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"Can you hand me the spanner please?" My gaze flicks from the long article I'd buried myself in to stare at the shiny red car. It's an effort to not peel my attention back onto the juicy words. "Athena?"

"Yeah, sure just hold on a moment!" I place my paper down and jump from the large toolbox, my words are almost lost in the loud music that blasts down the alley.

My hands rummage through the draws. Spanner, spanner, spanner. What even is a spanner? "Thea?" He asks again, a tight strain in his voice.

I panic and grab ahold of the first thing I see and rush over to the car, my knees scraping against the concrete floor as I pass the item to Gabe. "Here," I say and his blackened hand takes it as he thanks me. It is only a second later that he wheels himself out from underneath at record speed, a loud bang erupting shortly after his grime covered face comes into view.

He shoots me a look and holds up the spanner. "This," he says, looking at it. "Is a screwdriver, Athena."

My lips stretch into a wince as car parts roll out to crash next to my feet. "That's fixable, right?" I ask, pointing to the mess and he lets out a heavy sigh.

"I guess it's still better than it was at the start of the week," he comments, shrugging before turning to assess the damage. His tight muscles, stretched with whorls of dark ink stretch as he picks up an assortment of... I'm not even going to pretend I know what.

"You know, I've got an idea. It may take a bit of time but it is probably going to be for the best if I ever want to get this into a road safe state."

I stand still as my gut roils, waiting for final the blow to land. This is it, he's going to kick me off the project. I'm quite possibly the worst mechanic assistant to walk the earth, sure, but I do bring Henry around most of the time when he's not debating or baby sitting his siblings. And Henry's helpful.

"What?" My voice is a mere squeak, like my own body rejects the idea of asking. I need this, I need the excuse to run off and occupy myself while Henry is busy. I need a welcome distraction from my parents grim expressions and... and from Micah.

His eyes glitter as his luscious lips stretch over his tawny skin and a pang of grief hits me at the thought I won't see it if I can't hang around.

"That we should maybe try labelling these tools, the essentials anyways—gee Athena you look like I'm telling you that you're cat died, labelling isn't so bad is it?" He asks and I laugh away the anxiety that flutters from my stomach like a storm of butterflies. He'd not getting rid of me

"That's a great idea!" I reply, putting as much enthusiasm into my words as I can. I glance into the toolbox next to me and fish out a large metal item, waving it in the air. "Was this it?" I ask and his pearly teeth gleam as he grins, a faint dimple appearing.

"There you go! Come to think of it," he jumps up to stand next to me and our shoulders brush as he inspects it. "It's looking a little too rusty anyway. We can go get some labelling supplies and a new one of these from the department store, if you don't mind a quick break."

"I really don't think I'm deserving of a break, but I won't object." I smile and he uses and old rag to get rid of the grime before picking up his phone. "How long until you think we will be able to drive it anyway?" I ask as we exit the alley.

"Til she's back in perfect condition? I would guess a few months, I'm funding it out of a small amount I've got saved away, so if that runs out then it could be longer. But depending on what I'm working on we can take her out for a drive whenever. The safety isn't as reliable and the likelihood of breaking down is a tad higher... but it isn't impossible," he responds, sending me a grin that says we will probably be driving it around in that condition.

"Well it already looks a whole lot better. Or should I say she?" I correct myself, furrowing my own bros as I turn to him. "Why do you call it a she? I thought that the whole naming thing was just for boats. Does it—she, have a name?"

He laughs, the sound hearty and full as he smiles down at me. "I honestly don't know, I never put much thought to that. Its probably something that stems from the patriarchy," he shrugs casually. "Maybe I should name it, how about... Athena."

I choke out a laugh, the sound entirely unflattering. But the way he said my name wasn't, it danced from his tongue and made shivers curl up my spine. "I think it's just a boat thing," I laugh, the thought of a car named Athena so stupid. "And I bet no one is going to name a boat after me."

Mischief and... something I can't quite place twinkles in his stare as he grins, shrugging. "I'd name my boat Athena." My heart almost stops in my chest. He'd name his boat after me? He probably doesn't know what that means, that such an act is one of romance, not merely for the novelty of a name. "What were you so busy reading back there anyway? Is it something for the school paper thing?" He asks.

I was reading about another challenge that had occurred in an Eastern pack, one where five wolves were declared rouge. The details of it were scarce but it was made known that they were exiled. Though details were missing, there was no elaboration on why they were exiled, no trial proceedings as is so common for wolves. It made me wonder if they were made rouge or chose to go. So many humans left the pack but wolves willingly going rouge? It was unheard of.

I shrug, kicking a pebble as we walk. It helps to shake away the idea of him and I from my head. "Sort of, I'm working on articles but I didn't make it to the meeting this week. I'm not sure if I'll publish what I write there, it's a great opportunity and it'd be great for college applications..." If I were even allowed to go—and if so it'd probably be somewhere that'd let me in simply because Micah was there. Our agreement stated that I could educate myself but it bound me to certain limits. "But I don't know, it gets me a lot of unwanted attention."

"Well that's fair. Is there not a way for you to write under a pen name? I get what you mean by not wanting to be in the spotlight, trust me, but a little attention isn't so bad," he says and I shrug it off.

"I don't know. School is hard enough as it is." So far Micah and I's approach at a friendship involved his longing gazes every so often and neither of us acting on the promise to try be normal. It had been almost a week since dinner and I'd managed to avoid conversation. Every time I even looked his way all I could see were my parents, so broken and worn down and it triggered some flight instinct in me.

"Coming from someone who rarely went, I can't say I blame you," he says. "Well here we are," I look up to see the store in front of us, a small little store full of essential items. "I say we divide and conquer, you find some paper and tape to label and I'll grab the spanner."

"Sir yes sir," I reply with a salute. "I'll meet you at the counter."

We break off and I wander into the aisles in search of tape, finding myself in the stationary section. I turn over different items in my hands, looking at prices and amounts trying to find the best deal. "Athena?" I jolt, spinning sharply to find Olive smiling at me.

"Olive, hey," I reply, holding onto the tape in my hand a little more firmly.

"Fancy seeing you here, I've barely caught sight of you all week at school. I was hoping you would find your way over to our table one lunch but you never did." Her comment comes with a broad smile and I can tell that though she seems genuinely happy to see me, there's an undercurrent of hesitancy to her words.

"I've just been super busy lately," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as my eyes flick across the aisle, watching out for Gabe. "Henry has some really important debates coming up and so we've spent most of our lunches practicing away. It's not very fun."

"Oh! Well you have to introduce him to Kelsey, she sits with us at lunch and is mated to Xavier who is the most dense person on the football team. I think she would die over being able to talk to a fellow debater in her free time rather than listen to all of us carry on," she says, bringing it back to Micah in the most subtle way.

"That's crazy, I mean they probably already know each other through debating," I reply, fiddling with the tape in my hand.

"You guys should come sit with us tomorrow, we aren't that scary I promise. Besides, Micah has been in the worst mood lately, I think all of us need him to be a little distracted from his feelings," she says casually and the thought of attending lunch purely to speak with Micah and distract him isn't totally appealing.

"I'm not really sure I'd help much in that case," I reply with a dry laugh and her smile falters as a sort of sympathy enters her eyes. "I uh, I've just been super busy lately with work and the paper and everything so I don't want to commit to anything," I lie, trying to say no in a polite way.

"Yeah, that's fine and look it's totally up to you. Just know that the offer is there and that we'd all love to get to know you more. And..." she starts and I mentally brace myself. "I know I'm biased because he's my friend but Micah's actually a great guy and from one human to another I think he's worth a chance. You should just come along and sit with us for one lunch and if you hate it you can go."

I didn't expect a random lecture when I signed up for buying some tape but my personal boundaries were blurred long ago. I notice Gabe out of the corner of my eye, drifting closer to where we stand and I panic. "Uh, yeah, sure. Why not?" I reply with a smile, thankful to notice her shopping bag in hand then, she's not going to be sticking around. "But I really do have to get going. I'll see you tomorrow at lunch."

She beams brightly. "See you then," she says happily before turning around, moving past Gabe at the end of the aisle without a second thought before exiting.

"She seemed very chatty," Gabe comments, standing with me to watch her retreat. "And here I was thinking you didn't have any friends outside of Henry and I."

I shove him and he smirks. "Very funny. I've actually got plenty of friends, you'd be surprised," I comment as we begin walking to the counter.

"You're right, I would be," he jokes and I shove him once again, shaking my head as he laughs.

I go to make a comment back but we reach the counter too soon. "Hi there! Welcome," the cashier says, I soon note the manager badge, placing down my items next to Gabe's.

"Just these ones?" He asks, directing the question entirely at me. In fact he barely looks at Gabe aside from one side glare full of judgement that makes my stomach turn. Especially when I note the mark on his neck.

"Uh I've actually got an order that's supposed to be coming in for some custom parts, it should be under my account. The number is three hundred and seventeen, it should be under my uncle Al's name," he says, forcing the man to look at him. He moves to his computer and clicks a few times.

"Nothing here yet, we have a number on file to call, I'm assuming you're Gabe?" He asks, maintaining his friendliness.

"Yeah, that's me." Gabe's phone starts ringing loudly and he pulls it out of his pocket, a hard look coming over his face when he reads the screen. "I'm so sorry I have to take this, can you just put it on the account for me?" He asks fervently and I nod which is all he needs as he answers and holds the device to his ear.

"We are very proud to have you as a customer," the cashier says and I see it on his face that he means it. I also immediately know why. "My daughter goes to school with you and mentioned that the girl from the fish shop was to be our luna."

I'm too stunned to make a comment. "Oh, yeah. That's me," I say with a smile. "I'll just put this on his account if that's okay, I've got a very busy afternoon," I say as politely as I can, pointing to Gabe who's outside on the phone.

"Of course! I'll add it on, you have a wonderful day now," he says and I try to widen my false smile.

"Thanks so much, you too." I take the bag from the counter, even though it's slightly too heavy for me and make my way out the door, heaving a sigh of relief when I exit, at least Gabe wasn't there to hear it. But if a random store owner knows... it's only a matter of time until he finds out.

"I'm not going. I said I'd be back for the important holidays, this doesn't count. Mom it's not because of you, I love you and I miss you and the kids, I am just too busy for it. I'm an adult now and it's my freedom to come back when I choose."

He snaps his attention to me and I feel bad for intruding on what seems to be an intense conversation. "I've got to go, I'll talk to you later." He hangs up the phone, walking quickly towards me to grab the bag. "Sorry about that, it was my mom."

"Is everything alright?" I ask, genuinely concerned.

"Yeah no, it's fine. She just wants me to come back for my little brothers award thing but I'm too busy to make it there in time," he says, shrugging it off.

"That sounds like something you shouldn't miss," I comment. "If you need me and Henry to hold down the fort I wouldn't mind."

He smiles at me. "Thanks for the offer, but my brother gets a new award every week, he'll survive. I just like to avoid going back where I can," he says, the comment so ambiguous. "But enough about me. I was thinking we call it a day and head down to the beach, you down?"

"Sure," I say, dropping the comment and letting it linger. I guess we both have our secrets and maybe for now, it's best if it stays that way.

-

"Athena, just because you made one silly promise to avoid conversation doesn't mean we actually have to act on it. Worst case scenario, they'll be a little disappointed. And honestly, if Olive has any smarts about her then she wouldn't tell him for the likelihood you won't show up," Henry says as we walk through the halls to the cafeteria, trepidation lacing each and every one of my steps. He's been repeating the same story for the entire day, convincing me out of it but so far, he's failed.

"I already feel sick to my stomach about going and you're not helping," I snap.

"I'm going to go ahead and guess that feeling that might have something to do with your body warning you against this decision," he quips and I send him a glare.

"Henry, I made Olive a promise but bigger than that I told Micah that I'd try to be his friend. It's been a whole week and I haven't done anything to make that true, I already skipped gym this morning and I don't want to back him into a corner or get into an even worse situation than now. Besides, maybe it could be a good thing, maybe we will hit it off as friends and it'll work like that," I say, but the optimism in my voice doesn't even convince me.

He glares at me, his eyes peering straight through the lie. "If you want to do this then I'll be there. For you. Not for him."

I smile tightly and bump his elbow with mine. "Thanks bestie," I say as we stop in front of the cafeteria doors. I don't take the time to stop and ponder over my decision, if I did then I'd likely not go through with it. So I just open the doors and walk straight in.

It doesn't take long to spot Micah's table, the football and cheer attire the first standout not to mention the laughter that came from their place in the centre of the room. If there was a cool place to sit, that'd be it. Henry and I approach and I notice Micah, laughing boisterously with the rest of them before stopping immediately, his eyes snapping onto mine like a sensor in his mind had gone off.

He stares at me in complete shock as we get closer and the collective laughter deflates as all the attention slowly turns onto us. "Athena! You came," Olive exclaims when she notices. "And Henry, it's nice to finally meet you, I guess the promise of debate with Kelsey was too good to pass up," she jokes and he smiles hesitantly, trying not to look between Micah and I.

"You have to give me a chance, Henry is probably the best debater this school has," a girl says and I recognise her immediately as Kelsey, her attire vastly different from the others. Her mate, probably the most muscle packed jock sat at the table sizes Henry up instinctively before smiling, his arm dropping around her shoulders casually.

"I don't think I'll be any good until I've had something to eat," Henry jokes and a few people laugh.

"Take a seat guys," James says, moving from his spot next to Micah to allocate the little room left to us. I take the seat next to Micah before Henry can put a wedge between us. I can't honestly say that I can ever see the two of them getting along—which will probably be yet another issue.

"What did you actually think of the debate topics chosen for last weeks competition?" Kelsey asks Henry, pulling his attention onto her immediately.

Micah clears his throat and I turn to face him, letting Henry converse on his own. "Hey," he says. His eyes are wary, like he is skating on thin ice that will shatter with one wrong breath.

"Hi," I reply.

"I uh," he clears his throat again. "I wasn't expecting you to come here." His admission is almost questioning.

"I saw Olive yesterday and she convinced me to come. And I considered maybe it'd be a good idea if we are going to try be friends." He flinches at the word, his eyes subconsciously darting to the Benny next to him, checking to see who heard.

I suppose for him it's a shameful term. "Well I'm glad you're here," he says. "How have you been since... how are your parents going with it all?" He asks and my stomach turns even though he isn't asking in a threatening way at all.
"They're not the best right now but they'll be alright. It's just a lot for them," I say with a sigh and a tight lipped smile. They dropped the law suit after hours of me begging, which I think was the hardest thing either of them have ever had to do. I'd never seen my father cry so hard in my life. The image made me regret even being here. It made sitting next to Micah, looking at him, talking to him, feel like a complete betrayal. "How about you? Is your mom still annoyed over the frozen pizza?" I ask.

Because that's what friends do I guess, ask questions.

He smiles faintly. "Yeah, she is. I don't think I'll ever cook a frozen pizza near her again without getting a lecture over it. She can be... a little intense, but she's only ever has pure intentions," he says fondly and I think about her conversation with the Alpha. One I never should have heard. She had pure intentions for him, maybe.

I managed a smile. "I picked up on that."

His wide grin lessens as he looks in my eyes, the action so mesmerising. "And how have you been?" He questions, his voice low and soft, reminding me of warmed honey.

"Good, just working mostly and hanging out with Henry or my family," I reply, an answer that barely scratched the surface of his question. "I heard you won your last game, congrats."

"Thanks, yeah it was a close game but the season is looking pretty good. You'd be happy to know that our two human players got a full game," he says, taking a bite of his food as I wipe the stunned look from my face.

"Wow, that's really good. I'm happy to hear that."

"I guess it has to start somewhere, and we are the predicted top team of the season so our play tactics have some influence. I'm happy you brought it up though, most people wouldn't." I don't doubt that, the thought of approaching the next Alpha, as friendly and kind as his reputation was, seemed insane to me before.

"Yeah, well I needed something to write about and the actual game of football isn't really my forte," I reply, pulling the conversation away from human injustice. As important as the conversation is, it probably won't end well considering my situation.

"I never actually saw the final article in the paper last week," he says and I shouldn't be surprised he'd look out for it.

"Oh, yeah I never submitted it. I'm...reconsidering the school paper, there's just too much going on and something so public..." I start, unsure of how to get around it. Truthfully I can't take anymore attention and I don't think that writing an article about the packs injustices and misgivings will go over well with the Alpha family. Or anyone for that matter. And with my family already on the line...

His brows knit together and slight sadness wells in his eyes.

Henry's nudge at my shoulder pulls me from whatever it is Micah was going to say and I turn to face him. "You hungry? Mom made your favourite today," he says, pulling out a sandwich for me as he does every day. I take it greedily into my hands, looking at his mothers heavenly creation. "Thank you so much," I say sincerely, smiling to meet his grin. "Have you won a lunchtime debate yet?" I ask, raising a brow as I take a bite of the food, groaning as the homemade chutney melts onto my mouth. I notice a few eyes flick over as I talk to him, judging without meaning too.

He shrugs, smiling and it's an odd expression for him to have, one I didn't expect. Henry being reluctant to mingle with this group was almost reassuring, like my hesitancy was justified. I didn't want him to be at ease. "It was less of a debate and more of an alliance, we've got this inner circle thing at the debate club about some of the judges. I guess I've found another addition." I know who he means, I've awkwardly inserted myself into their lunch parties or meetings a few times. Because Henry is my inner circle, and I guess Gabe is now too—but that's it.

"I don't want Henry as an enemy in debates," Kelsey says, including herself in the conversation.

"From the sounds of things you're pretty good," Benny chimes in, I look at him as he does and catch Micah's attention next to him, focused solely on me. "Are you going to study law?" He asks, leaning on the table.

"No, that was never the plan. Maybe a little later in life but first I'd like to travel, Athena and I's family own a boat and so the idea has always been to take that and see the world." If I could hit him for saying it I would. Telling Micah that we have plans to flee the country on a boat to see the world without him for an unrestricted amount of time is idiotic. The entire navy would be on high alert.

I laugh casually. "I think once you find there are no fish that'll debate with you, you might head straight back," I say, excluding myself from the dream. He's my only friend, if he leaves this pack then I am all alone, entirely by myself—going with him isn't such an easy option anymore.

"You fish?" Benny asks him, genuinely interested.

"Yeah, I love it. Athena hates the smell but we do it on holidays with our dads," he replies.

"Well there is this amazing fishing spot on a river inland, all of us are planning to go down next weekend and stay at the holiday house, you should join us. Both of you," he says and everyone smiles, nodding.

"Omg! Babe that is such a good idea," Molly exclaims. "We have the best time at the house, we bring a little booze along and get a campfire going—you have to come."

I freeze a little at the invite, not daring to look beside me. "I think they have work," Micah says, reading my body language and it makes me stare at him as he shoots Benny a look.

Benny looks straight at me, ignoring whatever message Micah tries to give him. "Surely you could get a weekend off?" He asks me with a large smile and I tuck my hair behind my ear, gulping.

"Um, I mean I can look into it maybe? I'd have to check my schedules and all that but I've got your number," I say, turning to Micah before looking back at Benny. "I'll let you know," I say.

"Are you gonna bring me one of those sandwiches tomorrow too?" James asks Henry, grinning like an idiot and I feel Micahs hand touch my arm lightly, my whole body turning to face him with the action and he smiles broadly, unable to help himself.

"What?" I ask, furrowing my brows, his contagious smile forcing one to appear on my own face.

"I uh, I just wanted to know if you were planning on seeing the latest movie in the Space series?" He asks.

"Do I really come across that nerdy?" I ask and it stuns him for a moment, making my smile broaden as I roll my eyes. "I am, but it doesn't come out for another three weeks anyway."

"Well, I happen to know the producer of the movie and I have an early release copy at home. I was thinking maybe we could order dinner for tonight and watch that instead of having sit around finding something to talk about," he suggests and my initial excitement at the news dwindles as it dawns on me that today is Monday.

"Oh, uh yeah I guess," I reply. I didn't forget about it, I just chose to ignore the fact that our weekly dinner was encroaching. I thought maybe if I didn't pay any mind to it that it'd just go away, which was overly optimistic.

"I just thought maybe it'd be more fun than..." he looks down and conceals the dejected nature of his tone. "My family won't be there this time, they've all gone to another pack for a few nights so you don't need to worry about them dropping in again."

"It sounds fun," I say, only a slight lie. Having his family out of the equation is more comforting and I do appreciate him making an effort, he's trying his hardest and I know he has something personal to gain from it—but he could easily just be miserable about the situation and make me endure that too.

"As long as we don't have to eat burnt frozen pizza," I add and his face breaks out into a large smile, heat rising to his cheeks. It takes me a second to pull my gaze from the sight, the way his hair falls in front of his face loosely as his teeth glimmer, a smile so intoxicating it's easy to get lost.

"You can order whatever you want. My mom has made it pretty clear what will happen if I serve that again," he says with a wince and I laugh.

I feel a nudge at my shoulder. "Hey Thea," Micah's attention turns to Henry and I follow it. "We've gotta go early today remember? To... english, that group project meeting." I stare at him with confusion before it clicks. We weren't planning on staying the entire day at school and our window of opportunity to skip is getting smaller as lunch closes.

"Oh yeah, right." I bet Gabe is waiting in his red car out the front as we all speak, lighting up a cigarette as rock music blasts through the parking lot. He probably wouldn't even think to be subtle, as far as he's concerned we are just two rebellious human teens that can fly under the radar.

I give Micah my attention once more. "I will see you tonight?" I ask and he nods, putting his drink down before swallowing.

"Yeah, I'll text you a time and pick you up if you need." I smile broadly and stand up, pulling the strap of my bag with me.

"You're leaving already?" Molly asks, taking another piece of food from Benny's plate.

"Yeah, we will see you guys later though," I say.

"I'll see you in English," Olive announces and I snap my attention to her, concealing the panic as best I can. She gives me a certain look, one that makes that fear linger, one that says she knows.

I just smile at her and tug at Henry's shirt subtly, effectively pulling the both of us from the table. The moment we reach the hall I let a shaky breath out. "What was all that about?" He asks first, breaking the silence like it scared him just the same.

"I don't know," I admit, pulling the straps of my bag closer towards me. We both continue for the exit, neither of us smart enough to stop and make a rational decision. "Do you think she knows?" I mummer, my voice so soft I don't know if he'll catch it.

"Knows what? About us skipping?" He replies, his brows furrowed. He knows Micah is already aware of this, I made a point to tell him to stay out of my business but he'll find out either way.

"Skipping isn't the issue—yet. It's Gabe," I say, quietly once more.

He opens the door to outside, holding it for me as we exit. "Why would Gabe be an issue?" He asks, furrowing his brows before realisation hits. "He doesn't know about him? Like at all?"

I sigh once more, averting my gaze. "I just don't think it's a good idea to bring it up. If he finds out, even though there's nothing between us, I don't think it'll go over well. You saw how he was with you and I've known you my entire life, there's no way he won't feel threatened," I rush, walking with a pace to match my words across the carpark.

"Athena." I don't hide my grimace at the use of my full name, but he doesn't continue, because I think he can't.

"I don't want to lose hanging out with you guys, it's the only fun I have. Home is miserable, my parents barely want to look at me and if they do they treat me like I'm a China doll. I can barely go to a store without getting reminded of my situation and school is just as bad. It feels like it's the one part of my life that I can have to myself, free from any of his or the packs control."

He is silent for a good moment, long enough that my mind begins to whir. "You really are starting to sound like a bit of a rebel you know that?" He says with a slight smile. "I get it and I get why you haven't told Gabe. I know you Thea and I don't want to see you get hurt, but you're right, it shouldn't be his business to know."

"You're the best," I say leaning into his side to give him a hug which he returns. We hear a thundering roar and both look just as a dodgy red convertible rolls into the carpark, rock music blaring.

I pull myself from Henry and smile with my teeth as I approach Gabe, his ray bans shining under the sunlight. He revs the engine loudly and I laugh meeting him just as he turns off the car and gets out. He tosses the keys towards me and by some miracle, I catch them, staring at him quizzically.

"What?..." I start.

"Now that she can run I think it's time we see how well you can drive."