•Mara's POV•

I have always been afraid that I would wake up with no one beside me.

But when I move slightly and feel a strong arm around my belly, I smile and look over at a peaceful sleeping Ryder.

My fingers twitch with the urge to run them through his hair, I give in and my arm goes up and I gently tangle my fingers in his gorgeous hair.

I move one hand down and trail his facial features with my fingertips.

He slowly opens his eyes and smiles when he sees me.

"Well, I could wake up to this every morning." He says huskily.

I really love his morning voice.

'I second that.' Snow giggles.

'Where have you been?' I ask, while still drawing on Ryders face.

'Just thought I'd lay low on your date.' She shrugs.

'Thanks.' I smile.

'He was really sweet.' She sighs.

I giggle, 'Yes he was.'

"What are you giggling about?" Ryder asks.

I shake my head, "Nothing."

Before he can reply, I hear the front door open as mum and dad enter downstairs.

I look to Ryder who gives me the same expression and we get up quickly.

I run into the bathroom and get changed into normal clothes quickly.

As I walk out of my room, I pull Ryder along with me.

"Just go with it okay?" I ask.

He smiles and nods.

As I walk down the stairs, I sense mum and dad in the kitchen so I know they can hear me.

I would die if they found out Ryder stayed the night.

"Thanks for coming to pick me up Ryder, sorry for the short notice texting you this morning." I say as we enter the kitchen.

"It's no problem, Mandy always forgets to tell everyone things." He laughs and shakes his head.

Wow, he's a good actor.

I turn and act surprised as I see mum and dad looking at us, "Oh! Hey mum, dad. Ryder just came to pick me up for school this morning." I smile and grab two apples, throwing one to Ryder.

"No problem." Mum smiles.

"So what happened last night?" I ask.

"We had to go out of town to get some last minute things sorted with the move, and then our car broke down." Dad shakes his head.

"So we had to stay at a hotel while we got it fixed." Mum adds.

"That sucks." I say.

"Well, we better go. It was nice seeing you." Ryder smiles and motions for me to come.

I smile at mum and dad and we all exchanged a wave.

When we get outside, I let out a breath.

"Wow, they bought it."

Ryder laughs, "Good thinking with the lift, by the way."

I laugh, "Thanks. I better go tell Mandy not to worry about taking me." I gesture to her house.

"Already done." Ryder smiles.

I furrow my eyebrows, "When did you do that?" I ask.

I notice him take a quick breath, "I, ah, texted her when you were talking to your parents." He smiles.

I shrug, "Okay, thanks. Come on, lets go."

I thought Ryder didn't have his phone last night.

•Ryder's POV•

I walk outside to where our group is eating lunch today.

That was a close one this morning. Actually it was a close two this morning.

One, because we nearly got caught by Mara's parents. I wouldn't really care about that, but they would think we did something we didn't. And I want to stay on my mate's parents good books.

And two, because I actually mind-linked Mandy this morning. I had to think of a lie quick before Mara grew suspicious.

My wolf hates lying to our mate. But I keep telling him we need to, we need to earn her full trust before I tell her my secret.

Which, hopefully, will be soon.

News has gone around that I have found my mate. They don't know who she is, but I know that my pack is dying to meet their Luna.

I join my friends and sit next to Mara, who is staring at her veggie burger like it might grow legs and run off.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

Everyone looks at us and Mara furrows her eyebrows.

"I'm just thinking." She says it like she's going to continue.

"Thinking what?" Mandy asks, about to take a sip of her water.

"You'll think I sound crazy, but, what do you guys know about werewolves?" She asks.

Mandy spits out her water and starts choking, everyone visibly tenses and Josh awkwardly pats Mandy's back.

When no one says anything Mara sighs.

"It was a stupid question, sorry." She says.

"It's not that stupid." I reply.

"Yeah, we know a thing or two about werewolves." Trent shrugs.

"Why do you ask?" Layla asks.

"I was reading this passage in a book, and it said 'The same qualities as a werewolf'" She says.

"What were you reading about?" I ask.

She's about to answer but the bells rings and we get up and start to walk to class.

"Just don't worry about it. It's nothing important." She smiles and waves, walking into her class.

Mandy, Josh, Layla and Trent all walk off in the other direction. Bailey and I walk to our next class, which we have together.

"Well, that was weird of her to ask." Bailey frowns.

"I know." I reply.

"You don't think she knows do you?" She asks.

I look at her, "I hope not."

•Mara's POV•

My friends reaction to my question was definitely unusual.

Everyone tensed instantly and Mandy choked on her water.

Was my question really that strange?

I tell everyone I want to walk home, I want the fresh air.

When I get to my house, I look to Mandy's and remember the book shelve I was scanning when I borrowed the tiger mythology book.

I walk up to her house and knock politely.

Mary opens the door and I smile.

Huh. Ryder has two Aunty Marys.

"Hi Mary." I wave.

"Mara. Hello dear, would you like to come in?" She asks.

"Yes thanks." I smile.

"Mandy isn't home yet, can I get you anything?" She asks.

"Oh, no. I just need to return a book I borrowed from her." I hold up the book.

"Of course, just go through to the living room." She says as she walks off.

I find the place I took the book and put it back.

My eyes scan over the word 'werewolf' And I pick out the first one I see.

I open it and my eyes skim over some of the words.

'Werewolves have many qualities. They mean no harm to humans, only to other werewolves that may be threatening their land or their mate. They have much better senses and strength, the full moon does not affect them, meaning they can change whenever they desire.'

I close the book and put it back. I guess they do have the same qualities as I do.

Snow suddenly begs for a run and I grin.

I call goodbye to Mary and run outside, and into the forest. When I feel I'm a good distance in, I shift and my giant paws push me as I run faster through the forest.

I near a small clearing and suddenly my senses are more alert and something doesn't smell good.

I use my tiger sight, but can't see anything unusual.

I slowly creep closer to the clearing, and the smell gets stronger.

Whatever is causing it isn't meant to be here.

Something's not right.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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