Chapter 3

We sat down side by side near the shallow waters of the lake.I took off my sandals and folded the bottom part of my jeans, so that I could dip my feet in the water.

"You are a very beautiful girl, you know that?" Jace told me, as he caressed my cheek and moved a few strands of hair that had fallen over my face.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a light blush falling over my face.

"I hardly see any rogues who are girls, much less have them traveling alone."

I wasn't looking at him. So far, he hadn't tried anything, but my best shot of taking him on, was running. 

Yes, it had been a very bad idea to come alone with him.

"Yeah?" I simply asked.

"Dylan, The Alpha, is not a very forgiving or generous person. But, he is my best friend. I'm sure if you ask permission to be part of the pack, and with my influence, you could stay here permanently."

I turned to look at Jace. He was being serious.

"What would the price for that be?" I asked, knowing I wouldn't like his answer.

"I really like you. We could give us a try and see if it works out," Jace replied, shrugging.

"Thank you, but I'm not interested." I smiled and tried to look friendly. I didn't want to rile him up, or get him angry.

"You might become interested later. Maybe you could stay a few more days, and give the town a chance?" I searched his face trying to find answers to my questions. 

He was being nice about it and giving me an option.

"I'm not looking for a relationship at the moment. Besides, didn't you say your Alpha had to approve if I stayed any longer?"

"All we have to do is ask for permission to let you stay. For sure he'll say yes," Jace told me.

"That's a rule breaker for me. I don't want to meet your Alpha."

I put my hands on the ground behind me and rested my weight on them- trying to absorb the sun that fell over the lake.

"We could hold it off until you're ready then. As long as you keep out of the forest and out of sight from the pack, we should be safe."

I looked at Jace, trying to think of the possibility of staying.

Yes, I was three states away from home. It still felt like at any moment, they could come after me and take me back. 

I have considered the pack wanting my death for treason. I ran away like a coward. I'm sure that made no one happy.

"I'll stay, for right now," I said while Jace grinned and nodded.

When Jace noticed that I got hungry, he left to get us food. Not thirty minutes later, he was back with a brown bag and a few drinks.

I wanted to go for a swim, but didn't have any clothes. 

After a lot of convincing from Jace, I got in with my bra and panties, but wearing his shirt over them. He didn't mind scampering around in his boxers.

I didn't want to trust Jace at first, but after spending the day with him, it was hard to resist his charm.

I learnt that Jace has been the Beta for the Midnight Moon Pack for four years now. 

His best friend is the Alpha, he enjoys pack life, and he lives on his own. His family is part of the pack, but he wanted to enjoy the "bachelor life".

Jace tried to ask me questions. Every time he did, I placed the attention on something else. Either he let it go, or my distractions had been really good.

We stayed at the lake until late that afternoon. The sun was setting and a chilly air was settling around us. My hair was still damp so the air felt really cold.

"We should probably run back already," Jace told me, looking worried as I felt shivers run through my body.

I nodded my head and went to remove my clothes behind a tree.

It wasn't long before we made it back to the car. I told Jace where I was staying and he drove me to the hotel, claiming he was good friends with Marie.

"Long time, no see, Marie," Jace excitedly told the lady behind the desk.

"I know, Jace. You need to make time to visit us more often," Marie replied, walking from behind the counter and embracing Jace in a hug.

"Sure will, now take care of my friend here. She's new in town and hopefully, she'll stay with us for a while." Jace wrapped his arm around my shoulder and smiled down at me.

Marie looked surprised, but brightly offered us a grin.

"I see you got to meet Leila," Marie said to Jace.

"Sure, did," Jace replied, without taking his gaze off me.

"I'll see you tomorrow Marie. Thank you for everything," I told the lady, before walking away.

"Sure thing hun! Just call me if you need anything." I was off to my room, with Jace still by my side.

"Will you be okay on your own?" Jace asked me after we reached my room. I was hesitant to let him in, fearing he would assume it was an invitation for a sleepover.

"I was alone last night. This one shouldn't be any different."

"Do you have a pen?" I wasn't carrying my purse, so I was forced to go inside my room to get one.

I handed him the pen and he wrote down his number in a pad that was on my bedside table. He asked for my number, but I wasn't carrying a phone. 

I had left my cell phone at home, only writing down in a book important numbers and addresses I might need later.

"I'll come by tomorrow, okay?" Jace told me as he stood outside my opened door. I nodded my head.

His hand softly caressed my check and down my neck. Being about 6'1 in height, compared to my 5'4, he had to lean down to reach me. 

As he did, I feared he would kiss me but didn't dare move away.

He softly brushed his lips on mine, pressing longer than usual.

"Have a good night," he waved and walked away from me.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I closed the door and rested my back on it.

I didn't know what to do. It would be better to be part of a pack. Jace was nice enough and of a high enough rank to protect me, would anyone from my pack come after me.

But no matter how much Jace was attracted to me right now, if he ever found his mate, he would leave me.

I would never put myself in a position as defenseless as that.

That night, I slept thinking about possible scenarios for the next few days.