22

I woke up and smiled at Clayton's arms wrapped around me. As I moved a little he groaned and pulled me closer.

Mate's asleep. A growl sounded in my head and I smiled.

Hello my wolf... What's your name?

You get to name me Katlyn. My wolf's soft growling said.

Okay then umm how about Storm? I said and my wolf growled in approval.

Nice I like that. And with that my wolf faded into my mind again and I sighed. I could feel Clayton's breath on my neck and I smiled.

"Clayton?" I breathed as I tried to get out of his grasp. I had to go to the bathroom. My mate grunted and I heard him yawning.

"Yes?" Came his husky reply. My heart fluttered at the sound of his voice.

"I have to get up." I said softly and my mate growled lowly and pulled me closer. I moaned as he kissed my neck slowly and teasingly. I heard Clayton grunt and he kissed my neck with growing passion and aggression. My hormones were all over the place and it only intensified my need for the bathroom.

"Clay stop I have to pee." I gasped as he started to get on top of me. He paused and chuckled before sitting back. Before I could say anything else he grabbed me and hoisted me out of bed. I yelped in surprise and he whisked me into the bathroom. Clayton put me down by the toilet and smirked.

I gave him a look and he just stood there, "Umm Clayton," I said, "are you just going to stand there?" He nodded with that same smirk and I frowned.

"But I have to pee." I said and he shrugged.

"It's not like it's going to kill you or me to be in here." He said casually and started fiddling with the cabinets by the sink.

"So you're gonna be fine when I pull my pants down right? You can control yourself?" I asked eyeing him and he visibly swallowed. He glanced at me and looked me over before tensing up.

"You're right." He said and started grabbing his toothbrush and stuff and hurried out of the bathroom shutting the door behind him. I chuckled softly.

After I was done with my business I slipped out of the bathroom to be automatically encased in my mate's strong warm arms. I growled in delight as he gently backed me up against the wall and smirked at me.

I chuckled and stuck my tongue at him and raised my eyebrows when his eyes darkened with lust. He growled softly and pressed his face into my neck and gave me chaste kisses. I moaned as he kissed my jaw and collarbone and back up my neck to my cheeks. My breathing became ragged as did his and he pressed me harder against the wall and smashed his lips upon mine. My hands flew to his head and I gripped his hair and pulled causing him to moan and open his mouth. I smiled and slipped my tongue in his mouth and he growled softly when mine touched his. In moments our tongues were battling for dominance and our hands were teasing each other in almost every way possible. Finally we pulled away and our lips were damp and eyes sparking. I looked at him and giggled causing him to laugh softly. All that just because I stuck my tongue out at him.

"I love you baby." Clayton sighed and I smiled.

"I love you too." I breathed and he pulled me toward the bed.

ELI POV (new)

I slid out of my bed and sighed as I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror on my wall. I was pathetic. A disgrace. I was ugly... So unappealing beside the others in my pack. Yeah pack you'll get the idea of you don't already.

My name is Eli by the way- no I'm not a guy. My parents just wanted to name me that. My parents are gone now though... They died a while back-years ago. You could say it went well after they died, that my pack took care of me, but that'd be a horrible lie. I was treated like dirt because apparently I had something to do with it. But how could I? I wasn't there! It wasn't my fault that they were doing something for me! I miss them so much...

It all happened about six years ago. It was about to be my twelfth birthday and my parents were very excited. They'd told me it was going to be an extra special birthday. But they were keeping the details a secret. So they went off to the mall or wherever they were going to get me something and I stayed at the pack house. I still remember where I was when I received the news. I was in my room when suddenly the alpha himself burst in through the door and growled, "Your parents are dead, I hope you're happy." Then he just left me as I cried. After that everyone was so horrible to me. They even called me a murderer. I still don't know who thought it was a good idea to blame me but I guess I've got to deal with it, right? Well, enough of that.

My dark brown hair was always dry and messy- not the cute messy- the kind that makes you think a spider or two might pop out. My dull yellow eyes matched perfectly with my pasty white skin. My front tooth had a chip in it and if you looked you'd notice that my body had an array of scars. No I don't self harm I was born with them. It's quiet strange. But it's also another thing for kids to pick on me about. I was horrible but my parents had loved me like I was the most wonderful thing in the world... To make matters worse I should've shifted about a month ago.

I was eighteen and I still hadn't shifted it was quite embarrassing. Wolves can shift at any time... but late bloomers, like myself, should at least shift on or around their eighteenth birthday. I let out a breath and made my way to the bathroom.

When I exited my hair was combed to its less craziness and my body was washed not that it was anything to show off. I had all the curves in all the wrong places.

I slipped on some sweatpants and a black t shirt and made my way out of my room and down the pack house halls. Finally I reached the living room. I saw some members sitting on the couch. One was Mark and the other was Alex-both of them part of numerous bullies. As I walked by they snickered and instead of sniffing like I usually would've it took me by surprise when I growled. They blinked in shock as did I and I hurried away toward the kitchen.

"Seems as if your pathetic ass might actually shift." A voice followed me and I paused as another growled.

"Shut up Mark." I listened to Nathaniel's distinctive voice. His dripped with authority, he was after all going to take the alpha title in a few days.

"What, you're defending her ole ugly mug?" Mark said and I closed my eyes for a brief second. I looked back and saw the future alpha leaned in the doorway. Nathan was one of those boys that any girl would die to have him pursuing her. He was tall and built and his red brown eyes were dazzling. His tanned skin was flawless. I tried to ignore the fact that we both had on gray sweatpants and black shirts. We're matching... Weird. Nathan's cold voice ripped me from my thoughts.

"No. Why would I defend that? I'm just tired of your damn voice." Nathan said and for some reason it struck a nerve and I whimpered before turning and entering the kitchen. Did I forget to mention Nathan was a ruthless bully and a dick to me too? He actually busted my lip a couple weeks back when I stepped on his shoe, it was totally accidental-not the punch-me stepping on his shoe.

Don't worry Eli, all will come in good time. A soft growl said in my head and I almost squealed.

Are you my wolf? I asked back and a growling laugh echoed in my head.

Yes. I'm Elika... Eli don't let anyone's petty words bring you down. We are strong. My wolf said and I smiled and nodded. A burst of confidence hit me and I grabbed a banana and headed out of the kitchen twirling it around in my hands.

I caught a glimpse of Nathan with his back to me and a rush went through me and I gasped softly. Nathan's head whipped around to me and I saw his body stiffen and his eyes darkened. All the others had left so it was just the two of us.

"You've got to be kidding me. You're my mate? Out of all people, you?" Nathan said in disgust and my wolf snarled in indignation.

Let me at him Eli! I'll rip him to shreds! Elika howled and I scoffed.

I thought you were supposed to like your mate. I said back.

We'll take disrespect from no one! Mate or not! My wolf howled and suddenly all inhibitions were gone from me.

"Like I'd want to be mates with a stupid bastard like you! You talk like you're high and mighty but you're no better than a flea infested rouge! You're not worthy of becoming alpha let alone being my mate! The moon goddess screwed us both over!" I snarled and my wolf's growl came out with every word. It was as if something snapped in me and I nodded curtly at Nathan who looked shocked. Then he blinked and growled.

"This is fucking stupid." Nathan snarled and left the room.

He didn't reject us... Elika said softly and I felt myself tense up. He didn't.

I shook off the fuzzy feeling in my head and walked out of the living room and going outside. I peeled my banana and ate it before tossing the peel aside.

"Eli! What is your problem?" A deep voice boomed and I jumped as a hand clamped down on my shoulder. I turned and saw Alex-the guy that had been on the couch-Nathan's friend. His dark eyes stared into mine and he frowned. I growled softly and he scoffed. He suddenly grabbed my jaw in rough hands and squeezed it. I almost whimpered in pain but I held it in.

"Answer me bitch. First you get the nerve to growl at someone and now you're throwing trash outside and making a damn mess." Alex growled even though I'd tossed it in the bushes, you couldn't even see it anymore. I attempted to pull away but he tightened his grip and finally the whine slipped out along with a tear.

"I said answer me." Alex growled in my face and I managed to move my jaw to form words.

"Fuck. You." I spat out and Alex snarled and pushed me away by the jaw. Then he raised his fist to strike me. His fist flew at me in a blur and I waited for the impact.

"Alex! What the hell?!" A snarl exploded behind us and suddenly the boy was ripped away from me by... Nathan himself. His fist missed my face by inches. Before his friend could say anything Nathan was throwing him into a wall and pounding his head against it.

"Don't." Bang! "Touch." Bang! "Her." Bang! "Again." Bang! With that Nathan let his friend go and I felt somewhat prideful at Alex's bloodied face. But Nathaniel wasn't done and he picked Alex up and started beating him until he lay on the ground unconscious. When he was done Nathan turned to me and I looked away.

"Are you okay?" Nathan asked and I looked up at him and nodded.

"Of course. Y'all did it to me for years. Especially you. I'm fine. Nothing you or anyone else does can hurt me very much anymore. Yeah there may be a tear but it's only my body's reaction to it. Deep down I don't give a damn. Kill me for all I care." I said shrugging and Nathan snarled.

"No one is going to hurt you or kill you while I'm around." My mate managed to get out past his territorial growls. I just shrugged and looked at the ground. After a small time I heard him walk away and I sighed and followed him inside. I slipped past him and made my way toward my room.

"Eli... I'm sorry." Nathan's voice followed me and I paused my walk to my room.

"Sorry doesn't fix everything Nathan." I growled and suddenly I felt his hand grab my wrist. Sparks ran through me and I sighed before pulling away.

"Eli-" Nathan started but I cut him off.

"See you later Alpha." I said and started to walk away but he pulled me back and I slammed against his hard warm chest.

"Don't fight with me. Please." Nathan sighed and his arms wrapped around me. I let out a shuddering sigh at the contact and closed my eyes briefly.

"I'm not fighting. I'm just blocking your advances." I spat and wriggled out of his grasp-which was a lot of work by the way. Without another word I bolted to my room and locked the door. I thought I heard Nathan say something else but I ignored it. I was not going to forgive him that quick! All of them had picked on me for years! To forgive him in the blink of an eye would be like none of that ever happened.