“You all right,” Sam smacked my arm. “What was that all about? Professor Hot Ass seems to have a crush on a married woman.”
“Are you serious?” I just laughed at her. “How is there so much bullshitness, in one little brain?” Zander cracked up and Sam smiled.
“Bullshitness, I love it.” She was truly excited about my vocabulary, and not upset at all about my comment. I just shook my head at her. She was a piece of work that I couldn’t help but laugh at.
“Do you want me to neuter him?” Sam yelled. Everyone was laughing at this point.
“I can handle him. There will be no surgery needed today.” I glanced over at him, and he winked. This confused me worse. Was he just messing with my head? Note to self… Find out what the punch line is to his inside joke. “I am sorry, Zander. Continue on my friend.”
“You men will be under direct orders from me and Zenick, until further notice. You will be stationed in and around the campus. We will have around-the-clock surveillance. This lovely girl is my brother’s mate. She will be treated as if she were your Alpha female. She is not to be let out of your sight for any reason. You know the consequences if you disobey a pack leader. Are we clear men?”
They all bowed their heads. Not one of them made eye contact. I take it, they get the picture.
“Is this necessary?” I asked Zander as quietly as possible.
“Of course it is. You are a member of this pack. Don’t ever question your importance here, my sister.” I just nodded my head and agreed. Secretly, I loved that he called me sister. I had never had a brother. On the other hand I felt too small to be considered important in this big pack. They didn’t know me and I didn’t know them. I felt odd and out of place.
Not odd at all. You belong here. You will always be a part of this pack, and Zander would love to know that you think of him as a brother. We will always be family. Zen had snuck into my thoughts and up behind me.
It sounds nice.
Chapter Thirteen It only took me about a week of walking around with bodyguards before I couldn’t take it anymore. I had the same schedule every day. Wake up, go to class, go eat, go back to the dorm, and go to sleep. Yuck. Luckily I had made friends in each of my classes. It allowed me some extra human interaction.
“It has been a week and no attacks. Can you please make these mutts quit sniffing my butt? I can’t breathe.” I spoke loudly to Zen, hoping it would make them take a step back. Of course it didn’t, overprotective hot heads.
Zen was laughing. Not out loud, but I could see his shoulders shaking. I am not finding this funny lover boy. I feel smothered. Can’t we at least make it so that I only have one watch dog with me at a time?
He sighed heavily. You must quit calling them dogs. You do remember that you are half wolf too?
I ran my fingers along the side of his face. “I’m sorry.” He closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, inhaling my scent. It sent chills down my spine. The look in his eyes said that he felt it too. He leaned in to kiss me but stopped just short of my lips. He glanced around the room. We were not alone. We were never alone anymore. Three of the pack members were standing in the room with us. I sighed as loud as I could.
“Okay, I get it. I’m sorry.” He kissed me lightly. “Ben, Lucas, you are free to go. Gage, you will remain on duty until further notice. And you,” he kissed me on the cheek,“get to class.”
“Yeah, yeah I’m on it.”
He growled playfully and snipped at me. I kissed him quickly and sent him out the door.
It was just me and Gage. Gage was my professor who had embarrassed me the day we left the mansion. I never spoke to him about that day. I didn’t want Zee making something out of nothing, and I was sure that Gage was just having a bad day. Since then, we had developed an unspoken bond. Gage I could handle. I was glad that Zee let him stay. He was the nicest one of my guards besides Zander. He never bothered me. He knew exactly when I needed space and was quick to give it to me. It also didn’t hurt that from afar he was yummy to look at.
He had sandy brown hair and ice blue eyes. He was tall and handsome, yummy indeed. I often compared him to Zee. He had that same sense about him in the way that he understood me. I was comfortable.
“You ready, Princess?” he asked.
“I really hate that name, but it sounds so pretty when you say it.”
He laughed. He always laughed. He was very lighthearted. It seemed he never had a care, except protecting me. In fact, he had been there every time I needed anything. When I dropped my books on the lawn or the time that I nearly fell down a flight of stairs, he was there. He never seemed unhappy to be with me like some of the others.
Whenever he would stay with me, he barely spoke, so I didn’t have to hear any complaining. I enjoyed having him around, but I barely knew anything about him, or any of the pack. I decided that if we were all going to have to be together then we needed to get to know each other.
I invited Gage, Lucas, and Ben to join Zander, Zee, Sam, and me in a game of truth ball. Sam and I have been playing this game for years. We loved it. The guys didn’t want to play at first, but when I offered free food they came running, like a pack of wolves.
“All right guys, listen up. This is how the game works.” I pulled the bouncy ball from the closet. “Written all over this ball are questions. Some of them are personal, and others are just fun. When the ball gets bounced to you, you have to answer the question that is staring you in the face. If you decide not to answer the question, then the person who tossed you the ball will give you a dare. You have to do it. Do you have any questions?” I asked.
“Yeah, what is the point?” Lucas asked rolling his eyes.
“The point is, we learn a little bit about each other, and we find a cure for our boredom.” I threw the ball hitting him up the side of his head. “And no more rolling your eyes at me. Got it?”
He just laughed and threw the ball back at me.
I threw the ball first, right at Gage. He smiled and read the question aloud. “How many people have you kissed?” He didn’t answer. He kept his head down. His shoulders shook from laughter.
“That many,” Sam jabbed him in the shoulder. “Easy there stud muffin.” She winked at him playfully.
He looked me directly in the eye and didn’t flinch. “Dare,” he said. I was shocked. It was such a simple question, and now I was curious. He was always so secretive.
He found out quickly that he doesn’t want to mess with me. I am the queen of giving dares. I made him put on red lipstick and dared him to kiss Sam on the cheek.
The room erupted like a bad volcano. Everyone had objections.
“I don’t think that is such a good idea,” Zander interrupted.
“You know that I am a professor,” Gage chimed in.
“I am fully aware of this, Professor. It is a harmless kiss on the cheek. I don’t think anyone will run and tell. I mean if you’re scared, just say you’re scared.” I cocked my head to the side and mocked him.
“I am not scared. Get over here, Sam.” Gage motioned for her to come to him.
Sam licked her lips and rushed over to him. “But,” Zander tried to interject.
“It is harmless Zee. I mean it’s not like I have a boyfriend,” Sam said, and flipped her hair. “Okay Professor hotstuff, I’m ready.” She smiled at him.
He shook his head at her and kissed her on the cheek, not just a peck either. He held the back of her neck and pulled her in closely. He didn’t seem fazed by it at all.
“Next time I won’t be so easy on you,” I vowed.
“I look forward to it,” he stared me in the eyes.
Sam was elated. She nearly passed out right there. I couldn’t blame her. All the boys from the pack had an intoxicating presence. I rolled my eyes at her. I felt somewhat jealous, which confused me. I shrugged it off. I didn’t want Zee to poke into my thoughts. Gage and I had become good friends. I placed the situation in the back of my mind, erased it completely. Zander seemed affec
ted by it as well. I am sure that I saw him roll his eyes and look away when Gage pressed his lips to Sam’s cheek.
It turned out to be an interesting night. It went by so quickly. I learned so much about everyone.
Zenick was nineteen years old. He had kissed two girls besides me. His favorite pizza toppings are pepperoni and ham. He loves the color black and wears boxers. But, he loves to sleep nude. That one made me blush. He also loves all hip hop music, and we got to see how good he can dance. The boy has mad dance skills. To top it all off, he also speaks beautiful German- sexy.
Gage had just had a birthday a few days ago which he failed to tell me about. He turned twenty six. He was the oldest child who lost his only sister to an illness we didn’t discuss. His favorite color is blue. He wears a size thirteen shoe. He loves any music you find on the radio. He reads in his free time and loves playing any sport that involves contact. He loves all forms of art and also speaks German.
Sam wasn’t shy at all about filling in the blanks, but there wasn’t anything new I could learn about her. I know everything there is to know. She focused her attention on Zander all night. He keeps her well distracted.
Zander is a lot like Zee in most ways. He would answer anything we threw at him. We learned that he loves all sports. His favorite girl body part are the lips, he loves listening to Linkin Park, and his favorite thing to wear are his black Chucks. I am not sure how much Sam actually listened to what he said, but I do know she didn’t take her eyes off him all night. She was mesmerized, despite the fact that she had been kissed by Gage. Once the initial shock of Gage had worn off, she was back to being all over Zander.
Everything had gone exactly as I had planned. We had fun. I had taken my mind off all of the bad things that had been weighing there. I had spent time with my old and new friends. We shared laughs and made new memories. I won’t forget all of the laughs we shared and how funny those wolf boys can be when they let loose. They were carefree instead of uptight. It was a nice change. A little popcorn and ice cream can go a long way.
It was around 1:00 am when Zee let everyone leave. He decided he would be on guard duty for the night by himself. I was exhausted, so I was glad I didn’t have to put up a fight about it just being the two of us.
“I had a wonderful time tonight playing your game. I think that everyone did,” he said as he was straightening the room.
“I was afraid that they would think it was crazy and immature. We have always used this game to get to know each other, but we have never played it with a bunch of boys. The looks on their faces made me a little nervous at first.”
“They love you, Babe. No worries. We are not used to doing these types of things, but we are easy to soften up. You had them eating out of the palm of your hand”
I laughed at his cute little remark. I was picturing a bunch of wolves eating out of my hand, literally. “Thanks. My plan was to forget the craziness and focus on having a good time.”
“How did your plan work?” he asked walking slowly to me.
“Perfect.” I closed the distance, and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Good, he answered in my head, you get ready for bed you have class tomorrow.
Okay. Where are you sleeping? I asked.
I’m not; I will stand guard.
Is that really necessary? She hasn’t bothered me in weeks. You need your beauty sleep too.
He stifled a laugh as he nuzzled my neck. I am fine and yes it is necessary. Now you get some sleep. He swatted my butt and edged me towards the bed.
All right, all right goodnight
I had been working hard at blocking my thoughts lately and it seemed to be working. I knew it was, because Zee didn’t notice the thought I had about Gage earlier. I was blocking him hard tonight, because I didn’t want him to know how desperately I needed him close. I was feeling crazy about separation and needed the comfort. But, I didn’t want to feel clingy, so I blocked all thoughts. I went to bed feeling incomplete.
Chapter Fourteen I was awakened from my sleep by Gage. I didn’t know it was Gage.
“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty,” he said.
I felt him close to my face but I never opened my eyes. I just reached my arms up around his neck and pulled his face next to mine. It was then that I realized it was Gage. I felt his facial hair rub against my cheek. Zee’s face was smooth. I opened my eyes quickly.
“I’m sorry,” I said, “I thought you were Zee.”
He stayed right there at eye level. I could feel his breath. He looked like he was in a trance. His light blue eyes were piercing me to the bone. He spoke softly, “Most dangerous is that temptation that doth goad us on to sin in loving virtue.”
My breath caught when I tried to speak. “Shakespeare,” I whispered shakily.
“That is very good, Princess. Now, get ready. You have class in twenty minutes.” He stood up smiling and glided out of the room. It didn’t bother him. The effect he had on me was crazy. I didn’t share the same ability to affect him; obviously.
I once again had to shake Gage off. He so easily threw me off my course. I was afraid I might read too much into his comments and stares. He is just a pack member here to protect me and keep me safe. I have a mate. Zee has my soul. End of story.
I walked out into the hall to meet Gage. “Morning, Princess. Let’s get you to class.” He walked behind me as we started down the hall. He stayed back for protection, but I found it uncomfortable, not to mention that everyone stared. He is a professor, so I am sure it didn’t look good.
“You can walk beside me. I promise I won’t bite.” I kept walking, never turning around.
“Servants walk behind. Besides, I have a better view back here.
I snapped my head around and caught him grinning at me. I just stared. “Class, Princess.” He woke me up from my daze and pointed down the hall.
As I continued walking, I thought about his comment. The view can’t be that good. I was only wearing black stretch pants and an F.U. hoodie.
We reached my class and he stopped me before I walked in. “Listen, Lucas will be taking over for me in thirty minutes. I will be back on duty at 9:00 tonight.”
“Ughh,” I groaned.
“I’ll miss you too.” Gage smiled. “But, I will see you in class.”
“No… That’s… I mean…” I sighed heavily. “Lucas can be obnoxious. You know what I mean, right?”
“Of course, Princess, I will try to come earlier.”
I just nodded and walked into class. The class was full. Luckily, Nicole had saved me a seat. I loved having her there. We had gotten so close. She always came to class early and would save me a seat.
“Listen up, Chick. I am stealing you for the night. You have got to get away before you lose your mind.”
“It’s impossible. I’m under 24/7 surveillance. Gage is outside the door right now. I am never left alone. They are like butter to popcorn. You know, all over that shit.”
She laughed. “I hear you, but this will be a piece of cake. At 7:30 meet me outside the left side exit of the dorm. I’ll have the car running. We will find the closest store and buy out the candy section. We will get all hyped up on a sugar buzz, listen to the music loud, and drive real fast.” She smiled, bouncing up and down in her seat. She was always in a good mood. I love that about her.
“I don’t know. I want to. I do, but Lucas will be outside my room. How will I get out?”
“No worries. I will have him distracted at exactly 7:29. Be ready. We won’t be gone fifteen minutes.” She pouted her bottom lip. “Please.” She could be very convincing. The idea of a night out sounded wonderful.
The two of us have never hung out, outside of class. We were so much alike, I knew that she would be so much fun, plus no surveillance. I could not resist.
“Okay. I’m there.”
“We are going to have a blast.”
***
The rest of the day passed quickly and without fail. Everything was going as planned and I h
ad five minutes before it was time to meet Nicole. I told Zee I was going to lay down for a nap and would call him when I got up. He bought it. I was a little nervous about sneaking around, but was so excited to get out. I had to quit looking over my shoulder every minute. I felt like a prisoner. I couldn’t let her take away all of my fun.
I grabbed my cell, some cash, and slipped on my hoodie. I felt for the necklace Zee had given me. It was still there. I hadn’t taken it off since the day he gave it to me. It had given me some security, even now. Each time I looked at it, it felt like a shield of his love.
I peeked into the hall at exactly 7:29. There was no one. The girl was a freaking genius. She had somehow managed to get rid of Lucas. I didn’t know how, and I really did not care. I wish I had called on her services a week ago.
I checked both directions of the hall, and then made a break for it. Flying down the hall as fast as I could, and I was barreling down the stairs, taking two at a time. I burst out the side door. Good thing no one was on the other side. Someone could have been seriously injured.
Amazing! She was there. She sat in the driver seat of a very attractive black Honda Civic. It was serious, Pimp my Ride, style. It looked like she just drove it off the set of The Fast and the Furious. It felt like it too. I had barely gotten my door shut when she squealed tires out of the parking lot. We left nothing behind except some black tracks and smoke. My adrenaline was pumping at full speed.
“I can’t believe you pulled this off. That was impressive. Thank you so much.” I never knew this girl had such a wild crazy side. “I still can’t believe it. How did you get rid of Lucas?”
“She didn’t.” Lucas popped his head up from the backseat.
“Shit, Lucas.” I jumped back quickly holding my chest. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“Actually, that’s not a bad idea.” He smiled, and something black came quickly towards my head. The world went dark.
Chased (The Graysen Pack Series) Page 10