Five

Must every party be covered in a thin layer of smoke, Alecia wondered. It had now become like a decoration.

She took a small breath, inhaling the scent of cigarettes and folded her hands at her waist. The girls around her chatted about their latest adventures, talking about who they’d slept with as if they were male soccer playersin a locker room. Some humans to the left were discussing the upcoming pledge, and the werewolves they had decided to offer themselves up to.

   Alecia bent her head to the side. Off in the corner, plastic red cups filled with PJ covered a table. Someone had placed a few condoms on it as a joke. She glanced at the clock. Only ten o’clock Helen had called insisting this party would be better than the last, and she only came because she had spent the whole week hanging out with Helen, studying and watching chick flicks. The girl filled a void college had created in her and she didn’t want to come off as judgmental on how her friend spent her Fridays. Before coming, she had spent time on her knees, praying that heaven would protect her from the temptation she might face. So far it had worked.

“Hello, how are you?”

Alecia stiffened, and then relaxed. That didn’t sound like Ryder. She turned to the voice and smiled at the young man with deep brown eyes that were animated as his smile stretched across his face.

“Alecia” Helen said. “This is Gabriel, a friend of mine.”

“Nice to meet you.” Alecia

 held out her hand and shook Gabriel’s. He held it like it was glass, their eyes connecting.

“How do you like this school?” He smiled, showing her a perfect row of teeth.

Alecia’s face warmed. He was not human, probably a beta or something, but there was something about his face and general appearance that seemed trustworthy.

“Well….”

“Ryder just walked in,” Helen said. The other girls in the group whispered to each other with deep fascination in their eyes. Everyone must be drawn to Ryder

“I wonder what he’s up to tonight,” one girl, in a tight, lime green dress said.

“Seeking another victim.” Helen focused her attention on Alecia with a sneer in her eyes.

Alecia bit on her bottom lip. What was that about? Helen acted like she was sending her a warning to stay away, but not for her own good.

    She in the direction of the girls’ gazes. Ryder walked to the cooler with a few beer bottles sticking out, surrounded by ice. The familiar heat spread through her. The black shirt he wore contrasted well with his pale gray eyes. His hair was slightly ruffled as if he’d rushed from his home. Ryder lifted his eyes and she knew he saw her, but he dropped his gaze and walked away. He must have finally gotten the hint. Those flowers had sat on her desk all week, with the crumpled card next to it. Every second, she wanted to call him, to find out exactly why he sent them. But that was a book better left unopened.

“I guess he finally gave up,'’ she said. She had lost the sneer, and a lightness entered her eyes.

“He’s so annoying,” Alecia said.

“You know Ryder?” Gabriel said.

“Yeah, he sent me flowers, and keeps pursuing me even though I made it clear I wasn’t interested.”

Gabriel chuckled and leaned his head back He’s Hendrix. Hendrix s are too used to getting what they want.”

Alecia crossed her arms across her chest. “Well, he isn’t getting me.”

• * * *

Ryder glanced in Alecia’s direction. She looked so sweet, so simple, in the black knee length skirt, making her look even more innocent compared to the girls in tight dresses she stood with. The whole week he had waited by his phone, but this girl defied his logic and wouldn’t pay attention to him. Briefly, she had glanced at him and briefly he’d thought she would smile, but she’d quickly looked away.

He ran a hand through his hair - the sweat sticking to his fingers. He had rushed from the batting cage when Lucas called saying Alecia was at the party. But apparently all he would get to do was watch her from the corner of his eye - relishing her sweetness from afar since she wouldn’t acknowledge him.

 Helen and Alecia left the group and walked towards the bathroom, down the long hallway, disappearing. Ryder walked to the table and grabbed a beer. Twisting the cap off, he took a long sip, the harsh liquid slipped down his throat. At the end of the hallway, Alecia leaned sideways on the wall - her long hair hiding her face as the curls flowed around her shoulder. No he wouldn’t settle for just watching. Time to try a different approach. He set his beer down on a table and made his way to her.

He stopped behind her and took a long breath. The scent of strawberry floated around her. She even smelled of innocence. He placed a hand on her hip and leaned against the wall. Every part of him urged to scoot up behind her so he could dip his nose into her hair, inhaling its sweet scent, and feel her small form mold against his. But that would send her scurrying away, like a frightened mouse and keep him from achieving his goal. “Hey, pretty thing.”

“Hello Ryder.” She took a step from him making his hand drop. She turned to face him -- her beautiful eyes steady.

Ryder chuckled. Those eyes held a challenge. “I just wanted to know if you got the flowers I sent you.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Yeah, and I donated them to a hospital. I thought you wouldn’t mind.”

Ryder’s smile disappeared. “That was good of you.” What was up with this girl? Perhaps, he couldn’t play by the same rules. “You know, you would find out I’m a pretty nice guy, if you just got to know me. Won’t you let me take you to dinner?

 Alecia took a deep breath. “No.”

Ryder felt his heart drop. No. She had told him no. No girl ever told him no. He took a step closer to her and stared down into her eyes. He could make a girl melt with his. “Why not?”

She looked to the side as a slight blush covered her cheeks. “I’m just not interested.”

Yes, she was. He was getting. Ryder took a step closer. “Tell me and I’ll leave you alone.”

The blush deepened. “Look, you’re just not my type. I’m not into rich boys and in case you’re looking for a new slave to pledge to you, you should know I am not interested

He didn’t believe her. Her eyes looked too uncertain. The challenge had fled from them.

There was something else. “You know, who ever told you about being protected must have gotten it wrong. There are a lot of privilege s attached, it’s more than just being a slave . . . and also, don’t you think it’s a little unfair if you wouldn’t give me a chance just because I’m rich?”

“It’s how I feel.”

“Well, Alecia, I hope you don’t meet some guy who breaks your heart. I’d hate to see such a spirit crushed.” Ryder mockingly bowed and then walked away. Truth be told, he would kill anyone who hurt her. He would have to find some way to get her in his arms. She belonged there.

Alecia leaned her head against the side of the wall again after he had gone, wishing her cheeks would cool down. She must be blushing. His eyes were too captivating and he had been trying to use them against her.

The door opened and Helen walked out, adjusting the glittering top she wore. Her friend bent her head to the side. “What’s up with you?”

Alecia placed a hand on her cheek, feeling the heat. “Nothing, it’s just hot in here.”

   “Yeah, whatever.”

They walked back to the group. She stopped next to Gabriel and closed her eyes as she caught a whiff of his lemony-scented cologne. He bent to her ear, making her tremble as he whispered, “let’s go get some coffee.”

“I don’t know. . .” Alecia bit on her bottom lip as something warm ran through her. “I like to get to know guys before I go out with them.”

He nodded, and took a long sip of his water. “And that I can respect.”

A smile slipped on her face. Something about this man intrigued her. Could it be because he showed respect to her, unlike the Alpha, who kept pursuing her despite the fact she rebuffed him? Later on she’d have to ask Helen about him and if her friend proved what she hoped, she’d give this guy a chance. Alecia turned back to her friend who focused on them, a slight smile on her face like she approved of Gabriel It was so good to have a friend to trust.

• * * *

   Helen brought the mug to her lips and let the sweet scent of chai float around her – the mist warmed her face. She pushed a strand of hair out of her face and turned at the knock on the door. Must not be Ryder. He thought he owned the place and would just walk in, sweeping any girl he wanted into his arms. Kat was lucky, he moved onto Alecia before he dug into her taking what he wanted. Maybe he did own most of the girls in the house in one fashion or another. “Come in.”

The door opened and Gabriel strode in.

“Hey, Angel,” He said as he walked up to her and sat on a bar stool.

Did he even sleep last night? He was still in the same boring grey dress shirt that was now wrinkled and untucked.

His slacks had grass stains on them.

Helen looked at the creamy tea on the table, inhaling the cinnamon. A hundred dollar bill flashed in front of her. “What do you want?” She asked.

“Convince Alecia Bell that I’m a good guy, so she’ll go out with me.”

Helen laughed. “Why would I do that?”

“Because it’ll drive Ryder insane

  Helen spun around so she could stare into his eyes. “Will you sleep with her and ruin her?” She asked wickedly.

“Of course, but why such a sudden hate?” His smile became crooked.

   Helen placed her hands on her knees. “I can’t stand the way Ryder fawns over her. Kat told me how they talked at the party. She didn’t even mention it. I bet she’s conniving for him.”

    Gabriel laughed. “Jealous. Well dear, do your part and I will willingly do mine.”

She snapped the money from his hand and said, “I’ll tell her you’re a good missionary boy.”

“Thanks. Gabriel patted her on the shoulder and left.

Helen laughed and clenched her phone. Thank the goddess Gabriel had noticed Alecia. He would get her in bed one way or another. She couldn’t wait to see Alecia’s fresh tears pour down her face when Gabriel walked away, taking her innocence with him. Helen punched in Alecia’s number and waited for her to answer. “Hey,” she answered.

“You made an impression Gabriel night.”

“I did?”

Helen rolled her eyes. Humans were so stupid. She could push this girl wherever she wanted. Finally, she had some advantage over the Alpha. “He’s a cool guy. I hope you don’t mind, but I gave him your number.”

“You think he’s a cool guy?”

“I know he is. Gabriel and I are good friends. You should go out with him when he calls.” The end was silent for a second.

    “Okay.” There was a slight hesitation in her voice.

She planted her hand on the table in front of her. “Look. I know you’re worried. Gabriel is a good guy, I promise he won’t hurt you. And even though he is a werewolf, he still hates the system of protection. I promise two of you have a lot in common.

  Alecia chuckled. “Friend, you are really starting to be able to read me.”

Helen shook her head. “You have no idea.” This was going to be too fun to watch.

• * * *

 Alecia stopped typing and closed her eyes, inhaling the scent of the tea-tree candle burning in the corner. Focus. Stay focused. She looked at the clock. The day was drifting from her. It was already 7 p.m., and she had hours of writing ahead of her in order to get her next English assignment written, but her mind kept slipping to Helen’s phone call. Her friend had proven what she’d hoped about Gabriel’s character. Was there a possibility a relationship could develop between them? Last night, he had seemed so interested in her, slipping with her to a couch in the corner and listening to her latest story ideas. Not once had he even tried to touch her. Unlike the Alpha who had no problems touching her hair or hips as if it was just a matter of time before she was his. A sigh escaped her as a heat spread through her. Why couldn’t Ryder have Gabriel’s character? Then the dreams she’d last night of him and her lost in love could mesh with the reality, she faced when she woke up.

Her phone rang, breaking her thoughts. She picked it up and glanced at the unfamiliar number. It might be Ryder. Alecia set the phone down. Now what was it she was about to write?

Her fingers dangled over the keys. It had something to do with.... The phone stopped ringing. Aleciapicked it up and listened to the message that was left. She smiled. Gabriel wanted to take her to dinner to a nice pizza restaurant downtown. Dinner would be special. She hugged the phone.

Her first date. What should she wear?

She pulled up his number and returned the call. She couldn’t wait to hear his voice.

“Must have just missed you,” he answered.

“Yeah.” She felt like giggling, but she contained them.

“Well, I’m glad you called back because I would love to take you for some pizza.” “Sounds yummy.”