by Tamara White
“You’re important because of how you have affected us. I don’t even know if you’ve noticed, but we’re all drawn to you. Like you’re a flame in the middle of a dark room, enticing us to come closer. Yes, Kaden and Alex are mated to you, and we would protect you for that alone, but that's not the only reason. Bas, Dwayne and I all volunteered to look after you, but we weren’t the only ones. Nearly all of us in the pack did. In the end, Colby chose us because we are the ones with the most training and the ones least likely to lose control in a tense situation.”
Dwayne starts walking again and grabs my hand, twining it with his. “Haven’t you wondered why Colby, a man who has found his mate, is protecting you as if you are the most precious gem on this earth? It’s because he knows you are something special. We haven’t figured out what it is that draws us to you yet. But we all can feel it in our bones that there is going to come a time when we’ll need to protect you. So, I guess you could just call this training for whatever comes our way.”
I frown, my thoughts stuck on what Dwayne said about Colby ignoring both Emily and his true mate for me. He should be focusing on the two of them, not me. Next time I have a chance to talk to him, I need to tell him to stop worrying about me so much. Because while I do actually kind of like having these guys hovering, I am more than capable of protecting myself.
And of course, the moment I think that, a foot comes out of nowhere, tripping me. I see the floor come up to meet my face and move slightly to break my fall, only my body doesn’t hit the floor.
A pair of strong arms catch me right before I crash to the ground. I look up at my savior with a small smile. But instead of smiling back, I see a look of anger so intense in Dwayne’s eyes that it shocks me. I wonder who it was that tripped me. He looks ready to shift and go on a rampage.
He lifts me up and sets me back on my feet, before pushing me towards Kyle, who grabs me and holds me back. He must be worried about me going on the defensive and attacking whoever tripped me.
Dwayne marches over to the idiot in question and when I catch sight of just who it was, I groan softly. Of course, it just had to be Brady.
He smirks at me, not paying any attention to Dwayne, who is stalking over to him like a predator. At least, not until it’s too late. Before Brady even has a chance to defend himself, Dwayne has him pinned to the wall, with his forearm pressed to his throat, cutting off Brady’s air supply.
People in the hall stop what they’re doing to watch the scene unfold, some even pulling out their phones to snap pictures.
“Dwayne, stop.” I don’t put any command into my words, but when he hears them, he looks around and notices all the people watching. Then he turns back to Brady, moving closer to whisper into his ear. Even so, with our heightened senses, Kyle and I can hear every word. “I don’t understand what your problem with Katie is, but if you ever come near her again, I will take you out into the woods and feed you to the wolves.”
Brady’s eyes widen and he nods quickly, at this point gasping for breath. I shrug out of Kyle’s hold and reach for Dwayne’s free hand. He immediately grasps it and drops the arm that was holding Brady up against the wall. The moment the pressure disappears from his throat, Brady drops to a heap on the floor, coughing and desperately trying to draw in breath.
I smirk at the sight, but decide to pull Dwayne away from the scene before he can do any more damage. We don’t make it far, though. I stop in my tracks, surprised to see Kyle bend down in front of Brady, staring into his cold brown eyes. “If you mess with Katie, you better be prepared to take on our whole fraternity because she is ours now. Make sure you pass that message around to all your buddies who might think to try the same stupid shit you have.”
Brady doesn’t say anything in response, but I can tell by the quiver of fear that rocks his body, I won’t be dealing with him any more.
Together, the three of us walk away from the scene. I’m wedged between Dwayne, who’s still holding onto my hand, and Kyle, whose arm brushes mine for a moment before he grasps my free hand in his. I hold back my smile, feeling a sense of happiness by the simple gesture. The crowd of students that had gathered has already begun to disperse now that it’s clear there won’t be any kind of fight. I can’t help but notice the looks people shoot my way, though. Some of them appear to be jealous, others look afraid and a few just seem plain confused.
When we reach the café, Kyle steps away from us, dropping my hand as he does so. “You guys find a table and I’ll grab us all some coffee.”
Dwayne wraps an arm around my shoulder and guides me through the students milling about and waiting for their beverages, growling softly at any who get too close to me. Thankfully, though, it’s quiet enough none of them hear him.
As he leads me over to a table in the back corner, I notice something I haven’t before. A sense of power shining within him. I have no idea how I didn’t sense it before, but I feel it now like it’s a tangible thing. It’s similar to what I sense within Colby. Maybe at heart Dwayne is actually an Alpha?
We've only just sat down when I see Sebastian walking over to us, a weary smile on his face. "I take it I was a little late to the party," he jests as he joins us. “Rumor around the campus is that Brady was just beaten to a pulp by Dwayne. Yet, when I saw him, the guy looked like he could still walk. You must be losing your touch, D."
The playfulness in his tone brings a smile to my face. But Dwayne looks away, his cheeks tinged pink in embarrassment.
“He didn’t beat on him, just threatened him a little. Besides it’s only been like two minutes since it happened. There’s no way talk could have spread and become that exaggerated in such a short span of time,” I say with a roll of my eyes.
He just shrugs one shoulder. "Gossip spreads fast in school. Especially when one of the ‘heartthrobs’ get their ass kicked by someone in our frat. It's like a constant competition between the preppy idiots and us outsiders."
Outsiders? Does he mean the frat? How on earth could they be outsiders? From what I’ve seen, they’re far more involved in their classes than those assholes. And they don’t skip classes like I’ve seen Brady and his friends do. But they seem to get away with it. I’ve seen Brady flirt with his female professors and they seem all too happy to forgive his missing classes and late assignments.
"Why do people think you guys are outsiders?"
"Well, wouldn't you if you didn’t know the truth? We have parties that require an invitation, and we only invite a few pledges each year. We don't participate in any sports, except what we do in our own backyard. What else are they supposed to think? We don't exactly welcome normals with open arms, until you that is."
I fidget, a little uncomfortable by the intensity of his stare. "How is it that you have not just Kaden and Alex wrapped around your finger, but Colby and these two idiots as well? Though, I have to admit I too find myself wanting to get close to you. Why is that?” Bas asks, just as Kyle returns to the table carrying a tray laden with all of our drinks. I wonder if he knew what to order for me? After all, he didn’t ask.
Sebastian isn’t done asking questions, though. "And how exactly did you make me let you into the house after Kaden had been shot? Something isn't quite right with you and I intend to find out what it is before offering my protection."
At my side, Dwayne growls, and I lay a hand on his arm to reassure him. ‘It’s okay, Dwayne. He’s right to want to know more about me before offering anything. Not that I expect you to, by the way,” I add, looking at Bas. “I am pretty capable of handling anything on my own.”
Bas scoffs at that, a glint of amusement in his eyes even as he glares at me. “Well? I’m waiting. Thrill us with your story.”
I sigh, holding back a smile. He strikes me as the type of guy who puts on a tough front, but then when you get to know him better, he’s nothing but a fluffy marshmallow.
“Okay, so you know I was mated not only to one wolf, but two, right? Well, basically after I found out wolves existed, I learne
d that I was one too. Except, I’m a little different.” All three of the men give me their full attention, but before continuing, I take the cup Kyle placed in front of me.
Yep, caramel latte. How the hell did he know that?
I take a sip, then set my coffee back on the table and lift my head to meet their gazes. "Well, my parents were Alphas. Not just one, but both of them.”
I watch as their eyes widen with shock, clearly stunned by my admission. Maybe I should just have a sign made up to explain my heritage? It would be better than having to have this conversation multiple times. I could even hand out flyers. I can see the title now. ‘Born to two Alphas, but not crazy... yet.’
“Even though wolves born to two Alphas are supposed to go mad, I got lucky. Instead, I seem to have gained the abilities of an Alpha wolf, but without the ability to shift. That’s how I made you do what I want, Sebastian, with my Alpha command. Only my command ability isn’t limited to one pack like it is for most. I can use it on any wolf.”
Sebastian drums his fingers on the table, watching me with wary eyes. “Do you use your command on us whenever you please?”
I lean back in my chair to move away from his judging gaze. “Honestly, more than I care to admit. I try to limit its use unless I really need to control a situation, but my emotions can get the better of me like anyone else. Which is what happened the night I used it on you. I was upset, and hurt. The fact you were denying me entry to see Kaden, well it just pissed me off to a whole new level.”
Kyle shoves Sebastian, giving him a look of annoyance. “There, you got your answers. Now leave her alone.” Then he turns to me with a smile and starts digging into his pocket. He pulls out a muffin, handing it to me. “Here’s your muffin. You said double choc, right? If you want something else I can always grab something different.”
“No, this is exactly what I wanted. Thank you for getting it.” It’s very sweet of him and I didn’t expect him to actually bring me one.
I peel away the plastic wrap and start to pick the muffin apart, eating it slowly. I still don’t know what is setting off my nausea and I would rather be cautious, if only to avoid pulling out anti-nausea pills. I’m sure if the guys saw them, I’d be bombarded by more questions. But judging by the set of Bas’ pursed lips, I’m not going to get any such reprieve.
“Why aren’t Kaden and Alex acting as your shadows today? It seems weird that they would leave you alone like this, especially so soon after you mated.”
Kyle looks like he wants to punch Sebastian, and sends a growl his way. “Just ignore Bas. He thinks he has the potential to be an Alpha one day, and thinks that gives him the right to question anyone he likes.”
I finish the piece of muffin I’m working on and go to take a drink of my cooling latte before responding to Sebastian. “I don’t mind answering questions. A few weeks ago I may have punched you for asking me something so personal when we barely know each other, but I made a promise to myself not to keep everything to myself.”
All three of them are now looking at me, but I focus my attention on Bas. “And to answer your question, the reason Kaden and Alex aren’t here is because I’m angry at the two of them. Yes, they claimed me as their mate but they did so in the heat of the moment and without my permission.” Gasps echo from the three of them but I go on. “I would have eventually let them claim me, so I’m not angry about that, at least not anymore. I’m just having a little trouble with the fact they took the decision from me. Drew, my true mate, used to do similar shit. He would make choices for me without my input and then would act like I had no right to be angry because he knew I would eventually accept his decision. So I guess, I’m just trying to remind myself that Kaden and Alex aren’t Drew, despite them doing something similar.”
“Shittttttt…” Sebastian drags out, his eyes now filled with sympathy.
“Besides, I’m more angry at Kaden than Alex right now, and for a whole different reason. When I came into my room yesterday, I found him perched on my bed with Frannie on his lap, her lips locked to his. And while the rational side of me tells me she probably staged the whole thing, the irrational part is plotting different ways to castrate him and turn his balls into ornaments.”
With that, I dig into the rest of my muffin. It didn’t seem to set off my nausea so I turn to look over at the glass display case, debating whether to grab another. The three men watch me with varying levels of respect and fear in their expressions, which is probably both a good and bad thing. Oh well, they can think what they want of me.
Decision made, I dig through my bag which Dwayne has wedged between us. I grab my purse out before getting to my feet.
Dwayne goes to stand but I put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. “Relax, I’m just going to get another muffin or two. I’ll be right over there. You’ll be able to see me the whole time.” He looks dubious, but eventually nods, lowering himself back in his seat.
I make my way up to the counter and immediately start to regret my decision when I see Cindy standing there. But unlike last time, she is nothing but polite as I ask for two more double choc muffins and a toasted ham and cheese croissant.
She asks me to wait to the side since my croissant will take a minute or two to toast. I do so, and then look back over the table. The guys are all watching me with nervous expressions. I guess Colby must have threatened them with some pretty terrible shit if anything happened to me.
Well, speak of the devil and he shall appear. Colby strides through the doorway, his gaze zeroing on Bas, Dwayne and Kyle, who all look like they have just shit themselves in the face of his thunderous expression. He storms over to them, drawing the attention of everyone in the café.
Cindy hands over my food but her gaze is locked on the guys and ends up knocking the tray off the counter. Thankfully with my fast reflexes, I’m able to catch my muffins before they hit the ground, but sadly my croissant is a lost cause. And while there are many things I will do for food, eating something after it hits the ground is not one of them. Five second rule or not. If it touches the ground, even for a fraction of a second, I will not put that thing in my body.
Food in hand, I tuck my purse under my arm and walk back to the table. I hope Colby has calmed down or if not, that he will when he sees I am perfectly safe.
As I get closer, I can hear his angry whispered words. “I tell the three of you to watch her and you can’t even make it two hours before letting her out of your sight!” He runs a hand through his hair in frustration and I imagine he’s glaring down at the three of them.
Kyle sees me approach and immediately relaxes, his expression morphing into a smile. But that’s the absolute worst thing for him to have done when Colby is so worked up.
“What the fuck are you smiling about?” he snarls, his face now mere centimeters from Kyle’s.
I juggle my food in order to free up one of my hands and then tap Colby on the shoulder. He whips around so fast I almost lose my hold on my pastries.
“Hey, Colbs. What ya doing harassing my guards? Didn’t you know that with you standing there, you made it impossible for them to keep an eye on me?” I say sweetly, moving past him to slide back into my seat.
He splutters at that, trying to come up with a response. Meanwhile, everyone else in the room goes back to eating and talking like nothing ever happened. My guess is it's a novel thing for people to see any of the guys in the frat fighting, and everyone probably thought that was exactly what would happen. But now that they see otherwise, they're no longer interested.
Finally, I decide to take pity on him. “Colby, I’m fine. Now, please sit down. Or go get some coffee, whatever it was that you came here to do.” I dismiss him and start ripping into another muffin, moaning happily as the chocolate chips melt on my tongue. It’s not until I finish I notice all four of them are watching me with amused expressions.
“What? Just because I like food you feel you have to stare? How would you like it if I gawked at you while you were all devouring your st
eaks?” They look away at that, but I can see the grins they are trying to hide.
Finally Colby decides to join us, grabbing a chair from an empty table beside us. After taking a seat, he reaches across the table and snatches a piece of my last muffin that I had just finished ripping up.
A small growl builds in my chest. His eyes widen in shock and he pauses with chunk right by his mouth.
Kyle and Bas both smirk, and their gazes dart between Colby and me, eager to see what happens next.
Dwayne, however, holds out a hand to Colby, palm up. “Have you ever been bitten by a hungry she wolf, Colbs? Because if you don’t give that back, I think she may just take a piece out of you,” Dwayne teases him.
He may be joking, but my gaze is firmly locked on the piece of my muffin. I don’t share food very well and right now with this craving, I may just lunge across the table and strangle him if he doesn’t give it back.
Colby, obviously valuing his skin, drops the piece of muffin in Dwayne's hand, who promptly holds it out to me. I open my mouth for him, indicating he should feed it to me, smiling widely when he does. Then I start chewing away happily.
Colby shudders and watches me warily. “Gotta say, Katie, I thought I had seen you at your worst, but that look in your eyes just now… I thought you were going to bite my hand off.”
I shrug, glad that he learned his lesson. “Well, if I had, it would have been your own fault. I’m not the best at sharing food. But now…” I trail off, not wanting to speak my thoughts out loud for fear one of the others will run straight to Alex and Kaden and tell them.
I decide to change the subject before they have a chance to dwell on what I could have meant. “So why are you here anyway? Not that I mind, but I thought you would be busy today, not stuck here babysitting me.”
He grins at me, his eyes filled with happiness. “I wanted to be the one guarding you today, but Emily is acting strange. When I told her I was going to be your shadow, she got very angry. So I told her I would instead spend time with her and show her how much she meant to me. But then she got a text and had to bail. Something to do with her family. So then I just started walking around, trying to decide whether or not to go back to my room. That’s when I heard someone talking about the incident with Brady. I came right over, wanting to make sure you were okay.”