Alpha Lennox Hall, stands in our living room taking in our scents and listening to my father. He never smiles and hasn't spoken much. When he did speak, the timbre of his voice shook my chest. The Blue Shore Pack is the largest in North America and Alpha Hall is said to be the strongest, he's never been beaten and is rarely ever challenged. It's not unheard of for an alpha to greet new pack members. We just moved into the upper middle class community, our house backs onto miles of privately owned forest. The owner of course being the Alpha himself.

  My mother ushers us to the sofa to sit until we were called on. I glance at Alpha Hall under my eyelashes noticing how big he is. Burly, doesn't describe him. He's around six foot seven inches or taller. It's hard to tell because at five foot tall myself, big is big. His shoulders are wide with thick corded muscles. Every inch of him is sculpted to perfection and flowing with power. In a word, I am terrified of him. I don't see him as a protector, as many would. I see him as someone that could kill me without breaking a sweat.

  I glance at my twin sister Marta with wide eyes. She looks back at me, but instead of being afraid like me, she looks intrigued and smitten. I make a face at her, letting her know I think she's crazy and she shrugs. Marta and I are complete opposites. We’re fraternal twins, not identical twins. She got everything that I didn't, long legs, perfectly curly brown hair and dark brown eyes. Like my mother, she is striking. When I say were opposite, I mean opposite. I'm short, with light blonde almost white hair down to my waist and pin straight, the only thing I truly like about myself are my violet eyes. Every time I look in the mirror I remember my grandfather, who I inherited them from. He was the most amazing man in the world and last year when he passed in his sleep, I felt my whole world shift and the only comfort I have are my eyes.

  I hear my name being called and glance up. I'm aware instantly that they must have said my name more than once because my dad looks annoyed. "Sorry, I was thinking about granddad." I explain, knowing my dad expects an explanation. I zone out a lot and it always irritates him.

"This is Jocelyn, she and Marta are twins. Stand up and address your alpha." Dad orders, simply.

I stand up and bow my head in a sign of submission and obedience, but most of all respect. "Alpha Hall." I then realize that Marta was already introduced because she's standing by mom.

"Look up." Alpha demands and my head snaps up. His eyes narrow on my face; I can feel it. Even as I avert mine, to avoid eye contact. I feel the tension in the room intensify.

  He nods to my parents and walks out of the house without saying another word. "What is wrong with you? You can't pull it together for fifteen minutes!" Dad, hisses.

"Chill out, dad. He didn't care." Marta states, defending me as always.

"Sorry." I say, again and finally my father relaxes.

"You need to try harder to be part of the present. It looks bad and reflects negatively on us." I nod and excuse myself.  Wanting to be alone I go upstairs to my bedroom. I close the door and walk to my desk.

  I know, I'm not normal. I am easily distracted and rather be alone than in a group of people. I wish I could be more like Marta. She's outspoken and makes friends easily. Everyone loves her. There's a knock on my bedroom door. "Come in." I call out.

"Hey, let's go for a run." Marta suggests, wanting to cheer me up.

"Nah, I'll stay here." I reply.

"Please?" Marta begs and I cave instantly. Once Marta starts to beg she wont stop until she gets her way.

"Okay, but not too far. I don't want to be late for dinner after that screw up with the alpha." I shake my head, ashamed. "I don't want to be yelled at anymore."

"Alright. Let's go." She agrees, pulling me off the bed. I walk behind her to the edge of the woods. Just as I'm about to take my clothes off, a figure steps in front of me. I feel his authority and automatically lower my head.

"You're not allowed in the woods without supervision and clearance." He states, unapologetically.

"I'm here with my sister." I say, wondering why I'm singled out.

"You'll need Alpha or me with you at all times. I will also need notice, so the woods are cleared."

"What? Cleared?" I ask, confused.

"Cleared of other wolves." He informs me, like that gives me any clarification.

"I can't run with anyone but you or the alpha? Not even my sister?" I question, in disbelief.

"No, only us." He replies, simply.

I know I'm not supposed to ask questions. So, I wait. Thinking maybe he'll explain, but he doesn't.

Marta comes towards us having heard the conversation. "Why? That doesn't make any sense." She asks, upset.

"Alpha's orders." He states, gruffly. Not having an option I turn to go home he watches me, making sure I don't disobey.

  Once inside we find my parents and tell them about the incident in the woods. My father seems to think it's all my fault. "It's how you were acting. The Alpha is probably suspicious of you, or wants to punish you for your insolence." He argues, at dinner.

  I stare at my plate as my dad lists all the things wrong with me and how I need to make more of an effort to be like Marta. She rolls her eyes while my dad rants. When she starts to mimic him, my mom and I suppress our giggles as best as we can. After dinner I'm excused to go to bed. Tomorrow we have school, which I'm not excited about. I know it won't be too bad having Marta there, but I hate having to lean on her when she's trying to make new friends.

  My alarm clock goes off at 7:00 a.m. and I get out of bed to take a shower. I knock on the bathroom door and peek in, Marta is brushing her teeth.

  I walk in, offer a quick good morning, and get in the shower. Once I'm done I leave Marta in the bathroom applying her makeup and get dressed in my bedroom. I choose a long simple dark green dress with and brown sandals. I brush my hair and let it air dry. I take a bobby pin and pin back the front layer on each side of my part. This is what my father calls my hippy look, I call it my look. Walking to the mirror above my dresser I apply mascara and lip gloss and go to the kitchen. I pour a bowl of cheerios and eat quickly. Marta comes down as I'm going back up to brush my teeth.

"Meet me outside. We're going to be late." She warns.

"Two minutes." I say, running to the bathroom. I brush my teeth and grab my bag from the floor sprinting out the back door to our lime green Beetle.

  We do share a car, but Marta claims it's hers, so she drives everywhere. I rarely ever go anywhere unless it's to work; even then I usually take my mom's car. We arrive ten minutes before the first bell. The school we are attending is a year round Private School. Private, as in only werewolves are accepted. I wait for Marta who is smiling and waving to everyone she passes. I chuckle and turn back to the door taking a step, I hit something hard. No, I hit him.

"Sorry, Alpha." I apologize, immediately.

He grunts. "This is your schedule." I take the papers he's holding out and he walks away.

"Thanks." I say, to his departing back.

I look over the papers. Math, History, English, lunch, gym, ethics and Biology. I didn't get art history or wood shop, which are the two classes I really wanted.

"What's that?" Marta asks, coming up behind me.

"My schedule."

"You already got yours?"

"Yeah, Alpha Hall gave it to me." I explain.

"Well, let's go get mine and compare." She skips ahead. I follow her to the office and we wait for the front office worker to get her papers. I hand her mine and she compares them. "We don't have anything together. Even our lockers are on opposite ends of the building!"

"You're joking. Let me see that." I grab the schedules and sure enough we have nothing together. Marta even got art history and wood shop. "You got the two electives I wanted."

"This sucks. Excuse me Mrs. Leech, is there any way we can switch classes?" I ask.

"No, dear." She replies, turning to the people behind her. I sigh and we leave.

"See you at the end of school?" I ask, feeling down.

"Yep, hang in there. Make friends." She orders and hugs me.

  I smile and walk to my locker which is the last one in a deserted hallway. After using the combination to make sure it works I go to my first class, Math. As soon as I walk in the room I notice everyone gets quiet, it's almost like they're avoiding looking at me. I don't know whether to be grateful or offended. Class starts and we get our books and go over the first lesson. When bell rings signaling the end of class, the halls get very crowed. Yet people go out of their way to walk around me or stop altogether to let me pass. The whole day is like this, No one talks to me or touches me. Even my gym teacher Mrs. Rubo, makes sure not to brush my fingers with hers when she hands me my gym uniform.

  The last bell rings and I rush to the parking lot, feeling irritated and confused. I lean against our car waiting for Marta. I don't understand this place. I made one bad impression with the Alpha and I'm singled out as a freak? I feel like crying, I know my dad will find out about this and complain about how humiliating I am.

I'm lost in thought trying to figure out how to make it better when I hear Marta scream, "Earth to, Jocelyn!"

"What?" I ask, snapping out of it.

"How was your first day?" I can see by her face she knows all about my first day.

"Fine. How about you?"

"Don't give me that crap! I know what he did." She grumbles, unhappily.

I shrug like it's no big deal and get in the car. "What exactly did he tell everyone? No one will talk, look at, or touch me. It's like I have the plague." I complain.

"From what I heard he warned everyone to stay away from you. He didn't give a reason. Maybe he likes you?" She says, wiggling her eyes brows suggestively. "He's so hot all the girls want him, he hasn't chosen yet."

I huff. "If he liked me he wouldn't want people treating me like I was diseased. No, this is punishment. Did I really make that bad of an impression?"

"I didn't think so, but yeah I guess you're right. He won't even let you run with the rest of the pack. He's singling you out and it doesn't look good." She admits, sympathetically. Starting the car, we both roll down our windows and keep talking.

"Maybe I should talk to him. What do you think?" I ask.

"Yeah, you should. This is what we'll do. We'll dress you up nice and pretty and you can go to his office and you can get on your knees and beg him to take your virginity as a penance for your behavior. Spanking included."

"I'm not going to ask the Alpha to spank me-"

"Get out of the car." I hear the deep rumble of his voice interrupt. I jump and Marta gives a small shout. Oh, shit. Tell me he didn't hear that. My eyes go wide and I look at Marta stunned.

"We were just leaving." Marta replies, looking just as startled as I am.

He opens my door. I glance at Marta, knowing there's nothing she can do and shrug. I get out, leaving my book bag, careful not to touch him. I don't want to make him even angrier.

"Follow me." He orders, walking to a big black truck with huge tires. He opens the passenger side door and picks me up by my waist and places me on the seat. He slams the door shut and walks to the driver's side. I feel my nervousness spike as I watch him get in. The flexing of his arm muscles as he turns the key and grips the wheel makes me sit at full alert. We drive for about a minute before he speaks. "Did anyone speak to you? Hit on you?" He questions, his voice rumbling through the truck.

"No." I answer, truthfully.

"Did anyone look at you?"

"No."

"Touch you?"

"No, look I'm really sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to zone out, I can't seem to control it." I explain, a little defensively.

"It's fine." He replies, automatically.

"And we were joking about that whole spanking thing." I explain.

I know he's watching me, but I keep my eyes averted looking out the window. I don't want to get into any more trouble with him and eye contact is a big no-no.

"What are you talking about?" He asks, pulling up to my house.

"Earlier at school. Marta was joking about the whole thing with the virginity and spanking. She was just trying to make me feel better."

I glance at him quickly his face is passive, controlled and completely blank. I can't tell what he's thinking and he's not talking. Do I get out of the truck or wait to be dismissed?

"Why would she have to make you feel better?"

"About today and my punishment." I answer, looking at my hands.

"Punishment?" He asks, his voice getting dangerously low.

I nod. "For yesterday. She was there when you restricted me from running with the rest of the pack. Then today, she heard you told everyone to avoid me."

He continues to stare at me, making me uncomfortable. "Where does the spanking come in?" He asks, seriously. His voice level and deep.

  I turn to him, confused. Trying to read him to see if he's lying about hearing us and is teasing me, but I get nothing. I look away from his icy blue eyes and back to my lap.

Knowing he's waiting for me to answer I start, "Ah, she thought it'd be funny to tell me to go to your office and let you...um, well you know and ask for a spanking. She was completely joking, I was going to come to your office and apologize for yesterday. If I offended you in anyway, I'm really sorry." I babble feeling my cheeks flush.

"I told you not to worry about yesterday." He reminds me, his voice getting a little deeper.

"Yes, Alpha." I reply, automatically.

"You're not running with the pack because you need protection with you. You're smaller than any wolf I've ever seen. If another wolf tried something with you, you'd be useless to fight them off."

I nod. It doesn't explain why he won't let anyone talk to me. "I'll let the others talk to you, but the running stands."

"Thank you." I say, relieved.

  He doesn't respond and I start to fidget, he's so off-putting. He's like a block of ice. I can't read his face or voice, both lack emotion and any clues to what he thinks and feels. Finally, he gets out and walks to my side of the truck. He opens the door and lifts me up. Startled, I put my hands on his shoulders and look at his hard angular face. I notice a scar trailing from his temple to his jaw and up under his chin. I think it makes him look darker, more sinister. With the scar, his eyes, his voice, his size, I don't think I'll ever see a scarier person in my life. My feet hit the ground and I back away from him.

  I feel his eyes narrow on me as the front door of my house opens. I look behind me and see Marta in her, "sexy outfit," this is the outfit she uses to get what she wants. I can't help but smile; I have the best sister in the world. Strutting in her short cutoffs and white tank-top with a black bra, she comes towards us.

"Alpha Hall. Can I speak with you for a minute?" She asks, playing with her hair.

"No." He replies, simply. My eyes snap to his and I want to backup even more.

"You're afraid of me." He observes. Do I answer him? I don't think it was a question. "Look at me." He commands. He steps forward cupping my chin and lifting it so I am staring directly into his face. He growls. "You don't have to fear me."

"Yes, Alpha." I squeak out. Feeling my body tremble, how can I not fear him? He's terrifying.

  I know he can feel my reaction to him because his eyes get even colder. "S-sorry," I stutter. He drops my chin and growls as he walks away. He gets in his truck and leaves. I look back at Marta who is looking at the departing truck wistfully. I still can't believe she's attracted to him, he was a jerk to her two minutes ago. Not to mention all he's done to me.

Chapter 2

"Thanks for trying." I say, looking at Marta.

"I think he has a problem with the whole family now. What'd he say in the truck?" She inquires, curiously.

"Nothing. All he said is he was going to lift the no speaking order, but that I still couldn't run with the pack. He thinks I'm too small. Then he dropped me off and you were here for the rest." I answer, getting frustrated with myself. I did it again, I made him mad.

"Well, he definitely doesn't want you afraid of him. Maybe he sees that you're the weak-" She stops talking and turns to me. I see she's sorry but it still hurts.

"I'm the weak link in his pack. That's what you were going to say, right?" I ask. I feel the tears, but blink them away.

"I was just thinking out loud. We could be wrong. Who cares what he says anyway?" She states, waving her hands.

"No, you're right. I'm sure that's why he's being so rude. Please, don't tell dad."

"I won't." She responds, offended that I'd think she would.

"Thanks." I say, as she throws her arm around me.

"Let's go eat something. I think there's left over lasagna." She sings.

"You had me at eat."

"That's the sister I know and love."

  We eat our snack and I'm itching to run but I know I'm not allowed. How am I supposed to schedule a run? It's not like he gave me a phone number to call. I hear Marta on the phone talking to one of her new friends. I sneak down the stairs quietly and out the front door. I walk down the road hoping to burn off some energy. I don't want to risk seeing the Alpha, the park is close to his house but that's where I want to go. I pick up my speed and turn off onto the trail as quickly as possible to avoid being seen from the street.

  Hidden by some trees is a meadow full of play equipment and picnic tables. I see a large tree that would be perfect for reading under. If only I would've thought to bring a book. I walk to the tree and sit down. There are a few kids playing on the slide and I can't help but smile at their antics. I decide to lie down and watch the sun through the leaves.

I'm starting to wish we never moved here. Not that I had any reason to stay in Oregon. Even in Everton, I didn't make friends easily. Still, Alpha Rhys was always nice to me and never made me feel like this.

  "Found her!" I hear someone shout and I sit up disoriented, noticing it's dark out. Shit! I'm in so much trouble. I see the man who yelled coming closer. It's the guy from the woods. I'm sure he's the Beta; I just can't remember his name. I stand up and brush myself off. I couldn't have been asleep for that long.

  I hear a loud snap and the birds take flight, letting me know someone is coming our way. I look at the guy next to me but he keeps his eyes on the woods. Whatever is coming towards us is snapping trees and scaring the wildlife, seconds later a very angry Alpha exits the forest. I keep my head down. Not only to show I submit, but also because Alpha Hall is completely naked. His footsteps as he comes closer makes me want to pee my pants, literally. Why didn't I go to the bathroom before I left?

I feel my hands shake and link them together. I don't want to show my fear, he doesn't like that. "You've been here?" He asks, stopping in front on me.

"Yes." I answer.

"She was sleeping." The Beta explains for me.

"Leave." I turn around but his large hand on my shoulder stops me. "Not you."

I nod and turn back around, keeping my eyes on the ground. I shift on my feet, really needing to pee. "Are you nervous?" He asks.

"Yes and I have to go to the bathroom really bad." I reply, still bouncing from foot to foot.

"Come with me." He orders, walking away. I follow his shadow but end up tripping on a rock. I fall forward, trying to catch myself, my hands connect with his flesh. I squeak and pull them back, falling to the ground. My elbow hits a sharp rock and I know the second it breaks skin. I cover it with my hand, trying to stop the bleeding.

  Alpha picks me up in his arms and starts walking again, not saying a word. I stay quiet as well. I see his house come into view it's a beautiful two story brick manor with white columns and portico. It's elegant, simple but makes a statement. I try focusing on anything other than the fact that I'm bleeding, I have to pee and I'm being carried by a naked man whose butt I accidentally touched. Marta is going to laugh for hours after I tell her about this. He easily maneuvers me so he can open the door and walks into the dimly lit house.

I find my voice. "I can walk." I offer.

  Ignoring me, he continues until we reach a bedroom and then to the adjoining bathroom. He drops my legs and I stand. He leaves shutting the door quietly behind him. I don't waste a second; I relieve myself and wash my hands. I look at the cut above my elbow and see its only bleeding lightly now. It'll be fine until I get home. Before I can leave, the bathroom door opens and Alpha comes in, wearing basketball shorts, riding low on his hips and no shirt. He puts the lid of the toilet down and moves me over pointing to the toilet.

"Sit." He orders. I sit and watch him take out alcohol, cotton swabs, a white bandage and tape. He wets the cotton with the alcohol and comes towards me. Oh, this is going to hurt. He lifts my arm and wipes the cut lightly. I can't stop the hiss that comes from my mouth feeling the sting. He stops and looks at me. "It needs to be cleaned."

I nod and he continues to clean the cut. When he's done he wraps the white bandage around my arm and tapes it. "Thank you."

He steps back and I stand up. "I'll take you home." He says, opening the door so I can pass. I walk ahead of him and into the bedroom.

"I can call Marta to-"

"I said, I'll take you home." He states, cutting me off.

"Yes, Alpha." I reply.

"Lennox." I can't help but look up at him. His eyes are on me. He wants me to call him, Lennox? My confusion must be obvious because he clarifies. "Call me, Lennox."

  Too surprised I don't respond, just start walking. I'm about to open the front door, but he opens it for me, I mutter a thank you and go to his truck. He opens the door and picks me up by my waist, same as before and sets me in the seat.

When we arrive at my house, I see the lights are on and know I'm about to be in trouble for the hundredth time since we've been here.

I open the door, "Don't get out." He calmly orders. I sit and watch him come to my side and he lifts me out. So now I can't even get out of a truck by myself?...Great.

  The front door opens and my father steps onto the porch. "Jocelyn, stop wasting the Alpha's time and get inside."

Immediately, I start to go inside when Alpha's gruff voice shocks me. "Go inside, Mr. Robinson." My father nods and turns going back inside. "Is he rough with you?"

"He doesn't hit me." I answer, evasively.

I feel him beside me. "Come." He orders, striding to the house. I follow and he opens the door holding it open. I walk in and I feel his presence behind me.

My father is pacing on the carpet and stops when we walk in. "Go to your room, Jocelyn."

I was expecting worse, so getting sent to the sanctuary of my room is a blessing.

"She needs to eat." Alpha responds.

"Marta, make her a plate and take it to her." Dad orders.

"Thank you, Alp- Lennox." I correct myself in time and climb the stairs to my room.

I am just about to enter my room when I hear Alpha say to my dad. "We need to talk." I close my door not hearing anything more than muffled voices. I wait for Marta to come with my plate of food, when she does she's smiling from ear to ear.

"What happened?" She whispers, excitedly.

"Promise you won't laugh too hard?" I whine.

"No. Now, spill!" She demands, already laughing.

I sigh. "I went for a walk and fell asleep under a tree in the park. When I woke up the Beta was yelling that he found me."

"Beta Holden." Marta supplies and I continue.

"Yeah, he found me. Then I hear what sounded like the forest literally being demolished and Alpha Hall comes out completely naked and terrifying."

"It was that big?" She asks in awe.

"Don't be gross. So, he walks up to us and Beta Holden explains that I fell asleep. He tells Beta Holden to leave and for me to follow him. I accidentally trip... Okay, this is that part you can't laugh at me for hours and make fun of me for the rest of my life." I warn.

"Tell me." She chuckles, already amused.

"I fell. I tripped and accidentally touched his butt." I cringe and she throws her head back laughing hysterically.

I wait until she calms down before I continue. "Then what?" She asks, breathlessly.

"Well, I pulled my hands away so fast I couldn't brace myself. I hit the ground and cut my elbow on a rock. He picked me up and carried me to his house, he let me pee, then cleaned my cut and brought me home."

"That's it?"

"Yeah."

"He let you pee and cleaned your cut?" She asks, smirking

I nod. "Yeah."

"How romantic." She replies, sarcastically.

"I didn't say it was romantic I said it was going to make you laugh. It was so embarrassing." I tell her.

She huffs. "I thought it was going to be juicy when he told dad to go back inside."

"Oh, no, he just wanted to know if dad was rough with me." I explain.

"Bummer. Well, eat and go to bed. I want to leave early for school tomorrow."

"All right. Goodnight." I say, as she leaves the room.

  Tomorrow school shouldn't be too bad. At least, I won't be the girl to avoid. Maybe I will meet a friend, just one would be nice.

The next day…

"You didn't eat last night." I hear Alpha's voice say, and I sit up in bed.

I blink, brushing the hair out of my eyes. "Huh?"

"You didn't eat your dinner." He repeats, pointing to the plate of food on my desk.

"I fell asleep." I confess.

"Get dressed and get to the kitchen. You need to eat."

"Alpha Hall?" I hear Marta say from her door. He doesn't even turn to acknowledge her. I stand up and walk to my closet, shutting the door. I put on dark skinny jeans, a white V-neck and black flip flops.

  I open the door and see he hasn't moved and is waiting for me. Grabbing my mascara and lip gloss, I stand in front of him and all he does is look at me. "Um, can I use the bathroom?" I ask, pointing behind him.

  He moves to the side to let me pass, I barely fit without brushing against him. I open the bathroom door and shut it quickly. I put on my mascara, which I never go without. Having such light hair, my eyelashes match making it impossible to look normal without it. I brush my teeth and put my hair in a high ponytail and shove my lip gloss in my pocket.

  Leaving the bathroom, I keep my eyes down and see that he is still standing in my doorway. I walk down the stairs and go to the kitchen. I hear and smell my mom cooking eggs and bacon. My mom never cooks us breakfast. Must be for Alph- Lennox. I have to remember to call him that.

"Good morning. How do you want your eggs?" Mom asks me.

"Don't worry about me, I'll just have cereal. Marta wants to leave early today."

"You'll eat the eggs. I'll drive you to school." I hear behind me.

"I guess scrambled." I answer my mom and she turns back to the stove.

Sitting at the table I watch as Lennox joins me just as dad walks into the room. "Good morning."

"Good morning." I reply, cautiously.

  What the hell is going on around here? This is all for show obviously. Mom cooking at the stove and dad welcoming me in the morning. I almost want to laugh. Marta comes bouncing into the room happily and sits on the other side of Lennox. I can't help but giggle when she bites her lip, sticks out her chest and winks at me, letting me know what she's doing. She is determined to get on his good side and hates being ignored.

"How are you, Alpha Hall?" Marta asks.

"Fine." He answers.

Mom sets a plate of eggs, bacon and toast in front of him. He picks it up and puts in front of me. "Eat." He orders, handing me a fork.

  I'm starting to get irritated. I might be a small wolf and weak in his eyes but I don't need him to watch me this closely. I eat quietly listening to Marta tell mom and dad about the kids at school and the clubs she's going to join. I know Lennox is watching me the entire time so I make sure to clear my plate.

"Are you ready to leave?" I ask Marta.

"I'm taking you. Go get your bag." He orders.

  Doing what he commands I climb the stairs to my room. I feel like screaming. I take a deep breath, grab my bag from the floor and walk to the front door. Lennox is there holding it open with his body. Does he have to do that? I can barely fit past him!

  He follows behind me, knowing he'll open the door and lift me up like all the times before. He places me in the seat and I sit back wondering how I can assure him I don't need this kind of treatment.

Chapter 3

  I can't think of a way to ease Lennox's mind about my apparent weakness. When he pulls up to the school I wait to be dismissed. "You will contact me immediately if you're harassed in any way. If any males act or say anything to you that I would deem inappropriate, remember their name and what they look like."

  He doesn't wait for a reply. He opens the door and comes to my side to lift me out. When I'm standing in front of him he doesn't say anything just walks back to his side of the truck and leaves. I start up the steps of the school. I see people looking at me today, and I instantly wish it was yesterday. I keep my head down and walk to my first class. I'm the only person here so I pick a desk in the back corner and look out the window.

"Hello, beautiful." I hear from beside me and look at a guy my age with wide shoulders and three of his smirking friends.

"Hi." I reply.

"You're Jocelyn?"

"Yeah."

"I'm Adam. This is Geo, Luke and Jeremy." He points to each of his friends in turn.

"Nice to meet you." I reply.

He sits down next to me. "There are lot of rumors going around about you and Alpha Hall."

I look at him interested. "Rumors?"

"Yeah, your sister said you disrespected him and he ordered everyone to stay away from you as punishment. And he won't let you run with anyone, that you're viewed as too weak." He states, not at all sorry for his honestly.

"Yeah. That's true, but I apologized."

"Why did he bring you to school?"

I shrug. "Marta was still eating breakfast when I wanted to leave, so he dropped me off." I answer, getting attention from all the girls. For some reason they're all glaring at me.

"Don't worry. I got your back. Some of the girls in this school will be out for your blood." He whispers.

Shocked, I look at him. "Why?"

"Well, because you got extra attention from the Alpha." He scoffs.

I roll my eyes. "Like I can help the fact he views me as the weak link in his pack. He treats me like I'm going to break."

He chuckles and a girl in the front of the class turns towards me. "You make the whole pack look bad. I don't know why he's letting you stay. I heard he wants to keep the males away from you because he doesn't want someone like you reproducing such weak pups in his pack."

I flinch from the brutal truth. Is that what he was saying this morning? To tell him if I interest any guys so he could put a stop to it. Making sure no one chooses to mate with me.

"Yeah, that rumor is true, too." I whisper sadly. "He said that this morning." I confirm.

"Well, I think he's being a dick." Adam says, giving me a small one arm hug.

  I smile as the teacher comes in to start class. After class I walk down the halls. Some people whisper behind their hands and others openly laugh at me. I'm the joke, the pathetic weakling who the Alpha doesn't want contaminating his or anyone else's gene pool.

"Hey, there." I hear someone say and put their arm around me. "If you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm your man."

"Jason!" I see a pissed off girl yell.

"What? I'm done with you! I want to know what a girl this small feels like. You in?" He asks, seriously. He looks me up and down making me feel uncomfortable.

"No, thanks." I mutter.

"Come on, baby." He replies, pulling me closer and whispering in my ear. "I promise you'll like it."

"Get off her." Adam orders, coming closer to us. Surprisingly, the guy listens and takes his arm off of me.

"Hey, man. Didn't know she was spoken for."

"Well, she is so fuck off, Atkinson." Adam says, shoving him back.

"Why would you fight over this freak?" A girl with a short skimpy skirt and too much makeup asks disgusted.

"She's not yours, Adam." A guys walks over with his arms crossed, entering our circle.

"You wanna bet, Brody?" Adam argues stranding toe to toe with the guy named Brody.

"I do, fuck face. She's mine." He growls. Both boys are the same height and weight. Brody has dark blonde hair with brown eyes and Adam has black hair and grey eyes.

  I see that both guys are shaking and about to fight. I walk up to them and try to wedge myself between them. "I don't think this is something to fight about." I state, successfully getting in between them and pushing them away from each other.

"Don't touch him." Adam orders, picking me up and putting me behind him. I hear the punches and step back just as Adam takes Brody to the floor.

The girl from earlier with the short skirt growls at me and her fist makes contact with the side of my face, knocking me down. I cup my cheek and she leans down.

"Stay away from Adam, bitch." She warns, standing back up.

I turn to see teachers breaking up the fight. Both boys are shaking and their faces are bloody. Strong arms wrap around me and lift me up. I look and see one of Adam's friends, Geo, helping me. "You should have hit her back." He tells me.

"I think I was too stunned. I've never been hit before." I confess.

He smiles. "How'd it feel?"

"It fucking hurt." I mutter, stroking my jaw.

He laughs. "Come on. Let's go to class before they start handing out detentions." I nod and follow his lead. He stays by my side and I glance at him.

"Do we have English together?" I ask.

"Yep. We have all the same classes."

"Oh." I reply, walking into class. Everyone stops talking and looks our way. I follow Geo to two open seats in the middle of the classroom. I try my best to keep my head down, but I can still hear the whispers.

"She's such a slut. She tried to steal Adam from Lydia."

"I don't see why Brody would want her, she's not even pretty."

  Finally, the teacher comes in and everyone stops talking. "Jocelyn, you need to go to the principal's office." Mrs. Scott, orders. I stand up hearing the giggles and seeing smug faces.

  I walk out of the classroom with my head down. In the front office I see Adam and Brody sitting in the chairs against the wall. Adam is icing an eye and Brody is holding toilet paper under his bleeding nose. I may be blonde, but its clear these too we're fighting about more than just me.

  A man in a suit comes out of the office, seeing me he nods. "All three of you, come in." The boys stand up and wait for me to walk in. As soon as I pass though, I hear them pushing each other, fighting to come in after me. "Enough! Get in here now." The principle yells.

  I sit in the middle seat to keep them separated. Both boys plop down on either side of me. Just as the principal turns to walk to his seat, Brody grabs my chair and pulls me closer to him earning another growl from Adam who tries to pull me closer to his side. I read the name plate on the desk, ignoring them. Principal Jeffrey Evans.

"Unless, you want to be expelled. I'd quit this ridiculousness." Principal Evans warns. Both boys stop and he continues. "All three of you are suspended for three days."

I look at him shocked. "But I didn't do anything."

"That's not what Lydia said. She said you hit her." He replies, angrily.

"I didn't. She hit me." I correct him.

"Lydia has never hit anyone. You're new here; she wouldn't start trouble with you. You've pinned these two friends against each other and hit another student. You're lucky you're only getting three days." He states, angrily.

"Geo saw her hit-" I start to say, when the door slams open. I smell Alpha Hall enter the room.

Principal Evans stands immediately bowing his head. "Alpha."

"What is this?" He asks, his deep voice echoing off the walls.

"These boys were fighting over, Ms. Robinson. I suspended all of them for three days." He informs him.

"Why would you have to punish her?"

"She hit another student." He explains.

"No, I didn't." I refute.

"Lydia lied. Jocelyn didn't hit her. Lydia hit Jocelyn." Adam states, glaring at the principal.

"My daughter wouldn't lie."

Alpha steps in front of me. "Where did she hit you?"

"My right jaw." I answer, hating the fact that I have to talk to him.

Standing over me he cups the bottom of my chin and forces my head back to look at him. He inspects my jaw and looks up to the principal. "Get your daughter in here." He orders.

Principal Evans gets on the PA system and calls Lydia to his office.

"I told you to call me if you had any issues." He states, looking down at me.

"I don't have your number." I shrug. Not that I thought about calling him anyway.

"I programmed it in your phone."

"Oh." I reply.

He finally releases my chin and addresses the boys. "Why were you fighting over her?"

"We disagreed on who would get her." Brody responds with a shrug.

"She's neither of yours. Stay away from her." He demands and I feel my heart ping.

I'm not good enough; I've never felt be so belittled in my entire life. In two days, this Alpha has made me into nothing.

Lydia comes in the room smiling sweetly. "Alpha Hall."

“Why did you hit Jocelyn?" He demands to know.

"She was trying to steal Adam from me." She answers, looking at her feet.

"We aren't together, Lydia. We never were." Adam groans.

"I believe your daughter will get the three day suspension along with the boys. Jocelyn, you can go back to class."

  I stand up, leaving the room gratefully. In class I ignore the speculative glances and take notes. By the end of the day I'm drained. I answer all of Marta's questions and go up to my bedroom. I collapse onto my bed and don't wake up until the following day.

  I haven't seen Alpha Hall for three days. I was starting to think he was over his protective instincts until Marta found out that he was out of town visiting a neighboring pack. I had seen Beta Holden a few times, but didn't realize he was my shadow until one day at lunch when a couple of girls started making snide remarks to me. I watched as Beta Holden walked over from the corner of the room and whispered a few words to them. They put their heads down and didn't look at me again.

After school was over I felt nothing but relief. Meeting Marta at the car, she is wearing a smile as always.

"What's up with you?" I ask, smiling at her happiness.

"Mom and dad are going back to see Alpha Rhys."

"Why?"

"I don't know. They didn't say. Mom just called when I was at lunch. She said you wouldn't answer your phone."

"My phone was off. This news is making you jump in your seat...because?"

"Girls night!" She yells.

I laugh. "Girls night? Who'd you invite?"

"A few girls from my geometry class, Elizabeth Edwards, Missy Stern and Leah Dixon. Leah's brother is twenty-one so she's bringing the beverages."

"Nice. When do mom and dad leave?"

"They already left! We have all night!" She squeals.

  Once we get home Marta opens a bottle of wine she stole from my parents after the move. They never even noticed it was missing. We pour a glass and end up finishing the bottle before any of the girls get to our house. We cook frozen pizzas and the doorbell rings. Marta leaves to answer the door and comes back with all the girls.

  It's awkward at first. Then we all start drinking the vodka and wine Leah brought. Two hours later we are all singing and dancing in our underwear in the living room listening to Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball, passing around the bottles.

After Miley is done singing I play Mac Miller's Watching Movies and attempt to rap along. I'm doing pretty well until someone stops the music.

"Hey, why'd you stop the music?" I ask, taking a drink of my wine. They point behind me and I turn, surprised I spit out my drink all over him. He doesn't even blink.

Chapter 4

  I look at the red wine stains on Alpha Hall's white shirt. "Fuck me, I'm in so much trouble. I'm so sorry!" I say, loudly and wipe at the stains.

He stands there with his arms crossed watching me. Panicking, I start to pull up his shirt trying to take if off so I can put it in the dryer. He uncrosses his arms to make it easier on me but he's too big. "Take your shirt off and I'll dry it." I order, apologetically.

  Slowly he lifts up his shirt and I help him, pulling it all the way off. I run to the laundry room, throw it in the dryer and slam the door shut. Turning it on, I see one of my dad's clean white t-shirts and run back to the living room. The Alpha is standing where I left him. I see that the other girls have their heads down smirking. I bring the shirt to him and he looks at me. Unable to read his expression, I explain, "It's my dad's."

  I hear a snort and laughing. I turn and see Marta holding her stomach and the other girls are holding their hands over their mouths. "What?" I ask.

"That's not going to fit him!" She points out, trying to keep it together.

"Its cotton, it stretches and uh, breathes." I try to validate the stupidest thing I've ever done. I hold the shirt to his chest noticing its three sizes too small. This only makes Marta laugh harder and fall to the ground. "He doesn't have to wear it." I snap, throwing the shirt at her.

"Good, because it would look a lot like a condom." Beta Holden remarks fighting a smile. "Although, it would be funny to see you try to dress him, too."

I turn red. "Oh, my God. I undressed you!" I realize horrified. I hear another body fall behind me. I am so happy they're enjoying this. "I swear I didn't mean to, Al-Lennox. Please, don't be mad at me." I plead.

"I'm not mad, but next time finish the job." He mutters at the same time Marta stands up saying. "Our parents are gone. You can't blame us for a little having a little fun." She pouts.

"I heard about your aunt. I'm sorry." He replies, seriously.

"My aunt." I state, confused. He nods. "What about her?" I ask, still flustered about his earlier statement.

"The car accident." He clarifies.

"What? Why didn't my mom tell us? Why aren't we there?" I ask, shocked. I look at Marta who doesn't seem surprised about the news. "You knew!" I accuse.

"She's fine, Joce. She just has a broken arm and some cuts and bruises. Mom told me not to tell you because you're not allowed to leave the territory and I knew you'd leave and get in trouble. I was just trying to help you."

  Mad at Marta I don't respond to her. I leave the room and go back to the laundry room. I take out Alpha's stained white shirt, as I turn to go give it back I run into him. "Sorry. Here," I say, holding out his nearly dry shirt.

He takes it. "I'll talk to Alpha Rhys. Maybe your aunt can come visit here."

I nod. "Thank you." Then I remember what Marta said about me not being able to leave the territory. "Why can't I go see her?"

"You can't because you're an unmarked female under eighteen."

"That's the reason?" I question, incredulously. That's so stupid.

"That along with the fact I'm claiming you on September 22nd. I don't want anyone getting to you before I do."

"My birthday." I say, stunned.

"Same day as the challenge." He replies, nodding.

"Why?" I ask.

He stares until I start to get self conscious. "I want you." He states, simply.

I look at him confused. "So, all this isn't because I'm considered the weak link in your pack?"

"Why would you think that?"

"I can't run with the pack, you lift me in and out of your truck like I'm made of glass. You ordered me to tell you if any one showed interest in me, the same morning someone told me it was because you didn't want me to mate and produce weak pups in your pack. I fell asleep at the park and it warranted a search of the territory. I didn't eat dinner and you made it seem like you had to make sure I ate breakfast. You left for three days and I was being watched by the Beta. Is that enough?" I ask, frustrated.

He steps closer his eyes on mine. "Yes, that's enough." He replies. I step back but he pulls me to him. His hand lifts to my face and his thumb traces my lips.

"Can we go back to drinking?" I hear, Marta yell from the living room.

Ignoring her I say, "I can choose a mate before I'm eighteen."

He leans down and whispers, his mouth brushing my ear, "You wouldn't like what I'd do to him." I tense up.

Is he's threatening me?

His eyes narrow on mine. I feel like he's trying to work something out on his head so I stay quiet.

Alpha Lennox Hall

  The fact that she brought up finding a mate before her birthday pisses me off. I didn't hesitate to tell her what would happen if she did. From the moment I saw her, I wanted her. She doesn't act like any of the other females in the pack. I never liked the attention I received and she definitely doesn't give me her attention. I'm used to walking into a room and turning on every female in it.

  When I came to take in their scents and faces she spaced out and didn't bother hiding it, I thought it was a ploy. Her innocent eyes and the fact she didn't respond sexually to my touch or presence angered me. It still does. I've given her extra attention and figured at some point she wouldn't be able to control her response to me. I was wrong. Whispering in her ear, touching her lips and I smell nothing.

  Even when she was running her hands on my stomach trying to undress me she was unresponsive. The other girls reeked of the lust I caused them to feel. I intend to make her want me, I just have to figure out how. Judging by the way she looks at me she's not comfortable with my size. I can't help that part, but I need her to relax around me and not notice it so much. Realizing I'm still touching her lips I lean down placing my mouth on hers. It's an innocent kiss but I still hear her gasp when I pull away.

"Don't drink anymore tonight." I demand putting my shirt on and walking back to Holden. He's standing bored in front of a room of half naked drunk girls. Like me, he doesn't favor girls begging for attention. These girls are trying their best to get to him, but he's not having it.

I walk past him to the door not even glancing at the other girls, knowing he'll follow. I walk to my truck and get in.

"You went after her, but you didn't leave with her?"

I clench my jaw even tighter. "I told her she’s mine."

"What was her response?" He questions.

"She said she could find a mate before her birthday." I growl.

"I was in that school three days. She got a lot of shit. The whole pack thinks you don't like her, that you're making her an outsider. Give her time to readjust. Now she knows you want her. Maybe it will make her more aware of you."

"I haven't gotten a sexual response from her."

"She's different. She won't fall at your feet without knowing you first." He states, strongly.

Chapter 5

  In the morning, I'm the only one without a hangover. Only because Lennox ordered me to stop drinking. I go outside and sit on the front porch hearing the girls wake up gradually. Drinking my tea and honey, I watch the sky change colors and reflect on last night. Why would the Alpha want me?

  I hear the roar of an engine as it comes up our road. I see it's a red jeep with the top off. The driver pulls in and parks. I notice he doesn't have a shirt on just a pair of sunglasses and shorts. Then I notice a small black sports car behind him. I don't know either of the guys. Maybe they're rides for Marta's friends?

"Hey, want to go swimming?" The guy in the jeep asks. I look him over, way too big and muscular. No way do I want to be alone with him.

"No, thank you."

The front door opens and Marta, Elizabeth, Leah and Missy come out. I can see they're wearing their swim suits under their clothes. I guess they didn't want me to go with them.

"Elizabeth, tell your friend she has to come."

"You have to come. Go get your suit on." Elizabeth says, bored. Not at all caring if I join them or not.

"I think I'll just stay here."

"Just come!" Marta yells, coming over to push me through the front door.

  Reluctantly, I walk to my room and change into my white bikini. I throw a long white tube top dress over it and white flip flops. I walk back outside and the guy in the jeep jumps down waving me over to the passenger side of the jeep.

He opens the door and I get in. "Thanks." I say, quietly.

"You're welcome, babe." He replies, smiling and shutting the door.

He gets in and pulls out of the driveway after the little black car leaves. I silently wonder why no one else rode with us.

"I'm Tom." He introduces himself.

"Jocelyn."

"I know. The whole pack is talking about you." He states, honestly.

I groan. I really don't want to hear about more gossipy rumors. He laughs. "Don't worry. I know bullshit lies when I hear them."

"Where are we going?"

"To the falls."

"Why didn't anyone else ride with us?"

He shrugs. "I only invited you." He states. I look at him. He's a jock, I can tell and a very cute one, probably popular. He has thick arms and a broad torso. He's tall and very athletic. Football I bet.

"Aren't they your friends?"

"Yeah, but I just wanted it to be us."

"Why?" I ask, suspiciously.

"So, we can get to know each other. Now, tell me about yourself." He encourages.

"Uh, I like to read. My favorite color is red and my sister is my best friend. How about you?"

"I love football. Favorite color is blue and I'm challenging the alpha for position this year."

My head snaps his way. "Are you crazy?! He'll kill you." I point out.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, babe." He jokes and then adds more seriously, "I need to try. I have alpha blood and I want to run this territory."

"He's faster and stronger than anyone. He's never been taken to the ground." I stress. I know all about Alpha Hall, he's a legend. He took over at eighteen. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-one."

"Oh, I thought I went to school with you."

He smirks. "You kind of do. I coach the football team."

"Couldn't you get in trouble for being out with a student?

"Do you play football?" He asks, smirking clearly already knowing the answer.

"No."

"Then it's fine. I can't show you any favoritism or proposition you." He replies with a wink.

  We pull off a paved road onto a bumpy trail. Five minutes later Tom stops the truck. I open the door and get out. There are four more trucks parked around us. How many people are going to be here?

I walk over to Marta who is giving me the cold shoulder for some reason. "What's up?" I ask, as we walk through the woods.

"How was your drive?" She whispers.

I shrug. "Fine. Are you mad that I came?"

"No, I'm mad that he only wanted to be with you." She replies, looking at Tom longingly.

"You like him?"

"Oh, yeah. Everyone likes him."

"He's different but he's an idiot. You know he's challenging Lennox, right?"

"Lennox?"

"Yeah, he told me on the ride here." I state.

"You just called Alpha Hall, Lennox." She tells me, quietly.

"He told me to." I say.

She looks at me stunned. "When?"

"The night of the butt touch." I whisper.

"And you didn't tell me!" She yells. I can't imagine what she'll do when I tell her he wants to claim me.

I shrug. "I didn't know it was a big deal until last night."

"What happened last night?" She questions, curiously.

I stop walking and whisper in her ear that he's going to claim me on our birthday.

"What!" She screams.

I nod. "I know. I was shocked too." We start walking again and come to the lake with a waterfall. It's beautiful. Marta and I take off our dresses and jump in. The water is slightly cold but not uncomfortable.

"Why'd you ditch me, babe?" Tom asks, swimming over to us.

"Do you know my sister, Marta?" I ask, evading the question.

"Nice to meet you, Marta." He says, shaking her hand. "Are you older then Jocelyn?"

"Yeah, by minutes."

"You're twins?" He asks, looking at me.

I nod in response. "You two are complete opposites." He replies. We get that a lot so we don't say anything.

"Jocelyn Robinson, out of the water!" Beta Holden, yells walking towards us. What the hell?

I lift myself out and walk to the Beta who looks pretty angry. "Are you trying to piss him off?"

"Who? Lennox?" I ask, confused.

"Of course."

"God, no! I don't want him mad. What'd I do?"

"You left your home with an unmated male for starters." He answers, turning away. "Let's go."

"Wait! Why does she have to go?" Tom asks, getting out of the water and coming towards us.

"Alpha Hall has plans to mark her." He replies, seriously.

"I guess I have more than one reason to challenge him then." He responds, glaring at Beta Holden who chuckles and shakes his head. "You don't want to do that. You and everyone here knows how it will end."

"We'll see. Bye, babe. I'll be seeing you soon."

"Bye. I'll see you at home Marta." She nods. I walk behind him all the way to an beat up old truck. I love it instantly; it reminds me of a ranch truck I used to drive on my grandpa's land.

"Cool truck. Is it a '57 or '59?" He looks at me and raises an eyebrow. "What? Those two years are very similar." I respond, defensively.

He laughs. "Are you joking?"

"No, why? You think they're that different? The only thing that's possibly a tell is the tail gate and I didn't see it. My grandpa always said, 'never trust a man with a clean truck, if it's not beat up, he's not a man. I guess I can trust you."

"It's a '57. You know, I didn't understand why everyone was walking around with a hard on for you. Now, I'm starting to see your appeal."

Yuck! "Thanks, I guess."

"You're welcome."

"How mad is he?" I question, nervously.

"Well, he wants to see you. So, I guess you'll find out soon. He'd never hurt you, you don't have to be so scared of him. He never even yells." He remarks, smirking.

"Yeah, he just looks at you like he's looking through your soul. In my opinion, that's much worse. Sometimes, I want to touch him just to see if he's as cold as he looks."

"He's been Alpha for seven years, it's a lot of pressure. He takes his job seriously."

"Has he always been so serious?"

"His dad raised him. He never had a nice thing to say to Lennox. I think I could count on one hand how many times I've seen him smile or laugh."

"Why does he want me? He should already be mated by now." I state, interested to know the reasoning.

"He doesn't like the reaction he gets from the other females. He's convinced they only want one thing and that's position in the pack. I don't know why he chose you. You'll have to ask him."

"Was he hurt before?"

He looks at me like I'm stupid. "No, he's never been hurt. He's just really good at reading people."

  I don't say anything else. I just get lost in my thoughts about Lennox, he really is attractive. I think if he ever smiled I might have more of a reaction to him, but I cant even remember him so much as smirk. He's unreadable and that's what frightening. I never know what he's thinking.

  We pull up to Lennox's house and I get out of the truck, realizing I left everything back at the lake, I blush. "I'm not really dressed to go talk to the Alpha."

He smiles and chuckles. "He'll love it. Plus, it will soften him up a bit."

"Yeah, right." I mutter, following him into the house. "Hey, what's your first name?" I ask, noticing I might want to know the name of my shadow.

"Liam." He answers and knocks on a set of double doors before he peaks his head in. "I have your package. I even wrapped it." I hear him say, jokingly.

I scoff. What a jackass.

  He turns to me and nods for me to go in. I stick my tongue out at him and walk in. The door closes behind me and I jump already feeling edgy. I keep my head down, everything will be alright.

Chapter 6

  I keep my eyes down, as I walk forward a couple steps. I can feel myself starting to shake. It's not just me I'm worried about. What if he thinks Tom was something more to me? Or blames Marta?

"Closer." I hear him say and I start crying.

"I'm sorry." I cry into my hands not coming any closer. The fact that I'm going to start my period in a few days isn't helping my emotional stability right now.

  I feel his arms go around me lifting me up and cupping my bottom. My legs are wrapped around his torso as he carries me. He sits down in his desk chair and I straddle his lap. His fingers gently caress my back. I look up at him feeling

stupid for crying. I hiccup. "Why are you being nice? I thought you were mad."

"I am mad. What were you thinking?" He asks, coldly.

I look down at my hands. "I didn't want to be left out. I didn't think it was going to be a big deal." I explain.

"You should have never left with an unmated male by yourself." He points out.

"I know that now. I didn't think anything of it before. I didn't even know him." I reply, truthfully. "It was just a ride."

"Don't do it again." He replies, seriously. There's a knock on the door and I smell chocolate.

"Is that chocolate?" I ask, practically drooling.

"Come in, Wendy." He says.

  Lennox is facing the door and I'm still facing him on his lap. I look over my shoulder to see a tall blonde woman with long curly hair come in with a big smile and brownies. Her smile drops when she sees me. I must look like a mess, I wipe at my tear stained face. She steps closer and I notice she's pretty with deep brown eyes and a perfect figure. She isn't dressed scantily; she's wearing a designer dress with wedge heels. She looks classy.

"Alpha, I made brownies for you." She says, sweetly putting them on the desk. She stands in front of us not moving. I start to turn to get off his lap, feeling inappropriate but his hands stop my hips from moving. "At least let me turn and introduce myself." I mutter.

He turns me in his lap until I'm facing Wendy. "Hi, I'm Jocelyn." I lean forward as far as I can without standing up because Lennox's hands are holding me down.

She takes my hand and shakes it. "I'm Wendy."

"I really like your outfit." I tell her, honestly.

"Thanks." She replies, tersely. "I like your bathing suit."

  I feel Lennox's thumbs pulling down the material of my suit bottoms and without thinking I turn to the side and smack his hands. He keeps his head down but looks up smiling. I suck in a breath. His smile is like getting hit in the stomach, unexpected and painful. He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen. His smile fades and he turns tense.

"Thank you. You can leave now." He dismisses, Wendy abruptly. She nods and does what he asks. When the door closes he brings the dish closer and offers them to me.

"People just bring you food?" I ask, amazed. While, trying to control the feeling of butterflies in my stomach.

"Yes."

"Wow, can you request rice crispy treats next time?" I joke, taking a brownie. I take a big bite enjoying the chocolaty goodness.

He picks up his phone and hits a button. "I need rice crispy treats." He orders and slowly hangs up.

Alpha Lennox Hall

  I turned her on. I can smell her and all I want to do is throw her on my desk and take her. I smiled at her, is that's what did it? Or playing with her bikini bottoms?

"Did you really just order rice crispy treats? Just like that?" She snaps her fingers, her eyes bright.

I nod. She leans forward trying to see the phone better. "What else does it do?" She asks.

I laugh. Startled she looks at me again. Her musk gets stronger.

"Makes phone calls." I reply, huskily.

  She looks at me in a daze. I stare into her eyes and not being able to stand it a second longer I cup the side on her face and kiss her. I turn her fully in my lap facing me and deepen the kiss. I take it slow, she moans and I feel my dominant wolf coming forward. My thinking clouds, my only thought is how badly I want her. I break the kiss, nibbling down her neck. I suck on the skin just below her ear.

She bends her neck to the side moaning loudly. "Lennox."

  My canines extend scraping her skin. There's a knock on the door which I would have ignored if it hadn't made Jocelyn tense up and try to push me away.

I growl loudly, glaring at the door. "What?"

The door opens and Liam comes in. "Sir, the Robinson's are here to speak to you."

Chapter 7

"My parents are here?" I squeak. I know my cheeks are glowing red. This cannot be happening! Kill me, just kill me now! I panic.

  Lennox still looks mad about being interrupted, he confirms this when he growls at the door. I hear my parents come in. I groan and tuck my head under his chin resting it on his chest. I'm practically naked sitting on the Alpha's lap. Maybe they won't see me? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"Jocelyn. What are you doing?" My mom asks, confused.

"Ah, I. Its ju-" I try to get off of Lennox's lap but again he doesn't let me move.

"What do you need?" Lennox interrupts and plays with my hair. I'm so glad I can't see my parents' faces.

"We need to talk to you about Jocelyn." My dad answers.

  Lennox waits for my father to continue.

Finally, my dad does. "When we went back to visit my sister, Alpha Rhys approached us. He wants Jocelyn to come back to the pack. He plans to claim her the day of the Alpha Challenge."

"No." Lennox states.

  I look behind me at my parents, my dad looks nervous and my mom looks downright scared. "Why would he want me all of a sudden?" I ask, shocked at his announcement. Alpha Rhys has always been nice to me, but never affectionate. Honestly, he's almost as scary as Lennox.

  My father decides to speak directly to Lennox. "Apparently, he always has. Beta Burnett was in charge for two months while Alpha was away in Mackinaw City sorting out land contracts. I got the job with you, sir. We moved here with Beta Burnett's permission. Beta Burnett didn't know of Alpha Rhys' plans for Jocelyn. Alpha Rhys lied about my sister being in a car accident. He thought Jocelyn would come back with us and he was going to get her to accept a claim from him or keep her until the challenge. He didn't plan on you refusing the request to let her leave the territory."

"Too bad. She's mine." Lennox growls so loudly I feel it vibrate from his chest. It causes me to jump but he holds me against him tightly and rubs my back.

  Even as he rubs my back I am still afraid of him. The earlier kiss we shared forgotten. Alphas are known to be volatile when they're angry, it can't be helped. When their tempers start to show, you should expect the worst. I've seen it first hand with Alpha Rhys, that's why I am so afraid of big men. Especially, Alphas.

-Flashback-

  I was walking home from school with my best friend Angela my sophomore year of high school. We took a short cut deciding to take a run to the local diner and getting a strawberry milkshake and fries. Everything was fine, we even met up with a boy Angela liked and he offered to walk us home. Knowing Angela wanted to be alone with him, I told them to leave without me , that I wanted to stop at the library. After they left I went into the woods to run home. I felt a presence behind me and turned to see Rodger Valiant. He was a senior, the only reason I know him is because he and Marta are friends and he comes to dinner a lot.

"Hey, Rodger."

He doesn't respond he only looks at me. I notice he doesn't have a shirt on. I eye his muscled chest and the flexing of his arms as he clenches and unclenches his fists.

"Who were you with?" He demands to know.

"Angela." I answer, starting to feel uneasy.

"And Jim Resinger."

"Yeah, Angela likes him. Are you okay?" I ask, seeing that his arms are now shaking.

"He was sitting next to you."

"Yes." I nod. I don't know what to say to take away his anger. I don't understand why he's even mad. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Don't talk to another male again." He orders. Then seconds later he's on top of me. I can feel his breath on my neck.

"Mine." He states. I feel his tongue on my neck and I start whimpering.

"No! Stop!" I scream at him clawing at his arms and back.

"Get off of her now!" I hear Alpha Rhys command.

  Rodger stops immediately, complying with the Alpha command. Alpha Rhys stomps closer, I see his wolf surfacing. He backhands Rodger sending him into a tree. He follows after him picking him up and punching him repeatedly. I hear the crunch of his face being smashed. I look on horrified as Alpha Rhys continues his beating, snapping his arms and legs. At one point, I throw up and Beta Burnett lifts me up, walking away with me.

I know without a doubt Rodger is dead.

-End of flashback-

"Jocelyn." I hear in my ear.

"Huh? Yes?"

"Why are you shaking?"

"I was remembering something." I tell him, quietly.

"Tell me."

I swallow, my throat feeling like sandpaper. "Alpha Rhys killed a boy who attacked me. I was thinking about his temper." I reply, truthfully.

"He won't touch you. He won't even see you again." He states, assuringly.

"I still have family in that pack. What if he hurts them?" I question.

He looks away from me and to my parents. "Your sister and other family members are welcome to join the Blue Shore Pack. If they can get out of the pack, they'll be protected here." He offers.

"Thank you, Alpha Hall." Both my parents say at the same time.

"You can go now." Lennox dismisses, making it sound like an order. I watch as my parents turn to leave.

"Alpha, would you like to come for dinner tonight?" My mom asks awkwardly before leaving.

"Yes. Thank you." He replies. Smiling my mom walks after my father out of the door.

"Should I go with them?" I ask, cautiously.

"Hell, no." He growls and kisses me again. This kiss is more consuming, passionate and demanding than the first. I'm shocked by his intensity. I can't help but respond, my mouth is his.

Until another knock on the door interrupts us and he yells, "What?!"

"I have- your ric-e crispy tr-eats." A woman stammers.

He leans his head back and closes his eyes. I can't help but laugh. I think this is the only time I've seen him not control his reaction. He opens his eyes and looks at me. "This is not funny."

I giggle harder. "Sorry." I apologize, smothering a smile. He grins back.

"Come in." He calls out. A woman comes in with a plate of rice crispy treats and I see her hands shaking. I know exactly how she feels. I smile at her but she has her head down. Placing them on the desk she waits to be dismissed which Lennox eagerly does.

"Would you like to swim?" He asks, handing me a rice crispy treat.

"Okay, I'm sure everyone is still at the falls."

"Not the falls. I'm not letting anyone see you in that."

"My bathing suit?" I ask, looking down.

"If that's what you want to call it." He replies, huskily looking over my body.

I blush. "Okay, where are we swimming?"

  He stands up carrying me to out of the room. I turn my head trying to see where we're going. I see his living room and through the French doors is an underground pool. He walks outside and sets me down on a patio chair. He kisses my lips softly.

"I need to change. I'll be right back." I nod and watch the water. Thinking over the past half hour I'm still a little shocked. I didn't even know my dad worked for Lennox. I hear the doors open and my heart rate picks up at the sight of him coming towards me in black board shorts and nothing else.

I look away and walk to the edge of the pool and dip my toe in. It's the perfect temperature. I jump in and Lennox does the same. I surface and wipe the hair out of my face.

"My dad works for you?"

"Yes. Most of the pack does."

"Do you like being the Alpha?" He nods. I want to ask him why he's choosing to claim me. I bite my lip and think of other things to ask him. "Why did you choose me? You don't even know me." I blurt out.

His expression doesn't change as he looks at me. "I might not know everything about you, but I can tell you're different."

"I'm not different." I argue.

"Yes, you are. You're better." He states.

I shake my head. This is what he comes up with? This is why he wants me? "I'm not better than anyone." I disagree again. "You're going to be very disappointed when you see that."

"You're perfect. That statement alone tells me that."

I decide to drop the subject. It could have been worse. At least he didn't say he likes me because of my looks. "You're not at all concerned about potentially having pups as small as I am?"

He growls lowly in his throat. "No, the only concern I have is wanting to claim you at this moment. Don't talk about making pups if you want to leave here a virgin." He warns.

  My mouth drops open and I look away blushing. There's something about knowing he wants me that makes my blood rush through my veins. I feel my nipples tighten and I get even more embarrassed. I know he notices, he never misses a thing. I start to back away from him.

"Don't move another inch." I freeze. I can hear his breathing has changed; he's fighting with his wolf. "Don't move away from me, it makes me think of chasing you, mating you." He explains.

  I nod. When he's in control of himself I say, "I should go home. I need to shower before dinner." He doesn't reply. He just gets out of the water and pulls me out after him. We walk to a lounge chair with towels on it and he wraps a towel around my shoulders. He doesn't towel off but walks into the house and I follow him.

We go out of the front door and he lifts me up into his truck and drives me back home. I know there's going to be a lot of questions. Good thing I told Marta most of it or it would be a lot worse.

Chapter 8

Alpha Lennox Hall

  I glance at the door one last time and pull away. Frustrated as hell. Three times we were interrupted; twice I was on the verge of lifting my hips and grinding myself against her. She is so small and perfect. Holding her cemented the fact that I won't want another as badly as I do her.

  I was working my way through her defenses, then her parents showed up. Things changed, she was more aware than the first time. She responded but she was still wary of me. Taking her to the pool was another bad idea. I couldn't stop staring at her. She has no idea what she can do with one look. When she started talking about pups, I lost it. My plan to make her feel safe with me evaporated. I saw the shock when I told her she shouldn't talk about pups if she wants to keep her virginity. Dammit!

  I need her to trust me. Yet, I want her to know how badly I want her, too. I have to take it slow but I doubt I can. The mark I left on her neck is evidence enough. I almost marked her today and she would’ve let me. I don't know if it's her innocence, or if she trusts me not to mark her until her birthday.

I will mark and claim her as mine, willing or not. I just rather she be willing. I can't guarantee that I won't take it further the next time we're together.

  Should I tell her or let it happen naturally? Do I warn her not to let it go so far, like I did about mentioning the pups? At home I go inside and smell the revolting scent of vanilla immediately.

"Wendy, what are you doing here?" I ask, without seeing her. I like how Jocelyn smells, like coconut, delicious. I can still smell her even under the strong odor of vanilla.

"I wanted to talk to you." She replies.

I hear her in the living room and stand at the entrance. "Make it quick."

"Did you like the brownies?"

"I said quickly." I reply, irritated.

She stands up and walks towards me. She sees that I'm turned on and thinks it's because of her, I see it in her smile. "I was thinking maybe you could come to dinner tonight?" She asks, trying to sound sexy. She only managed to annoy me more.

"I'm busy."

  I turn and walked away. I hear her start to follow me. "Get out." I order and her steps stop.

  When they start up again, it's in the other direction. Wendy is a year younger than me; she tried everything to get my attention. Playing the good girl and then switching to party girl. She would try to get me jealous and then play the victim. She never has held my interest or anything else for that matter. I don't think I could touch her without cringing.

I go into my room wishing I would have gotten Jocelyn here. I shower and get dressed for dinner. Leaving the room I see Liam walking towards me.

"You have a phone call from Alpha Rhys, of the Redwolf Pack."

I growl and walk past him to my office to take the phone call. "Alpha Rhys."

"Alpha Hall. I want to request that you lift the restricted leave on Jocelyn Robinson."

"Request denied. She's mine." I hang up the phone. It's only 4:40 p.m. but I walk to the truck and drive to the Robinsons. They didn't mention a time for dinner and I want to see Jocelyn again.

Jocelyn Robinson

  As soon as I got in the door I was besieged by questions from my parents, luckily Marta told them everything she knows which is pretty much all of it. "Do you want to mate with him?" My mom asks, sitting at my desk while I get ready.

"I don't know. I like him sometimes but other times he scares me. He's just so intense." Then I remember his smile and his laugh, my heat skips. "He really is so beautiful when he smiles." I add, blushing.

"If you don't want to be with him, you can find someone else to claim you before the challenge." She offers as a suggestion.

  The challenge, I shudder thinking about it. It's the one time a year when anyone can challenge the Alpha for dominance. The winner gets to choose any unmated female from the pack eighteen years old or older to mate. Most years, I've heard Lennox doesn't get challenged but this year Tom said he was going to challenge him. I wonder if anyone else will. I've heard of the brutality of Lennox. I've seen Alpha Rhys fight these fights, too. Winning so quickly. In some cases, all I did was blink and the other wolf was dead. I think about what Lennox said. You wouldn't like what I'd do to him, and shudder again.

"No. There's no one else." Which is true, I don't want to have to rush and try to start impressing males, hoping to get them to mark me. They'd only end up hurt or worse killed by Lennox. I finish trying to curl my hair and give up, it looks just a little wavy. I put it up in a ponytail and gasp looking at my neck. Lennox left a sizable purple mark on my neck, he even broke the skin in two places. It must have been left from his canines. I watch my mom smirk and walk out of the room. I guess I'll have to wear my hair down for a while. Mom comes back in with a bottle of foundation.

"Here, let me cover it." She offers.

"It's really dark." I warn, thinking nothing will help it. But it's worth a try. I wear my hair up a lot.

"It will cover most of it so it's not so obvious." She states. Dabbing the mark with the foundation, then covering it with loose powder. She's right, you can barely see it. I hug her and walk to the closet. I pick out a loose fitting lavender sundress and slip it on.

I don't bother putting on shoes. "You look lovely."

"Thanks, mom."

"Put on heels. You don't want to look too short next to Alpha Hall."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." I put on my brown wedges and we hear the doorbell ring.

"I didn't tell him a time. We still have a half hour before the casserole is done and your sister invited someone too and he's not here yet." She panics.

"Relax, we'll just watch TV or something."

  We walk out of the room and downstairs. I see my dad standing awkwardly with Lennox and smile. My dad hasn't said much to me since he found out earlier today. While Marta and my mom grilled me, he remained pensive. I walk up to them and I see Lennox looking at my neck and I cover it with my hand blushing.

He removes my hand and licks his thumb wiping off the cover up. "Don't ever cover my marks."

  I nod feeling uncomfortable with my parents watching this, knowing how I got this mark. Did he have to do it in front of them? Especially, my dad who looks so painfully uneasy he keeps shifting on his feet, looking anywhere but us.

"Dinner's not ready yet. Want to go for a run or watch TV?" I ask.

"Doesn't matter."

"Well, I haven't run in a week. I'd really like to see some of the territory."

  He nods in agreement and takes my hand walking to the back door. At the edge of the woods I pull my hand from his to go shift. I hear his low growl, but he lets me walk away behind a tree. I lay my clothes on a branch and seconds later I'm in wolf form instantly seeing, smelling and hearing better.

  I walk out and see that Lennox hasn't turned and look at him questionably. He smirks. "You're beautiful." He states, looking over my pure white wolf. "I don't trust my wolf to keep from taking you." He adds, explaining why he didn't shift.

  He starts walking through the woods and I follow staying by his side. He stops in the middle of an open meadow and looks down at me.

"You can run here but don't go out of my sight."

  I take off happily, running around the edge where the trees meet the meadow. I chase a few birds and I scare a few mice. When I circle for the eighth time, I glance at Lennox seeing how ridged and tense he looks. I know looking at him he is fighting back his instincts to chase me. I walk slowly over to him and nudge his legs letting him know I want to go back. We start walking back, I'm fully aware I need to stay slightly behind him if I want to help him control his wolf even if everything in me is telling me to bolt.

  I slowly walk away from him to get my clothes and I hear his warning growl. I freeze and turn to him keeping my head down. He stands in front of me then walks me to my clothes. Still standing where I can see him he turns and I take that as my cue to get dressed. I shift and put on my bra and underwear in record speed. Pulling my dress back on and sit down on a stump to put my shoes on and walk to his side.

"Better?" I ask. Noticing he's not as tense.

He looks down at me. "You're lucky you stopped when you did." He answers, honestly.

  Entering the back door I smell the Alfredo chicken casserole and my mouth waters. My favorite dish, well any pasta really. "Dinner's ready." Mom tells us and I lead the way to the dining table where I see Tom, Marta and dad sitting and talking.

"Sorry, I got caught up running." I apologize. Lennox pulls out my chair for me and I thank him and sit down. He sits next to me and the table gets quiet.

"What would you like to drink, Lennox?" I ask, about to go get him something. Mom beats me to it, bringing out a pitcher of iced tea.

"Tea is fine." He replies. I stand and pour everyone's drink.

"So, did everyone have fun at the falls?" I ask, searching for something to say.

"Elizabeth got sick on Kyle. That was pretty funny. Then everyone from school started showing up and it got kind of crowded. You would've hated it." Marta answers.

"Still, should've been her choice to leave." Tom states.

I hear the growl start beside me and say, "Marta's right, I wouldn't have liked it. I don't like crowds."

"Do you have something you'd like to say to me?" Lennox asks, Tom. I flinch from the anger in his voice.

"Just that she's not eighteen. You haven't forcefully claimed her, yet. She should get a say-"

I blink and Lennox's arm reaches across the table gripping Tom's neck. He pulls Tom onto the table until they are face to face. "I would be very careful about what you say to me." He threatens. Then Lennox stands up and starts dragging Tom by the neck behind him.

"Do something! Calm him down!" Marta yells. I jump up and run to Lennox pulling on his belt trying to stop him from walking, but I just slide as he pulls me along.

"What do I do?" I ask, panicking.

"Distract him." Mom answers, her eyes big.

  Lennox throws Tom and I hear him landing roughly on the floor as he gulps greedily, trying to get air. I try standing in front of Lennox but he just picks me up and sets me aside.

I look at my family with my arms up, "What now?" I ask, as Lennox advances on Tom.

"Grab his Willis and doodle-berries!" Marta shouts, looking at Tom like he's about to die. I stand back in front of Lennox as he stands directly beside Tom and shove my hand down the front of his pants. I try to get all of him in my hand but I can't. I look at Marta worriedly. I hear a growl thinking he's still going to go after Tom.

"It doesn't fit in one hand! Do I use both?" I ask, almost in tears and feeling like a failure. Knowing he's going to kill Tom. Why is this thing so big and hard? I feel it move and almost panic but I hold it tighter.

"Use both." I hear Lennox say from above me. I look up and see him smirking down at me and I feel mortified, like I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar. I don't know how I was expecting to get out of this not feeling like a complete pervert.

"I'm sorry." I release him and pull my hands out of his pants at lightning speed. He groans and turns to Tom.

"Leave." He orders. Tom stands up and walks to the door. I'm relieved, I just hope Tom realizes he shouldn't challenge Lennox now, he won't win.

I look at Marta and my mom who are trying to stop from laughing at me. I swear to God, I will get Marta back for this.

I walk over to her. "His Willis and doodle-berries! You couldn't think of anything else?" I whisper.

She giggles and Mom laughs. "Sorry, but it's the only thing you could reach. It's not like you could stand in front of him and kiss him." She answers. My mom picks up the tipped over cups on the table and starts serving the pasta. I can't even look at my dad or Lennox. Should I wash my hands?

  Mom sets a plate in front of me and I start to eat not wanting to offend Lennox with going to wash my hands. I hear Marta smothering her laughter and glare at her.

"What?" I ask.

She laughs harder. "You were staring at your hand like you were wondering if you should wash it or not." She points out. I hate having a twin. They know you too well!

"I was not." I deny. I hear the deep rumble of Lennox's rough laugh. "Thanks, Marta." I groan.

  Dinner was less dangerous with Tom gone. Lennox was more relaxed and the hands-down-his-pants incident was slightly referred to throughout the meal. For example, when Marta wanted more garlic bread she asked my mom to 'give her a HAND and HAND her the plate of bread’. In which my mom responded, 'Should I use both hands?' Even I had to laugh.

  Marta and I help mom clear the table while Lennox and Dad go to the living room to watch TV. I start rinsing the plates and putting them in the dish washer. When my mom leaves to take them pie for desert, Marta whispers, "Tom had a point. Have you thought of meeting anyone before our birthday?"

"I don't really want to. I'm already uncomfortable around guys. I can't imagine trying to flirt or suggest mating in two months."

"So, you're just going to let him have his way? What if you actually meet someone?"

"You've seen what he can do. I like him, so it's fine." I whisper back. "I just wish it wasn't so sudden, but it's almost like he can't wait. He watched me run and could barely contain his wolf."

"Have you told him you want more time? Maybe he'll listen."

I look at Marta knowingly. "There's no way that's going to happen. Trust me, he's hanging on by the skin of his teeth. I doubt he gives me the two months."

"You think he'll mate you without your permission?"

"I told you, he can't control himself. I've seen it. Look at this mark." I point to my neck. "He could have marked me, I wasn't even fighting. It didn't even cross my mind. He's-" I don't want to tell her this but I think I have to, maybe it will make sense to her. "He's the first male to turn me on." I whisper, even quieter.

"Are you serious?" She chuckles.

"Yeah."

"You think you needed to tell me that? I know you've never looked twice at a guy until he came into the picture. He's definitely hot enough to melt that glacier in your vagina."

I bump her with my shoulder and finish the dishes. "When he smiles-" I start saying.

She's already shaking her head yes in complete agreement. "The sexiest thing in the world." She finishes.

I laugh. "Exactly." I wash my hands and we go into the living room.

  My mom and dad are sitting on one couch and Lennox is in a chair leaving the love seat open for Marta and me. I follow Marta to the love seat but I'm stopped before I make it. Lennox grabs my hips and pulls me onto his lap. I settle into his arms and he kisses my mark giving me chills.

I wake up in the middle of the night still in the living room. The lights are off and there's a blanket over me. I realize I'm still on Lennox's lap, he cannot be comfortable. I try to pick myself up off of him and slide out of his arms. I get one foot on the floor when he wakes up and pulls me back down.

"Where are you going?" He asks, sleepily.

"To bed. You can't be comfortable with me on you like this."

He kisses my neck. "I'm very comfortable."

I'm wide awake now but I try to make myself comfortable again. I feel Lennox start to pull up my dress by bunching it up on the sides and it lifts slowly. My breathing speeds up. Do I tell him to stop?

  His hands on my thighs feel warm and calloused. His fingers tease the inside of my upper leg and I moan when they brush against my underwear. He does it again, only this time more deliberately and he doesn't stop with one touch. He starts to trace my thong and then surprising me he rips it, allowing his fingers to touch my flesh. I bite my lip to stop myself from moaning. As he caresses me, I feel him slide a finger inside. I can't help my gasp of pleasure. My hands tighten on the arm rests.

Lennox pushes me forward and I hear his zipper and he shuffles a bit. He takes my right hand and brings it in front of him. "I want you to touch me." He whispers.

  I do as he says, feeling the length of him in my palm. He's hard and big. Yet his skin is soft and hot. I try to concentrate on touching him as he continues to explore me. He pulls my dress over my head and drops it beside the chair. The cool air feels nice against my heated skin. With one hand he unclasps my bra and it joins my dress. His one hand still plays with my sensitive nub and the other cups my breast. When I start to shake coming close to something, I feel him pinch and pull on my nipple making me come undone. My thighs shake and I moan loudly. I feel him grunt and jerk up in my hand, spilling wetness on my back.

  I lean back still coming down from his touch. I've never experienced anything like that before, it was amazing. He picks up my clothes and hands them to me. Before I can put them on he carries me upstairs and to the bathroom. When he turns on the light I try to cover up which only makes him smirk.

"I'm getting in with you, sweetheart." He turns on the shower and sets me on my feet. I keep my clothes in front of me as he starts to strip. Eyes wide I look away and jump under the still cold spray. I can tell he's amused when he opens the glass door and stares at me.

"I've never been naked in front of anyone before." I tell him, hating my shyness.

"Get used to it." He smirks. Taking the soap in his hands and working up a lather, he starts rubbing it into my skin washing every part of my body with slow strong hands. By the time he's done I'm breathing heavily again. He gently pushes me against the tile and kisses me thoroughly. Making me want him even more. He pulls back and says, "I have to stop."

  I nod. Knowing he knows his limits and respecting him more for it. I step out of the shower and give him a towel, before I get one for myself. We walk to my room and he dries off and slips into the bed completely naked. I walk to my closet and put on a big t-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts. Walking to the bed he pulls me to his chest and we fall asleep.

Chapter 9

  I feel soft kisses on my neck waking me up and my eyes snap open, remembering last night. I feel Lennox's body flush against mine, hard and warm. His head still nuzzled in my neck as we lay facing each other. His hands are under my shirt caressing my side's, then lower to my hips. He grips my hips tightly, grinding his hardness against me. I hum my approval and he lifts my legs over his hip, getting even closer.

"Jocelyn! Get up!" Marta yells, banging on the door. Lennox doesn't stop and pulls me to him again making sure to rub himself against me.

I groan. "I'm up!"

I pull away from Lennox looking at his face. "I have school." He kisses my lips tenderly.

"Same rules apply. I want to know if anyone hits on you or any girls are mean to you."

"Okay." I agree, rolling out of bed.

He stands up, still naked and completely turned on. I look away quickly and go to my closet to get dressed. Thank God I have a walk-in closet. I don't think I can sleep completely naked and get dressed in front of him anytime soon.

I throw on a pair of white shorts with a brown belt, a navy and white striped shirt and brown wedge sandals. I walk out to see a completely dressed Lennox and he even made my bed. "Thank you." I say, pointing to the bed.

"You're welcome." He replies, watching me as I put on mascara and lip gloss. I look behind me in the mirror and see him staring intently at my butt. "You need to change." He states, walking forward.

I look down at myself. "Why?"

"You're wearing a thong." I pause, he can see it? I turn trying to look at my butt.

"How do you know that?"

"I can see through your shorts."

My mouth drops open. "I wear these all the time! No one's ever told me." I reply, walking back into the closet. I take off the shorts and throw them in the back of the closet. I take a pair of dark shorts from a hanger and put them on adding the same brown belt. I turn back to the door noticing I kept it open and see a very satisfied looking Lennox. I blush.

"You wear thongs a lot?" He asks, his voice rumbles like he's purring.

I nod. "Most of the time."

I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth, then go back to my room. Lennox takes a step towards me and Marta looks in. "Are you coming or what? We're going to be late." Marta complains. I pick up my bag. Good thing I didn't have any homework, it would've never gotten done.

He walks with us out of the house and gives me a peck on the lips. "I'm picking you up from school."

"Okay. I'll see you then." I wave and get in the car. Marta drives away, quickly. I can sense her excitement.

"Tell me everything! How good was it? Was he gentle?" She asks, excitedly. Somehow remaining in her seat.

"We didn't have sex." I reply, looking out the window hoping she drops the subject. I don’t really want to describe to her what we did.

"You did something. I heard the moaning." She smirks, knowingly.

Blushing, I groan. If she heard that means my parents heard. "You heard us."

"Oh yeah. You were very vocal. So, I know you had an orgasm." She says, proudly.

"Marta!" I shout, turning even redder.

"Tell me! I want details!"

"No, I don't want to talk about it. It was very nice. That's all you get." I state, firmly.

"You're such a prude!... Unless you're between the sheets." She mutters, amused.

"Marta!" I yell, laughing. We pull up to school and I see people lazily walking into the school. I get out to join the rest of the crowd that doesn't want to be here.

]

  Lucky for me the day is passes quickly. The only irritating part Is the whispers about me and Lennox. Everyone knows about what happened at the falls. Some of the girls and a few of the guys thinks Lennox hates me and its isolating me from the pack. However, it seems like most of the pack have figured it out. At lunch I see Beta Holden standing in the corner and walk over to him. "Hello, Beta Holden. Are you on watch?" I ask.

"Yep. Call me, Liam."

"Well, Liam. Why don't we get something to eat and you can sit with me? Instead of creeping me out and watching me."

He chuckles and starts walking to the line. "It creeps you out?"

"Oh, yeah. Big time." I stand behind the last person in line, but Liam has other ideas. He grips my arm and pulls me to the front of the line. "What do you want?"

"I'll have the two slices of pepperoni pizza and a chocolate milk." I say, to the women.

"I'll have the same." He replies.

He pays for both of us and we take our food to a nearby open table. "Thanks for lunch."

"You're welcome. So, how was dinner last night?"