by Sam Crescent
“Help her up and bring her to my office,” Mr. Bridges said.
Someone wrapped their arms around her, lifting her to her feet. Marshall was helping her. His arm slid across her back, and he pulled her arm across his neck.
“Come on, I’ll help you.”
Trey walked over to them. “Do you want me to take over?”
“Nah, I’ve got her from here. You take my place.”
Mr. Bridges led the way, grabbing out a cold compress from the freezer. “I’m going to have to call your parents.”
Before she got a chance to warn him that they would be out, he was gone, leaving her alone with Marshall.
Sitting on the sofa in the office, she placed the compress over her face. It hurt like hell, and it felt like her cheek was starting to swell. “Does it look bad?”
She didn’t like the way he sat looking at her.
He’d been crouching in front of her but stood to grab a mirror. Pulling the cold compress from her cheek, she saw the damage. Half her face was red from the ball.
“Who hit me?”
“Cheryl. She threw the ball.” He growled out the words.
Biting her lip, she nodded. It made sense for Cheryl to go for a blow that would seriously hurt her.
Mr. Bridges came in seconds later. “I can’t get either of your parents.”
“They’re doctors. Don’t worry.”
“No, I don’t want you driving home like that. I need to make sure—”
“I can take her home,” Marshall said.
“What?”
“Yeah, I’ve got my car. I’ll take her home, and Jack can follow with her car.”
“Are you sure?” Mr. Bridges asked.
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
She didn’t want Marshall anywhere near her home or her car.
“Excellent. I’ve left a message at the hospital.”
Mr. Bridges left the room once again.
“You really don’t need to take me home. I can find some way there myself.”
“You’re going to be able to drive?”
“Of course.” She only had a ball to the face.
“Look, if you don’t let me take you home, Bridges is going to make you stay until your folks get home. Do you want to stay behind until they’re here?” Marshall asked.
“I don’t want you to drive me home.” He may be friends with Trey, but he wasn’t her friend. She didn’t trust him and wouldn’t start doing so anytime soon.
He blew out a breath. They were two days into the new year of school, and suddenly he was driving her home, being nice. She shouldn’t trust him. Scarlett didn’t trust.
“Look, when it came to you, I fucked up. I know that. I’m offering you an olive branch here. I’m not messing with you. I want to be your friend.”
“Why?”
“I want to be.”
“You’re not going to say any more than that?”
“No.”
“I don’t like this.”
“I’m not asking you to like it. Let me take you home.”
She nibbled her bottom lip, wishing she could find any excuse not to be alone with him.
“Okay.” She whispered the word but wanted to take it back the moment she did.
“Good.”
He helped her to her feet, and she placed the cold compress on the desk. Jack was waiting by the door.
“I need to grab my stuff,” Scarlett said.
Marshall didn’t let her go. He followed her to the girls’ room, helping her grab her bag with her clothes. She stuffed them inside so that he wouldn’t see any of the sizes. Scarlett was waiting for the next stage of the joke, but nothing was happening. Once outside, she saw Trey waiting for her.
“Shit, Scarlett, are you okay?” He reached out to touch her cheek. She winced, and she was sure she heard a growl come from Marshall.
“I’m fine. Bridges asked Marshall to take me home.”
“Do you want me to take you?”
“I’ve already arranged it. I’ll see you later, Trey,” Marshall said, leading her out of the gym. They hit the warm air of the afternoon. Jack stood on one side of her while Marshall continued to hold her.
“I can walk.”
“I know. I’m happier holding you.”
Jack chuckled.
Scarlett couldn’t help the unease that worked its way up. Jack stopped chuckling, and she saw him stare at Marshall. “Fuck, you were right.”
“What?” Scarlett asked.
“Nothing is going to happen to you, baby. We’re not going to hurt you. We’re only going to help get you home,” Marshall said.
Jack went on ahead.
Her mouth went dry. What was going on?
Marshall stopped her and placed his palm against her cheek. “I need you to stop being afraid. We’re not going to hurt you, and we’re not going to bully you. It’s over, and we’re not going to do it again.”
She really wanted to trust him, but she couldn’t. For so long he’d made her life a misery. How could she even trust him now?
“Jack needs your keys.”
Scarlett searched her bag, pulling out her keys and handing them to Marshall. He threw the keys toward Jack and then helped her toward his car. She was surprised by his attention. He opened the door, helping her up into her seat. She slid inside, wanting him to stop touching her. Scarlett didn’t trust his touch.
He closed the door, rounding the car to get behind the wheel. His masculine scent filled the small space, and she didn’t like how comforting his smell was.
Mate!
“Hey, are you with me?” he asked.
She nodded as she kept her eyes closed. Scarlett didn’t want to look at him.
“That was some defense with the ball.”
Opening her eyes, she looked at him. His black hair was slick with sweat that hadn’t dried yet. His gaze was straight ahead on the road. His jaw looked firm as if he was gritting his teeth. She wondered what he was thinking.
“You really think I was trying to get the ball that landed in my face?”
“Um, no, but it was pretty damn good for what you did.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. He chuckled along with her, and for the first time in his company, she started to relax.
Resting her head along the back of the chair, she groaned at the ache that had started to build.
“How are you holding up?” He touched her cheek.
“I’ve got a really bad headache. Seriously, it hurts.” She pressed a hand to her head.
“We’ll have you home in no time.”
“Why are you caring?” she asked. The words were out of her mouth before she could even stop them.
He didn’t say anything. “Why wouldn’t I care?”
She snorted. “You’ve done nothing but bully me. Why are you being nice?”
He glanced down at her before going back to looking at the road. “I turned over a new leaf. I’m no longer going to be an ass to you.”
Scarlett kept her gaze on him, not believing it. There’s no way a guy like Marshall changed.
“You don’t believe me?”
“No, sorry, I don’t.”
“I guess I deserve that. I’ve got a lot to make up for.”
She decided not to say anything. There was no need for words. He pulled up outside of her home several minutes later.
Opening the door, she grabbed her bag, sliding out of the car. He was there in front of her, quicker than she thought possible.
“You’re fast.”
“I’ve got great reflexes.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist and led the way toward her house. Jack arrived within minutes of Marshall pulling up outside her home, and he handed her the keys.
She slid the key into the lock as Marshall led her into her home. “I’ve got it from here.”
“I want to make sure you’re safe.”
“No. I’m fine.”
He didn’t listen and helped her into her home. Marshall
closed the door behind them, leaving them alone.
“Don’t you think that’s rude?” she asked.
“Do you really want Jack in here?”
She shook her head. She didn’t want him in here, but he’d invited himself in anyway.
Marshall helped her through to the kitchen. She took a seat and watched as he opened drawers and cupboards.
“What are you looking for?”
“Some aspirin that will help with your headache.”
Pressing a hand to her temple, she shook her head. “I’m fine. I’ll deal with it.”
She heard him cheer and then the water running. In no time at all he stood in front of her with a glass in his hand.
“Drink up.”
Taking the two white pills from his hand, she swallowed them down.
“You should have checked they were aspirin.”
Her stomach twisted as she looked up at him. Marshall was smiling.
“I’m joking, Scarlett. They were aspirin.” He shook his head, taking the water from her. “Come on, I’ll help you upstairs.”
“I don’t think so.” She was calling a stop to this.
“Don’t you want help?”
“I’m going to shower and go to bed. I don’t want you upstairs.” She placed a hand on his chest, stalling him.
“I’m good at washing backs.”
“I don’t care. You can wash other girls’ backs.” She started to guide him back to the door.
“You’re being completely unfair.”
“I appreciate your help, Marshall. Thank you.”
She opened the front door, ushering him out. He didn’t fight her. Scarlett was oddly touched by his attention.
“Call me if you need anything.”
Shaking her head, Scarlett shut the door. She wouldn’t be calling Marshall for anything.
Mate.
Chapter Six
Marshall whistled as he made his way back to his car.
“What has got you so cheery?” Jack asked.
“I’ve got an idea.”
He climbed behind his wheel and turned the ignition over.
“Are you going to tell me about that bright idea?”
“Trey’s not a problem. I can get rid of him easily.” He headed back toward his home. Gym was the last lesson of the day, and he didn’t need to go back for anything.
“She’s really your mate, isn’t she?”
Marshall gripped the steering wheel tighter. Being close to her and knowing she didn’t trust him made his wolf crazy. His wolf wasn’t happy with him for treating her so appallingly. He would gladly go back and change the shit he’d done to her, but he couldn’t. The only thing he could do was make sure he never hurt her again. He wouldn’t. Scarlett calmed his beast, and having her in his arms today made him realize how important she was. When they were on the track, running behind her and Trey, it had taken every ounce of control not to run the bastard down, and claim her in the middle of the track. He’d kept his eye on her body, watching her run around the track. She was in good shape regardless of her weight. He’d been surprised by how well she’d kept up with Trey. Marshall had listened to her pulse racing as she made her way around the track.
When they got to the dodgeball he’d been unable to let her take a hit. He tried to guard her as best he could. The moment the ball hit her, his wolf had wanted to exact revenge for his woman. Scarlett was his in every way, and the more time he spent with her, the more he saw how amazing she was. He couldn’t wait until he had her trusting him.
She had relaxed a little in the car but not enough for his liking.
It has only been two days.
He needed to stop forgetting that little fact. Two days was not enough time to make up for the years of torture he’d put her through.
“Yes, she is.”
“I can sense it. I don’t know what it is, but when I’m around her, I sense the pack. She’s family.”
“I know.”
“How are you holding up? I mean, you can’t even get close enough to her, and yet you’re holding it together.”
Marshall blew out a breath. “I’m taking it one minute at a time.” If he tried to go any faster he’d crumble.
“So what’s your big plan?”
“Trey may think he’s completely in love with my woman, but we’re going to show him there’s more than one woman out there for him.”
“Who do you have in mind?”
“Cheryl. She likes taking on new men. The moment Trey falls for her, Scarlett will be out of the picture.”
“And you’ll be there to sweep up the mess?” Jack asked.
“Something like that.”
“How is your wolf going to handle it?”
Marshall frowned. “Handle what?”
“If Scarlett has feelings for Trey and she’d upset, how is your wolf going to handle that kind of pain?”
He’d not thought of that. Marshall ran a hand down his face as he pulled up outside of his home. There was no sign of his parents or Jack’s. “Are you coming in?”
“Yeah, I think you need me.”
Jack followed him inside his home.
“I’m going to have to handle my wolf. There’s not a lot I can do.” The moment he thought about Scarlett, he felt all control over his sanity slipping. She called to him in ways that he really didn’t understand. The bond that was forming inside him demanded that she feel the same way. It wasn’t fair of him to demand anything from Scarlett. She didn’t know about his kind or the burning need that worked its way through his body whenever they were close.
“So we’ve got to get close to Trey. He’s not just going to fall under Cheryl’s spell.”
Marshall clapped his hands together. “Then that’s what we’ve got to do. It’ll take time, but I want Trey as far from Scarlett as possible.”
“If we hang out with Trey it’ll mean you’ll be close to Scarlett.”
“Exactly.”
“Son, I hope you’ve got a better plan than this,” Luke said, appearing around the corner.
“Dad, I didn’t know you were there.”
“Your mother used the car to nip to the hospital. She’s checking out your mate’s parents and should be back shortly. I promised I’d be home for you.”
His father leaned against the doorframe into the kitchen.
“I’ve got to do something, Dad. I can’t let her slip through my fingers.”
“You’re going to hurt your mate before you claim her.”
“Dad, I’ve not got a choice.”
“Why don’t you let this friend fuck up on his own without helping him? While he’s getting to know other people, you sweep in and become the best friend.”
Marshall rubbed the back of his head, thinking about his father’s idea.
“I’m going to warn you the once, son. You hurt her and she finds out it’s going to be harder to win her back than the first time. She won’t trust you or have faith in anything you say. You’ve got to know when to back away from a fight.”
His father slapped him on the back before he headed back into his study.
“I’m sticking around to see what your mother says. I’ve not met her parents.”
Marshall made them both a drink before heading upstairs. He thought about what his father said. His father was the alpha of their pack and knew what he was talking about. He had to listen to him. If he risked hurting Scarlett more and severing any kind of bond then he’d be in a worse place than he was now.
Sitting on his bed, he waited for Jack to take a seat.
“What’s that?” Jack asked, pointing to his bedside cabinet.
On the cabinet beside his bed was a stack of the pictures he found of Scarlett.
“They’re pictures of her.”
Reaching out, he grabbed the pile and placed them between them. Jack took the pictures, looking through them.
“Do you notice how she’s close?” Marshall asked.
“Do you think this is some ee
rie pack shit or something?”
“I don’t know. I wonder if I knew something about her or if I’m just looking for some sign that I knew she was going to be mine. I really don’t know what I’m hoping to find to be honest.”
Jack looked through each picture. “She’s always close to you, and I know it’s not because she tried to either. I remember half of these pictures, and she did everything to stay away from us.”
Cruel to our mate.
Marshall rubbed his chest, wishing there was something he could do or say to himself that would take away this heartache, but there was nothing.
“I’m sorry, man. I know you don’t want to hear about this.”
“It’s okay. My dad he warned me all the time about hurting the wrong people. I wonder if he knew what I was setting myself up for.” Marshall shrugged. “Either way, I’ve got to live with it now.”
Jack put the pictures down. He didn’t have one of her from recently. The sound of the door opening put them both on alert. In the next instant he heard his mother talking. They both charged from the room in an attempt to get downstairs. He pushed Jack back into the room, rushing downstairs with his friend following behind him. They were both laughing by the time they got into the kitchen. His mother was already putting dinner on, walking from the fridge to the counter.
His father had his arms crossed over his chest.
“What?” Marshall asked.
“She is human, and they don’t have a clue about our kind,” Carla said. “I’m sorry, son. We’re going to have to approach the family together in time.”
Shit, he’d hoped that Scarlett’s parents would at least know something about the wolves. Sometimes humans were privy to information on some packs. Scarlett’s family was not on the radar.
No one expected you to mate with a human.
Marshall was going to make sure Scarlett was never hurt again. He’d do everything to make her life good once again.
****
Scarlett couldn’t handle her parents’ concern at the state of her face. It was badly bruised, but other than the initial pain, everything else was fine. Her father offered to drive her to school today, but he’d been called away and her mother had an urgent call. She would have to drive herself to school, which wasn’t that much of a problem. Closing her front door, Scarlett came to a stop when she saw Marshall standing there, leaning against his car.