DAYLILY: Awakening

by Lecia Bester

  Chapter 24 - Frustration

  CONNOR

  These last four weeks were a roller coaster ride. My brain is trying to catch up but failing miserably. Senior year is not what I'd planned. It should have been a carefree year, getting to know my wolf. Party's with Luke, getting drunk and hooking up with attractive girls. Now I have a mountain of responsibility. I can't get Emily out of my mind. Schoolwork seems like an impossible task, and my mother pressures me to talk to Emily about a mating ceremony almost every day. The girl just found out she's a wolf. Now my other wants me to jump her bones and bite her. Good grief, the woman has no chill. Imagine me telling her I have to mark her with my bare teeth. I'm pretty sure I'd see her sprint out the door. I get why she wants us to be mated before Erin's arrival. Every union strengthens the pack.

  If Emily and I are mated, the whole pack will benefit from her healing ability. We won't be able to heal mortal wounds instantly. Only Emily can do that. But if we get injured, the time it usually takes for us to heal will be twice as fast. On the other hand, my father thinks we are strong enough to defend ourselves against Erin's guard. But the wolves I encountered in the woods were much stronger than we anticipated. Black magic isn't something you mess around with. The last wolves who attempted to use it lost their humanity and went mad. History called them The Lost Ones. Emily's ability to heal will be the only thing to give us an advantage against them.

  The Lost Ones don't feel fear or pain. Only the witch that turned them can control them. If Erin has a dark witch on his side, this fight might be more challenging than I initially thought. I really don't want to push Emily into anything, but if it would save the pack, I'd have to convince her. I just don't want her to think that I'll be doing it just for the pack. The truth is, I know if I had to choose between my pack and Emily, I'd choose Emily. Right now, I'm hoping I get both.

  She's been doing really well, training with Jess almost every afternoon. I'm trying my best not to crowd her. Finding anything to keep me busy, even though all my wolf really wants, is to be with her every minute of the day. She's resilient, I'll give her that, but I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nobody can be this 'okay' with everything that she's had to deal with. My wolf is telling me it's because she's strong. I believe him but let's not add being in a relationship with me just yet. Even less getting mauled on the shoulder in the middle of passionate throws between the sheets. Fuck, I'm hard just thinking about it. I need to take a cold shower.

  Stripping away my tracksuit pants and white t-shirt, I pad across my carpet into my shower. The thing is massive and has more than enough room for two people. Specifically Emily. She's like a morning cup of coffee. It's the first thing you want when you wake up. If you skip it, you get a withdrawal headache before lunch. Sure, you'd survive the day but it won't be pleasant, and everything will irritate you. I haven't seen Emily all day and I can feel that headache build up. Just, it's not a headache exactly.

  Sure, I've kissed Emily. We even had a little makeout session, and I'm entirely okay with waiting. It's the animal in me that has no fucking control. It's exhausting denying him what nature intended for him. I'm almost fairly certain Emily is fighting the same battle for control, or at least that's what I tell myself. I groan inwardly as the warm water runs down my body, relaxing my muscles. My head is hanging forward, and both arms are braced against the wall.

  I focus on the light pressure of the shower on my neck and upper back. Opening my eyes, I see my less controllable limb giving me a salute. I should turn the water temperature to cold, but instead, I take hold of myself and slowly move my hand up and down. It feels good. With one hand and knee braced against the wall for support, I start finding a nice rhythm. Closing my eyes, the apparent face that fills my mind is Emily.

  Her soft sun-kissed skin, the way her curls hang over her shoulders. I practically salivate just thinking about leaving my mark on that shoulder. The blush that creeps up her neck every time I look at her for too long. Her swollen lips after being devoured by mine. Not even minutes later, I find my release. Finishing the rest of my shower quickly, I half wrap a towel around me and walk into my bedroom.

  Tap. Tap

  The softest knock at my door draws my attention, and I'm still holding the towel around my waist with one hand. I know exactly who it is. Not bothering to change my attire, I swing open the door. Emily is standing on the other side. Her eyes go wide, and her lips part slightly. I hear her suck in a breath. Leaning on the doorframe with one arm, fully aware that My towel is hanging dangerously low, I give her the biggest smile. Am I trying to seducing Emily?...obviously. Her gaze rakes over my body and I hear her heart rate kick up a notch. It's working.

  "Uhh... hey. Sorry for bothering you...I just...I thought maybe you would want help with AP English homework for tomorrow?" She's avoiding looking at me, and it's adorable. Her knuckles go white from clutching the textbook she's holding. I decided to put her out of her misery, sort of.

  "That would be so great. I've been getting behind in that class. A beautiful brunette keeps distracting me." I meant it as a compliment but a concerned expression crosses her face.

  "I've been distracting you? I'm sorry. I didn't …" I stop her mid-sentence.

  "No, that came out wrong. I'm sorry. I meant that you could be in the same building as me, and all my focus would be drawn to you. It's just one of those things, you know—a wolf thing. Regardless I'd love for you to help me. Come in. I just need to put on a pair of pants." I hear Emily give a little laugh as I walk over to my cupboard

  "Pants would be good. If you could add a shirt, that would help a lot also." Deciding I've already started down this road; I might as well continue. With my back facing Emily, I drop the towel and pull on a pair of grey sweatpants. Emily gives a small gasp. Turning around, I see Emily with her hands covering her eyes. Cheeks flaming red. I pull down the hand covering her eyes and give her a wink.

  "It's nothing you haven't seen before." She walks over to my cupboard, pulls out a black t-shirt, and then throws it at my head

  "You forgot the shirt Magic Mike."

  Chapter 25 - Public Displays of Affection

  EMILY

  Sunday night, I found courage and walked over to Connor's room. In truth, I just wanted to see him, but I made up a lame excuse, English homework of all things. Cymera was starting to get angsty, and I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. He just makes me feel things...things I'm not sure I'm ready to feel. My heart is filled with grief and confusion. I'm not sure there's space for love right now. The Moon Goddess knows there's no space in my brain for any more prophecies or rude awakenings. Is that what I'm feeling? Love? There's no way I love a boy I just friggin met. In the end, we actually did do some homework and ended up sitting on his bed talking until the early morning. I passed out on his bed, and when I woke up, he had put the covers over me while he slept on top of them.

  Monday passed like a regular school day. Connor drove us to school, and when we walked in, he slung his arm around me. My wolf enjoyed the public display of affection. Jess made a vomit face. Such a supportive friend. It continued like that until Thursday and sort of felt like a routine by then. Jess refrained from faking nausea and gagging but still rolled her eyes to state her obvious discomfort whenever Connor kissed me on the cheek or did anything remotely affectionate. Mainly because whenever Luke entered the room, I'd point him out, loud enough for him to hear, and watch Jess's face go red. Sweet Revenge.

  Luke and Connor ditched the usual school uniform on Thursday and were sporting matching football jackets. They looked good. Like really good. I found Jess in algebra sitting at the window in the back. "Hey, Jess. What's up with the guys wearing football jackets today?" She gets up to hug me.

  "Hey, girl. It's the first game of the year tonight. Connor didn't tell you?" I sit in front of her and turn in my seat.

  "Oh, shoot. He did. I completely forgot. What time is it again?"

  "Seven tonight. The boys will stay after school, so I'll drop
you off and then fetch you like half-past six. Pretty sure Connor will drive you back after the game."

  "Thanks. I need to do better at the girlfriend thing. I'm not even sure if I should say, girlfriend... He hasn't exactly asked me out."

  Jess just lifts her eyebrow at me. "I think it's pretty obvious you guys are together. We don't care for human labels anyway, so don't get caught up in it. The mating bond is the only label that really counts." Everyone keeps talking about the mating bond. My aunt, Jess, even Connor mentioned it a few times. It's starting to stress me out. Aunt Rose said wolves who find their mate usually become mated within the first week. I'm not exactly sure what the actual 'ritual' entails, but I'm too afraid to ask.

  School ends a little early on account of the football game tonight. The North West High Warrior Wolves, ironic, will play against the East Coast Eagles. For their sake, I hope they have a few wolves on the team. Otherwise, it won't be a fair game. Jess dropped me off after school, and I head towards the packhouse. It's starting to feel like home. My aunt left Saturday, Jess offered to be my roomie until I feel comfortable enough to stay here alone, but so far, I'm okay. Everyone is beyond friendly. Connors mother checks in on me all the time. She even brings me tea when I'm busy with homework. Jess usually stops by before dinner for a sparring session, and so far, every night this week, Conner and I have stayed up talking. I haven't woken up in my own bed since Sunday morning.

  Jess barged into my room just past six.

  "You read?" She gives me the stink eye.

  "Why aren't you dressed, girl?" I get up and slip my feet into my All-Star sneakers. Raising my shoulders, I give her a quizzical look.

  "I am dressed, see. Pants. Shirt. Hoodie. Shoes. All these things together be an outfit. Unless my mother taught me wrong." There's an awkward silence. It's the first time I've spoken about my parents in a while. Jess marches to my cupboard, breaking the tension in the room.

  "I'm going to need you to throw away the pants you are currently wearing. The hoodie and sneakers I can live with. It is a football game but put the jeans I got you on. You know, hot casual." She throws the pair of jeans at my face.

  "Don't hate the pants. They are super comfy." I stroke them and whisper sweet nothings like the pants have feelings or something.

  "Sit. I have two minutes to fix your face, so you're going to have to brush your hair out." One hour later, I'm sitting on the school bleachers, busy screaming at some kid that definitely tried to fling a fist into Connor's face. I forgot that I loved football. My brother played wide receiver in school. My dad and I were his best supporters. I knew more about football than I'd care to admit. Definitely more than Jess thought.

  She seemed shocked every time I jumped up at a penalty or called Offensive Holding. The Warrior Wolves win with one touchdown. Luke made the throw, and Connor brought it home. Jess was staring at Luke the whole time, but I decided not to call her out on it. When the bleachers start to empty, Jess and I start making our way towards the parking lot.

  Luke was the first to come out of the showers with his bag slung over his shoulder. He walks directly to us, not taking his eyes off Jess. I hear her heart rate kick up a notch next to me.

  "Hey, Jess. Hey, Emily. Did you enjoy the game?" I turn to Jess. Obviously, he wants to know her answer, not mine, but she's silent.

  "Yea, it was great. Perfect throw at the end. You give the tail a nice little spin." I see his face light up with pride.

  "You noticed. Thanks." Turning his attention back to Jess. " Jess, I drove here with Connor. You mind giving me a ride home?" I give her a nudge in the ribs with my elbow.

  "What? Uhh... I mean, yes. I can do that. Let's just wait for Connor." Poor girl is flustered. I never thought I'd see the day.

  "Connor will be out soon. You two go ahead. I promise I'll be fine in a parking lot full of school kids and teachers." Luke sighs with relief.

  "You sure? Cause I'm a dead man walking. I'd really like to get home. Their defensive team slammed into me one too many times. If I were a mere mortal, I'd be fucked."

  He looks fine to me, but I'm guessing he'd like some alone time with Jess. She's been avoiding him like the plague. I hug Jess, and she reluctantly walks with Luke to the car. I watch her turn around and mouths, I hate you at me. I mouth back. Love you too, honey. I was turning back to see if Connor has left the showers yet when the hairs on the back of my neck start to prickle. A split second later, a pair of ice-blue eyes are staring directly into mine.

  "Tristan.”

  Chapter 26 - Family

  EMILY

  I go still, probably the shock. Focus Emily. I give my head a slight shake. Too soft for any human to hear, I whisper his name. He nods his head once in confirmation.

  "We need to talk Amelia"

  "It's Emily. My name is Emily." He's pulling me by my arm through the parking lot and we find a private spot behind a big dumpster. The smell is kind of overwhelming but I try my best to ignore it.

  "That's right. I forgot your foster family gave you a different name." He's holding onto both my shoulders. After a long pause, he wraps me in a hug. It feels nice, comforting. I find myself hugging him back.

  "I'm so sorry I wasn't in time to save your family. I barely got you out of the car in time." He's still holding me. Wait...I pull back slightly.

  "You saved me? It was you?" I knew I couldn't drag my unconscious ass out of a burning vehicle.

  "I've been watching over you for a few years now. I was hoping to speak to you before your birthday. Well, that was the plan until I found members of Erin's guard snooping around looking for you. I was trying to figure out his next move, but by then, I was too late." I'm nodding my head in agreement but my body remains frozen. Shock, grief, another stroke... either way, I can't get my mouth to form words. Tristan is watching me, searching my eyes for some sort of acknowledgment.

  "Sorry. It's just a lot. I had only learned about all of this a few weeks ago, and I'm still processing." He doesn't let go of my hands.

  "I know Amelia... I mean Emily. Oh, and happy birthday. I'm sorry I missed it. I needed to lay low. Erin's guard has been searching for me. Erin is our uncle by the way..."

  "My aunt and uncle have filled me in on most of the details. I guess not my actual aunt and uncle but anyway. Where have you been? Connor and his father have been searching for you." Tristan's head snaps up.

  "I have to go Emily. I'll see you soon." He places a piece of paper in my hand, then my brother disappears. Connor's voice fills the silence.

  "Emily? You back there?" I make my way out from behind the dumpster, clutching the paper. Connor immediately realizes something is wrong as runs to me.

  "What's wrong? Wait... That scent. It's Tristan. Was Tristan here? " He's turning in every direction, trying to find which way the scent leads. I pull his hand and place the piece of paper in it.

  "I think this was meant for you." He stares at the note then back up at me. After a few seconds, he reads it aloud.

  You can stop the search. I'll meet with Alpha Stephan and yourself Friday at 9:00 p.m. The packhouse.

  Tristan

  "All this time, he's been right under our noses. Did he say anything else?" I shake my head.

  "Let's get you home." He wraps me in his jacket and motions us back towards his Jeep. "I need to speak with my father as soon as possible, but go have a shower in my room and I'll meet you up there the minute I'm done." I just nod in agreement.

  I didn't even bother going to my room to get pajamas. I'll just grab one of Connor's shirts. I feel better after about 10 minutes under the hot water. Padding out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my head, I rummage through his closet and find a black t-shirt that covers me to just above my knees. After towel drying my hair, I head towards the door. I didn't bring any underwear with me and going commando isn't exactly my style. Grabbing the door handle, Connor opens it from the other side. Shit. I take a few steps back, covering my arms over my chest.

  "You smell gr
eat." He marches into the room and walks straight to me. I continue moving backward until the back of my legs makes contact with his bed. He grabs hold of me by my waist and turns us so that he's sitting on his bed. Lifting me up, he places me on his lap. I try and make sure the t-shirt stays in place to the best of my ability, not an easy task. Pressing his face into my neck, he takes a deep breath.

  "I really like it when you wear my t-shirts. They look better on you." With my free hand, I lift his head and bring my lips towards his. It's a soft kiss.

  "As much as I would like to continue this. I just need to run to my room quickly. I'll be right back. " He groans and gives a pouty face. An alpha wolf with enough strength to punch through a wall is giving me a pouty face. I place another small kiss on his lips.

  "It'll be quick, I promise. Just need to get underwear." The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Connor's eyes go wide. A clenched jaw now replaced the pouty face.

  "You aren't... I mean, you are wearing my t-shirt and nothing else..." His eyes go dark and I see his wolf flickering to life in them. Heat creeps up my neck.

  "I didn't bring anything with me and you told me to head straight to your room." I'm biting my bottom lip and his gaze snaps to my mouth. I instantly let go of my lip and start moving off of his lap with as much grace as possible. Connor looks like a hunter, and I'm his current target.

  "You should go put something on underneath. For your own safety. Like right now." His tone is playful, but his face is not. He's holding onto the mattress like it's keeping him from attacking me. I march backward slowly with my palms facing towards him in surrender. Don't make any sudden movements. My wolf is enjoying this little display. Connor just stares at me with hungry eyes. My back finally hits the door and I swing it open, running down the hallway to my room. Thank the Goddess I didn't bump into anyone.

  Chapter 27 - Meeting the Royal Alpha

  CONNOR

  I can hear Emily pacing up and down in her room. It's 20:14. Her brother is meeting us at the packhouse in 15 minutes. If it even is her brother, but she assured us that her wolf recognized him. I make my way towards her bedroom. Opening the door, she tops the pacing.