sold to the brutes

"What is going on here!?" Landon, the head warrior's voice boomed across the little forest, as he rushed over and held down Sheryl.

He also happened to be the only person who tolerated Sheryl enough to be friends with her.

"Nothing warrior, move along now, we're simply carrying out the Alpha's order." The leader spoke.

Landon was shocked to say the least, because if at all the alpha needed the brutes, he was usually the one the laoha would send to call them. And they knew too, but they were simply trying to indulge in their pleasure.

"The alpha?" Landon scoffed, "I don't remember the alpha sending me to call you brutes out."

"So what are you going to do about it?" The leader asked, trying to flex his muscles.

"Why don't we take this straight to the alpha?" Landon threatened while Sheryl shook her head profusely, knowing that would cause more trouble for her.

The alpha was known for his ruthlessness, the brute couldn't bear being at the bottom of his wrath, so they disappeared as quickly as they came.

"You can have her all to yourself then." With a last chuckle, they retreated into their hiding at the edge of the pack borders.

The moment they left, Landon rushed to Sheryl's side, "Are you okay?" He questioned, looking over her body for any injuries.

"Considering the hell I've been going through? I think I'm dandy." Sheryl sassed, earning a smile from her friend.

"Yeah, you're right, you strong woman." Landon praised her while helping her up. "I'll walk you home."

The two held hands and walked together towards Sheryl's house.

As Landon tightened the hold on Sheryl's arm, she flinched. "Ouch!"

"What is it?" Her shout alerted Landon immediately.

"I think I hurt my arm." She couldn't finish her statement before another throes of pain coursed through her.

"I asked if you were okay…" Landon got worried, lifted her off of her feet, and rushed to her room.

He rummaged the whole house to find first aid but was surprised to find none.

"Why is there no first aid here?" He questioned her and she chuckled.

"What do you think? I'm the only one that's yet to shift, Werewolves don't get sick, now do the math." It was only with Landon that her sassy side came out, she just couldn't help it.

"Okay, stay here while I rush down to get it for you." He rushed out of the room, but she stopped him.

"Oh, you have it? But, why?" She was genuinely confused why anyone would have that in the pack, not that it was a taboo, but it was odd.

"Because of you, duh." Landon rolled his eyes and moved again, but not before whispering one last sentiment. "Oh, happy birthday Sheryl."

A little gasp escaped Sheryl, she was pleasantly surprised that he remembered, no one ever remembered her birthday.

"Thank you, Landon." She whispered to the closed door, feeling a rush of emotion.

She let it out by crying. And that was how Landon met her.

"Does it hurt that much?" He rushed to her side.

"No." She replied, quickly wiping her tears away.

"Oh, come here." Landon sat in her bed and pushed her into his embrace. "It's okay, it's okay." Patting her back, he reassured.

When he moved back from the hug, he looked straight into her eyes, and that was a mistake on his path, for her eyes called to him.

It was the perfect shade of sapphire, but with tiny gold outlining in them, they were beautiful, so pretty that Landon could not resist leaning in.

Before Sheryl knew it, Landon's lips had descended upon hers, her eyes widened and she didn't think twice before pushing him off of her and the bed. It snapped Landon out of whatever truancy he was in.

"Sheryl, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for that to happen." He quickly apologized, but she was not having it.

"Is that how you see me too? Is that why you've been my friend? So you can have your way with me when I'm vulnerable? You are taking their word? To enjoy me all by yourself? Is that what it is?" Anger flamed her eyes, annoyance coated her demeanor and Landon knew he had better not talk at that moment.

"Answer me!" Upon being permitted to talk, he did.

"No Sheryl, it's not all that, I am your friend because I just am, and I don't see you like that, I swear by the Goddess, believe me."

"Believe you? Believe you?!" Her scream made another jolt of pain happen, and she winced.

"Sheryl lay down let me tend to your wounds." He moved to lay her down, but she took the opportunity to land a slap on him.

"Get away from me, you pervert!" She shouted, Landon knew her voice wouldn't be coming down any time soon and it might alert her parents, getting her into more trouble, so he listened.

"I'll go, but don't forget the ball preparations early tomorrow morning." He looked at her with so much pity.

He wished she was his mate, he was yet to find his mate too, and hoped it would happen at the ball. Sheryl deserved more than she was getting and if he could he would get it for her.

"Whatever, leave!" The venom in her voice scared Landon, he never wanted to jeopardize their friendship, but it seemed like the only thing he was doing at that moment.

After Landon left, Sheryl took care of herself and slept early to wake up for the ball preparations.

The night of the next day fell quickly, their guests from the neighboring pack were rushing in, seeming to enjoy the decorations, courtesy of Sheryl, not that anyone would thank her.

It was then time for the special guest to hop on to sit next to the Alpha and Luna of the Shadow Lake Pack.

It was the alpha, the ones everyone has heard of, but never seen. He had a reputation to uphold, and that didn't involve mingling in everything.

All the ladies were busy fawning over his handsomeness, his cold but good-looking face and body, but his mind was on one thing, which was strange, but still a delight to him.

"Mate!"