If you compared me to them, I am a plain Jane. I had dark brown hair, which was cut in layers, it stopped at the middle of my back. My eyes were dark brown too. My body was average. I had nice curves, but I was short and not nearly as toned as Jackie and Sheila.
I wanted to stop thinking about them, so I decided to call my dad. He worked in the packhouse as one of Alpha Jax’s advisors. He was a general in charge of strategies and security for the pack.
“Hey Pumpkin,” My dad answered. “How’s the nose?”
“It hurts. Did you know the Hell twins were coming to mom’s shop today?” I didn’t bother to hide my annoyance.
“Yes, I had set it up with your mother last week. Why? Did something happen?”
Typical dad, worrying about his duties. “No, dad, it’s just well, can you give me a heads-up next time?”
“What? Oh yeah, sure. I have to go sweetheart. I need to finalize the plans for security at their party. I will see you tonight. I love you.” He hung up without giving me a chance to speak. I pressed end on my phone. I heard the bell again. I walked out front to see Darren coming in.
“Hey, how’s the nose?” he asked. Darren and I had been friends for a long time.
“It’s broken, thanks to the Hell twins and Sheila.” I didn’t bother to hide my anger despite them being one room away.
“Want to go grab a bite? I am starving, I will even buy you your favorite!” he knew me too well.
“Ok, let me tell mom I’m leaving.
I knocked on the door.
“Come in,” my mom called from inside.
“Sorry to interrupt mom, I am going to the diner with Darren.”
“Ok honey, just be back before dark.” She waved over her shoulder before going back to picking out frosting colors.
I swear Arrow shot me a look.
I closed the door as I grabbed Darren’s arm. It wasn’t a boyfriend-girlfriend thing; it was a best friends thing.
Walking in, the waitress saw it was just us. “Your table is open, go ahead. I will get your stuff ready.”
As we sat down, I asked Darren if he thought we came here too much.
“Probably,” he chuckled.
A little while later, the waitress Bonnie, brought over our food. I could almost taste the golden fries and the chocolate shake.
Darren had buffalo wings, a burger, a heaping pile of fries, and a vanilla shake.
We sat there eating and laughing. I didn’t notice when the twins and their girlfriends walked in.
“You aren’t going to be happy,” Darren whispered.
“Why not?”
He pointed nonchalantly with his chin. I slowly glanced over my shoulder. “Great, what are they doing here? They never come here,” I whined.
Darren smirked. “Hey, let’s pretend we are together. You know like a couple. Not for real, but maybe it will get them to leave you alone.”
“Do you really think it will work?” I hoped it would, maybe if they thought I was Darren’s girlfriend, they would leave me alone and have their skanky girlfriends do the same.
“We can try it.” He offered me a sly grin. “After all, I play on the same teams as the twins. They should respect a teammate's girlfriend.” He looked like he was enjoying this.
I just want them all to leave me alone. When we finished our food, Darren went up and paid. When he came back, he tossed a few bills on the table for Bonnie.
“My lady,” he said holding out his hand for me. I smiled knowing what he was doing.
“Why thank you, sir.” I held his hand as he stood up. He put his arm around me as we walked by the twins.
They didn’t seem to notice, but stupid Sheila did.
“Hey, look, it’s the elephant girl!” She yelled. Jackie exploded with laughter. The twins chuckled.
“Hey, Sheila, leave my girlfriend alone!” Darren yelled. She stopped laughing, a look of shock spread across her face.
“Yeah right, you aren’t together,” she sneered.
“If we aren’t together, explain this,” Darren pulled me to him, and he planted his lips on mine. I was so surprised I almost forgot it was not real.
His lips were warm and soft. I started to enjoy it. He pulled me against him tighter before slipping his tongue in my mouth.
A low dangerous, growl sounded throughout the dinner.
Darren and I broke apart looking for the source. When nothing happened, Darren pecked my lips.
“See, I told ya, she’s, my girlfriend.” We walked out together. When we got outside, Darren laughed. Hopefully, that will shut them up for a while.
“Yeah,” I murmured. I was still in shock from the kiss. I didn’t want to tell Darren, but it had been my first kiss. Sure, it was only for show but, it was still my first kiss from a boy.
“You, ok? You look a bit flushed.” I didn’t realize Darren had been staring at me.
“What? Yeah, sorry. I’m fine,” I lied hoping he would let it go.
He threw his arm around my shoulders. “So, girlfriend,” he said sarcastically, “I will walk you home.”
Later that night, I sat on my bed thinking about the kiss. I had felt something but was I supposed to? I liked Darren, he is gorgeous, but he is my best friend. I was scared to have those feelings for him. After all, we are just pretending.
Morning came fast. I had been awake for most of the night thinking about Darren. I had planned on skipping school today. If I got up early enough, I could shut off mom’s ringtone she had set for the school’s number. Then if they called, she wouldn’t know until it was too late. Once again, my alarm didn’t wake me.
I sat up looking at the clock. I had ten minutes before I had to leave for school. I dragged myself out of bed. I grabbed a pair of shorts and my favorite Cami. I slipped on my shorts and pulled the Cami over my head. I checked my nose in the mirror. Thankfully the bruising wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I brushed my teeth and headed downstairs. My mom was in the kitchen, listening to the news on her phone. I guess I’m not skipping school today.
“Baby, I made your lunch.” She handed me a paper bag. “I called the school earlier. I told them you cannot do gym except for walking.”
“Thanks,” I grumbled as I got up heading for the door.
“Hey, what about breakfast?”
“No thanks mom, my stomach hurts.”
“Ok, have a good day,” she called through the screen door.
Yeah right.
When I got to school, I was surprised to find I was on time.
Darren was leaning against the railing talking to a bunch of the guys. He smiled when he saw me. He waved for me to come over. I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t usually talk to him when he was with his teammates. I walked over cautiously.
“There’s my girl,” he said with a wide smile on his face. He put his arm around me before pecking my forehead. He pulled me in front of him as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I got some weird looks from other wolves as they walked by. I hoped our display was working. The warning bell rang telling everyone we had five minutes to get to class. Darren took his arms from my waist. I was about to head to the gym when he grabbed my hand. Sliding his fingers between mine, he walked me there. He opened the door and walked me inside. Everyone stopped and stared at us. He leaned in kissing my lips.
“I will pick you up after class, just wait for me.” He flashed me his handsome smile.
I blushed despite myself. He lifted my chin, pecking my lips one more time before he left to get to his class.
As I headed into the locker room, I could still feel his lips against mine. They were soft and warm, no, stop it, I scolded myself. I had wanted to kiss him more but, wait, what was I saying? This isn’t a real relationship. It’s just for show. Darren is my friend, not my boyfriend. I sighed.
After changing, I headed outside to join the class. The twins were sitting on the grass, and Sheila and Jackie were sitting on their laps. The two girls were giggling and holding the twins’ hands. I think my concussion must be worse than I thought because the twins didn’t look as interested in their girls as usual.
I sat down on the grass. I wished Darren was here. He was only in my gym class a couple of times a week. The other days, he had to go to training with his dad. His father ran the training drills for the pack. He was one of the fiercest warriors any pack had ever seen.
“Earth to Rina?” Coach Reid was standing in front of me looking very annoyed.
“What? Oh, sorry Coach. What am I supposed to do?” I hadn’t been listening. I was too caught up in my thoughts of Darren.
“You are walking laps until class is over.” His voice echoed the annoyance on his face.
“Right,” I got to my feet.
“She’s too busy thinking about Darren’s dick!” Sheila’s snarky voice.
I had enough, “Hey Sheila, why don’t you stop being jealous and start worrying about what you’re going to do when Arrow ISN’T your mate in a couple of months! Have fun being a nobody again.” I didn’t wait for a response, I stormed off in the direction of the track.
I could have sworn I heard the twins chuckle. I didn’t care. They are just as evil as Sheila and Jackie. They probably would be mates and could go on being evil together. I couldn’t wait till I turned eighteen and left this pack.
As I started my laps, I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. I wouldn’t cry. I wouldn’t give Sheila the satisfaction of knowing she upset me. I walked along planning the day I would leave. I knew my parents would try to keep me here, but once I turned eighteen, I was free to do what I pleased.
When class was over, Darren was waiting outside the locker room. I had hoped he wouldn’t notice my red-rimmed eyes. As I walked to him, his face dropped.
“Baby, what happened?” he asked wiping a tear from my eye.
I threw my arms around him. I didn’t care if we were only fake dating. I just needed someone to hold me, to care about me for a minute.
The twins walked by with Sheila and Jackie. “Aw, look. She can’t wait to jump his bones! Typical of a dirty Whore!” Sheila sneered.
I buried my face deeper in Darren’s neck. A growl emitting from him made me look at him. His face showed hatred. He looked like he was going to tear someone apart.
“Hey, Arrow, control your bitch, or I will do it for you,” he snarled.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Arrow snarled back.
“Arrow, Sheila was out of line,” Arion spoke up.
“Sheila cut the shit or get the fuck away from me,” Arrow looked at Sheila daring her to say something else.
Sheila recoiled at his icy tone. “Baby, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, please baby.” She wrapped herself around him like a python encircling its prey.
“Good. If you do, we are over.” Arrow stormed away.
Arion and Jackie followed.
Sheila looked as though she was in shock as she stared daggers at me. “You will pay for this,” she mouthed as she chased after Arrow.“Thank you.” I hugged Darren. He wrapped me in his arms. “I will always protect you.” He rested his chin on my head.“So, what was that about anyway, Arrow got really mad.” I snickered thinking of Sheila’s shocked face.A couple of weeks passed by. Darren and I were a real couple now. He walked me to and from every class. We had promised each other if we weren’t mates, we would go back to being best friends. I hoped we were mates. His Birthday is next week, I was going to throw him a party, but his teammates had beat me to it. The party was taking place on the day of his eighteenth birthday. I was excited but nervous at the same time. I wouldn’t know if we were mates until I turned eighteen. I wouldn’t turn eighteen for three more months.The night of the party arrived. Darren had picked me up. As we drove, he held my hand. He was now officially able to
They both froze before Arrow realized what I had said.“What? No, you can’t leave the pack!” Exclaimed Arrow as he jumped up almost falling out of his chair.“And why can’t I?” I could imagine the smug look on my face as I crossed my arms over my chest.“Because your ours,” he said before Arion could stop him.“Excuse me? I’m your what? Your person to make fun of? The wolf you get to laugh at with your girlfriends. Or wait! I know, I’m the girl you get to call names and throw food at, right?” I could feel the tears stinging my eyes.“You are not any of those things,” Arion whispered.“Yeah, you’re ours, our hot, sexy mate!” Arrow said.“Arrow!” Arion scolded.I just sat there with my mouth hanging open. I did not just hear that! What kind of a fool did they take me for? I could feel my face heating up with anger. “How dare you!” I yelled at them. “You mosey on in here telling my mother that you care about me and want to make sure I am ok, then you tell her you followed me into the woo
My mom came back a few minutes later. She looked between the twins and me. “I think these look beautiful in here; what do you think Rina?” She held the vase with both bouquets mixed together in it.“They had that vase at the nurse’s station?” I knew better than to believe that.“Well, no. I ran into the gift shop, the woman was so helpful. She asked who these were for, I told her my daughter’s mates had brought them, and she helped me pick out this beautiful vase. She also arranged them; don’t they look so lovely mixed together?”I rolled my eyes. “Mom, when do I get to go home?” I wanted to go home, I felt better but I needed space where I could be alone. I needed time to process all that has happened.“The doctor said tomorrow.” My mom was still looking at the flowers.I grumbled, “does anyone know where my phone is?” I could at least use it to take my mind off of being stuck here.“I’ll get it, I took it out of the bag you had, it’s been charging.” Arion walked over to the little t
We started driving heading along the road to my house. I could see the pack house in the distance. I wanted to get home; I had thought I would be so far away from here by now. I had hoped my duffle bag was here, otherwise, my life savings is gone. As we parked in the driveway all of us got out, except my dad. I looked at him pleadingly. “Sorry, Pumpkin, I have to go work on the security for our house, I have it done for the next couple of days, but I need to get caught up so there is no chance for a skipped time. I will see you tonight, I love you.” He put the car in reverse before I could protest.I looked at the twins who were holding my things. I didn’t say anything, instead, I walked up to the door and unlocked it, I gestured for them to come in. Once inside, I shut the door. I looked around at our modest home. Mom could have had a bigger one, my dad always tried to give her everything but, she liked our home. She said it had character and it was full of memories. I could smell
I couldn’t help but think how cute he is when he is flustered. I heard the door close, I let myself relax. My muscles were stiff from how much time I had been spending in bed lately. I spent an hour soaking in the tub. When I was finished, I picked up the fluffy towel from the shelf. I wrapped myself in it; I was about to open the door when it opened revealing Arion.“I thought I heard you, I would have helped you.” He held out his hand to me. I took it.“Where’s Arrow?” I asked. I was surprised it was just Arion.“He fell asleep on your bed. He hasn’t slept much since we found out you are our mate. He has been so worried. He isn’t as tough as everyone thinks.” He explained.When I walked into my room, I smiled at Arrow sound asleep on my bed. “We shouldn’t disturb him. He needs to rest too.” I couldn’t help thinking how cute he is asleep. I threw on some comfy clothes. I wasn’t going anywhere; I took Arion’s hand. “Come on,” I pulled his hand, and he followed me. We went downstairs;
The next day I didn’t wake up till eleven-thirty. I had been up late watching movies with the twins. Sunday, the last day before returning to hell. I looked around; I was alone in the middle of the bed. Where were they now? I heard my mom in the kitchen, it sounded like she was talking to someone. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I groaned as I slid myself to the edge of the bed, I stretched before standing up. I made my way into the kitchen, my mom was standing at the oven, the door was open, and I could see fresh cinnamon rolls. They smelled divine; I could almost taste them. Arion was looking into the oven with my mom while she explained everything you need to do to make sure they are soft and delicious. Arrow sat on a stool, talking to someone on the phone. He was the first to notice me.“Dad, I gotta go, k, bye,” he hung up as he turned to me. “Good morning beautiful mate.” He smiled as though he hadn’t seen me in days. I smiled as he hugged me too tight.“Arrow, you’re going to
The twins walked with me as we made our way to the entrance, I saw Darren who smiled as he made his way over. They stopped with me as I greeted Darren, this time he stopped a few feet from me as he noticed how the twins were watching him. “Hey,” he said looking nervous.“Hey, Darren,” I said back trying to sound nonchalant.“Ok, well, we will see you later,” Arrow said giving Darren a warning look. He had his arm around me as I held Arion’s hand.I didn’t really want to talk to Darren much anyway. His betrayal was still too fresh. When we reached the gym, Arrow, and Arion both kissed me before jogging to the locker room. I could feel my body trembling. I knew Sheila and Jackie would be here, they never missed school or classes. I sat down cross-legged on the floor to wait for the twins.“So, you hated me enough to take my boyfriend because someone better took yours, huh?” Sheila’s shrill voice said from the doorway. I turned to see her and Jackie glaring at me.“I didn’t even do anyt
I stepped back, “sorry, I didn’t mean to, I.” He cut me off before I could finish.“Rina, hey, I was hoping we could talk,” his eyes met mine.“Um, I’m not sure right now is a good time, I have,” I didn’t get to finish my sentence.“Why do you keep showing up around our mate?” I froze hearing Arrow’s tone.“Haven’t you hurt her enough? If you insist on talking to her, you can do it without sneaking around,” Arion snarled.Arrow wrapped his arms around me protectively, and Arion stepped in front of me.“I don’t think you get it; she is our mate. You can talk to her with us around, I won’t let you hurt her again.” Arion’s voice sounded deadly.I shivered; his voice sending tingles to my core. I watched the color drain from Daren’s face.“Rina, I’m sorry. I just want you to know, that I still love you, and I always will. You were my best friend for a long time, and I just don’t want to lose that.”I felt my heart break as I thought of the party. I couldn’t help it. Finding him with someo