Chapter Two

If you compared me to them, I am a plain Jane. I had dark brown hair, which was cut in layers, it stopped at the middle of my back. My eyes were dark brown too. My body was average. I had nice curves, but I was short and not nearly as toned as Jackie and Sheila.

I wanted to stop thinking about them, so I decided to call my dad. He worked in the packhouse as one of Alpha Jax’s advisors. He was a general in charge of strategies and security for the pack.

“Hey Pumpkin,” My dad answered. “How’s the nose?”

“It hurts. Did you know the Hell twins were coming to mom’s shop today?”  I didn’t bother to hide my annoyance.

“Yes, I had set it up with your mother last week. Why? Did something happen?”

Typical dad, worrying about his duties. “No, dad, it’s just well, can you give me a heads-up next time?”

“What? Oh yeah, sure. I have to go sweetheart. I need to finalize the plans for security at their party. I will see you tonight. I love you.” He hung up without giving me a chance to speak. I pressed end on my phone. I heard the bell again. I walked out front to see Darren coming in.

“Hey, how’s the nose?” he asked. Darren and I had been friends for a long time.

“It’s broken, thanks to the Hell twins and Sheila.” I didn’t bother to hide my anger despite them being one room away.

“Want to go grab a bite? I am starving, I will even buy you your favorite!” he knew me too well.

“Ok, let me tell mom I’m leaving.

I knocked on the door.

“Come in,” my mom called from inside.

“Sorry to interrupt mom, I am going to the diner with Darren.”

“Ok honey, just be back before dark.” She waved over her shoulder before going back to picking out frosting colors.

I swear Arrow shot me a look.

I closed the door as I grabbed Darren’s arm. It wasn’t a boyfriend-girlfriend thing; it was a best friends thing.

Walking in, the waitress saw it was just us. “Your table is open, go ahead. I will get your stuff ready.”

As we sat down, I asked Darren if he thought we came here too much.

“Probably,” he chuckled.

A little while later, the waitress Bonnie, brought over our food. I could almost taste the golden fries and the chocolate shake.

Darren had buffalo wings, a burger, a heaping pile of fries, and a vanilla shake.

We sat there eating and laughing. I didn’t notice when the twins and their girlfriends walked in.

“You aren’t going to be happy,” Darren whispered.

“Why not?”

He pointed nonchalantly with his chin. I slowly glanced over my shoulder. “Great, what are they doing here? They never come here,” I whined.

Darren smirked. “Hey, let’s pretend we are together. You know like a couple. Not for real, but maybe it will get them to leave you alone.”

“Do you really think it will work?” I hoped it would, maybe if they thought I was Darren’s girlfriend, they would leave me alone and have their skanky girlfriends do the same.

“We can try it.” He offered me a sly grin. “After all, I play on the same teams as the twins. They should respect a teammate's girlfriend.” He looked like he was enjoying this.

I just want them all to leave me alone. When we finished our food, Darren went up and paid. When he came back, he tossed a few bills on the table for Bonnie.

“My lady,” he said holding out his hand for me. I smiled knowing what he was doing.

“Why thank you, sir.” I held his hand as he stood up. He put his arm around me as we walked by the twins.

They didn’t seem to notice, but stupid Sheila did.

“Hey, look, it’s the elephant girl!” She yelled. Jackie exploded with laughter. The twins chuckled.

“Hey, Sheila, leave my girlfriend alone!” Darren yelled. She stopped laughing, a look of shock spread across her face.

“Yeah right, you aren’t together,” she sneered.

“If we aren’t together, explain this,” Darren pulled me to him, and he planted his lips on mine. I was so surprised I almost forgot it was not real.

His lips were warm and soft. I started to enjoy it. He pulled me against him tighter before slipping his tongue in my mouth.

A low dangerous, growl sounded throughout the dinner.

Darren and I broke apart looking for the source. When nothing happened, Darren pecked my lips.

“See, I told ya, she’s, my girlfriend.” We walked out together. When we got outside, Darren laughed. Hopefully, that will shut them up for a while.

“Yeah,” I murmured. I was still in shock from the kiss. I didn’t want to tell Darren, but it had been my first kiss. Sure, it was only for show but, it was still my first kiss from a boy.

“You, ok? You look a bit flushed.” I didn’t realize Darren had been staring at me.  

“What? Yeah, sorry. I’m fine,” I lied hoping he would let it go.

He threw his arm around my shoulders. “So, girlfriend,” he said sarcastically, “I will walk you home.”

Later that night, I sat on my bed thinking about the kiss. I had felt something but was I supposed to? I liked Darren, he is gorgeous, but he is my best friend. I was scared to have those feelings for him. After all, we are just pretending.

Morning came fast. I had been awake for most of the night thinking about Darren. I had planned on skipping school today. If I got up early enough, I could shut off mom’s ringtone she had set for the school’s number. Then if they called, she wouldn’t know until it was too late. Once again, my alarm didn’t wake me.

I sat up looking at the clock. I had ten minutes before I had to leave for school. I dragged myself out of bed. I grabbed a pair of shorts and my favorite Cami. I slipped on my shorts and pulled the Cami over my head. I checked my nose in the mirror. Thankfully the bruising wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I brushed my teeth and headed downstairs. My mom was in the kitchen, listening to the news on her phone. I guess I’m not skipping school today.

“Baby, I made your lunch.” She handed me a paper bag. “I called the school earlier. I told them you cannot do gym except for walking.”

“Thanks,” I grumbled as I got up heading for the door.

“Hey, what about breakfast?”

“No thanks mom, my stomach hurts.”

“Ok, have a good day,” she called through the screen door.

Yeah right.

When I got to school, I was surprised to find I was on time.

Darren was leaning against the railing talking to a bunch of the guys. He smiled when he saw me. He waved for me to come over. I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t usually talk to him when he was with his teammates. I walked over cautiously.

“There’s my girl,” he said with a wide smile on his face. He put his arm around me before pecking my forehead. He pulled me in front of him as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I got some weird looks from other wolves as they walked by. I hoped our display was working. The warning bell rang telling everyone we had five minutes to get to class. Darren took his arms from my waist. I was about to head to the gym when he grabbed my hand. Sliding his fingers between mine, he walked me there. He opened the door and walked me inside. Everyone stopped and stared at us. He leaned in kissing my lips.

“I will pick you up after class, just wait for me.” He flashed me his handsome smile.

I blushed despite myself. He lifted my chin, pecking my lips one more time before he left to get to his class.

As I headed into the locker room, I could still feel his lips against mine. They were soft and warm, no, stop it, I scolded myself. I had wanted to kiss him more but, wait, what was I saying? This isn’t a real relationship. It’s just for show. Darren is my friend, not my boyfriend. I sighed.

After changing, I headed outside to join the class. The twins were sitting on the grass, and Sheila and Jackie were sitting on their laps. The two girls were giggling and holding the twins’ hands. I think my concussion must be worse than I thought because the twins didn’t look as interested in their girls as usual.

I sat down on the grass. I wished Darren was here. He was only in my gym class a couple of times a week. The other days, he had to go to training with his dad. His father ran the training drills for the pack. He was one of the fiercest warriors any pack had ever seen.

“Earth to Rina?” Coach Reid was standing in front of me looking very annoyed.

“What? Oh, sorry Coach. What am I supposed to do?” I hadn’t been listening. I was too caught up in my thoughts of Darren.

“You are walking laps until class is over.” His voice echoed the annoyance on his face.

“Right,” I got to my feet.

“She’s too busy thinking about Darren’s dick!” Sheila’s snarky voice.

I had enough, “Hey Sheila, why don’t you stop being jealous and start worrying about what you’re going to do when Arrow ISN’T your mate in a couple of months! Have fun being a nobody again.” I didn’t wait for a response, I stormed off in the direction of the track.

I could have sworn I heard the twins chuckle. I didn’t care. They are just as evil as Sheila and Jackie. They probably would be mates and could go on being evil together. I couldn’t wait till I turned eighteen and left this pack.

As I started my laps, I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. I wouldn’t cry. I wouldn’t give Sheila the satisfaction of knowing she upset me. I walked along planning the day I would leave. I knew my parents would try to keep me here, but once I turned eighteen, I was free to do what I pleased.

When class was over, Darren was waiting outside the locker room. I had hoped he wouldn’t notice my red-rimmed eyes. As I walked to him, his face dropped.

 “Baby, what happened?” he asked wiping a tear from my eye.

I threw my arms around him. I didn’t care if we were only fake dating. I just needed someone to hold me, to care about me for a minute.

The twins walked by with Sheila and Jackie. “Aw, look. She can’t wait to jump his bones! Typical of a dirty Whore!” Sheila sneered.

I buried my face deeper in Darren’s neck. A growl emitting from him made me look at him. His face showed hatred. He looked like he was going to tear someone apart.

“Hey, Arrow, control your bitch, or I will do it for you,” he snarled.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Arrow snarled back.

“Arrow, Sheila was out of line,” Arion spoke up.

“Sheila cut the shit or get the fuck away from me,” Arrow looked at Sheila daring her to say something else.

Sheila recoiled at his icy tone. “Baby, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, please baby.” She wrapped herself around him like a python encircling its prey.

“Good. If you do, we are over.” Arrow stormed away.

Arion and Jackie followed.