Her Mates

11

By the last lesson of the day, my concentration was completely shot. Math was boring on a good day, and today was definitely not a good day. To distract myself from the mind-numbing equations on the board, I started doodling absentmindedly on my notepad.

I was so lost in my little sketches that I nearly jumped when a crumpled piece of paper landed on my desk. Frowning, I picked it up and glanced around the room, but no one seemed to be paying me any attention. Suspicious.

Carefully, I unfolded the note, making sure Mr. Carter wasn't watching. The last thing I needed was him confiscating it. Once I confirmed the coast was clear, my eyes scanned the message inside.

Maeve, do you wanna hang out after school? I could show you what a man like me could do to you ;)

xoxo

The sheer disgust that shot through me was instant, and it took everything in me not to gag audibly. My stomach churned at the sleazy attempt, and I fought the overwhelming urge to set the note on fire.

Next to me, Benjy must have noticed my reaction because he immediately leaned over. "What's that?" Before I could stop him, he snatched the note from my hands. His eyes darkened as he read it, his jaw clenching tighter with each passing second.

Uh oh.

Before I could say anything, he was already on his feet, waving the note in the air for the entire class to see. "I don't know who the hell wrote this," he announced, his voice laced with pure irritation. "But just so we're all clear—Maeve is taken. So do us all a favor and keep your disgusting comments to yourselves. Thanks, assholes."

Taken? Since when exactly?

A stunned silence fell over the room, quickly followed by hushed whispers and muffled laughter.

Mr. Carter, however, was not amused. "Mr. Kacina, I don't appreciate my lesson being interrupted. You can explain yourself to the principal. Now."

Benjy just shrugged like he couldn't care less.

I sighed and stood up as well, gathering my things. "Come on, Mr. Carter. Benjy was just defending me. Besides, it's not like anyone was actually listening to your lesson anyway."

Apparently, I said that last part a little louder than intended.

"Out. Both of you."

With a smirk, I slung my bag over my shoulder. "It's not like I was learning anything in here anyway. Your lesson is boring as hell."

As we walked through the halls, I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Benjy was right behind me, chuckling along, when I nearly collided with someone.

"Careful, little one." A familiar voice chuckled.

I looked up—straight into Juri's amused gaze.

Well. That was just great.

"Hey, Juri," I greeted, flashing a sheepish smile. "What are you doing here?"

"I had some business to attend to. And you?"

"Just... taking a little walk," I said smoothly, flashing him my most innocent grin.

Juri's knowing smirk told me he wasn't buying it, but he let it slide. I wasted no time grabbing Benjy's arm and pulling him away before we got any further questions.

"See you later, Juri!"

As soon as we were out of earshot, Benjy hissed, "Maeve, you just lied to the Alpha!"

I rolled my eyes. "Benjy, first of all, he's my mate. Secondly, I'm not technically part of the pack yet. And technically speaking, we were on a walk. We walked right out of school."

He shook his head in disbelief. "You do realize you're one of a kind, right?"

"Yeah, you guys have told me that way too many times." I pulled my car keys from my pocket and tossed them in the air. "So, what's the plan now?"

Benjy grinned, snatching the keys midair. "I've got an idea."

Before I could object, he slid into the driver's seat.

Well. This should be interesting.