COLLIN POV
It took everything I had not to go after that little punk and punch his face in. I wanted to take my anger out on him so badly but knew I'd probably go to jail for beating a minor nearly to death.
The worst part was seeing Saige half-naked in the classroom behind me as that little fuck left her alone in there. I knew what they had done, especially after what she yelled to his retreating back, and I was furious.
Our shared kiss from last night was still fresh on my mind and I could still taste her. I wanted so badly to believe that everyone was wrong about her but that clearly wasn't the case. I was so stupid.
The door to the classroom opened and I spun around to find Saige standing there with a timid look on her face. It was clear that she hadn't expected to get caught, especially by me.
When I didn't move or say anything, she cleared her throat. "So, are you taking me to the principal's office now, or what?" I shook my head. "You need more than detention for your actions."
A devilish grin spread across her face. "Oh? Are you ready to punish me, Coach?" Her voice was velvety and flirty as she ran her hand down my chest.
I grabbed her wrist so hard that she winced from the pain I was no doubt inflicting right now.
"Turn around and go back inside," I growled, nodding toward the classroom behind her.
A bit of fear flashed in her eyes but she did as I asked. I shut the door behind us and crossed my arms over my chest when I turned to glare at her. I had so many things I wanted to say to her right now but I couldn't figure out what I wanted to say first. I also didn't want to frighten her because I knew I'd end up screaming at her for how angry I felt.
"So, how do you plan on punishing me, sir?" Her tone was still sultry and flirty.
"Shut up," I bit out, not in the mood for her shit right now.
Her eyes went wide and she did what I asked. She leaned up against the desk and crossed her arms over her own chest while staring down at the floor.
"Who was that guy?" I finally asked, trying to keep my tone level.
She grinned up at me. "Why? Is someone jealous?"
I don't think it was jealousy I was feeling, but, yeah, I was upset that she screwed another dude right after she kissed me.
"Not likely," I replied dryly and her face dropped. "I'm disappointed in you, Saige. I wanted so badly to believe what people say about you isn't true. But, all you've shown me is that the word around town isn't a rumor at all. You're a beautiful young lady. Why do you..."
She cut me off. "You don't know anything about me and neither do any of these boring fucks around town. Don't you stand there and judge me when you know nothing."
I laughed. "Nothing? I may not know the details, little girl, but I have eyes. You're clearly hurting and so fucking lost. It's why you chase after guys and spread your legs. You want that acceptance and that fleeting moment of lust because you're not getting it elsewhere." Her face went hard and her eyes welled up. "Am I right?"
"Maybe I just like fucking. Have you ever thought of that?" She was grasping at straws here. She knew it and I knew it.
"Saige, everyone likes a good fuck." I had hung my faculty jacket at the door as I was trying to be real with her right now. "It isn't about the number of men in your bed versus who's in your bed. When you find that special someone that truly sees you for who you are, you'll stop hurting."
She laughed incredulously, shaking her head. "Nobody wants me like that, Coach. Haven't you heard? I'm the town bicycle."
I could hear the emotion in her voice and I so badly wanted to go to her and hold her, but I knew I couldn't.
"You don't know that, Saige. There's a whole world outside of this little town. Someplace nobody knows you." I took a few deep breaths and stared at her. "You can't keep belittling yourself like this. It isn't healthy." Her eyes studied me but she said nothing. Then I nodded toward her neck. "You going to tell me what happened there? If someone hurt you, Saige..."
"Like you're going to step up and protect me?" She rolled her eyes and scoffed.
"Maybe not personally, but I know the cops would like to try." That's all I could offer her right now. I didn't want to entwine my life with hers, knowing the attraction I felt toward her wasn't healthy.
"It's nothing," she replied as she pushed away from the desk and tried to walk past me but I grabbed her arm.
"Saige, talk to me," I whispered, trying to level with her. I wanted her to trust me so I could at least help her. I have no idea what her home life is like, but if it's as bad as Coach Briggs says it is, then I wanted to help any way I could.
She looked up at me with the saddest eyes and it broke something in me. I had never seen her look so serious before. Normally she always had a playful scowl on her face as if she were on a constant prowl for men.
Her bottom lip began to tremble and I knew I had struck a chord.
When she tried to look away from me, I turned toward her, grabbing her chin to look back at me.
"Hey," I whispered, "You can trust me, Saige."
She stared into my eyes for a long moment, looking frightened and unsure. Then she did something that made me tense up. She slammed her face into my chest, wrapped her arms around my waist, and cried. It wasn't her usual come-on to get close to me. No, this was genuine and this girl was hurting.
I wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her shoulder gently, and just let her cry it out in my arms. It's probably been a long time since someone had her back like this and that realization punched me in the gut. Nobody should feel alone. Saige could use a strong friend and I was going to do my best to be that friend for her. I just hoped like hell that I could keep my feelings and emotions out of the mix.
SAIGE POVI don't know who the hell this guy was, but I hated that he was able to make me feel so vulnerable around him. It had been years since I'd cried like this and in the arms of a stranger. But I won't lie and say it didn't feel good. This pent-up fear and sadness had nearly drowned me and I almost felt liberated.When I pulled away from Collin, I stared up into his eyes and saw kindness there that I had somehow missed before. He definitely wasn't like all the guys I'd chased after before, so how did it take me so long to really see it? Perhaps I was too blinded by my stupid games to notice."I, um, should probably head home." I wasn't actually going home but I was done letting Collin see me like this."Let me give you a ride," he offered but I shook my head."I can manage, but thanks."He was looking at me strangely and I couldn't blame him. Normally, I'd jump at the opportunity to be alone with Collin but I needed my own time alone. He said some things that hit home for me and
COLLIN POVAs I drove through the beat-down neighborhood, I couldn't help but wonder why I was over here. When I started off driving, I never pictured myself driving through Saige's neighborhood but something told me I should check up on her. She left a bit distraught today and with all the talk about her home life, I just couldn't stay away.But as I drove by her place, I noticed how quiet it looked. Was she even here? My gut told me she wasn't.I kept driving past her place, wondering where she might be, when I looked at the passing car and I swore I saw her in the passenger seat. She was with a guy I'd never seen before and knew that he wasn't a student. Who the hell was this guy?After whipping my truck around, I followed after them down a road that took us away from her place. I really didn't want to catch her doing what I thought she was about to do. What did I have to do to get through to this girl? She was so much better than that. And that guy looked to be my age. What the he
SAIGE POVAfter the police questioned us and locked Leo up in the back of their car, I couldn't help but notice how Collin was staring at me. He had heard the whole story of what Leo had done to me the night before and what he was about to do again and during the time I spoke, I watched his jaw flex in anger. Did he really care for me? I wouldn't expect him to get so angry about this. He barely knows me.We were in his truck, driving away from the police cars and the alley when he looked over at me."Am I taking you home?"I vigorously shook my head. "That's the last place I want to be right now."He nodded, seeming to know how I felt. "Alright, I have an idea to get your mind off of this." He turned around and I watched as he got on the freeway and headed into the heart of the city."Where are you taking us?""I figured a trip to the mall for some food and goofing around would distract you." He smiled over at me and I swear I melted. Who was this guy? Instead of taking me back to his
SAIGE POVAs we left the mall, Collin kept looking over at me with a playful grin while shaking his head."A unicorn? Seriously? Out of all the drawings in that book, you choose that?" He laughed, clearly getting a kick out of it as much as I was."It seemed fitting," I giggled.Our moment of laughing halted when my phone began to ring and my mom's face lit up the screen. My heart fell into my stomach as I stared at her face. I didn't want to answer it because I knew what she would say."You going to answer that?"Collin's voice brought me back to the moment as I shook my head at him and ignored her call."It was my mom. I don't feel like talking to her right now." I could hear the sadness in my own voice, so I wonder what he's hearing."Do you have a place to stay tonight, Saige?" Collin asked.I thought of the very few people who would take me in. TJ and Kora, but I knew TJ's mom hated me so that wouldn't work and I knew Kora's grandparents were up from Florida visiting, taking the
SAIGE POVCollin brought back a bottle of olive oil and the salt shaker before leaning against the bathroom counter."This shit better come off before tomorrow," he complained.I let out a small laugh and shook my head. "I'll do my best." I dabbed the corner of the washcloth in the oil before sprinkling salt onto it. "This might hurt because the salt makes a scrub. I'll be gentle." I grabbed his chin to steady his face and began rubbing circles onto the unicorn.His chin in my hand made my heart skip a beat. It might have been a small gesture, but to me, this was as close as he was going to let me get at the moment and I could smell his cologne. Damn, he smelled amazing. What was that?"How'd you know how to get this off if you've never had a henna tattoo before?" He asked, trying to keep his eyes on the wall behind me.I shrugged. "Google."He laughed. "Gee, why didn't I think to do that?" He paused as I watched him swallow and tense up. Was I making him uncomfortable? "I think I can
SAIGE POVI took a hot shower and crawled into bed. I tossed and turned but sleep would not come and it was driving me crazy. The reflection from the pool water was dancing on the ceiling, distracting me from closing my eyes. It swirled and danced, creating the perfect night light but who the hell could sleep when it was that bright?!I rolled toward the windows, noticing that there weren't any curtains, and cursed under my breath. This was going to be the worst night ever. Not to mention that Collin was sleeping a floor above me in probably nothing more than boxers or briefs. I wondered then what his whole body looked like with all those tattoos on him. Did they cover every inch of him? Or, just the main parts? I really wanted to explore his ink, to really see what he had permanently printed onto his skin and what they all meant. He isn't much older than I am, so I wondered when he started getting them done.A sound from the pool area pulled my attention there as I leaned up to look
COLLIN POVI slept like hell last night knowing Saige was just below me in the guest room. I promised I'd show her that she was better than she thought she was, but all I could think about were her lips and how she tasted. It was a struggle not to go downstairs to see her, knowing she was willing; but I was not that guy.And that was the exact reason why I called the guy standing at my front door right now. He's the guy I know who can show Saige she was worth more than a one-night stand. Women loved him and he loved them. It was really a win-win.I whipped the door open and came face to face with my cousin, Finn. He took a flight out here the second I called him like he always did."Bro, what's up?!" He stepped in and embraced me in a giant bear hug. We laughed and smacked each other's backs."Damn, it's good to see you!" I replied with a grin. "Come on in, man!”We headed straight for the kitchen, hoping to keep the noise level down and not wake Saige. I needed to explain a few thing
SAIGE POVCollin's cousin was hot! And he asked me to ditch school to hang out with him?! Hell yes! I needed a good day with a hot guy after the dream I had last night. If I couldn't have Collin, then this Finn guy would have to do.Then an idea struck me: If Collin had any feelings toward me at all, which I gathered he did, then being flirty with his cousin might do the trick, right? Guys are known for doing some crazy things when they're jealous.After I freshened up, I headed back out to find Finn standing by the front door eating a banana.Finn winked at me. "Ready to go?"A huge grin spread across my face as I blushed. I was actually fucking blushing. That rarely happened to me."I'm ready."Collin appeared in the foyer and glared at me. "I really think you should go to school, Saige. You can ride with me. You and Finn can hang out later."Was he serious?"The last time I checked, Collin, you're not my dad." I stepped up to him then and ran my finger down his neck and over his ch
Shifting perspectivesMADALINAMy stomach was upset, and my mouth was dry. Apparently, my body underwent a range of reactions due to the most important event of my new life. I would be the center of attention, all eyes filled with judgment on me. Even before, I never enjoyed public events or parties, and rather let my brother fulfill such a role. Alex was an extrovert like no other, never experiencing an increased heart rate or sweating when giving out a speech. And although I wasn't afraid of speaking up my mind, my attitude was more... military oriented? I was not good at sugarcoating or putting on a perfect-smile façade. And yet, that was exactly what I was about to do tonight.I stood before the mirror, my gaze fixed on the reflection staring back at me. Who was this woman and what did she do with Madalina Crud?Carrie had chosen for me a stunning long dress with bare shoulders in the shades of dark red. It was definitely a departure from my usual style of leather pants and milita
When I first learned about Carrie's idea to throw a big welcome party for Madalina, I was a little hesitant. Ever since we arrived at my pack, my mate has faced a barrage of unwarranted prejudice due to her different background. No one dared to confront her or me directly, but the silent whispers were there. People stared. At me. At her.It was mostly due to all those horrible crimes her family was responsible for. Her family had tortured lone wolves, treating them like slaves. Sadly, even my mate took part in it, blindly manipulated by her parents. Though with each new day, I could see how much she regretted all her past actions. I may have gotten a second chance at love, but Madalina got her second chance at normal life. And she was going to prove to everyone that she no longer was the ruthless, stone-cold werewolf slayer.The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the preparations for the grand evening were in full swing. Decorations adorned every corner, bringing vibrant colors an
Unwelcome newsAIDENUpon Jerome's resignation, I was faced with an enormous workload that made me truly grasp the extent of his responsibilities on my behalf. An Alpha was like a lost puppy without his Beta. Despite Scott shadowing Jerome for many years, he struggled to fulfill the role with the same efficiency. Regrettably, Scott was caught between his previous Gamma duties and attempting to assume the Beta position. Our pack was huge in size, and leading it was never meant to be a solitary endeavor. It necessitated a cohesive team, which, unfortunately, I did not have.Days started to merge, and I couldn't tell the difference between light and dark, granting me less and less time for my mate. And I hated it. I hated leaving Maddie alone, even though I could count on Carrie to keep her company. But it would be irresponsible of me to just ignore the escalating situation in my pack and simply lock myself in the room with my gorgeous woman. I was an Alpha and sometimes I needed to put
Notre DameMADALINAIt has been a whole week since I moved to Black Forest pack, but nothing has changed significantly.My mate was incredibly busy, leaving our room early in the morning and returning at night. His Beta stepped down and he now had only his Gamma to support him. Aiden's father tried to help too, but it wasn't common practice to see a retired Alpha interfering in the pack's business. Moreover, it would shed a bad light on Aiden, putting him in the position of not being competent enough to lead the pack if daddy needed to hold his hand.. Eventually, it would motivate ambitious males outside the pack to come and conquer the place, seeing Aiden as a weak element that could be easily challenged and eliminated. Status was everything in the werewolf's world.Aiden spent the entire week searching for a proper candidate for the Gamma position. He wanted to promote the current Gamma to Beta. That man seemed to be one of a few who were loyal to Aiden and openly supported him desp
"Go back to your own kind. Leave our pack before facing further humiliation."I cleared my throat before speaking, controlling the fiery rage that tortured me. Oh, the fantasies that danced in my mind - to give her a taste of her own venomous words, to unleash that never-ending thirst in me, and sink my fangs deep in her flesh until she begged for her life. To punch that nasty mouth and show her true fear.But could I afford such scandal on my first day among werewolves? As much as I wished to make her pay, I concluded she simply wasn't worth the trouble with my mate. I came here to be a better person.Hence, I put my old habits aside and kept the fight on a verbal level."Oh, wow, thank you so much for your unsolicited prophecy! How fortunate I am to have you... whoever you are, enlighten me about my inevitable fate. Your concern for my well-being and humiliation is truly heartwarming. Clearly, your wisdom knows no bounds. Perhaps I should bow down and seek your guidance on all life
Fire tangoMADALINANerves fluttered in my stomach when his family first approached me. Will they grimace in disgust? Will they be bothered by the presence of a vampire? I had all those questions clawing at my mind, terrifying me. But what I experienced... it was something entirely unexpected.In a flurry of introductions and warm smiles, my unease began to dissipate. I stared at Aiden's mother, who exuded a genuine kindness which I found both comforting and bewildering. Not like my own mother, who only veiled her real personality under a sweet, innocent face. My mother carried the mask of kindness, pretending to be a good person, a victim of horrible crimes for which, after all, she was primarily responsible. But the warmth in Amelia's eyes and the way she squeezed my hand indicated she was genuinely happy for her son and accepted me as I was.Aiden's sister, Carrie, was a vibrant young woman. Her presence required attention as she effortlessly owned the room with her wild and loud p
"I'll get some drinks. It's time to celebrate." Carrie winked at us and rushed to one of the Omegas, splashing instructions."Okay, I guess." Maddie placed a light kiss on my lips to ensure me she would manage to survive my family. I didn't need to worry about her. My mate wasn't any shy damsel in distress. If anyone annoyed her, she would deal with it. I promised her not to be away for long and left her with mom and Carrie.On the way to my office, I met my dad. He had arrived at Black Forest pack before us."Jerome knows." He informed me shortly. I sighed, feeling how a big lump formed in my throat. My Beta had already learned about the death of his son.~~~~~~~"We are currently providing shelter for over a hundred lone wolves. The majority of them have already applied for asylum but some haven't decided yet. They still consider returning to their original village once all is settled. Anyhow, we can't accommodate them all permanently. We are running short on resources. But the disc
. Bitter tollAIDENMadalina squeezed my hand when we passed through the main gate to my pack. The Black Forest pack was one of the largest packs in Yukon, providing a home to thousands of people, mostly werewolves. We had several witches among us, as well as humans. Overall, it was a great place to live in. Despite the isolation within the mountains, our civilization thrived.The air carried the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, intermingled with the sweet aroma of home-cooked meals waffling from the houses. The streets were alive with the joyous spirit of community, as people strolled leisurely, their smiles radiant and genuine. Children reveled in their innocence, their laughter echoing through the pathways, while the sun cast a gentle glow upon their carefree games.We lived in peace, surrounded by beautiful nature, and I couldn't wait to show it all to my beautiful mate. Therefore, I was stunned when we finally arrived at my pack and the streets were empty. Gone was also the melo
Raindrops farewellAIDENI was glad that my mate agreed to live with me in my pack. I understood the depth of sacrifices she had undertaken to be with me. Her departure from her family was due to forbidden love and it led to her being estranged by her own parents. They cut off any future physical contact with her and although she tried to be strong and not to show it, I knew it bothered her tremendously. At least her brother, despite being a sick psychopath, stood by her side.And now, I was going to be her family and I would do anything to make her happy.When I returned to the safe house together with Madalina, the place was emptied. Only my father stayed with a couple of soldiers. He was eager to meet my mate and shook her hand a bit too enthusiastically that I had to remind him to keep it cool. As surprising as it was, my dad was very open-minded and didn't care about Madalina's origin. I assumed after all he had to go through in his life, he understood how precious true love was.