"What the hell was that?" I turn to the guys. They're all staring at me curiously. I can see that Alexander is trying not to smirk. It only infuriates me more and I walk over to punch him in the arm.

"Calm down, Spunk." Alex rubs his arm. His icy eyes narrowing at me.

Oh no he didn't, my wolf starts growling and it comes out of my throat. My eyes dilating. She does not like being told to calm down. It's condescending and I'm already furious.

"Kole," Matthew's much gentler voice draws my attention. "We just thought Wayan would get a bit jealous. We didn't expect him to get violent."

"Why the fuck would he get jealous?" My voice isn't leveling out. I'm so enraged. Not just at Way, but at myself. At these three. My wolf's emotions are getting the better of me. I can't pinpoint what I'm angry about at this point.

I can't believe that Wayan got angry. I can't believe he threw punches at Killian. He's always let me fight my own battles and he certainly has never reacted so poorly towards a man I was sleeping with. The worst part is, I don't think he actually was jealous. Not that I would want him to be. I'm usually the crazy the crazy jealous one.

Fuck. I'm angry at myself. I snapped at him and he looked hurt. He actually looked so confused and hurt that I didn't know what to do. I don't think I said anything spiteful. I'm angry but I'm right too. He's not my Mate and I'm not his so I don't understand the sudden protectiveness.

It makes me feel strange and weird. My stomach turning and I felt something inside me when I yelled at him. When I said he isn't my Mate. It was like my wolf and I were punched in the gut and I didn't know what to do about it. It hurt Way. I know it did. It hurt me and I don't know why.

"We think you're Mates." Aiden says it so matter-of-factly. Instant regret crossing his face as the color so visibly drains from his cheeks. Especially when I turn to face him. The fire in my eyes clearly evident.

I blink a few times—my wolf and I shell shocked. She's pissed. Her anger slowly coursing through my veins and making me irrational. I put my hand up, "Oh my Goddess. I'm sorry, did I miss this week's edition of Wolf Magazine?"

"What was the headliner?" I growl, "King Golden Boy Endorses Affair Under His Roof?"

Alexander let's out a small snicker that he quickly covers with a cough when I send him a glare. I ignore him, taking a few steps towards my King. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Retreat." Matthew mutters under his breath to Aiden as my fist clenches at my side.

"You might be the King," I point into Aiden's chest. He's visibly trying to control his wolf because I'm defying his Royal status. His Royal Aura starting to show himself like he's telling me to watch myself. My wolf whimpers but I push through her pain. "But that doesn't make you the Moon God and it certainly does not give you three the right to make bullshit assumptions between me and my best friend."

I need to control my wolf before she comes out. I'm trembling from rage, and I realize that my claws have come out. Taking a few more breaths I find the control to push her back before I morph. I decide to think of the lighthouse and sunsets. Watching movies with Wayan and singing in his Jeep. It doesn't help all the way.

I stomp over to the dresser where I drop the sheets. I feel hot and cold, letting the air cool my body as I lean over the small vanity dresser. I can feel three pair of eyes on my naked torso while I pull out one of Wayan's sweatshirts that he left the other night. It smells like home and it helps calm down my wolf and me. I lazily put it on, taking deep breaths with closed eyes. Letting the smell of ocean hit me.

"Oh," Alexander throws his hands up. "Bullshit!"

I snap my eyes at him, I can feel that my gaze is black at his little outburst. My wolf is livid, and we can't think straight. Not with these three here making us feel like we're under a microscope. I feel weird. I feel nervous. I push it down. Deep down into the pit of my stomach. A small growl escapes me.

"You're a fucking dick." I snap at Alexander.

"You're both just really close." Alexander shrugs. His accusation that we can only be close because we're romantic makes me see red. I suddenly slam my fist against the drawer, the wooden front cracking under my pressure. I'm sure I just destroyed some antique drawer, and I don't care.

"He's all I fucking have!" I snap at them. My admission surprising all of us—including myself.

I don't like arguing with Way. It's unnatural and uneasy for me. It puts me into a state of perpetual concern. If he starts hating me, then who's left? Way is the only rock that I have. The idea is depressing and scary. My wolf helps me shove it down deep into an internal abyss.

They wouldn't understand. Maybe Aiden could understand because he lost his parents but I'm sure he was shrouded in love until their untimely deaths. Matthew has mentioned his parents a few times. Alexander hasn't spoken at all about his—it must be nice when someone doesn't pry into your personal life.

I hastily put on a pair of jeans. My hand slamming the drawers shut as pieces of wood fall to the ground. I walk out of my room, making sure to shoulder the three guys as I leave. Their auras suddenly feeling guilty.

I have two options. I can try to go after Wayan and reconcile what just happened. Or go apologize to Killian over the fact that he got punched twice. I decide on the former. Knowing well enough that Way needs to get his steam out. He won't be in the mood to talk for a while. Whenever he's angry or frustrated he likes to do what I do and run. Not wanting to be bothered.

I head over towards the northern tower. According to Wayan, it's where other supernatural beings live. There are all kinds of supernatural's strolling through this part of the castle. You'd think it was an academia like Hogwarts. I pass by a group of elderly nymphs and a vampire who must have been around at the age of Christ because his sandals scream Jesus.

The walk through the castle does calm me slightly. I think most people step out of my way like I'm a rock in a stream. It's a beautiful sunny day which means there's plenty of light illuminating the old halls. I even manage to enjoy some of the artwork as I make my way through the castle.

After searching around for a while and following my sense of smell, I find Killian in a courtyard. He's sitting under a beautiful tree with a few rocks and stones in front of him. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was performing an incantation although I'm quite sure it's just a simple spell.

"Hey," I greet him with caution. He looks up at me, surprised to see me. A bit shocked like I've thrown him off. The smell of magic hitting my nostrils as he waves his hands over the rocks. I realize that he was levitating them off the ground as they sink into the grass.

After glancing behind me, he smiles curiously. "If it isn't my favorite wolf."

I point at a spot next to him and he nods for me to sit. "I'm sorry," I tell him. "About what happened."

I glance at his face—seeing that the bruise isn't even there anymore. He notices me staring and offers a small smile. "I asked one of my friends to cast a spell to get rid of it." He chuckles under his breath, "I don't think it would be pleasant if my face was the same color as my eyes."

He waves his hand over the rocks, and they suddenly move into a pouch he has. Magic lingering. Leaning back on his elbows he stares at me, "Your Wolf-boy still indignant?"

"His name is Wayan." I defend him instantly. My wolf and I might be angry but we're always going to defend Way.

Killian raises his eyebrow with a smirk, "Was I a means of making him jealous?"

I frown, "Why would you say that?"

"Well," He rolls his eyes. "I got beat up, Kole. I think it's a valid thing to ask. Sex with you was worth the two punches though."

Killian winks at me, and I can't help but chuckle at his banter. At least he's free-spirited like me. He was an exceptional lay. I didn't have to fake orgasm or anything. He did also show me a few things with magic that were dirty and sensual. Things that not even my vibrator could do.

It doesn't click in my head why Way became so violent. I'll have to tell him later that I spoke to Killian again and I know it's only going to upset him. The realization that sitting here talking to Killian might make Wayan even more angry crosses my mind. But I don't particularly care right now. Way had to no right to get aggressive.

"He hates you." I can't help but say.

"Really?" Killian pretends to look astonished. "News to me."

I chuckle again but go silent. Unsure what to say to him now. At least he's not angry with me. This is new territory for me. I'm usually someone who tosses their sexual partners out to never speak to again. But Killian seems like someone I would get along with and I've never had Way beat up a guy. I just don't understand...

"It's because of the Deepest Desire." Killian says like he's read my mind. I look up at him, his purple eyes locked on my face. He's trying to read me. I wonder if he knows magic well enough that would work to get into my head.

I can't help but wonder suddenly, "What kind of Gift do you have?"

Every Witch or Warlock learns the fundamentals of magic. But the only way they find their Covens or get access to training is because they're born with a Gift. Some have the Gift of Healing. Others the Gift of Foretelling. I remember when a Witch came to the Port who was rumored to have the Gift of Beauty. She looked alright I guess...maybe witches aren't normally as good looking as wolves.

Killian hesitates. His gaze suddenly shifting to the ground, his hand skimming over the blades of grass. "Mind Warping."

My wolf stills—a rumble forming in her throat. But I don't let it come out. That's so exciting. And incredibly cool. No wonder he's being trained here at the Palace. He has one of the rarest Gifts in the world. It gets a bad reputation because it tends to be associated to psychological torture.

"Dangerous," I lean back with a grin. He's caught off-guard by my reaction. Clearly not accustomed to it. I'm sure he's made people run for the hills with that confession. "No wonder King Aiden keeps you reigned in close."

Killian breaks a smile. Maybe he's not used to being accepted and I understand that. My wolf relaxes slowly. Killian picks a rock from his small collection, twirling it in the air like he's a Jedi.

I watch his magic with interest but can't help it and state, "So that's why your Deepest Desire potion is so potent."

Killian nods slowly, "Your Wolf-boy was panicking the night you took it."

I stay quiet. Waiting to see if he'll add anything to it. People are always willing to share more when there's silence because they feel awkward otherwise.

"Listen Kole," Killian sits up straight. He places one arm on his knee, his body turned to me. "I've never seen that potion do what it did to you. You were knocked out for two days. That potion usually only lasts two hours. When I told Wolf-boy that, he freaked out. I was his little hostage until you came back around."

"Why'd I Trip so badly?" I ask curiously.

Killian stares at me. He's trying to figure it out too. He frowns, "I don't know...Usually, people see the power they want to feel. The money and luxury they want to own. The love they want to experience."

My eyes meet his suddenly. My wolf pawing in my brain. I didn't see power. I certainly don't give a rat's ass about money and luxury. But I did see a lot of love. The love I haven't had my entire life. Killian catches this movement of mine. His eyebrow raising.

"So, you're a secret romantic?" He smirks as a growl vibrates in my chest. He places his hands up in defense as he eyes me curiously, "I thought you were going to see power."

My wolf starts whining in my head. I can't help but remember what I saw that night. It's made me feel so strange ever since. The image of Wayan's hazel eyes flashing across me again. My heartrate speeding up slightly as I ball up my hand into the grass and dirt below. It's not possible. It can't be.

"I should have known," Killian continues with a small eye roll. "You wolves and your Mate mythology."

"I—"

He cuts me off which I don't appreciate whatsoever. "You saw him, didn't you?"

Killian's purple iris bear into my own. I won't give him the satisfaction of reading me. I keep my face still—unmoving. He takes a deep breath when he realizes I'm not going to tell him anything.

"That potion brings out our deepest and darkest desires," He tilts his head to the side. "Desires we may have yet to discover. Longings so deeply rooted that we don't consciously realize they exist."

"Poetic." I tease him. But his words sink deep into me. I think back to seeing my father. My mother. Those...make sense. What doesn't make sense is seeing Way's eyes. His hazel gaze and the way he claimed me as his.

No...

My wolf scoffs. No way.

Killian smiles gently, "You should talk to your Wolf-boy."

"Wayan." I correct him again.

"Yeah whatever," Killian snorts. "He punched me twice. It's Wolf-boy."

I let out a small laugh. Killian twirls a flat rock between his fingers. It looks like a skipping-stone. "He saw something too," Killian says. "It spooked him."

I decide to stand up. Brushing my butt off with my hands. Crossing my arms over my chest, "We're good, Killian?"

"Yeah. We're good." He smiles at me—giving me a wink. I'm just about to walk off when the flat rock elevates upwards until it's level with my face. The smell of Magic hitting me strongly as Killian levitates the stone.

"Take it." He tells me with encouraging eyes. Maybe I shouldn't be so trusting but nothing is setting off my alarm bells. I reach for the rock, seeing that it fits in my palm. It feels somewhat electric and static. Holding it in my hand, I move it slightly to the side. The thinnest point of the stone shifting so that it's pointing directly at Killian. Like a little compass that only points to him.

I look up at him and he raises his eyebrow devilishly, "If you need any more booty calls you know where to find me."

I laugh loudly, placing the rock in my pocket. Waving at him before disappearing into the castle. I take a deep breath, inhaling the smell of ocean and pine. My wolf and I less anxious now that we've spoken to someone. But more stressed as we harbor on Killian's words over his potion. I lean against a stone wall. My heart beating quickly in my chest as I try not to think too much of what my visions meant. Eyeing outside a window, I look out into the clear skies.

I feel the urge to hyperventilate. I want to talk to Way. I want him to comfort me because he's the only person who knows how. But he's angry at me. Or at least, I think he is. I take a few deep breaths. I hate feeling this...My mind utterly cluttered with Way.

***

I usually seek out trouble when I'm angsty. I think I've had some character development because instead of trying to steal some of the stuff in the castle, I did the proper thing and went on a walk through the gardens. It didn't help all the way. My wolf and I desperate to resolve things with Wayan.

Around lunchtime, I know the guys are probably in the studio. I muster the courage to face them. I did snap at them too. I've never felt guilty or bad over this kind of stuff, but we were getting along well and having a good time. I hope I didn't ruin my friendship with them. Maybe they'll push me away. I've probably overstayed my welcome at this point. They'll probably start asking Way to stop including me.

Brace yourself, I tell my wolf.

"Hey guys." I walk into the studio quietly. Aiden stands up first while Matthew's body turns in a chair to face me. Alexander eyeing me up and down from his own seat. They all seem surprised to see me as I stroll into the room. Stopping a few steps from the door. Their jaws dropping slightly.

"Kole," Matthew's the first to overcome the surprise. His kindness shows in this moment when he smiles gently. He sets his electric guitar down on the ground, standing a taking a step towards me.

Before I know it, he's embracing me in a hug. It makes my body stiff. I'm not one to enjoy or take part in physical affection unless it's sweaty and wrong. Matthew's embrace quick and soft. He pulls away to look at me, "We're so sorry, we didn't mean to intrude and start a fight between you and Wayan."

My jaw slacks. He's apologizing to me? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Aren't I always the one at fault? My wolf feeling warm and I quickly cement it.

"Yeah. You were right," Aiden adds quickly. He places his hands in his pockets. Matthew steps away from me to retake his seat. "We don't know what it's like to have such a close relationship. We didn't mean to fuck anything up."

My eyes zero in on Alexander as soon as he sighs. His remorse showing through, "Sorry, kid."

My shoulders sink down. I'm used to being picked on. Used to having no one except Way but it looks like the three of them are genuinely apologetic. They're looking at me with a tinge of remorse and so much guilt. The entire room feels coated in their guilt.

"Can we just forget about it?" Aiden asks. "Forget it happened?"

I break into a soft smile. "I love forgetting things have happened."

Alexander chuckles at my comment while Aiden and Matthew look relieved. Golden Boy ends up pointing at the keys that are pushed to the side, "Want to play with us a bit?"

Under any other circumstance, I probably would have jumped on it. Happy that the heartfelt moment is over. But I still haven't spoken to Way. I've been looking for him for a few hours now. Only stopping by my room to leave Killian's rock on my night desk.

I look around the room, "I...I need to talk to Way. Have you guys seen him? He won't let me through with the mind link."

"I can mind link him for you," Aiden offers. Of course, with his King abilities, he can force his mind link on anyone. Before he even gets the opportunity to, a whiff of ocean slowly creeps up on me from behind.

"No need." Way's voice comes from behind me. I turn around to see him leaning into the door frame, eyes focused on me. He's changed into some clothes. It looks like he's showered as well. His hair damp and he smells a tad bit like soap. I keep a hold of his hazel eyes. My wolf stirring in my head as he stares us down. Killian's words suddenly ringing in my head.

"Wayan, we're so sorry." Matthew starts his apology over again.

"I heard." Way's voice is short. His gaze unwavering from my own. I can tell his attention is completely focused on me and it makes me nervous. The edge of his lip curls slightly as he pushes a smile in my direction, "You still mad at me?"

I shake my head, my body jittery. I don't want anger to be there between Wayan and I. That's the last thing I could possibly want. We jest and we play around but we've never had an argument like the one we just had. It was too explosive.

I'm scared. I'll admit to it. It feels like the wall around me is cracking. Way is all I have. All I need. His eyebrows furrow like he can sense my energy. I bite my lip, "Are you mad at me?"

He shakes his head—a small and teasing eye roll, "When have I ever stayed mad at you?"

A breath I didn't realize I was holding suddenly releases. Way smiles, cocking his head slightly to the side. Gesturing for me to come over to him as he opens his arms out slightly. I step towards him and as soon as I'm in reaching distance he grabs my hand and pulls me close to him. I settle into his chest, letting him squeeze me close to his body.

He feels so tense. Leaning down, I can feel his cheek pressed against the side of my head. He takes a few deep breaths, his arm keeping around my shoulders to make sure I can't move. His body slowly relaxing.

"Can we go on a walk?" He asks me quietly against my ear. There's something bothering him. I can feel it. I know very well there are things I need to get out to him too. I start to feel nervous. I'm not a talker. I hope he doesn't expect me to be. But I know I have to...

I nod into his chest, pulling away slightly so I can look up at him. "Sure."

He smiles, his grip loosening. His eyes shift up to his friends, "We'll be back in a bit."

We're just turning when we hear Aiden speak up, "Wayan." There's a tinge of concern behind his voice. Like he's silently asking whether Way is angry at them.

Way gives them a breathtaking smile, "Come on, you guys. You're going to have to piss me off way more for me to break up the band."

It seems that even the three of the guys were worried they had pushed Wayan too far over the edge. The tension in the room deescalates instantly and I can see how happy they are to hear it. Way grabs my hand, pulling me out of the room before I can give the band any more comments.

We don't talk for a while. I let Way guide me out of the castle. Every so often, I'll feel his eyes on me. He'll give my hand a reassuring squeeze before he smiles. I'm not sure where he's taking us, but I hear the ocean waves crashing nearby.

"So I was thinking," I try to see where I stand. "Golden Boy has a whole lot of artifacts that he doesn't even notice. If I nabbed one, do you honestly think he'd mind?"

Wayan laughs, his head shaking. "Why don't you just ask him to gift it to you?"

I pout, "That's no fun."

"You and your thieving ways." Wayan chuckles under his breath.

"You've never run a heist with me," I smirk. "Don't you want to feel that adrenaline? That sensation of getting away with something bad."

Way raises his eyebrow at me, the corner of his lip raised in amusement. "Your appetite for transgressions is insatiable."

"Yeah well," I shrug it off. Way takes us to a small park. The castle behind us now. There are other wolves and supernatural's playing around inland. He and I walk towards the edge of the island where the ocean meets the bottom of the cliff.

I'm suddenly happy and uplifted by our conversation. Realizing that our blowout might not have been as bad as I had thought. I probably built it up in my head too much.

There's a small stone wall ahead of us where we can sit down. It's probably only three feet tall. Just a little way away from the sound of kids playing and people talking. I jump up on the wall—standing to look over the edge at the rocks where waves are crashing. It looks like it's low tide. The white waters aren't as bad as they usually look.

I walk along the wall—feeling slightly superior to Way now that I'm taller than him. It makes me smile. He stays beside me—feet planted on the ground as we walk along the edge.

"You're totally going to miss being here," Way chuckles.

"I get away with a lot of shit here," I tell him. "So, yeah."

He looks up at me with a smirk, "Or maybe you'll miss it because you're getting along with my friends."

"Oh, those three." I roll my eyes playfully. "Nah. They're lame."

"I can't wait to tell them you said that." Wayan laughs.

"Just tell Alexander he's lame." I smirk, walking along the protruding stones.

The sound of laughing families and people slowly dissolving away. There are two girls just ahead of me. From this distance I can't tell how far away they are but they're sitting on the wall, giggling with one another. Behind me, at the edge of the forest I see little kids playing. It's quite tranquil.

"Why just Alex?" Way raises an eyebrow.

"Because he hasn't kissed me yet," I smirk. "Duh."

Wayan laughs, standing up on the wall beside me. He walks behind me, the both of us extending our arms to our side like we're balancing acrobats. It's not hard to balance on the wall and even if we fell towards the water, there's still enough land to safeguard us. If anything, we're just doing it to be silly.

"So, you're on a mission." I can hear the amusement in Wayan's voice. I look over my shoulder and sure enough he's smirking.

"Hell yeah," I snicker. "To get a kiss from all your Alpha buddies. Two down, one to go."

I turn around, walking backwards on the wall so I can face Wayan. "Watch yourself," His eyes narrow at my legs and feet, but he's clearly entertained.

"You know Way," I grin. "I'm quite skilled."

"Uh-huh." Eye roll. "You're going to fall."

"Is that a challenge?" My gaze narrows at him. I place my hand out for him to stop. He does so—amusement evidently on his face.

I haven't done this in years. And by years, I mean when I was just first living with the Hurley's. I think back to those dumb gymnastic classes they put me in to see if I could learn discipline. I place my hands over my head. Wayan's smile fades away, "Don't."

Alright I'll need your help, I tell my wolf.

You got it baby. My wolf sends me a surge of energy. I lean backwards to do a back handspring. Managing to plant my feet firmly on the wall in my landing.

"Ta-da." I grin.

Wayan puts his hand over his mouth, laughing. "Goddess, you're so childish."

I smile at him, doing another one as he walks closer to me. I do a third one but as soon as my feet touch the wall, I realize that one of the stones isn't perfectly flat. I wobble for a moment, trying to find my balance before I feel Way's hands on my waist.

"Well, you're not going to make it to the Olympics like that." Way chuckles. I place my hands on his wrists, looking up at him. A few seconds pass by without Wayan taking his hands off me. So many seconds pass that I realize they're starting to linger.

Way's smile slowly disappears. His eyes scanning over my face as we stand in close proximity to one another. My heart starts beating far too quickly in my chest when he decides to snake his hands from my waist to around my body. Pulling me in closer so no space is left between us. My hands now lying on his biceps.

My wolf starts pacing in my head. I can't help but panic slightly and all I can do is stare at Way's eyes. Remember hearing him call me his. My mouth opens slightly as I try to keep a stoic face.

Do we want to be his? I ask my wolf.

She hesitates suddenly. Her silence deafening. Her voice so small that even in my head I barely hear it. Aren't we?

I watch is Adam's apple bob as he tries to collect his thoughts. His voice drops its playfulness, "I wasn't jealous..."

I have no words. He knows it. He knows I'm not going to say anything right now. "I just..." He tries to explain. His eyebrows furrowing together. "I just didn't want him to hurt you."

There's a sincerity behind him that I try not to let wiggle into my chest. This feels weird. It feels almost good. That's the problem. It feels too good. It's scary. And overwhelming.

"I saw something from that potion, Kole." Wayan sighs deeply. His eyes unwavering from me. He's bearing his eyes into mine. Unmoving and making me feel electric under his gaze. "I haven't felt the same since."

My mouth opens slightly. I don't want to say it out loud. I don't want to talk at all right now. I want to tell him a joke. I want to say, Maybe you just ate something bad. His vulnerability is throwing me off right now and it's petrifying.

My wolf is asking me to push away my feelings. Her instant reaction to bury anything and everything. This time, we both fight the urge to do that. I grip Way's arms harder, my head turning down to look at his chest. I can't bear to see the hazel.

Way is waiting for me to say something. That's evident enough. I swallow down my pride. My fear. My voice coming out quietly, "I saw something too, Way."

"And?"

Could Way ever love me unconditionally? Is that what I was meant to see? Or maybe I just wish he'll be there for me unconditionally.

"It's...weird." I don't know what else to say to him. I don't think I can open up that much. The wall around me is hardening by the second. Every fiber in my body is screaming for me not to.

Wayan places his forehead against mine and suddenly everything drowns out. I hear his breath hitch, my fingers starting to tingle, and my wolf also feeling stunned in my head. For the first time in my life, she's dead silent like she's eating popcorn and watching what's transpiring.

Many alarms are going off in my head—but not because it feels wrong. I should pull back. I should stop this right now before it goes any further. This is Way...my best friend. What if we cross a threshold, we can't make it back from?

And yet a part of me wants it to keep going. My body is frozen and stiff. But my heart feels warm and inviting. I feel the cement around my heart chipping away. This is too vulnerable for me. Only I realize he's being vulnerable with me too.

Way uses his forehead to nudge my face up to his. He tilts me in a way that my eyes are aligned along his. So beautifully hazel. Full of unspoken words but I can read it. I can read him. There's a longing I've never seen before. His usual silliness replaced with reverence. Adoration.

I stop breathing. I've never felt this way. Butterflies erupting in my stomach as I feel his arms squeeze me impossibly closer. His nose brushes against mine and I can feel the warmth of his breath against my lips, "Kole...I—"

A sudden scream behind us pulls us away. I know very well that Wayan was about to kiss me, and I was going to let him. I was going to let him press his lips to mine and I was excited. Why the fuck would I be so excited? My wolf hitting me with confusion, and I feel it deeply rooted into me. I take a breath of air now that Way isn't so close.

Except now, the both of us are turned to a girl who's screaming and pointing over the edge of the cliff. She looks mortified as we hear a loud splash below us. Her eyes instantly traveling to Wayan and me as we're the closet people here.

"She fell!" The girl cries out, "She was trying to pick a flower and she fell!"

Wayan and I rush over to the side of the cliff and sure enough, there's a young woman sputtering up for breath. It's a fucking miracle she didn't hit any rocks. I look around the edge of the cliff until I see a way to make it down. It's on the other side of a cliff, a good bit of swimming.

Wayan seems to catch onto my same thought. He starts pointing towards the small rock formation where there are less waves. He's shouting at her to swim over there but her friend is in hysterics crying.

"She can't swim!" The friend cries out. Tears streaming down her face, "She's a tree nymph."

"Shit," I mutter under my breath. The girl is sputtering and flopping around. I can hear her coughing and the waves are crashing over her. I turn to look at Way—my eyes flickering to the small rocks that are uncovered because of the low tide, "Meet me over there."

"Don't you fucking dare, Kole!" He shouts at me, his hand reaching for my wrist.

"I'm a better swimmer than you," I hastily yank his hand off my wrist and offer him an encouraging smile. I take a few steps back to sprint off the cliff. The farther out, the less likely I'll hit a damn rock. Way shouts at me, but I'm already running towards the edge.

"Kole!" He yells so loudly but I've already launched myself over. Keeping my feet under me and praying I don't hit any rocks. I hear Wayan shout, "Fuck!"

I hit the water and it feels like I've landed in an ice bath. The pacific northwest never ceases to amaze me how cold it can get. Even in the summer. Under the water, everything feels slightly calm. But as soon as I breach the surface, I realize how gnarly the waves are. The currents pushing me towards the rocks.

I hear Wayan above me, shouting my name. As soon as he see's I've surface, he starts running along the cliff edge towards the little beach I told him to meet me at. I look around, seeing the girl in my peripheral vision.

Watch it, Kole! My wolf shouts in my head as a large wave suddenly washes over us.

I hold my breath, deciding to swim underwater towards the girl. It's helpful—to a certain degree. My wolf sending me as much energy as she can. At least helping me keep my body warm. My eyes dilating in black as I let her take some control over my body.

I reach the tree nymph, her hands and arms latching onto me for dear life. "I got you," I tell her but she's so scared. She's gripping me in such a way that makes it hard for me to swim. The extra weight pulling me down.

She's coughing up water and another wave sends us under. I hold my breath as long as I can, pushing her to the surface as she struggles.

Fuck, I tell my wolf. Fuck fuck fuck.

I grab the girl as best as I can, using every bit of my strength to pull us against the current of the waves. A wave hurls in an unwanted direction and I feel a rock jab into my thigh. Pain shooting up quickly. I bite my tongue to stop from screaming out.

I manage—somehow. By the grace of some deity out there, to pull us to calmer waters. Where the tide is lower. But the rocks are everywhere. I can see Wayan climbing down the cliff. He's jumping and maneuvering himself so quickly you'd think he's a ninja. His eyes are planted on me, and I can see how dark they are. Clearly laced with worry.

The waves slow down, and it becomes easier for me to swim. My limbs suddenly exhausted as I trudge us through the water. I finally get to a rock that's elevated enough we can sit on it without the force of the waves pushing us off. I collapse on it, the water washing over me but at least the worst of it is over—the white caps into the distance. My panting sporadic as I cough water and try to get full breaths of air. The girl lying next to me also coughs up more water.

"Thank you." She says to me. I turn to look at her. Her dark hair in her face. Small features. Brown eyes that look oddly similar to Wayan's. But they're too dark to be hazel. She looks our age. Mature but not childlike.

I don't have words. I just wave my hand at her, a groan coming from my mouth as I sit up to inspect my leg. It's not so bad. My healing should take care of it in a few hours. I might need to bandage it though.

"I'm Diana." She tells me gently.

"Don't pick flowers by a cliff, Diana." I tell say with a humorless laugh.

"Kole!" Wayan's voice catching our attention. We both look over our shoulders. He's at the foot of the formation. We still need to swim over but at least it's not that bad. It's probably fifty feet away. And the water is much calmer. This time, we can use the waves to our advantage and use the smaller currents to take us his way.

"Come on," I tell Diana. She grabs onto me, my leg feeling awful until I'm in the water where I don't feel the gravity.

I let the water drag us to where Way is waiting. He extends his hand out to me, hoisting me up effortlessly on the rocks next to him. I hiss as I stand next to him. My eyes going to my leg. There's a wound that's bleeding but I quickly apply pressure.

"Where are you hurt?" Concern laced in his expression. His eyes follow mine until he sees the deep wound. He takes his belt off, creating a makeshift tourniquet around my leg. It should start healing once I bandage it.

"Don't ever do that to me again!" Way's eyes meet mine.

"God dammit Kole!" He grabs my shoulders, shaking me slightly, looking directly at me. His expression petrified as he pulls me close to him in an embrace. "Are you fucking crazy?"

"I'll be fine." I wave my hand at him, pushing him away. Giving him a reassuring smile that I'm okay. I flick my eyes towards the nymph. "Check on her."

He turns to Diana as she slowly stands next to us. Her hand landing on his arm to stabilize herself on the unsteady and slippery rock.

I watch—utterly and completely helpless as Wayan makes eye contact with this girl. His body stiffens, eyes widen. An iridescent glaze suddenly washing over his hazel eyes like the color of the rainbow. Like sunlight on an oil spill. Briefly glowing in teal.

Way's breath catches, his face stills as he mutters one single word, "Mate."

The waves, the seagulls. Every single noise suddenly vanishes. I feel like I'm underwater again. Drowning. My wolf growls in my head, Oh hell no. 

***

A/N: Massive cliffhanger you better comment your thoughts!!! I read EVERY comment!!!