Chapter 30
I love everyone's feedback and support. This week I might not be able to update so I apologize in advance. I have inventory at work, a root canal, and a meeting with a recruiter so I will try to squeeze it in but wanted to give you all a heads up :)
Waking up, I blink to get my vision to come back. When it does I see a fully dressed V drying his hair with a towel. “Good you’re finally up.”
Yawning, I throw the blanket back over my head and roll over. “No.” I say groggily.
“Cassie. This is your only warning.” His voice always dropped when he was ‘warning’ me.
I heard the snap before I felt it. I squeaked as I jumped up and off the bed. I hit my elbow as I tried to catch myself from falling. “Ow.” I rubbed my elbow in an attempt to subdue the pain.
V just smirked as he stalked over to me. “Did we learn anything?”
“Yeah. Don’t jump off the bed.” He shot me a dirty glance before he came and picked me up from under my arms. “You have 15 minutes for a shower.”
He had to be kidding. Who could possibly shower well in that amount of time?
Suddenly he threw his towel at me before walking out of the room. I growled in frustration as I ripped the towel off my head. This male is something else.
I ran as fast as I could to the shower but was quickly lost in my own thoughts. Was he acting this way because of yesterday? I think he’s taking his punishment a little far.
I sigh from both frustration and relaxation as I throw my body under the flow of hot water to wash off all the soap. I began to lather my hair when it felt like thousands of needles were prickling my skin. I scream as I jump away from the now freezing cold water.
I look over to see V at the remote motioning me towards him with his index finger.
“Can I at least rinse my hair?” I asked with a raised voice and littered with irritation.
This jerk was actually thinking about it. Slowly as if he was still debating with himself he turned the water warmer so that it was bearable but far from comfortable.
I rinsed my hair as fast as I could before I jumped out of the shower and threw my towel on with a shiver.
“You have 5 minutes to get dressed.”
When did I join the military? I looked back to see that V hadn't moved. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. I take it back. This isn't the military, its prison.
“Do you mind?” I ask with a little sarcasm.
“I do mind. It’s nothing I haven’t seen and I need to make sure you stick to your time limit.”
I grunted out of pure frustration as I opened up one of my drawers. He made his point. I will not visit Mason without permission EVER again.
I popped my head through my sweater when V came and picked me up around the waist and held me to his waist, like a girl would a clutch.
“Put me down!”
“Your 5 minutes are up and we need to go.”
“What about-“ He cut me off before I could even ask. “Brett has your shoes.”
I squeal as he quickly runs down the stairs, me bobbling with every step. It was like a roller coaster from hell.
I groaned as he finally placed me in the front seat, closing the door and walking to the driver’s side.
Since I finally had time and freewill I put my sweater on fully. Next I slipped on my chucks and proceeded to stare at V. “I don’t like this punishment.”
“This isn’t punishment.” He looked dead serious.
How the hell was this not considered punishment? Also if it’s not punishment what is the point in all of this?
The car stopped and I looked out the window and paled. There was no way he was making me go here. I turned around sad eyed to face V. “Don’t make me go.”
“You’re 15. You need to go to school. Plus they help with training and you still get your private lessons with Greggor.”
“But I hate school. I don’t wanna go. I’m always the weird one but now I don’t have Nick to help me through it.” I pouted and he seemed sympathetic. However he was going to make me go.
He got out of the car and opened my door. I sat there trying to will myself back to the house. “Cassie.”
I whined more to myself as I turned in my seat and looked up at V. “I won’t visit Mason no more. Never ever. Just don’t make me go.”
“Well I won’t punish you more, but you’re going to school.” He pulled me out by my wrist and I hated as everyone seemed to be staring at me. “You need to hang around kids your age. Not all the old guys at the house. Now be a good little pup and go to class.”
He leaned down and kissed me quick on the lips as he walked to the other side of the car and watched me as he leaned against the hood of the car.
I took a deep breath as I walked to the front of the school. It was a lot bigger than my old school but it seemed exactly the same.
I turned back and ran to V. He groaned in frustration as he came to meet me. Instead of whining more I jumped up, V catching me as I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him into a kiss. He kissed me back for a while before he pulled away. “Class.”
I nodded as he let me down and I slowly walked back to the school. I waved back before I walked into my own personal hell, high school.
Walking back into the house I wasn't surprised to see Brett and Greggor waiting for me. I was shocked to see my number 1 in the blood pack waiting though.
“Alpha. Do you want us to watch the school while she’s there?” I shook my head at him. “No. Use this time to catch up with the rest of the blood pack. I will need you to drop her off and pick her up after today.” He nodded as he walked out of the house.
“So how’d it go?” I threw my head back thinking about how much of an ass I felt like. “She was damn near in tears she didn't want to go so bad.”
They just nodded their head which didn't help at all. Good thing we had work to do. The last thing I wanted to do was think about how I feel like the worst mate. “So what have we found out on Aiden?”
“Well, we know that they never go away from our pack line. Supposedly he’s moved around through our neighboring packs as well.” Brett didn't look up as he finished his sentence.
However I still looked at him as a way to show I wanted more of an explanation. He cleared his throat when he looked up as he shifted his weight. “That’s all the information we have.”
“What about who might be spying for them?”
Silence filled the air again. I slammed my fist against my desk as my anger seemed to peak. “What the hell do I keep you all around for if you can’t do anything?!”
“If you would like, we could-“I cut off my number 1 before he could finish. “No. I want you to focus on Aiden and Aiden alone. Do you understand?” He nodded his head once and walked out of the room.
“I hate to ruin your tirade but…” My gazed shifted over to Greggor as I scowled at him. I wasn't in the mood for his upbeat demeanor at the moment. “When are we going to talk about Luna’s ceremony?”
I snarled in reply to his question. “Everyone out. NOW!!” I yelled, wanting to be by myself to think.
I forgot she had to have a ceremony. I forgot that I had my best men watching her instead of chasing Aiden. I forgot that I have a rat that is way too close to my mate that tells that snake everything. I forgot that me spending so much time with Cassie is effecting how I do my job.
I bellowed from my irritation. I couldn't win either way. But I decided that her safety was more important. I could live with her hating me but I couldn't live without her.
It wasn't only the students that stared at me. All of the teachers and administrators did too. Even my principal couldn't seem to find words to say to me.
I was currently sitting in my last class which is going to be the easiest class for me, language. I already knew the old language. I was shocked that it was part of the curriculum.
“I’m sure this is boring you.” I looked to my right at the red head who had leaned over to talk to me.
She smiled as she shook her head with a giggle. “Am I the first one to talk to you?”
I nodded my head, still a little too confused to speak. She held out her hand to me. “I’m Nicole.”
I grabbed her hand and gave her a firm shake. “Cassie. I’m-“
“Our Luna. I know.”
“I was going to say new but…” We both began to laugh as I trailed my sentence off.
Catching my breath I look at her. She had a small collection of freckles around her nose. Her red hair seemed to glow under the florescent light, making her emerald green eyes pop even more. Or were they blue? She had one of each! “Your eyes are so cool!”
She blushed a little as she turned her head away and scratched her head. “You’re the first person to say that. Most people say I’m weird.”
She was just like me at this school as I was back at mine. We had to get along. I looked up at the teacher to see if he would scold us for talking in class. However, he just acted like nothing was going on instead.
“Don’t worry. They won’t say anything.”
“But it’s their job isn't it?”
“Well…you kinda make it complicated.” Right the 15 year old Luna.
When the bell went off I quickly jumped out of my seat so I could go home.
“Can I walk with you?” I nodded at Nicole as I started walking to the front of the school.
Grinning she threw her bag over her shoulder and followed after me. “Do you have combat with Mr. Dean?”
“Yeah. How’d you know?”
Walking with Nicole made me feel like a normal 15 year old for once in my life. She was telling me about everything that was happening that I probably wouldn't be able to go to. Football, prom, and end of the year trips sound fun.
“So how was your old school?”
I sigh thinking about that hell hole. “I hated it. It was more like a human school and I pretty much didn't fit in. The best part is that we shared the school with a neighboring pack as well, so I hate from two packs instead of one”
“Really? I would have pegged you for the All-American girl that all the boys want and all the girls want to be.” I laugh thinking about how far away I was from that.
“No I’m the girl that refused to stay in a box and had too big of ambitions…and a mouth but I don’t know any kid of an alpha that didn't have one.” She smirked at me as I saw her thinking about something. “You could just ask.”
She stopped and looked at me. “What’s it like being mated?”
“It has its ups and downs. Or do you want me to answer the real question. What’s it like being mated to the ruthless alpha of the night stalker pack?” Her jaw dropped like she couldn't believe what I just said. “Don’t worry. He’s not that bad…to everyone at least.”
“Well who is he nice to?”
“Well his sister and me when I actually listen…which isn't often…” I tapped my chin with my right index finger as I thought about how a lot of our arguments were actually my fault.
Stepping out of the school doors I was excited to see that V had come to pick me up. Even from as far as I was, I knew he wasn't in a very good mood though. “That’s him?” Nicole asked beside me, not able to take her eyes off of him.
“Yeah. He’s not really happy right now though. You've never seen him before?” She shook her head at me before I started to walk to the car. “Well I guess I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”
I slowly walked to the car to gauge how mad he really was. The closer I got though, the more he seemed to ease. Thank God. That means he isn't mad at me anymore.
“How was school brat?”
“Terrible. Everyone stared at me and my teachers are too scared to treat me like a student. But I did meet a new friend and I also learned the basic take down in wolf combat.”
He hummed as he leaned down to give me a quick peck before he opened my door for me. “That sounds to me like you had a good day.”
“That’s not what I said.” He poked my neck making me jump. “No” I whined.
He just smirked as he went to the driver’s side got in. The car ride was oddly quiet. Even though V was usually quiet, he wasn't around me. “What’s eating you beta?”
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He hasn't called me a beta in months. When his gaze landed on me I seemed to lose nerve.
“Rok kae kosa ruks rar vurdk?” (Are you at a loss of words?)
“Nu!” (No!)
“Kvaod.” (Talk.)
I pursed my lips as I started to look at my nails like they were the most interesting thing in the world. “Would you let me go to a party?” I mumbled the words in an attempt to keep him from hearing. It didn't work.
“What party? Where is it? And who is going to be there?” He was actually entertaining the thought.
“Prom… The school… Every kid who isn't a complete loser.” He didn't look over at me. Instead he gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. Was that his way of saying no?
“Who would you go with?” I didn't think about that. I mean, couldn't he come with me? So what he isn't in high school. “You?” I asked hopefully.
Now he smirked before he lightly shook his head. “That means you would have to leave early.” He looked over at me completely serious. “I can’t stay at prom with you all through the night.”
“Why not?” I whined as I crossed my arms. “The same reason I don’t stay in bed with you all night. I have work.”
I was too shocked to look over at him. He didn't stay in bed with me through the whole night? I knew he was always up before me but I never knew when he woke up. “When do you leave?”
“Whenever you fall asleep until 4 am. Then I sleep a few hours before getting back up.” I looked at him with worry. He definitely wasn't getting enough sleep. “V you need to sleep more.”
“No. I need to work.”
“But-“ He cut me off before I could even get another word in. “It’s not up for discussion. Now go change, Greggor is waiting for you to start training.”
Great. I get shut out again. At least I can beat up someone with my frustration.
School and training is a very good combination for her. Now he’s worn out a lot faster. I took of my shirt as I left the closet to put it into the hamper before I walked back into the room. This is the first time she’s gone to bed before 10 without Dr. Billings drugging her.
She still has a problem with falling asleep on my side. I quickly push her over before I climb into bed. I roll over to turn off the light and try to get comfortable.
Cassie reached her hand out and rubbed it along my arm, feeling my tattoos like she always does at night.
Her hand soon becomes her mouth as she kissed up and down my arm. I’m starting to think that she isn't asleep anymore. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed her over so carelessly.
She leaned up and smiled at me. I rolled my eyes before closing them to show her that we should be sleeping right now.
She placed both her hands on my chest and pushed in an attempt to get me up. So not happening.
I stiffed the moment she started to run her hands down my chest. My fist balled as she reached my abs and kept going further down. When she grabbed the waistband I snapped my eyes open as I pushed her away. “NO!”
Cassie cowered away and I looked on horrified. “Cassie.” I stumbled over her name as I realized that it was just my mate. That I was fine. “I just…” I couldn't tell her that it wasn't her I was thinking of. That I still can’t handle a woman, even her, being above me.
I flinched away when I felt warmth on my cheek. “It’s just me.” I looked into Cassie’s eyes and saw the unshed tears as she looked at me for answers that I couldn't give to her.
She waited but I just shook my head at her. Words weren't something that was going to come. Not now. “I’m sorry.” Was all I could say as I quickly left our room.
I barely made it down the hall before I punched a wall and hit my head against it before dropping to the ground. I rested my arms on my knees and dropped my head.
“Nightmares again?”
“Worse. I mistake my mates touch for hers.” I couldn't keep the venom out of my voice when I even thought about her.
“So what are you going to do?”
“Sleep in another room for tonight. I’ll have to talk to her tomorrow.” Greggor shook his head at me and I knew he was going to make me do it tonight.
“You’re right. I agree you need to be alone tonight, but she needs to know why she’ll be alone.” I rubbed my face harshly with my hands before I nodded. “Can you go get her for me?”
He nodded as he walked past me to go to my room. I got up and started pacing to try to think of the best way to tell her what was going on.
“V?” Her soft voice had concern laced in it making me feel even guiltier.
Looking up at her I knew she had to know. She would think she did something wrong, she always think that way. She crossed her arms as she looked to me for an explanation.
“It’s not your fault but I can’t stay in our room tonight.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Me. I’m what’s wrong. My past. My problems.” It wasn't coming out the way I needed it to. Sighing in defeat I held out my hand for her.
Her hand shook as she reached hers out to take it. When she grasped my hand she left out a sigh before quickly dropped my hand and tears ran down her face. “I did that?”
“No. No. She did. I just need to be alone in case I have a nightmare. I don’t want to hurt you.”
I expected anything but what she did. She walked over and wrapped her arms around my waist and laid her head right under my chest. “I love you.”
I wanted to kiss her but Greggor shook his head at me. Instead I placed it on the top of her head before I stepped away. I wanted to say something. Anything. But nothing came. Instead I nodded my head at her once before I walked down the hall in the opposite direction.