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I make it about two blocks from the school when I realize there is no way that I’m going to be able to walk home. It’s ten miles and my head is killing me. I suppose I could call my dad and see if he’s at work. Maybe he would pick me up. But I really don’t want to see him right now. He didn’t tell me anything about this place before we came. I feel kind of betrayed by him. How does he have this whole other life that I know nothing about?
A few blocks later, there is a cemetery. It’s the most beautiful cemetery I’ve ever seen. There is an iron gate with tall green hedges around the perimeter. Inside, there is a fountain, a nice walking trail, and a well manicured lawn. I spot a couple of women walking around the path. They have on workout clothes, so I’m not worried about disturbing them. I make my way over to a bench and take a seat.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to see a text from Parker.
Blaine and Will said they can’t find you.
I’m fine, I respond, just to reassure him. I need a break from school. I can’t handle the voices. Not today anyway.
I let out a long breath, my chest feeling heavy.
I’ve spent my whole life thinking I’m a freak. I never imagined there would be people like me. Then Dad moved us to the one town where there are other people with supernatural abilities, but I still don’t fit in. I’m not the right species.
Will won’t accept me. I’m not pack. I’m too different. Parker and Blaine might accept me, but it’s not like I’ll ever truly fit in with them. At least Will is honest about it.
I hear a tree limb shake up and down. I look up and see a squirrel run down the large trunk. I’m busy watching the squirrel, so I don’t hear anybody else come up—not until they sit down beside me.
“Vixen, what are you doing here?”
I’m beginning to think being sneaky is a wolf thing. I never hear these guys walk up.
“Hey, Blaine.” I fold my fingers together, looking forward. I don’t want to make eye contact with him. I don’t want to see the smirk that I’m sure is there. “How did you find me?”
“I followed your scent,” he admits. “I figured you’d be happy to see me instead of Will. He offered to come.”
I cross my arms over my chest, finally turning to look at him. “Thanks for saving me from him at least.”
Blaine grins. “Will’s grumpy.”
That is an understatement, but I don’t argue the fact. Not now.
“Parker told me that you know the truth about us.”
I nod. “I should’ve known the three of you aren’t human. It’s pretty obvious.”
Blaine nods. “Neither are you.”
“I don’t exactly feel supernatural. It’s not like I have any cool powers. Being able to read other’s minds isn’t exactly something that I want.” I push a piece of hair behind my ear. “Honestly, it kind of sucks.”
“I imagine,” he says.
“Why does Will hate me?” I turn to look at Blaine. “Is it really just because I’m not a wolf shifter?”
Blaine shakes his head. “It’s complicated.”
“Well, I don’t plan on going back to school.”
He leans back on the bench, getting comfortable. “Wolf shifters have mates. And Will is scared that Parker is going to fall in love with you. Or worse, that you’ll fall in love with Parker. He doesn’t want to see you get hurt.”
I watch him, waiting for him to continue. When he doesn’t, I finally say, “What are mates?”
His eyes widen a fraction and he shakes his head. “Right. I forgot for a minute. You might be supernatural, but you were raised as a human.” He pauses, looking at me for a moment before continuing. “Mates means soulmates. It’s like one person you’re meant to spend your life with. It’s a fate thing. When you meet your soulmate, you know. Or usually. It’s complicated. Mate bonds don’t always show up until you’re older.”
My chest aches. “So Parker has a soulmate?”
“Not yet.” Blaine rubs a hand at the back of his neck. “Anyway, the point is, you would be easy to fall in love with. It’s why Will pushes you away. And it’s why he hates that Parker is getting so close to you.”
I narrow my eyes. “Are you trying to tell me that Will is fond of me?”
