Inside Out

by Evan Francisco Copyright 2012 Evan Francisco A free story draft. Smashwords Edition. Also available at Goodreads.

Chapter One
Many years ago, an architectural expertise Raoul Sanchez, a werewolf who used to be the Alpha of our pack had built this neighborhood for us. La Cove, a breathtakingly beautiful werewolves residential area located in one forested area in Bloomingdale, Washington D.C. is considered as a gift to the gigantic pack before he died of cancer a month before the whole pack moved into the neighborhood. Many things happened here in La Cove. And one of the biggest things that have happened to me is what youre going to know. Back when I was a little child, I was easily fascinated by the idea of mates. Its a wonderful fable or a bedtime story for young werewolvestales about the discovery between two lycanthropic mates who are destined to be together. I have always waited for that time to comethe day where I will stare straight into my mates eyes, and let myself fall into this one thing called love. I remember of being so little and so excited when Mom decided to tell me another story about mates. I was in the hall of my house. My twelve-year old big brother and his friends were playing Xbox. There are seven of usthe Alpha of our pack called us as The Little Pack. Thats because ever since Ive seen the world, my mother wouldnt let me play aloneso these other six boys were the only ones where my parents could trust on taking care of me. That includes my brother, which was nothing but an asshole on the moment. No matter how much Id tried to blend myself with them, with what they did or what they played, Id always found myself dissociated from what I really was. I was that child who loves stories and books and weird stuffs which was not toys or games. Thats why Id always find Mom, demanding her for more mates tales. The others didnt like the stories, of course. Guys like them played Xbox, soccer, and so many other things together. Oh, tell me about it. They had even tried to watch porn online! And I would never be one of them. My childhood was full of loneliness. If we were a duck in a fairy tale, I would probably be the Ugly Duckling. So whenever I felt lonely, I would find Mom. She would tell me more love stories about mates. One day, I was there in the hall with my mother. Jace, whos considered as the Alpha of the Little Packthe strongest, most popular yet most annoying one among us asked all the boys including my brother to go upstairs and play some video games with him. Everyone trailed him, and whats left was the forever lonely me. Honey, Mom said, why dont you join your brothers? It was summer so Mom was okay with us playing video games since school had ended. I wonder why she asked that, because my mother knows me so well. She knew I wasnt into video games or soccer or stuff my brother and their friends did. No, I said, I want to know what happen to Estella. She sat down on the chair in front of meher hand stroked my ruffled hair back and forth. I looked up to her, seeing into her bright brown eyes. She smiled and said, Where have I stopped, sweetheart? Estella. She found her mateJared, the beautiful schoolboy? But she hides from him, and things got messed up. Yeah, Mom sighed. You know, sweetie, this Estella story is a sad one. For months, she went under a torturous and painful phase, since Jared was in love with another woman.

I stopped my train of thought and thought something for a while. Is this Estella girl is a real person or something? I asked. Mom exhaled as she looked at me. Shes actually Stella, Jordanyour grandmother. Everything seemed logical. My grandfather is JackJack and Jared seem phonetically similar. Poor Grandma, I said. But she and Grandpa made it. To marriage, I mean. Yes, but she regretted for everything that she had done. She even told all your aunts to not do the same. Hiding from mates can lead to so many unwanted things happened, darling. I let the silence passed before I asked Mom another question. So, its the females who have to discover their male mates first? I guess, Mom answered, usually the girls will know who their mates are first. The boys will eventually find out, but they may never know at all. But Mom, I sighed, would things change even if Grandma told Grandpa about them? Yes sweetheart, it would. Once the males know, the bond will slowly develop, and slowly, they too, will fall in love with the females. But theyll either know or theyll not. You know that some shifters are mateless, dont you, sweetie? But usually mate bonds cause certain kinds of attractiona deadly tie to your heart. This bond will usually drive you to find your mate. Mateless is a term we call for any werewolf who hasnt found their mate yet for a long time, or their mate is dead. Being mateless is considered as the biggest unfortunate to happen among us. Since werewolves are half/half creature, we believe that we bear a half part of our mates soul, while our mate bears half part of ours. Some odds say the same thing has happened to other half/half immortals, like half-human half-vampires. This explains the mate bond and everything. So when you havent found your mate, your life somehow will seem incomplete. If your mate dies, you will never live the same way, as half of your soul has gone. Being mateless is the only thing I dont want to happen to me. Some teen wolves who think theyve fallen deeply in love just hope they dont have to have a mate, but Mom have told me that the love well feel for our mate is different. Marriages and relationships can be broken if a wolf has found his or her mate. I was thinking about Grandma for days since Mom told me about her mate discovery. Since then, I decided not to fall in love with anyone but my mate. I would wait for her till the end of time, because I dont want her to witness me with another girl, since shes the right person who deserves to be by my side. Shes the one who bears the other half of my soul. Years passed, and I had just turned fifteen. There was one beautiful tree house that my dad had just built for us in front of a big meadow near my house where we could wait for the bus. There were me, my brother Stanley, and the rest of the Little Pack; Jace, Jaces little brother Jeff, Nathan, Rick and his little brother Callan. We gathered there in the tree house while we were waiting for the bus. Normally we would be there about an hour earlier because the dudes wanted to play chess and to do stuff theyd always done there. Sometimes they wanted to shift and played deep in the meadow. But all I liked to do there was to have a book in my hand and read. Hey Jordan, Callan came over to me, what are you reading? Er . . . The Host? I said, handing him the book with the eye close-up cover. I knew he was not interested at all in readingno one here was interested in reading but me. But Callan just love to sneak around and caress everything I hold, and thats the nature of them. Everything I do

seems strange and weird. That explains why the boys would check out what I was reading, what I was holding, what I was doingwriting stories, or sometimes draw mangas characters, or sneaked on who I was texting. Well, I was The Ugly Duckling, wasnt I? Is it a sequel to Twilight? Callan asked, noticing The Twilight Saga logo at the bottom of the book. I felt my eyes rolling. Nope, its written by Stephenie Meyer, the author of The Twilight Saga. Oh. Is there anything about us inside? he chuckled. No, theres no Jacob Black inside, only aliens, I responded. The boys had already taken a chess set from the small wooden shelf in the tree house and started to play. Rick watched the game and Callan trailed behind him, leaving me in the corner of the tree house alone. Of course. Jace and my brother were in the game while the others watched. I curled up in the corner, and opened my book. What the f MOLE I stared at the handwriting written with a highlighter on the title page of the book, just underneath the title. The red highlighter written across the book page lit a flame inside my head. Jace. Jace. Growing up with him was the worst thing to accept in my life. Being recognized as the strongest male werewolf in our packthe second biggest werewolf pack in Washington D.C.among the young wolves ranging from age fourteen to eighteen, of course Jace Andrews would be a little arrogant and full of shit. Jace had fought many enemies that had tried to the harm human population here easily, and during strength battles he always won. He is strong, masculine, powerful, and you dont want to hurt him. Although when hes kicking your ass playfully, the pain may stick there for a year straight. Jaces also super popular among the humans. Kids at Bloomingdale High rated him as the hottest guy at school. Among the teachers Jaces known as the bright kidwell, Jace is born as a freaking genius. Kids at school were matching Jace with an it girl at school, Heather. But Jace in my eyes was ugly, stupid, arrogantwhile I was growing up with him he was nothing but a devil with a human mask covering his face. He was everythingyou name it. He volunteered to become the President of the GayStraight Alliance club at school, and he smiled to everyone and helped kids who got bullied one barely knows the truth but me. He was my biggest bully; he had annoyed me since I was a child, and did things to humiliate me, making fun of me. Last week, hed done something that I was sure I would never forgive him, eternally of my immortal life. I was in the shower and I had hanged my towel in front of the bathroom right on the doorknob. When Id done cleaning myself I reached out and noticed the towel was gone. I thought no one was inside my bedroom, so I walked out naked trying to find the towel. Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) Jace and Nathan were there. Oh my God, there is a freaking mole near his dick! Jace shouted. And then there in Jaces hand was my towel.

I took one of the bed sheets near me and covered up my crotch. My mom was going to literally kill me when she found out that the newly-washed bed sheets were wet. Give me back the towel, I groaned, and Jace just stuck out his tongue. One reason they did this was because every time I was the only one who always covered up in towels as I had my shower in P.E. while they were all proudly walking around naked, showing off their big-ass dicks. I was certainly confused why they always told me to open up the towel and get naked, because I thought it was unnecessary. So now when they finally saw my crotch, they thought it was because of this one tiny black spot near my penis. Whatwhy would I hide a tiny mole from them? Mole, Jace said as I got on the bus. Tiny black spot, mole, mole, mole, on the dick, on the dick, he sang to me in front of some girls at the cafeteria in an attempt to humiliate me. An epic failure, fortunately. Plus the stupid song doesnt rhyme, and it sounds stupid. A mole grows older on ur dick, was the fifteenth birthday wish from him to me recently. At least he wished, my brother said as he found out about it. Books were my priority, even Stan knows that I will be freaking mad if he ruins one of my books that hed borrowed. This time, it wasnt just a something from a highlighter stain. The M word is a profanity in my dictionary since that incident. Jace hadnt just blemished the book; he ignited the fire of pain from the most humiliating incident thatd happened in the fifteen years of my life. I couldnt stand thisI needed to do something to let him feel what I feltirritated and annoyed. I dont care if, later, we would shift and fightwell, never once in my life had I ever fought with the dudes, playfully or seriously. But I guess the time had come. With the flame of fury still enraging in my chest, I stood and walked up to him. Jace was on the wooden floor, in the middle of the tree house, playing chess. The first thing I saw was his butt, tightening in his jeans. If books are my off-limits, then Jaces off limits would probably be his butt. If you smack his butt, you are simply drunk or you dont want to live anymore. My hand slapped his butt hard, and satisfaction flowed in me. I jumped off from the tree house. When I fell on the ground, I thought my backbone was broken. Fighting the pain, I ran into the meadow, going deep into the forest. Once in a while I turned around and Jace was almost an inch apart from me, his hands reaching me. Now, I know I couldnt make it, but I kept my will going on, anyway. I turned left as a strategy, but its useless when Jace Andrews is the one whos about to kill you. I kept on runningthe air that went through my face felt as if it was about to take my head off my body. But shortly, two strong arms wrapped my chest tightly from my back, and we rolled down the hill. We stopped rolling. Jace pushed my chest on the grass. I tried to get away from him, but he was so strong. And Im small, so you know how great the impossibility is. His hands slapped my face, his knuckles punched my head. Dont, he told me, he punched me, mess. With. Me. The pain was so extreme. But when I saw Jaces eyes, everything was gone, and replaced my some kind of stupid (beautiful) sensation. When I saw Jaces face, my heart relaxed, and then it pumped hard. The heavy fury in my heart left, my chest felt lighter. It seemed as if you are taking a picture while trying to focus on an objectthe background blurs and the object stands out so beautiful. Thats how Id seen Jaces face.

He was still slapping me, punching me. There were blood but there were no pain. And then Jace stopped when I stared blankly into his eyes. I think he could feel my racing heart, as his hand was still pressing my chest hard. But, whatever it is, I was starting to feel it. Something was streaming inside my systemsomething so beautiful and extreme. On the moment, I was thinking nonsensical thoughts, like lifting my head toward Jace and kiss his lips. My muscles itched to move toward him so I could hug him and be with him. I tried to brush those thoughts away, but the more Id tried, the more it came. Thats when I was certain about everything. You asshole, Jace groaned. He stood up, but I didnt move. I kept on watching him. We missed the bus because of you, he said again. I tried to talk, trying to beg him not to leave me, but I couldnt. When he walked away, a new kind of tension had started to build up in my chest. Jace left me alone in the woods. Shortly, I sat up. I stared blankly at the earth. Thats when I screamed painfully. I closed my eyes and tried to think of sexy, naked strippers that were crawling on my bed toward me, to fulfill my erotic desires. Shortly, I didnt see any naked strippers. I saw Jace shirtless, he was smiling brightly, walking toward me. I shouted more. I was crying. Id never cry that badly before. Let me repeat: Mom was wrong. Mom told me about werewolves mates, about wolves when they fell in love, about Grandma whod found Grandpa during their schooldays and she hiding from him. But she had never told me, that there was a possibility, that I could bear a soul, which belongs to a shapeshifting creature that I hated the most. And its possible that that werewolf, who owns the other half of my soul, is a guy.

Chapter Two
I was up in the tree house again. But I was extremely late today since I had to stay up yesterday to calm myself down when I couldnt sleep thinking about Jace. When you call it as a crush, we call it as the mate-bond trouble. The mate bond trouble is simply a condition where you think it is not the right time to acknowledge your mate about you as their mates yet. Or to break it down more, its a condition where youre not prepared to be with your mate. This happens usually when a girl doesnt want to risk any heartbreaks thinking that her mate is going to say no, or to delay their relationship for a while. Like my grandmother did. Mom told me that theres no mate who has actually said nousually discoveries will be so lovey-dovey and filled with happiness. But the mate-bond trouble sucks. Maybe because I hated my mate before, so I both wanted him and didnt want him with me at the same time. Man, I cant even tell you how painful it was. Yesterday before sleep, I was shivering; my skin was dribbling with cold sweats. It was like a feverI had to wrap my body inside a blanket as tight as possible for warmth that I could never have. It wasnt warmth that I wanted from the coversit was me mentally visualizing the blanket as Jaces strong arms, wrapped tightly around me, just to love me, protect me. But in the end, I had nothing. Around three in the morning, I could finally sleep. But then I was swallowed into a nightmarethe one that you know you are dreaming, and as things get uglier youll try so hard to wake up, but you become breathless instead. Mom woke me up after she heard me screaming. She asked me why, and I tried to tell her, but I couldnt. Weirdly enough, Mom wasnt the first thing Id saw in the morning. Id saw Jace, with a face that looked like he was trying to attack me again. Before I climbed up to the tree house, I sat with me leaning against the broad bark, trying to bear the throb at the scar on the corner of my lips. I swear I didnt feel anything when Jace repeatedly punched me in the woods, but as I washed my face, it felt just as if a salt has been poured to a cut. But I did not regret of my actions, oddly. It felt like me slapping Jaces ass was a destiny. But then Id also felt like it would be better if nothing happened, so I would never have to know that Jace owns the other half of my soul. Dude, said a voice above me, whatcha doin down there? Come on up! I looked up, and it was Jeff. He was smiling at me. His smile was bright as usual, and he can always cheer me up. But the thought of Jace up there had release butterflies out of a jar into my stomach. Come on, said Jeff again, his eyes stared straight into mine. And I did. Jeff held my hand to help me climb up faster. When he smiled, I tried to return it, but then the scar at my lips had made the pain went extreme. I winced and tried to touch the bright red cut at the corner of my mouth. Damn, Jeff said, what happened to your face, bro? Who did this to you? When he touched my shoulder to comfort me, I moved his hand off me and said, Nothing. Jeff kept on staring at me. I accidentally moved my head toward Jace. He was glaring at me hatred glowed in his eyes like flames. Nathan and my brother were playing chess on the floor, Jace was sitting between them. I turned to look at Jeff quickly, and when I saw the questions in his eyes, I knew I had to find ways to erase his thoughts.

Dude, youre not going with Lulu today? I said. Lulu was a nickname for Jeffs skateboard. Nah, I tripped somewhere in school yesterday, a small accident. So now my feets sore, and I can barely walk. Ouch, is it bad? I responded. Not as bad as that busted lips of yours. I was startled when the bus honked loudly at us. I jumped out of the tree house first, since I was the nearest person to the exit. When I was walking toward the entrance of the bus, Jace ran and hit my shoulder on purpose. I knew it was him because, damnhis buff built made me certain that my arm had gone broken. Thank God it wasnt. Before the first period started, I would usually hang out in the cafeteria with my best friend Adam. Especially on Mondays, since were in the same Algebra class together and its the first period every Monday. So I was at my locker, and it was an hour before first period started. In my hand were a few Algebra textbooks, notes, and The Host, which I couldnt finish since Jace screwed me up. Even when I thought of the four letters that form his name, my chest would feel heavy of sober and frustration. Just as I shut my locker, I felt a strong arm gripping my wrist tightly. I was turned to him when he pulled me and he slammed me against the lockermy head throbbed as it hit the metal hard. Jace. Oooo, he murmured, look at those lips. Let the fuck of me go, I cursed. I tried to push him over, but his elbow was against my chest hard, and there was no way for me to do that. Aw, look at that, he said, trying to touch the scar, look damn bad. Dont I tried to scream as I struggle to push him. And I did. But shortly, he had my arm in his strong hand again. The moment I didnt face him was the time my tears spilled down in the speed of light. I dont know why, but all I can remember its because the pressure was too hard in my heart. Oh, you burst out in tears! Look at you and that sissy ass of yours. What a genius act, trying to annoy me that time, arent you? he whispered. My tears kept coming out. But it was just tearsI remember that I didnt shout or scream or sounded like crying. It was just those damn fluids flowing down my cheeks. Just let me go, Jace, I said exhaustedly. He didnt. Until I heard a girls voice from my back. Jace, she said. Her voice sounded familiaroh hell I will always know that flirtatious voice. I knew it was Heatherone of the sexiest chicks in Bloomingdale High. Jace was currently dating her, and I guess she was there to talk about one of their date nights. Anyway, as soon as Jace saw her that time, his hand let go of my arm. I ran away quickly toward the cafeteria, my fingers kept on wiping away the tears on my face. Still, it kept coming out. I walked quickly toward the table where Adam and I usually sit on. It was in the front corner of the cafeteria near the entrance, right beside a soft drinks machine. On the table was a cup of coffee and his portable computer, as usual. I grabbed a tissue paper from a table I could reach

and wiped it over my face again and again. I hopelessly hoped that Adam wouldnt notice me crying. As I sat on my chair fronting Adam, everything started to blur. When my vision sharpened again, I found myself crying harder. I buried my face in my hands, trying not to make any sound as hard as I can. Dude Adam sounded like he wanted to say something as he stopped typing on his computer. He stopped in silence as soon as he saw me. Whatwhats happening to you, dude? he said. I could sense him moving to the chair beside me. His hand rubbed my back, while he was whispering, Are you okay? I didnt make any sound. Instead, I tried to make the tissue absorb any fluid that was coming out of my eyes. I couldnt stop the tears. As I closed my eyes, all I saw was him. All I saw was Jace. His face was floating everywhere in my mind. All I could think of was to have him with me. I wanted to feel his skineven if its going to be only for a second, I wanted it. There you are, said a voice. It belonged to Sunny. Sunny West was another friend at my age. She was the only best friend I had whos actually a werewolf from the pack my family and I are in. If shes a guy, then she would be the eighth member in the Little Pack. Adam was more like my best friend, but hes a human. Adam and I are best friends since my freshmen year in Bloomingdale High. My parents had even met him and his parents during the evaluation day where parents had to meet our teachers, and my family had also been to a sit-down dinner with his family a year ago. Mom said it was no harm if Adams family knew that were werewolvessome humans knew about us anywaybut I didnt feel like it was the right time. Sunny was the only girl and the only best friend of mine from my pack. She knew how I was highly incompatible with The Little Pack. She believed I was gayand she called me gay as a hope so that call would eventually turn me gay someday. Id wondered how she would react if I told her about Jace. My face was still in my hands. Sunny turned silent, I knew she silently asked Adam what was happening to me. And I knew Adam would just shrug. Jordan, she said, sitting down next to me, whats wrong, sweetie? I tried so hard to lift my face off my hands. The lights felt like knives cutting into my eyes as I opened them. Im fine, I smiled, and I knew the smile wouldnt work to hide things away from them. Damn, Adam said, shocked, you look terrible. You were crying, right dude? Your eyes are just fucking red. You have to tell me what happened, Sunny said. Itits nothing, I lied. Adam, Sunny turned to him, he failed algebra again? No, theres not even a pre-evaluation! Adam responded. Okay, I have to laugh on that. But I didnt laugh that moment. Sunny said that because I was also crying when I didnt pass my algebra paper. I worked so hard for mathematics, so failing the subject with tears are kind of relevant. But crying for Jace Andrews, the hottest, most masculine, most amazing, most beautiful guy in Bloomingdale High wasnt even worth a shit. Nothing, I said, my nose was congested of fluid because of crying. Itsits just

What?! Sunny screamed, her eagerness had driven her mad. Notnot now, okay? I said. Ill tell you later. I promise. I shouldnt have promised her. Promise? she said. I nodded. Adam curved up his lips, imitating a sulking expression. You, too. Ill tell you too, alright? He smiled. Anyway, Im here to tell you that Im throwing a slumber party this weekend. And I really want you to come, Sunny said. Oh, I tried to breathe in and look as calm as possible, this weekend? You havent done any slumber parties for ages. Yeah, I know, she said. Then she ducked down to my ear, and whispered silently at me. Ive just got the latest edition of Xbox 360, the ones where its not in store yet! And also the latest, unreleased Dead or Alive. I know its not a big deal for you, but it is for them. Please dont tell anyone about this, especially Jace. Wed battled to see if I could get the Xbox first. When I looked back at Adam, confusion filled his face. I know he didnt like to be left out of something. Girls stuff you dont want to hear, I said to him. That was the only excuses I could give if Sunny was telling me some wolf secrets or whatever. Adam would freak out even when he heard Sunny talked stupidly about her first period experience to me. The school went on as usual. When the final bell rang, I hid behind a big tree near the bus and waited for Jace to enter before I did so I would never have to see his face. To brush my mind off things, I tried to think about the slumber party. Sunny was boyish with the others from The Little Pack. She seems more masculine than me when she was in her wolf formduring full moon hunting, especially. I was still the most passive of all us all, even if Sunny was included. Shes physically strong as a human, too. I remember our freshmen year when a boy had his arm broken by Sunny when he tried to touch her ass. She wasnt punished because it was considered as self-defense, plus I was there as a witness. Sunny is beautifulId liked her before when I was little. She grew prettier as a teenager, I think. Her fair skin, her long, wavy hairalthough shed never like to look feminine and always tie her hair into a messy pony-tail, she would always look beautiful. I know boys are crushing over herits just her attitude that glares at boys when they check on her made them scared. That includes AdamI know my best friend have always had a crush on her. Sunnys boyish act and her feminism were two beautiful separate layers. And when I say feminism, I mean it. She will also be the one who scream at any guys whove broken any of her girlfriends hearts. Shed never date any guys before, and Id always wondered when that time would come. For three years in high school, with even many beautiful boys tried for her, shed always loved being single. The bus stopped at the tree near the neighborhood. Before I could walk out, Jace was already in front of me. When I was out I heard giggles from my back. I turned around and saw Jace gave me a middle finger. Thats when I felt something sticky on my back. Jace stuck a note on my back. It was a paper. Written across it with a marker pen, was a four capital-letter word MOLE.

I was crying harder when days passed by that week. Only Id started to make sounds. It was Friday night, and my days in school got worse. I could never concentrate in classes because of thinking about Jace. My mother had started to get worried about me. My dad was weirdtwo days ago, he told me that it was okay if I wanted to come out as gay. It was totally weird until my mom told me that Stanley suspected me of having a sexual identity issues. I was really going to kill that dumbass. Jordan, Stanley knocked on my door, are you okay, bro? I tried to breathe in, walked toward the door and opened them. But hell the tears wouldnt stop. Stanley grabbed me immediately and pulled me into his hug. Come on, bro, everythings fine. Its not our fault youre not going to tell us what the hell was going on. I didnt respond. It was both awkward and nice to have Stan treated me this way. Cmon, lets go. Sunnys waiting, Stan said as he rubbed my back. Stanley was extremely kind now. I was walking toward Sunnys house with his arm pulling my waist to him. As we walked, he said nothing. I know hell always care for me. You see, no matter how annoying and hateful he might be when I was saying things about him, he would always freak out when he thinks hes the last person on earth to know whats happening to me or any of our family members. It felt good to be near him, especially when I didnt need to look at Jace. The Little Pack was walking with us, too, but I hadnt heard Jace talking since then. Jace, my brother started to talk, you look damn awful, man. What the hell happened to you? Yeah, you went on a date last night, are you? Nathan added. Yeah, Jace responded, his hand covered his mouth as he yawned exhaustedly, I was with Heather. Damn, she almost got me laid last night, but Damn, youve rocked with the hottest chick in high school, dude! Awesome! Callan said. The thought of Jace getting laid with someone who actually doesnt deserve to be by his side will always kills me. I didnt expect the sound coming, but I sounded terrible the next time Id shout my tears out. Everyone stopped and looked at me. The boys noticed there was something wrong with me. My brother was definitely freaking out. We stood there frozen. The cold wind shivered me. But I kept crying. Whats wrong with you? my brother whispered gently, as if my heart was really a fragile, already cracked piece of glass. What the hell is up to you, bitching around like this? Jaces words felt like a rope hanging around my neck, strangling my airway so I couldnt breathe no more. Once again, anger burned in my head, and I was out of control. Dont you fucking talk to me again, I said as I pushed him as hard as I could. Jace had almost stumbled backwards and fell, but he was so strong to gain control. It was very dark to see his face, but I was sure his nerves got wild. That moment, I didnt care. I didnt care if he was literally going to kill me, because death seemed favorable. He pushed me again, and of course I would fall down. He tried to crush my face by his strong punches when the boys stopped him. Jeff, Nathan and my brother were at my side. The fuck is wrong with you, man? Nate said. Guys, I heard a voice. It was Sunny. Her house was already at the corner of the road, glowed by the orange lights that illuminated the cube-shaped building.

Jace glared at me, and he turned away, walking quickly toward the house. Id wished my tear ducts would get dried, because if they did, I would never have to cry again. I felt bad when the boys werent excited when they saw the Xbox 360 when they were supposed to. Sunny was comforting me, and I tried to stop crying, but I couldnt. Whats wrong with you and Jace? You have to tell me. I kept on fending of my tears, only it caused more tears to stream out of my eyes. In one of Moms mate stories, shed told me that mate bond trouble causes you extreme pain, and it is your decision to acknowledge your mate about your presence as his or her eternal lover. I didnt know if I could tell Sunny about me being Jaces mate. It was a difficult thing, because hes Jace Andrewsthe guy where every female werewolf in the pack (probably except Sunny) wished for to be their mate. And I didnt think Jace would accept me, even if he was the President of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at school. He could just be the propaganda image of the society. Even thinking of Jace saying no to me in my head had caused more tears. You promised to tell me what was going on, Sunny sighed. I know, I said as I fend off more tears. So, she started to sound mad, tell me. Its hard, I said. Its not easy. You were fighting with Jace. He said youd started it first. Explain it to me. I tried to breathe in and decide things in my head. I could tell her. I know I could. You wont believe this, I said. I dont fucking care, Jordan. All I need to know is the truth. And youll tell the truth. Not that asshole son-of-a-bitch, Sunny said. I know she was saying those words to comfort me. I managed to stop my tears. Promise me this will be our secret first, I said. She sighed. I promise. You know I wont break any of my promises. I know she wouldnt. Okay, heres the thing.

Chapter Three
I told Sunny everything. My words werent clearit was too rushed and sometimes she helped me to slow things down, but then I was too slow and she was pissed off and she rushed it up. Its funny that I was supposed to tell her the simplicityJace is my mate. Thats it. But I ended up telling her my hand that went wrong on his bloody ass, and how bad this mate bond had caused me, and I was hoping for Sunny to feel bad about me, but she seemed happy instead. I was staring at her strange smile. Oh my God! she screamed. She was on her feetshe couldnt control the excitement no more. Sunny, I groaned. This is awesome, she said. No, its not. And I dont know how this will end. She sat beside me and looked straight into my eyes. What kind of moron are you, Jordan? Just fucking tell him! Whats the deal with it? I hope you remember its Jace Andrews were talking about. When I said those words, Sunny went laughing like a maniac. What? I said. Jordan, hes with us since like, we were in diapers. In fact this boy that youre madly crushing on is in here, inside my house! Just go and tell him, and everythings going to be fine. Im not crushing on him, Sunny, I protested, although crush was a great term to replace the mate-bond trouble thing. And you cannot tell him, no. I dont want him to know. Jordan, she groaned. You know where this might lead, dont you? You know some wolves have gone suicide because of mate bonds. And I dont want that to happen to Jace. Hes my friend, and I love him, just like I love you. You know that, Sunny said. Yes, its true. Mate bond can really go deadly if it goes to a wrong direction. In some wolf packs, its a crime if a mate hides from a mate, and theyll have some punishment. But hiding from mates is rare in the pack I live in, and I was afraid if I was going to be the first boy who hid from his mate. Sunny had already let the boys enjoy the video games in the hall at the second level of the house. Still, every boy probably except Jace and I were still excited for it. Callan was shouting something while he was watching Nate and my brother playing. I was on the long couch in the hall, and Jace was sitting somewhere in the dark corner of the hall near a window pane, watching the night rain with his phone. I turned to look at Sunny again before I let out my exasperated sighs. You know, Jaces dating Heather, Sunny whispered to me slowly, as if she didnt want to hurt me. Yeah, I said, sometimes when I thought about them, I became screwed up again. Sunny looked at me, her expressions seemed melodramatic. You know, I added, when we were walking to your place just now; he was talking something about getting laid with her. And I couldnt take it. Its too much for me. So I dont know why, but I screamed. Id justscreamed. And then we Oh, Sunny sighed, hugging my shoulders with her arms. You know what, Jordan? When we were in our freshmen year in high school, Id always worried that being super close to you might make you fall in love with me. Its just becauseI dont ever want us to be more than

what we are now. I love you guys this way. And now, among us, youre the first whos discovered the love of your life, and Im happy. I can be so happy if you can be courageous and apologize to your mate and tell him the truth. The thing is, Im not courageous. I barely even talk to him before, Sunny. How could you have expected me to come up to him and say that Im his mate? I responded. You love him, dont you? Sunny asked. A killer questionactually, the question is always harder than an algebraic one in the exams. You do love him, not just as your mate, dont you? she asked again. I hated him, Sunny. He ruined my life, I said. It tasted bitter as I mentioned the word hate. I dont know why. Its all in past tense now, Jordan. Hes yours. Id wondered why he had to be mine. I glanced around to find him sitting near the window pane, talking to a phone silently. By the way, your mate met me so frequent recently. Hes telling me some problems hed faced while he was dating Heather, Sunny started to talk. I breathed in. Whywhats the problem? Hes always good at dating, isnt he? Yeah, but Jace himself could barely explain why he felt distracted lately. He said he was going to meet Dan to solve things up. From what I knew, Jace told me he had recurring dreams bad dreams. When he tried to even kiss Heather, he couldnt. He felt an extreme pain in his chest and in his head. He even went to the doctor, but after checkups, he was actually just fine. By the way, he told me not to tell any of you about this. Whats the big deal with it? Is that supposed to be a secret? I said to Sunny. Yeah, and I know, its weird. Because it seems like he has more to tell me, but he couldnt. I guess thats why he has to ask Dan for help. Dan was the Alpha of our packand hes Rick and Callans father. In his human life, hes a Head Counselor at one university in Washington D.C. Hes a great guy, really. If you are extremely screwed up by high school dramas or whatever, I will always recommend you for a counseling session with him. Sunny, I asked silently, can I ask you a question? About mates? Sure? she responded while staring at me confusedly. You know that the mate-bond trouble thing, where someone hides from their mates and then itll lead to danger to them? Can you explain to me why that happened? There was a short silence before she explained it to me. When it is time where our body is already receptive to the presence of our mate, the wolf that bears the other half of our soul will have their body responded to this one bond. This means that both of your bodies have become ready to receive the two halves of your souls. Some lycanthropic enthusiasts had theories that if a mate discovers a mate and tells him, the receptive body starts to bond toward each other in all aspects, especially sexual. But if a mate hides, the other mate has his body receptive, but it cant bond with the mate because he or she is hiding. Thatll constantly cause recurring nightmares and Sunnys words took my breath away, but then she stopped immediately. Her eyes bulged out in her eye socket. Damn, she said, Jaces gotten into a mate-bond trouble. Thats what I was thinking.

She looked at me scarily again. You have to tell him, Jordan. Im afraid if Dans found out about you hiding, hell do something you dont want to happen. What am I supposed to do? I asked. Sunny gripped my hand, and I knew she could feel how afraid I felt since my palms were really sweating. Shortly, she looked at me again, her eyes went big. Kiss him, she said. What?! Jordan, you have to give him a kiss. You know, if you are afraid to tell him with words, kissing is the best way! Kisses from mates will seal two halves of their souls and instantly their receptive bodies feel the mate bond. That means if you kiss Jace, hell know youre his mate! Sunny whispered quickly. Are you crazy? I said. I have never kissed anyone before! And now I have to kiss Jaces lips? Sunny, its Jace. I dont even think a hot supermodel could receive his kiss. Before I could even finish my words, Sunny had already pulled me up from the couch and pushed me toward the dark corner where Jace sat at. He was still talking on the phone, and I knew he was talking flirtatiously to someone. Id always heard Jace talking to his fan girls. His voice would be the similar, lovey-dovey kind. It was disgustingI had always been sickened by it even since I was a little child. Sunny pushed me and she constantly hid behind the wall nearby. Wow, it was very dark. If I would kiss him, this would be the perfect time. Although it was raining outside, the warmth felt fresh on my skin. I walked closer to him. Jace had already seen me, but he kept talking on the phone. It only took a kiss for everything to end. Jace, I said, my voice sounded as if it had shattered in my throat. He ignored me and kept talking on the phone. I waited there, my heart was beating fast. I could feel my rapid pulse knocking in my wrist and my chest. Id never believe that meeting someone you like would cause the acceleration of your heartbeat, until the moment came. I couldnt believe it. I couldnt believe that my heart was knocking my chest hard as the distance between Jace and I was slowly decreasing. I thought I would stumble in front and kissed him immediately. Heather he said on the phone with laughter. Thats the moment where I know I had extremely fallen in love with the guy named Jace Andrews. It was about his smilethe way he laughed. His voice sounded different as he was talking to Heather on the phone. I could tell that he was really happy. The way he said her name it took my breath away. In my chest were a two colliding layers of pain and bliss. I knew I was madly in love with him, and I would do anything even it would took a death of me to not let the happiness escape from his face. I wanted to see Jace smiling that way forever. Telling Jace that I am his mate seemed like destroying all the happiness and joy from his life. I didnt want to mess his head because of me. I wanted him to be happy. And for him to be happy was to keep me out of his life. His happiness was mine, too. He turned off his phone. As he stared at me, all the smiles were gone. My chest started to feel heavy again. What the hell do you want from me? he asked. I could tell he was exhausted. I knew it was tiring for him to see my face again.

II I stuttered. He kept staring at me. What should I say to him? I just want to apologize to you. I was wrong. Im sorry if I I couldnt finish my words. Good. You were being a total dickhead. And you dont want what youve done to happen again, or else Ill make your life more miserable than before. He walked away, leaving me in the dark. I sat on the floor with my back against the wall. As I saw the droplets of rain sliding down the window pane, I knew it resembled the movement of the tears on my face. I knew Sunny was already at my back, but that was the moment where everything started to blur and all I could remember was a pure darkness. The next time I woke up, I was on the long couch again. From the clear glass window from the upper level of Sunnys house, the star sparkled beautifully. The boys were already sleeping in the large empty hall, on the carpeted floor. Like Sunnys usual slumber parties, the boys would always sleep here. Sunny would usually sleep on this couch, but I was here instead. She was probably in her bedroom. Jace was sleeping soundly next to the large glass window, near the staircase leading to the main hall downstairs. I knew he liked the view of the forest and the stars. I couldnt tell the time. But seeing Jaces soft face as he was asleep had make my chest felt lighter. I walked slowly to him, as if to not wake the others up. My hand stroked his neatly-trimmed hair; my fingers came to feel his soft upper lip. I ducked down, and touched his forehead with my lips. Then, I gave the corner of his mouth a short kiss. Thats when I thought I was doing the greatest mistake in my life. I ran quickly downstairs, my pulse was accelerating again. When I was at the front door, I was breathless. I opened the door and walked out in the rain. I didnt understand why mates had to hide from each other before. But then I was in the position where hiding seemed like the best way to make the other mate feel happy. I didnt know if I had made a mistake or not, but keeping myself away from Jace seemed right. Maybe I knew why Grandma had to hide from Grandpa. Its simply because she loved him. When you love someone like how a wolf loves their mate, all you want is for your mate to be happy. Maybe Grandma thought that if she left my grandfather to live with the girl he loved, he would be happy. I was extremely drenched in the rain as I headed home. I was grateful to have the spare keys. When I started to feel feverish, I ran into the shower and turned on the water while setting the temperature of the water heater for warmth. With my drenched clothes still on, I let the water rained down on me, hoping it would wash away all the pain my body had. When I closed my eyes, I could see myself staring at Jace from afar, having a happy family with his wife and his little kids. It didnt seem impossible.

Chapter Four
Sweetheart, are you okay? I opened my eyes as soon as I heard my mothers voice. I could feel the back of her cool hand on my forehead. Her eyes were filled with worries, so thats why I was starting to get myself up and sit on the bed properly. Youre not well, she said. Im fine, Mom, I lied. I was too drenched in the rain, so fever was a normal thing to happen as one of the consequences. I thought you were supposed to be at Sunnys. Why are you here? No, I tried to figure out for the right answer, II didnt feel good yesterday. So I ran home. But I feel better now. Okay then, she sighed as she stroked my hair. I felt like I was a little baby againwell, my mother have always made me feel like a little child due to the affection she love to give Stanley and me. If you feel fine, you should wash your face. Jaces mother is downstairs in the hall. My empty mind started to be filled again with the thoughts of Jace just as soon as I heard his name. Whywhy is she here? I dont really know, but Jaces tied to a mate bond, sweetie. Now, Dan has already become certain that Jaces mate is hiding. This has never happened to the pack before. And now, your friend is the victim. I can say that my heart stopped as I heard Mom telling me those. But, he was fine yesterday. I From what I know, Jace screamed painfully, around four-in-the-morning at Sunnys place. Sunnys parents had tried to bring him to the hospital, but then he turned monstrous. Rick then brought him immediately to Dan, and thats where he started to cry. Jace told Dan that he was seeing an uncertain image of his mate touching him in his dreams, Mom explained. Thats how he lost his control. Tears swelled up my eyes. I tried to keep my breathing even, which was impossible. That friend of yours is out of control now, Jordan, my mother sighed. Lisas too scared so she ran to our house. Now, Bob is at Dans house with the boys. They told me to find you, because Dan wanted to ask you some questions if you know any girl who might be Jaces mate. I told them you arent that well. I tried so hard to look calm. But I could tell that I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind when I stared blankly at my feet, with no motions visible in me. Jordan, my mother said, are you alright? Yeah, nothing. Im surprised, I lied again. Come on. Clean up, sweetheart. And eat your breakfast. I did what Mom told me. While I was brushing my teeth, I thought about the kiss I gave my mate. Would it be the cause that leaded to Jace going mad? Was the small distance between me and him had cause the uncertain presence of me in his dreams? Was I had become the reason that the mate bond had go deadly in him? If he could really see me in his dreams, he would tell that he had a guy as his mate.

I cleaned myself up and dressed up in a white T-shirt and track-bottomed trousers. As I descended the stairs, I could already hear Lisas cries. Before I even made it to the dining table which was situated nearby the couch Lisa was sitting on, Mom had already been there with her. Mom was hugging Lisa, who kept crying because she was certainly shocked about what happened. My mother and Lisa are always great friends. My father was sitting on the single couch opposite from two of themhis eyes were filled with uncertainties. I kept eating the pancakes Mom made. My heartbeat couldnt slow down. I was too afraid Id never felt any fright that was as heavy as this before. Sarah, Lisa tried to stop her tears, will this girl come out from hiding? Itstoo much! I cant stand seeing my boy getting tortured like that anymore. Its okay, Liz. Dan knows what to do. I know hes smart enough for this, Mom responded. Each swallow of the food I chewed felt like knives going down my throat. I just Dad said, couldnt finish his words. What is it, sweetheart? Mom asked. No, I was just wondering who this hiding mate is. Why would a girl hide from that pretty boy? I thought girls are wishing to be his mate, every single day. My chest felt heavy, and I didnt think I could bear this to myself anymore. I couldnt finish the meal. I ran toward the kitchen as I tried to sooth down my beating heart, and threw the unfinished meal into the trash. I walked back to the main hall, and sat silently on a couch which was facing a muted unwatched TV show. I was channel-surfing until I stopped at a channel that aired Spongebob Squarepants. I tried to focus on the episodebut it didnt work to brush things off my mind. Thats when I heard a familiar sound of a skateboard moving toward my house. Mrs. Patterson? I heard Jeff panted as he was at the front door. I kept on watching the TV. I needed to calm down. Wheres Jordan? Jeff asked as he panted. I tried not to eavesdrop, but I couldnt. Oh, hes here, Mom said, your mothers also here. What is it? Um, Dan needs all of us to gather in front of his lawn now. The whole pack is gathering there already. He told me to call you and patrol around the neighborhood if theres any kids thats hiding. Some boys are already in the woods to make sure theres no hiding wolf there. You have to move now. I could tell that Jeff was leaving when I heard he skateboarded away. My eyes started to get watery, and it felt as if I was about to faint. I stood up, trying to sharpen my vision. Liz, lets go. Everythings going to be fine, Mom said to Jaces mother. She had already stopped crying, but her face was so wet of tears. Dad had already walked out, his facial expression remained blank. Jordan! Mom shouted as she was at the front door. I walked outside quickly. I had to avoid Mom from seeing my face. As I walked out, I could feel something as if her eyes were crawling on my skin. But everything was gone when I thought about my purpose walking toward the Alphas house. I tried to convince myself that I would be fine. But as I was thinking deeper, everything was clear that I was about to face the biggest problem in my life. Jace Andrews was undergoing a painful phase of his life because he couldnt sense the boy who owned the other half of his soul. Now, there was nothing left to surprise me. I was going to face a death.

From afar, I observed as the human-form wolves walked into our Alphas empty and gigantic green lawn. In La Cove, the Alpha must live in The Main House Raoul has built. The Main Houseor the Alphas house, is basically the same kind of house in the neighborhood, only twice in size, situated in the most middle section of the neighborhood. The Main House is equidistant from all other houses in La Cove. My heart thudded faster. I started to feel sickI was literally nauseous because I had feelings to vomit out the breakfast I had. My sights blurred but still, I kept on walking forward. I was there earlier before my parents did. When the other six boys noticed me, they gestured to me to come over. I didntinstead, I wandered around the lawn and searched for Sunny. Dans gigantic lawn that can fit the whole pack was extremely crowded. I had to push over peoples body to find Sunny. I didnt know where she was. I didnt know why I had to find her too, because I knew that no one, including Sunny, could help me with this. But then she was the only one who knew about me being Jaces mate. I had thoughts that maybe Sunny had told the Alpha about me. But I knew she wouldnt. Ive always trusted her in so many things and shed never failed me. There she wasstanding alone in a small, empty corner in the lawn, trying to avoid eye contact as much as she could. Sunny! I said, as I touched her shoulder impatiently. Her eyes opened big as she saw my face. I didnt realize that her eyes were wet of tears. I was starting to feel guilty. I didnt want anyone to get in trouble just because of me, because no matter how much selfish I might be, Ive always tried not to be every single day. Sunny pulled me closer to her. I could feel the intensity in her by the way she gripped my arm. Jordan! Jordan, you are in trouble, you have to act now! Sunny was rambling words so fast, yet her voice was so slow that I could barely hear them. Her voice was shaking. I thought by seeing her could calm me down. I was really wrong, instead. Jordan, listen to me, she added, did not even gave me a chance to say a word, Dans are mad. Hes literally interrogating almost each of the teen girls in the pack. You remember Sheila, Jaces last wolf date? She had been grilled by the Alpha with an abundant of questions. Hes going to find out about you, Jordan, hes going to Shit, Sunny, I said, can you please help me here? She wouldnt listen. I told you. I have told you, Jordan. You hiding wont solve a shit, you know that? I know. That was all I could say. When I turned to look at the crowd, I noticed that most of their eyes were on us. I guess I knew why Sunny had avoided eye contact with them. She was acting suspicious, and from how she looked, people might suspect something. I would. The boys are roaming inside the woods, Jordan, Sunny added. Theyre finding a nonexistent girl who they think is hiding from Jace. I dont care how, but you have to go to your mate today, if you want to save him. Hes bad, Jordan. Hes bad. I really wanted to scream at Sunny. She didnt need to remind me of anything. I knew it was my fault. I knew I was going to be the first criminal, whose fault is hiding from his mate. I didnt need to be reminded of that. I was about to ask where Jace was when I heard a terrible scream.

I turned to look at where the scream came from. From where I stood, I could see a group of boys arming Jace, who was acting like a monster when he walked out of Dans house. His eyes were so wet and red. Under the sun, Jaces drizzly face glittered. Everyone in the lawn turned to look at him. I didnt know what was going to happen. I dont need to tell you how my heart was at the moment. But the pressure felt strong in my chest. Everything felt heavy, including the eyes of mine, which were holding a pool of tears. Let me go, Jace screamed. He struggled so hard to release his arm from the grips of the boys. Thats when everyone from The Little Pack walked up to himexcept me. I hid behind Sunny, trying hard to not look suspicious. I really did. Jace, calm down, I heard one of the boys said to him. I didnt realize how far this had gone to. It was me who everyone should blame. But strangely, there was no thought in my mind that was leading to the direction of running to Jace and told him I am his mate. Jace shouted painfully again. He pushed his strong arms away, so strong that some boys that tried to guard him stumbled backwards. He walked quickly toward nowhere, in a motion as if he was about to attack everyone in the gathering. Dan came quickly to him from his back, and tugged Jaces arm powerfully. I could see that Jace tried to attack the Alpha, but fortunately, Dans strength was quite amazing on the moment. Everyone gaspedwe hadnt seen the fierce, strict version of Daniel Casper, the Alpha of our pack for a long time. Most of the time, he was just the loving father, who loves to give good advises and beautiful quotes. Calm down, Jace! screamed our Alpha. A group of tall boys blocked my view. That forced me to walk a further in front, which was a terrible risk. I was certainly afraid if Jace could magically sense me. Dan stepped forward with Jaces arm strong in his grip. Everyone gave him space, afraid to be attacked by someone who was well-known as the future Alpha of the pack. Jace looked at his feet, his chest moving outward and inward, again and again in a great speed. Jordan, Sunny whispered, as if she begged me for sympathy. I turned to look at her, and tears were streaming down her cheeks. Today, we are seeing one of the worst consequences, when a mate hides from its own mate, Dan shouted fiercely, his voice echoed across the lawn. Everyone turned quiet. In some packs, the Alpha has set a lot of strict rules that leads to this behavior to be known as a crime. Even though we all might think this kind of situation isnt really a great mistake, we always overlook on how great the impact might be. The impact almost killed Jace, a young hope for our pack, the Alpha added. His eyes trained on us, but then he missed mine. I looked at Jace, who also had his eyes searching around, hoping to found the person whos bearing the other half of his soul. Let go! Jace screamed terrifyingly again, struggling to get off his arm from the Alphas grip. I dont care, but one of you who are secretly hiding has to come out from the crowd now! the Alpha screamed. We dont care who you are and what you think will happen after this, you have to step out courageously and come to him now. Or else youll regret when this has become the biggest mistake youve done in your life! Please! Jace cried, and his knees fell on the ground. Please! I know youre in there. Please dont do this to me! Please! I blinked my tears off and immediately wiped them away. I wasnt ready to go to him. I would, but not this way. Not when the whole pack of this humongous pack were circling me.

Im going to call you once more. Mate of Jace Andrews, please be fair and save him! You are having the other part of his soul! He cant have the other soul with other wolves, its you and youre the only one! Hes seeing you in his nightmares and youre the only remedy to stop his pain! Shortly, a great number of boys, including Jeff, returned to the lawn, breathing hardly. No ones in the forest, Dan, Jeff said. Wed shifted, and theres no scent we can track. The Alpha sighed. Just fucking come out, you coward bitch! I heard one of the boys in the crowd shouted. Then, everyone followed, screaming and rebelling, blaming the nonexistent girl, as Sunny would say. There were a group of girls in the other side of the crowd, and most of them were breaking down, tears wetting their faces. Just come out there, Sunny. When a girl said that, everyone turned to look at her. That girl was Christinaone of the girls in the pack I know. Her hair was tied in a pony-tail, with her arms crossed over her chest. Confidence shined her eyes as she walked closer to Sunny and me. I saw her, Dan. Since the start of the gathering, she hasnt stopped crying. She also escaped your interrogation, Dan. It must be her. I was expecting Jace to move and attack Sunny, but he stayed silent by Dans side instead. Then, the circle of people turned to look at Sunny. When everyone had their eyes on her, her tears stopped in the speed of light. Sunny West, please come here, Dan said sternly. No, I whispered to her, gripping her arm. Let me go, Jordan, she replied. But I said let me go! I had to. But she is not Jaces mate, and she couldnt save him. I didnt know what she was trying to do. Sunny stood in front of Dan. Jace didnt approach her like I thought he would. He only stared at her blankly, and uncertainties started to fill his eyes. Sunny, are you Jaces mate? I could hear Dan said. No Dan, Im not, she said. Now, everyone might believe that. Sunny didnt stutter when she told Dan the truth. Are you sure, Sunny West? the Alpha said sternly. She didnt answer him. Instead, she walked in front of Jace. My hearing was quite sharp, so even when Sunny and the rest were in the middle of the circle, everything they said were still slightly audible to me. Do you think its me, Jace? Sunny whispered to him as she cried. Jace stared at her blankly, and swift tears spilled out from his eyes. Sunny, please, I could hear Jace said. Everyone was confused. I glanced around and everyone was watching the two. I observed them as Sunny gave Jace a kiss on his wet cheek. Jace gripped Sunnys hand hard, and the Alpha kept staring at them. Thats when she stared straight to me, and I had no space to walk backwards anymore. Im sorry Jordan, but you have to come out here and tell your mate the truth.

Chapter Five
When I was a little child, my mother made me believe that I had no fear toward something that other children might have. I wasnt afraid of ghosts, or monsters, or the dark. My mom said it was because I would always tolerate to almost everything. Because of that, she was certain I had not much fearseven if I had one, it wasnt something that could fright me to death. Even if you arent physically strong, I believe you dont even have much fear that you cant control, Mom had said once. But this time, when the crowd backed and gave me a spacea walkway toward the Alpha of the pack, my best friend, and my mate, I realized that the time had come. When Jace once locked me in a storeroom and I freaked out, I thought my biggest fear would be the one that involved claustrophobia. But it didnt fright me the way I felt now. Honestly, it was a kind of claustrophobia, where I was trapped by Jace and by the whole pack and knowing that there was no way to escape. Everything was over. My feet trembled as I walked forward. I looked at my feet as my tears spilled downI couldnt show these tears to them. I didnt want to look weak, because I was already a coward in their eyes. Some of the girls on the other side were worried if this was the kind of truth that was about to revealJace, the hottest, most handsome, most attractive teen wolf in the pack, has a boy as the love of his life. As the thought struck my mind, I stopped there. Jordan? I heard the Alpha calling my name. I looked up at Jace. Now everything was obvious. Tears were flowing in two straight lines on my cheekI could hear the beat of my heart in my ears. Jordan, step closer to me, Dan said. I didnt do what he told me, instead I stood there motionlessly. Jordan, he said more, youre the one who bears other half of Jaces soul, arent you? I couldnt answer. I stared at my feet blankly. I was just waiting for things to happen things I didnt know what, but I just wanted everything to end by itself. But it couldnt. Jace walked closer to meI could feel his presence. He asked you a fucking question, you coward! he screamed. Answer him. I looked up at him. As I stared at his eyes, I was struck again by the beauty of his face. His wet eyes shined honesty, fury and love at the same time. But this was the face I despised once. This was the face that completely ruined my life. You better answer Dan now! As Jace screamed once again, he gripped the collar of my T-shirt and twisted it hard. He pulled me toward him, forcing my eyes to stare at his. I knew I couldntif I stared into his eyes, I would be defeated and everything would be over not by the way I wanted. Everyone gasped. I could sense that some of my friends wanted to pull Jace away, but it seemed like Dan wanted Jace to discover me by himself. I tried to breathe evenly and not to think about the staring crowd. Still, their eyes were surrounding me, like houseflies around overfull trash bin. Let go, Jace! I tried to scream at him, but I couldnt. He gripped my collar harder, instead. Youll regret this, Jordan, he said. I ask you once again! he screamed terrifyingly, this time. The whole Washington D.C. could hear his shriek. Tell me with words if you are my fucking mate! I tried to stare at anywhere but not his eyes.

This time, he pulled my collar toward him, and his lips were on mine. Jaces tongue traveled deep into my mouth. It was aggressiveI could feel his teeth, his tongue, his lips, as if he wanted to eat my system. But aside of that, there was a spark in my heart, like there was a firework exploding in my chest. His mouth lightened on mine, and that was when I felt like the world was spinning around. This was my first kissand it felt vivid, beautiful. Jaces lips sucked my mouth again and again, and I could tell that he refused to let go. And I tried to let go, but I couldnt. A kiss from mate seals two halves of their souls together. I cant describe how it feels when half of Jaces soul in me sealed with mine that is there in my mate, but it felt . . . different. I was deeply falling in love with him, my body wanted him forever. I wanted the warmth of his lips to stay permanently on my mouth, and that kept us kissing. Finally my hands pushed his chest so hard, so tough that he stumbled backwards. I realized how chaotic the crowd went when we kissed. I panted and cried. I ducked down and pressed my tired knees with my hands. I stared as my tears fell to the ground, and I refused to see anyone at the moment. He is my mate, Dan. He is. I ignored the gasps as Jace announced the truth. The green grass started to turn monochromatic. When wolves sights are distracted, this will happen. Werewolves have onecolor vision, so when human sights and wolf sights diverted to each other, that means something is in trouble. I was in trouble. These kinds of feelings had never happened to me before. I was heartbroken, terrified and mad at the same time. Before I ran, I breathe in so deep. I pushed over peoples body toward the backyard of Dans gigantic house. Dans house was gated by a long white fence, and I found out that his backyard was guarded with taller fence. I still could jump over that, surprisingly. I was so strong when adrenaline took control over my body. When I ran, I heard people shouting from my back. I knew Jace would chase me. And I didnt care. I didnt even know what was beyond the woods behind Dans backyard fence. As I jumped over it, I let the thick meadow to swallow me, and then I rolled down a hill. When I was rolling down, I felt like I didnt care if I would die. In the eyes of the pack, I was the coward werewolf. I was the first boy whose crime is hiding from his mate. Because I hated Jace so much back then, I wanted him to suffer to be without a mate. I wanted him to suffer being mateless. My thoughts stopped as my head hit a broad bark of a tree. The world blackened, and that was when I finally had let everything in my mind go. When I opened my eyes, it was already dark. The stars looked bright above my head. I could hear the cricket chirping in the dark. The dark night made me realized how stupid my action was. I heard footsteps. My panic forced me to jump off to my feet. I knew that I didnt know this meadow. This was a deep meadow. I had never really played inside this territory. Creatures like bloodsuckers might have marked this area as theirs. I hadnt realized that many bad things could happen in here. I could get killed inside this kind of woods. But death was favorable, still. Nothing would change a thing.

The footsteps were closer, and now I saw a silhouette of a sturdy looking, strong man. I stood uptried to run, but I still had doubts. The silhouette of the tall guy approached me. Who are you?! I was weaponless. I had no self-defense skills to protect myself, no energynothing. The only thing my energy could afford to do was to walk backwards, but the figure was coming quicker and closer to me. I felt a hard and painful pressure on my head. I realized it was the strangers fist. The world started to blacken once again. Now the throb in my head was getting crazier. I was half-conscious and had no control over my body. I fell to the groundtried to bear the pain of the throbbing dizziness in my head. When my body was fully on the ground, I was certain that death was approaching. I forced my eyes to witness the stranger, and I could see he was walking over my body. He was pulling me by my hands, like he was going to bury me in the ground. First I was so sure that he was going to do that. But not long after he stopped. I was not really conscious, but I knew he was looking at me. He brushed his hand over my face smoothly, his warm hand stroked my cheek back and forth, and then he lifted me up with his strong arms. He carried and held me near his chest. I could feel the warm sensation, and the mate bond was getting stronger. I could feel his heartbeat, thudding fast with a melodious rate. I love this scent, this familiar, beautiful scent. I tried not to fall for this, but I couldnt. I knew this warmth, but I did not want to be attached to it. I could feel that he was moving out of the woods as some kinds of brightness entered through the weak cracks of my eyelids. He walked so slowly, as if he appreciated each moment of having me in his arms. He stopped, stood there motionlessly, and moved again. He stood immobile againhis lips gave me a little kiss on top of my head before he moved again. The next time he made a move, he walked carefully, as if I falling asleep was a treasure he didnt want to ruin. He stopped again, and kissed my forehead again. It was so hard to fight over with love. It was so difficult for me to accept the fact that no matter what strength the physical world held, nothing could defeat the power of loveespecially this true, destined love. I could run, I could hide, but it wouldnt last that long. Because I knew, when it came to the end, love would defeat me. He is the one who I would wait forever till the end of my time. I dont care if he is a he instead of a she, because now I realized why it was him. Hes the one for me. Id started to feel drowsy. Jaces heartbeat was a lullaby that was effective to swallow myself into my sleep.

Chapter Six
My slumbers were filled with the thoughts of my beautiful mate. The feeling of my face that touched his strong broad chest could never leave my skin. I was so overpowered with bliss, that at some certain point Id started to freak out. Then, everything had started to attack my brain again. Those awful damn memoriesJace was furious about his hiding mate, the crying Sunny, the Alpha was confused, I confessed and ran into the forest, I was lost, and someone had me. And I was certain it was Jace. Jace. My mate. I blinked painfully as the ray of light was always as sharp as blades as it shined into my eyes. When my sight had come into focus, a weird familiarity sparked in my brain. I knew this room. I turned around when my brain made a confirmation. I was on a bed, which to my left was a small lamp table with a framed picture of my mate. Posters of soccer and football stars were all over on the wall. To my right were a window pane and a study desk with piles of papers and books. I couldnt believe it! Id spend a night in Jaces bed! That was crazy. Ever since I was a child, Id never really stay inside this bedroom. It was a definitely an illegal territory for me. Once, seriously, Jeff and I sneaked into this room so he could secretly borrow his brothers iPod. When Jace found out about us I was the victim of his terrifying scowls. Not his damn little brother. I rubbed my eyes and yawnedtried to get my head clear of what had happened. My ears eavesdropped to the sound from the crack of the door. As I inhaled, I smelled the familiar scent of my mate againthe smell of masculinity and the meadow. Jace, wake Jordan and make sure you two have breakfast in another thirty minutes! Alright, Mom! Okay, I found that the mother and son shouting were cute. But then, as Jace responded to his mother, my heartbeat quickened. His voice alarmed me that he was nearby out the door. I pulled the covers, made my head comfortable on the soft pillows and closed my eyes. I know that Im not the first same-sex mate couples in the pack, but still, Jace is like the future Alpha of this giant wolf pack. I had thoughts that maybe his parents would mind about this. Maybe I would confront Bob, the dad. Every wolf father wants their son to be mated with a girlI dont know. Maybe that was during years agonow, acceptance toward one immortals mate was a compulsory, written strongly in the Immortal Law. I hated it when my heart couldnt stop racing fast as I sensed Jaces footsteps. What the hell was wrong with me? Hey lazy ass, wake up, he said. His voice sounded soothing and therapeutic to my ears. But then, it made my heart pumped harder. I wished I could tolerate to Jaces fucking presence fasterI couldnt stand this. The voice could also make blood streamed straight from my brain to my dickwhich wasnt favorable now. I hate morning boners, especially when early morning erections mixed with some sexual intensity, my damn dick would harden so badly. Jace took his steps calm and slow toward me. As he was sitting beside me on the bed, he looked straight into my eyes. Things were going to get extremely awkward now, I could tell. I tried to not look into his beautiful, sparkling eyes. Beautiful.

I shivered as he whispered next to my ears. His warm breath tickled my skin, and his lips were so near to my face. This was the lips that kissed mine yesterday. I wanted the kiss again, but I didnt think this was the right time. Jaces hand landed on my lap, on a place which wasnt that far from my crotch. I tried to hard the damn bulging boner. No, he wont notice. Seriously, Jordan, he wont. Justtrust me on this! He wont notice the fucking big ass erection! His palm pressed my lap, which had driven me crazier. As I looked at him again, he was giggling silently to himself. His fair-skinned face was filled with blushes of blood, and I knew he tried not to look at me. Um, Jordan? he said my name. He fucking mentioned my name! Not that damn mole-call anymore! What? I said, and it sucked. I tried to sound as stern and serious as possible, which definitely would be a big failure. Can we have breakfast together? He looked into my eyes, and I looked at him. I could literally hear my beating heart in my ears. I breathed out so hard that my exhales were damn audible. Why I am feeling this way? Why am I falling in love with him? He is still Jace Andrews, the hottest, the strongest, and the most popular guy in this entire fucking universe! II need to go to the bathroom, I said, not so audible, cutting the silence when Jace just stared into my eyes and made me feel extremely high. He locked his palm on mine, pulling me up from the bed, and leaded me to the bathroom inside the bedroom. Wait, he whispered directly to my ears. His breath made goose bumps rise all over my body. I stopped. It took only a step more for me to enter the bathroom, close the door, and try to breathe. Jace grabbed something from a shelf on the wall right next to the bathroom door, and rested it on my hand. Take this, he said as he handed me a still-in-the-packaging toothbrush, the toothpastes at the sink. When I tried to enter the bathroom, he gripped my palm and pulled me close to his face in the speed of light. His lips kissed my cheekbone, and I swear I could feel the blood made my face warm. Thanks, I muttered slowly, and get inside the bathroom. I slammed the door, shutting myself away from my mate. Not for forever, though. I hoped Jace wasnt in front of the door. I knew it would take a lot of time for me to think this through. Oh my God, yesterday! Yesterday the whole pack knew Im in love with Jace, and I am a coward werewolf and I ran into the woods. This is humiliating. Even Jace witnessed how cowardly I was. The mirror reflected my face, which was almost as red as a pink rose. I tried to calm myself down. I told myself repeatedly that I just need to clean up, get out of here and run to my house and everything will be over.

I brushed my teeth calmly when I felt something weird around my body. This T-shirt I wore felt strangely large. Thats when my thoughts confirmed I didnt wear something I wore yesterday. That leaded me to think of Jace undressing and changing my clothes. I stared around in shock when I kicked something under the sink. A green basket fell down and dirty clothes spilled out of it. There it wasmy clothes. It was covered in dirt and mud from being in the dark meadow yesterday. Did Jace change my clothes? Means he stripped me off my clothes and he saw me Naked? Oh God! Jordan? My head throbbed worse when I thought of such things. I was still trying to work on my nerves, trying to cool myself down. Jordan, can you open the door for a while? Still fully-clothed, I opened the door and Jace held out a green shirt and a pair of trousers. If you want to take a shower, here are some clothes. Put your dirty clothes in the green basket. I wanted to ask if he was really the one who had change my clothes, but I didnt have the guts to do so. So without any words, I took the new clothes because I needed to get clean, too. I had assumed I wore Jaces clothes, since it unsurprisingly felt huge on me. I had a quick shower and I wore the clothes Jace just gave me. The clothes I wore nowthe new clothesseemed a little tinier than the clothes someone changed to me yesterday. My head tried to convince me that Jace had not stripped me down, had not seen me naked. He hadnt seen the mole. Mole. Shit! I went downstairs and walked to meet Jaces mother, Lisa. And I saw BobJaces dad. My stomach hurt when I thought of the big daddy. I had always thought wolf fathers would rather die than to have their sons mated with a male werewolf. Lisa was in the kitchen, preparing meals. I took a deep breath, making each of my steps toward her calm and fine. Lisa, I have to go. My mom and dad must be freaking out. Im sorry. Thanks for everything, I said quickly. No, theyre fine. I told them you will have breakfast with me. We really need to talk, okay sweetie? Lisa patted my shoulder and stroked my faceher thumb wiped my cheeks as if there were tears there. I remembered the day she went to my house when his son turned monstrous due to the mate bond trouble Id caused. Look, I said, Im really sorry, Lisa. Im stupid, Im Its fine, she said, were okay with it. Jace deserved it, you know. I laughed. What do you mean? Well, Jeffrey told me Jace had always been scary to you back then. So that explains everything. I heard my name, a voice said. Oh no. Jeff. This class clown from Englishthings must get extremely awkward with him now. Worries filled my chest as he walked toward me, with his usual cheerful smiles on his face.

I stared at his figure. He jumped up and down as he set Lulu, his skateboard against the wall in the kitchen. Hey, dude! he said. Strangely, I couldnt respond. Jeff stared at me confusedly, and from his eyes I could tell that he was worried as well. What? You dont know me? You got amnesia? Concussion? responded Jeff to my silence. His words took laughter out from my throat. Of course I know you, I said. I felt as if every muscle of mine was locked tightly, and blood kept rushing around in my cheek. My face felt warm. I had the urge to bury my face in the cushion on the white couch in the hall. I did not know what to say, what to do, and my mind was empty. Well, the only thing I knew was that every person in this place knew that I am Jace Andrewss mate. I am the future Alphas mate. I fell in love with the strongest of the strongest young wolves in this pack. It was actually, painfully hard to brush those words from my mind. Nice clothes, said Jeff sarcastically. Yeah, its not mine, I said. Yeah, its mine. Thank God its you who wears it, because Jace doesnt ask me first. But like I said, thank God its you. The thought of me borrowing clothes from Jeff instead of his brother comforted me a little. Oh, its okay, Ill return it to you. My clothes got so dirty, man. I shouldnt have said that, or else Jeff would bring up my escape from the whole pack yesterday. I continued to talk, breaking the silence, Um, actually, who brought me here? Your mate, of course. I tried so hard to hold in my laughter, but it didnt work. My cheeks were extremely hot; I could actually feel the damn warmth. Cmon dude, dont blush in front of me, Jeff said. That only made me blushed even more. Wheres Jace? Jeff asked me. Upstairs, I guess, I responded, no, actually, how exactly I got here. How Jace could suddenly brought me here instead of my house? I think I need to know. And it was true. I barely remembered the blurry memories of yesterday. Well, you ran into the meadow with Jace hot on your heels. I mean, Jace was chasing after ya, and Dan asked the whole pack to leave. He thought that you guys would, you know, play a little inside the meadow and Jace would come around so, we just let you guys run free inside the woods. But when it was midnight, my mom was freaking out because Jace was still not home, so once we tried to find you guys in the woods, Jace already had you in his arms in front of the house, Jeff explained. So he put you to his bed. So, when I left, how were the others? What was their reaction? I asked. Well, the boys were damn shocked last night, but they couldnt stand seeing Jace like that so, theyll come around. Some girls are pissed off, think you understand why, man. UmSunny. Shes bad. She kept on crying hard yesterday. We stood there near the archway, laughing to ourselves. This was seriously awkward, and I wished everything would turn as it was before. How about you? I asked.

I didnt really want to hear what Jeff thought, honestly. Im just fine, man. First it was weird to know that Jace will be in love with a dude, but it was you, youre like . . . you know . . . it seemed not so awkward. I feel like you are good enough for him. And this will make him stop messing up your life. Jeffs right. If Jace and I are together, he would stop tormenting my life. Come on, Jordan, Jeff put his hand on my shoulder. Things like this happen. Its not our choice. And its fine. Were all fine with it. Youre still our friend, no matter what. Plus isnt that bastards a popular GSA President at our school? I laughed when he said that. Buthonestly, I wasnt gay. Ive never Gay or not gay, youll be in love with a boy. Shit happens, man, Jeff replied. But stillI dont think you can date any chicks, though. I stared at him. What do you mean? Dont you know the boys and I have always thought youll date a boy one day? Jace once thought you were dating Adam. What the I know, he laughed. Okay boys, meals done, Lisa said, preparing the hot cobbler on the table. She told us to sit down while she gave us the plates. Jace walked downstairs to eat. I tried not to stare at his figure. He sat beside me, although I had always wished he wouldnt. But the hardest of all, I sat facing Bob. The smoking cobbler smelled like apple, and I liked it. After Lisa sliced the pieces and handed one to all of us, Jeff started to break the silence. Dude, he said to Jace, I bumped to Heather just now while I was skateboarding around the park. She had suddenly gone mad and said; whats wrong with your brother? Whats wrong with him and stuff? I laughed so hard when Jeff imitated the way Heather talked. Another biggest epic failure Id heard in my life. Well, why dont you just say that Im gay? Jace said. At first it sounded funny, but it also sounded frustrating as well. Whos Heather? asked Jaces mother. Its Jaces girlfriend, Jeff said. Well, warn her that Jace is owned by someone, Lisa said. Thank God I could still chew the food in my mouth properly and swallowed it. Shes not my girlfriend, Jace said sternly. It sounded funny. I laughed while my eyes stared sarcastically at Jace. What? Jace said, pointing at me, dont look at me like that. You dated a boy, and you have to warn him too. Was he saying that to me? Of course. You do? Bob asked me. No, I shook my head, Mom and Dad would kill me if I went out dating instead of working on my algebra. The whole table laughed, though. I really intended to not be so quiet by making some jokes. Well, Jace, Bob said, if you are still this childish, dont cry out like you did at the Alphas house if Jordan have someone else. I caught the flying piece of food from my mouth as I couldnt hold the laughter.

Everyone in the dining room was laughing, but I could barely stop. Look . . . Jordan, Bob said, I really dont mind you are Jaces mate, because, I never have imagine if would have a mate. Just look at him, boy! Dad, dont say that! Im actually marrying him someday! Jace groaned humorously. Bob ignored him. Im just worried you could not stand his childishness. So, be prepared boy, be prepared, Bob said as he was chewing the apple cobbler. And you, young man, please be more mature. Look at your mate, very mature, Lisa complimented me. Seriously, they had to stop doing this. I was really exhausted of blushing. Under the table, Jaces feet were playing on mine. I tried so hard to push Jaces feet away, trying to untangle my feet from him until I kicked the upper side of under the table. Whats that? Lisa said confusedly. Not here, Jeff said sarcastically. Jace stood up, walked to his brother and playfully put him in a headlock. I took my plate and put them into the dishwasher, and I also helped pick up the others plates. Lisa was smiling at me. Jace had a long talk with Jeff when I was helping Lisa cleaning the dining table. When I walked toward the table to take my drink, Jace grabbed my arm. He pulled me close and whispered in my ear. Were not done yet. At first I thought he was playing around, but then I was pretty sure he really meant what he said. I was wondering about Jaces previous statement about hurting his mate. Especially if he found out his mate was actually hiding from him. I was really sure that thought was still there inside his head. After breakfast, I went outside, tried to walk home without telling Jace. But he was already right behind me. He stepped in front of me, his hand grabbed my shoulder. I felt like I was facing a skyscraper. Jace was muscular, big and tall. Still, no matter how scary he looked, I was still sparked by how his eyes stared at me. I felt like putting my hands to rub his shaved head. But now, the way he looked at me was just not right. His eyes looked furious. What? I asked, trying to look as calm as possible. What do you think you were doing? Kill me? he yelled at me. Suddenly, Jace sounded really mad. I frowned at him. I couldnt comprehend what he was trying to say. In my mind, me walking up to him in front of the crowd was the end of everything. I thought he had let everything go. No, he wasnt. I could tell it from his eyes, which he was starting to become an egoist bitch, like he always was back then. What have I done? You should be thankful I come clean yesterday, asshole, I yelled. Jace walked closer to me before he twisted the collar of Jeffs shirt. Be thankful? You knew it since the day we were at Sunnys place, didnt you? Huh? he shrieked at me back. Jace stared at mehis hand gripped the collar tighter, like he did in front of the crowd at Dans house. No, I said, I actually knew it earlier than that? And I dont fucking care. Satisfied? Jace was definitely surprised. Now I knew the motive. Jace was pretending to be okay with me the whole time back then in his house. Now when we were outside, he thought he could torture me again, like how he always did.

You dont know how hard it was for me, to through all of this, to be tied to the bond that you caused, while I didnt know who the hell my mate is! You almost got me killed! You dont know how that feels like! he screamed. And you dont have any idea how I felt with this mate bond with me, and you talk shit about sleeping with that bitch! I roared. My body felt free and empty as the words came out. It was relieving, but it had also made me felt guilty. I pushed him away from me. I turned back, holding back the urge for me to cry, and started to walk. Youfirst of all, I have never slept with her. Thanks to you! he said. Do I look like I care? I dont! You . . . you . . . he tried to argue. Go away! I bellowed. No, Im not done with you! he screamed. I turned to him. What else, dude? I said, my voice sound like it had shattered. You should be satisfied! You know meIm your mate, everythings over. Im done! I have come forward like a fucking stupid kid in front of the others, and confessed, confessed that Im fucking head over heels in love with you! I screamed. Ive done everything you wanted! Jace breathed in and out. His chest was rising and falling. Frustrations were rising in his eyes. You dont fucking love me, asshole. Jaces words echoed in my head. I had almost walked away. Almostand what shit was he talking about? What the hell are you talking about? He walked up straight to me, his eyes stared sharply into my eyes. You think, all I want is to know that youre my mate, and Ill let everything go? Thats what you think, isnt it? I tried to move, but he gripped my hand. All I want to know, he said, is if you love me. And clearly, you dont. I stood there in shock and I couldnt believe what my ears heard. I couldnt say I love him; it was not a right thing to say. You dont, he repeated. He released the collar from his grip. He moved away. Just walk away, Jordan. Just, walk off! Its too bad. Last night, I almost stayed up all night seeing you in your sleep. Because I know, I have already fallen deeply, madly in love with you. Jace ran into his house, slamming his front door hardly that I could hear it shut. He left me alone here, with me feeling as if the world was starting to tear into two. Fallen deeply, madly in love with me? Could all of this not be a dream?

Chapter Seven
I went to school as usual, but with different feelings. Jace and I werent together like we should, and the boys were certainly confused. Jace was entirely silent at the tree house. Even in the bus, hed stare at me full of hateful longing. At school, I noticed him being extremely silent. Heather came to him flirtatiously, and he simply shot her down. The werewolves knew the reason, but not the humans. People were confused why a guy could oppose to the breathtakingly gorgeous Heather. I was at the cafeteria again. It was lunchtime, and Adam wasnt there with us. Sunny wouldnt stop apologizing to me. Her apologies and my filled thoughts couldnt really blend well, so I guess that made my respond shitty and sounded really like a jerk. Jordan . . . I . . . Im sorry, Sunny said, but I barely hear her words. My eyes were staring straight on the book in my handswhere I read the words without even know what the hell it was about. That was all because of my mind only thinking of Jace. Jordan . . . please forgive me. I could not stand it! II couldnt see Jace get tortured from the inside that way. Jordanplease talk to me! Jordan! Then I realized what her words meant. I told you, Im fine with it. Its not your fault. Now, just shut up, I said. Then, why are you acting this way? No reason, I lied. Youre lying. She was right. Its about Jace, isnt it? Hell yeah, I sighed. Obviously everything must have to do with Jace now. Why? Whats wrong? His parents wont accept you? she asked. No, theyre fine. Everyones fine, actually. Its justmaybe its just me, I said. And you guys arent like together, so thats weird. He kissed youso logically he should want to be with you all the time. Why wouldnt he? Sunny asked. I breathed in once again, feeling breathless to say almost any word on the moment. Its justhe makes me think about the question of love, I said. He asked me if I have already fallen in love with him. Obviously I do, butdamn, its hard to explain. And you didnt explain it well, Sunny said. I had to laugh on that. No, I was just mad. He brought me to his place after I escaped the crowdyou knowand act perfectly fine when we were together in front of his family. But then I realized it was just a damn big drama when he actually yelled at me as I tried to return home, outside of his house. Yell at you about what? Sunny asked. Hes upset what Ive done to him. You knowhiding from him. And then he accused me of not loving him. So? Tell him you love him! What did you say? Whoa, Sunny, I hope you know how it feels to say that I love you thing. You think thats easy? After everything happenedafter I was being a asshole running away from him with tears on my face, and now, what? I just have to say to him that I love him? Thats not that easy, man. As Sunny was sighing, she flipped her Biology textbook randomly. But, man, I added, Jace, he said it so easily. How could he do that? What? Sunny looked at me confusedly. When he was leaving, he said that its too bad that all of this happened, because he had already fallen deeply in love with me.

Oh. My. God. Sunny was excited. If my story with Jace was a love story Mom had told me I would be thrilled. What should I do? I asked. Just relax. Soon Jace will miss you too much and come to you. You know that mates would always be drawn to each other when the mate bond is developing. Even the mate bond drove Jace crazy before he knew it was you, and now, he know it, of course he will be crazy again and find you. But . . . how if . . . I am the one whos going crazy for him? I dont want to go see him and apologize! I cant help you on that oneits natural for our body to feel . . . you know, ecstatic, when we think about our mate. So you just Something hit my head. Ouch, I winced. The thing rolled on the floor, and I ducked down to pick it up. No one was lookingperfect. It was a rolled strip of paper. I searched the direction of where it had come from. There he was, in the crowded cafeteria. It was Jace. I wanted to open it, but I didnt want him to know that Id already opened it. I shouldnt throw it away, should I? I focused on the words written on the paper. I am sorry, Jordan. I love you so much. I miss you, sweetheart. I felt the dents on the paper. From the tiny holes on the small strip of paper, I knew Jace had written this impatiently. Still, I didnt want to look at him. Sunny took the paper strip from my hands. And then she winked at Jace. Sunny . . . dont, I groaned. Shed stuck out her red, wet tongue as a respond. Another ball of paper hit me. I unrolled it and read. But youre not sorry, and you dont love me I do love you Jace. I hoped I could write back, but I would not do that. You know what? In all of my life I have never seen Jace use papers to court girls! But wow, this is so not like him! Sunny said excitedly. Jace bumped the table I was sitting at. If the cafeteria wasnt this crowded, I would sense that he was coming. When he was there beside me, my heart felt as if it had stopped beating. So there we wereme, him and Sunny at the table. Jaces hand then reached for mine. He gripped my hand and brought it to his lips. His eyes stared into mine as he groaned my name again and again. Dude, no time for argument now, I groaned exhaustedly. Jordan, he murmured, do you love me, Jordan? Do you love me like I love you, Jordan? Dont do that here, dude. Everyones looking at you! Jordan . . . Jordan, he murmured at my name that way again. You are childish like your dad said, I said as I tried to remove his lovey-dovey thoughts. Dont fucking care. You have to tell me if you really do love me. Thats all I need and I swear I wont mess up your life anymore.

Oh my God, hes really driving me crazy this time. Dont fucking care, too, I said. Jace curved up his lips, imitating a sulking expression. That was undeniably cute. Okay, I sighed. Do you really want me to love you? He nodded willfully. Okay then, I said. No, thats not workingsay you really love me, honestly, from your heart, if you do, he said, if you dont, say you dont. This was crazy. Saying I love you to Jace would be like taking a Band-Aid strip from your woundit would be painful if you were doing it slowly, and you would have less agony when you strip it off quickly. I could tell. Include the love wordthats compulsory, he said. Okay, okay, I sighed. I love you, dude. Oh Godfinally! The human-form wolves from our pack were all staring at us. I was seriously going to smack Jaces butt for this again. You do love me, or you did love me, Jordan? asked Jace. Or its like that damn just a little crush song? Crush doesnt helpevery damn person in this planet experience crushing on Jace Andrews. I rolled my eyes out of disgust. Man, I sighed, I do love you. Im fucking in love you right now, okay? He was smiling from ear to ear. Wait, I dont believe you, he said. Those damn hatreds are still in your eyes, kid. I looked aroundsome of them watched Jace, but probably I didnt have to care. I couldnt afford to think of anything else, but pleasing my annoying mate. I put my lips quickly on his, giving him a short kiss. And I kissed him again. I had never seen him smiling like that before. Jace took my face, and this wasnt okay. We were not going to make out now. The bell rang. Thank you for loving me, planet Earth! Bye dude, see you after school.

Chapter Eight
I couldnt stop thinking about him since the moment I pulled my lips off his in the cafeteria. I knew I was supposed to focus on my studiesespecially when it came to Algebra. If Mom found out about me losing focus in classes because of Jace, I would probably be grounded from not seeing him about a month. At first, I thought I could tolerate to such things if it really did happened, but then I didnt think so. All I could do was just to hear the final bell to ring. As it did, I sped off the school and rushed into the bus. Of course, I was so quick, so I was the first person to be there. I picked a seat in the middle of the bus, sitting by the window. I watched as the kids flooded the parking lot, and then noises started to fill the air. Of course, my eyes were searching for my mate. I looked among the crowd, trying to find his beautiful face. As I was lost in finding, people were entering the bus already, occupying the empty seats. Whats up, dude! Stan smacked my shoulder so hard that I jumped in shock. He took the seat beside me, giving me that damn sarcastic look. Damn you, I groaned. I could have died, you know. Whatever, he said. You know that you have to give it a rest. Youre not the first boy who has found his mate. Youll usually have a book in your handnow, what? Jace has totally possessed your entire brain? Shut up, Stan, I said. I could feel as blood filled my cheeks. If so, I dont want to be mated, he added. Okay, okay, I said. Im sorry. Hows your day, big brother? Are you okay? Stanley laughed, of course. For a moment I stared at him, I felt like my brother could be so attractive. Stanley has this persona of not caring about how beautiful he can look. Of course, he talks about girls all the time, but he has never really think about how to get them or something. He never really tried to dress up nicely, or to give girls that look where guys givehe just doesnt care. I really hope he will find a great girl as his mate. One day. Stan, get up. Thats my seat right there. Oh, there he was. Great. Oh, Im honored to present you this seat, prince, my brother said sarcastically. Damn it. There wasnt a particular day where my family and I had discussed anything about my mate and me. And now, Stanley and my mate were joking about this. Jace sat beside me. When he tried to look at my face, I looked out the windowtrying not to stare at him. As the bus moved, the other boys were already at the back. The only werewolves who rode this transportation were us. Thats what had driven Thio the bus driver to rage. There were only seven kids from La Cove, an area which is situated slightly in a forested area, where the bus has to pass by some hills and windy roads to get there. And he had to drive all the way to our tree houseor the bus stopto send or pick us up. If I was him, I would be nuts by now. But since the hill road to La Cove made it first from the school before the big town of Bloomingdale, seven of us would be home first before the other kids. Still, I felt unfortunate of still having to use the bus. Whats funny though, Jace was still the hottest guy in Bloomingdale High even though everyone knew he didnt drive fancy cars to school. He took the bus like the others did, and

sometimes didnt have those luxuries that he could actually have. Werewolves community usually have something that we called as the Pack Savingwhere bundles of cashes are stored for us and can be used freely. Its just we cant really show luxury to humans as we find it unfair and discourteous. We believe in goodness that comes from modesty. Especially our packwere always known as the most profitable pack among other wolf packs. Its compulsory for every head of the familyusually the husband or the father, to have a career and a salary. Certain amount of the salary will be saved into the Pack Saving. The bus hit an uneven pavement. Some of the standing kids almost tripped off and cursed. Miss you Jordan, Jace murmured beside me. I didnt respond. Jace locked his arm around mine, and he was holding my hand tight as he kept staring into me full of happiness. Not here, please? I said. He groaned as he tried to make his cutesy face. Dude, I have something to tell ya, Jace said, but I need to whisper it right next to your ear becausebecause, its quite embarrassing. Curiosity filled my brain. I got my ear close to his mouth as he pulled my arms. He moved his mouth close to my ear. I waited eagerly to know what was so embarrassing when his lips kissed my cheek. That was damn brilliant, or I was just stupid. I could have seen that one coming. Deep inside, I wanted a better, fiercer, and a messier kiss. Dude, pay it back, Jace said. Pay what? The kisspay it back. I groaned. Quick! he rushed me. Not here! He sighed. He waitedI knew he did. While he was groaning and grumbling and insisting me for another kiss like he did in the cafeteria, the bus stopped in front of the tree house. When I walked out of the bus, Jaces arm was still around mine. He brought me near his side, and this warmth felt good. It could feel better without these people around me. Somewhere nearby, girls were looking at us. I didnt care about them, though. I knew some of them would hate me, but what could I do? Of course everyone would look. Dude, I dont think its fine for you to be like this to me now, I told him. Why? he said confusedly. Its justI dont Dont tell me youre a homophobe, Jordan. Whatno! I dont care if youre a guy, I grumbled as we moved toward the street we lived in. Its just that guy is you, dude. Its not some random person. They know about us, Jace replied, so whats to hide? He could simply lean down and kissed my cheek. I love you, he said. And dont you think its too early for anything? I said.

Come on, Jordan. I need you with me. See, this is sort of a punishment you have to take. For hiding from meyou know its a mistake, dont you? There was nothing left to argue, of course. And one more thing, he said to me, his arm still couldnt let mine go, dont play hard to get. Its uselessIm too irresistible for every person on this Earth. We giggled as we made our way toward our houses. I didnt really know where I was heading to. I actually didnt know where Jace wanted to take me. Plus things were still awkward, and I cant really tolerate to awkwardness. And I had to face my parents. I hoped Mom wouldnt be asking me how my day with Jace was. I still felt like the boy who would still insist another mates stories from her. While we were walking, Jace and I looked up just as we saw the boys sped forward ahead of us. I looked at Jace, and then returned my sight to the boys. Then, I saw Dan calling us from the Main House. GreatAlpha Daniel. How the hell I was supposed to face him? The boys were admiring a vehiclewhich was apparently a brown-colored SUV. It was a deep-chestnut colored Ford Explorer. It looked nice and brand new. What is this for? Jace asked Dan in amazement. Great news. You can say goodbye to Thios service now. I couldnt believe it! The car would be really great now! I tried to hold in all my excitement well, the boys couldnt, apparently. They were shouting and jumping and slamming each others hands like how a soccer fan would react when their team had goaled. When Dan stared at me, I trembled. Of course he would staresince the gathering, I tried to avoid him as much as I could. Although he was doing a right thing, still, I kind of pissed off by it. Hello, Jordan, he greeted. Hi, Dan, I responded, I tried to stare at him calmly. Are you alright? he asked. I nodded as I was looking straight into his eyes full of hesitation. I knew my face was expressionless. Come here, Dan said, gesturing me to walk closer to him. Somehow, the motion reminded me of how he called me to come forward and tell the whole pack the truth. I followed as he walked away from the boys who were still admiring the car. Dan turned to face mehe landed his two hands on both of my shoulders, squeezing them, his eyes begging my sympathy. Look, I didnt mean to do what Ive done. Its justyou dont know how deadly your mate acted during your absence. Plus, you know Jace is the packs futurehell probably lead this big pack one day. If youre an Alpha you would act like how Its okay Danits my fault, I cut him off. I was a coward. No, you werent, Jordan. See, my wife, she was like you, too. She was exactly like you, scared. So all I could do was to seek help to track her, among all girls in the pack. I could only smile. Was it a truth I should believe? There are so many cases of mates hiding from mates now, the Alpha added, especially among male werewolves who found out that their mates are from the same sex. And I completely understand JordanI know it would be fine if hes some other kid. Its Jaceso, you know, it would be a complete shock for you.

Thanks for understanding me, Dan, I said. Its Jace. Hes likeeveryone thought he has to be mated with the prettiest girl in the pack. Of course I would lose my control. Nah, Dan said, grabbing my back with his strong hands, everything is going to be fine. Trust me. I could only smile again. It was calming to have Dan with me. He was a great counselorof course. He would probably do this to every students in the university. What an amazing quality of him, I thoughthis excellent leadership of the pack, and his teaching philosophy. Before a college Head Counselor, Dan was a teacher at some high school quite far from Bloomingdale. He then changed his career after the pack elected him as the Alpha, claiming that he needed to work somewhere closer to La Cove since everyone would find him if something happened to the pack. So, he added, are you okay, finding out that Jaces your mate? the Alpha asked. My thoughts wandered around, thinking for the right way to respond. I . . . Im not sure. But I know the bond develops as the days passed, I responded. Soany plans after this? Dan asked me. Its not like were getting married tomorrow. Plans? II dont know. What should I do next? This was an odd question butJace have marked already on you, right? I was totally shocked by the question. I remembered the most nerve-wrecking thing for girls when theyd found their mate, and it was the marking process. Male werewolves will usually give their mates a markan orgasmic bite at the neck area to show their possession of each other and eternality of them sealing their relationship for eternity. My mom symbolizes the mark with wedding ringsonly the mark of a true mate will stay eternally on the skin. Marks will only stay forever on mates given by their true mates. Some werewolves tried to ignore the beliefsome of the couples in the pack whod found their love, which was not their true mate, had tried to mark on each other, but the mark wont stay. If the mates were both male, both can mark on each other. Its the odds where the males mark the females. Dan was staring at me with an apprehensive look. No, I said, and I dont know when. Look, this is weird, too, but honestly, Ive never really thought about sex with him. And this was definitely odd. What Id just say?! I stared at Jace. He was going in and out of the new car. The boys had already started to feel passionate about driving the SUV. He will soon, Dan said, his eyes trained on the boys. When he was tied to you, it was really terrifying. I was thinking that if he found his mate he will never let the mate go. And that makes me think hell mark you soon. In all my life Ive never seen someone get tied too badly by mate bond like he did. Of course. I was also certain that our pack was the first pack that made pack gathering to track a hiding mate. II dont know, I responded. I heard that the mark is so powerful, and that thought scares me. Of course, said the Alpha of the pack, we all know that the magic from the mark comes from our mate, and that it has the greatest power of all. Even lots of warlocks and sorcerers out there have tried to replicate the powers of possession and eternality from the mate marks, but

none of it has worked. Thats why the marking process is so important to us. Even if your mate is not a wolf and you mark him, it will still have power and will stay eternally on you. Thats why this mate-thing is not something we can take lightly. I murmured my amazement to the Alpha. He chuckled before he added; You may have heard that the traditions are that the male will usually mark on the female. But that doesnt mean if the female marks on the male first, the mark wont stay. There is a female werewolf who marked her human mate, and it stayed eternally. As long as theyre mates, the power is will still be there. The power of mates. I shivered when I thought of Jace thrusting his teeth into my neck. I didnt know what pleasure it heldbut I heard that its the mates saliva that streamed into our blood and makes us feel . . . ecstatic. I heard the desire is drug-like. And I didnt know if I was really ready.

Chapter Nine
It was the time to face my parents. Great. Stan and I walked into the house silently. Of course, Mom was the only one home. As a human, my father works as a copyeditor in one of the small publishing company in Washington D.C. The pay isnt that much, but my father enjoys what hes doing, though. I think I have my literary blood from himDad told me he also loved to read and write just like me back when he was younger. Most of women in La Cove are housewives. That includes my mother. The women community here is awesome, actuallysometimes, my mother would always throw some parties, and some of the neighbors love to promote food container products. It was two days after the gatheringmy family and I barely talked about anything. So Jace suggested me to go back home and clear things up with my mother. I mean, what should I tell her? After the little fight I had with Jace, I went to my bedroom and fell asleep until the next morning. I didnt join my family for dinner and strangely they gave me some of my private times alone. I felt bad, thoughespecially when I had always share my problems with my mother. What would she thought now? My brother was in his bedroom upstairs. I heard Mom cooking from the kitchen, so I walked there calmly. Hey, Mom, I said, reaching up to kiss her on the cheek. Hey, she responded, stir-frying something in the pan, hows school? Schools okay, I said. Seriously, I could never tell her anything about me not being attentive in class because of Jace. So, she said, turning to me, hows you and your mate. Um, I clear my throat, at the same time I tried to say something, while there wasnt much to say. Were fine, I guess. Really? Youre not being too hard on him, arent you? she said. I gulped. Surprised, indeed. What do you mean? Um, nothing, she continued on her cooking. You should give him a chance, you know. Try to forgive him. What are you talking about? I said, giggles stuck in my throat. Stan told me, sweetie. I asked him why it was so hard for you to just accept Jace, and he thought that probably Jace was beingI dont know, mean to you before? So I think you should just forgive him, Jordan. He was really tied to you. I must have couldnt control how I looked. I was indeed shock. Stanley and my mother were talking about this before? That was so awkward to know. No, I said, were fine now. Its not about that, Mom. Yes, he was mean to me, but its not just about that. You know how crazy the girls would react when they find out that I am going to be with him. Come on, baby. I know you. You dont care about what others think, she said, smiling. Mom was rightI couldnt correct her on that. Now, clean yourself up and eat lunch. But, Mom, I said, dont you mind? You know, I wont marry a girl. No, your father and I are more likerelieved. Jace will like take a good care of you now.

Cmon, I laughed, I can take a good care of myself. I knowbut, you know what I mean. I was still giggling when I left the kitchen to my bedroom. My mother hasnt changedher paranoia toward me since I was a little child will never leave her. Strangely, I was okay with it. I was physically weak, than to compare myself with the other jocks in the Little Pack. In fact, I was one of them because my family wanted sort of a protection for me. Wellparents. Now Mom thought Jace could take a good care of meforeverwhich was both a good and a bad thing. The good thing was that my mother could maybe stop worrying over me going out at night or anything. But it was bad since I didnt need anyoneI knew I could take care of myself. We ate in silence. Mom cooked Chinese fried rice, which is always my favorite dish. I had some of it with some chicken stir-fried in Asian-styled sweet and sour sauce and some salads. But when Mom and Stanley looked at me in silence, I could barely enjoy the food anymore. What? I glared at my brother. Mom, he said, how old were you when you found Dad? And what did you do with him during the period? Shut up, Stanley! I said. Well, Mom talked anyway, I wassixteen, and your father was eighteen. He was a handsome man back thenhe kind of looked like you, Jordanwhen he was younger. He was a sweet college boy, and it was his semester break when I found him. It was a nice neighbor party and both of us were there. I was struck by his eyes, and the next day, I walked up to him and tell him that we were meant to be together. Ew, I heard my brother said. During the semester break, he brought me to lots of dates. And you know, like Jordan, I was so young when I met your father. He had to wait for me to finish my major before he could actually propose me. Your dad just graduated that day. On his graduation day, I accepted his proposal. I knew about it. When I was a child, Mom had told me about it. Thats why Id always thought discoveries would be normal, the romantic flick kind. And it was wrong. I dont know if I will have children. But if I did, I didnt know what I should tell them about my discovery. Probably I wouldnt have any children after all. But who knows? After the meal, I went to my bedroom. I looked at my cell phone and there were three missed calls. I looked at the screen. I think you can predict who it wasof course it was Jace. I laughed to myself with the phone in my hand. The gap in between the Jaces calls before he made another call was like less than five minutes. The third call was made about half an hour ago. I dialed his numberand I cursed to myself for being stupidly nervous. I had talked to him why should I be nervous? This was stupid. But then, Id never really dial his number before. Would it be normal to be anxious with that excuse with me? Hello? he said, and my heart stopped. No, seriously. What do you want? I said, trying to sound calm. You asshole, he replied. Why didnt you call me back? I am calling you back, I protested. Thirty minutes later is not just late, its late late, get it? Do you want me to be this late on picking you up on a date? I tried to hide my laughter. No, seriously, what do you want? SorryI left my phone in my bedroom.

I hate you, he responded, sounding sad this time. You were supposed to be excited when I picked the phone up. Now I really laughed. Okay, Im kidding. Hi, Jace. Thats not funny, he replied. Sorry, I said. Jordan, I miss you already. Yeah, me toowere million miles away from each other, Juliet, of course you should miss your Romeo, I responded, impersonating an epic failure Italian accent that sounded half-British half-African, I guess. Hey, I should be Romeo! Why is that? I asked. Jace laughed, at the same time drawing a smile on my face. Jordan, he said, its Friday. My mates flirtatious tone made me nervous. I leaned my back on the headboard as I was on the bed. So? Its not like Ill go party hard during these times like you. I was thinking aboutmaybe if I could ask you out on a date. There were words in my tongue that meant to come out after Jaces turn in the conversation but they vanished away. Ddate? Gosh, Jace, youre forgetting that I am not Heather, I said sarcastically. Whats the difference? he asked humorously. Lots of differences, I said, I dont go out dating with a mate. So youre like whatwant to mate with your mate? I laughed hardly on that. Even if it was a jokeit could be half-true. So you want to take me out? I started to focus again. Im okay. Whats the time? Not today, unfortunately, he said. Thats fine, I liedI really wanted to see him again. Butwhy not? Itsmy girlfriend, shes Okay, Im hanging up, I said. Gosh, Im kidding, okay? Youre jealous. No, Im not jealousof course I am, you bastard, I said, laughing. No, your brother and I are working on some superficial assignment by Mr. Francisco. Were working on a presentation of someimbalance of biodiversity. Geeky stuff you dont want to know, he explained. Oh, I muttered, so hes coming over to your place? No, Im coming over to your place. Were working for it in his bedroom with the door locked, Jace said, doing a dirty-talk tone. Ugh, I might hear Stan screaming tonight, I said. Jace laughed. So I see you tonight. Okay, I said. Jordan, Jace said my name that way again, I love you. Love you too, mate, I said. Bye, mate. I gave a few sprays of Stanleys cologne on me as I dressed up. It was nighttime and I didnt know what I was preparing for. Maybe I lied to myself that I didnt knowactually, I knew I was being fancy since my mate was coming over.

This was stupid. I stared at myself in the mirror. I was in my usual attireI was wearing a pair of black T-shirt, almost fit to show some lucky muscular structures of my body, and a pair of track bottomed trousers. Only I stroked my hair again and again, trying to make it looked beautifulbut I didnt want to overdo it since then Jace would notice I tried hard to impress him. Thats what made me stop thinking about hair gel as an alternativethat would look obvious. It was eight oclock and I ran downstairs to the kitchen. Mom was cookingand my father helped her cutting onions. He pretended crying to my mother jokingly, with tears all over his face. On the island counter were a bowl of chicken soup, a plate of fried broccolis and fried chickens. Hey, its our son, my dad says. Hey son, we havent seen each other in a while. Good to see you again. Obviously Dad was being sarcastic with me. Wow, I said, Moms cooking awesomely tonight. Whats the occasion? Same reason on why you dress up so beautifully and smelling so good tonight, Dad responded. First I wanted to protest, but then it stopped me. It was too obviousDad noticed it. Should I rub away all the cologne? But it was too late. I shut up and walked to the hall, trying to be as calm as possible. Nice hair, too, my mother joined the conversation. Mom! I said. I tried to find any reflection to see if all of this was obvious. But when I heard my mates voice in the hall, I tried to put myself as calming as I could. I walked to the hall soothinglyor pretended to be. Jace walked to me, and thats when my heart beat so fast that I could hear it clearly in my ears. And no Im not kiddingstupid heartbeat. Hey, he said. I smiled. Whats up, Jace? His hand landed on top of my head, brushing my hair. I felt so tiny when he did that. And it felt goodalmost as good to be in his hug. He came forward, his lips touched my forehead. First of all, let me see your parents, okay? I nodded. His lips were softI liked it when it touched my skin. I might be sounding like a horny girlbut thats a fact. Maybe because hes my mate and its normalbut theres no way for this to be normal for me. Jace walked into the kitchen and greeted Mom and Dad. It was soothing for me to realize that Dad got along with this pretty well. Like I said, it was just now that I knew Mom was okay with this. Now I didnt even know if Dad was fine with his second son falling in love with a guy. I barely talked to Jace, even until mealtimes. The air was filled with laughterDad was great in making jokes. His sense of humor is known in everyone in the packif you see a circle of crowd with my father in it, giggles and cackles and laughter must be heard. Even during the pack gathering, actuallyDad had lightened up everybody who was intensified with the monstrous Jace that couldnt sense his mate. I kept eating my foodMoms chicken soup was too delicious, that it took my attention away from Jace, whos always beautiful as always. Now, his shaved head started to thicken with growing hairhis head looked blacker, and I was pretty sure he was going to shave his head again. Jace liked it that wayand thats how he became the hottest guy in the world. Or at least that was everyone thought. So, Dad said, the humor seemed like leaving his voice, youre here for some assignment with Stan?

Yes, Jace responded, eating his fried chicken. I looked anywhere but him, and decided that the food in my plate was the best thing to stare at. Are you sure? Dad said sarcastically. Uhyeah? and Jace laughed. The whole people in the dining room followed. Jordans pretty busy, too, arent you? Dad said, turning to me. Uh, I dont know, I said, didnt know what I should say, actually. Come on, Dad groaned humorously, dont blush! Youre a guy! Shut up, Dad! Im not blushing, I replied, and felt the heat in my face. Everyone laughed again. See, JaceIm sorry for what happened at you at the other day. It was bad, and honestly, the whole family didnt see it coming. You know, that its Jordan, Dad said. And I started to feel uncomfortable for this conversation. Usually, my parents would have a conversation, talking about me like I wasnt there while I was. Like discussing what to do when I failed calculus twice during my seventh gradethey were having the meeting-like talk right in front of me. And I was pretty sure the same thing was going to happen now. Me too, Jace said. But its okay. It was scary for him to accept as wellwasnt it, Jordan? Hell yeah, I responded, damn scary I did, Stan butted in, I was like figuring out that Jordan was crushing on you, or something. Ill kill you Stan, like literally, I will, I groaned. What? Dont blame me that you make it too obvious, he replied. I punched him hard on his arm, and he winced. After an hour, I went to my bedroom and tried to pick up any book to read. But hell it was distracting. I wanted to see Jaces facestaying in bed alone made me think about him harder. And I found myself smiling alone, and laughing to the old memories of useven the bad ones. Thats when I stood and walked out, walking toward Stanleys room. The door wasnt shut tightI could hear laughter by the crack of the door. And then I peeked through it. I was amazed that they were really working on this damn boring assignment together. Jace was attentive in looking into the computer screen, while Stan, of course, was distracting my mate, by tickling his ears with feather dusters and stuff. My brother could be cute. It was just his unusual attitude that I couldnt really find in other boyshe didnt date girls, or talked about them too much. And then I had thoughts that maybe my brother was gaybut then it seemed impossible, since I caught him once jacking off to a straight porno before. The next time I came into my bedroom, I realized that something was happening to me. I liked Jace too much, that I was starting to feel fright creeping out in me. I was desensitized how impossible this relationship would be in the usual reality. He could love anyone else, and his mind might change any single time. There was so much to come between usI knew about that. Because our relationship was damn too early now, I became more fucked up thinking about what would happen in the future.

Chapter Ten
Have you ever had a sleep where it had neither dreams nor blankness, but you were thinking instead? Your thoughts echoed clearly in your mind and most of the words were from the night before when you had doubts that you tried to push away. Thats how my sleep was last night. Thoughts about me being Jaces mate were replaying over and over again. I didnt know how long we could lastalthough I knew mates were eternal partners. But still, my heart wasnt that strong toward that belief. I became more wide awake when I heard sounds of someone clicking on a computer mouse. When I opened my eyes, I noticed someone was sitting on the chair fronting my opened computer. When my sight came into focus, I noticed the guy with the shaved headthe guy who owned the other half of my soul. I pulled myself up and tried not to make any sound. Jace didnt notice. I rubbed my eyes and looked at him. Slowly, I approached him from the back and observed him flipping at a photo folder in the computer. It was apparently a set of photographs when my family and I went on a vacation in California. I was twelve back then. I hated how I looked during that age so I was really going to blush, realizing that Jace was checking them out. What the hell are you doing? I said. Jace was surprised by my presenceI could tell by the way he stared at me. Ohyoure awake. Yeah. And youre sneaking my pictures. Stop what you're doing now, I groaned, at the same time staring at my twelve-year old self. I was plumper back then and I hated that Jace remembered it. Why? he asked, his eyes paused on the picture. I was ugly, I said. No, youre always pretty to me, he told me. I laughed out of disagreement. I can take compliments, I said, but not the adjective pretty. Jace laughed, reaching my hair so he could rub it like he always did. Stop doing that, I twisted my head off. But you are beautiful, he said, inside out. How could he tell? I barely knew what I was and how could he say I was beautiful? Well, I said, Im not Heather. Shes beautiful. Gosh, he groaned, stop comparing you to her! Shes obviously doesnt deserve to be compared to you. I laughed. If she hears you saying She dumped me, Jordan. I didnt know if he sounded sad or humorous. It kind of tore my heart a little bitI dont know why. So youre in a broken-hearted phase now? I asked. No. Im quite happy about it. I know we wont last long. You know every girl you dated wouldnt last long with you, I told him. Because they arent my mate, he said simply. I had never expected he could say that. Bastard player. Theyve given me the titleso thats one of the evidences that I was one. You were one, I said, referring to his player status. Are you sure youve retired?

I chuckled as I pulled another chair out of my study desk and sat beside him. He was pressing the button to see more preceding pictures, checking out Stanley, my mother, my father and me, in the monitor screen. Forever, he said, turning to me and gave me a short kiss on my lips, I am retiring forever. Forever is a long time, I said. In that case, I am eternally retiring. Eternally seems longer than forever, he grinned. I couldnt help smiling. I reached out to him and put my lips on his cheek. He minimized the folder and I noticed he changed the wallpaper. It was a picture of the seven of us. I was thirteen when Dan took this picture. I sat in the most middle of the picture while Jace stood big beside me, like a football athlete while I looked like those kids who escorted the players out to the field. Hey, I said, wheres Harry, Hermoine and Ron? They have also retired from the computer screen, Jace joked around. I stared at the picture frozenlyit had been a while since I last saw it. It was surprising that Jace and I were so close inside this. Only if I knew I was standing beside my soul mate Ah, I groaned, shut up. Right now youre closer to me, inside and out. Jace stared at me as I took my towel and slammed it on his shoulder. I walked toward the adjoining bathroom of my bedroom to clean up. By the way, today was supposed to be my first date with Jace. I hoped he hadnt forgotten that. Wait, I said, one step more before I was completely in the bathroom, you and I were very close from the inside before. Now we are closer in every single way. He turned to me. What do you mean? You know, I said, I have half of your soul. And you have mine. I knew he was about to smile when I closed the door and walked into the shower. I undressed and threw my clothes into the laundry basket. My skin stung to the coldness of the morning airId forgotten to check out the time, but I knew the day was still early. I turned on the warm water and let it pour on me. You can say that I was actually dancing when the water shocked my skin. I was jumping to the iciness of the water even though I'd set the heater already. I washed my body first, rubbing the foamy body soap in my armpits, my neck to the whole parts of my body. I closed my eyes and let the water rained down my face. At first I was trying to think that I was a whale in the oceanwell, I dont know why, but I love whales. But those thoughts vanished when I heard the shower door being slid open. I didnt turn around when a skin touched mine. Jordan, he breathed into my left ear. I felt myself hardening when I feel his whole torso on my back. He slid his arms around my body, his hands rubbing my chest. His fingers danced on my nipples. I squirmed and closed my eyes. Jace . . ., I breathed out his name heavily. His hand ran down my body, feeling on my skin, wrapping around my hardness as I felt his pressed on my back. Brain in my blood drained completely from my head downwardsmy sexual stiffness throbbed painfully. Jaces hand left me so I was half-disappointed and halfrelieved at the same time. But then he pressed my shoulders, turning me to face him and slam my back on the wall.

I couldnt see him as his face chased mine in the speed of lighthis lips were on my lips hungrily. I could only observe as the water poured down on hima sudden paranoia of this guy wasnt Jace crept in me. Of course it was him, I told myself. I could tell by how my body reacted to this. Jaces lips ran down all over my bodymy lips, down to my neck, and to my chest, stopped abruptly at my hard nipples His mouth went down, down, down, down. I moaned in excitement. Jace, I said. No response returned. I wished I wouldnt faint out. Good luck with that, I told myself. I ended up wearing what Ive always worea pair of a plain dark green T-shirt with a pair of sweatpants. I love sweatpants since theyre comfortable and I dont like jeans. But Jace does. He was wearing a light-gray sleeveless shirt with a pair of dark gray corduroy jeans. Jaces damn fashionablehe shopped clothes when there were sales happening and his closet was filled with branded stuffs. I didnt really know if he did that to take care of his reputation, but I didnt really care about him before. I was beside him in the SUV. Jace drove wellthis was the first thing I liked about him. He was careful and fast at the same time. He was efficient as hellhe knew the roads to choose in avoiding traffic jams and stuff like that. Even though I had my driving license, that fright of driving in an open road was still there in me. So how the hell I was going to drive a girl out on a date? I guess destiny knows better than usthats why this big and buff guy is mine. I could tell that Jace didnt really know how to handle a guy on a dateneither did I. But he tried, at least. He avoided those luxurious restaurants and chose the McDonalds Drive-Thru instead. We ate cheeseburgers and drank Cokes. Then we talked and laughed in the car as we stopped by at a park in the big city. Afterwards, we took a walk there and laughed. Nobody stared at uswe behaved well like good friends. It wasnt like I cared if they knew we were loversJace even kissed me sometimes. It was just nobody nowadays cared to stop and stare at things like this. I knew it was the limited awkwardness and the extreme comfort between usso nobody could bother to sense the gaucheness. Jace drove south to the Southpark Mall just as he booked two movie tickets that aired an hour afterwards. It was a horror movieJace asked me if I wanted to watch things like romantic flicks. We ended up laughing because he knew I didnt like those kinds of stuff. Throughout the movie, I could enjoy what we were watching. I liked horror stuffs, but I sensed that Jace didnt really like things like this. He cursed to the shocking scenes when the zombie suddenly popped up in the sceneI mean, who knows that guy who is as strong as Jace can be frightened by zombies? But I gripped his hand tightlytheres nothing that is much better than being close to your mate. I fell asleep as he drove back to La Cove. The day was approaching nightfall and the journey was quite long to reach the neighborhood. Jace let me rest, though. I told him to keep playing the My Chemical Romance CD that he always played in his stereo, but he insisted on turning it off. Well. Jace woke me up when I realized he had stopped by at the winding road toward La Cove. Come on, he said. I dont want to miss the sunset. Jace parked the SUV under a shady tree. I ignored the drowsiness and followed him out of the SUV. When he folded the sleeve of his jeans up, I realized we were going to climb up the hills inside the woods.

Are you shifting? I asked. Werewolves shifted to work out the stamina of their human side. Since we were a half and half immortal, the energy between the two sides of us are connected to each other. Let me say, if I want to increase the strength of the wolf side of mine (to hunt during full moons or for the traditional annual wolf combats, for example), I have to do some workout in my human form so the energy will sort of be transferred to my wolf side. It works upside down. This works similarly to strengthen your human sidethe more you get physical with your wolf side, the stronger your human side can be. If I shift to my wolf-form to increase my man's stamina, I will run, climb the hills, run again, jump on higher hills, jump off from high cliffs, and run until I ran out of energy. The next morning, my energy is enough to be a track-star in school. Jace loved to shift and sprint into the woods as a workout for his human side. But please dont invite me to do these kinds of stuffI am always not interested with this. No. I want to show you something. And we do have to climb up. He sensed my hesitation. Are you exhausted? he asked. Wha Before I could speak, he lifted me with his arm and brought me closer to his chest. Laughter escaped my body to the surprise I felt. When I saw the orange-pinkish sky, I thought of the night Jace carried me out of the woods. The feeling came back to me. I shouldnt be surprised by Jaces strengthand maybe my size wasnt a big deal for him to handle. But the will of him in doing this had made me loved him more. This, of course, led me to fall in love with him harder. I didnt know if it was right to feel this way. And I didn't care. Jace sped off into the woods and I could only feel the chilly air swept my face. I laughed loudly out of excitement, feeling the speed as Jace climbed higher and higher toward somewhere I didnt know. And suddenly Jace put me to stand on the ground. I breathed out of satisfaction, my mate panted out of exhaustion. Wow, I said, youre fast. I shifted last night with Stan. And then I found this place, so I thought I want to bring you here. I turned around when the view took my breath away. I was so high up from the ground below, a few feet from me was the edge of a cliff. Trees behind me were bigger and taller, leading downwards toward our SUV. The twilight was spectacularI watched as the sky turned from orange to dark orange to dark purple and dark blue. Faraway on the horizon was the prettiest setting sun I had ever seen in my life. I found myself sitting on the flat ground with my legs crossed. I could probably see the whole city from here. I tried to make out where Bloomingdale High was, but I was far more amazed by the overall scenery to care about spotting buildings. One of the most amazing sights was the whole La Cove in the bird eyes view. Beautiful, huh? Jace said. It was the nearest view from where we sat. I couldnt respond. He came to sit beside me and I kept on watching as the neighborhood lights illuminated the whole area. The beautiful neighborhood I lived in was built largely along an uneven body of a mountain. I could see the wavy pattern of the whole spectacular housing area. The place was damn hugeI couldnt believe how the whole neighborhood was our pack.

In the flat center of the neighborhood was where my house situated at. Sunny's house was a few blocks away from my houseNathan and Jace lived in the same street as Sunnys. Since mine was quite close to the center, the Alphas Main House was nearest house to mine. A few feet above to the north of the Main House was the field and the large recreational park of the neighborhood. Orange lights shined the whole neighborhood, at the same time my heart stopped to the amazement I felt. Wow, I said, how amazing. I cant believe this is where we live. Me too, Jace responded. I love it here. I dont want to leave this place. Who would? I said. This is amazing. I remember the times when our pack was in the temporary reservation land in Virginia. Moving from there to here was an amazing experience. Unfortunately, Raoul left us. Hollow visited my chest as I heard the name. Jace stared straight into the view. I didnt remember much since I was four when the whole pack first moved to La Cove. The pack lived in Virginia for about six years before Raoul's La Cove was completely built. When this dream project of our late former Alpha was done, the whole pack was told to move. No one knew why we had to until everyone was surprised with this secret thing Raoul had been doing. After a month passed, he died. Now, it had been more than a decade since our pack settled happily in La Cove. Too bad, I sighed. The cancer took his life away. Jace was half-laughing half-snorting. I looked at him, confused by the doubting look he gave me. What? I said. You dont know? he asked. You believe what they told us? That Raoul died of cancer? Isn't it true? He turned his head, staring into the view again. As the sunlight lessened, darkness started to embrace us. You really think a cancers strong enough to take an immortals life away? How can you believe a tumor killed him when what can only kill us are metal rusts to the heart and burning bullets? For once, I was struck by the statement Jace told me. Its truerusts of metal that flow in the bloodstream to the heart and some certain kinds of bullets are the only things can kill werewolves. How could I believe a cancer could? I looked at Jace with a big question mark on my face as curiosity started to creep in my head. I dont believe it. I cant be fooled, he told me. Raoul lied to all of us. After what hes done to us, I dont think he wanted us to know why he had to leave. He built this for us because he knew he was going to leave. But then, not everyone knows the truth. But its better that way. Everyones happy hereat least this one true wish of our former Alpha is fulfilled. My chest suddenly felt heavy, a feeling that seems like you can't breathe because you're feeling too hollow and things have gone gloomy when it isn't supposed to. "La Cove is his gift to us before he decided to go." Jace turned to me. I didn't know how all of this could hugely affect his feeling. He decided to go? What--what do you mean? I asked. He stared at the horizon as he breathed in deeply and exhaled heavily, as if the sadness inside his chest was a gigantic stone that was now rolling down the cliff and crushed on the ground.

Hed killed himselfbecause his mate was murdered. I stared at Jace with my mouth ajar. My lungs couldnt stop begging more and more oxygen from the airsomehow I felt like I was suffocating. Jace pulled me closer to himmy head was on his shoulder and it calmed me down. I thought I was going to be like him when I couldnt sense you, Jace said. That's when I realized that he was crying by the sound of how he talked. I was so afraidso scared that you were really gone. I had thoughts that maybe you didnt want me and I had to end up leaving this world Hey, I turned to him, wiping his tears with my fingers. Im here, okay? Jace fended off his tears as he cleared his throat. His mates a mortal. No wolf can bear it, Jordaneven the ones who is as strong as Raoul. When his girl left him, he couldnt stand it. So how could you expect me to stand with what I through I cut him off again. Listen, Jace. I wont leave you, okay? It is my fault, I know. From now on, I will do anything you want me to do. Take it as a punishment or anything, okay? Do you understand? Jace turned to me. I dont want to punish you. I'm just I understand, I said. I know. I wont leave you. And Im sorry, Jace. Im sorry. Jace held my face strongly and for once I couldnt believe those tears could stream out of his eyes. Theres one thing I really, really want you to do. I breathed in as much air as I could, and said, What is it? Can you at least try to love me? At least you should try. Tears swelled up my eyes, and I blinked them off. It flowed down my cheeks away with the heaviness in my chest, so it was a good thing. I am falling in love with you, Jace. You should believe me." He wiped the tears away at the same time didnt lighten up the grip of my face in his hands. I know I was mean to you. I dont care, I said. Youre my mate. You are mine, I am yours. We wont ever leave each other. I wont. I promise. As those last words escaped my mouth, I locked my lips with his, kissing him ferociously as our wet cheeks touched. I promised myself I would never let these tears escape his face anymore. We cried in the nightfall, and I swore both of us were throwing all the tears away and would only return smiles to each other after this.

Chapter Eleven
Two weeks passed by like the wind. I wasnt conscious when I realized I had spent two weekends with Jace. Not much happened throughout these weeksand I was feeling glad about it. It was exciting to have a car at school. The seven of us sorted of a driving schedulethe boys who were trusted to drive to school were Nathan, Jace, Stanley and Rick. Yeah, the seventeen-year olds were given the license from our Alpha. Jeff, Callan and I should just shut up. The tree house didnt get abandoned, though. I dont know if it was a good thing, but since we didnt have to wait the bus anymore, Jace and I had always spent time together there. It felt good with all the privacy we had there. I loved to listen to Jace telling me about his friends although we were from the same neighborhood, there were lots to learn about this dude. And it felt important for me to know himokay, he was a jealous bastard was one. There was evidence about this: I was in the tree house with him, my head lies on his chest. It was a few hours after school. So, he asked, hows Adam? He was massaging my temples and I was too lost in how smart his hands were on my head. I tried to comprehend what he was saying and thats when something Jeff told me flashed in my head. These boys were certain I was gay and I was with Adam. Great. What do you mean? I pretended not knowing. Actually, Im not really comfortable seeing you together. You just tell him to move on and Holy crap! Dude, hes my best friend! You know I am his best friend ever since I was like, I dont know, third grader? I said. Hey, Nate and Stanley are my best buddies, and I dont laugh together with them like you do! he said. I thought he was kidding. Oh Godfirst, I wasnt gay. And Ive never even dated anyone. Really? he asked doubtfully. Okay, at least you know how suspicious he was. During those weeks, he kept his eyes on me whenever I walked in classes with Adam. Tell me about it, I tried to hide my relationship with Jace from Adam as much as I could. The memories of me and Adam stalking our girl crushes during our freshmen year in high school was still fresh in our minds, so I didnt want him to think I was such a homophobic jerk. None of us likes homophobes here. But then I was thinking what should I tell Adam laterI was suddenly in love with Jace? And it was unbelievable because Adam admired Jace due to his fame in football and basketball and track and called him the King of Everything while I cursed and talked everything bad about Jace. He might boo me for falling in love for him like the rest of the girls in Bloomingdale High did. Speaking of homophobic bullies in high school, thankfully it was rare in Bloomingdale High. I could say that sixty-five percent of students in Bloomingdale High consisted of werewolves from two wolf packs in Washington D.C. One was the gigantic pack in Virginia and one was our pack. Since same-sex mates were enormously discovered since quite a decade ago, werewolves must not harm them since mates are one half and half immortals life and death. Preventing homophobia is one of the major rules in wolf packs to avoid these conflicts of

discriminating mate pairs. It was a deathly crime to harm a pair of mate in any ways possible; verbally, psychologically, physically. So no homophobes are allowed in wolf packs. Plus, it wasnt cool for us when a wolf discriminate mates. Thats what most wolf boys nowadays thoughtso the humans could just follow the flow. Go on, walk with holding your lovers hands, nobody will bother to notice, gay or not gay. If you do, some of these buff wolf boys from GSA society will punch you in the face, and you dont want that to happen. And oh, most of werewolfs alphas assign good and strong boys to be in schools GSA. Some alphas make the rule compulsory. These are initiatives in fighting gay bullies. You know, I may not be strong, but I can break someones neck if theyre human. So these buff wolves will always kick a gay-bullys ass. Honestly, mortal vs. werewolf?you dont want that to happen. Still, if I dated some random guy, I wouldnt be under any spotlight. But I was with Jace Andrewseveryone in Bloomingdale High knew this guy. And trust me, it was hard if everyone thought he suddenly preferred guys over girls. But then some of the girls had hooked up with him, so they would spread the word that Jace wasnt wholly gay. Whats that wordbisexual? Im not sure. In an English class a werewolf guy, Dylan, came to ask me. Dude, is it true? That you and Jace are mates? Jace told me the news was spreading at the werewolf community like a wildfire already. So there was no point of hiding anymore. I nodded. He chuckled. How unbelievable, he said. Some female shifters at school smiled at me, some glared out of jealousy. I could only return my Im innocent grin. And Jace kept on tangling around me wasnt helping if we wanted to deny our relationship from the immortals at school. Everyone was observing, of course. It was an oddness of a picture when they noticed Jace and I were getting closer together. Adam noticed, but he didnt bother asking. I was grateful for that. He was amazed how I could get sort of a quote out of the Sport Star of the school. But then I tried to keep my fake hatred toward my mate fresh in front of Adam. It was Friday. I was just about to go to lunch when Jace texted me to meet him at the computer room. I didnt know what had made me drive straight to him, forgetting Sunny and Adam in the cafeteria. But I just went there, searching him in the empty room. Then there he was, fronting a computer, typing something out on the keyboard. Hey, I said, approaching him. Jace turned around, and I was surprised to the startles in his eyes of seeing me. Every time I saw him, my heart beat fast and something flowery happened in my chest. It was like seeing the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life all over again. This feeling was mutual, I guess. That explains why we would stun in amazement and in silence whenever we set eyes on each other. I sat near him when he reached forward and kissed me. I miss you, he murmured. I smiled. We always miss each other, I said. What is it? Lets just say ten percent of this meeting is to invite you to come to the stamina practice with me tomorrow. The other ninety percent is to meet you. I laughed, moving forward and touched my face to his, our foreheads kissed. You know stamina practice isnt like prom nights or anything. All of us always go together. Jaces eyes sparkled to my murmursI guess he couldnt resist it. He kissed my lips again, trying to not get our mouths tangled for too long. Naughty dog, he muttered dirtily.

I giggled. But its trueThe Little Pack has always been to the stamina practice together. Stamina practice is basically a physical activity the whole pack does every time before full moon approaches. Since it was a week till full moon, we needed the strength to our wolf side to hunt. Full moon hunting was another compulsory tradition in our packwe will break in a few groups and hunt for mountain deer or any of our food in the forest. So the stamina practice could be anything from casual sports to group running to hill-climbinganything physical so our wolf side gets strengthened. I want to go with you, Jace murmured again. I couldnt help responding to him by my chuckles. Okay, mate. Then we kissed. We tried to keep this gentle, even though it wasnt that successful. The way how our lips pressed to each other, how our tongues touchedit was the best pleasure ever. We were so drowned in the joy we felt, so into this feeling that we didnt realize someone was walking into the room. Oh Jace, here you are We stopped and pulled away as soon as possible. I turned around. Heather Roberts was standing away from us, her arms were crossed over her chest. Her mouth was wide open, her shock poured to me terrifyingly. II she stuttered. What is it, Heather? Jace asked calmly. II was about to apologize to you, she told him. My heart was beating stupidly again. This time, the knocks were crystal clear in my ears. Ive forgiven you. Youve done nothing wrong to me, okay? Jace said. Oh and then she stared at me. Blanklythere was nothing cold in her eyes. Then she spoke. Look, you can break girls hearts, Jace, but please dont torment gay guys since you know you can do it all. She stared at me once again, giving me a Be careful! Youre under a spell! look before she left the room. I was grateful to put this Heather issue behind me. I told Sunny about it and she only ended up laughing as a response. As usual, Sunny and her girls would go to the stamina practice. Since boys cant team up with girls (in lycanthropic science, a female half and half shifter is strong, but males far way stronger) since it will be unfair if we battled the girls. And the seven of us will always have this one physical fight-kind of game during this practice, so we cant bring Sunny in. I woke up with panic. I promised Jace to meet him at the tree house at seven in the morning since we always move to the neighborhoods gigantic field early before we proceed to our fighting site in the woods. Most of the pack will do the stamina practice at the fieldbut they like to do this practice their own way, in their own place. Still, I was one of them so I would always tag along although I didnt really like this fighting-kind of game. It was eight in the morning and I washed myself quickly to have my breakfast. The whole pack will gather at the field around nine oclock before the Alpha announces that the practice has commenced. There, Dan will also tell us where our full moon hunting location will be when the time comes. Where r u? Jaces text message said. It was sent an hour ago. I ignored to reply and quickened myself for breakfast.

I assumed he had left since Mom told me Stanley had went to the field with the boys. So I walked straight toward the field, stretching my arms and cracking all those bubbles in my limbs. Hi, Jace said, and he had his arm wrapped around my shoulder as he pulled me closer to him. I was very surprised. Where hed come from? Hello, I replied. Where were you? At the tree house? he responded. You waited? I was surprised. Of course, you bastard, he groaned. I laughed when he pulled my head and kissed on top of it. Ready to fight? he asked. Ive only fought with you once, I think. We were waiting for the bus, and I was being an angry asshole to you. You were slamming my ass, you dirty-minded dog! Do you remember? I chuckled. How cant I? It was the day I found my mate. Really? he was confused. You founded me when we were pissed off for each other? Wow, it was sooner than I thought! Yeah, you write that name on the book I was reading, I said. It was funny that the M word would still taste bitter in my mouth. What that name? he said, pretending like he didnt know. What is it again? M You say that, I swear He laughed. Mole? Fuck you, I said in between my laughs, at the same time punching his arm. Heat rushed in my cheeks, and I hated it. Ow, he pretended that my punch was painful as he laughed. I could never physically hurt JaceI felt the pain instead. That day I thought I would never talk to you again. And then miraculously youre my mate, I said. Jace continued on laughing. Okay, what book was it? The Host? I said. How was it? Great. He continued the conversation. What is it about? Nerdy stuff you dont want to know. Come on, what is it about? Aliens and stuff, it was a sad story. Its like you live in a body where its different from what you are. Like Im the alien living in and taking over a body with the host whos still living inside the body, which Im in control of, and the host loves another person which I dont. So through my hosts memories I come to love the same person, and wanting to kiss him, but he hates me because Im an alien who has taken over the body of the one he loves. Jace was silent for a while after my explanation. Are you being sarcastic? he asked. What do you mean? I asked. You want to say that you live in a body where it wants me, while youre not? My hands had the urge to slap him hard until his face would stick on a tree. Jace, I sighed, I have no aliens inside me. Its my body that wants you. Your body wants me? he lifted his eyebrows. I kept on walking as I laughed.

That means your bodys a wise body, he muttered. Whatever. By the way, Jace continued, is it still there? What? The mole? Blood rushed inside my cheeks and I could feel the heat. Shut up, I groaned. That doesnt answer my question, Patterson, he chuckled. Yeah, moles disappear overnight. Thats genius, I said sarcastically. I walked faster toward the field, away and ahead from him. He could still catch up on me. Ill fight with you, he whispered in my ear. So? If I win, he said, you have to show it to me. The mole. You wish, I groaned. Try me, he said as he sprinted toward the field. Whos going to start? Callan asked. The pack broke into groups as the practice started. The seven of us were on our usual spot up on top on a hill in the woods. The sun was beautiful here. Callan had that eagerness in his eyes to start the game. All male shifters love stamina practices. But some busy grown-ups have always thought that this activity was unnecessary. Still, if they didnt attend, it was like they were breaking the tradition, or disobeying the Alpha. Besides, this was a crucial physical activitya sort of preparation if we got attacked by any monster during the hunting. Full moon hunting was compulsorywe believe if lycanthrope pack does not hunt during the full moon, our pack will not be blessed and flourishing as it does. Me, Jeff said. His eyes were filled with eagerness to start the practice. You, he pointed out to Nathan. This is how the game starts. Nate walked to the center, approaching Jeff whod already glared at him. Jeff looked so relaxed, and he had his poker face on. In short seconds he had Nathan in a fierce headlock. In a quite short game, Nathan was about to fall down, but he didnt. He tried to stabilize himself, controlling his feet and punched Jaces little brother in his face. Jeff avoided it as he released himself from the headlock. His knees were about to hit Nathans crotch. Jeffs actions involved a lot of his arms on Nathan. The older guy was very defensive instead of using physical attacks on Jeff. Their game ended when Jeff tried to avoid Nathans arm, but then the big guys knee fell on Jeffs butt, tripping him down as he rolled on the grass facing downwards. Shit, Jeff swore. He stood up as he wiped the dry weeds and sands off his butt. He stepped back to us, and waited for Nathan to choose his next opponent. Jacey, come here boy, Nate murmured funnily to his best friend. The other wolves muttered impressively when Nathan picked Jace as an opponent. It was because Jace had never lost this game. Jace has never lost in any game before. Hes a winner, and he always wins. When I was ten years old, I won once against Jeff, and that was only because he wanted to give me a chance. And I didnt pick JaceI picked Callan before as I was underestimating his size. But when I fought him, I lost.

I have never really gotten chosen as an opponent, and sometimes I never fight at all in this game. They just cant imagine me as their challenger, because they know I dont really like this kind of stuff. Jace walked to the center with his egoistical and antagonistic confidence. He clenched his fists and stretched his body while smiling sarcastically to Nathan. Cmon, dont be so happy, your ass is about to get whipped soon, said Nathan. That made us all laughed. Jace jumped forward to attack Nathan. I had already seen the eagerness in his eyes to get his game with his best friend to end. But Nathan didnt fall. Instead he was hundred-percent defensive to keep his body to stand steadily. Ive always loved seeing Jace in action even before he was my mate. I guess I was like one of those secret admirersI supported for Jace when he was in football games, basketball games and wolf combats no matter how I hated him back then. He was just quick and smart in things like this. And it was worth watching him, because it entertained me sometimes. Jaces fighting style was quick and wise. He wasnt that brutal whenever he was with his friends. Because you dont want him to be aggressive to youI know since he attacked me in the woods when I discovered that he was my mate. Jaces speed slowly started to exhaust Nathan. He could not use any of his physical strength. Go big brother, kick his ass! Jeff let out his funny anger of his defeat. Finally, Jace threw Nathans body on the grass. Damn it, groaned Nathan. People were laughing at him. Obviouslywhy would he pick Jace as his fight opponent?trouble is what youre searching if you ask me. Nowmy baby. When I heard those words, a shiver ran down on my spine and excitement was rising inside me. I knew the chance of winning was extremely thinbut then I had to try. I could make him loseJace was childishly careless sometimes. Maybe a trick to kiss him would make him lose. Ooo . . . the boys murmured. With my big grin, I walked forward to the center and tried to breathe evenly. I was enthusiastically nervous. Cant wait, whispered the big guy in front of me. I tried to find the right angle to attack him. I was just hoping I could make him fall down just with a wink of an eye. That would be hard for sure. His body gesture seemed so cautious and hello, hes Jace Andrews! He never loses this game! I erased the thoughts by inhaling some fresh air. When I approached Jace, I tried to jump on him and make him trip, but something happened that completely blocking the access for me to reach his body. He twirled around first before he jumped on my back and hugged my waist extremely tight from the back. The boys murmured humorously around me, and this was so embarrassing. Please, not here, I thought. I hoped my whisper was loud enough so Jace could hear it. I could feel his breath at my neck, and it was getting closer. I knew this was a trick, I knew he was about to kiss me. But I would not let him do this in front of the boys. First of all, I needed to breathe. Next, I needed to figure out a way on how to let myself out from his arms. You know what? he whispered while I was dying to get myself out from here. You have to be careful, because Ill strip you down slowly And his hand reached down my sweatpants. He pulled it down slowly to distract me.

I got his grip loose, and tried to turn around. But he got me again. That was the exact moment where I knew I would never have any choices. With him hugging my waist from the behind, I yelled and pushed the force of my feet to step backwards so he could fall off. But instead, he pushed me downwards and boom. My body was flatly lying on the grass. The boys around me screamed and laughed. Cant wait to get home, said Jace.

Chapter Twelve
As a deal of losing the game, Jace commanded me to spend a night with him at his house that Saturday night. So I was here while my brother and the whole boys were at Sunnys place, playing games. Now I was watching How I Met Your Mother with Jace on his bedroom television. We nibbled on some Lays as we watched the show. I was under the covers with my head was on Jaces arm. Hes so funny, I said, pointing out to the man in the television. Jaces hand stroked my hair back and forth. His hand traveled on my forehead, and then to my nose when he pinched it. I laughed when he did that. Stop it, dude, I said. Youre beautiful. My eyes searched his as I looked up. Im not beautiful, I responded. He shook his head in disagreement. I never thought I would have this feeling, you know? Jace murmured as he played the short curls of my hair with his finger. Same here, I said, never thought I would fall for you. It was disappointing for you, wasnt it? You had always thought to have a girl as a mate since you were a kid. I saw ithow passionate you were about those mate stories. Yeah, I told him the truth, there was no point of lying. I had always believed it would be that way. Honestly, I did visualize all these years that I would run in the woods with a girl. But you see, if I had a girl as a mate, I dont think I could take care of her well as I am still feeling insecure of myself. Insecure? Jace asked. Yes, feels like I cant even take care of myself. I dont deserve to be any chicks mate, you know? I said as I was sighing. I know, he said. I know as the only person you deserve to be with is me. That made me laughed. I can agree with that, I said. He kissed my forehead passionately. Under this blanket, Jaces left foot was kicking my right foot playfully. His toes were clinging at mine and it was ticklish. Stop it, dude, I said. Your feets warm, I like it. And yours are so cold, I responded. That didnt stop him from doing what he did. Ouch! I exclaimed at the pain as he kicked my foot hard. I kicked his foot back, and this time, really, really hard. Oh, you wanna play, huh? he said. He reached down the covers as I felt his hand pulling my pants down impatiently. What the fuck are you doing? I said, pushing off his hand. It kept coming back and I was starting to freak out. A deal is a deal, he said. Let me see the tiny black spot on your dick. Jace! I groaned and laughed at the same time. I kept on kicking his foot under the thick white blanket. When I hit him hard, he gave up. But his fingers traced my body with his hands and as he tickled it. I hate tickle fights.

I couldnt control how ticklish I felt. I laughed hard. He rolled me until he was lying on top of me. His chest was lying heavily on my chest, his belly pressed down hard on my belly. My skin underneath the thin fabric of my T-shirt could feel him hardening in his pants. His gaze traveled on my figure. I loved to see his eyes, his lips, and I didnt know why I hated it so much back then. He was the most special person I had ever met. His beautiful lips forced my head to tilt upwards and gave him a kiss. He returned them aggressively, kissing my face down to my neck and my chest. Something shivers my skin as his mouth was on my neckgoose bumps rose everywhere on my skin. Thats when the thought flashed like fire in my mind. I knew I wanted him forever now. Dude, I panted to the kiss, bite me. He was surprised to my demand when he stopped abruptly. I could feel his eyes questioning me when I couldnt open mine. I just wanted to feel his fangs dig into my skin and that would mark me as his forever. Are you sure? he hesitated. Justshut up and do it! I said. I could hear him laughing to my desperation. Then his lips kissed the thin skin at my neck. It already felt hot and shiverya feeling that made me more certain to do this. Jaces hand traveled down to my pants, wrapping around my hardness, gripping it tight. I rocked my hips back and forth when he pushed my chest down, insisting me to calm down and let his hand did the work. Thats when his fangs penetrated my skin. Something burned my head. But it felt goodthe fire-like desire spread to my whole system. It felt wider as I felt Jaces saliva into mesomething about it left an endorphin-like chemical into my body. Somehow I wanted more and more, didnt want Jaces mouth to leave me. Both of his hands and fangs were working on to satisfy my unlimited needs. Everything exploded like a bomb. I finally breathed out and panted as both of Jaces wet hand and mouth left my body. The next day, the whole pack was gathered again. The Alpha had something to say before the full moon hunting started in the weekend. I sat with the boys on the Alphas lawn. I wished I could focus more on what Dan was going to say. But Jaces presence was sort of a distraction. We have detected a monster. An unknown beast had entered the woods recently. I need you guys to be prepared. Monster. Two years ago if I was not mistaken, something did attack us. I think it was a mountain bear or something. But mountain bear is not really a monster, I guess. What do you think it is? my father asked the Alpha. I dont know. My theory says its a bloodsucker. After the practice some wolves and I roamed into the woods and found the corpse of a deer lack of blood. If theyre vampires then we need to make sure they dont harm the humans here. Vampires. It scared me. I have heard a lot about them, apart from the fictitious books I have read about them. Vampire is an immortal creature, where there are too many kinds of them, which sometimes never fail to confuse me. Humans have theories that they are bloodsucking creatures which are true. They live in a coffin: which is not really true. They get burnt by sunlight: used to be true but

not anymore. But the vampires are so many other things that the humans still dont know, even until now. They are very animalistic and wild. In legends werewolves and vampires were really enemies. Our werewolves ancestors have responsibilities in two main things: to keep our shifting abilities hidden and to protect humans we live with. Vampires used to be so wild that they fed on humans cruelly. Werewolves were tasked to warn the bloodsuckers and they rebelled. And then I just couldnt remember the rest of the histories. I hate histories and legends in whatever kind including the wolf legends. I have met a vampire before, but that bloodsucker was just a friendly one. Will they harm us? Jace asked Dan. We have to make sure they wont. Thats why I told you guys to be prepared. Later at school, I had to have my lunch without Jace. His biology teacher couldnt let him out of class since he didnt hand in his biology research. Poor him, but I thought he deserved it. He was just so lazy I was annoyed how he could have good grades in his exam. So, Sunny said, looking as bright as always. She sat beside me at the cafeteria, how are you feeling about the hunt this weekend? Im okay, I said, typing something in my notebook. Of course youre okay! Its because your mate is with you! Ugh, Jace just cant let you go, cant he? I could only smile as a response. And now where is he? Is he dating Heather back? said Sunny sarcastically. I glared at her humorously. He texted me earlier that he knew Mrs. Sanders will not let him go out of class. I guess hes righthe must finish his biology research. He didnt hand it out, while the deadline was two days ago. Sunny laughed. Thats him, gay boy, Sunny said, your mate and his lazy ass! I chuckled as I stared straight into the monitor. What do you think about the vamps? Scary? I asked Sunny, trying to find something to keep the conversation going. What the hell are you talking about? Scary vampires? You are so old-fashioned, Jordan. Modern vampires are just freaking hot! Sunny said. Yeah, vampires are good looking if they disguise their bloodsucker identity. Male vampires have attractive features to attract woman so they can turn them into prey easily. Thats classical. I wondered why it took Adam so long to pick his meals. I glanced at him when I found Sunny stared at him oddly. When she caught me watching, she looked away immediately. Now what the hell is wrong with you? I asked. Huh? she was surprised. What? Oh, nothing. Come on, I said, you seem happy? Isnt it obvious, she said, that I am crushing over on your human friend there? My brain actually exploded. What? Shut up, she groaned. You at least should cover that wolf mark on your neck with some pads of powder.

Immediately, my hand was covering the mark again. This mark would never leave my skin from now onsince its from a mate and a mark of a mate eternally stays. Butyoure crushing on Adam? Man, were best friends for years and you called him a dork! Yes butlately hes just so sweet. Okay shut up now. Hes coming! When he sat by me, he stared into Sunnys eyes differently. It would take more than five seconds before he could stare at different things. Hello, guys, he greeted. Youre late, dude, I said. I got some problems here, he said, patting his tummy while making an exhausted face. Sunny tried to pretend to do something else. I almost laughed seeing her acting that way. Lots of boys were crushing on Sunny. She was offered to date with cool guys here repeatedly. But she declined. She had explained what kind of guys she thought was hot, but I rarely paid attention. Trust meguys like Adam had never make it to the list. And Adam, who was secretly crushing on her for years, always kept his fingers crossed so one day he could go out with Sunny and fulfill all the requirements to be in the list. Wheres Jace? Adam asked. I shouldnt be surprised. And I should notice that people were starting to notice the closeness between Jace and me. How could I expect Adam, my best friend, of not realizing it? Idont know, I lied. Sunny laughed to herself. I glared at her. Dude, Adam said, I heard rumors, you know. This must be interesting. We rarely gossiped, but if we do, it must be something fun. Sunny joined in the whispers when I asked, What? I heard them talking that youre gaybut I know you dont mind about that part. Theyve always thought you are. I glared at him. Bbut, the main point is, they said Jaces dating you. How hilarious is that? he said. I knew I never hide anything from public, but I did not expect that it got to a point where people could guess it correctly. I looked at Sunny, my eyes were begging her to help me. This must be from that bitchs mouth, she said. Heather just cant stop. After Jace doesnt want her, everyone including me got into her fake stories. Just dont listen to her, sweetie. Adam could only shrug. Then three of us fell into silence. I was completing a textual review on the book The Great Gatsby which I had to hand out to my English teacher soon when I caught Adam staring at Sunny secretly. This time, I decided to be a hideous watcher. Or a stalker. Sunny, Adam whispered. I didnt think that Adam realized he was mentioning her name to himself. He seemed lost in his own world of admiring herhis eyes didnt care at any other sights but the view of her face. Sunny accidentally saw those eyes. She tried to look down, but she unconsciously stared into his eyes as well. For one moment, she didnt flinch when Adams hand crawled on the table and rested on hers. Something in her eyes sparkled extraordinarily. It was the same in his eyes as wellonly he had confusion added in. They came back to senses when the bell rang.

Oh ImIm sorry, he said. My best friend ran away, picking up his books as his hands trembled and he left the room along with the crowd. Then I turned to watch Sunny as she grunted and bit her lower lip. Im screwed up. Her eyes got red and wet of tears. My heart stopped for a whileI couldnt really understand what was happening in front of me. I breathed in and tried to gain calmness. Whats wrong? I asked. The people started to leave the cafeteria when she looked at me and said, Jordan, I think he is my mate.

Chapter Thirteen
My eyes were widely opened, hoping that this way would show how shocked I was to the best friend in front of me. Inside, I was happy. I was feeling gladder for Adam who always wanted to go out and date Sunny. Two of these friends of mine were quite compatiblethey were my good friend and theyd never dated before. Sunny told me that the last thing she wanted in her life was to have a mortal mate. It is quite complicated if an immortal is mated to a mortalnot all humans are easily fond of our world. You know, to explain our existence until it really, really comes to their senses, family issues and other human troubles we really dont like to happen to us. Oh no, I said No time, Jordan. Time for class. After school, I tried to dial her but she ignored all the calls. Since I knew how it felt like, I had an idea that Sunny really did need help. Thinking her shivering, sweating and having nightmares didnt help to calm me down. As I told Jace that I wanted to see Sunny, I walked to her house and rang her on door bell. Her mother, Tracy, popped up at the door and greeted me. Oh, Jordan! Wheres Jace? she asked. Hi, Tracy! Hes at home. Lookcan I see Sunny for a while? Oh, okay. Sunny! Jordans here! she shouted. Tell him to go upstairs! she shouted back. Sunnys shout was always like a roar of a lion. Tracy twirled around gracefully, her red bob bounced as she patted them. Go upstairs! she said, her hand playing the doorknob. As I sped toward her bedroom, Sunny opened her bedroom door for me. I entered the gigantic pink bedroom and sat down on the bed as she told me to do so. Are you okay? I asked. She looked sick and ill. Her face was losing colorher skin was turning paler. I had been in that state before. I dont know, Jordan. She slammed her back on the covers. I didnt know that mate bond could make you feel terrified, scared, confused, and . . . ugh, and it hurts you! I was hurt from the inside, yeah, I said. Its justit fucking hurts! I ignored that. So you are certain he is your mate? I asked. Yeah, she responded, I know he is. I kept thinking about him recentlyit was two weeks ago. Come on, I reached to her, my hands rubbing her back. Everythings going to be fine. No, she pressed her face as I heard her fending off the tears. How can it be fine? Okay, heres a lifetime secret between Adam and me. You may want to hear it. She stared at meher eyes were puffy and red. She inhaled deeply, squeezed her hair backwards and said, What is it? Adam. He has a crush on you since our freshmen year in high school, I told her. So? she told me. Not like you have never told me before. I did? I said. I meanwhatever. Dont tell me you hate the idea of your mate is Adam, The Dork. No! Its not what I think. Its just

Im sure, Sunny. Hell love you. Dont make the same mistake that I did. Dont let him face the same thing that has happened to Jace. How do you know, Jordan? How do you know that he can love me? Im super certain, Sunny. She stared at me once again. As she took a deep breath, she said, Okay. Ill try. I stared above my head, looking at the bright full moon in the dark sky. Man, have you heard something about vampires? The seven of us were walking out from the field toward the woods as Dan had assigned us the hunting location. During full moon hunting, it was always Sunny and us. Not strange to me though, Sunny had told us to leave first. What? Jace asked Rick, holding me near him like he always did. I heard that they can substitute blood with something else. If this alternative is used, theyll become highly-addicted to it due to some weird chemical things in it. And you dont want to know what it is, trust me. What is it? my brother asked. Man, you dont want to know! Just tell us, dumbass! Jace yelled. Itssemen from werewolves. Ugh, everyone groaned. Its funny that I laughed to that. It sounded ridiculous. I know right. Like, bloodsuckers dig our cum? Thats fucking gross as hell. Some rumor has it that theyre actively kidnapping young male wolves now so they can suck their cocks off or something. Stop it, I said. When my head was starting to imagine it, thats when I couldnt laugh anymore. The thought of human-form wolves get tied up to a cage with a hole so our penis can stick out of itew! But my brother kept the conversation going, anyway. We wont have to have orgasm if we shiftedso just keep your wolf form on, he said. Yeah, but you can make money, Rick said. Just jerk off to a condom and sell to them or something! Oh great, I said. Stop it Rick, or Ill puke on you right now. Is it true? Callan asked. Surprisingly, Callan didnt find this funny like me. He looked like he was afraid of it instead. Come on guys, Jace said, lets run into the woods! He didnt just run into the woods, he brought me with him. Jace just couldnt let go of my arm. Sometimes when he was being paranoid about my safety, I started to get annoyed. Man, I lived for so many years without his protection and Im still breathing. Come on, dude, I said, Im alright. Im fine. Do you hear what Rick just said? I dont want vampires to kidnap and rape you! he said. I laughed to how ridiculous it sounded. Maybe vampires will kidnap and rape you instead of me? I said. We laughed. I was already panting when we stopped running, almost reaching the top of the hill of our hunting location. Guys. A hand patted my back and it really startled me. I looked behind me, and I saw Callan.

He was standing; the doubtful look still hadnt left his face. His eyes were round and he looked extremely exhausted. He should just stay homehis father was the Alpha, anyway. I was pretty sure the dad didnt mind. Can I go with you guys? he asked. I turned to Jace confusedly. Uhof course? Uher, thank you, he said hesitantly. Are you okay? Callan didnt answer medidnt think he even heard me. Callan? I said as the three of us walked through the dark night through the thick forest. What? Yeah, Im okay. ImIm all right. Are you kind offreaked out because of what Rick had said? Jace asked. Um, Idont think its true. I mean how could Whoa. The three of us exclaimed out of amazement. My heart felt like it was jumping out from my chest. I didnt realize that wed reached the highest point of the hill. I wasnt sure if I had ever come here before because the view of the full moon was just spectacular. The moon looked bigger than I had seen it before. I could even spot some dim dots of craters on it. The moonlight shined the dark forest, lighting the dim ways for us. Stars beautified the night sky breathtakingly. The full moon was the most beautiful full moon I have ever seen in the fifteen years of life. This is justmagnificent, Jace said. Beautiful. Should we shift? Callan asked. Should we? I asked Jace. Aoooooo. I heard a howl. It was Sunnys. From the howl, I knew she was a few miles away from us. And she was alone. Obviously, she was gloomy and every wolfs ears could sense that. The thought of she undergoing her mate bond trouble didnt ease me. Why does Sunny howl like that? Jace asked. II dont know, I lied. Come on, Jace said, lets shift. Jaces wolf exterior was beautiful. His smooth white fur was the most beautiful among of all the teen wolves in our pack. I have a white furwhich, I think, is nothing to be proud of. Jaces appearance is big, beautiful, sturdy and hardy. He has a greater strength than Dan. Hell be a great Alpha one day. Callans fur is bright brown, just like his brothers. You would never think it was him at first when you saw him in wolf form, because he was bigger in his human version. Hed also suffered the lack of confidence when he was in his wolf form, just like me. I wondered why he looked super terrified. I could by looking in his eyes. Since being a werewolf will limit the colors in how you see things, I cant help but loving a human sight more. I wonder why I had always wanted to reach puberty so I could shift, because when I was in wolf form, I wished I would be human all the time. Being wolf was just so complicated. First, I didnt like the colorless sight. Next, you have to make sure your fur was pristine. So when weird thorny weeds stuck on you, it will took ages to

pull it out then clean your fur. And ohwe wolves communicate telepathically, which was really a big problem when your buddy just can invade your private thoughts. I guess telepathy let me knows that Callan was scared of something. Are you alright, Jordan? Jace asked me telepathically. That meant Callan could also know how paranoid Jace was about my safety. I could hear Callan chuckled in his head. Im fine, I groaned. Hey, Im being nice to you here. You should love it, he told me in my head. Ill love it, minus the paranoia, I replied. Jace nudged his snout against mine. Callan almost freaked out thinking that we were going to make out or something. Spot anything unusual? Callan asked. I told him in my head that I hadnt. If there was a mountain deer or a rabbit, I could actually smell it by now. But I think I smell something else. Something metallic and unpleasant. I think I just smelled blood. Aooooo. Rick. He was a few feet down the hill. From the sound of his howl, things werent good. My heart was pumping so hard, and it wasnt good since it would beat harder once I run soon. We have to find Rick. Theyre in trouble, said Jace. The three of us ran in the speed of light toward Rick. I thought it was coming from the northern side of this mountain. I kept on runningmake sure that Callan was safe behind me. Just run, Jordan! You dont have to be so concerned about me! Sorry. This is why I hate telepathic communication. Somehow Jace slipped into the role as the future Alpha again when he discovered adventure in the thick forest shrouded in the darkness of night. He was no longer the paranoid version who needed to protect his mate from danger. Thank God. Jordan, stay behind me! Not for long. When I was there with the others, I could smell fears and intensity in the air. It was a part of my werewolfs abilityevery shifter will be born with at least one specialty. Mine wasnt that specialI wasnt the only one with this kind of superpower. Jeff has it too. Whats wrong? Callan asked his brother. From the howl it was obvious that there was something going on. We spotted a bloodsucker. It looked evil, said Rick. Yeah, but we couldnt catch it. It was just too fast, explained Nathan. I sensed anxiety out of Jace, but I could see the excitement in his eyes. He loves this kind of thing. Last full moon hunting he scared away an illegal hunter when he just jumped on the old mans back until he freaked out and left the forest. I could only hear crickets, the wind and our breath. The moonlight was bright tonight but the trees made the lights dimmer. This way! Jace exclaimed so forceful that I jumped in shock, although he mentioned it in our heads. We ran as fast as we could, following the white-furred Jace. I didnt know what he was detecting or what he was thinking, because I was just too freaked out to figure out the other wolves thoughts telepathically.

The seven of us stopped when our noses sensed that the metallic scent got stronger. I looked down, and I swear that my heart was going to pop out from my chest. In front of my feet laid a lifeless corpse of a gigantic wildcat. From the look of the blood on its neck I knew it had died of blood loss. And I hated it. Aooooo. Jaces howl shocked me. Callan! Callan! he screamed. My eyes were searching for Callan. He ran as fast as lightning up the mountain like he was chasing something. The wolves were running after him. I was terrified of his stupid, stupid action. Stupid, stupid action, I repeated it in my head loudly, hoping that the brat dumbass could hear it. I didnt know where we were heading. I was now running, my feet stomped the earth so hard. Trees in the deeper area of the forest got bigger trunks as we roamed deeper into the meadow. The moonlight couldnt really help illuminating the darkness anymore. There was another familiar wolf approaching us. The female shifters white fur is beautiful, more beautiful to see it with mankinds eyes. She had sky blue wolf eyesI knew because I had seen it before. Sunny, youre here! I shouted in my head. I was startled to see she was coming out from nowhere. Hello, Jordan, she responded. We have no time. We have to catch Callan. Whats wrong with him? The more I thought about Callan, the more I got scared. I mean, I knew he was thinking of something. There were things that he wasnt sure of himself. Callan seemed like he felt as if something was coming. I knew his little head was messed up with something. We were sprinting so full of speed that now could see Callan. I ran faster, getting my feet in the speed of light, climbing the mountain on full rapidity. Callan roared at us. Dangerously. He screamed at us from inside his head. Get out! Go away! Dont follow me! What the hell is wrong with you, screamed Jace, at the same time as he barked fiercely. Just get the hell away from me! What happened just now had stopped us in our track. Sunny was terrified, sad, everything inside her head was now messier than Callans. Callan, what the hell is wrong with you, Sunny said. Sunny didnt like this, I know. She always hated it when one of the boys was screwed up while she didnt have a single idea of what had happened. Plus she was in the middle of her Adam crisis, so it would be really, really bad for her. Jace ignored him, and he insisted on us to keep following Callan. We made ourselves go faster, racing toward where Callan was heading to. He was certainly fast. My heart was beating of exhaustion, my lungs were begging for air. My body forced and yelled inside at me to stop. My feet hurt. My monochrome sight was spinning. I hated this. Jace looked like he was electrified by something. He stopped his feet until I approached him. This time he wanted to make sure that there was no distance between him and me. I love you, Jordan, he said. The wolves looked at us. Of course they could hear what Jace was saying in his head. Shut up! I said.

Jace ran faster forward, and I trailed behind him. I didnt want to be that little wolf that had always depended on his strong mate. Once that thought crossed my mind, I moved closer to Sunny. Then that was when I saw something flying, fast like a ray of light, passing in front of my snout. What is that? I was curious. It was really creepy. The speed of the creature freaked me out. I knew it wasnt a humanI knew it was not a mortal creature. It crossed me again. The running wolves feet stopped when they realized it too. And then it appeared crystal-clear in front of our eyes. Then I saw Callans figure in his human form. It was a bloodsucker. Vampire. The other wolves echoed my thought. Wolves, said the bloodsucker, wrapping Callans weak neck tightly in his arm, if you want him alive by the next sunrise, get out! Stop this hunting! Grrrr, Jace growled. He barked and howled so loud, to summon the Alpha and the other wolves. Just go away! Just go away you asshole screamed Callan. Shut up, faggot! the bloodsucker screamed in Callans ear. I wished I could slap the bloodsuckers face. Why would he do that to Callan? What had he done wrong? Rick ran forward so abruptly, trying to save his little brother. Jace joined him, pushing me backwards so I could do nothing. Jace and Rick were fighting a battle to rip the throat out of the bloodsucker. With his arm locked around Callans neck, Jace and Rick were kicked out from the hill, the two wolves now looking more like stupid dogs rolling on the hill. Jace was furioushe stood up immediately after he fell. I could see a sharp blade just a few inches from Callans throat. It was covered with blood stains. Thats when I saw the other wolves came. They had all shifted back into humans. There were lots of them not from my groupIsabelleCallans mother, already had tears streaming down her face. The human-form wolves were crowding the forest now. Dan shouted and screamed at us, insisting on us to shift back to human. Theres nothing we can do now, I heard him whisper. What the hell was he talking about? Nothing left we could do? I shifted back into humanputting back my clothes on behind a small tree because I didnt want anyone (especially Jace) to see me naked. Before we shifted, we have to take our clothes offobviously, since our clothes would tear otherwise. Jace appeared shirtlesswell, it was in his blood to love showing off his muscular built. We returned to the crowd of human-form wolves, feeling both confused and terrified. The vampire still had Callans neck in his arm. Callan looked afraidI wonder how hed shifted so fast. Then it occurred to me that some vampires consume magicits a part of their ability to do so. And obviously the bloodsucker had done something so Callan turned back to human. From afar I could still see his naked body shiveredmaybe it was because of the coldness of the vampires skin, or it also could be the cold breeze of the night.

Although he was terrified, he insisted on us to leave, as if the vampire had left a curse in his brain. I had never seen Callan cry as a fifteen-year old. Until today. Tears ran down his face excessively when he saw his crying mother. Wolves, the bloodsucker said. I dont want to hurt any of your pack members. Im Parker Sebastian, a massive killer that Im afraid none of you will ever defeat. My name should be everywhere, and you should know it. My name symbolizes the most dangerous and cruel killer Was that supposed to be a threat or a speech of how abominable he is? I have never heard of any Parker Sebastian before. We do know of you, Parker, said Dan, and we do know you wont harm us. Just let the boy go, and tell us whats wrong. Im now figuring out what this dog of yours has done wrong. I believe he broke into my mind toto kill me, said Parker. Isabelle scowled and screamed. What have he done wrong? Why should you accused him of that?! said Isabelle, crying. Rick held his mothers hand tightly. He had hurt himself when he tried to free his little brother from the arms of the vampire. Come on, Dan sounded like he wanted to cry, please let go of my son. Theresthere must be a mistake Theres no such mistake, the vampire scowled. I saw his image in my mind, frequently, always. And I roamed into your area after my Head Clan was suspecting that one of you might try to kill me, telepathically. As I believe telepathy is way of communication to you . . . But hes a fucking boy! Jace screamed. What the hell makes you think that he wants to kill you? We barely even know you, he screamed. I dont want to know that. All I know is tonight he stays with me until I can tell that hes innocent. Jace hopped on his place out of anger and tried to sprint forward when Dan gripped his arm tightly to stop him. If you dogs make any move, Ill assume this asshole in my arms is guilty and rip his throat in front of you! said the bloodsucker. I was terrified. I didnt realize I had tears gathering at the lower part of my eyes. Sunny had already tears streaming down her face. Dont! screamed Isabelle, the mother. I cried immediately as I heard her scream for the second time. It was odd that I felt like I had heard about Parker Sebastian before but I was not positive about it. Then I remembered. He was the most known member of The Sebastian Clana group of vampire members who used to be the most vicious, most violent and cruelest in the world. Theyre known for fighting against devils and evil powers in this world due to their strength. But still, they are cruel and always make their clan a priority. If theres any sign of anything trying to harm their clan, they will act. Parker Sebastian is the strongest among them all. It is because both demon blood and his human blood streams together inside him. He was the only vampire who still has his heart beating. I remembered. But it was impossible for either Callan or our pack to harm them! We knew them like in our kinds legends or something. They were technically celebrities to us.

Please, pleaded Dan. Right now I knew we could do nothing. Dont hurt him! Please give us assurance that you will not hurt him! Leave us alone! screamed Callan. I ignored how strange what Callan had told us. I will return him at the next sunrise in your place if I decided hes innocent. If this boys guilty, you may save him by sacrificing yourself. My heart stopped. I dont think hes innocentthats an assurance for now, added the vampire. Callan! Isabelles last scream was heard as the vampire brought Callan away in the speed of light. My heart had bursttears flowed down my face. Sunny buried her wet face in my shoulder, hoping that everything was a nightmare. But it wasnt.

Chapter Fourteen
I couldnt sleep that night. Scary imaginations popped out in my head as I closed my eyes. I tried as much as I could to fight the images away when I saw the vampire clan again. Like Parker, all of them were wearing the signature uniform of their groupthe terrifying huge flowing leather blazer. I learned somewhere that these werent just clothesit was a dead animals skin that had been spelled. It secretes fear out of people in their surroundings. It was more like a weapon for these vampires. I heard that The Sebastians are irrevocably beautiful and alluring. Their attractive characteristics are also a part of their strengthits usually used for persuasions. For vampires, the more beautiful they are, the more persuasion they can use on their victims. I agreed by the beautiful part when I saw Parker last night. Their shelter was the one that you saw in gothic horror movie. Gated by tall and thorny rose bushes was a dark mansion hidden in the thick foggy air of a dark night. On the ground laid scary tombstones. Trees around the mansion were dead, lifelessonly trunks and sharp branches were remained. I stared at the nightmare as window panes shattered when the lightning struck. Above the roof hanged the bright full moon in the dark sky of the gloomy night. The interior of the mansion was strangely beautiful. Probably it was just my imagination. I didnt know how I could roam myself deeper in the dark palace-like building. But in a blink of an eye I saw my friendhis hands were bounded by steel on the chairs hand. Not just a chairit was connected to an electrical plug, wires were all over him. Copper wires wrapped around his leg like a snake on a tree branch. One of the vampires pulled a switch. Sparks explode all over Callan. He screamed terrifyingly, his face had almost burned to ashes. Tell us, the vampire said. I dont know! I dont And the electric tortured him again. Oh boy, this time, Parker ducked his head toward Callan and spoke menacingly, youre really in love with pain, arent you? He wrapped his hand strongly around Callans neck, trying to block air out of him. Please! the wolf begged. You think Ill let you die just like that, huh? Parkers hand crushed Callans hair forcefully, pushing his head up so he could see him crying in pain. How about I leave you bounded here like this forever? You really, really like pain. You should enjoy your immortal life now. Parker pulled the switch and left the room. I watch as fires and sparks flew in the air from my friend. His screams didnt fade. Of coursethis wouldnt kill werewolves. It wasnt some rust metal or bullets. But then he could always feel the pain forevera deadly agony that will never kill him. I had already shouted his name, but I couldnt hear my own voice. Until everything faded and I found myself shrieking as I got up from the bed. Hey, easy My head was on Jaces arm instead of the pillow. His thumb brushed my wet eyes, wiping the tears away. Callan, I cried, how is he? Where is he?

Shhh, Jace murmured as he brushed my hair gently. I didnt expect tears to stream more, but it did. I didnt want to lose CallanI was never prepared to see anyone from the Little Pack go. Memories attacked my head. I didnt spend much time with Callan before. Only now I remembered every joke he made to me. I remembered how he would be the one who asked if my day went bad. I know how you feel, Jordan. I What has he done wrong? Jace, we have to save him. We just have to Jordan, Jace said, his voice was waterfall that rained on my burning heart, we will. Tomorrow well figure something out. Okay? The consequence from crying too much was the annoying hiccups. Jace giggled when he noticed that. Okay? he asked again, pinching the tip of my nose with his fingers. I nodded and smiled. His lips brushed a little kiss on my lips. My body was captivated inside his tight hug before we shut the dreary night off. Around my heart wrapped a time bomb that would explode in no time. I needed to see him safe if I wanted to sleep in peace again. Things werent the same without Callan. In the car on our way to school, the boys had theories about what the clan wanted from him. A few decades ago when werewolves and vampires were known as big enemies, a big vampire-werewolf concurrence had been signed between us. Its now strictly forbidden now to hold grudge against each other. Wed agreed to unite as one since two of us are immortals, along with warlocks, wizards, faeries and the rest. We protected ourselves from harming each other, promised that we would always fight against rogues that tried to harm the world even though they are the ones from our own species. The peace deal works to keep us in harmony. Now, vampires and werewolves can be best friends with no discrimination. It must be about something else. I knew it. The more I was thinking about it, the more my temples ached. I rested my head on Jaces shoulder in the car, feeling the cold at the empty space beside me, which Callan should occupy. He will be back soon. The clan should be at Dans house today, Jeff told us. I remembered his impossible tears when he witnessed what happened to Callan. Jeff was probably the closest person to Callan among of all of us. Rick was driving, his lips were sealed tight. I watched as he slammed his hand on the steering wheel and he squeezed his hair. Nathan, in the other hand, was staring blankly out the window, watching the pavement as our car drove passing by the forested road out to Bloomingdale High. My brother hoped he could change the way he felt about Callan, but he himself felt bad about what happened. Man, Stanley sighed, the clan, I swear, they are strong as hell. I hope Hell be fine, Jace groaned. Still, his hand was brushing my head full of care. What are you going to do, dude? Have you figured something out? Stan asked. The boys would always refer to Jace if there was something up to us, especially to a threat like this. Thats why we called Jace the future Alphaalthough hes young, he had already shown that he can carry such responsibilities. And it was in his blood to be comfortable about carrying burden on his shoulder.

Sometimes being intimate with your mate while your brother is watching isnt favorable. But still, if it was Jace, I had no choice. Dont even try to glare at what hes doing, or else hell scowl. And you dont want that. If he doesnt return as what they told us, Jace said, Im going to find him. Im going to find where they reside. Jace, dont be stupid Nathan said. I dont care. We need an explanation from that asshole of a bloodsucker. Why the hell did he told us to go away yesterday? When Rick shrieked, all of us jumped in shock. I know he felt badhe held a responsibility for his little brother, for his parents, for his family. It wasnt easy since everyone saw him as the Alphas son. Rick loves Callan a lotI still remember him being overprotected toward him in our freshmen year in high school. Nathans hand extended forward, patting Rick on his back. It didnt change the way Rick stared into the blankness, though. I kept thinking about Callan when I was in class. The news, as usual, was spreading like a wildfire just as soon as Dan announced that the full moon hunting had to stop. Families in La Cove with small children turned paranoid about vampires kidnapping werewolves. The theory of semen-hunting werewolves was spreading, too. I overheard some of them saying that the bloodsucker was taking Callan away for that. But honestly, the thought of the Sebastians forcing Callans orgasm was more relieving than those nightmares of mine from last night. Hey! Sunnys mate startled me during lunchtime. I smiled in return; my eyes were still on the algebraic exercise worksheet. I knew I should eat, but I had lost my appetite. The numbers appeared blurry. I put my head on the table, trying to ease myself. I also heard uncertain sounds. Adam was rambling something my brain couldnt decipher. He seemed excited when he greeted me, and I felt bad that I couldnt join his happiness. Are you okay? You should eat something What? Did you actually hear what Id just said? I said you should eat something, dude. Give the algebra hell of a rest first! Adams voice was like an electric current and I was a dead battery. SorrydudeIm just Sokay, buddy. Here, take a bite Adam held out his burritomy favorite burritoclose to my mouth. I stared at him oddly I mean, he would usually do that back then when Jace and I werent But not now! Still, I opened my mouth. The scent of my favorite burrito growled my tummy. The juices of the peppery beef gushed between my teeth as I took a big bite. Then I was startled by someones finger that pinched my waist. Ouch! It was Jace. I took time chewing the burrito in my mouth, swallowing it slowly with fear creeping in me. My eyes paused on Jaces eyes that glared at me. I saw nothing but envious anger in his eyes. Theres no fucking word to tell you how the hell I was freaked out on the moment. So, Jace said, his voice sounded like an assassin who would give those wordy words to the one he would kill before he murdered his prey like the ones in the movies, Adam. I wonder why you arent dating yet. None of the girls here are good enough for you?

Jace, I groaned, my voice was filled with terror. I reached out my hand to touch his lap underneath the table, but he skimmed it off quick furiously. Adam returned Jace a confusing look. But then Jace lifted one of his eyebrows and pointed at the kids around in the cafeteria. Dude, Adam slowly whispered, is he really talking to us? The Jace, talking to us? Adam, I groaned. Adam, Jace imitated me. I glared at him for doing that. NoI do want to see someone. But I he stuttered. Well, Jace cut him off immediately, you should. Jordan has already someone in his life, and it might be offensive if you get so close to him too much. Adam stared at Jace full of confusion. There are a lot of girls here, Jace continued, or guys, who are available for you, Adam. You might offend someone when you . . . feed Jordan meals. Someone he loves, I mean. A burrito magically appeared in his left hand. Maybe it was there before, I didnt notice it. Open your mouth, he said to me, angrily. I stared at Jaces eyes, again, full of worries. Open! I did as he told. He moved the burrito into my mouth, forcing me to bite it. The delicious taste of the meal now felt numbI was too scared that my tongue wasnt functioning well. My eyes froze on my mates eyes. I was biting the food emotionlessly, swallowing the food into my throat while my eyes were on Jace. Jaces thumb met the tip of my mouth, wiping the beef-tasted sauce and he putted his thumb into my mouth, forcing me to lick it. Oh gosh, I was too scared that I felt like crying. Then his eyes met Adams again. Nowhat do youdo you think I andJordana thingwhat? Adam stuttered again. Dude, were not likedating? Were friends likemore than three years? I dont think youll notice that he tried to explain. And he couldnt do it well. Not because he was scared. It was because he was obviously shocked. I know, Jace said in that assassins voice again, that you are his best friend. But things can changeprobably one day youll have interest on him. And I need you to know that hes mine. What?! Adam was shrieking with shock. He looked into my eyes. Jace grinned. LookAdamyou dont understand I said. Hes your best friend, Jordan, Jace said to me. I thought he should know that were terribly, madly in love. Somehow my terror was turning into anger when Jace said those. Dude, shut up! I yelled at him. I couldnt look at himmy eyes went straight to Adam. He still stared at me full of disbelief. So what I heard from people is true? Adam said to me. Noyeslook, it was a long story Adams giggle sounded evil. He was staring at me like he didnt know me anymore. Adam, please. Jace! someone called my mate. Adam, Jace said before he left, I wasnt trying to frighten you, kid. Just want to let you know.

Jace was with his big laughter as he walked away. Dude, Adam said to me right after Jace left, what does that mean? Its Jace fucking Andrews, the boy we adored, we envied for having the hottest of the hottest girls in this school. Dude, I cantlook, its not easy for me to explain this to you, I said. So you are with him? Oh my, Adam laughed. So you are like what? Dating him? Oh man. Its not funny. I groaned furiously. I put my pen into my stationery case, trying to leave the cafeteria. Come on, dude, he said, pulling my hand, do I look like a homophobe or something? Im okay, Jordan. I knew you dont like girls earlier, frankly. Adams laughter flushed my cheek. You think everythings going crazy because I go out with Jace. Wait until you know that Im a werewolf. I didnt expect my mouth to say that. You are what? It sounds crazy. You wont understand, I said. Wait, Adam stopped me from moving. Do you mean youre like Callan too? There was no word to describe what I felt. Did this mean he knew about the presence of the wolves here? Do you know Callans a werewolf? Yeah, but Adam continued, he told me to hide about it from anyoneI thought I would just hide it from you. Tell me how it happened, asshole! I said to him. He was gigglinghis eyes gazed through the crowded cafeteria, disbelieving what hed heard. Tell you what how it happen? Tell me how you knew Callans a wolf? \ Well and he told me everything. A few months ago, maybe in the early semester of school, he walked alone at night by the forested alley and spotted a big creature, claiming that it was too big to be a dog. He was terrified and then he tried to run, but the wolf disappeared and Callan shifted back to himself. He explained to Adam about the presence of werewolves here. But he didnt tell who the others were Adam even told me that Callan proved to him that he was a werewolf by shifting back and forth. Before he left, Callan told Adam to keep this as a secret. As long as I was Adams best friend, I knew my best friend had never broken a promise. So, Adam said, dont tell me youre that half-human half-dog too? I am, I said, and a few others. Since the wolf territorywhich apparently the neighborhood of my house is in Bloomingdale, there are some wolves here. We try to keep our identities low; even we knew we cant keep it for long. Some people knew already, but they wont bother telling people about it, since itll sound crazy. Adam stared at me, excitement filled his eyes. And to clarify, I said, Jace Andrews, the boy we adored, we envied for having the hottest of the hottest girls in this school, is also a half-human half-dog like you said. And most importantly, hes my mate. Wait, Adam sounded excited, who are the others? Wait, mate? Tell me about the mate part first.

Werewolves have mates. Mate is likeevery shape-shifting creature is born in pairs. Half of our souls are owned by our mates. One day destiny will sort of like . . . meet us together and well become attracted to each other, fall in love and become eternal lovers. So Jace is my mate, and my mate is a dude. I have no choice. I am born with half of my soul inside him, and half of his soul is here, inside me. What the Adam laughed. I cant believewellI heard about gay penguins but and the rest of his words was cut by his laughter. Yeah, I know. Must be shocking for you. And I can tell you the other wolves are Callan, Rick, my brother, Jace, Jeff, Nathan, and Sunny. Thats it? he asked. No, I said, there are more. A lot of kids here are wolves. Sunnys a . . . werewolf, too? I was expecting that. Yes, I nodded. And you still need to shut your mouth about us. Okay, okay, I will, he said. I knew I could trust him. I let silence passed before Adams curiosity was bewildering again. But, since when you are a werewolf? Since I was born, you idiot. Since I met you, memy whole family and the boys I ride the car with are wolves. Were just in our human form. He grinned full of disbelief. Adam looked at me like that again. Please dont stare at me like Im going to eat you. Im still a human who eats burrito. I just cant eat burrito when my fucking jealous boyfriend is here with us. Adam laughed. We have to be careful when hes around again next time. Extra careful, I added. You wont believe it, dude. Hes justoh God, I cant believe thats the real Jace. What, jealous? But you cant really hide it, Jordan. Ive seen how different you looked at him since last few weeks. Adam could really see right through me. Well, I noticed Callans not in class today. Im with him at Biology, Adam said, avoiding silence like he always does. Callan, I said as I sighed. Hes been caught, by a vampire last night, when were hunting for the full moon. What? I shocked him again. Yes, thats why Im such a crap today. Callanwhy, whats wrong with him? Why hes got caught? Adam asked. I dont know what the hell that bloodsucker wants from him. But he promised us to bring him back this noon. Wait, Adam said, vampires? What else do I not know exist in this world? Vampires, werewolves, what else? I told him that everythings existedvampires, shifters, faeries, warlocks, magicians. I also told him that there were some dimensions in this world that hide the humans from them. Thats when I surprised him again for the millionth time. This is nuts! he said. I guess there were humans in this world who knew about our presence already. It was an issue for us, but not really now. I settled my stationery inside my small stationery case and arranged my pile of books. That was when I caught Adams gaze staring beautifully at his mateSunny. I cleared my throat on purpose. Adam stared at me. I cant believe she, too, is a

Werewolf, I finished him. Yes, she is. And theres one thing you need to know about you. About me? What the hell is that? LikeIm a, shifting half-human half-lion or something? He was laughing to himself. I didnt think he would now. Adam, you are born with half of Sunnys soul inside you. He stared at me. Terror, worries, disbelief filled his eyes. Whatwhat? Yes, I said, I dont think I should repeat that. Adam tried to comprehend my words. It shouldnt be easy when we were explaining to humans about this whole mate concept. So I didnt surprise when Adam looked at me like I was an algebraic equation he tried to solve. Do you mean shes my Yes, Adam, I said, she is your mate. Theres half of your soul inside her. The bell rang.

Chapter Fifteen
As soon as we arrived home, I rushed to check if Callan was already home. Jace was catching up after me. He was holding my hand tightly, swinging it back and forth in the air while we were walking. Hey, he said to me. I only smiled, not looking at him. Look, are you still angry of what Id done just now? Kind of, I told him, but not really now. Well, he said, its not my fault. Adam treated you like that. I was the one who was supposed to be doing that! I turned to him. Man, you are that jealous kind of freak, arent you? I never thought you are. Of course, he said. Im jealous because I love you. I dont ever want to face you falling in love for someone else just because he fed you burrito and I didnt. I can do better than that! I shook my head, still couldnt believe this was Jace. This was Jace Andrews, the one who took off my towel in the pasts and laughed at my dick. What? No, I said, just wondering what you were like when there were dudes trying to impress Heather. Jordan, he groaned seriously, Heather is nothing to me. I know she is when I started to go out with her. You are different. You are mine, forever. LookI dont think youll feel the same way as I do. Jace released my hand from his grip, started to walk away sulkily. I sighed silently before I clutched his hand in mine again. Whatno! Of course not! Youre always serious when I try to make jokes. Come on! Youre not joking. This is what Im scared of earlier. That youll see one day that Im actually nothing to you, that you actually dont need me, as much as I need you every second in my life Jace, I cut him off. I grabbed his waist, ignored as the boys passed and laughed at us. I tried not to love you too much, because if I do I know I will be lost and drown in it. That is the truth. Because who knows one day, youll see another person, wholl actually you can be with, you can breed with! I dont want to hurt myself by drowning in our love, because if I do I know I will never be safe. Because its youyou Jace, you can have anyone you wanted. And I, waking up every day, have to face the fact that if I lose you, I will have no one. No, he grunted, thats not true. You dont need me as much as I need you. Youre completely fine when you never liked me before. So youre just fine without me. No, Im not! I said. I wont let you go, Jordan. You know I wont, he argued. I dont want you to let me go, Jace. God, isnt it obvious how Im madly in love with you? No, its not, he said. Okay, fine. Just tell me what you want and Ill do it. Ill do it, even if I have to scream to the world Im in love with you, Ill do it. He was staring at me full of disbelief. He was still higher than me. Being only almost five feet tall while he was six feet was hard for me to reach his face and brushed my lips over his, but I struggled and I succeeded. I had

never kissed anyone like I kissed him. When I did, the warmth, the sensation and the pleasure would always feel newlike it was my first time kissing him. Im sorry, okay, he murmured as I tried to put my lips on his again. I know Im being too jealous. God, Jace, I thought you werent serious, I said. I watched you from afar and . . . and I wanted to be with you. I really wanted to, but I was afraid if I would humiliate you or whatever, he murmured. I should say that to you, I said. Im tired, Jordan. I dont want to hide. I just want to kiss you anytime I want, he said. Im fine of not hiding, I said. Its you Im worried about. We cant present a lecture about the concepts of shifters mates to explain us. Jace was laughing. We dont need to, Jordan. I am in love with you, and Im proud of it. We started to walk forward. Jace took my hand and kissed my fist. Again, Im sorry. Tell Adam Im sorry, too. Its okay, I replied, I dont even mind. I had even told Adam were together, and hes fine with it. He was ducking his head down, reaching his lips so it reached my cheek. He kissed it hard, and then his lips brushed on my neck, the spot where the skin his fangs buried into stayed. When I was walking toward Dans house, Id already noticed everyone was there. The image of Callan safe and happy flooded in my mind. Only when I was there, I didnt see him. Wheres Callan? Jace asked. His voice turned furious. Hes not here, Sunny said. Only Venia, the bloodsucker woman, is here. Shes talking to Dan. Theyre inside. I caught Jace before he could do something stupid. But he was always strong as hell. Jace broke the door, slamming it strongly with his hand. I was terrified by his action. I stood still near the door, watching him as he raced toward Venia Sebastian, one of the clan members and said, Where is my brother? Jace, Dan said, sipping his coffee, calm down. I find it rude for you to walk into the room without knocking. Where are your manners? Dont talk about manners when the bloodsucker has taken your son away, Dan! Jace said furiously. And its my son, anyway. I need you to go out. I was just about to discuss with Venia here. Jace was staring at her. Her eyes were obviously full of hatred when it met Jaces gaze. By the way, Dan said, pointing to Venia, this is Jace. Over there is Jordan. This is the two lycanthropes I mentioned who are destined to be together. Interesting, Venia said, changing her glance back to Dan. When the two proceeded in their conversation, Jace raced toward me and pulled my hand out from the house. Jordan, he said to me, lets go. We need to save Callan. Do you actually know where the clan resides?

Jace pressed the gas paddle harder. The swiftness of the car sickened me. I could feel the fury that Jace felt by the way he was driving the car. Thank God, thank God, thank God, was what my head kept repeated to realize that there wasnt much car on the highway. Wolf instincts, Jace answered my question. I didnt talk after that. I was too scared by the speed. I rather ran by my feet this fast than had to depend on a vehicle to drive by this rollercoaster speed. The car slowed down by the narrow road. We stopped by a high hill covered by thick meadow. There was downpour just nowthe rain droplets were fresh on the tip of the green leaves. Mount Attorn, Jace said. I heard that migrating bloodsuckers have always made this an interesting resort for them. Oh, I was shocked by some thoughts that were crossing my mind, vampires are migrating creatures, arent they? ButI thought, the Sebastian Clan They dont, Jace said. You know that the Sebastian Clan is one of the biggest vampire clan in the worldstart with some small bloodsucker brotherhood, and many bitten humans were invited in. Most of them live in some thick mountains in Moscow, Russia. Some of the clan members reside permanently in Iceland. Thats why it was shocking for the clan to appear here, in Washington D.C. But we did have some warnings beforenever thought itll be the Sebastians. Jace held my hand as tight as he could. He was feeling unsurprisingly paranoid to me. I ignored how bothered I felt about it. He wrapped my waist, urging me to not being apart even for an inch from him. I ignored that, too. Human, or wolfie? I said, in my cute intonation. Well, Sunny found it cute, but maybe Jace thought it was annoying. I remembered how he hated it when I spoke in that voicehighpitched and irritating. Jace looked into my eyes first as we climbed the greens and wet hills up. Thats when his lips touched the tip of my nose. I giggled. Ive never realized how cute that was before. You are a bad liar, Andrews, I said. You hated it. I love that I hate it, he said, imitating the voice. Back to the point, mate. I think we should just be men right now. Okay, I said in that voice again. I heard Jace muttered something like, Shut up, underneath his giggles. Being near your mate oddly doesnt make the pressure takes over you as you climb the mountain higher and higher. The sun lit up our way as the thick gray clouds were slowly blown away by the wind to the north. As I walked forward I remembered how I hated stories about vampires and other stupid creatures when I was a little kid. I only wanted to hear love stories; mate love stories that Mom told me. However, my mother, whos a born storyteller, kept on telling me to shut my mouth off when she wanted to tell me about vampires. She told me about them though, but usually I would forget the stories in the speed of light. But when I walked with intention to search the vampire mansion, everything seemed fresh in my mind. As we reached a higher point, I was pretty surprised by the brightness of the sun here. Parker was a half and half immortal. Hes a half-human half-vampire. These kinds of vampires dont really burn under the sun. Yes, they do turn weaker under the lights, but Parker will still be

strong. Half-human half-vampire breeds are usually created by marriage between a human and a born-vampire, not the bitten one. But in Parkers case, he was bitten but some of his blood is still human, and his hearts still beating. The answer for the reason is still a mystery. Rogue vampires are men victimized by the diseases of devil. Devils are disguiserthey can form any different creatures as a disguise. They can match their skin color exactly similar to their background, making themselves invisible. They can be a scary demon, too petrifying that you can wet your pants. They can also disguise themselves as an alluring femme fatale that can possess every mankinds eyes. Sebastian Clan is a vampire clan that destroys evil vampires who cant hold their bloodlust and victimize other humans with the demonic disease they have. You can call them kind, yeah. They were founded hundreds of years ago, and their motto is to not let any single demonic bloodsucker live. However, if any force, entity or other creatures try to harm them, theyll act extremely cruel. They can also track their enemy from thousand miles away due to some of the special abilities they have. These brothers and sisters were selected by their physical and magical powersThe Royals recognized the Sebastians as one of the Warrior Clan along with a few others. Immortals are always born with special abilities. Yes, even werewolves, but unfortunately, I dont think I have one. It was weird that theyd tracked Callan as an unseen enemy. Parker, who was the youngest and the strongest among the clan thought that the little wolf tried to kill himwhy would he thought of it that way? Callan wasnt even the strongest among us. If they caught Jace that would made sense. Where is him? My thoughts kept on speaking. If I could see him now, I could use my life to save Whoop! Jace shouted excitedly as he lifted me up. His hand slid under my legs, carrying me to his chest. My mind couldnt figure out the recent thoughts I had properly. I was just too startled by my mates action. The sunlight was decreasing. Trees thickened our way toward searching the mansion. As Jace walked forward, I remembered something sweet and flowery and beautiful when I saw the ray of light that was entering through the thick roof of the forest. I remembered the day where Jace Andrews chased me into the meadow behind the shack we used to wait bus together with the other wolves and I discovered that he was my eternal love. The tiny ray of light also made me remember how coward I was when I ran off from Dans house after I was tracked down. I felt like I was going to die. I thought there was no point to live anymore. Until my eternal love came to me, and saved me from the dark. He lifted me up with his strong hands just like this timecarrying me to his chest with full passion and sincerity. His heart throbbed and beat so fast that I could sing the rhythm. My ears could memorize how it sounded like. I thought after our relationship went by, his heart would not hammer through his chest too much like this anymore, because there was nothing that he needed to be nervous about, to be scared about. But his heart throbbed the same way, the identical melodious and edgy way. This time, I could feel his hand shivered. I could feel his blood streaming fast around in his system. His eyes had this one sparkle that told me how wonderful and afraid he felt when he had melike he actually didnt have me yet. It seemed as if I was so fragile, so breakable that I would leave his life. But I wouldnt. But from the look of his eyes, I knew he still thought I would.

Jace, I whispered his name. His feet slowed, his eyes progressed down, searching my eyes. Jordan? II just want to let you know that I . . . I love you. His eyes glittered beautifully. I love you too, Jordan. I love you like I love my life. I let him breathe. As he exhaled, his heart beat faster. I never thought that you, someone whos actually you, someone I witness as I grow up, will hold me, talk to me, and make me feel this way. Id even promised myself that if theres anyone who can make me feel like I never feel before, I will stay by his side forever, no matter what happens. And I had never thought that that person is you. He put me down on the grass as he ducked his head down, brushing his lips against mine eagerly, hardly and messily. Jace pulled his lips of mine abruptly when the shocking look shined in his face. I saw something, he said. Whatwhere? I said startlingly. See it with your eyes, wolf. I focused my human eyes in and out. Then, an image of a building started to become clear from a fade image, emerging from the foggy air. It wasnt like something in my dream. First I saw a building, and then I saw high glass fence that was as transparent as an ice, built on the perimeter of the building. The place was a huge, enormous glass structure. There was a part of the mansion which was cube in shape and some of them are cylindrical, like a weird attic tower of a castle. So this is the resort? I asked. Jace didnt answer. We went against the damp air farther forward. The place was absolutely beautiful. Trees around the building were taller than the other trees around the mountain, and there were also glass-like hut built on them. Is that aa hut? I asked. Kind of, he answered, its what they play in. Its really high up there, isnt it? Yyeah, I stuttered. It was incredibly high up in the atmosphere. I didnt think the trees were belonged here. I wasnt familiar with the size. It might be some kind of genetically-altered plants. Thats when I heard a familiar voice. Did you hear that? Jace asked. Callan, I said sharply. Jace gripped my wrist forcefully as he sprinted forward and jumped high over the high glass fence. We were probably ten, twenty, twenty-five feet above the ground. Thats why it hurt when my feet hit the earth. As we landed, I panted hardly, my lungs begged for air. Are you okay? Jace was unsurprisingly fine. Yeah. The voice was getting clearer. I think its up there, I said, pointing to the door above me. I think so too.

We should take that spiral stairs. Surprisingly, Jace accepted my suggestion. We took the stairs, ignoring our loud footsteps because the vampires would detect us anyway. There were two gigantic doors in front of us. On the wall, dark green vines crawled like snakes, yellow wallflower bushes grew high up toward the roof. Enter? Jace asked. I nodded. We did. We just simply opened the door, and felt the silence inside the building. The voice was getting stronger to my ears, though. There were lots of pathways inside the house. However there was no one inside. Where could all they be now? Parker, I heard that submissive voice. It really sounded like Callan. Jaces feet moved faster. I trailed him. I stood by the window and my eyes were about to pop out of my head as I noticed the two persons in the room. Parker, said the submissive wolf. Callan. He was lying on the wooden floor; his throat was gripped by the strong hands of the vampire. The vampire lips were near his neck and had actually touched his skin. First I was so sure he wanted blood. But I didnt think so when I saw his eyesParkers eyes. It was the same sparkles I saw in Jaces eyes when he first saw me in Dans lawn. But noJace wouldnt see it that way. Jace, dont That was when the glass shattered to million pieces.

Chapter Sixteen
I watched as the bloodsuckers golden eyes shifted to red. Reda color that symbolizes envy, anger, shock and excessive emotions, filled Parkers eyes. My heart started to race in my chest and the hammers were audible in my ears. On the shattered glass stood Jace Andrewsthe strongest wolf in the Bloomingdale pack. Among of all hundreds of werewolves and shifters in Bloomingdale, Washington D.C, Jace Andrews, the son of Bobby Andrews was the most known one. Won several strength battles against many strong werewolves all over America, now his anger was just about to explode like a time bomb when he saw Parker, attempting something he thought evil over Callan. Parker Sebastian was a huge icon in the vampire world. Vampires all over the globe knows about the boys storyhow he came from an abusive father, get changed to a bloodsucker one night, and to many surprise, some of the blood streaming inside him didnt belong to the kind of his second life. There was still human blood streaming inside him. Which made him strong and fast, easily resisting his bloodlust, and deadly. Jace and Parkers eyes met each other furiously. Jace was full of anger, Parkers eyes was just similar to Jace, except with some confusion inside his. Jace! What the hell are you doing? It was Callan. He was walking furiously toward Jace. His hand met Jace throat, pushing him forcefully with his hands. He screamed and yelled at his face, leaving him confused and wrathful at the same time. Jace gripped Callans hand and pulled him hardly, forcing his eyes to meet his. Oh, so you leave your pack just to make yourself a blood whore to him? Huh? Jaces shrieks had always freaked me out. You dont understand Callan said. Or what? You let him suck your cock off for his pleasure? What, Calwhat?! I was afraid if what I was expecting came to life. And I knew it would just as I saw Parker fly in the air toward my mate, his fist punched Jaces head brutally. Jace was shocked by the unexpected action. He was pinned down by the vampires hand, who insisted on not stopping to hurt the big wolf. Jace tried to push him over when Parkers knees stayed hard on the wolfs chest. The vampire wrapped Jaces throat with his hand tightlyand instantly, I noticed as blood left my mates face. Dont you dare speak to him like that! Parker said. No! Callan shouted. Please! I started to walk forward to them when Parker was flying backward. I tried to run when he landed on me and my head hit the wooden floor hard and rough. Ow, I winced. Thankfully it was only throbbing. But the pain was pinning me down, stopping me from making any move. I stayed there when Jace came to Parker. From how he looked, I knew he wanted to kill the vampire. But Parker stopped two of Jaces hands and pushed him over to the wall. A glass sculpture on it crashed down to pieces. Surprisingly, Jace couldnt push the vampire over. He was pinned on the wall this time. Thats when Parker turned his head around to see Callan. Callan, please go home. Please leave!

I was surprised by the voice. Parker didnt act violent. His eyes returned golden, a sign that he was back in peace. Jace still had angers in him, struggling hard to push the vampire, trying not to accept the fact that he couldnt. No, I wont Callan stuttered Return home with your two brothers! Now! Jace stopped struggling. He frowned to Parker who wasnt looking at him. As his breathing turned even, Parker pulled his hands away from Jace. My mate and I watched confusedly as he walked toward Callan swiftly as he pressed his face softly. He pulled Callans face toward his, their foreheads met, their noses touched. I promise Ill come to you soon. Okay? Now, go home. What the fuck I heard Jace cursed. I watched Callan trying not to detach himself from the vampire. Then the tears streamed down his face. He pulled himself away from Parker, glaring at us full of anger as he stomped the floor with his feet leaving the messed-up room. Jace gave Parker and me a confusing glance before he trailed Callan outside. CalCallan! I turned toward the vampire. Id never know that vampires could cry. And I witnessed it now, as the vampire who was known for his strength slid his back down on the wall, sitting on the corner of the room. He watched the lit fireplace near him when I started to walk forward. Man, look I Just go home, dog. Dont talk to me, he groaned. Im really sorry. I know No, you dont know anything! He cut me off again. You dont know how different I love him. Just leave me alone! You are his mate, arent you? Parker stared at me frozenly, his eyes filled with nothing but fright. Yes, lycanthrope. A bloodsucker has fall in love with one of the dogs in your pack. And that bloodsucker is a male-kind. Parker sighed. I noticed droplets of tears fell on the wooden floor as the firelights illuminated them. Dont worry, man. Jace, er . . . the guy just now, hes my mate too. I dont know if there was any silence between us before Parker stood up on his feet. Oh man, he was just as huge as Jace. Heshesheswhat? Yes, Parker. That dude is my mate. We have no choice. I looked at his wet eyes. He wiped the tears away abruptly, clearing his throat. ButI thought you guys are brothers. His tone turned neutral and damp. I smiled at him, reaching out to pat his shoulder. His hand clutched on mine, and I could feel the coldness of his skin. No, we arent. We love Callan like brothers. LookI should go now. I hope I can see you soon. I smiled at him as I walked outside, trying to ease the throbs in my head. Callan was driving all of us crazy. All he did was yelling at us. Jace was his main victim. He swore again and again, blaming us for everything. Are you satisfied now? he yelled at Jace. We couldnt speak. We just stared blankly into the road as the car drove to Bloomingdale High.

I just want him right now! And then Callan cried again. Callan had never cried like this before. Come on, dude, I persuaded him as he put his head on my shoulder. I patted his head while Jace had his eyes on me. I could feel Callans tears seeped on the fabric of my sleeve. Fuck, this hurts, Callan swore. This damn mate bond is fucking hurts! I dont know how the hell you got through it. Shit this life! he said. He cried again. Callans brother, who was driving, kept on giggling ever since I told them the truth. Actually, they knew the truth before Venia returned to her mansion in Mount Attorn and Dan told them about Callan and Parker. Come on, Jace pulled Callan away from me, resting Callans head on his lap. With his bare hands Jace wiped the tears away. I swear hell return. If he does not return Ill return you to him! Jace shrieked at him, and laughed. I tried not to laugh, but I failed so I looked out the window. Callan got his head up from my shoulder. I know he was about to yell something so I closed my ears. But I heard them anyway. Do you think hell be there? He does not fucking live here, you stupid asshole! Hell I think I liked it better when he cried than hearing his words full of profanity. At lunchtime, I sat at my usual table in the cafeteria. Jace was with his basketball team, two tables away from where I sat at. But without even looking, I could see his eyes searching me when Adam entered the cafeteria. Hello, wolf, Adam said. I giggled on that. Seriously, you dont need to make me awkward. Im just a damn human nowand forever, if Im at school. Adam didnt answer me. His eyes just stared at Callans figure as he sadly walked toward us. He pulled one of the chairs out of the table and sat down beside me. My hand reached his back, patting and stroking him to make him feel better. I knew he was still missing his mate. Hey, Cal, Adam said. Callan didnt respond. You dont even tell me that your lycanthropic identity was exposed to Adam here, I said sarcastically while flipping some magazine pages. And you just couldnt shut your mouth, he glared at Adam. Who else here actually knew there are dogs inside this building? Hey! Adam scowled. I just told him as soon as I know he and Jace are dating. He had to tell me the truth to explain the whole mate concept! So you were the one who was big-mouthed! Callan said to me. His face gained color back. He always liked it when it came to arguing with me. Oh, you would do the same when the girls told you they are pissed off with you getting to date the hottest vampire in the world! I said. Callan hoped he could hold his laughter, but he couldnt. Jordan! Callan groaned. Wait, why would girls be pissed off when Callan dated a freaking hot vampire? A hot vampire kidnapped him, right? Adam entered the conversation confusedly. The hottestmalevampire in the world. With a huge smile on my face, I looked at Callan. He laughed at me. Shit, Jordan, Callan said, now he knows Im gay. All I could do was just laughing. Butit doesnt matter anyway, Callan said, Im always gay. Even before this, so, it isnt a big deal for me.

You are what? I was shocked. Yeah, got problem with that, Jaces husband? Callan said. I put him in a headlock right at the table. Adam was silent. I noticed him staring at Sunny, who was right there on the corner of the cafeteria, sitting at the empty table alone. Dude, I said to him, you should ask her for a date. It wont make things better by staring. Callan breathed in and searched for the one I referred to. Sunny? Why would Adam ask Sunny for a date? Callan said. I looked at Adam. Tell him, I said. Well I could see Adam was a little scared, Sunny is mymate? Oh, no, Callan said. This is a bad thing. Why would it be a bad thing? I asked. Sunny will eat you raw if you You dont need to scare Adam, Cal! Shes just fine, dude, trust me. Dont trust this dumbass here! Adam was still staring at her. I couldnt tolerate to itI had the urge to see them together. It was a strange wish though, but it was also bad to stare as Sunny sat alone there at the corner of the cafeteria. I knew she wouldnt if Adam wasnt here. Dude, Adam started to talk, she caught me staring at her! Damn it! Why would you freak out? I said. She freaking knows that one day you guys will be together. Its just a matter of time. You should accelerate it, Callan responded. Agree, I said. So, blood was rushing in Adams face, should I go talk to her? I mean, buy her food and ask her You should buy her burrito and ask her for a date. I looked at his eyes, my head counted the passing seconds. Adam stared at me, and then he looked at Callan. He did the same thing about thrice before he sped off to go and order some food for his mate. My eyes followed his figure. It was terrible. Adam had never dated anyone. Since his freshmen year I was the only person he talked with the most. I guess that was the whole point that caused Jace to go crazy when he saw Adam fed me meals. After he had the burrito, Adam sat beside Sunny at the table. WellI had to admit it was terrible, suddenly when you are alone and someone you have a crush on bumped on your table. It was clearly reflected in Sunnys eyeshow she really startled to her mates presence. Mates, Callan muttered. I mean, why does it has to be really, really weird? Why do you need to have Jace while you dont like guys at all like I do, and why I need to have a bloodsucker as my mate? I dont know, I replied, I guess thats how it just works in our world right now. Yeah, Callan said, I dont think there are lots of same-sex mates in female werewolves. But now, there is lots of same-sex among the boys. Weirdo, aint it? You have no idea, I said, keep on flipping the magazine. I stared at one column of the magazine about some healthy tips for students. The page beside it had a male underwear model, their bulge tightening in their undies. Fuck, Callan said, that guy is hot.

I laughed. Parkers hotter, agree? Totally, Callan said. Anyway, have you seen Jaces gigantic dick? Its none of your business, I said. Youve seen them, Callan said. He offered me some fries and took it with my fingers to nibble on them. I stared at where Jace and his friends sat, and his mouth moved as if he was saying I love you. I winked at him. Dude, this is awkward, but, Callan spoke, is it scary when you firstyou know, get laid with Jace? I gave him that shitty look, You asshole. Just be patient, alright? That time will come. Oh, my head hurts, Callan groaned. I just want Parker right now. I giggled, feeling really annoyed actually. Callan glared at me. Youre pretty lucky cuz your mate is always with you! he said. Okay, okay, fine, you win, I said. It didnt change things for him, though. Parker was still not here for him. Do you know Callan started to talk, and I was startled. Huh, it was Jace. I really got a problem with him. He couldnt say hello to me before he actually bumped at me and startled me to death. The percentage rate of me getting cardiac arrest would rise up now. Shit, man, you startled me again, I scowled. Jace smiled like he always did. Nathan was with him, pulling one of the chairs and sat down with us. Surprisingly, Nathan caught my attention. I watched how pretty he looked. Like my brother, Nathan rarely dated girls. And I wondered why since he owned those physical looks that could always win any girls heartincluding Heather. Although his hair was messy and he wore ridiculous clothes to school, his face glowed under the light. His smile turned the room brighter. He smiled at me as he lifted one of his eyebrows. I only laughed when he caught me staring. Do you hear what I just said, Jordan? Jace said. He looked mad. I dont. I was staring at Nathan just now, I told him the truth. Jace glared at me while Nathan laughed. Come on, Jace, Callan said, yeah, he knows it. I know it too. Who the hell told you? Sunny? Hey, hey guys, what is this? I said. What point have I missed? Nathan laughed at me. Sunny, Jace explained as his hand reached mine, Adam. He is her mate. Oh, I said, feeling shocked again, you know? I think Im the only one who knows. I thought Im the only one, Jace said. You are not, I said, Im the first one. I was there when Sunny first noticed Adams her mate. Yeah, right! Jace said. Before I could argue, Nathan snapped the conversation. Hey! Cal, I dont think you need to be riding with us home. Why? Callan asked. Cant tell you. It wont be exciting. Nathan looked at Callan innocently, but Callan had an expression where he just wanted to reach Nathans throat and choked him to death. Tell me! Someone is waiting outside school, and counting hours while praying that time will pass faster. Do you mean Parker? Callan sounded excited.

Oh man. It should be more exciting if you discover it later, Nathan sighed. Oh, shut up. I want to see him, Callan said, trying to go outside. No, Nathan pulled his arm, he wont be pleased. Hell kick my ass because he told me to keep it from you. I guess he could predict how crazy youll be if you knew. But Three of us looked at Callan as our eyes spoke, if you go, youre dead. Ffine, Callan groaned as he sat down. Now, Nathan said as his hand reached inside his pocket. He took out two beautiful envelopes, covered with beautiful shiny golden lines that looked like vines with big flowers on it. He slid it on the table, and the two envelopes arrived just right in front of my eyes. Callan reached for one of the envelopes before me. It was a wedding card, perfumed by some rosy scents. A wedding card? Pass it to your parents, Jordan. Nathan smiled. I opened the envelope and took out the cream-colored card, beautified by some beautiful floral patterns. I opened the beautiful card and noticed the grooms name written beautifully: ANTHONY MARKUS DREW. Anthony? Your dad? Hes getting married? Awesome! Oh, Nathan said, your mother hasnt told you yet? Months ago after my parents split up hed found his mate. How lucky he isyou know, hed really broken-hearted when my mom said she found her mate. But my dad let my mom go peacefullystill, he thought his broken heart would never heal. Then shortly after, it was his old friend back when he was studying in Australia meet him at a university reunion. They both sensed that they were mates and they both confessed it. Nathan spoke too fast and I thought he was rambling again. But my brain was smart enough on the moment to decipher every word he said. Nathans mother just got married about a month ago. She separated from her husband right after she confessed to him that she had found her mate. It was bad thoughhow Lori was facing all that. My mom told me that she tried to keep it for months, but she didnt want to cheat with Anthony. So she came clean about what happened to her, and theyd split up peacefully after good discussions. Nathans two big sisters; Rachel and Clarissa, who is studying in Australia together with Jaces big sister, Tara, advised Nathan that he should just stay with their father until he graduated high school. After graduation, Nathan might consider with whom he should live; either with his mother or his father. But I knew Nathan pretty wellhe wouldnt want to leave the pack. So when theyre getting married? So Clarissa and Rachel will come? Andand, where is the woman came from? Shell be moving here? I looked at the card again, searching for the brides name. CLAIRE KATHLEEN CARTER. Oh, easy, there dude, Nathan said. Its next month. Were doing it at La Grande Hall cool, eh? And yes, Clarissa and Rachel have received the invitations and will return before summer starts. My mom will also attend the wedding with her new husband because we attended hers. And Claire will be joining our pack. Well, Claires husbanda human, died of cancer years ago, so shell join our pack and move to Bloomingdale. Theyre from LA, by the way.

When I thought of La Grande, I started to remember Raoul again. It was one of his creations in Washington D.C. I looked around as these friends around me started to look at each other again, starting their conversation. I wondered if they actually knew the reality of Raouls death. Hollow started to thicken in my chest. I brushed those thoughts off by joining the noisy talks. So you will have new step-siblings, eh Nate? Jace said. I looked at him, thinking about new people, new friends. The thought pleased me. Maybe. Nathan looked into the thin airhis eyes sparkled under the white lights.

EPILOGUE Now

I remember staring out the window after the downpour, watching as the tiny droplets of rain sliding on the clear glass. I was waiting for the sunlight to shine my home again. I wake up to the smooth touch of a skin on my hair. The hand brushes my head slowly. Now, my head is not on my own arm anymore. My arm is not on the comfortable furry covers anymore. I am now on a bed. My head is on his arms. Jace. Every second Im with him feels like the first time. The warmth of him is like sunshine that doesnt burn me, but heals me instead. My blood streams fast by the heat and every sense of me awakens greatly when I am with him. It has always been like this. The hotness of his breath from his nose heats up my face. The soft lips of his lands on my forehead, and it feel like it stuck, like theres something like glue that sticks his lips on my forehead permanently together. His eyes have the sparkles that reflect a huge amount of appreciation from him to have me in his life. Oh, youre awake, he says. Jace, I breathe out his name. It was raining. I always fell asleep when it rains. Now the sunshine is back, he said, and theres a small tea-party like event downstairs. Everyones here. I get up immediately, leaning my back on the headboard. Here? At my house? Yup. Your mom makes it immediately. You know, as soon as she received the wedding card. It is like a congratulating party sort of thing. Theyre all here, including the vamp. I stare at his face as he kisses my lips. Like glue, I think, it also feels like our lips never want to detach from each other. I stare at his face again, my fingers pinch his nose. I love it when he squirms whenever I do that. I move my head so my lips can brush his cheekI like it when my lips feel the tenderness of his face. My hands stay on his chest, slipping under his black T-shirt, travelling every portion of his skin. His hands find on my chest as our lips meet each other back. I dont know whats got into my head. Everything inside me is like a wildfire; desires burn me from the inside. Erection under my pants is increasing in size, hardening and throbbing too much that it hurts. My hands are about to travel inside his pants. I told you to wake him up, not to make love to him! Its Sunny. Sunny! I scream. A tension full of shock kills the entire sexual desire I had, makes blood racing to my cheek and my feet run toward her. I hug her immediately and I know it will not erase the embarrassment I have. Now, now, lets go downstairs. You need to meet people! Okay, big sister, I say. I smile and move immediately into the bathroom to wash my face. Everyone is here. Everyone have a bright smile on their faces. Parkers back has Callanit is romantic how the vampire can piggyback the little wolf. They roll on the grass laughing. As I sit by the window I watch as they kiss each other. I know how that feels. I know how beautiful it feels when half of our soul is near the other half. Its magic. Dude! I turn to my back to that familiar voice. Adam! I scream. What are you doing here? Dude, your house is great. I mean, I never knew this neighborhood exists, and its awesome. Sunny brought me to the park. She showed me how good she is in basketball and and Adam is babbling so fast that I cant hear the rest of his words.

And by the way, he whispers near my ears, no one here knows that I know about the wolvesbut Sunny told me her dad and the Alpha or whatever you call him knew Im her mate. You let her know? WhyI mean, how does she react? I ask. Thats when Sunny pull my hand away and bring me to the empty kitchen. Jordan, she whispers too fast that Im sure she wants to yell at me. What? I ask. Things are still awkward between me and him soI just need time. Sunnys voice sounds calm and a little exhausted. But he is indeed a sweet guy. I have never met a guy whos as sweet as him. Hes likeblushing every single time I talk. I mean he talks all the time and I barely even had words in my mouth. Its like the words I knew in my brain were drained out every time Im with him. Its okay, Sunny, I say, I understand. Plus, you never wished to date guys so face the consequences. Okay, she says, laughing right now, that, I could accept, is my fault. We laugh in the kitchen like idiots. Jordan. Another familiar voice of a man is heard. Hey, Anthony. Congratulations, I say. I felt bad I didnt really know youre going to get married. Well, he says calmly, it was too exciting I couldnt figure out who are the right ones I should tell first. So I hope you and the boys would attend. In case if you and Jace are Of course Im attending, Anthony! I say. I wanted to see La Grande again, and meet Clarissa and Rachel. They are coming, arent they? Yes, they are, Anthony says. Im sure the two girls are really excited to see you again. One of them has an Aussie mate with her. Oh, really? Im really surprised, shock, happy. I may feel a little dizzy. Who else had found their mates besides than me, Sunny, Callan and Anthony? And who will be the next? Yes. Its Clarissa. You know that the Australian pack helps the two girls with everything, so Clarissa discovered that one of the boys in the pack is her mate. Well, it happens recently. So during the wedding hell be coming too. Congratulations, man! Dan pops out of nowhere and shakes hand with Anthony, When well see the future bride? Soon, Anthony giggles. I stand here alone. Jace is talking with some of the wolf girls and Sunny is outside with Adam already. I watch as Stanley walks toward me with a glass of orange juice in his hand. Here, little bro, Stanley says. Thanks, I say as I take the glass from him. Um, brother, Stanley clears his throat. He sips the orange juice in his hand as he says, wanna take a walk with me? It has been a long time since I was alone with Stanley, my brother. We rarely talk since I discovered Jaces my mate. I have never really been that close with Stan before, but at least he is my guy friend at home. Now, Im with Jace. It was pretty bad I never know what he would think about our relationship or how about he had felt about everything that happened recently. Stan, I say, started to clear my throat, I kind of miss you, dude.

Yeah, me too, little brother. Honestly, I do think Jace is taking me away from you. It feels bad, you know, I am talking honestly to him. You dont need to feel that way, Jordan. Theres something in his voice, something so heavy like a yearning that lies very deep within him. It shivers me from the inside. Actually, I say when there are no words to say. Actually, I am really curious about how you feel about . . . me and . . . Jace. Stan is chuckling, and then he laughs. What do you mean about how I feel? Yeah, I mean about how you feel when you knew about Jace and me. Are you happy, or sad, or nothing, or just pissed off the wolves knew you had a gay little brother Hey. Stanley and I are standing underneath a wet tree. He squeezes both of my arms tightly, seizing me to look at him. I never thought that way, bro. Hes your mate. The thing is, I say, keep my feet moving around the yard, I dont even know what the hell you know about mates. What do you think about the whole thing, so, how can I know? Honestly, little brother, I know about mates more than you do. I look at him, feeling really funny inside to think how this conversation could even start. You do? I ask. Yes, I do, he says. He sounds serious this time. And I dont care if I have a male mate. Seriously? Waitdude, youll only live if a chick with a porn star body is your mate! I laugh. Im not that asshole, Jordan, Stanley says. I know. Now two of us are at a place where we can see Callan and Parker clearly. They are smiling at us now. Look at Callan, Stanley says, and look at you. I always want to be that happy, Jordan. Because you two found another half of your soul. And Im afraid Ill be like AnthonyI have to through a mateless phase first before I can find the right one. I rather have a male mate than to wait for so long. Come on, dude, I say, you wont. I know you wont. And you know why everything happens like that. Why things happen like that, Jordan? Have Mom told you anything back then? Why does a shifter man need to marry and have children first before he can actually found his true mate? There are genuine worries in Stanleys voice. I stop walking and stand there facing him. As he looks straight into me, I whisper, Theres a hidden reason beyond everything that happens, Stan. I hear the sighs in the air he exhales. Youll know soon, Stan. I know. It takes a few steps forward before we talk again. And do you know something? I become more interested on having mates after I discover how powerful they are to you. I never hear Stanley speaks this sincere, this genuine. It feels awkward, though. Why do you think that way? I ask.

Because, Stanley says, since you are Jaces mate, with a blink of an eye Jace knows everything about you. Since that day I know that mate knows us better than we know ourselves. Mates know us inside out. Whatwhat does that asshole tell you? Ill kick his ass! I groan. Stanley laughs. No, he chuckles, he kept on asking me about you the day when you two werent really okay. He was like having this True or False list about you, and he made me tell him about you. He was that freak, you know. You just dont know every time he dated a girl, he would go to Nate. But when it came to a person he really, really likes, he would find me. You are the second person he dated and he tried to find me. Come on, bro. It is awkward to talk about Jace with you. He laughs. It is awkward. I need it to stop. As the sun sets beautifully, the guests are decreasing. Everyone is home. Everyone is happy with the small but crowded tea-party. Everyone is homebut Jace. When were watching Jennifers Body in the dark night, Jace makes all of us laugh hard. Were not really focusing for the movie anymore when he tells Stanley and me some jokes. But not long when my brother yawns exhaustedly. What time is it? Mom asks. She and Dad have been yawning a lot now. From the look in their eyes, I know theyll go to bed soon. It is almost midnight. And Jace is still here. You just stay here, Jace, my mom says. I think Im going to bed. Oh, me too, says Dad, trailing Mom toward the stairs. Me too, Stanley groans of exhaustion. Oh, come on Stan! Its Megan freaking Fox! What, you want to fantasize her in bed or something? Oh, shut up, Jace! Stan smacks Jaces head. Turn off the television if you guys are going to bed, my mom says. I nod. And in the speed of light, everyone speeds off upstairs. Anyone but the two of us. Do you actually want to watch this? Jace whispers near my ear. Goose bumps are all over my skin as his warm breath approaches my neck. Well, I reply, youre trying to watch hot Megan Fox till the end, arent you? You are hotter, and that helps, he says. I smile. His lips found mine passionately and messily. I turn off the television before my body is on Jaces arm. I can feel his hard chest on my face again. His warmth breath, although it is not the first time, always feels new and real. My heart beats fast, full of speed as the first discovery of him as my eternal lover. I love you, Jordan, he says. He carries me to my bedroom and drops me hard on the bed. Okay Jordan, Jace says, goodnight. Sweet dreams, baby. Wait, an unpleasant load of feeling hits me, where do you want to go? I plead. Home, of course. Its late night. Bbut, I say, I thought you are sleepingwithI mean, here. His face ducks forward. His lips are just inches from mine.

Just tell me that you want me to stay here, bastard. I do want him to stay with me, if possible, forever. Forever, I say, I want you with me forever. He stares at me ten, twenty, forty seconds till he makes a move. Okay, he says, Im freaking sharing tonight with you. I jump in excitement, although I tried not to do that. Jace jumps on the bed beside me. He pulls the cover as we both slips under it and takes my head so it stays on his arm. I like living life like this. The scent of my mates chest let me see him again in my dreams as consciousness slips off my head.

End of Book One

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evan Francisco is a boy which English is not his native languagehowever, his enthusiasm in writing in the second language never fades. Now turning sixteen, he loves to write boys love short stories and novels under the pen name. His first novel, Inside Out, has made it to Goodreads with various of responsesmainly criticizing his grammar usage. During his hiatus in 2012, he works harder on fixing his writings and the rough draft of this novel. He is now working for the second book, Upside Down and self-publishing his novels in paperback edition. Hes waiting for your reviews at Goodreads. You can also contact him at pretty_bit[at]yahoo[dot]com.

AUTHORS NOTE
Hey. So you probably have read the whole story. As teen boy, Im very ecstatic to find out there are people out there who wants (and some, love!) to read my story. I have big dreams for this one. One of my friends told me that shed seen a bright future in this book, like how it could bring a beauty about true love that doesnt know what gender you are or how old you are, etc. to the majority kind. I cant deny that I am also seeing it. I really like to see a future where romances between two male kinds can become normality in books, movies and other media stuff. I think it is not impossibility if this book becomes a word of mouth to a larger audience, especially among the females. I mean, instead of S&M erotica (this is a reference to Fifty Shades) has become something where people arent afraid to read publicly, why not this genre? Why not yaoi or teen boys-to-boys romance? Dont you like to see people read this genre like nothing can harm them? I really like to see that in the future. But you see, my book has distracting grammatical errors, which, I have done my best for 1 year to fix. Unfortunately English isnt my native language and I really need help. Heres what I want you to do: I cant pay you money or whatever, but if youre thinking as I am, you can

volunteer to proofread and help me to fix this bookespecially if youre an English native speaker. The plan is to self-publish this book in a paperback form. I really need a volunteer to be
a free editor for this book. If you are interested, please contact me at: pretty_bit[at]yahoo[dot]com or contact me at Goodreads: (search: Evan Francisco). I really hope you understand. xoxo - Evan