I throw my notepad and pen into my bag, checking my phone for the time once more and seeing the message of a smiley face from Micah after I confirmed I was still going to show up to the park tonight and that, no, I really didn't need a lift.

It was a twenty minute walk and the sun was just beginning to set outside so I wouldn't have to walk in the dark too long.

It was very safe in our pack, crime was low and most people followed all the rules save for a handful. But still, I lived in one of the more... unstable parts of town and you never really knew what could happen.

Thinking of that, and knowing it would most definitely be dark when I walked back, I chucked in some emergency pepper spray my dad brought me a while ago-just for good measure. And then I proceeded to climb down the stairs, not before announcing the drop of my ladder.

"Off already? Can't you stay to eat something before you go, dinners almost ready," my mom says as I walk into the kitchen, grabbing my coat and a beanie for the walk back.

"Henry's already here," I lie, shrugging my coat over my shoulders. "I can't keep him or the interviewee waiting," I say and my dad walks around the corner, walking to my mom and kissing her on the cheek before furrowing his brows at me.

"You're leaving now?" He asks, stealing a piece of food from the pan and earning a light slap to which he smirks.

"Yeah," I say with a sigh, tugging my boots on.

"Do you need some money for food?" He asks and I shake my head.

"I'll get dinner at Henry's after, his mom saved a plate," I say and he nods.

"I think its good you're doing this new thing sweetie, and it's great to have Henry to help you," my mom says with a smile and my dad nods.

"We both do," my dad agrees, his hand finding her waist.

"Cool, well I won't be back too late anyway but I'll give you a text if I need anything," I say, walking towards the door.

"Don't be out past curfew missy!" My mom says as I walk away and I smile.

"I won't!" I yell back before closing the door and entering the hallway, the guilt that had amassed in my stomach quickly turning to nerves.

The walk to the park takes exactly twenty minutes and by the time I get there, the cool night air has already kicked in, making me put on my beanie. The sun still hadn't set but its orange hues were slowly creeping into the sky.

Like some magnetic force compels me, my eyes scan over the park, stopping abruptly on Micah's figure seated on a park bench underneath a tree. The park is lit up well and I notice his gaze pull to mine, like he feels my stare and the moment our eyes meet a bright smile comes over his face-illuminating the setting even more.

He stands up and I notice one of his hands holding a large bouquet of flowers and the other reaching down to grab a picnic basket with a folded red blanket atop. I walk over to him and he meets me half way holding out the colourful bouquet of flowers which I tentatively take, bringing them to my nose to smell the heavenly scent.

"Hey," I say.

"Hey," he replies, clearly somewhat nervous. "I didn't know which type of flower you liked so I just had the florist put together this—I hope it's alright," he says and I smile.

"It's beautiful, thank you," I say and he smiles broadly, pleased with himself. I frown slightly. "I didn't bring you anything," I announce, feeling slightly bad.

"You're here," he says, "That's more than enough."

I don't really know how to react to the pure honesty, the seriousness in his words so I just give him a strange sort of smile instead. "You don't have any allergies do you?" He asks and I shake my head.

"Cool, I was thinking we could just walk over to this spot a short walk from here to watch the sunset," he says and I nod.

"That sounds good," I say and he smiles.

"Right this way," he says, beginning to walk and I follow him, the both of us falling into stride, the conversation ending but the silence not awkward.

I notice how nicely he is dressed, his clothes smart but casual at the same time. He gives off the slight scent of aftershave and I notice the smoothness of his face, free from any stubble. He probably spent all afternoon getting ready and I just threw on a jeans and a jumper, barely having time to brush my hair.

He turns his head to the side and catches me staring, making me look to the floor in front of me quicker than lightning, a slight blush rising to my cheeks. "This is it," he says and I look up, the view of the sun setting over the water making my mouth gape open slightly in awe.

"Wow," I say, looking to find him laying out the rug on the grass next to a lamp light.

"I hope you're hungry, the pack chef got a little excited," he says with a laugh sitting down on one side of the rug, taking out containers from the basket between us.

I sit down next to him, watching as he pulls out cakes and sandwiches and fruits-the amount seemingly endless. "That's fine by me," I say in surprise, picking up a strawberry and biting into it, the sweet fruit exploding over my tastebuds.

"Do you want some water?" He asks, pulling out a bottle and two glasses.

"Yes please," I respond, watching as he pours me a glass.

"I'm really happy you could make it," he says, handing me the glass.

"Me too," I reply.

"I honestly didn't think you were gonna show," he says and I furrow my brows. I said I'd be here, many times actually. Does he really think I'd stand him up?

"What do you mean?" I ask, confused and he shrugs.

"Well your father didn't seem to keen on me speaking to you and your friend was convinced that you wouldn't make it," he says with a laugh.

"You spoke to Henry?" I ask and I notice the flash of something in his eyes that passes as quickly as it came.

"I saw him at school once and he told me you were sick... well, you know," he says casually. "And he assured me your illness would carry out into tonight which I'm guessing was his attempt to get you out of it." His tone holds no malice, he merely states it as though it means little to him.

"He's just a little protective," I say, "But I'm not the type to just cancel for no reason," I assure and he smiles a little more at that.

"Which is great, I mean I know how new this all is to you, so I appreciate it," he says confidently, like that's the one part about me that he's at least figured out.

"Dating?" I ask and he shrugs slightly but I see that same flash in his eyes, like the thought of me on dates without him hurts.

"Well with a mate I mean," he says and his acknowledgement of it makes me feel all jittery inside.

"Right," I say and he bites into a sandwich, quickly swallowing it. "I mean I'm not usually allowed to anyway, my dad's kinda against all that stuff, as you probably know," I say, grabbing a handful of berries and biting into them.

"Dating in general or dating a werewolf?" He asks.

I look down to my fidgeting hands. "Both," I mumble in response, not wanting to address what he meant by that question. I know he suspects that my family aren't so accepting of the wolf species and I don't doubt he will do everything he can to find out.

It isn't treason to disrespect the Alpha's rule-though it definitely isn't advised-but it is treason to stop a mate bond through prejudice justification.

"I guess I should be grateful then, he's protected my mate for me without realising it," he says, a slight smile on his face and I know he's trying to make me feel comfortable, at ease that no harm will come to my family but his words pack a whole different punch. It's the underlying assumption, the certainty that I'm supposed to be his for the rest of our lives and that he is the last and first person I will ever date that scares me.

"I actually meant to ask you something, I have a favour to ask while we're here," I say and he takes another bite of his food, looking at me to go on. "So I have like this thingy to write—an article, actually, not a thingy," I say with a laugh, nerves overcoming me suddenly as the reality of being shut down comes into my mind.

His smile widens to show teeth and his eyes sparkle as he looks at me, like my babbling isn't utterly stupid.

"What's the article for? School project?" He asks casually, taking another bite.

"It's for the school newspaper, I've joined as a journalist of sorts, just for fun," I say and he raises his brows in surprise before sipping some water.

"Wow," he says, an impressed look in his eyes. "I didn't know you were on the school newspaper, that's really cool. There are some interesting people in there though, I practically have to shift in order to escape Jesminda and her barrage of questions," he says with a laugh before taking another bite of his food.

The note pad and pen in my bag feel like bricks now, heavy with his clear disdain towards being interviewed. I hope the apprehension isn't too obvious to him but the last thing I want is to overstep a line and become some weird annoyance to him.

"What was the favour you needed me for?" He asks, so unaffected it's like he is in fairy land, oblivious to my current plight. Something tells me that martians could come down from the galaticon and take over earth and he wouldn't care.

If I don't at least ask then I'll come back to my next meeting empty handed and being a let down isn't exactly the vibe I'm trying to give off with my new venture.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Well you see the article is actually on the game next week," I say with a nervous laugh. "I mean what are the odds, right?" I ask and his face lights up.

"That's great, I was going to ask you if you wanted to come anyway but I wasn't sure if you were really into sports. I'd love to see you in the stands," he says and I smile.

"Yeah I mean I don't really ever go to those things but its a part of the job so, you know," I reply before wringing my hand together. "And I was just wondering really if it'd be okay, if it's not like too big of a deal or whatever, too, I dunno, like interview you? Seeing as you are the teams captain and all and I hear you're supposed to be good and all that-"

"Of course," he says, like his answer was the most obvious thing in the world and I'm just glad he cuts of my nonsensical rambling to be honest. "Ask away, I can answer any questions you have."

"Cool," I say with a smile, reaching into my bag and pulling out my notebook and pen, looking down to my list of questions.

"So how are you feeling as captain of the team for next weeks game?" I ask and he smiles before breaking off into an answer, pausing at moments to allow me to catch up in my recording of it and brushing over things of lesser importance.

I ask him all fifteen of my questions and the entire process takes around an hour. Not once does he complain about being interviewed and every answer he gives me is as detailed and comprehensive as the last. He truly does know what he is doing when it comes to football, a sport I know but not to the extent that he does.
He speaks of it like it is scripture and I suppose, in a way for him it is.

"I've never been up here before," I say softly as I look up at the stars that cover the night sky.

"It's always empty whenever I come here, which I like. I feel like it's kind of just for me," he says and I look at him over the picnic basket that has been packed up. His face is smooth, untouched from any worry and he looks completely at peace, carefree in a way I hadn't seen him.

"It's so quiet," I say in a whisper, the words coming out in a slight laugh and he chuckles.

"It's nice, sometimes the pack house can get a bit much-all the people constantly coming and going, the greetings and training," he says and I can't seem to pull my eyes away from him as he speaks.

"Training?" I ask and he lets out a deep sigh.

"Every day. Soon enough I'm going to be Alpha, its only a matter of time and that requires a lot of training, theoretical and physical," he says, his voice a monotonous drawl.

"Don't you like it?" I ask, genuinely surprised. He always walks around so smiley and the only times I've ever seen him he looks to be enjoying himself.

He looks over to me, catching my stare. "It's just a lot. A lot of expectations to deal with and a lifetime of standards to live up too."

"I get it," I mumble, frowning and pulling my stare away from him for a moment.

When I look back at him I see the guilt on his face, like he controlled me being mated to him and it's his fault that my life now has to go a direction like his.

"So did you want to do journalism outside of school?" He asks, trying-unsuccessfully- to divert the situation but his question only makes me feel worse.

"Yeah," I reply, mustering a fake smile to plaster over my sadness.

"Well I mean there are some really good universities that offer courses, around here and in towns over. Our pack has some of the best university campuses around," he says trying to lighten the mood.

I furrow my brows at him, bewildered. "Would it really matter though?" I ask and it feels good to actually go there. Talk about the magic bond that is just rifting between us because I feel in the dark and I hate it.

An obvious look crosses his face. "Of course it would," he says, like the suggestion against is ludicrous. "If it is important to you and it is something you want to study then it matters very much," he says but his answer doesn't exactly give me the clarity I'm after.

"I don't get it," I mummer, furrowing my brows and his confusion at my behaviour doesn't cease.

"Get what?" He asks.

"What, exactly, you are saying, I mean what's the point of getting a degree to be a journalist if I'm not going to be able to be one anyway," I state and realisation hits him, his confusion smoothing out.

"Oh," he says, diverting his gaze. "All of that really is ages away, I mean my parents are still young, they were young when they had me and I won't officially take over the title until after college. And you..." he says but he can't seem to find the words, like he doesn't want to scare me so I go scampering off again.

"So I'm not going to be shipped off to a luna boarding school?" I ask, having heard a variety of wild things in my time.

He laughs, a hearty chuckle. "No, they... they definitely aren't true and if they were, you wouldn't be going there," he answers, most likely having heard of the rumour before.

"So I just... don't have to be luna?" I ask, the edge of my voice hopeful—something he doesn't miss.

His eyes connect to mine and a look of fear almost, mixed with a compulsive worry flashes in his eyes. "Eventually, you will. It may be years from now though and even then, Athena I really don't want you to do this until you absolutely have to. The life I live, with the priorities and the status... I get its not for everyone and I mean," he lets out a large sigh. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you want to press pause on it and wait until you are ready for your duties I get it and we can work it out. Other people might not agree with me—or you for that matter, but it doesn't matter what they think, I won't let it matter."

There is such certainty in his voice, a promise that he'll stand by my decision, that he'll face the consequences so that I can put off becoming Luna until I'm ready. And I appreciate it, I am grateful for the fact that he would do everything he can to put it off if I wished however I will still, eventually, have to accept it. It's all just a question of when.

"So you're saying I can forget all this, just put it on hold until I want?" I ask, looking between us briefly, a subconscious act that makes a wary look come over his face, one that doesn't quite understand what I'm getting at. "We'll just continue as if we aren't mates and when the time comes we'll see each other again?" I propose and he looks stunned by my statement, stunned and somewhat mad, not at me particularly but at the idea within my words.

"The Luna thing we can sort out but your my mate," he says, mildly offended. "It doesn't just work like that, we can't simply not see each other. Just the thought..." he says and I really didn't mean to upset him so much but his words make me unsettled in their own way.

We can't. I think back to my lessons and the wolf girl I sat next to for the one mate class where we all felt uncomfortable. At the things she said to me.

"So we still have to... date?" I ask and he looks somewhat taken aback by this question too.

"I mean I was hoping things might be different by then but sure, we'd still be dating if that's the term you prefer to use. But it is just not wise to go long times without being with each other. Physically," he clarifies and I feel horror begin to seep onto my expression and subconsciously, I retract a little to put more distance between us.

"Is it true?" I blurt, unable to stop myself as I let out a regulated sigh. "Is it true that I'm going to have to have your kids. That we-need to... you know, otherwise we'll die?" I ask and pure shock overcomes his face as he begins to choke on the water in his mouth, like he wasn't expecting that and all and honestly, neither was I. But the question had been lingering in my mind and it wouldn't go away.

Mating classes talked on topics such as that, explained the importance of consummation but maybe they dramatised it. They failed, however, to really dish much out on the 'sacred' part of it all-explaining that should one be mated they would know, or their partner would guide them.

And I certainly don't know, nor want to be guided into something. I'm a textbook person, I like to know what I am getting before I get it, I like to check the weapons in my chest before running after a demon in a games battlefield. If there's a clock ticking down on when I need to have sex with the stranger in front of me—best bet I want to know.

"Woah," he says, shock still on his face like I had slapped him with a hand of steel. "I was... not expecting that, um okay well I really figured that this conversation would come way later. Like way," he says a slight blush rising to his cheeks and he lets out a nervous cough.

"Will we?" I ask, determined to stay on track and get some kind of answer eventually.

"No, goddess, no," he says before looking up in thought with a shrug. "I mean we won't die, the mating part usually kicks in later. Some couples they consummate quicker—usually wolf pairings. I'm new to this all too but from what I understand we'll get urges, but that's about it. You won't-we won't, die," he says, taking a deep breath after, like it was the hardest thing he's ever had to say.

"Oh," I respond, looking down. "Right-that was probably a dumb question," I mumble and I feel his fingers on my chin, tilting my head up so that I look at him. I didn't know he was sitting so close until right now-when our eyes connected and drew me in completely.

He looked even better up close, I thought maybe he'd have blemishes or some kind of flaw but he has nothing, just pure beauty. His eyes flick down to my lips and I look at his in return. It's like a magnet pulls us together and before I know it we are leaning in, closer and closer and with each particle of air we pass I feel the air turn electric.

We move in until he is so close I can almost feel his lips against mine and in a split second I pull back, a furious blush roaring onto my cheek. "I um, I," I start, gulping.

"Sorry," he mumbles and I look at him with furrowed brows.

"Is that... is that an urge," I ask a slight wince on my face and he laughs.

"You could say that," he says, scratching his head and I shoot him a look.

"What's so funny?" I ask and he gives me one of those smiles, the ones that make me feel all strange inside.

"Nothing," he says defensively and I narrow my eyes, a smile tugging on my own lips.

"Say," I demand, my smile widening and his own lessens but remains all the same.

"You're just... cute," he says and I scoff.

"Cute?" I ask, raising a brow and he laughs again before holding his hands up in surrender. "I'll have you know cute doesn't win a battle against a gremlin army in an underground cave thank you very much."

He throws his head back in laughter before looking at me like I am a mythical creature, something so alien to him but completely and utterly fascinating all the same. "That is probably the cutest thing I've ever heard," he says and I throw a piece of grass at him, my blush returning.

"That stays between us," I say and he winks.

"Your secret is safe with me," he says before leaning back further. "But we really do have to have a game together sometime, I've got a major set up in my room, you'd be very impressed. But me being a major nerd is a secret that you must promise to keep," he says and I play offended.

"Nerd?" I ask, "wow."

"Cute nerd," he clarifies and it makes me erupt into giggles before my phone begins buzzing.

I pull it out of my pocket and see my dads number, his face pulled into a goofy expression lighting up the screen. Micah looks over and furrows his brows, about to ask if everything is fine before I raise my finger to my lips, a worried look on my face.

I swipe the phone and hold it to my ear. "Dad?" I ask.

"Athena, where on earth are you, your mother and I have been worried sick," he says and I frown.

"Dad, what are you talking about I'm at Henry's, like I said I would be-it's not even curfew yet I'll be home a little later," I explain and the moment I do I look at Micah and notice immediately the shock that crosses his face followed by a realisation.

"Really? Because when I rang Henry's father he had no clue of you being there or planning to be," he says and my gut sinks to my stomach.

"I-" I start but I don't exactly know how to finish that sentence. I've been completely caught out in my lie.

"Where are you Athena, I'm coming to get you now," he says and I fumble for an explanation, holding my palm up to my head in thought.

"I'm at a park downtown," I reply honestly, moving to stand up.

"What are you doing at the park this late at night, who are you with?" He asks but as the question leaves his mouth I can hear his tone shift. "Are you there with that boy?" He asks and I notice Micah still next to me.

"I'm with Henry, the interview just went a little later than I expected," I continue, lying yet again and digging myself further into an early grave.

"You better start telling the truth Athena Josie Mennison because I also know that Henry is at his house right now with his parents. Where are you and who are you with? I'm coming to get you," he says and I panic slightly, looking at Micah whose expression I can't read.

"I'll be back home soon, in like twenty minutes top," I rush out, thinking about how long it will take me if I sprint back the second I hang up. Chances are it'll still be a while but the sooner I get back, the less likely I am to be grounded for all eternity.

"Athena where are you?" He asks again and I wince. He is usually not this overbearing-neither of my parents are. Most of the time it is fine for me to go out whenever with Henry and do what I want but lying crosses a definite line for them. A line that puts me in a really shitty territory-honestly a territory of flesh eating faeries would be better right now.

"I'll be home soon, I promise. Love you," I say, hearing the start of his voice before ending the call quickly, leaning down to pick all of my stuff up in my hands.

"I didn't realise you weren't allowed to be here," he says and I don't know if he is more pleased by the fact that I am or irritated by the fact I shouldn't be.

"I'm sorry-I don't mean to leave you on a whim," I say, letting out a dry laugh. "You probably think I just used you for an interview-which I didn't, I mean, what I'm trying to say is-" I stop myself before I can prove to be an even bigger idiot.

"It's fine-I get it," he says and I let out a sigh of relief, hugging my bag closer to my body.

"Well... this was fun," I say rolling on my heels as I do so, a tight-lipped smile smeared over my face.

"Yeah, it was," he says, slightly confused. "Are you leaving? I didn't mean to overhear but... well I couldn't exactly help it," he says and I nod.

"Yeah, my parents are waiting for me and I may or may not have lied to them about my exact location so I should probably start heading back," I say and he nods.

"Right, that makes sense. Are you sure you have your keys with you, you might wanna double check because I have left mine up here a few times and it's not fun," he says with a slight chuckle as his eyes begin to scan the grass around us.

"No, actually I don't have any so there is no problem there," I reply and he looks at me, confused again.

"Did you ride here?" He asks and I shake my head. "You walked?" I nod and he looks slightly guilty. "You should've texted me, I would've been more than happy to come pick you up."

"It's fine, really. I like walking and I'm pretty terrible at riding a bike so you can only imagine what my driving skills are like," I say, pulling a face as I shove my hands into my pockets to keep from fidgeting.

"You can't walk home now, it's dark and late at night," he says, worried.

"It'll be fine, there are street lamps and when was the last time someone got hurt around here?" I ask and the answer is a long time ago. Crime is infrequent and most of that is due to his father, so I can only assume he understands.

"But you never know-look I'll just drop you off and run, I promise. Your dad seemed pretty intent on you getting back in one piece anyway," he says, putting a hand in his pocket.

"It's not because of you," I rush out, hoping not to offend him too greatly. Being against the mating bond, against the next leader of this pack... it's enough to get anyone in hot water. Especially a human. "I just lied and that's what has him all worked up."

The moment I see a fraction of hurt cross his face I knew I fucked up. "About being with me?" He asks carefully, like maybe he misheard something.

"I really need to get going," I say instead of answering him because the answer is obvious and if I can avoid digging myself into a deeper hole, I will.

"Please, you'll get back quicker and I promise he won't even know I'm there," he says and I think about how mad my dad sounded on the phone then look at Micah. The chances of my parents already knowing that he is the person here with me is high regardless.

"Promise?" I ask, though I really don't know if he can uphold it and honestly-neither does he.

"We can be as James Bond as you like," he says and I smile slightly, "I'm serious, I'll floor it and you can just open the door and ninja roll into your apartment block-no one will even know we were there."

I laugh, broken from my intense worry for a spilt second. "We may as well get a flashing neon light if we are going to attempt to make me a James bond," I say as he packs up the last of the picnic items.

"You seemed pretty good at it earlier this week," he points out and I wince at the memory of me toppling from a bathroom window before running home looking like a smurf.

"We don't need to talk about that," I comment and his grin widens.

We talk about nothing important all the way back down to his sleek black Ferrari and my gut twists at the notion of getting inside of it-the significance that would hold. And also because I have seen him drive around with his friends in the very same car, zooming around corners and acting as if he'd magically heal from a crash-which he would. I, on the other hand, would not.

"You alright?" He asks as he moves past me and opens my car door, ever so chivalrous.

"You're not going to crash, right?" I ask and he chuckles.

"I'd die before I let anything happen to you," he responds, more serious than I thought he'd be but still humorous all the same.

"Well don't die," I comment. "Chances are if you end up dead I'm going straight into the afterlife with you."

"Aye, aye, captain," he says as I slide onto the plush leather seat. By the time I've fastened my seatbelt and braced myself fully, his hand is already turning the key in the ignition, igniting a furious road from the engine which makes me suck in a harsh breath.

He reaches to the stereo after pulling out, pressing play to let rock music blast out of the stereo. "Ever heard of led zeppelin?" He asks and I shake my head, making him smile as he turns the volume all the way up. "Then get ready for the best ride of your life."

-

"That was..." I start as we pull up outside of my apartment building.

"Awesome? Amazing? The best thing that has ever graced your ears?" He asks and a small smile plays on my lips as I look into the lobby of the apartment building.

"Something like that," I reply, clutching onto my bag. "Anyway, I better get going-I've got a lot of explaining to do," I say with a nervous laugh and he grimaces.

"I can imagine, my dad would probably explode if I even considered lying to him," he says with a laugh and I don't doubt it. If I thought my dad was overbearing at times I cannot even imagine what having an Alpha as a father would be like.

"Well, I'll see you at school. Have a nice weekend," I say, getting out of the door.

"You too, Mennison," he says with a wink and I close the door, watching the car speed off before turning to face the apartment building with all butterflies in my stomach turning quickly into dread.