02

He received a scoff of a laugh from me and a smack on the head from Chloe.

Dylan and Reed chuckled further when Chloe hit him again, Chase grinning widely at his mate.

Reed was the future Alpha of the Blood Walkers Pack, once he turned eighteen, his father, my Alpha would be handing down his title to his only son. He shared the exact same facial features as his father, deep green eyes with gelled back blonde hair.

Feeling someone’s eyes on me, I turned slightly to see Dylan catching my eyeline. He smiled, a slight teasing smile on his face from catching me staring at Reed.

I shook my head at him, a slight smile stretching across my lips. Dylan was Beta Julian’s son and of course, the future Beta.

Both Reed and Dylan were due to turn eighteen in three months, a celebration and ceremony following the day after Reed’s birthday.

He moved slightly, his position changing as he angled himself to face me.

‘Staring at Reed, are we ?’ He teased, smirking. His voice entered my mind clearly, he was communicating with me through the pack mind link. It allowed all pack members to access you through a mental phone line.

I pursed my lips at him and smiled, I wasn’t intentionally staring at him. I couldn’t disagree that Reed was attractive, but he wasn’t my mate. I didn’t want a relationship of any kind with anyone but my mate.

‘Oh, shut up. You know how I feel about finding my mate.’ I replied, giving him a smile.

‘Yeah I know Lar.’ Dylan said, returning my smile before his face turned more serious and concerned. ‘So, I heard you coming in late last night. You do another double shift last night ? Is everything okay with you, I know you’ve been hectic lately with border patrols.’

‘I did, I’ve just had a lot on my mind lately. You know what I’m like, I want to keep busy when my brain is overloaded. I hate this time of year ; it gets closer and closer to the anniversary of my parent’s deaths.’

‘Just promise me that you won’t overdo it. If you do get tired, I’ll always take over your shifts. You need to learn when to take a break.’

I smiled at his concern ; he had taken on the role of bearing all my emotions when they had died. The anger, the fury, and the sorrow as I buried myself in grief.

I openly rolled my eyes at his words, a smile appearing on my face at the same time from his worry.

He had stayed with me, protected me and never left my side. He was the brother I never had and helped me along with Julian and Grace to feel whole again.

He didn’t add anything further after that, he simply turned to Reed, slapping him on his shoulder to get his attention. Reed turned around to see what Dylan wanted and gave me a smile.

« We’re still going to Gabriel’s party next week, right ? »

« Yeah. » Reed replied with a duh expression on his face, his full attention on Dylan. « Have you seen the girls from the Black Moon Pack, I’m not missing out on that opportunity. »

They both chuckled as I pulled a disgusted face, typical guys.

Dylan’s dimples were prominent as he beamed at me. « Why don’t you come to Gabriel’s party with us next week ? I know you haven’t got a patrol shift as I checked this morning. »

His words were promptly met with squeals from Chloe and Elle. They had been on my case about it for the past few weeks, they were desperate for me to go with them.

I hummed lowly, suddenly feeling everybody’s eyes on me. My friends all eagerly waiting for my response. « I’ll think about it. »

Chloe huffed but sent me a smile. « Only you would have to think about whether to go to Alpha Gabriel’s party. It will be the most insane party of Senior year along with Reeds and Dylan’s of course ! »

Alpha Gabriel was due to take his father’s Alpha title next week, he was the heir to the Black Moon Pack. It was common knowledge that Black Moon had the largest pack and territory in America with over 300 wolves.

They were immensely impressive with a highly respected reputation.

« As I said, I’ll think about it. » I repeated, standing up to throw my empty box in the trashcan.

Chloe grinned back at me one more time making me shake my head in amusement, my eyes rolling at her reply once again. « Fine, I’ll take it as a yes until you confirm. »

When the final bell rang at three o’clock, I walked toward the parking lot. My eyes immediately scanning for Dylan or Reed, the Alpha and Beta properties were practically besides each other so we would share rides.

Neither of them had any extracurricular activities after school today which meant I caught a ride with them this morning instead of going in my own vehicle.

They stood beside Reed’s black Dodge Charger, Dylan leaning against it as they spoke to the Third in Command’s twin daughters.

I approached them, quickly walking towards Dylan’s side, and giving the twins a small smile which they returned. The twins had newly shifted, their wolves present within their eyes.

Both Charlotte and Ella had not yet gained full control of their wolves, having newly shifted they were still in practice.

Their older brother and our future Third in Command River had taken the next three weeks off school to follow through with his own training.

« Ready to go ? » Reed questioned once the twins said their goodbyes. I nodded at him and we all got into the car, I sat in the back, pulling my seatbelt around me as Reed raced out of the school’s parking lot and down the road.

Our high school was located inside our territory and only a 15-minute drive from the pack house. The pack house mainly consisted of newly mated wolves, our pack infirmary and the Alpha’s spare office.

It didn’t take long for Reed to pull up outside the Beta’s house, the house I called home.

Both Dylan and I piled out of the car and headed towards the front door. We climbed the short steps, the mansion towering over us, the white walls reflecting nicely on the black windows.

We walked straight into the house, Dylan informing me that he was going to see his dad in the office.

I decided to walk into the kitchen, knowing Grace would be in the middle of cooking dinner.

Grace smiled widely at me as I entered the kitchen, manoeuvring myself to the counter stool as she grabbed seasoning from the cupboards, sprinkling it on generously to the spaghetti bolognese that she had cooking on the stove.

« How was school sweetheart ? » Grace asked as she walked to the kitchen sink, washing her hand, the soap bubbling up lavishly before it disappeared under the warm water.

I shrugged my shoulders, my eyes meeting hers. « Schools, school, » I began, my words making her laugh. « It wasn’t the worst, I have a math exam next week which I need to study for, but other than that, I’m fully caught up with work. »

« School was never my favourite, but you’re senior year now and its nearly over. I know we spoke briefly about it before, but have you thought about whether you wanted to go college or do full time warrior duties ? »

I sighed, my facial expression showing my uncertainty. I hadn’t yet decided what I wanted to do ; I was still indecisive. « I’m conflicted still, I would like to go to college and have the experience, but I also want to follow my father’s footsteps. »

Grace now stood opposite me on the other side of the counter, her hands reaching out to grab mine which I gripped just as hard. « You haven’t got too long to decide, I understand it’s not an easy choice but both Julian and I will be with you, whatever you choose to do. »

« Thanks Grace. » I appreciated Grace and Julian more than words could ever express. I stood up, walking around the counter and gave her a hug which she instantly returned.