Hearing His Words

Chapter 3

When it finally gets to be lunchtime I realize I'm not going to have an opportunity to question by best friend.  The rest of our friends are gathered around Eric and Philip, spouting off questions a mile a minute.  And I'll admit it, I'm curious about the two of them.

Philip is looking extremely irritated, trying to answer a few of the questions that have been sent his way, but unable to get a word in edgewise.  At the same time Eric look at ease, with Lisa holding his hand while eating.  Sliding into the seat next to Lisa I laugh, noticing she is practically sitting in Eric's lap.

"Peanut, make them stop," Lisa whines.

"Guys" I yell drawing half the cafeteria's attention.  Almost everyone turns back away to continue their conversations immediately, leaving my friends and I to talk in peace.  Looking around the table I eye everyone, making sure I have their attention before I say, "You want to learn more about Eric and Philip, so this is what we are going to do.  They are going to take turns telling us about themselves.  When they are done we can go around the table and ask questions one at a time, giving them time to answer.  Eric goes first."

"My name is Eric School, I'm 19 and the Alpha here is my uncle making me the Alpha heir.  I grew up in a different pack with my two best friends and my parents.  We left the pack because my friends and I ran into trouble with the Alpha, which I would rather not explain further. Because my father is the Beta in my old pack they stayed back and did not know we were leaving.  My favorite color is red and I enjoy spending time outdoors, or with my mate.  Philip will be my third in my reign as Alpha of the pack."

Everyone is quiet absorbing what Eric has just said as he raises his eyebrow at me giving me a questioning look.  Giving him a slight nod I motion for Philip to talk.

"Well, as you know my name is Philip," He starts as I roll my eyes, "I came over to this pack with my two best friends, and I hope that my mate will be able to successfully transfer in from her pack soon, although who knows when it will actually happen.  She's the youngest in our group of friends at 18, but Eric's the baby.  I don't like stereotypes and my wolf is blond."

After a moment's hesitation Margo launches off into a string of questions, talking so quickly that the rest of us can't understand her.

"Margo," I cut her off gaining the table's attention once again.  Pulling an apple out of my backpack I reminded my friend, "Margo one question at a time, and we are taking turns, they aren't toys, they are people."

Shooting me a nasty look Margo asked the two boys, "What can you tell us about the other friend you keep mentioning? Where is he?"

The question is running through everyone's heads even before Margo asks it.  Leaning forwards we give the guys our attention, avidly listening for their answer.  Eric exchanges a look with Philip before turning back to the group. 

"Our friend isn't someone who likes for people to know a lot about him, without knowing them, so I will leave him to introduce himself when you meet him.  He's holed up at the hotel down on third for now, although he plans on moving to the pack house eventually." Eric quickly sums up.

I nod subconsciously, unsatisfied with the answer, but I can understand it.  Eric had too much respect for his friend to betray his trust.  He had the potential to be a great Alpha.

Digging into my lunch I listen as the two boys continue to answer lighter questions.

Questions about favorites and preferences for the most part, although a few other questions made their way into the conversation.  They take turns eating as we question them.  Every time some one asked about their friend or the past they freeze up and refuse to give an answer, forcing me to believe something horrible happened.