I opened my eyes, the bright sunlight almost burning them, causing me to quickly shut them again, rubbing on them vigorously. I tried again, allowing them to slowly adjust as I stretched, my joints cracking as they moved, relieving me of the stiffening feeling.

I pushed myself into a sitting position, rubbing my hand down my face as I groaned, a wave of nausea coming over me.

"I am never drinking again," I mumbled to myself as I slid out of the bed, exiting the room and making my way into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I gasped as I was faced with the most beautiful bathroom I had ever seen. It was big, but not too big, the shower fitting snuggly in the corner; the shiny white tiles glistening with water, telling me that somebody had just been in there.

I inhaled the sweet aroma of vanilla and musk, knowing that it was Dylan, and my mind wandered into a daydream of my shirtless mate, water cascading down his chest and abs. I closed my eyes, sighing as I unbuttoned Dylan's oversized shirt, letting it fall to the floor, stepping into the shower and turning the water setting to steaming hot. The water burned my skin, but I enjoyed, feeling as if the alcohol was slowly being washed away. I scrubbed at my face, attempting to wash off my leftover makeup, knowing that sleeping in it was definitely a bad idea.

Once I was satisfied, I stepped out, wrapping a blue fluffy towel around me, leaving my sopping wet hair framing my face, deciding on just air drying it. I swished a mix of toothpaste and water around in my mouth, desperate to rid myself of the salty morning taste on my tongue. I grabbed Dylan's shirt off the floor before making my way back into my room, preparing myself to have to put my vomit covered black mini dress back on, but I gazed over at the bed, to see a neatly placed pile of fresh clothing there, making me raise my eyebrows. I picked them up, furrowing my brows at how large they were, but I was in no place to complain; at least they were clean.

After pulling them on and doing a quick once over in the mirror, satisfied with how I looked, I made my way down the stairs, creeping carefully so as not to grab the attention of anyone, not wanting to face them after last night.

"Good afternoon," smiled Gia as I rounded the corner, nearly jumping out of my skin. She was sat at a barstool in the kitchen, dressed in an oversized shirt and shorts, stuffing her face with food. "Ethan made brunch, but we gathered you'd be sleeping, so there's none left, sorry."

I ran my hands through my chocolate brown hair, nodding slowly as I made my way over to one of the barstools, perching on it carefully.

"How are you feeling?" Gia teased, laughing.

I shook my head. "Like shit."

"I remember my first time on tequila," voiced Ethan as he walked into the kitchen in a pair of fitted suit trousers; his chest bare.

Gia laughed, winking at me as I groaned, clutching at my stomach.

I felt awkward, unsure of what Gia and I were supposed to do now. I felt rude just shooting off and leaving, but I also didn't want to overstay my welcome. Plus, I was really looking forward to just hopping back into bed, sleeping this hangover away.

Suddenly, the musky aroma I had come to recognise so quickly wafted through the air, causing me to bite my lip, turning round to see a very disgruntled shirtless Dylan, his dark hair still wet from his shower. He gazed into my emerald green eyes for a few seconds, before breaking eye contact and nodding over at Ethan, who cleared his throat awkwardly, turning towards Gia.

"Let's go eat in another room," he suggested, picking up both his and Gia's plates, walking her out of the kitchen, her concerned face gazing back at me before she disappeared.

"Are you having anything to eat?" asked Dylan grumpily, pouring himself some coffee.

I shook my head. "I don't think I can, I don't feel that great," I replied, causing Dylan to chuckle to himself.

"Well, that's what happens when you drink stupid amounts."

I furrowed my brows, taken aback by his harsh tone. "Oh, come on. You can't-"

"Do you even know how much danger you put yourself in Clara?" Dylan interrupted, growling. "You are the perfect target; a young pretty drunk girl passed out on the floor. Do you know how many creeps out there could have taken advantage of you?"

I sighed, shaking my head, slightly distracted by the thought that Dylan considered me to be 'pretty'. "I know, but Gia was there."

Dylan laughed, rolling his eyes. "And do you really think Gia could've fought them off, considering how drunk she also was?"

"As if you didn't drink when you turned twenty one Dylan," I snapped back, realising I didn't actually know Dylan's age. "If you're even twenty one yet."

"I'm twenty six, so I'm past that point now, but Alpha's don't have much time to party Clara."

"You're twenty six?" I asked, furrowing my brows. "You're five years older than me."

Dylan nodded, leaning back against the counter top, his abs glistening in the sun, making me uncomfortably aroused; shifting in my seat.

"That doesn't mean you can treat me like a child," I replied.

"Then don't act like one."

I rolled my eyes, hopping off the barstool, turning to make my way back up the stairs. "Sorry old man," I muttered lowly.

Suddenly, I was stopped in my tracks, Dylan backing me up against the wall, his eyes turning a darker shade of blue. I took a few steps backwards until I hit the wall, causing me to lose my breath. Dylan stepped closer until his chest was almost flush against mine, his dark eyes boring into mine, his plump lips just inches from my face.

"There is one thing I know about you already," spoke Dylan, his eyes watching me intently. "You're going to be quite the handful."

My lips parted slightly as I chewed on them, causing Dylan to growl deeply from his chest, bringing his palms up flat against the wall on either side of my head, putting all of his weight on them; his bicep muscles flexing as he did so.

I cleared my throat, unsure of how to respond, but enjoying the close proximity of my mate, his scent sending my insides wild.

"Um, Clara?" I jumped at the sound of Gia's voice, causing Dylan to huff, turning around to face Gia with a scowl plastered on his face. "Your Dad is on the phone, he's wondering where you are."

I sighed, waving my hands at her. "Just let him know I'll be home soon. Say we stayed at yours last night."

Gia nodded, exiting the room with an awkward expression masking her face.

"I'll take you home," offered Dylan after grabbing a black T-shirt that was hanging over the back of his couch, pulling it over his head.

"I can call a cab," I said, not wanting Dylan to have to look after me like a child.

He laughed, pulling on a pair of shoes. "I'll be waiting in the car. Where's your pack?"

"Down by Longline Lake if you know where that is?"

Dylan furrowed his brows, scratching at his stubble. "You're from Alpha Paul's pack?"

I nodded, studying Dylan's strange expression, a smirk appearing at his lips as he chuckled to himself.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Nothing," replied Dylan, a small smile still present at the corner of his lips. "Meet me in the car."

I watched Dylan walk out of the house, my brows furrowed, wondering what Dylan found so funny about my pack...

................................................................................................

I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I am very excited for this book because it seems to be getting quite a good response which always makes me happy!

Please vote and comment if you can as it would mean a lot! Let me know what you thought!

Also, Happy New Year everyone!