When I arrived at school the next day, I half-way hoped I wouldn't see him there. After all, I'd slapped his Alpha quite literally in the face and told her off. He wouldn't be happy with me, I'm sure. As I waited on my next class to start, I stood in the hallway with my back pressed against the wall when suddenly, a hand clamped down on my shoulder and I yelped, spinning around. My eyes connected to warm brown and I let out an audible sigh.

"Matei..." I breathed out warily.

But before I had the chance to say more, he pulled me into a hug. I couldn't help but think it was very uncharacteristic of him but hugged him back anyway. His arms were lean and muscular as they wrapped around my tiny frame. I rested my head against his chest and listened to his pounding heartbeat in my ear.

"I am so sorry for yesterday, Jemma. You didn't deserve to be treated like that. It's just that Jana can get..." he told me, trailing off.

"Bossy?" I suggested and Matei let out a chuckle before nodding.

"Yeah, that," he agreed, resting his chin on my hair, "Still though...I'm sorry I got you involved in this. I should've just left well enough alone instead of asking you out... I knew better..."

I shook my head against his chest then pulled away to gaze up at his face.

"I wanted to go out with you, Matei," I told him honestly, "And...and even though it's...overwhelming to know what I know about you, about Wolfbloods...I wouldn't change it..."

He smiled and I felt butterflies erupt in my stomach. My cheeks heated up at his gaze and I looked away, his hands releasing me. He leaned his head against the wall then and crossed his arms.

"I want you to meet Emilia. It's about time you did," he said finally after a moment of silence.

I looked up at him and grinned, nodding.

"I'd love to meet your sister!" I told him, excitement lacing my voice.

He grinned and I saw his dark brown eyes light up.

"Great! Come 'round after school to the den, yeah? I'll meet you there." he said and I could hear excitement in his voice as well.

He gave me one last small smile before walking off to class. Once he had turned the corner, I pumped my fist in the air. Score one for Jemma! The rest of the day seemed to drag on and on but finally, it did end. As the last bell rang, I ran out the school doors and made my way to the park to take a short-cut to the den. The usual copse of dark trees rose up around me as I entered the park, my sneakers thudding on one of the dirt natural trails I'd picked.

After a few minutes of walking, I finally made it to the den. Weeds rose up around the entrance but I just brushed them aside before making my way in. Inky-black darkness seemed to swallow me and I quickly dug out my phone from my pocket, punching the 'flashlight' app. I held it out in front of me, being careful of where I stepped. The light lit up the area and I finally got a good look at it. Old disused furniture and old crates littered the tunnel.

"Wow..." I breathed out into the darkness, in awe of the sight before me.

Suddenly, I heard a loud 'ahem' behind me and spun around. I was met with brown eyes nearly identical to Matei's. The girl smiled up at me then.

"Hi, you must be Jemma."