Chapter Fourteen:

The drive home didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would.  My hate filled thoughts occupied my time and made it seem to pass quickly.  My thoughts only proved one thing; I had a slight anger problem and I could conjure up some pretty sadistic images when I was pissed.  I was a little ashamed to admit how gruesome my cognitive processes became when I was in such a rage.  I thought up at least a hundred different ways I wanted to torture King Finnian. 

It slightly worried me at first, but I soon just went with it.  I knew my fury was a cover for the heartbreak I was currently feeling.  Anger I could deal with.  Anger was easy, I had someone to blame; King Finnian.

If I let myself feel the pain and sorrow that I buried deep inside, I didn't know what I would do.  I'd have no one to blame but myself, since I was apparently the problem.  I couldn't face that yet, so I focused on my energy on hating him.

The music made it easier.  The first two hours of my drive were made in silence.  The only time any noise was emitted in the SUV was when another driver pissed me off and I screamed insults at them.  My insults had gotten very creative and a lot more frequent.

After my two hour silent stewing, I felt the need to blare the radio as loud as it could go.  Unfortunately I had left my phone behind, so I was stuck with nothing but the radio.  Fortunately, fate seemed on my side for once, because the songs that played seemed to fit my mood perfectly.  If some sappy love song started, as soon as I changed the station, a more appropriate song would come on.  It was nice to have angry songs the entire time that I could blare and scream along to.

The songs varied in genre. I listened to everything from I Hate Everything About You by Three Days Grace to Jar of Hearts by Christina Perry to The Kill by Thirty Seconds to Mars.

And, of course, Taylor Swift.  I found myself suddenly happy that every other one of her songs was an angry breakup song and that every station seemed to play her on a loop.  Bad Blood and I Knew You Were Trouble weren't quite as easy to sing spitefully as some rock music, but they worked nonetheless.

After three hours of none stop screaming angry lyrics, I finally reached the Keating Pack Territory.  I had yet to talk to any member of my family.  I felt Matt and Dalton pushing against my mental barriers, trying to mindlink with me, but I blocked them out.  Surprisingly enough, I hadn't heard from anyone else, letting me know that Matt hadn't called home to let them know I had left.  My only guess was that Kat had convinced him to let me be for a while, see what I did next before he got me in trouble with Dad.  I was extremely grateful to her.  I wasn't ready to deal with my parents or brothers.  Meaning my next move would have to be sneaky.

I pulled the car over on the territory line.  I waited for a few seconds for someone to greet me.  Humans would just drive right through, even though that didn't happen often since our little town was out of the way and away from any major roads.  But werewolves could sense the boundary line and would stop.  Dad had men doing rounds, so there was always at least five wolves hiding in the woods, guarding the road where our territory started.  Not to mention, the entire outer edge of the boundary line in case someone tried to come in through the forest instead of the road.

The car idled and I turned the radio down low, waiting for someone to come over.  I was keeping my fingers crossed that it was someone I knew, who wouldn't mindlink Brody that I was here.  I got lucky as I saw an old friend walk out of the woods, around the front of my car, and stop by my window. 

I rolled my window down, letting the fresh, cool air blow in.  It was considerably warmer here than the castle, but since twilight had set in, the air had a slight chill to it.  

I smiled brightly, not letting my foul mood show, as I took in the face of Theo Anderson, my ex-boyfriend from high school.

"Kendall, what are you doing here?  No one told us you were coming back?"  He sounded surprised, which was warranted.

"It was a last minute trip.  I was homesick."  I put on my best smile and looked at him through my eyelashes flirtatiously.  "I actually didn't tell them I was coming.  I wanted to surprise them in the morning.  Could you maybe keep it between us that I'm here?" 

He hesitated.  "I really want to, but you know how Alpha Jefferson is.  He wants us to notify him or Brody of anyone who enters the territory."

I pouted my lips and widened my eyes.  I stuck my hand out the window and rested it on his bicep.  "Please, Theo?  For me?  I'll take all the blame, I promise.  You know they only have that rule to make sure no one can cause trouble, and that's the last thing I want to do.  You know you can trust me." 

He finally relented, giving me a charming smile.  "Fine, only for you.  If Brody asks me though if anyone came through, I'm not going to lie."  He warned me.

"Okay, that's fine.  Thanks."  I leaned out and kissed his cheek, lingering for a few seconds.  I pulled back with a smile, wiggled my fingers at him, rolled up my window, and continued down the road.  

I made it to my house in record time.  I pulled the SUV into the garage, which was empty besides my car, and shut the garage door behind me so no one could see I was here.  I was pretty sure Selena was the only one home, since her car was the only one parked in the driveway, but I couldn't be positive.  The vehicles here were never a good indicator of who was home, since we ran a lot.  Our town had no humans living here, so we could run in wolf form wherever we wanted.  It wasn't uncommon for one of us to leave our car somewhere and run home.  I just hoped that Mom's earlier information was still valid.

After the garage door was completely shut, I exited the SUV and walked in through the side door that led into our kitchen.

The kitchen, living room, and dining rooms were just as I had left it.  There was a covered glass jar that was filled with an assortment of cookies.  Mom always kept it stocked with homemade cookies, there for us kids and for guests.  The kitchen was clean, like always, only a pizza box on the center island.

The TV was off for once and the couches were unoccupied.  There was no one standing in front of the fridge or pantry or sitting at the bar, eating something.  I wasn't used to seeing the house so empty and quiet.  The only thing I could hear was one lone TV upstairs.

Growing up as the Alpha's daughter and with three siblings, our house was usually filled with people.  I don't remember a time where I was ever really alone in the house.  Even if all my siblings were gone, we usually had other pack members hanging around.  Whether it was someone's friend, someone here to see Dad, a pack member who was helping Mom or who Mom was helping.  It was always someone.

I didn't like the quiet stillness.  It felt wrong.

I frowned and walked out of the room towards the stairs.  I barely made it to the top before Selena burst out of our bedroom, which was at the end of the hall and to the right of the stairs.  She looked ready to shift and fight, but relaxed once she saw it was just me.

"What the hell are you doing here?"  She demanded.  She sniffed the air, her face scrunching up in confusion.  "And what is that smell?" 

"I live here, idiot.  And what smell?" 

She sniffed the air once again, but ignored my question and forgot about the smell.

"You're supposed to be at the castle.  Why are you home?"  She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a pointed stare, her eyebrow tilted upwards.

"Because I wanted to come home."  I answered vaguely.  I walked towards her.

"Does Dad know you're here?"  She followed me into our room when I walked around her and inside.

It too was just like I left it.  The walls were still lavender.  My bed was still pushed into one corner, parallel to hers.  It was still a wooden four poster queen sized bed with cheetah sheets and comforter.  It was still messy and unmade and covered in clothes.  The TV was still on, Netflix still up.  Clothes were still haphazardly flung everywhere and our desk and bedside tables still littered with dust and other crap that probably needed to be thrown away.

I breathed a sigh of relief that at least my room still felt lived in, especially with Selena nagging in my ear, like usual.

I turned to her as I finished taking in our bedroom.  I matched her stance as I crossed my arms over my chest as well and cocked my hip to the side.  "No, he doesn't.  And you're not going to tell him."  I narrowed my eyes at her threateningly.

"He's going to find out, Kendall.  He's only gone for the night.  He'll be back in the morning."

"Well, he'll find out then.  But he sure as shit better not tonight, not from you."

"Fine, but only if you tell me why you're here."  She relented and walked passed me and plopped down on her bed, still facing me.  I did the same on my bed and looked at her as well.

I groaned in frustration, not wanting to confess everything.

"Things didn't work out, now I'm home."  I grumbled bitterly.

"Gee, what a detailed story.  Now care to expand a bit?"  She said dryly.

I glared daggers at her.  "No, actually, I don't.  You'll find out when I'm damn good and ready for you to."  I stood up.  "Now, we're going out.  I need to have some fun tonight and get wasted."

My earlier mimosa buzz had long since worn off and I needed a drink more than anything.  I needed to have a crazy night where I could drink and dance my pain away.  I needed a night like I used to have.

"You want to get wasted?  That's not like you anymore."  She mumbled.

"What are you, my mom?"  I looked at her in annoyance. 

"No, I'm not.  I'm your sister and I'm kind of worried about you."  She admitted.

"Get over yourself.  All you do is party, so don't give me shit because I need a night of fun.  Now you can either get ready and go with me, or you can sit down and shut the hell up and I'll go alone.  Your choice."  I snapped.

I knew deep down I was being a bitch and she didn't deserve my hateful attitude, but I couldn't stop myself.  She was the only one around and I couldn't keep my anger in.  She glared up at me, but stood up anyways.

"I'm only going because someone needs to watch your dumbass tonight.  And why don't you take the bitchiness down a few notches." 

"Why don't you quit being so sensitive?"  I suggested sarcastically.

I walked into our walk-in closet before she could respond.  She followed behind me, looking on her side.  Luckily, I still had plenty of things to wear despite leaving all my clothes behind.  I had packed nice things, so they were all still there, but all my reveling party clothes were here.  When I had packed my bags, I didn't think I'd have any use for them.  I wasn't planning on partying while I was at the castle and I needed to look presentable.  Maybe I should have shown more skin?

I shook my head and pushed my insecure thoughts away.  I didn't want to think about him tonight and I was certainly done feeling insecure about myself.

I rifled through my clothes, frowning as I went.  Nothing was right.  Nothing until the last outfit.

I plucked it off with a smile, pulled out a new bra and underwear from my drawer and stripped off my clothes, not caring that Selena was still in the closet with me.  It wasn't like we hadn't seen each other naked before.

I got dressed quickly and walked over to our floor length mirror hanging from the door.  I looked myself over from all angles and smiled happily. 

Selena's jaw dropped when she turned around after pulling on a pair of black shorts and a loose olive green V-neck with black combat boots.

"You look like you're getting dressed to work the corner, not going to a house party." 

"You're just jealous that I'm hotter than you."

Truth be told, I was showing way too much skin, but it's what I was going for.  I had on a pair of torn high waisted blue jean shorts.  They were short, barely covering the bottom of my butt.  I had on a tight black lacy crop top.  There was about five inches between the bottom of the shirt and the top of my shorts, reveling a lot of skin.  The top was low cut and I had paired it with a lacy black pushup bra.  It made my boobs look bigger than they really were and showed way more than was appropriate.  I paired it with a pair of black sandals, since heels would be too hard to dance in. 

I had the outfit for a few years now, but had never actually worn it before.  I bought it without actually trying it on first.  I didn't realize it showed so much skin until I got home and put it on.  I always meant to return it, but just forgot to.  It had been hanging in my closet unworn, since I usually liked to keep something to the imagination.  Not tonight. 

"If anyone asks you how much for an hour, tell them you're off the clock."

"Ha ha."  I mumbled dryly.  I walked passed her and into our bathroom.  I added dark eyeshadow and winged black eyeliner to my eyelids, making my mossy green eyes look darker.  I put on a few coats of mascara, touched up a few other spots on my face, and painted my full lips with matte burgundy lipstick.

As I took in my overall final look, I was pleased.  I looked hot.

Selena had already finished and was waiting for me in our room. 

"Are you sure you don't want to at least add a cardigan?" 

"It will get hot with a cardigan."  I shrugged off her request.

"Maybe at least a different shirt?  Your boobs look like they're about to fall out."

"Stop nagging me."  I demanded.  "You sound like a prude." 

She rolled her eyes.  "Whatever.  Let's just get this over with."

We left our room and the house.  We didn't bother to lock the door when we left; we never did.  Even if someone was stupid enough to break into the Alpha's house, a lock wouldn't keep a werewolf out anyways, so it would be pointless.

We decided to take Selena's red Mustang.  It was filled with trash and clothes; I had to throw a ton of shit in the backseat before I could actually get in.

She started her car and I immediately took over her radio.  I sent a silent thanks to whoever controlled the songs playing because Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold started.  I turned it up as loud as it would go, or as loud as a werewolf could tolerate anyways.  The bass thumped against my leg as the angry music blared around us.  I screamed along to the words.

After the first chorus, Selena turned it down and looked at me strangely.

"What?"  I snapped in annoyance.

"You sound so mad... and bitter.  What happened?"  She seemed rather worried now.

"I told you I don't want to talk about it.  Back off." 

I cut off any further reply as I turned the music back up and started singing along.  I didn't ask where we were going and I didn't really care.  As long as they had booze and people, it didn't matter to me.  I knew Selena would know of a party going on, which is why I even included her to begin with.  She always knew of the best parties.

By the time the song was finished, she was pulling down a dead end street.  It was secluded from other houses, so no one had to worry about noise complaints.  I could hear the music thumping from down the block.  I dulled my senses as much as I could.  I knew a couple drinks would also help with that.

Selena maneuvered into an open spot.  Cars were littered up and down the private street, the driveway even fuller.

She shut off the car and we both got out and walked towards the house.  The house was vaguely familiar, but I wasn't sure who it belonged to.  I knew most people around our age, and by that I mean within twenty years of us, but I didn't know everyone. 

The front yard had several stragglers.   A couple people were throwing up in the rose bushes already, lightweights, and a few people were sitting on the porch railings, passing a joint around.

We walked through their cloud of smoke.  They recognized us, even though I didn't know them, and bowed respectfully.  Even when they were high, they could still sense someone of Alpha blood.

We nodded and continued to the front door.  Selena opened it and let us in without knocking.  The house was of decent size, but was packed full. Some rap song I didn't know was playing, the bass pounding against my eardrums.  The living room and kitchen were in front of us.  The living room was full of dancing bodies, some of them dry humping.  The kitchen was full of people standing around talking, making drinks, even a couple of people laid across the counter tops, doing body shots.

I grabbed Selena's wrist and pulled her towards the kitchen so we could get a drink.  She followed behind me, although she seemed reluctant.  Once we made it further inside, I could see through the windows into the backyard.  It was even fuller than the house, but had more room since it was a spacious backyard.  Some people were dancing, some were surrounding a keg.  There was a beer pong table set up on the big patio, which had drawn a large crowd.  People started cheering when one of the guys made the ping pong ball in a red plastic cup.  The other guy picked up the cup and chugged.

When we made it to the kitchen, Selena was pulled into a hug by a girl who was already drunk.  I dropped her wrist, rolled my eyes, and grabbed my own red plastic cup and filled it with Crown and Coke, adding way too much Crown than I usually would.  By the time my drink was made and I took my first large gulp, the girl released Selena and turned towards me.

"Who is this?"  She sipped at her cup.

I rolled my eyes again.  She was either really drunk or really stupid.  How could she not tell I was her sister?  Not only should she be able to sense my Alpha blood and put two and two together, but she should also see the resemblance.  Selena and I shared more features than we didn't.  

"This is my sister, Kendall.  Kendall, this is my friend Sarah.  This is her house."

I mulled over her name, trying to figure out if I had heard it before.  As I sipped at my drink, I realized I had heard it.  Selena had mentioned going to her parties a few times.  I had even gone with her once, but left before she could introduce us.

Sarah's grey eyes widened in excitement.  "Oh, it's so nice to meet you.  I've heard so much about you."  She practically yelled, causing me to flinch at her shill voice.

"Yeah, you too."  I mumbled, not even trying to sound convincing.

"I can't believe it's taken so long for us to meet."  She continued with the shill voice.

I quickly chugged the rest of my drink before answering and poured another, leaving out the Coke this time.

"What a shame."  I muttered insincerely.

"Kendall, don't be so rude."  Selena scolded me.

"Selena, back the fuck off."  I rolled my eyes at her.

Before she could say anything else, I refilled my cup again, after downing its contents first, and walked off, leaving her behind.  She didn't try to stop me, probably so she could apologize for my rudeness.

I took big gulps from my cup as I walked out of the house and into the backyard.  I scanned the yard, looking for a familiar face.  I got lucky when I saw a group of people standing around talking.  I went to school with all I them.

I made my way in their direction and received a hug from one of the girls when she saw me.

"Kendall!  What are you doing here?  I thought you were gone until next month?"  The girl pulled back to look at me.

Her name was Meredith.  We were pretty good friends in high school, but had drifted apart a bit after we graduated.  We still hung out sometimes, but we usually were busy with our own lives and didn't get to see each other much.

Around her were people I was also friends with, but not as much as her.

"Hey, Mere.  I just got back today.  Guess I missed home."

She nodded and accepted my answer.  I was glad she didn't probe further, because I didn't want to have to be rude to her.

"Well I'm glad you're here.  It's been months since we hung out.  Is Kat back too?"  She led me into the circle they had formed and we both sipped from our cups.

"Nope, just me. Kat, Matt, and Dalton are still at the castle.  Selena came with me tonight.  She's still inside." 

I inspected the faces around me closer.  I smiled tightly at all of them.  Once I reached the last guy in the group, my smile turned flirty. I don't know how I had missed him before.  This was perfect.

Standing on the other side of Meredith was none other than Theo, whom had let me into pack territory earlier.  When we dated in high school, it was never serious, but we used to fool around.  That was basically our entire relationship; going to parties together, getting shitfaced, and doing everything besides fucking. 

I hadn't been paying close attention earlier, but now that I was, I realized he was just as handsome as I remembered.  A nagging voice in the back of my mind told me that the look I was giving him was wrong, that he wasn't handsome and that I shouldn't think he was.  My need for retribution silenced that voice.

He was the opposite of him in every way possible.  He had shaggy blonde hair that was always messy, his look always disheveled, but it worked for him.  He had a surfer type of look.  His warm brown eyes always had a mischievous twinkle and he always had a grin on his face, showing off his deep dimples, which were easy to see on his clean shaven face.  He was almost always happy and always had a smile on his face.  His face was one of the most expressive I had ever seen.

He had a sexy body to match his pretty face.  He wasn't the tallest wolf I had ever seen, but he was a good seven inches taller than me, so it didn't matter.  He was leaner and not as obviously muscled as some wolves, but his body was still hard and well defined.  I had spent enough time in the past exploring it, so that I knew for sure.  He always dressed casually; he had on a pair of ripped, worn blue jeans, an old faded t-shirt, and a pair of tennis shoes.  A lot more casual than a suit.

He gave me a flirty look as well once his eyes landed back on my face.  "You look beautiful, as always, Kendall.  It's good to see you again."

"Thanks, Theo."  I said in the sultriest voice I could muster and looked at him through my lashes.  "I don't know how I forgot how handsome you are.  I'm glad I ran into you."

I sipped at my drink and looked at him over the rim.  When I pulled it away, I slowly licked the whiskey from my top lip, careful to not mess up my lipstick.  His expressive face showed desire and I smiled at him again.

"So how was your time at the castle?"  Meredith asked, drawing my attention away from Theo.

"Uneventful."  I muttered.

With the moment ruined, I tipped my cup back and swallowed the rest of the Crown inside. 

"You need another drink?"  Theo asked, ever the gentleman. 

"Yes, please."  My flirty smile was back.  "I'm drinking Crown.  Thanks, Theo."

I handed him my empty cup, brushing my fingers against his, lingering for a few seconds.

"No problem, beautiful."  He grinned down at me, then walked back towards the house.

"You and Theo seem to be picking up right where you left off."  Meredith said suggestively, wiggling her dark eyebrows.

"If all goes according to plan."  I giggled.

"Well you two are certainly a cute couple.  And he's always been super into you."

"As long as he's into me tonight." 

Meredith and the other girl, Tara, barked a laugh.  The other two guys were who standing with us had been called away, so it was just the three of us now.  Tara and I were friends, but never great friends.

"You seem different."  Meredith commented after her laughter died down.  She looked at me, scrutinizing. 

"Still the same Kendall."  I smiled at her, trying to be convincing.

"No, something is different about you.  Even the way you're dressing."  She glanced down at my outfit.  

"Just trying something new.  I've been locked up in the castle for weeks.  I just wanted to have some fun tonight and let loose."

She nodded, but looked like she still didn't believe me.  It didn't matter what she believed, so long as she kept her mouth shut.

"I'm gonna go find Theo.  It was good seeing you Meredith.  Let's get together soon, yeah?"  She nodded and we hugged again.  "Good seeing you too, Tara."  I wiggled my fingers at her in a wave goodbye.  She did the same and I turned and walked away.

I met Theo halfway and put the flirty smile back on.  He handed me my cup and our fingers brushed again.

"Thanks, handsome."  I batted my lashes and took another gulp from my cup, swallowing the burning liquor like a champ.  My stomach burned, but in the best way.

"Anything for you."  He winked at me.  "I brought the bottle."  He grinned and held up the half empty bottle of Crown.

"You're the best."  I pulled him into a hug, molding my body against his and even rubbing against him slightly.

I pulled back after a few seconds and grabbed his hand, intertwining our fingers. 

"Let's go sit." 

I pulled him over to the empty swing further in the yard.  We both sat down and I sat as close to him as I could get.  I crossed my legs slowly and let the bare skin of my calf rub against his.  He sat the bottle of Crown on the ground and rested his cup on the arm rest of the swing.  I rested mine against my thigh.  Our hands were still intertwined and the back of his hand was also pressed against my bare thigh, higher than my cup.

"I missed you, you know."  I told him before I lifted my drink to my lips, taking a long gulp.

"I missed you, too.  It's not the same around here without you."  He bumped his shoulder against mine playfully.

"Good thing I'm back for good then, huh?"

"A great thing."  He took a drink of his beer.

"So tell me..."  I drawled seductively.  "Are you seeing anyone right now?"

"Absolutely not.  Are you?"  He beamed down at me.

"I wasn't.  I am now."

  I chugged the last of my drink and threw my cup carelessly to the ground as I let go of his hand.  I uncrossed my legs and slung one over his lap, straddling him.  He grabbed my hips to hold me in place.  I leaned into him, letting my breasts rub against his chest.  My lips skimmed his jaw, up to his ear.  I teasingly bit his ear lobe before whispering softly in his ear.

"I'll always be drawn back to you, Theo Anderson."

His hands skimmed up my bare stomach until they rested right under my ribs, his palms warm against my cold skin.  Deep down, his hands on me felt wrong.  His body underneath mine felt wrong.  But I pushed that away and focused on the familiarity of his face and body.

"Dance with me."  I told him when I pulled away from his ear.

He nodded and kissed my cheek.  I got off of him slowly and grabbed his hand, pulling him up as well.  I grabbed the bottle off the ground and twisted the lid off.  I threw it down and took a long sip straight from the bottle.  I walked towards the makeshift dance floor with him right behind me with his hands on my hips.

Once we reached the mass of dancing bodies, we stopped.  I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck, the bottle hanging from my hand loosely, his wrapped around my waist, resting right above my ass.

It was dark outside now, the only source of light was from the moon and the bright porch light.  The grass was short and covered in a layer of dew.  It soaked my feet, making my toes colder.

I didn't recognize the song playing, but it was good to dance since it had a fast beat.  We moved our bodies sensually together.  My front was completely pressed against his, not an inch of space between us.  I ran my free hand over his shoulder and down his chest, raking my nails against his shirt lightly.

I turned around and started grinding my ass against him.  I threw my head back against his should as I chugged from the bottle and his hands wrapped around my front, drawing me even closer.  His hands splayed out against my stomach, his thumbs caressing the skin under my breasts.  

I continued to take long gulps from the bottle as I moved.  I felt his erection pressing against my ass, causing a small smile to pull at my lips.  His lips pressed against my neck, peppering kisses against my skin as my head rested against his shoulder.

The song ended after a few minutes, but another one started up right after.  I continued to move against him, letting my eyes flutter closed and losing myself in the moment.  I continued to drink, letting the alcohol numb me of everything.

It didn't last nearly long enough.  I suppose all good things must come to an end.  I heard my name being called and the music shutting off abruptly.  Through my alcohol induced haze, I managed to open my eyes and scan the yard for the source of the noise.

My eyes widened in surprise when I saw Tyler storming towards me, Selena right behind him.  I blinked hard, making sure the whiskey wasn't causing me to see him when he wasn't really there.  When I opened my eyes, he was even closer.  Guess he was real.

I vaguely felt Theo move away from me, but it was hard to tell.  My mind was wasted and confused.  He could have completely disappeared into thin air right now and I probably wouldn't have noticed.

Tyler stopped a couple feet in front of me and Selena stopped right by his side.  Had I been sober, I probably would have questioned why she stopped so close to him, but my mind was occupied with finding out why he was here.  

"Tyler?"  I muttered in confusion.

"Kendall, you're making a mistake."  He told me seriously.  His eyes left mine and looked over my shoulder.  I turned to see him looking at Theo.

"What?"  I continued to question, feeling disoriented.

"You don't want to do this.  I know you're angry and hurt, but you'll regret this."  His eyes shone with honesty.

"Are you talking about Theo?"  I managed to get out without slurring.

"Yes, that's what I'm talking about."

I snorted unattractively.  "At least he wants me."  I spat out at him.  The fog in my brain cleared, just slightly, as the familiar feeling of rejection and heartbreak churned in my gut.

"He wouldn't have sent me if he didn't want you."  His voice lost its hard edge.

"What are you two talking about?"  Selena asked, looking between us in confusion.

"It's not my place to tell you that, baby."  He looked down at her adoringly.  He grabbed her hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles.  My brows knitted together.  "Ask your sister."

Both their eyes turned back to me.  A shot of jealousy ran through me.  Not because of Tyler, but more because he could openly show Selena affection.  King Finnian would never do that to me.  It left a bitter feeling in my mouth, so I lifted the bottle again to wash it away.

Only it never made it to my mouth.  Selena slapped it out of my hand and it tumbled to the ground, landing sideways and spilling out.  I looked down at it, my mouth gaping open, then back up to her.

"What the hell was that for?"  I demanded.

"You're cut off.  You're practically dry humping Theo in front of half the pack.  You've had more than enough." 

"You're exaggerating and you're not my parent."  I yelled at her in frustration.

"No, I'm your older sister and I'm looking out for you."  She yelled back.  "Now what the fuck is going on?"

"None of your business."  I glared at her.

"It is my damn business, now tell me."

Before I could argue back, another familiar face stormed over to us.  Brody, his eyes narrowed murderously at me.

I gulped at his expression.

"Everyone go home, now!"  Brody boomed, causing everyone to immediately disperse.  The backyard emptied in record time.

Theo tried to walk away, but I grabbed his hand, not ready to let him leave.

"Kendall, so help me, you better let him go.  Now is not the time for games."  Brody said lowly, menacingly.

I pouted, but let him go.  He practically ran off.

"Explain why you're here.  Now."  He continued with his no nonsense, no arguments tone.

"I had to get away."  I muttered defensively.  I crossed my arms over my chest.

"From what?"  He growled.

I stubbornly kept my mouth shut.

"Kendall..."  He warned.

I finally exploded, the rage I had been feeling all day finally being released.

"It's none of your fucking business!  I don't have to tell you shit!"  I screamed at him, my voice taking a shrill tone.

He growled at me, but before he could speak, Selena stepped forward, away from Tyler and right in front of me.  Before I could speak, her palm landed hard against my cheek, knocking my head to the side.  Pain exploded from where her hand made contact.  I stared at her with glassy wide eyes as I held my heated cheek.

"Wake the hell up, you bitch.  We're your family and we love you.  Stop being so selfish.  I just met my mate and instead of getting to know him, we're both too focused on your drunken ass.  Stop being such an attention seeking little drama queen and tell us what happened so that we can help fix it."  She ended her rant with another slap, that I again, didn't see coming.

What I did next, couldn't be stopped even if I tried.  I let out a noise, that was half war cry, half scream of frustration.

I ran at her and tackled her to the ground like a football player.