So this one is for yet another and the final birthday fan :D this month. Happy Birthday hunni <3 <3 xoxo You got the longest chapter yet (doesn't mean I don't love my other birthday fans too, stop pouting guys)

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::CHAPTER 27::

Danyel's POV

I hate Tuesdays. It's like a second Monday and a pre-Wednesday all wrapped in one. You're as grumpy as Ri's wolf. I glared at the teasing beast in my head. You insulting little son of a bitch. Don't talk about our mother like that. His tone was adequately disapproving enough that I had no response. Grumbling about it all the same, I peered out the window and wondered whether or not to go for a run.

It was sunny out today. That could change in a heartbeat with Rondesdale's unpredictable weather. I pondered up at the deceptively cloudless sky. Just last night there had been torrential rains. Still…a quick run couldn't hurt. Second form? The animal's voice was so small and hopeful that the decision made itself.

"Alright, buddy. Second form run today," I said giving his tail a playful tug in my mind. He hated when I did that and, predictably enough, aimed a growl my way. I didn't apologize because he knew I was hardly ever sorry about messing with him. We were like siblings in that way.

Stripping out of my clothes, I took a breath and braced myself for the shift. Bones changed their size and shape, rearranged themselves and morphed from the very spirit of the animal into physical form. It still hurt but there was a certain pleasure-pain to it too. It was a relief from the heart of the animal to the soul of the human.

Ruffling out his fur, the animal bounded down the stairs and loped across the living room. "Danyel, sweetie. Good. I was just coming to talk to you," Aunty said as she spotted us leaving. The animal paused, far better behaved than he once was.

"You know your uncle and I can't stay here for the season, so I'm going to need you to keep a good eye on the house while we room at the den," she said. Ew. I don't need to have this conversation and I did not need to have those thoughts in my head. They're our aunt and uncle. This is a natural act. It's gross. Old people doing the nasty.

Evidently my emotions showed on the animals face because Aunty shot us a look. "Don't be a child about it," she rolled her eyes, "We've gone through mating season tons of times. I just need you to lock up the house properly. Stay out of the forest after dark unless Asher sends you and you have backup. And please eat actual meals that don't count as dessert. And for the last time, no. Donuts are not substitute bagels."

At my request, the animal tilted his head in question. "Oh, um. We'll be leaving tonight. No parties or 'alcohol sleepovers' or whatever else you want to call it this time. Richard is the exception of course. And Tommy if you want."

The animal sidled up to her and licked the back of her hand. "Yes, I love you too. We'll be back in a couple of days," she said before bundling the animal up into her arms in a big hug. He huffed about being handled like a pup, but I knew he liked the attention.

Uncle tossed him a piece of meat and pat his head, "Be good for me. No more house raves. And for the love of Ahmose, go to school." The animal huffed again but in a way that was clearly scoffing. "Good point. Look who I'm talking to, right?" Uncle said to the him, "Make sure he behaves." Stop insulting me. I'm right here! We're aware, human.

I retreated to a further corner of the animal's mind to sulk. I felt him mentally lick my face. You're lucky I like you. He let out a sound that was vaguely reminiscent of a laugh but not quite.

Amused and thoroughly petted by our aunt and uncle, he left the house with me in tow. He picked a scenic route and took off at a run. Early morning wind slipped cool and damp through his fur. Dew clung to his pelt and it felt even better to have the breeze blowing over it. The feeling was a phantom one for me but it was equally soothing. I stretched my limbs and enjoyed the experience.

The burn reached my own muscles and the grass was nice and rain-wet under my hands and feet. Birds were waking in the distance and the smell of cinnamon and buttery syrup came from a house in the distance. Coffee and toast wafted from another home and the warmth of fresh baked bread joined in. The wolf passed Orion's red headed waiter and the boy did a double take at the animal rushing past.

The sheer joy of the wolf was infectious. I laughed at the phantom wind whipping onto my face. There was something exhilarating about the scent of fresh air, rain washed trees and still damp soil coming from the animal's acute senses.

We didn't stop until the animal's body clock warned us that school would be starting in a while. There was enough time to get home, shower, dress, fix my hair and get to class.

It was as we were passing the intersection near Crusty's when we spotted a familiar form jogging toward us. The animal hesitated enough that the human man was able to fall into step with us. He glanced down at the animal and the recognition was so quick that I smiled. He knows. Yes, he does, the animal agreed before taking off at a slightly faster pace down the street. Richie laughed and sprinted after us.

There was something so complete about the moment.

The sounds of my wolf and my…Richie; happy and having fun with each other. They'd never met before now and my heart suddenly felt lighter to see that there hadn't been more than a split second before they were thick as thieves. Look at them. Together. Having a run with each other just like normal mates did.

I bit my lip. I liked this. I wanted more of it. It felt good. Right. Perfect. Yeah. That too. The wolf wasn't going full speed but he didn't want to. Not when he could have Richie beside him, sun rising higher in the cloudless sky and the village brightening around us.

We got to our houses and Richie was doubled over panting. He looked winded but so pleased with himself too.

Without warning, he dragged off his sweaty t-shirt from his back and slung it over his shoulders. The wolf's gaze raked over his tanned body and a pair of admittedly great legs. Only then did our focus turn onto probably the tiniest pair of running shorts we'd ever seen. Size not considered, it was damn near indecent how good he looked in them.

You sure he's ours? The animal sounded tentative, but he inched closer. He didn’t want his dominance to overwhelm the other man. This was the first time he was getting to see his mate through his own eyes and it was a bigger deal to him than I'd expected it would. It made sense in retrospect. He was the part of me that was truly mated after all. Of course he'd be nervous and anxious about finally meeting his other half.

I didn't have the heart to tell the animal that he wouldn't truly be ours because I wasn't going to accept anything. Instead I left him to inch closer and closer to the taller man and tried to ease his self consciousness. They hadn't talked in years. He was worried things had changed between them.

Busy adjusting the shorts onto his waist, Richie was still trying to catch his breath but his eyes took in everything about the animal. If it were possible, I'd say the wolf was blushing under his scrutiny. It's okay. He's cool. The animal knew that. He knew Richie almost as well as I did. But it was important to him that Richie like him too. He wanted his mate's approval. Wanted to be looked at like he was as accepted as his human.

In that moment, I worried about how much the animal had his heart on his sleeve. It would be so easy to hurt him right now. The wrong choice of words or a dismissal would be all it took. I hoped Richie didn't ignore him to talk to me first.

The animal shuffled forward a little more and looked up at the older man. Richie blinked down at him with the longest pause. Come on. Say something to him.

Richie got to his knees and searched our eyes. There was awe in his gaze. As if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. His eyes turned to the scars on the wolf's cheek. Ones identical to my own. The wolf ducked his head, not wanting his mate to look at it. That self conscious side of him opened a protectiveness in me. I swore I'd tear Richie a new one if he teased him about it or nicknamed him Scar as a joke some crap.

Very human fingers traced the pair of old claw marks. It was the only physical remnants from Orion's wolf's attack all those years ago. His exploring fingers ran across the pair of lines and back. I could feel them as though it were his touch brushing against my own cheek.

Richie stared at the gashes and turned his focus back to our eyes. He opened his mouth to speak and I held my breath, bracing the animal for the worst − just in case.

"Ahmose, you're beautiful," he whispered. I swallowed the lump in my throat at the animals happy voice, Did you hear that? Yeah, buddy. I did. He thinks you're beautiful, I said and teased, It's more than I've ever gotten. He thinks the same about you too. The tone was sure, not allowing room for doubt. I didn't comment on it.

The fingers moved from scar to muzzle. From there they inched toward his ears. They felt and petted and scratched. "This okay?" he asked as if it only just occurred to him to remember Chosen etiquette; ask permission before touching a wolf. The animal gave a thoroughly exasperated sniff before licking at Richie's wrist. The older man smiled and buried his fingers in the pelt. It was soothing and I found that I liked it. No wonder you're a sucker for a good back scratch. The animal ignored me.

He was busy letting Richie bury his face in his neck and hold him − us − closer. Skin to fur. An entirely different level of bonding; the acceptance of the animal blatant. It seemed that Richie didn't have to be told. He didn’t know about the mating but he understood that the animal had always been sensitive where he was concerned. Richie was one of the only people who could make the animal shy and unsure. Or who could bring out the pup in him.

Richie pulled away with a huge grin. "Look how big you turned out. I guess I still imagined some tiny pup in my head. But you're a grown wolf, aren't you?" he pet his back, "And a damn gorgeous one at that." The wolf ducked his head and shuffled his front paws. "Are you blushing?" Richie laughed, "Aww man. That's the cutest freakin thing I've ever seen."

Richie's eyes were bright getting to be around the animal. He hadn't talked to me once. I supposed it was a far more rare thing to talk with the wolf so I didn't take it to heart. Besides, the animal was so over the moon about this that I couldn't complain.

He couldn't get over how nice his mate was. How friendly and playful. Or how tall and strong. Or how handsome and attentive.

"Nye, have you been hiding him from me," Richie accused, "How come I only get to meet him by accident?" I rolled my eyes but smiled. It was like him to say something like that. He spent a little more time with the animal having a mostly one-sided conversation that he didn't seem to mind having at all. Suddenly he fished his cell out of his pocket. I wondered what black magic made it possible for anything to fit in the pockets of that scrap of fabric he was trying to pass off as shorts.

He checked what I assume was the time and frowned. "You should probably go shift so Nye can get ready for school, huh?" he said. The wolf nodded ruefully before nipping at his ear. Richie gasped at the affectionate gesture. His surprise wore off to be replaced with the biggest grin. I could kiss him for being so good with the canine side of me. For accepting us both as if it were second nature. It could have all gone so horribly and yet it didn't.

We left him outside and made our way into the house. The wolf didn't shift forms until we were in the privacy of the bathroom upstairs. I felt light on my feet. For the first time that I could remember, I sang in the shower. My voice was as terrible as I remembered it being, but I didn't care. There was no one around to hear and I was in a good mood. My wolf was in an even better one.

For a Tuesday, it didn't suck. Especially since school ended at lunch time for the teachers to have their staff meeting.

When I got back from home later on, I had to resist going over to Richie's house to see him. It was a task to keep reminding myself what was and wasn't typical friend-behavior. The incredible amount of time we spent together was getting ridiculous. It was a daily thing. I had to pace myself. I didn't want to feel like I was pushing myself into his space too much and bothering him. There was a line between trying to spend lots of time before your best friend left the country and spending every waking and sleeping moment together.

I had nothing to worry about. Richie was up in my room flipping through an auto magazine when I got there. "I let myself in," he said without looking up at me. He didn't bother to ask if it was okay. It had been okay for over a decade. There was no reason for it suddenly not to be.

Richie left me to do my homework in peace and didn't say a word while I worked. That didn't mean that I was any less aware of him all the while. He kept chewing on a single piece of red liquorice for the past hour. Usually he could go through a full bag of that stuff in like twenty minutes yet the rest of the bag was as untouched as it had been when I came into the room. Unless he'd gotten over his snack obsession and upped his oral fixation even more since he'd left something was up.

Filling in the last of my homework, I snapped my book shut and sat up to fix him with a stare. "I wanna ask you something," he cracked within the second. I inclined my head for him to continue. He resumed chewing on the end of the liquorice. He's nervous. Thank you, detective.

"Um. So Ackles Corp is celebrating their anniversary again and they're having this dumb party thing," he started with a deep breath, "The CEO and the board all have to bring a plus one. Y'know, like a date or something."

"And?"

"And it's probably going to be really lame and−."

"Do you want me to be your plus one?" I raised a brow, "You're asking me to be your date?"

"Yeah. Yes. God, I know it's weird. But there'll be press there and it'll be even more weird showing up solo to this thing. I mean it's black tie and really stuffy but−."

"Okay."

"What?"

"Okay. I'll go. No use having you die of boredom, right?"

"Oh," he calmed, "That was easy."

"The worst that could've happened was that I said no."

"Yeah, but I figured you'd hate these kinds of stuff."

"It won't be as bad if we suffer together," I smiled, "When's the shindig?"

"Did you just use the word shindig?"

"I did indeed just use the word shindig."

"You are such a loser. I don't know why keep you," he chuckled before stretching his legs, "It's tomorrow night."

"A bit short notice to go get black tie event clothes, don't you think?" I folded my arms.

"Yeah well I was planning on going alone, but Tommy insisted that I had to get a date or it'll be weird. Said I didn't want to be that lonely looking guy at the dessert table and the only one standing solo in pics."

"That's probably true. I guess I can find something."

"I can just buy you something to wear. I did just spring this on you, after all."

"No, it's fine. I think I have something I can use."

"You just have a suit laying around?"

"I never said that. So did Tommy suggest you ask me to go with you?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Richie nodded and rolled onto his front to lay on the side of the bed I usually preferred. My Chosen hearing picked up on him sniffing. "These pillows smell nice," he mumbled. I schooled my face into something neutral. It shouldn't have been a surprise that my intended mate liked my scent but it was.  I wanted to grin so hard over it. I didn't.

While he was drifting off, an idea hit me. I left him there to sleep while I went over to his house. Tommy was inside the living room sitting with his legs folded under him yoga style. He was bent over his laptop, probably doing work.

"Hello, you," he said raising a pair of big blues to look at me, "Where's your boy?"

"Home. Sleeping," I didn't bother correcting the 'your boy' because it was Tommy, "I came to talk to you."

"Oh great," he frowned, "Did he manage to mess up asking you?"

"Asking me? To the company anniversary thingy? He asked just fine. I'm coming with you guys."

"Really? Great! I'd have taken him myself, but I already have a date."

"Lucky guy…or lady…or whatever gender your date rolls with," I added remembering that Tommy went multiple ways.

"Yes. Yes she is," he agreed, "This is the first time I've ever dated a trans woman and I'm not disappointed. Clair's awesome. You'll meet her tomorrow."

"Great. Good for you both," I nodded and took a seat.

"So what brings you over to talk to little ole me?" Tommy beamed, "Nervous about your date?"

"It's not a date. I mean yeah, technically I'm his date but this − uh − thing isn't a…y'know."

"Date? I got you," Tommy nodded a condescending nod as if he knew something I didn't, "So what is it then that you wanted?"

"It's about Richie."

"I'm shocked," he deadpanned.

"It's no secret that I've known him longer," I continued ignoring the possessive flare that came with the declaration, "but that was kid Richie. And teen Richie."

"You want help with the adult. Richie 3.0 if you will."

"Yeah," I made a face, "Anyways. I want to get him something to make up for the birthdays I missed and I don't know what − um − Richie 3.0 would want."

"Did you have anything in mind?"

"Of course not. What the heck do you get a man who has everything?"

Tommy's eyes softened, "No one has everything. Certainly not Richard."

Those words felt loaded. Maybe it was the hope that maybe Tommy knew more that made me ask, "Was he happy when he was away?" Was he happy without me? I knew how I had taken the time apart but Richie and I had never talked about him. I sort of assumed that the money, fame and new best friend would have been enough. Tommy didn't answer immediately.

Then he sighed, "Money isn't everything, Danyel. Financial security is comforting and he may have the means to buy nearly anything he wants, but he's happier here than I've ever seen him." This was the most somber I'd ever seen Tommy about anything. It was clear that despite him being crude, lewd and rude, he did care about Richie too. In his own, weirdo, Tommy-ish way.

"If I were you and I wanted to get him something, I'd go with something from the heart. Something that isn't expensive and material. Because he has enough of that and anyone who knows him now would have gotten him just that. You're different. You have history. You can get him something that no one would think to."

"You think so?" I wasn't sure about that.

"Definitely. He missed you a lot when he was away, man. Just look at him."

"What about him?"

"That man could be staying in a hotel with room service, maid service, spas and pools. He could have his meals delivered to him and a whole staff of people at his beck and call."

"But?"

"But he's not there. Instead he's up in your room sleeping. He walks over every morning to raid your kitchen. He's staying in this semi-neglected forest cottage shack thing so he won't have to drive to come here and see you."

"Yeah, I guess," I said willing my traitorous stomach to kill the butterflies before they multiplied.

"I'm pretty sure you can get him anything and he'd keep that thing forever. Like Teddy Rex."

"Big Rex," I corrected.

"Whatever it's called, he hasn't offered to return that old stuffed dino to you yet. Has he?"

"No."

"And it still sleeps in bed with him, for the record."

"He's so freakin' dorky and sentimental like that," I replied.

"But you wouldn't change him if you could anyways."

"'Course not."

Tommy looked at me long and hard, a satisfied smile on his face like he'd done the world a huge favor and it hasn't realized yet. "Run along home. Go think of something," he said, "Make it good. I believe you have four birthdays to account for?" I nodded and thanked him before leaving.

While coming off the porch, I spotted Mikhail walking down the street with three other children and a den caretaker. The woman kept a close eye on Mikhail as the boy ran towards me.

"Are you feeling better?" the child looked up, "I was asking around and everyone said you were fine but I didn't know if to believe them."

"Why not? They're Pack."

"People lie. Pack lies," it wasn't an accusation so much as a fact he'd accepted, "They once told me my dad would be fine. I don't trust them to tell me the truth."

"Adults like to think they know best," I shrugged, "We like to protect kids from being as scared as we are."

"Do you do that?"

"No. I prefer to tell the truth." When it suits you. When I'm trying to protect myself. Isn't that what I said?

"Are you sure you're okay?" Mikhail neared me, "Your scent is off."

"What do you mean?" I stiffened.

"You don't smell like you. No. You do. But it's almost as if there's someone else's scent mixed in."

"Really?" a small smile flitted onto my face, "Others can scent him?"

"Who's him?" Mikhail asked. He did a tiny gasp and dropped his voice to a stage whisper, "Hey, are you mated?"

I laughed in spite of it all, but didn't answer. I didn't want to lie to the kid after only recently telling him that I preferred to tell the truth. Instead I sent him on his way. "I hope he's real nice," Mikhail tossed over his shoulder, racing away. The caretaker gave me a confused glance but I turned my gaze dismissive. That wasn't a conversation for any and everyone to be a part of. The woman got the hint and retreated with her three runts in tow.

Glancing up at the house, I considered going inside and curling up next to Richie. Maybe in second form now that he'd met the wolf officially. After all, I could get used to walking around with his scent ingrained in my skin and knowing that others would scent me on his. Days of near non-stop contact could do that.

I'd been half out of my mind with fever but I did remember a lot of it. Richie rarely left my side and would fetch damn near any nonsense I groggily asked him too. With my consciousness impaired and my body vulnerable, the wolf had abused his natural clinginess and all but had me draped over the guy like some kind of sweaty octopus.

Richie was likely too nice of a person to shove me off and shudder. It couldn't have been in the least bit pleasant to have this skin-damp kid all over you all hot and sticky for hours at a time. He didn't sign up for that crap when he'd travelled all the way here. The guy was a saint when he wanted to be.

I had to get him something really nice. I was second guessing Tommy's idea to cheap out on a gift with all that 'from the heart' crap. Then again, who knew wealthy guys and Richie 3.0 like Tommy did?

Opting to give Richie his space, I went down to Kenny's house instead. She was home, thankfully. I checked in the front side room and caught her bandaging up a youngling's leg. I frowned at it and then the young man. Younglings were stubborn little blighters with more pride than they could carry most of the time. From my place at the doorway, I could assess that the injury had to be bad enough that he didn't think he could walk it off like many of the dominant kids did.

"What happened here?" I asked.

"Oh shit," the kid groaned and looked to the ceiling as if asking Ahmose for help.

"Watch your mouth, Ethan Mendez," I walked into the room fully.

"M'sorry," he hung his head.

"What happened here?" I repeated but this time to Kenny.

Ethan turned pleading eyes to her. Her glare was all manner of reproachful, "Don't give me that look. You made me smudge my nail polish having to fix your leg." She turned to me and pointed an accusing finger and the boy, "This fool went and challenged an adult soldier." I shifted my gaze back to Ethan who had his head ducked even more.

"Which soldier was it, Ethan?" this time I wanted him to answer. Not Kenny.

"ItwasMiaokay."

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Mia," he grumbled tossing his hands in the air, "I challenged Mia. I figured a girl soldier would be easier to beat."

"And I assumed you learned your lesson when she handed your ass to you with garnish?" I frowned, "Our soldiers are all competent. The ladies as well as the men. Kenny here's a medic but she can go soldier on you faster than you can blink."

"It's true. And if you weren't fourteen, I'd do it now just on pure principle of you being an asshole enough to think female soldiers are easier to beat."

"Well I know different now. Mia's a goddess in combat," he said with the slightest hint of a sigh to his words.

"Give it a few more years and some maturity. Maybe by then she'll forget what an idiot you were today and you'll learn a thing or two about women," I sighed, "Don't underestimate them being rule number one."

"I think I learned that one, thanks," he said gesturing to his leg. I held back a smile at his very teenager snark.

"Maybe you can try to get drafted into the Pack military the usual way," I said, "Talk to Asher."

"You think he take me?" he asked eyes gone wide and puppy dogged.

"He could. Just don't ask Mia for a reference."

"I won't. She threatened to deck me so hard next time that my great grandchildren will feel it before I hit the floor," Ethan winced, "and I don't even have a girlfriend yet."

"Good for her," Kenny nodded, "That's the spirit."

"I hope you know that you're not going on the next group run."

"What?" his jaw dropped, "My pride and my leg's not enough? I gotta lose my Pack run rights too?"

"A Pack run is not a right, it's a privilege. A privilege that you've lost for one night. Because I don't like the thought of my fellow soldier being disrespected by some youngling who implies she's less than her peers because her genitals didn't meet his approval."

"I said I was sorry."

"But did you tell her that?" Kenny asked.

"…no I was busy getting my ass handed to me with garnish," he mirrored my words, "but I will tomorrow."

"Fine. Get out, go rest that leg," Kenny said with a pat on said leg that caused him to wince, hiss and pale.

I knew it wasn't an accident. The boy left the house on crutches after that, leaving Kenny and I alone. She grumbled to herself as she scrubbed at her nails with polish remover. I left her at it while I went hunting for her ever present family sized bag of plantain chips.

While she was busy painting her first coat of metallic pink nail polish, she glanced up at me. "You haven't been over here since the breakup," she said, "You still okay?" I shrugged and opened the bag of chips.

"I'm fine. We're fine. Orion and ee, that is."

"Then how come you look like you've got a heap of crap on your mind?" she asked, "Is it the Pack?"

"No. Richie."

"Ahh," she smiled what she thought was a secret smile, "What about Richi −uh − I mean Richard?"

"I want to get him something for the birthdays I missed when he was gone. I just have no idea what to do for the first one."

"How much money can you spare?" Kenny asked blowing on her nails, "I'm sure we can come up with a gift."

"I talked to Tommy. He thinks I should get something 'from the heart'," I did the air quotes, "Whatever that means."

"Oh. From the heart, huh?" Kenny grinned, "Okay. That could work. I suppose being a gazillionaire would kind of make material gifts moot."

"You're telling me," I sniffed, "But what on earth can I do that's not totally lame?"

"Can you remember you two every talking about him really really wanting to go somewhere? Just you two?"

"I don't know. Maybe," I let out a pitiful groan, "This is worse than planning a first date."

"Well…" Kenny smirked with a blow on her nails.

"No. Not that again. Shut up. You're as bad as Tommy."

"I'm going to have to meet this lovely Tommy person someday," she said, "Is he cute?"

"He's taken. I think. Then again, who can tell with him?" I fanned away the thought before freezing, "Oh."

"Oh what? Did you think up a place?"

Yes I did. I thought up the perfect place. "We always used to sneak off to the edge of the town to go to the beach. We would talk about going to one of the islands off in the distance," I said and felt a smile tug at my mouth, "He'd − uh − he'd sit and make up different stories about the people he thought lived there. And we'd spend hours making up what they'd be doing."

"You two are so adorable, it's gross," she started working on her other hand, "Like actually gross. It's too cute. I hate you both."

"Dude, shut up," I grumbled, "We are not adorable. Or cute. We just had too much time on our hands."

"Hmm," she nodded, "Yes. Of course. You go get your trip planned Mr. Alpha sir. I have no idea how you're going to do it, but hell. Go for it."

I ruffled her hair which earned me a roll of cotton being aimed at my own head. Laughing, I dodged out of the way and disappeared out of the house. "Take pictures for me! I want to see you losers being gross!" she hollared. I rolled my eyes as I slowed to a walk.

While I walked, the plan just seemed to unfold itself in my head. I did know teen Richie after all. I knew exactly which island we were going to. I just needed to get him to abandon work for an afternoon and find us enough food to keep two grown men satisfied for a couple of hours. What about spending the night? We could all camp out together. Oh man. That's brilliant. And Aunty and Uncle aren't even here to not give us permission. Exactly what I was thinking.

Mood upped considerably, I made my way to the garage I worked in part time. The place was small but it roped in most of the customers in the village compared to the other garages. I was on vacation now, but I did kind of miss getting my hands black with oil and listening to the first purr of a just fixed machine.

"Auto! Where are you?" I called once I entered. The irony of his name was not lost on anyone but I was too used to it to bother. "Auto!" I didn't have the patience to hunt him down in this labyrinth of old cars and car parts. He rolled out from under a pre-used hatchback that he'd been working on for days. "Ahmose above, man," he grunted, "I'm right here. And for the last time, no your bike isn't finished yet."

In my excitement to get this plan put together, I'd completely forgotten my girl. She was parked in a nearby corner, still out of commission much to Aunty's joy. She hated motorbikes and she especially hated that I was the proud owner of one. Or I would be once my girl was up and running again.

"I'm actually not here about her."

"That's new," Auto snorted, "Then what are you here bothering me for? You looking to get some hours in? Because I am not paying you during your vacation."

"Damn it, Auto. Turn off your pig mode. See this is why your customer service ratings are shit."

"People don't come here to get a smile. They come to get their machines fixed. If they want customer service, they can go over to Julie's auto shop and pay extra for crap work."

"You're sunshine and rainbows, Auto," I shot him a look.

"And don't you damn well forget it," he said smearing oil into his graying hair as he pushed it out of his face.

"You could have a little more respect. I'm going to be Alpha someday," I grinned.

"But today is not that day. Today you're the little shit keeping me from fixing this bad boy over here."

"It's a hatchback," I raised a brow.

"Beside the point. Now what do you want, Maynard?"

"I need to rent Aqualine for the evening. Until tomorrow," I beamed up at him, "You can take it out of my pay."

"Didn't you rent her just a couple weeks back? You know how I feel about letting other people drive my Aqualine."

"Yeah, but it's for someone…um…It's a special occasion."

"I heard you and White broke up. Who's this special occasion for?"

"A friend of mind. I owe him a birthday gift. Now come on. Are you gonna rent her over or not?"

Auto fixed me with a brown eyed stare. He was, shockingly, a submissive. The most bitter submissive I knew at that. Still, he was a softie for some things and doing something nice for a friend seemed to count because he gave an indifferent grunt. One that I knew meant yes.

I left him with the information on when to drop the water cruiser off at the beach for me and when he could come pick it up before I thanked him. He gave a final grunt and got back under the car.

Grinning, I returned home. I raided the fridge for the food Aunty had prepared and left for me and anyone who came over. It was more than enough for a night. I didn't need all of it. Maybe we should ask Richie if he's free first. Oh. Right. Good point. I frowned. It hadn't occurred to me to check if he was free at all.

Originally I'd been set on going tomorrow, but it had then hit me that we were going to that Ackles Corp thing tomorrow night. Tonight would be way better. And the sun was still bright out right now. We had more than enough time to pack and get there before dark.

Going over to Richie's house, I was about to walk in when I remembered that Tommy lived here too. Tommy who Richie seemed to have some kind of friends-with-benefits thing going on. The wolf's eyes narrowed at that thought. The last thing I needed was to walk in on the two of them doing who knows what, who knows where with who knows which kinky thing because…well Tommy, right?

So I knocked. It felt so weird. Like knocking to come into your own house. I waited all the same. Richie cracked open the door with the most confused expression when he saw me standing there.

"Nye?" he opened the door further. He was in nothing but a pair of briefs, a vest and an unbuttoned shirt. His hair was the kind of hot mess only he got into after sleeping. Before I could say anything, Tommy appeared at the doorway too. "Danyel buddy," he flashed two rows of the most straight, toothpaste commercial teeth I'd ever seen, "We were just talking about−oof!" I couldn't see Richie's other hand but Tommy was now doubled over.

"So umm, since when do we knock?" Richie said.

"Since you and him are now living together. I didn't want to walk in on − um − yeah."

"Don't worry," Tommy fanned a hand, "I'm not getting any from him anymore."

"You seem overjoyed," I raised a brow.

"I am," he said then appeared to realize how that would have sounded, "No! I didn't mean that it isn't great because it is. The man's a downright fiend in bed when we used one." I cringed inwardly.

"Tommy," Richie's tone was warning but his cheeks were reddening, "We're not talking about my sex life in front of Nye."

"I'm just reassuring the man," Tommy rolled his eyes, "He can now waltz in here like he regularly would without worrying about walking in on a live porno."

"Take me now, Lord," Richie muttered to the ceiling even more red faced, "I'm ready."

Tommy didn't pay him any mind, opening the door properly and ushering me inside. "You came up with something didn't you?" he whispered so Richie wouldn't hear. I nodded, unable to hold back the grin. "Oh man. It's gonna be awesome. I can just tell from the look on your face," he rubbed his hands together, "You two better snap pictures." What is it with everyone and the pictures? Man, I have no clue. Our friends are weird. But Tommy's excitement just fuelled my own either way.

I have no idea why Richie and my friendship meant so much to him, but this was the second time he helped me get closer to my best friend. I couldn't dislike him after that. How could I? He wasn't getting anything out of this, but he'd been nothing but selfless since he came here. It's easy to say now that we know he's not having sex with our mate. He's not our mate. Not really. Not yet.

I didn't comment on that. Instead, I grabbed a seat and waited for Richie to finally come inside looking all kinds of wary. He looked at me and then Tommy and then me again. "You two are being friendly…with each other," he said slowly, "Why? How? I don't like it." Tommy gave a hurt gasp. "Especially you," Richie pointed at the CEO in the panda pajama bottoms, "Whatever it is, I'm sure you're up to something."

"He's not. We've found common ground," I looked up at him, "Aren't you happy that I'm not carving into his pretty little face?"

"You think I'm pretty too?" Tommy asked, "Cool. What else do we have in common?"

I shot him a look at that. Richie seemed unconvinced. He didn't say anything but eyed me expectantly.

"I've decided on the first present that I wanted to get you. To make up for the four that I missed," I said.

Richie's expression fell, "You don't have to do that. Really. I don't expect you to."

"And that's why I'm doing it. You want to spend hundreds of dollars to get me whatever I want and you'd never ask for anything back."

"Because I don't need anything. Seriously. You don't have to waste your money on me."

"Too late. I already rented the thing."

"Rented?" his eyes widened, "What on earth do you have planned?"

"We're going on a trip," I rubbed my hands together like Tommy had, "Over to the islands. Our islands. Remember?"

"Of course I do," his eyes brightened.

"We're gonna camp there for the night."

"What about your Aunt and Uncle?"

"They're not here to complain. Besides, I'm a legal adult and so are you."

"Oh wow," the grin was spreading across his face, "A night on our islands? I always wondered what it looked like."

"I know. It's amazing. I've been there and I know you'll love it," I replied his excitement filtering into mine.

"But no. I have work to finis−."

"I'll do it," Tommy interrupted, "You are a snail when it comes to typing anyways. I can do your stuff and you can go."

"Are you sure?" Richie frowned, "It's not fair for me to−."

"For the love of humanity, man!" Tommy groaned, "Would you just go get packed?"

Richie raised his hands in surrender and went over to the staircase before he paused. "Are you coming to help me get ready?" he asked me. My eyes flitted down to his opened shirt and the vest that hugged him enough to make his abs obvious. Then to the underwear that left little to nothing for the imagination. "You can manage on your own," I shook my head, "I've got to go pack too. Just remember to grab beach clothes."

I left them there to go get the cooler filled with sandwiches and drinks. Then I packed an insulated kit with the warm food. It was only one night so it didn't take long to pack the essentials. I got some fresh water into large bottles for us to bathe with. There was a fully functioning well on the island, but being a Pack soldier for this long had taught me a thing or two about preparation.

A few trips to the nearest shop and a couple swipes of my debit card had me ready with everything in no time. I ran through what we'd be doing in my head and what we'd need. Remembering last minute, I grabbed flash lights, lanterns and extra batteries.

Richie came out of his house with his own bag in tow. He looked like an excited kid shuffling from foot to foot. Damn he's so cute. I rolled my eyes and carried all the bags and coolers into his car.

Riding up front with him with the wind in my hair and the sports car going at kickass miles per hour, it was hard not to grin from ear to ear. I pulled out my digital camera, remembering Tommy and Kenny's insisting on pictures. They were right. What's a birthday trip to a deserted island without a couple of pictures to capture the memory?

I leaned over to his side of the car to snap a picture of us. "Say Happy Belated Birthday!" I nudged him. He laughed glancing down at me before we chorused, "Happy Belated Birthday." We smiled wide at the camera before I snapped the picture. It came out really great.

He turned back to the road looking so damn ecstatic that I couldn't help but be glad that I'd thought this trip up. "Thank you, Nye. I don't think I've ever had this kind of birthday gift," he admitted, "It's always gold watches and designer cuff links these days." His eyes had gone soft at those words when he tossed a glance my way.

"Such. A. Sap," I smirked even as my stomach flip flopped.

"Whatever. Says the guy who decided to give me a present that I mentioned once when I was like − what − sixteen?"

"Fifteen," I corrected, "And why wouldn't I remember that?"

He looked across at me for a moment and shook his head as if it was unbelievable. It was nice seeing him so relaxed. He was always rushing from one meeting or another, or on some really important call from some really important person, or writing up something that seemed to take too long for any one document. I think the night off was really good for him.

I had to remember to thank Tommy later. If Richie's workload was such a bastard to get through, I could only imagine Tommy's. The fact that he was willing to do Richie's own without being asked said a lot more than his usual 'It's all about me' façade.

When we were able to see the very edge of the village, it was like the excitement had doubled. This was the first trip we'd ever had together with just the two of us. We'd gone to movies and pizza joints and the beach before. But we'd never had a real trip.

Auto was already waiting for us, on time as usual. The older man stroked his salt and pepper beard as he eyed Richie. He didn't like strange people on his personal, motorized water cruiser. The thing was like a car built for the sea and was still looking new.

Richie seemed impressed when he saw it. He circled it a few times. "She's amazing," he said. Auto puffed out his chest for a second, looking quite pleased with himself and Aqualine. Seemingly accepting of Richie now, Auto introduced Aqualine to him and vice versa. Auto was strange like that.

He gave me his usual warnings to be careful and his usual threats if I messed her up. I may have authority over the Pack, but he was still an elder and I listened. It didn't matter that I could kill him with the relaxing of just a few muscles keeping the wolf restrained. I could play along. Auto saw us off while I drove away. I don't think he'd survive seeing the stranger driving his water cruiser.

The island wasn't very far. It was seeing distance after all. Checking on Richie, I spotted him grabbing a beer from the cooler and looking up at the sky. "This is so cool," he said peering around him at the sleek, white cruiser. I agreed turning on the radio on the cruiser, the bass and volume already set on high. "Okay I am totally buying one of these things," he laughed dancing at some upbeat dance hip hop song that was playing. I was surprised that he knew the lyrics.

"Come on, baby boy. Dance with me," he wrapped an arm around my neck, all playfulness and delight in his voice. Damn that endearment. Damn it forever. I couldn't say no. It was his birthday gift after all. Putting the vehicle on stall, I let him pull me up with him but I made sure to look most displeased about it. He knew I wasn't serious and proceeded to do some things with his hips that really should not be allowed.

Not wanting to be shown up, I danced too. It was admittedly pretty fun. I stole a sip from his beer and danced my way across the cruiser. When I looked back, he was just standing there. Staring. "I thought you wanted to dance," I mock glared. His eyes, too blue to be permitted anywhere near the ocean, flicked up to my own. He just nodded and shook himself out of whatever had been on his mind. Smile flitting back into place, he resumed dancing.

It seemed like forever when I collapsed back into the driver's seat. It was too bloody hot to be moving this much. The weather had been like this too often. Either it rained cats, dogs and the remnants of Atlantis or Satan himself sat his bare bottomed ass crack on the earth. There was no in between most days. You know it's hot as balls when you're Ahmosean, but an entity from a totally different religion seems like a legit cause for the earth being cooked well done.

I kicked off my shoes and got out of my jeans. "Why are you stripping?" Richie frowned at the pair of jeans I was folding. I shot him a look and remembered why I once called him stupid head. Pulling off my shirt, I replied, "Because I prefer not to die of heat, thanks." Adjusting my shorts, I sat back down and continued driving. "PS, this is the length of proper shorts," I pointed out, "In case you were wondering about it next time you went jogging around the village in that indecent scrap of cloth." He pretended to laugh and flicked my ear for the snark.

I smirked because it was pretty good snark if I did say so myself. Richie brought over a couple of tuna paste and cheese paste sandwiches from the container in the cooler. I grabbed a tuna one and a bag of potato chips to munch one while we bobbed along to the music. Richie was waving his arms in the air above him and was being an all round dork, making me almost choke on a chip laughing.

We were both just a little buzzed by the time we got to the island. I rolled the cruiser onto the sand and had Richie help me unload our stuff.

He was practically bubbling with his own happiness − sandwich in one hand and yet another beer in another. "C'mon let's go check out the place," he said eyes bright. I grinned back and followed him up the sloping sand on the beach.

I'd already explored this place before, but it was something entirely different to do it with someone who was new to the place. Richie's head turned from one place to another. It was as if he didn't have enough eyes to look at everything he wanted to at once.

We ran through the nearby forest and scared a couple of colorful birds away with our noise. We were delirious and tipsy and it was already a great start to the trip. In our wildness, we'd run across the whole forest and barely realized.

"Hey where are we gonna sleep?" Richie asked, "We going to set up camp on the beach after we finish exploring?"

"Nope. I have somewhere way cooler for us to sleep in."

"Where is it?"

"No. I'll show you later."

Richie loved surprises and this one would be one hell of a surprise. I couldn't wait for him to see where we were going to sleep. Until then, I kept him to certain sides of the island so that he wouldn't spot where I planned for us to spend the night.

He was curious to explore the caves and the river as well as the old houses sitting here and there. Each home was different and we sifted around the huts dotting the edge of the beach. We took so many pictures that it could probably fill an album. When evening was nearing, we quickly got back to the cruiser and grabbed Aunty's food for dinner.

We carried up the stuff to a nearby cliff. I loved sitting and eating here while the sun was setting. I wanted Richie to get the chance to try it too.

We had a container each with shepherd's pie, Spanish rice, oven fried chicken, red beans and salad. Thank goodness for my aunt's near obsessive need to have all my friends fed even while she was away.

I figured Aunty and Uncle would be back a little after the mating season was over. Only mated pairs experienced it but I had to thank Ahmose that I wouldn't feel a thing until after I passed eighteen. I had a year left to deal with this hot mess of a mating.

Neither of us spoke while we ate. I was in my own world, taking in the sun dipping lower and lower with time while the waves rolled and crashed onto the shore. It was pretty relaxing, the scent of salt water and fresh air all around us. I was done with dinner and drained the last of the apple soft drink I'd been sipping on.

Sitting side by side in comfortable silence, we watched the sun dip beneath the horizon. I was biting into a square of chocolate with my legs dangling over the cliff’s edge. Richie took one too, humming a tuneless thing and looking full out dazed.

“This place has always been kinda special to you,” he said out of the blue.

“Why do you say that?”

“You’ve got that look in your eye. The one you get when you care about something.”

A slow smile crept onto my face. Nearly drunk, I didn't think he would figure out something like that. I didn't expect him to be that observant.

“I like that you still know me,” I mumbled into my third chocolate square.

“You thought I wouldn’t?”

I didn’t reply. That answered the question better than anything I could have said. He now knew as much.

“I’ve never brought anyone else here,” I admitted.

“Not even Orion?” he scoffed, “You two have been close for years.”

“It isn't the same. He’s not you. Never will be," I replied. It wasn't anything mean or cruel. It just was.

I stood up and started walking away after packing away the containers. After a pause, Richie got to his feet and followed, obviously trying to get his mind around my last comment if his face was anything to go by.

“What’s happening between us?” he asked. He didn't need to explain. Not after what I'd said. The way it came out. The charge between us for the past couple of days.

“It’s not the same, is it?” I said wryly.

“No, it isn't. We’ve never had this kind of…tension.”

I had to agree. It would figure that Richie would feel it eventually. We were friends on the surface but there was still a mating there. Two souls carved out to fit perfectly. It was hard not to notice eventually.

I smiled up at him. Who knew this was where we'd have this talk? Not me. I had hoped he leave before he noticed how charged the very air between us was when within the same proximity. It figured it would be here on a deserted island with nowhere to run.

This is awesome. Wonderful. Yes, why not notice now of all times? I bit my lip instead of voicing anything. His gaze dropped to my lips. It was clearly a reflex action but he didn't look away once his eyes landed on them. Okay. He's definitely more than a little buzzed if that's what got his attention.

I reached out, fingers curving around his nape and thumb pushing up against his jaw. The movement raised his head, forcing his attention back to my eyes. “It would really be in our best interest if you didn’t look at me like that,” I murmured, "At least until you sober up."

At this proximity, I could feel the animal rising to the surface. I knew he'd show up in my eyes. The depths of my irises would be pulsing with a shock of topaz. As if to prove me right, Richie walked closer trying to get a better look. I didn’t step away or say anything. I just stood there and let him watch. Waiting to see what he wanted. He seemed fascinated by the way my wolf showed up like this.

“Your eyes are amazing,” he breathed watching the gold spread and retreat like I knew they always did when the animal was too close.

“And you’re getting nearer.” I thought I should point it out because he didn't seem to notice.

He blinked out of the trance he had somehow put himself in, seeing that I was right. We were barely a half a foot apart now. It should have been an uncomfortable closeness but I didn’t feel uncomfortable. He clearly didn't either because he still didn't move away. Instead he just stood and stared like this wouldn't be at all weird if it were with any other friend.

I was the sober one. I should have stepped back. Or walked away. Maybe lightened the mood with a playful shove. I didn’t do any of that. No. And because I'm an idiot when it comes to this guy, I did the opposite.

I stepped even closer and found myself leaning in to slant my mouth over his.

The kiss was cautious. His lips tasted like warm chocolate mixed with expensive beer and were softer than ever. I was curious. Experimenting. I almost didn't expect him to, but he responded.

From the moment he did, there was a sort of tenderness to his touch that felt signature to him. I doubted anyone else kissed like that. With unbridled focus. As if nothing else was on his mind but the mouth on his, teeth teasing at my bottom lip. If it weren't for the bitter sweetness of premium beer clinging to his mouth, I'd think he hadn't touched a drink all day, he was so damn good at this.

His kissing was careful and slow on the surface, but beneath it all there was a dark wildness buzzing in him. That mix was as intoxicating as his lips sliding against my own.

The palm cupping my face was as smooth as mine were rough with scars. My fingers clung to his jean clad hips but I had to remind myself to be gentle. He was human. Breakable.

The slow glide of my tongue slicking over his lower lip earned me the softest sigh I'd ever heard with Chosen ears. That was all the invitation I needed.

I licked into his mouth slow and always always careful. Richie was too much of a wildcard to risk going fast. I tasted but wasn’t greedy. Caressed but never held back. His half hard bulge pressed against me seemed almost expected considering all we were doing.

I didn't question it but that didn't mean it didn't make me smile into the kiss. I needed to center myself. The animal was getting antsy. It was too much and not enough at the same time. My fingers dug into his hips further to pull him closer at a speed that was above human. I felt his pulse quicken at the rapid Chosen move. I cringed inwardly. That was the animal's recklessness seeping through. I needed to be more careful than that.

Richie didn't stop though, his body purely reacting and not thinking at all. Now that we'd closed any possible gap and I felt myself pressed against him far more snug than before. It felt better than I could have ever guessed. He ran his fingers over the shadow of stubble on my cheek and he deepened our kiss. I stepped back, shocked that he would initiate more. Though I'd backed up against a tree, he followed after me chasing my lips blind.

He sucked my lower lip into his mouth, teeth sinking into the flesh just a little. My fingers moved just under the hem of his shirt and I brushed against him, grounding my hips in. Pushing my luck. It was worth the risk. The friction was like nothing else. It felt twice as good when he rocked back against me tongue running over my now kiss bruised lip. A low moan slipped out of my mouth and got lost in his. He froze, joints locked.

My eyes shot open at that. They met a pair of even more startled ones staring right back with something uncomfortably close to horror. Really? That's what it took for him to freak out?

“Oh no. I-I'm so sor—.”

“No. Hey, it’s fine,” I said quickly. It was like trying in vain to pacify an animal who was ready to scatter away.

“It’s not fine. Shit. What the hell was I thinking?” he groaned stepping away, "How much did I drink?"

That question stung a little. The sudden space took away all the warmth and was replaced by cold, evening beach air.

Richie ran a hand through his hair visibly freaking out like I'd half expected him to all along. It was like the first time I'd kissed him when we were kids all over again. It didn’t matter how much his body reacted to me. In his mind I was just a child. It didn’t matter how much I didn’t seem that way on the outside. He knew better. Legally, to humans, I was a child. I was only an adult in the eyes of Chosen and he certainly wasn't Chosen.

“Look I’m sorry. That really shouldn’t have happened. Let’s just head back, okay?” he said forcing calm onto his face.

“Back where? Home? Are you kidding?” I demanded, my eyes gone entirely wolf by this point.

He shook his head, “I shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake and I’m s−.”

"I swear to Ahmose if you apologize one more time, I'll string up upside down from this tree."

He turned to make his way back to the cruiser, but didn’t make it two steps. My hand was wrapped around his wrist in a vice grip. It would take violence and lots of luck to get out of it but my voice was surprisingly soft when I spoke.

“Richie, c'mon wait,” I closed my eyes and took a breath, “Look I started that, not you. Don't push me away because of it.”

“I’m not.”

“The hell you aren’t. We just shared an amazing kiss and you want to act like it didn’t happen.”

“Because it can’t happen again.”

“But you felt it. I know you did. I couldn’t have been the only one.”

“Felt what?”

“You know damn well what. Don't pretend you don't,” I glared at him, "You felt it. You responded to it."

After a pause he nodded, looking suddenly exhausted and not looking at me at all. That stung even more. I could tell that he knew I was right but I could also tell that he hated that fact. He probably hated it more to know that he wanted to do it again. To finish that kiss, as heated as it was. It was all on his face. Hell I was still a little drunk on it too.

I released his hand when I thought he wouldn't run off. He walked a little for want of something to do before stopping to lean against a tree.

"What do you want from me?" he asked and without a doubt it was a big question for him. Because he rarely ever denied me anything I asked him for unless he thought it was for my own good. I could have asked for damn near anything at all and he'd do all he could to give it.

I usually never took advantage of that. I always thought that I never would. That was before I'd given the mating a try. I'd only wanted a taste of it; to test the waters. See what it was like. See what I was denying myself. He'd been so close. Smelt so good. Looked so damn handsome all windswept and flushed with beer. Now I wanted more. I wanted days of this. Him and me alone on our island, hanging out, relaxing, his lips pressed to mine, his body even closer. Maybe more.

"What exactly do you want?" he asked again.

"The answer isn't a what so much as a who."

His gaze went from neutral to saddened within a second. The look upset the wolf and I was shocked that Richie's next words didn't outright shoot down my request. In its place, he decided to reveal something he clearly wasn't proud of.

"Your age aside, I'm not good for you. I've − uh − been with a lot of people, Nye. Too many," he admitted, "And that in itself is understatement."

"I don't care." It came out more petulant teen than I'd expected and I cringed. This was not helping my I'm-not-a-child case.

"You will," I'd never heard his tone grow this self depreciating, "I've never kept a relationship for more than a week and it's not by choice. I don't know what's wrong with me, but nobody fits with me."

"Did you care about them?" I asked. Good job, not sounding jealous. I was thinking the same.

"No. Not really. I couldn't manage to."  

"And what about me? Do you care about me?"

"You know I do. That's the point. It's why I won't bring you into this. If it were anyone else, I'd do it."

"It doesn't have to be anything serious yet."

His gaze turned stormy. "I will not do friends with benefits with you. And I definitely won't turn you into  someone I just happened to have fucked in a place that one time and that's all I can offer."

I flinched, but I didn't know what to say to that. I didn't want that either. What we had deserved more than a one night stand. "See?" he laughed without mirth, "You do care and you should. Most of the people I've had sex with never saw me again." I frowned, not wanting to imagine how many exactly it was. As if reading my mind, he went on, "My track record is filthy enough to make me sick too. I'm not dragging you into that."

The worst part about him feeling the way he did was the fact that I knew exactly why he did what he did. I knew why he couldn't keep a relationship. I knew the impossible, horrible, violating things his body must have demanded from him. I knew why he'd had all control snatched from him every time his hormones spiked past levels that were not natural or human.

You're not sick. You're not bad. You're not broken. You're mated. You're ours and you shouldn't have had to face that. Not alone and without understanding why.

He had seemed so happy and content since he'd returned home that I'd forgotten what Prophetess Ramla had told me. Obviously he would have had a hard time watching and feeling his body changing to accommodate mating to a Chosen. I should have thought of that long before now. Especially looking at his almost Chosen colored eyes the very first time. And the fact that he was built larger and stronger than a regular twenty-three year old. Just enough to handle the physically demanding side of me.

I hadn't imagined that he'd been carrying around that kind of self loathing all this time. It bothered me that he thought so low of himself that he thought he couldn't offer anyone anything but his body. He was wrong. It was his confusion fuelling these thoughts and I had the answers to change them.

This moment would have been the perfect time to give him the answers he needed but I got that instinctive warning not to. I swore inwardly. Now wasn't the time. He wasn't supposed to know yet. I listened to instinct because it didn't do well to mess with fated moments in time.

Matings were fated to the very last minute until it was denied or accepted. Everything was predestined; the persons involved, the experiences that shaped their lives around each other, the place and time that the official decision to mate was made and every stepping stone moment that leads to that. Anything after the decision was fair game but all things before is fate. Faith in fate in mind, I kept my mouth shut. Going against fate had terrible repercussions. A woman had seen her intended mate die because of it. There were too many unforeseen domino pieces that lead to other fated things to take a chance.

Following instinct, I pulled him into a hug and just stood there holding him.

"I started the kiss. I shouldn't have but I did and if anyone should be sorry it's me. Richie, I get that you've done things you're ashamed of. I get it but it doesn't matter to me." He scoffed at that. "Okay it does a little, but I'm not judging you for it. I still care about you and I'm admitting right here, right now that I have feelings for you." He pulled back and looked into my face as if checking for deceit. "And I know that I'm not alone in that." His eyes darted away and the barest hint of pink rose in his cheeks.

"Hey, I never planned on doing anything about it. But you have to admit it. Today, just hanging out together like that, felt pretty good." He met my gaze again looking all kinds of unsure. I didn't blame him. This was new territory for us both.

"Yeah it did," his voice was low, "It really did, but I'm toxic to relationships."

"I don't want to rush into anything. But we can try. I'm not expecting a relationship or sex. Not unless you're ready."

"You're willing to wait for something that might not ever happen?" he looked unconvinced.

"I have practice. Trust me."

"If you don't expect a relationship or sex, what the hell do you want with me?"

Is that all he thinks he's romantically good for? The wolf was pissed. "I just…I want you. While you're here. While I can have you. Not out in the open obviously," I added quickly. I could imagine how fast that would tank and explode in our faces. "We can keep it between us. You and me. Simple, uncomplicated, for however long you stay. No expectations."

I felt him swallow. I could practically hear him thinking, he was thinking so damn hard. He pulled away and I could see how hollow he felt. "I'll mess it up and I'll hurt you. There's no way that this works out," he shook his head clearly thinking of the many times the mating might have messed up his past relationships. And yet I could tell that there was a little part of him that really wanted to try.

Sliding one hand down his arm, I met his eyes and slotted my fingers between his. He looked at our linked fingers and swallowed again. "I have a feeling that it won't be the same with us like it was with the others," I told him, "Come. You can think about it later while I take your mind off this. Let's go see your surprise."

He didn't let go of my hand in spite of his protests before.

Hand in hand, we returned to the front of the beach, grabbed our bags from the cruiser and I lead him to the very center of the island. I heard his sharp intake of breath and sensed him instantly grow excited. Glad I'd left this for last, I lead him into the abandoned, stone castle. It was small and not incredibly impressive compared to a lot of castles I knew about in the world, but a castle was a castle.

And predictable as he was, Richie was wide eyed and ready to explore the moment we stepped foot inside. He had his lantern up and scanning the entrance hall. "Nye you have a castle," he grinned, "All to yourself. Dude, this is the coolest thing." Letting go of his hand, I watched him disappear through the nearest arch way. I'd been through there enough to know that it was the place where the old residents used to hang coats and boots and riding equipment.

Everything was grey stone around us and the metal was rusting. The remnants of belongings were old and most of the place was stark. Yet there was always a bubble of excitement whenever I walked through the halls and rooms. There was a sense of being in a place you had no business being. I knew full well that I was not an invited guest and probably never would have been invited into the castle if I'd lived on the island before.

I followed after Richie who was already in the kitchen area. It was obvious that the ex-inhabitants of the castle had much nicer things than the people living in the other houses we'd checked out earlier. It was cooler to see that there was a hint of modern to the place. There were light fixtures and a chandelier in the dining room somewhere. The stove didn't run on coal or wood. There was an shower and bath that no longer worked upstairs. Overall, with a lot of work, it was habitable enough.

Richie was like an excited child babbling away at one thing before he dashed over to another and then flitted over to yet another. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I'd always liked coming here for some much needed alone time when things got too hectic. I could get used to sharing though.

Richie looked around with wide-eyed wonder on his face, asking me "Are you seeing this?" and "Oh my god, dude. Look at this! Are you looking at this?" And I followed him around feeling like a highly amused parent after taking his toddler to his first amusement park.

"Yes, Richie. I'm seeing it," became my new line.

Once he was done peeking about at everything, he set off again. The man was a flurry of energy and so damn happy. It was the best distraction if I ever saw one. I tried not to think about the fact that I was essentially distracting him from myself.

Who would have thought that I'd cave about this? I'd been so sure that ignoring the mating was the best choice given our circumstances. But today had been so carefree. It was good and easy between us. It felt like something that I needed. I accepted that he had to go away with Tommy at some point, but I could have him for a little bit while he was here. It wasn't hurting anyone. In fact I still felt a flutter in my stomach remembering the feeling of his hands on me; possessive and wanting. I liked it. I'd been craving it and had stifled the craving.

Now I knew what it could be like to have him like that, I couldn’t use the excuse about not missing what I never had. I'd definitely had him now. Hell he'd had me with my back against a tree, half hard cock aligned with mine, lips and tongue making sure my own lips came out of it all kiss wet and bitten pink. It was enough to make anyone rethink their life choices. How could I not get a little greedy after that?

"C'mon slow poke!" Richie peered around a corner, "Come see." I jogged after him to go see the rustic, living room that had the feel of a cabin in the woods. I walked up behind Richie, expecting that he'd sense me like most people did. He was so distracted by the beautifully carved mantle that when he turned around, we were notably close. He froze up for a second visibly jumping out of his skin. I laughed at that and he shot me a look before pushing me aside.

"Hey! Not my fault you weren't paying attention enough to realize that I was there." I shot him my most smug face. He mimicked my words in this high pitch that we both knew my animal-influenced vocal chords could never manage naturally. I rolled my eyes, "We'll sleep in here tonight. It's the one room with the least amount of draft and it's the driest, warmest one in the castle."

He nodded his agreement and peered up the stairs before turning big doe eyes on me. Well damn. Four years later and that still works like a charm. "Yes you can go check out upstairs too. It's safe enough," I smiled, "I'll set up the sleeping bags I brought." He beamed and dashed upstairs as if wanting to get away before I changed my mind. I could still hear his exclaims well enough from down here. So disgustingly cute.

I unrolled the sleeping bags and zipped them up together so that it made one bigger sleeping bag. I'd gotten the pair as a complete set a while back from my dad. They were big enough for two adults and there was actual room to roll a little now that the two bags were joined down the middle.

While Richie was gone, I took the soap, bucket and dipper I'd packed and filled the bucket with fresh water from one of our large bottles. I decided to let him explore more while I took a bath. It was really refreshing bathing outside here. The cool night breeze on my wet skin, the smell of salt water everywhere, the sound of trees rustling with each slight breeze and the sense that you got when you were doing everyday things in a totally different place.

By the time I'd gotten inside, I was dried off and had the towel around my waist. Usually I'd walk into the castle after a bath butt naked like nobody's business, but I had a feeling that wasn't the best idea in present company. "You can go ahead and bathe now," I gestured outside. Richie nodded and left pretty quickly.

When he'd finally returned, he was all fresh faced, damp haired and dressed in an old − bordering on abused − t-shirt and boxers. Boxers that were obviously really new and designer because the material and design was like a neon sign screaming 'Brand Name'. The contrast between the two pieces of clothing made me smile inwardly. It was a mesh of his new life and his own − both of which he accepted equally.

He plopped onto the sleeping bags and bent over his head to dry his hair; considerably longer than it was when he'd left for college but with a much better cut. Figured the one time he'd dry his hair properly would be before bed. He hung his towel on a hook next to mine before getting into the bag beside me.

I just lay on my back looking up at the hairline cracks in the stone ceiling above. Richie lay the same way, but was busy texting. The place was quiet except for the tap-tapping on the phone beside me. It was an amicable, sleepover kind of quiet. I didn't mind it much.

When he put down his phone beside him, he breathed out a long breath and settled in further. The air in here was still pretty chilly after a bath.

"Tell me something that you did in college that I don't know about," I said out of the blue, "Something that made you smile." Richie turned to me, his arctic blue eyes so pale it almost glowed a little. It wasn't quite luminous the way Chosen eyes sometimes were in the dark, but it didn't appear one hundred percent human either.

"I lost a bet once. I won't say what the bet was," he interrupted before I could ask, "But I had to spend an entire day in drag and not tell anyone who asked that it was a bet." My eyes widened at that and it took all of zero point two seconds for me to burst into laughter. "And it's reactions like that that made it even better then. Tommy and a couple of our friends had a great time laughing too. It was pretty infectious so yeah I did smile." I was only barely hearing him in my curled up ball of laughter.

"Laugh all you like, I looked hot," Richie said, "I had the works. The bra and the panties. The dress, accessories and wedge heels. The hair and makeup. They made me shave my legs and face and underarms and I was fine as hell." I was now lying on my stomach, braced on my forearms.

"What was it like?" I grinned.

"First of all, I have no idea how girls wear bras all the time. Those sucked. The panties were pretty nice though. Great material."

"You kinky thing," I nudged him.

"What can I say? Silk is glorious."

"Ahh. That explains your boxers," I nodded.

"Indeed," he gave a little smile, "And dresses are really liberating too. Damn they give a nice breeze in all the good parts."

"Was it a pretty dress?" I bat my lashes up at him.

"The prettiest," he said deadpan, "It showed off my figure perfectly, I'll have you know. And a lot of people told me the turquoise really brought out my eyes."

"Well I hope you wore your hair nice otherwise it would be a total waste," I pat his shoulder.

"Duh. Who doesn't know that? My wig was so flippity too. Spent half of my classes swishing it around," he grinned, "My lecturers didn't know what to do with me."

"I'd bet. How was the makeup?"

"My god that stuff is takes forever to put on and is a bitch to get off. But I did rock the lipgloss and winged eyeliner, if I do say so myself."

"I'm sure you made a very handsome lady."

"It was a fun day. Lots of laughs and Tommy made sure to carry me everywhere with him. But who cares? My calves were made for those heels."

He sounded like that argument could defeat any other no matter the conversation. I shook my head and grinned. It did sound fun the way he talked about it. That was a damn good dare. I kind of wished I was there. It might have been awesome to go to college with Richie. We would have been an unstoppable pair on campus.

"I haven't told you something," I said, "I - uh - well to be honest it kind of slipped my mind with us fighting and making up and school and working two jobs and then getting sick thing."

"Why on earth do you have two jobs?"

"I'm a Pack soldier but I'm not always actively on duty and some days I like doing something," I shrugged, "I work in Auto's garage with him."

"You're a mechanic?" he sniggered, "You?"

"It's not the same as a multi-billion dollar company," I scowled at him, "but I'm good at it and I like it. It's honest money."

His snide mile shut down at my tone. "Oh. No, dude. I'm not turning up my nose at that or anything," he said. My stare remained just as cold. "Seriously. I'm not looking down on you. It's great that you found something you're good at and like. I just never saw you as the type to get into mechanics of all things," he explained and it did not sound any better than his sniggering. He seemed to notice.

"Damn. That came out wrong. Look remember that one time when I went to get my mom's car fixed and I took you with me?" he asked, "Well I remember you accidentally getting the oil on your hand and screaming your head off for twenty minutes that it was the yuckiest, most gross thing ever and to get it off."

My stare softened at the memory. I'd almost forgotten about that. "I just never would have expected you to get into a job where you're wrist deep in that stuff," he added lamely. That was such a long time ago. I rolled my eyes but settled deeper into the sleeping bags and closer to him anyways.

"Can't blame you. I was a bit shocked to find myself in mechanics too," I admitted.

"Exactly. And you didn't say what you wanted to tell me," he pointed out.

"Oh yes. Right. Um − yeah that," I bit my lip, "I'm gonna be Alpha."

"Alpha what?" Richie blinked over at me. His mind couldn't even consider what my mouth said.

"Alpha of the Pack. In the village. Like − uh − y'know, Asher."

"No, but Orion…"

"Turns out it wasn't him. We'd been guessing about him but there wasn't any proof. It turns out I'm the Alpha. Ta-dah!"

"You're Alpha," his eyes widened as if the information was finally getting through, "And Orion isn't."

"Right. He's my Second."

It seemed to take a second for it to really settle in. When it did Richie shot up and dragged me up with him. "You are going to be the new Alpha. Dude, how the hell does that slip your mind? Oh my god! This is unbelievable!" he exclaimed, "My Nye. Alpha. Oh man I can imagine the holy hell the village kicked up about an ex-human being the head honcho."

I shrugged and that was answer enough from him. They had been pissed about it. Kicked up a fuss and everything. It didn't matter that I never actually was human. Dormant Chosen were too rare and too ill defined for their liking. It was only in the recent year that they started coming around.

"I proved myself to them. They know I'm with them. They know I'll jump through all the hoops to keep the Pack safe and functioning," I said, "I was worried in the beginning that they'd never accept it like they did with Asher." Richie frowned and pushed a lock of hair from my face. He was never one to like seeing me doubt myself. "I should have been here. You could have used someone on your side. I should have stayed. I missed out on too many things," he said.

"You would have missed out on a big opportunity working in Ackles Corp," I pointed out, "And Tommy probably wouldn't even have the company if you'd stayed behind." He deflated at that. Richie was one who gave his all for his friends. He wouldn't erase his time away knowing that Tommy would lose everything. "Besides, I needed this time on my own. I leaned too much on you," I added, "I needed to be forced into my own independence. The Pack doesn't need an Alpha who can't stand on his own four paws."

He looked at me long and hard after that. "You know I'm really proud of you, baby boy," his voice was soft. Private. Words just between us. He smiled a quiet little smile and that stupid nickname had a lump in my throat and my cheek tinted pink before I could even process that he'd actually called me that again. "I think you'll be an amazing Alpha. The Pack would be lucky to have someone who's half the person you are," his voice dropped even quieter but it was no less sincere.

I had never gotten used to that kind of open, no holds barred kind of praise Richie had a habit of throwing my way from time to time. Even though I was the most dominant person in the room, my eyes dropped like they had so many other times he'd said crap like that. "I mean it," he tipped up my face to look at him and brushed a kiss to my forehead. Ahmose I love him. I know. You and me both.

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Here you guys go. The longest chapter yet.

PLEASE NOTE: The next upload is a double upload. And a very long, very anticipated, very full double upload at that. It will take more than one week this time to finish (probably two weeks...maybe less if this Opposite-of-Writers'-Block thing keeps up). Also, the second upload will be a direct continuation of the first so I'd suggest you make sure to get an hour or so free before you even start reading. Because the way I think it'll pan out, it would ruin the reading to stop midway.

Vote, Follow, Leave me a ton of comments because you know I literally only come onto wattpad to post, reply to messages and fangirl with you guys in the comments.

The usuals know how out of control I get with my babies and OH LORD THESE TWO IN THIS CHAPTER! No Jesus, this is not the way I wanna go. MY HEART. Ugh! Pls. I need to fangirl with others. I have a mighty need! *shakes fangirl cup on street corner* Could you spare a little crazy?