Moon Dancer - Hidden Wolf 1

Grayson

My head feels so heavy, my mind spinning as the intoxicating scents of four particular Alphas swim in the air.

When Finn abruptly pushes up from his desk and mutters something, it's like viewing it from underwater.

I could barely hear his distant voice.

And I hardly processed what was happening as Jagger went after him.

With the two of them out of the room, the intensity of the scents lessens a bit. The pressure building in my head lessened some and the free fall feeling inside of me halted. I tuck my legs up onto the seat of my desk, hugging my legs to my chest and leaning further into the wall.

The scar on my forearm stings a little as I press it tightly against my leg. I fight the nauseating feeling roiling in my gut, pushing it back.

I was vaguely aware of Ares moving into Jagger's empty desk beside me, Ryker turning to face him. They started to work on the packet together, talking softly amongst themselves.

They left me alone, thank fuck.

I close my eyes and press my nose further into the wall, wanting nothing more than to escape the deliciously alluring scents of my mates.

My body was sore and battered, still recovering from a few nights ago.

I felt queasy. Sick. Weak.

I tried to recall the last time I ate something.

Larkin had put money on the visa, but the threats he made... I hadn't been able to bring myself to leave the house to get groceries. Or do anything.

Three days I had laid in bed, only leaving to use the bathroom.

I licked my dry lips and swallowed, my mouth feeling like it was coated in sand.

I had half a thought to grab my water bottle, but that would require moving. And I wasn't quite so sure I could do that without hurling my guts up. So instead I let my body go limp against the wall.

Every few seconds they would look me over, trying to decide whether to talk to me or press me for answers. They could tell something was up. It was obvious if you looked. I had flat out ignored Jagger, but he could suck my dick. And the way I had flinched away from Finn, they knew it was serious.

Not that they should care though, I was just some random human. I don't know if Jagger's interest in me had piqued theirs, or maybe he had finally told them that I secretly lived so near their house and now they were feeling me out.

Their hovering presence made my skin itch.

I adjusted in my seat, swaying the tiniest bit.

Two pairs of eyes were instantly glued to me, studying me closely.

"Grayson?" Ryker said softly. "Are you feeling okay?"

I hold back a shudder at his smooth and gentle voice.

Reaching up, I pull the hood of my sweatshirt down further. Hopefully they get the sign that I want to be left the fuck alone.

They can think whatever they want, because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter.

I keep having to remind myself of that. It doesn't matter. Because I will not let myself get close to them. It won't just be signing my death certificate, but theirs as well.

And Larkin.

If Larkin found out who my mates were... I didn't even want to think about that. Atleast he was still looking for a single mate. A small mercy.

He would never think that I would be mated to a pack, much less a pack as strong as the Ares pack. It was something that still baffled me. Mates were supposed to be equals. When, or if, you found your fated mate, their power would reflect yours. A perfect match.

A perfect match my ass.

The only thing I would call perfect about this was that it was a perfect disaster.

My phone vibrates on my desk, but I don't make a move to pick it up, especially as Ares and Ryker look towards it.

A few moments pass of them staring at my phone before it buzzes a second time. A third.

I slowly move my hand to pick my phone up, my fingers shaking only slightly. But I know the two Alphas in front of me are watching me with an almost predatory gleam in their eyes. Missing nothing.

When I look at the screen, I suck in a quick breath.

Larkin: Hello Gracie. Clock's ticking. Any change of heart? You want to tell me who your mate is? Maybe if you tell me right now, I would be merciful.

Larkin: Are you with your mate right now? Is that why you're not answering? Naughty naughty.

Larkin: I wonder if one of your fellow students would tell me if I should ask... or I could always make them sing like a canary. But, you know that already.

Ares' ghostly blue eyes bore into the side of my head, as if he can read my thoughts. Ryker's eyes flash like molten chocolate as he takes in my shaking hands.

This time I can't hold back my shudder.

They take it all in before Ares leans toward me slightly. I stay pressed against the wall, not even doing so much as turning my head toward him. "Grayson." He whispers, like he's about to tell me a secret. But there is nothing playful in his voice. "What... are you okay?" He asks softly.

I stare hard at my desk, unblinking, unmoving.

Ares lets out a frustrated breath of air, clearly agitated.

"Grayson." He repeats in a slightly firmer voice.

The kid sitting in front of Ryker turns his head to look back at us, at the sound of Ares' voice.

Ares doesn't acknowledge him.

But it's hard for me not to notice, not to cringe at the way Ares is bringing so much attention to our little corner.

"Hey." Ares says sharply.

I continue to stare at my desk, sending out frantic pleas to the Moon Goddess to have mercy on me.

"Ares," Ryker says quietly, eyeing his friend. "You should stop-"

Ares reaches across the isle and clamps his hand down on my upper arm, firmly grasping me and not being gentle about it. "Grayson." His voice is demanding and loud.

Every. Single. Head. Turns toward us.

I'm certain I'm not breathing.

Ares tightens his grip on my arm and squeezes.

It hurts.

I use the pain to ground me even as tears well into my eyes.

The tears stir something in me.

Red, molten hot anger.

I turn to face Ares and watch his eyes dart between mine, taking in the tears there. I ignore the way his eyes soften immediately.

"Do not fucking touch me." I drag out the words, loud enough for the entire class to hear. "I don't know what the hell has got you up in my business, but get the fuck out."

Surprise and shock line both Ares and Ryker's features as I stand from my seat just as the bell rings. The entire class stays seated as they watch me walk from the classroom in slow and deliberate steps.

No one moves until I am out the door.

I do not breathe until the door shuts behind me, and I take in bug gulps before making my way to our next class.