My mind foggy, slowly pulled itself into consciousness. Buzzing sensation echoed through my entire body.  A warm softness draped over my body the haze that clouded my mind started to fade as I shifted. Opening my eyes I let them adjust to the dull lit room around me.  From my laying position, I scanned my surroundings. 

The walls and shelves were littered with various objects that could be categorized as "nerdy" aesthetic.  Science themed posters, books and numerous trophies and random collectibles. From what I knew of the strange house... the pack. This was most likely Judah the brainiac's room. 


Pushing myself up into a sitting position the soft comforter that had been dropped on top of me slipping off onto my lap.  Sitting up I began to take in a better examination of the room,  one that was disturbed by the quick jolting movement of the bed shifting beside me. Judah has dropped the heavy hardcover book he'd been reading and bolted over stumbling onto the bed beside me. 


"So you're a wolf too?" I blurted out, not bothering to bite my tongue. 



A heavy sigh escaped Judah's lips, a  look of defeat flooding his deep amber pools. With a deflated huff he slipped off the side of the bed onto his knees. He sat there for a few moments before raising his head and looking at the far side of the room, my eyes followed his gaze, landing on the gentle giant himself.


"Should I go get someone?" He questioned his hands fumbling as he pointed at the door.


"What do you think Gray" There was a flat tone in Judah's voice.


"Right, I'll go get El...Nat.. Xan? no... Theo?" Grayson fumbled with his words.


It was clear he was nervous, trying to solve the unspoken equation Judah had given him. Changing names multiple times before Judah finally gave a small nod of approval, as if it should have been the simplest question.  Grayson nodded making some hand movements as he directed himself out the door not fully closing it as he left.

"Amazing friend, Great-heart but not the brights crayon in the box" Judah informed pulling himself back onto the side of the bed "but I really wouldn't have him any other way" he added

"He seems sweet" I replied adjusting myself on the bed


"How are you feeling anyway?" Judah questioned turning his full attention to me.



"Fine, I faint thought didn't I?" I questioned a faint burn forming on my cheeks.


"Yes, you did"  Theos voice interrupted before Judah could reply.



Turning to face him I instantly noticed the small scrape on his left cheek, like he'd been scratched.  Theos gaze stayed on me for a few seconds before looking past me directly at Judah. They didn't say a thing as they shared a glance,  suddenly without a word  Judah stood up off the bed his eyes puling from Theo landing on me for a few moments.

"I'll talk to you later Nova" Judah informed making his way past Theo they shared a final glance before he left the room.

 
As Judah closed the door I turned my attention fully on  Theo, I had some many questions and no idea where to start, or if he'd even answer them.  Theo's eyes scanned my face, he was looking for something. fear... maybe? That would have been normal wouldn't it, to be afraid of someone you knew could kill you without any trouble at all. Yet I wasn't afraid, not anymore, in fact, I was the opposite. I felt completely safe with him there, safer then I  had in a long time.


I watched his chest rise and fall as he let a heavy breath before closing the gap between him and the bed. Theo sat down on the edge, his motions calm almost sloth-like in nature, Looking in his eyes I could tell he was gauging me, waiting for me to flinch, or scream. To be afraid.  His eyes finally faltered his head drop for a moment, his lips twitching.


"Are you okay?" he questioned softly finally breaking the silence as he looked back up at me.

"I'm not the one who got hurt" I noted raising my hand to his cheek.



"Oh,  that? that's nothing. I'm fine. Youll learn pretty quick that we heal abnormally fast" Theo chuckled.



As he spoke he placed his hand on top of mine, the cold concern that had been dwelling in his eyes since his entry was overtaken by the familiar spark of warmth I had started to know and welcome. Theo slowly pulled my hand from his cheek keeping it inwrapped in his.




"You're not scared... are you?" Theo questioned A slight bewilderment in his voice.



"No, should I be?" I questioned softly.


"You got nothing to worry about, your safe. No one's going to hurt you,  and if they tried I'd kick there ass" Theo assured a tender smile forming on his lips

"Not sorry to interrupt whatever the fuck this is. But Roman called a meeting and that includes you shortcake."  Caleb interrupted from the doorway before vanishing.

"You know. It's oddly comforting knowing he's like that at home  too."  I teased giggling. 


"Kids got no manners"  Theo mumbled standing up from his spot, his hand still gently clutching mine.


A slight giggle escaped my lips as Theo helped me from the bed. standing side by side Theo's hand finally slipped from mine before he casually draped it over my shoulders. Theo guided me out of the bedroom door, the two of us headed down to the stairs, we could hear faint voices growing louder as we got closer to the bottom. 


Theo guided us into the kitchen where the rest of the group was already waiting. Theo instantly pulled me in closer, his grip tightening as Romans gaze landed on me. Theo kept himself between Roman and me as he leads us to the farthest part of the room, next to Grayson and the girl I assumed was his sister.


Eleven of us stood in the small kitchen, silence overtook us. I could see eyes darting back and forth, some shifting on the spot, waiting for someone to speak, but no one did.  Examining the room I started to notice something, that we were all broken off into groups.

Grayson, the girl and Caleb stood together beside  Theo and I.  Judah stood between his brother Jones, the Allstar musical lead and on the other side a lankier yet still athletic older boy stood over both of them. There was something about him that made me realize almost instantly he was their older brother.  Then closet to Roman stood the last two, Shae the bottomless pit and another I had seen around but didn't know.

"Seriously." The girl groaned stepping forward. "The Lafayettes minus Theo, as well as Jonesy there, think you're going to go around crying.. well wolf" She announced focusing on me.

"I would never do that. Not that anyone would believe me anyway" I informed the group.


"And that is what I tried to inform them. but they refuse to listen to any sort of reason." Judah proclaimed. 

I swear at that moment they had a hive reaction, every single person in the room one of pure annoyance and it was all directed at Judah.  Who for a few moments stood confidently before faltering back to his spot between his brothers.

"Shae and I got tryouts first thing, can we go now?" Jones requested changing the subject.

"Go" Roman dismissed, the two boys didn't waste a second bouncing off each other the dashed out of the kitchen.

After that, the others slowly started disappointing not bothering to "request" permission. Caleb was the first to leave followed by Theo and Romans other brother. Judah then pulled Grayson away as him and his older brother followed in suit, leaving The girl, Roman, Theo and I.  Theo stepped forward his arm still on my shoulder as he turned us to the door.



"Let's chat Theo" The girl informed gently pulling him away.


"Xan-" Theo tried to defend.


"She'll be fine." Xan insisted pulling him away and out of the room.



I froze for a moment, Theo giving me a concerned glance over his shoulder before Xan pulled him out of sight. I decided this might be the best time to track done Grayson and Judah, feeling at this moment they'd be the best to get answers from.   walking to the kitchen door, Roman blocked my path, towering over me once again I was flooded with an array of emotions.


He was intimidating, fascinating and terrifying all at once and even though I believed full-heartedly that he wouldn't hurt me, there was still something about him that shook me to my core. Slowly he leaned forward his thick dark curls dipping in front of his face as he did.


"I'm watching you." He warned before turning his back to me and walking away.