place my food in front of me. "Thank you." She just nods her head and walks away.

"I've heard about the developments being made down at the docks in regards to the ships engineering, I imagine it's quite good news for someone such as yourself," the Alpha says to my dad and he nods.

"Yes, it is, the engineers are always coming up with one good idea or another. My role is more in the actual construction of their projects but all advancements help in the long run," he replies and I hold a new sort of respect for my dad, being so collected.

"Do you spend any time at sea?" He asks and the younger kids break off into their own conversations, about cartoon shows or something else. Something much more interesting that I'd honestly rather talk about.

"No, not on the job. I don't mind going out for leisure though. My whole family and I do, actually. A friend of mine and our families own a boat together so we take that out on holidays and whatnot, fishing trips," he says, referring to the boat we share with Henrys family, just a small boat good enough to go out on the ocean.

It our families but he, Henry's dad and Henry and I use it the most, our moms prefer to go out on wine tours or dinners but whenever we get the chance, the four of us hit the sea. 

"We greatly appreciate all that the industries down at the docks do for this pack. It's hard working families such as yours that keep us thriving. We are truly one of the most successful packs in the nation for it and we hope to see our prosperity continue long into the future," he says, taking a bite of his food.

"As do we. My husband and I really enjoy our life here," my mom pipes in. It's strange, sitting here next to Micah uncomfortably as our parents converse. They should have just had a dinner on their own.

I shove some vegetables in my mouth. "It is such a beautiful place to raise a family, isn't it? With the sea just a short walk away really. You know I take pity sometimes on the members of our pack living further inland." I look at Micah's mom then, whose name I still don't know. They didn't introduce themselves past Alpha and Luna and so I suppose that's that boundary set.

The Alpha nods towards his mate. "This pack is a great place to raise a family, wouldn't you agree Athena?" I nearly choke on my water and all the attention turns to me. I notice my dad visibly tense at the pointed question. It could be a way to involve me but it could also very well be a hint at his idea of my future family. Or should I say our future family.

"Father," Micah says for me, his tone and glare sending a clear message.

"Oh no, it's fine. I've really liked growing up here, its great," I say, blowing it all over as best I can.

"And what are your plans for the future?" He asks me. I set down my fork, realising pleasantries are now over and what I feared has finally come around.

"I'm not so sure yet really," I state, looking away from his imposing form.

"Athena has been interested in Helton University for quite some time," my dad says, alleviating the pressure to answer from me.

"Helton? That is quite some way away, we have some of the finest colleges in the world in this pack. Have you ever considered studying closer to home?" He asks and I know why but I ignore it, I ignore the entire reason I'm even here despite him being sat right next to me.

"Not really, I mean I'm not sure if I even want to go yet. I figured I'd travel maybe or just decide later on. I don't know," I say, feeling completely stupid for not having a better stance on myself.

"Not many people your age know what they want to do anyway," Micahs mom comments with a smile.

"Athena writes on the school paper," Micah announces and it is weird to have him speak about me but not to me, like he is trying to impress his parents. To not embarrass himself in a way.

We didn't leave things in the gym on a great note, and everything with Henry, and then Gabe... I don't know what to expect.

"Is that so? Did you ever consider journalism?" His mother asks.

"I've thought about it, but like I said, I'm not sure. So many things could happen between now and the end of the year, I just wanna keep my options open you know?" I say, eating another small piece of meat. My stomach can't handle much.

"Anything could happen," the Alpha says with a slight laugh, cocking his head to the side. It's like he thinks what I'm saying is cute, the idea that I still believe I have some say over my future is a sweet concept.

"What were you planning on doing after high school, did you want to go to college?" my dad asks Micah and I take it as a win. If he's also getting grilled it feels a whole lot less like a one sided interrogation.

Micah clears his throat, giving my dad his undivided attention and his basic eye contact already surpasses my answering skills. "Yes sir, I have my sights set on Bansewood University. There are many things I have set out to study whilst I'm there but the hope is to be closer to pack head quarters to complete my Alpha training at the same time and be prepared to eventually step into my role."

Right, well that was a whole lot better than, 'I'm not really sure, I dunno—travel'. And of course he is going to Bansewood. It just so happens to be among the top in the country—if not world for its educational standards.

"I've heard that's a good place to go, a couple buddies of mine from work studied engineering there, you'll likely enjoy it," he responds and Micah nods.

"I hope so. Of course I had planned to study with my mate once I found her and attend the same college," he adds and my gut sinks further. How can he just be so offhanded about me? I get wolves are used to the whole prospect of mates but he's taking about me as if I'm just some thing to be had, a part of his life.

"That's a shame," I nearly spit out my drink at my dads response, at his mostly delighted tone.

"Plans may very well change. Most mates benefit greatly from being together, especially in their youth—its unnatural to have it another way." The Alpha says, another one of his comments.

"I'm sure whatever Athena decides will be in her best interest," my dad replies.

"Of course," Micah replies, a tight lipped smile on his face. His tone sets me on edge. Completely.

"Whats that supposed to mean?" I ask, my first real engagement with him since the dinner began. I regret asking, in the way I ask, as soon as I do but I can't think straight past the annoyance his attitude gives me.

I don't like how I feel right now, there's no other way to put it.

He looks back at me, taken off guard but his steely gaze remains. It sends shudders ripping down my spine. "Just that I agree with your father. You will decide on a future to benefit yourself, isn't that what you want to hear?" The adults had gone deathly silent at our interaction, watching each moment intently. The kids still didn't give a damn.

I debate accepting his justification, letting it slide over for the sake of the dinner but something in me relents, a force too great to ignore. "Not in that way," I reply, my words almost a mumble.

The annoyance on his face is unmissable now if it wasn't noticeable before. His eyes contain a concealed rage, a frustration of sorts and I see it all staring straight into his eyes. "Well forgive me, I apologise. I meant nothing by it," he replies, his jaw clenching ever so slightly but I know his words are a lie.

I know he is calling me selfish without him needing to say it. Selfish for not accepting him, this bond, this pack into my life and making it my top priority in a complete instant. It drives me mad.

But I drop it, stabbing a vegetable on my plate and eating it instead. I ignore him despite the fact he continues to stare at me, those contemplating eyes calculating yet again.

"I was meaning to invite you around sooner, Juniper," the Luna says, breaking through the tension with ease. My mom tears her gaze away from Micah and I, erasing the concern on her face to look at our leaders place at the head of the table. "I'm not sure of your interests but a couple of the pack ladies and I are planning a get together soon. Just some food and a chance to catch up, I'd love for you to join."

My mom blinks, shocked by the invitation. "That would be great. If you just let me know the dates I'll try to be there," she answers, taking another bite of her food. I don't blame her either, it tastes amazing.

"Fantastic! I figure we are all going to be seeing a lot more of each other in the future. We are going to be family soon enough, I think it is important to form a good friendship with the woman I may share a grandchild with one day," she says, beaming, her beauty shining through her enthusiasm.

But her implication, however, makes me drop my fork onto my plate, the clatter pulling attention to me. I feel Micah tense, too and I don't dare look at him.

I do, however, look at my parents—my dads jaw clenched tightly. My mom must've nudged him to take the look off his face, the one directed at Micah because he takes a sip of his drink, laughing it off.

"One day in the very distant future, I hope," he replies, clearly getting agitated. I'm with him a thousand percent.

"I'd say the sooner the better."

"Dad." Micah's response is instant and I place my remaining cutlery down, bracing myself for what's to come.

"With all due respect Alpha, the only person allowed to make such decisions is my daughter, whenever she so see's fit. This isn't a topic I think we should be discussing at all, ever—let alone at a dinner table," my dad states and I grimace. It unsettles me more than I'd like to admit to see my dad go up against someone much more powerful than him.

He is being careful about what he says but one wrong thing... he could be branded a traitor to the pack for opposing the bond, the future Alpha. People had been punished for less.

"Well we might as well not lie to one another. We are all aware of the reasoning behind our joining tonight. Our families will be inevitably close from here on in, the goddess wills such a union, I see no point in debating the truth. Your daughter is my sons mate and as such, she has a duty to him and this pack. The future is inevitable."

"A duty?" My dad doesn't seem to care that it's the Alpha of the pack he is speaking to, neither does my mom. "She's eighteen, the only duty she has is to herself."

Everyone stills as the Alpha stares at my father, his jaw set tightly. He doesn't appreciate the disrespect, anyone could spot it from a mile away and it makes my stomach somersault, that divine food now not feeling so great.

"Is that so?" He asks, his composure still in tact. For now.

"Yes," I reply before my dad has the chance, getting the heat off of him and onto myself without a second thought.

"That certainly complicates matters then, doesn't it?" He asks looking directly past me at his son, his tone clipped. "Joey, take your brother and please show the children the games room. Have a maid bring you your desert there."

The eldest of Micahs siblings looks at his father and nods. I expect my parents to intervene at being separated from the twins but they don't.

Joey takes the younger kids from the room and I feel the tension in the room thicken as the door shuts behind them.

"I think it would be best if we sort this out sooner rather than later. My mate and I were under the impression that you had accepted the bond, or were at least willing to accept it. Now I'd like for you to prove me wrong but I think I've seen enough to know that's unlikely."

I feel my cheeks heat up, my palms becoming sweaty under the his intense gaze. I'm being interrogated by the Alpha of the pack, something I only thought would happen in my nightmares.

"Father, we've discussed this. I told you, Athena and I planned to take things slowly given the fact she's human," Micah defends, finally speaking sense it would seem.

"I'm not quite sure what your logic is in the approach you are taking here son but it clearly isn't going as well as you believed. Never mind being late, your mate is covered in the scent of another male—completely. Not to mention her own parents disapproval in the bond." Micah stiffens and I follow suit.

"Scent of another male? What, exactly are you trying to imply?" My mom asks, scrunching her nose slightly at the idea.

"I got ready at a friends house, that's it," I reply quickly, looking at Micah for this explanation, fear longing my eyes. If he see's Gabe as a threat...

I can't discern the emotion in his eyes, he remains too impassive to allow me too. "Another friend?" He asks pointedly and I curse his abilities to detect scent, feeling completely cornered.

"Hold on a second, a friend that isn't Henry?" My dad asks, brows completely furrowed.

"Who's Henry?" The Alpha asks and I start shaking my head, holding my hands in front of me. Micah observes me carefully, looking at me with concern, pleading almost.

"I-I can't do this," I announce.

"Athe-"

"No." I cut off my moms warning, shooting her a look back. One that says if anyone is going to take the fall for this it'll be me. "Look I'm sorry but you've got the wrong girl. I don't mean any disrespect, truly, especially not in your home but this is too much. I can't do this. I don't want this."

I regret looking at Micah then, I instantly regret it all. His whole face is shattered by my words, heartache etched onto his skin and though he tries to conceal it, the cracks remain.

"That's not how it works," he replies, finally gathering his emotions to some degree.

"No, it's not. If you attend school you should be well aware of the laws surrounding the bond in this pack, in most every pack across the world. As well as those surrounding the teachings of prejudice in our society." The Alpha looks at my parents and my face blanches.

"Please don't bring them into this," I blurt, begging almost, before turning to Micah, tears beginning to well in my eyes as my brows knit tightly together. "This is about us, not them. Don't hurt them—"

Panic fills his eyes the further this dinner slips through his fingers. Panic and disgust. "I would never. No one is getting hurt here—" he sighs deeply, placing his head in his hand, running it through his hair. "This isn't easy for any of us. There is surely a way to work it all out without becoming enemies. I know you don't understand it and you may never, but I care for your daughter, truly, deeply, with everything that I am. I'd die for her but more importantly I'd stop at nothing to make her happy." He looks at me then, "I don't want to see you upset just as much as anyone else, more so even. There are variables that need to be ironed out, sure, but I firmly believe that between the two of us we can come to some sort of understanding."

"You forget your place," his father reprimands sternly, "You are to be the Alpha of this pack someday, the people in this pack and what is best for them—us—is what is important here."

"And I understand that," Micah cuts back in, the rest of us watching on in silence. "Which is why I'd prefer to earn the love of my Luna rather than have her forced to stay here in resentment of me."

"Forced?" I ask and he looks at me, sudden regret on his face.   

"That's not... that's not what I want," he says. Not not what he meant. But an option that he'll use if he has to.

"I can't even believe I'm having this discussion," I reply, finding confidence from some depth of myself I didn't know existed. Perhaps its because I believe Micah when he says he won't hurt my family, if not for the conviction in his eyes when he said so then for the fact that it truly wouldn't do him any favours in the long run.

I haven't fled the pack yet, I haven't completely thrown the idea in his face. I'm hesitant but I'm cooperative, he has no reason to.

"I came here for dinner, isn't that enough?" I ask and to my surprise, the Alpha doesn't respond. He simply sits back in his chair, a fist resting below his mouth as he thinks over the current predicament. He looks far from impressed, like he is just waiting to assess how his son is planning to deal with it.

"It is, goddess Athena it is and you shouldn't have even had to come here to begin with. I didn't want for it to go this way and today even—" he stops, like the memory of our argument, if only brief and completely insignificant took a large toll on him. "My parents want what's best for the pack, your parents want what's best for you but this isn't about them it's about us."

I don't think before I speak, the words flying from my mouth before I can stop them. "There is no us."

"Athena." It is my own dad who stops me then and I can't help the regret that comes with the look on Micahs face. Being angered is a reckless road to travel down, especially when it comes to these things.

Micah doesn't even try to reply then, to make me see sense. Its honestly because he probably knows I'm right, there isn't an us. Not in the way he wants there to be.

We don't walk down the school halls holding hands or sit together smooching on breaks. We barely speak to each other, so much as a look too long is unbearable.

"What? There isn't. Since when should I have to attend dinner with a guys family whilst everyone tells me my future plans just because he has a crush on me?"

Too far. I'd gone too far and one look from my parents made me realise that.

"Since this country came under our control. Since that crush, is a force so much greater than you seem to realise." The break in the Alpha's silence was just as daunting as I envisioned it to be. "We are werewolves, human ideals of love and crushes don't apply to us in any way. Once you are bonded to another you are together for life. Statistically speaking, nowadays almost ninety percent of human wolf pairings end with the couple together. Sooner or later you will realise what is best for you is to be with your mate." So this is just initiation to the inevitable I suppose.

"And what of the ten percent?" I ask, my tone only slightly too hopeful.

"Would you like for me to share the statistics on Alpha and human matings too?" He asks and I know that I don't. We both do.

It is common knowledge that this isn't a normal occurrence. It's rare to have a beta and human mate, let alone an Alpha.

"I didn't think so. Now I'm going to make myself clear when I say this so I expect for you to listen. I'm not going to force you down the path of a romantic relationship with my son, I hope for it, and for the two of you to be happy in finding love whilst at it. But I won't command it." His eyes don't stray from mine, ensuring I take in each and every word.

"Thank you, Alpha, we truly appreciate your consideration," my mom says but he doesn't acknowledge it.

"However, I will not allow for my heir to this pack to waste away because of your disinterest in him. I cannot permit the blatant refusal to the bond you have shown, the ignorance and dismissal of it. In order for my son to function, healthily and in somewhat good mind, he needs to be in contact with his mate. Have you around to speak with and interact with."

"I'm not planning on fleeing pack grounds," I state, not yet anyway. And not with my family still here.

"Good, because as of now you aren't permitted too." My gut sinks.

"Father-"

"Micah I suggest you allow me to finish." His tone is hard enough that Micah does indeed back down. "If you wish to leave pack grounds on your own you must have a pass which you can obtain through the pack office. And from now on you must attend a dinner here each week, whichever day you so choose with my son which should provide you both ample time to sort out your differences. If that isn't enough I have received word from the school counsellor that she is more than happy to have the two of you in for joint sessions to help resolve matters."

It's like what life was before the changes began, the control over every action by the pack and those that govern it. In a matter of moments my freedoms had been reversed, even if they were only few—they were limits. Limits that would likely continue to grow the longer I refused to accept my duty.

"I didn't realise I'd transcend into being pack property so soon," I quip and his hard glare only solidifies. But that's what we once were, a title that this pack and many others have been trying avidly to make amends for, smooth over. But that smear on the past can't just be washed away.

"Considering my initial plan was to have you take up residency in pack quarters immediately I consider this a compromise. And it is non negotiable. This isn't only beneficial to him and the entire pack of people I look after, it is in your best interest. The deteriorating effects of being away from a mate doesn't just affect wolves."

"So that's it?" I ask, my arms folded over my chest. He doesn't respond and so I nod. "Well thank you for the dinner Alpha, Luna, I appreciate it. If that's all you have to say to me I think I'd like to leave, I have school in the morning and I don't particularly feel like desert."

"I think this dinner is over, yes. So long as you understand the terms given to you. I do hope for our families to coexist harmoniously, as human and wolves have done in this pack exceptionally for over a decade," the Alpha replies and my face remains impassive, not a glimmer of hope for his idealistic future in my eyes.

Micahs mother smiles, accentuating her enigmatic beauty. "There is no reason for any hostility to come from a bond centred around love."

"Thank you for the dinner, if you could maybe show me to where the twins are?" My mom replies with a forced smile of her own and the Luna stands.

"Of course, right this way." They both exit the room, engaging in small chatter led mainly by the luna and I refuse to look to my left , to where Micah stares at me intently.

"I'm going to get my stuff, I'll meet you out front," I tell my dad, even though I have no clue where they've parked the car. I'd walk home at this point if it meant getting out.

"I'll bring the car around soon," he says in response and before the Alpha or Micah or anyone can intervene I stand from my seat and walk out of the room. Not bothering to thank the Alpha for hosting us in his home. He doesn't deserve it.

The second I am out of the door I grab my bag and the helmet and jacket that sits atop it, striding towards the exit with an intense speed.

"Athena, Athena wait!" I stop before reaching the front entrance.

I turn around to face Micah and he stops in front of me, hurt crossing over his face when he notices the pain on mine. "What? What more do you want from me?" I ask, tears stain my cheeks.

"I just, I didn't want to end the night like that, like this," he says with a sigh and I shake my head.

"You just don't get it, do you? I am supposed to be having fun at this time in my life, hanging out with friends and going places, seeing things. Not trapped in a bond with someone I don't even know."

"Thats exactly what I want too, it's what I've wanted for as long as I can remember. This isn't easy for either of us," he says and I shake my head.

"Really? Because from where I stand it looks pretty easy for you. You can get whatever you want by just using your power. I have no power here, none."

"That's not true—" he starts but he can't finish, because it is.

"I'll see you around," I say, twisting my body towards the exit. 

"Where are you going to go? Your parents aren't outside yet, you don't have to wait in the cold."

"You think I want to wait in here after all that? If I'm going to be forced to come here eventually I'd like to have at least a couple moments outside on my own free will." He scrunches his nose at the idea.

"Thats not at all what is going to happen, Athena. I have no desire to lock you up anywhere, that's not who I am. My predecessors, hell my own father even, grew up in a different world. I've grown up around humans my whole life, been taught to respect and care for them, I'd consider a great many of them my friends. I don't at all agree in any of your rights being taken from you—I hate injustice just as much as the next guy but to my own mate?" Pain consumes his face. "I just want what's best for you, for everyone."

"Then why didn't you say something?" I ask, my voice holding less anger this time, morphing into more of a pained whisper. And by the way guilt overtakes his expression I know he regrets it.

"I'll talk with my father. But in the end of the day he is the Alpha of this pack, that comes before anything—even me. I physically can't disobey the man, trust me, I get your frustration."

I give him a tentative look over, like I'm assessing a risk, getting my detector ready for lies. "Would you if you could?"

"Of course." He doesn't miss a beat. "I didn't plan on any of this. I thought we could go on dates, or just hang out you know? Making you come here for dinner once a week wasn't exactly what I had in mind. But I'll talk to him, I'll try, I really will."

I nod, glancing down at the floor, the enraged teen in me disappearing, letting my actual nerd self reappear. "Thank you," I mumble before looking up. "About today..." He tenses even at mention of Henry. "He's my best friend. If you want to be my friend you have to be his too, no jealousy, no driving us apart, no hostile glares, none of that. He's already been through enough and if he goes through any more because of me—"

"I won't." He cuts in before making a cross over his heart to which I stare confusedly. "I won't hurt him, not for being your friend. Cross my heart and hope to die."

"Is that... like magical?" I ask, showing just how little attention I paid during wolf studies classes.

He lets out a hearty laugh, unable to stop the twinkle of happiness in his eyes even in the midst of all the heartache. "No, no it's just an expression." Which I know—I should have known.

"Right, that makes sense."

"If it's any consolation though I do stick by the pledge. My feelings on the matter aren't your issue and I don't wish to make them yours either—that being said it's not always so easy battling the inner instincts of a wolf. I'd compare it to battling a hergromonus demon but if you are still stuck on level twelve I'm afraid you won't get the reference."

The Fire and Fear series.

I offer him a smile that isn't entirely forced. "One day," I reply, just as I see the headlights of my parents car flash through the window. "I better go," I say to him, hugging my waist.

"I'll see you around, Mennison," he says and I shake my head, opening the door before giving him one last look.

"Bye, Micah."

-

I sit cross-legged on the floor of my room, the trap door open as I rest against the wall, listening in.

"I don't really know what she was thinking, Juniper. It wasn't that long ago that mates were just taken and bitten—just like that. Not to mention the punishments people received for going against it, or the Alpha for that matter."

"I know, I remember," my mom replies, her voice grim.

"She's being reckless. Tonight was reckless, I know she didn't want to be there but she has to know by now that there are consequences for your actions in this life, under the pack. We've raised her better than that."

"I know, I know," my moms words come out muffled, like she's speaking into her hands. "It's a lot for her, I've never seen her like that—so angry and outspoken, it's not like her. She must be feeling so scared."

There's a silence for a moment and then my moms sobs fill the void. "I just don't want them to take everything from her, take her from us."

"Sh, sh honey it's alright, everything is going to work out. We've just got to do what they say for now and if it gets to that point we'll do something more. I swear to you I won't let them hurt her. I won't let them hurt us."

I close the trap door as silently as I can, wiping away the tear that rolls down my cheek before moving to bed, like I'll actually get even a wink of sleep.

authors note

6 k words wa waaaa

please comment guys!!! I wanna hear allllll your thoughts and between us, it motivates those updates haha

Don't be a stranger!!

I'm also thinking of making updates now on every Sunday and Wednesday as a schedule. Thoughts?

Love
K