ep3

Kassi agreed to have lunch with us. I promised her we're not heathens, so guys, be on your best behavior"

"Hey..." The guy named Shawn whined "When are we never not on our best behavior?"

"Darling..." Everly said, her thick Texan accent notable "Last year you almost got suspended for starting a food fight"

Shawn frowned and they started bickering as we exited the classroom. From the first impression, I couldn't imagine them being a couple. They were complete opposites. Shawn was tall and lanky with brown eyes and glasses. A total nerd. On the other hand, Everly was also tall but curvy, with light green eyes. She seemed like she belonged with someone more popular, someone like Rhys.

Speaking of Rhys, he was currently at the back of our little group with his hands in his pockets, following us as we made our way to the cafeteria.

I walked slowly enough so that I could fall in step with him as the group walked ahead of us.

We walked in silence until I couldn't take it anymore "Thank you" I said softly

He looked at me with a curious expression "For what?"

"For saving me this morning"

He smiled "No thanks needed. I was just doing my gentlemanly duty of helping a damsel in distress"

I chuckled and then winced "And I'm sorry if I rushed off. I know that was rude but you see, I was already 15 minutes late to Homeroom and couldn't..." I immediately shut my mouth when I realized I was babbling.

I gave Rhys a sheepish smile, expecting him to be looking at me like a weirdo. Instead, I found him looking at me in amusement.

My neck began to burn and I could feel my cheeks reddening. I loosened the tie around my neck before staring ahead at the others.

At the front of our group, Mia was talking animatedly with Matt, discussing something that made her use her hands a lot. Behind them, Shawn and Everly were still bickering but this time, Everly was whining about some new superhero movie Shawn wanted to see and Shawn kept repeating how he will not be forced to sit through another live-action Disney movie again. They were thoroughly entertaining and I wished I had popcorn because I could watch them try to out bicker each other all day.

"They're a handful, aren't they?" an amused voice said from beside me.

"They aren't that bad" I giggled "Kind of reminds me of my two best friends whenever we would try to decide on doing something"

"Where your best friends dating too?"

I snorted, thinking of Taylor's appalled face if she heard his question "God, No. They're siblings, Twins actually. I guess when you spend so much time together, you end up bickering more than you get along"

Rhys laughed for some unknown reason.

I looked at him quizzically "What's so funny"

"It's just funny that you said that" When I gave him a look, he continued "Shawn and Everly used to be inseparable, like two peas in a pod. They were best friends that never bickered until one day, when they announced they were ma...dating" he coughed and cleared his throat before speaking again "When they announced they were dating, that was the beginning to their non-stop bickering"

I giggled and Rhys smiled

"So, where'd you transfer from Kassi?" he raised an eyebrow "It is Kassi, isn't it?"

I mimicked him and arched my eyebrow "Yes it is Rhys"

He smiled and gestured for me to start walking again.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

I complied and followed his lead "I came from a public school in New York. Nothing as fancy as this" I waved my hands around the pristine hallways.

He looked around like it was his first time really seeing the hallways. Back at my old school, we were lucky just to get a decent locker that didn't smell like a dirty garbage can or have crude graffiti on it.

"I suppose it is fancy" he concluded

"Suppose?" I barked out a laugh "You're funny"

He opened his mouth to say something but Mia hollered for me.

I gave Rhys an apologetic smile "This conversation isn't over rich boy"

He smirked, those gray eyes lighting up to a molten silver color.

I stood next to Mia and she swung the cafeteria door open.

My mouth dropped in surprise.

"You look surprise sugar?" an amused voice drifted in my ear. I turned and was met with a smirking Everly. The rest of the group were giving me amused looks and I couldn't help the blush that took over my face "Haven't you seen a cafeteria before?"

"I have, many actually" I cringed when I realized I let that personal tidbit go "But the one's I've been in, there's usually a "Kill or be Killed" vibe. People are animals when they're hungry"

The boys started laughing and both Mia and Everly weaved their arms through mine "I like you" Everly stated

Mia laughed "Ooh, that's it. Once Everly likes you, you're a goner. If you had any plans of ditching us after today, then I hate to tell you that you can't now. She won't let you. Sorry, You're stuck with us"

Everly glared at Mia "You make me sound like some creepy stalker"

Mia shrugged "If the shoe fits..."

Everly growled and looked at Matt "Control your woman"

Mia scoffed and Matt grimaced "You know I can't do that"

Everly snickered "Yeah, I momentarily forgot who wore the pants in the relationship"

Matt turned to Shawn "Control your woman"

Shaun shared Matt's grimace "You know I can't do that" he sighed "She'd put me down in two seconds flat"

Rhys rolled his pretty eyes and pushed through the group "All right Pansies. Move aside. Watch and learn how a real man acts"

"He won't be saying that when she has him wrapped around her pinky finger" Matt muttered quietly. So quiet that I almost didn't hear him.

Almost

"I hope she makes him her lap dog" Shawn grumbled "Calling me a pansie I swear if he wasn't the..."

Everly pinched him "Come on Darling, let's go get some food"

He winced but then nodded his head in agreement. I watched as they walked toward the buffet line of delicious-smelling food. My stomach rumbled in response and I was about to follow them when Mia plopped down in a seat and motioned for me to do the same.

I sat across from her and Rhys sat to my right. He gave me a bright smile before talking to Matt about sports.

"So Kassandra, How do you like it here?" She asked, her posture straightening up.

I smirked at her not so subtly way of trying to tell her my full name "Nope, not happening" She deflated "It's fine here, I guess. Haven't been here long enough to really give you my opinion though"

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

How long have you been here?" a deep voice asked from my right.

I looked at Rhys and considered his question "2... No, 3 days"

Everyone's eyes widened

"You really haven't been here long" Mia commented

I shook my head "Not really"

"We're back" Shawn announced before slamming two big trays on the table. Everly did the same and then started passing food to everyone.

"We didn't know what you liked Kassi, so we got a little bit of everything"

"Thank you" I took out my wallet "How much do I owe you?"

She waved me off "My treat. Think of it as a welcome gift"

"You mean my treat," Shawn said sarcastically

"What's mine is yours" Everly retorted

"Hey" Matt snapped "Some of us are hungry. If you two are gonna bicker all day then pass down the food"

"Someone's hangry" Mia teased.

He shrugged and when he reached for a slice of pizza, she slapped his hand away. He gave her an annoyed look "What the Hell Mimi?"

She gave him a glare "Let Kassi pick first you brute"

He gave me a sheepish grin and motion for me to chose something. I decided on the grilled chicken Caesar salad.

Everyone picked something and then the whole table went quiet as we ate.

About halfway through lunch, a shadow fell across the table and a shrill voice screeched "Guess who" from my right.

The whole table groaned and the girls shot the stranger a nasty look.

I turned toward the voice and saw a pretty girl with dirty blonde hair covering Rhys's eyes while giggling in his ear. She was short, shorter than me but somehow she oozed confidence. You could tell by the way she wore 4-inch heels, a short uniform skirt, and a low buttoned blouse.

"Marcy" Rhys sighed before pulling her hands away from his eyes and looking at her.

She giggled and pouted before sliding in his lap "How did you know?"

I clenched my hands and my nails bit into the skin of my palm

I never hated anyone in my life but I can honestly say that I hated this chick.

Hated

For whatever reason, I just did.

"Stalker" Everly growled under her breath

The girl must of heard her because she shot Everly a nasty look. Everly started to stand up but both Mia and Shawn grabbed her arms. Shawn whispered something in her ear and she shot him a furious look.

The girl looked at me and narrowed her eyes "Who is she?"

Rhys picked up the girl and deposited her in her own chair

Thank God!!!

If I had to watch her sit on his lap for the rest of the Lunch period I would throw up my food...Jesus, I just met the guy and am already possessive over him.

Not a good look Kass, he'll think you're a nutcase.

Everly smirked wickedly "Oh this is going to be good"

Matt shushed her and watched the interaction between Rhys and the Mystery girl

"Rhys Baby, who is she?" the girl purred and wrapped her arms around his neck

ACTUALLY PURRED LIKE A CAT!!!

DISGUSTING

Rhys stiffened and withdrew her arms "This is Kassi, my new friend"

She frowned and stood up "Are you kidding me?"

This time, he frowned and looked confused "Ah No?" He looked at Matt "Did I tell a joke? What does she think I'm kidding about"

Matt laughed

"No, but it takes stupid people longer to comprehend something" Everly piped in "I'll bet it'll take her at least a year before she understands what you said"

Shawn barked out a laugh

The girl was turning red "Are you cheating on me with her" she said quite loudly and gave me a disgusted look.

The whole cafeteria quieted down and stared at the scene playing out.

My cheeks warmed in embarrassment at being the center of attention.

Rhys stood quickly and growled at the girl, she flinched "How many times do I have to tell you. WE ARE NOT DATING"

"Slower" Everly snickered "Enunciate and talk slow. She'll comprehend eventually"

Matt snickered and Mia hit his shoulder

"But Ry Ry!!" the girl whined "We are meant to be together"

He growled louder, something that was unusual but at the same time, natural for me to hear.

It's official, I'm a weirdo

"Marcy... Just leave us. You're embarrassing yourself" She growled and went to slap him but before she even got close to his handsome face, Everly had the girl's arm twisted around at a painful angle.

The girl cried out in pain

"I wouldn't do that if I were you" Everly taunted and pushed the girl away from Rhys and our table

The girl growled and I swear her eyes glowed a bright hazel "If you weren't the damn third, you would so be..."

"Be what?" Everly got up in her face "Please enlighten me. What would you really do?"

Shawn and Matt stepped in. Matt whisked the girl away while Shawn was currently whispering in Everly's ear. She was tense and he kept rubbing her arms up and down, in a soothing motion.

"Well... that went well" Mia murmured after everyone was sitting in their seats. She looked at me and gave me an apologetic smile "I'm sorry, you probably think we're heartless people with the way we acted"

Shawn apologized too, his arms wrapped tightly around Everly's shoulders. She gave me an apologetic look but didn't say anything. Instead, she closed her eyes and snuggled into Shawn's chest.

"It had to happen sooner or later," Matt said before eating his third slice of pizza "Too bad it happened when Kass was here"

I smiled at the nickname. These people barely knew me but were already including me in their unique friendship. This was the first time I didn't feel like an outsider. It was the first time I felt like I belonged somewhere.

I felt someone staring at me and turned my head.

My eyes met pretty concerned gray ones "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drag you into this"

I laughed "It's ironic"

"What is?"

"Just this morning, I was apologizing to you and here we are, you apologizing to me now"

He gave me a faint smile and I squeezed his hand. Tiny static shocks danced on my skin and I quickly pulled my hand away before giving him, what I hoped was a pretty smile.

"We're friends now, right?"

He gave me a hesitant nod "So, as my friend, you don't have to apologize for things you have no control of"

~~~

Rhys

Friends

I hated that word

Especially when it comes out of my mate's mouth. She wants to be my friend and even though I've only known her for a couple of hours, I feel like we should skip the friend stage and go straight into the couple stage.

That's my opinion (but I may be biased)

My inner thoughts were interrupted when the bell rang, signaling it was the end of the day. I sighed and unknotted my tie before leaving the classroom and walking toward my car. I suddenly stopped and hid behind a pillar.

I watched as Kassi climb into an old Land Rover and drive out of the parking lot quickly. I stayed there until a voice spooked me.

"Ain't that a little creepy Alpha? Stalking...I meaning watching an innocent girl?" Everly smirked at me.

"Shut up" I mumbled before turning around.

The whole gang was standing there, giving me amused looks.

I scowled and start walking to my car "I'm leaving with or without you"

I heard a few chuckles before I felt them following. I jumped in the driver's seat and started the car. Matt jumped into the passenger's seat while Mia, Everly, and Shawn sat in the back.

I reversed the car and drove out of the school parking lot, careful to avoid hitting all the lingering students.

"What an interesting day" Matt yawned and stretched "Can't believe Marcy"

I heard a growl and instantly knew Everly was not happy "Really that's who you want to talk about? That crazy psycho bit.."

Mia covered her mouth before she could finish cursing like a sailor "Really Matt? You had to bring up the one person that makes Ever's blood boil"

Everly ripped Mia's hand away from her mouth and started cussing at Matt. Her eyes were glowing a bright blue and his were starting to glow too.

I pulled over to the side of the road and put my hazard signal on.

"Enough" My wolf and I growled. Everyone in the car flinched, their eyes immediately returning to their normal hues.

With bowed heads, they murmured an apology.

"You," I said pointing at Everly "Are my damn third, Show some respect to your Beta. I will not allow you disrespecting anyone in the Pack. What happened today in the Cafe and car will not be repeated again. Do you understand?"

"Yes Alpha"

"And you" I pointed at Matt "Need to control yourself better. You're the Beta and if you can't handle disrespect from one Pack member then I really shouldn't have picked you as Beta. Best-friend or not"

He flinched but said nothing.

There was silence for a long time. Since we lived about 45 minutes outside of town the silence made the drive excruciatingly long.

I opted to move the pack closer to town but my father and grandfather thought it would be best to remain outside of the bustling city. Being farther away from town meant more privacy against prying eyes.

They were even trying to convince the man who owns an acre of land 15 minutes away to the right of us to sell his land so that we could buy it. Too bad the old hermit is adamant about keeping all that land to himself.

"The Luna was nice," a timid voice said from the backseat.

I looked in the rearview mirror and gave Mia a small smile.

"She was wonderful" I looked at Shawn "Find out any more info about her?"

He shook his head "No, not yet. I just know the basics, although, give me some time. I'm sure I'll find something"

I sighed, hated that I was keeping such an important fact from them.

"When you find something, tell me right away"

He nodded and there was silence again.

"How are you going to tell her about us? Specifically, how are you going to tell her about you being a Wolf?. I'm pretty sure she doesn't know anything about our world" Mia stated

I gripped the wheel "Jesus Mimi, I've only known her for what...3 hours?"

"The bond will get stronger the more time you spend with her" Matt spoke quietly "Soon, you won't even go a day without yearning to be near her"

"I'll just have to figure something out and fast. If you haven't noticed, I really don't have a choice"

"There's something about her" Everly whispered "She's not entirely human"

Everyone looked at Ever in shock

"What do you mean Eve? You think she's a supernatural?"

"If she's not human then what is she?" Mia questioned

"A vamp?" Shawn suggested "I know there's only a few left but maybe..."

"That we know of," Mia said

"She's not a vamp," I said immediately

"Witch?" Matt added

Everly shook her head "No, we would have got a nauseated feeling as soon as she stepped into our English room"

"What about a Wolf?" Mia sat up in her seat "Think about it? Ever feels something strange about Kassi. What if she's an unturned Wolf? It may explain her eye color and why she clicked with us so quickly."

I gulped

Mia hit it on the nail.

Always the smartest person in the group, she never missed anything.

Ever.

"Would we be able to feel that though?" Matt rubbed his neck "Only the Alpha of the pack that person belongs too would feel it and when that particular person turns. Last time I checked, Ever was not the Alpha nor was Kassi a part of our Pack"

Mia slumped in her seat, deflated "Yeah, you're right Matty"

"What if she's a special type of Wolf" Ever added, "Like the ones our parents used to tell us about when we were kids?"

"I highly doubt she's a spirit wolf," Shawn said sarcastically

Ever glared at him "Not those one's dummy. What if she's like a Royal Wolf or something?"

Everyone was quiet.

"Last I heard, there were no Royals left," Mia said softly "Dad said that the last Prince died years ago"

"Maybe they went into hiding or... maybe he had a child?"

"What about the legend," Matt said quietly

Ever snapped her fingers before repeating the old fairy tale we all knew by heart "A Royal and Hunter will forever be bound, for they will produce a child that will wear the crown. Once the child meets their Mate, will their destined fate await"

Shawn snorted "A Royal and a Hunter? That's like oil and water. They just don't mix"

A dread of doubt started pooling in my stomach. There was a reason why Kassi's mother asked for protection only for her children. I didn't understand then why she never stayed at our Pack House, under our protection, when the Hunters were chasing her family.

Now I know why.

She didn't stay will us because she didn't need protection.

She was a Hunter

Kassi

As soon as the bell rang, I hightailed my butt out of the school parking lot as fast as I could. I was 10 minutes late picking up Ares.

I sighed in relief when I saw his school up ahead and thanked God for making his school so close to mine.

I parked and ran to his classroom, hoping that he wasn't alone and scared. When I finally arrived I paused in disbelief and watched through the door window as my younger (normally shy) brother was talking to a girl classmate excitedly.

He must have been telling her a story because he was waving his hands around wildly and talking fast. The girl was fascinated and I saw them both giggle when Ares finished his story.

I was so engrossed with watching them that when a throat cleared from behind me, I nearly jumped out of my own skin.

I quickly turned around and was met with an older woman giving me a welcoming smile, Ares's teacher "Isn't it adorable. They seem to be getting along quite nicely if I do say so myself"

"I'm sorry," I said sheepishly "I'm just not used to him adjusting this fast"

The woman gave me a sympathetic smile "It's alright hon, I know how it is. I was an army brat once and remember moving around constantly too"

I gave her a forced smile "Oh No! Nothing like that. My mother is a freelance artist and is constantly looking for new inspiration. She thinks by traveling to new places allows her to connect to nature. I guess being her kids, we get to connect with nature too. I guess"

The woman smiled again "That's a neat way to think about life" she motioned for me to follow her "You're Ares sister, aren't you?"

"Yes," I followed her fast paces "How is he doing by the way? Any trouble?"

She paused outside the classroom and shook her head "Ares is the sweetest little boy I have ever met. Very helpful and very mature for his age"

I beamed "So... He did fine today"

She nodded "At first, he was hesitant to interact with the other children until Madison came to play with him. After that, he was fine"

I heaved a sigh of relief and the weight from my shoulders loosened a bit "Thank you, I really appreciate you staying after school with him. I promise I won't be late again"

She waved my concern away "Don't apologize sweetie. It's my job to watch these beautiful children"

I smiled and opened the classroom door. When Ares saw me, his face lit up and he ran to me. I caught him halfway and lifted him up in the air.

"How's my favorite brother?"

He giggled "I'm your only brother Sissy"

I laughed and put him down "True. Now go get your stuff and say goodbye to your friend"

He ran to his desk and grabbed his backpack before waving to the girl.

"Bye friend!!!"

She giggled and blushed "Bye friend!!!"

He ran to the door and I scolded him "Don't be rude Ares. Say goodbye to your teacher also"

He blushed and mumbled his goodbye.

I laughed and followed him outside. Since he was underweight and extremely small for his age, I put him in his toddler seat.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

I hopped into the driver's seat and turned around to face him "How was your day buddy?"

He beamed "It was good sissy! I made a new friend!!"

"Oh really?" I turned back and started the car "Was she nice?"

"The best sissy!!!" He started talking about his day and I listened to him intently. I gave the appropriate head nod or "hmm" whenever he asked me a question or stated something.

When he was done with his story and the light turned red, I looked at him through the rearview window "That's great buddy, I'm glad you found a friend. Now what do you want for dinner?"

He paused and looked at me "Spaghetti!!!"

I laughed and then pulled over before quickly typing in local restaurants that served spaghetti. There was one in town that had five stars so I quickly plugged the coordinates into my phone before turning back onto the road.

After five minutes of silence, Ares asked me an interesting question.

"Sissy, are we going to be eating with Grandpa?"

I stayed silent

I honestly didn't know what to say.

Ares was such a loving person that I couldn't tell him that his grandfather, our grandfather, didn't really have much interest in us, it would crush his little heart. Since our grandfather clearly stated to only call him if one of us was dying, I can most likely conclude that he wouldn't be too please with me if I asked him to have dinner with us.

In fact, I am 100% percent sure that if I called him, he would most likely stuff and hang me on the wall.

"Uh...Ares, Grandpa is busy tonight. Maybe he can have dinner with us tomorrow night?"

He never lost that smile "Okay sissy. I hope he doesn't get sad that we ate dinner without him"

I gave him a weak smile "He won't. I promise"

~~~

Later that night

After Ares was feed, bathed, and his homework was complete, I ushered him to bed.

"Good night baby" I kissed his forehead before wrapping the blanket around him.

He blew me a kiss "Night sissy. Sweet dreams"

I closed out the light and shut his door quietly before going back downstairs to finish my homework.

I stopped in the kitchen when I saw my grandfather decked out in a head-to-toe camouflage outfit. He was standing by the coffee machine, watching as the coffee dripped into the pot.

I cleared my throat but he continued to watch the coffee drip.

"There's spaghetti in the fridge," I said, hoping to start up a civil conversation.

He continued to ignore me "There's a desk in your room. You don't have to do homework in here"

"My room is connected to Ares's. The light keeps him up"

He nodded and we were engulfed in silence once again.

"Look," I said "I know you don't want us here. Trust me, if I could, I would have stayed back in New York with my brother. The only reason I am here is that Mom said that it would be nice for us to know her father. Let me be honest with you, up until a couple of days ago, I didn't even know you existed. Now, I'm starting to figure out why my parents hid you from us"

He poured himself a cup of coffee before turning toward me with raised eyebrows "Girl, there are things you can't even fathom to understand. Are you really that naive to think that your mother would drop you off on my doorstep without a logical explanation? Don't you think that if she had other options, she would have taken them?" he started to walk toward the back door "Trust me Kassiopeia Nyx Dimitriou, there are things out there that are far worse than me. Remember this, just because you didn't know something existed doesn't mean that it didn't know you existed"

With that, he left me alone in the kitchen.

Well, damn

Could he get any more cryptic?

Suddenly, my earlier conversation with Ares popped into my head.

Great, I forgot to ask him if he wanted to have dinner with us tomorrow