Today started rather awkwardly. To be more accurate it started peacefully, soundlessly, even comfortably. I could feel Nate's arm around me, keeping me against his chest and his even breathing lulling me. I felt safer than anywhere else in the world and it allowed me to relax, which I hadn't been able to do for a really long time.

Needless to say I was in heaven.

Until Jared showed up unannounced. The man was carrying two cups of what smelt like fresh coffee, seeping from one. I heard him spit it all over more than I saw it, but when I turned around and came across his shocked expression, hands tightly closed around the mugs, jaw ajar, eyes bigger than saucers, his whole body frozen mid-step I froze too. It didn't help that Nate was still calmly sleeping, one of his legs over mines.

Which brings us to now as we are silently observing each other. I look the beta dead in the eye and he looks back at me. I can see his mind working rapidly to process the situation but he seems to have some difficulty with it. He starts stepping backwards his eyes glaring at me reproachfully, puts the other mug on top of a table next to the door, his expression becoming more stern by the second. He really is trying to appear unaffected by this but the twitch of his jaw and the frown on his face show how much he wants to shout. Apparently at me which is kind of unbelievable. I mean, this situation didn't happen because of me, at least not entirely. No. You know what, this is all Nate's fault. He lured me in his bed, sweet talked me about the fact that he sleeps better with me. I can't be held accountable for this. I refuse to be. I sigh quietly as he is still looking suspiciously at me and lift two fingers to ask him to give me two minutes and I'll be right outside to explain myself.

Again, why the hell am I the one that needs to explain this ?

He nods curtly and closes the door behind him.

You're kind of quiet.

...

Are you freaking laughing at me right now ?!

'BWA AH AH AH AH' My wolf bursts out laughing as though it cant contain its amusement anymore.

I can't believe it.

'I mean, this is hilarious. Did you see his face ?' It chuckles.

I could have used some help. I grumble.

'Nah, you don't need my help to make a fool of yourself.'

And what am I supposed to tell him now ?

'I can't wait to hear how you try to justify your shameful behaviour.'

WOW. You were the first to insist we sleep in the same bed and now I am shameful.

'Hey, if it were up to me you wouldn't be wearing anything right now. And I have a feeling your alpha would agree with me.'

I cautiously get away from the said 'alpha', trying my hardest not to wake him up. It's already weird enough as it is, I don't need him to shrug the problem off with a smug smile on his face. I get dressed quickly and flee the room without a sound to find Jared waiting, his arms crossed over his chest, his back against the wall and his foot tapping a frantic rhythm on the the ground.

"Look." I start.

"Not here." He cuts me and starts to walk away.

Remind me again why he's still alive ?

'Because we like him. He's not a bad beta.'

Are you sure ?

The Sun is already high up in the sky as I follow him in silence, trying to organize my sound arguments.

Not my fault.

I'm innocent.

Nate's fault.

'Don't sweat it. He can't really do anything about it.'

Where was I before I got rudely interrupted ? Right, Nate's fault.

We walk for a few minutes in complete silence, him in front, his shoulders tense, until we reach the training room that finally had its wall fixed. Jared shuts the door behind us and locks it.

I guess he really doesn't want to be interrupted.

He crosses his hands back over his chest and faces me, an impassible expression on his face.

"Where's Ogon ?" I ask trying to change the subject.

Yes, we named the phoenix Ogon, the pups chose it. In the last couple of days it grew quickly and now its golden feathers shine bright under the sun, his red beak like the pit of a flame. The sight of him when he catches fire is just magnificent.

'You and fire... I think you ought to see a shrink about it.'

This is the only subject that might diffuse the tension right now. Jared loves the beast more than I love warm baths which is saying something. And right now I'm praying that talking about it will make him forget everything else he might have seen earlier. His eyes soften at the thought of his little companion before he catches himself and starts to glare at me again.

"Nice try." He scowls.

I shrug in response.

At least I tried.

He sights heavily and raises his hand to pinch the ridge of his nose, his brows furrowed.

"I'm actually afraid to ask." He starts exasperated and I can't help but scoff and roll my eyes.

"Grow up." I tell him bitterly.

"You said you weren't involved with anyone from the pack." He grumbles.

"No. As I recall it you asked about your fighters. And I'm not making out with any of them." I defend myself.

He grimaces at that and I feel offended.

"I don't want to know what you are doing with my alpha." He whines.

"Then don't ask about it." I shrug and he rolls his eyes.

"I told you I don't want to have to deal with it. This is going to end badly." He grimaces again as if he swallowed something bitter and this is the end of the world, because only one of both wouldn't be enough. "My head is already starting to hurt." He complains.

"Let it go man." I try to make him loosen up a bit.

It's really not that big of a deal.

He looks at me for a while, studying me in silence.

"I don't get it." He finally quips between his teeth.

"It's not that complicated." I wave it off. "Your alpha is head over heels in love with me." I say nonchalantly and try as much as I can to ignore the feeling coursing through my spine at the thought.

If only that were true.

"Do you understand what you're saying ?" He growls. "Hope, this is no laughing matter." He lectures me. "I really like you, I mean it. You're a kind strong woman and maybe if you weren't so stubborn you could join the pack as a permanent member, we always welcome people like you. You could be a real asset. You're funny, smart and as I said you're strong but this is wrong. It's wrong on so many levels I can't even start listing them. But for starters you two aren't mates. You might feel attracted to each other right now but the moment he finds her he'll discard you as if you never meant anything to him. I don't want to be mean but that's how it goes and you know it. This thing you two have can't last. And in the end either one of you will be hurt by the other because you could find your mate tomorrow as well. Actually four people will get hurt here because this is not just between Nate and you, your mates matter and this will hurt them even more." He finally stops talking.

'Man, it's been so long since you were scolded that much !' My wolf cackles like a chicken.

'Watch it.' It warns me and I roll my eyes.

Susceptible creature.

"Look Jared, I understand what you want to say and where you're coming from but it's a little more complicated than that." I try to explain gently.

"Enlighten me." He demands raising his brow smugly and I scrunch up my nose.

"I can't really explain it to you."

'You can actually. Easy. Nate is your mate and there is not one problem with how your relationship is advancing.'

"I don't care how complicated this is. I want an explanation. Right now. And since I believe you can't really give me one I'd suggest you think about what we talked about and you stop whatever is going on before it's too late."

I ponder on his words for a minute.

"You know, it's not really any of your business what your alpha does and as you kindly reminded me earlier I'm not part of this pack so my actions don't really matter." I argue.

"Is that all you can say ?" He challenges me.

"Dammit Jared, drop it."

"No. You said it yourself, you have a good explanation for what's happening and I want to hear it." He refuses to let it go.

"I can't tell you." I shake my head.

"Come on, I'm waiting. Say i-"

"Because he's my mate !" I spit angrily cutting him off.

The second the words leave my mouth I regret it and curse inwardly.

Shouldn't have done that.

His arms drop to his sides and he looks at me bewildered.

"What ?" He breathes out.

"Forget it." I order.

"No. Wait, hold on. What ?"

"I didn't say anything." I deny.

"You can't be his mate." He frowns. "Otherwise he would have said something. He wouldn't have acted as he did. Do you have any idea how long he's been waiting for his mate ? I can assure you he wouldnt-"

"That's because he can't feel it." I sigh tiredly.

"What are you going on about." He rolls his eyes.

"I told you it's complicated."

"Yeah, that's what I thought. You're just as crazy as Cory. Another power hungry female."

"Take that back right now. I'm nothing like her." I hiss.

"What else would you call it then ?"

Can I strangle him ?

'Just calm down.'

This is really frustrating.

"You might have noticed that I'm sort of different." I try to explain.

"Maybe." He shrugs defiantly.

"I'm strong, fast, smart." I count on my fingers.

"You're really full of yourself, aren't you." He laughs.

"I have travelled a lot and I know a lot of people, alphas who trust me." I continue as though he didn't interrupt me. "Now how do you think that's possible if I'm only 25, especially if I'm a rogue ?" I question rhetorically.

"So what, you lied about you age ?"

I smile at that.

It's the tip of the iceberg.

'I know I said you should tell him but that was more like a joke.'

Too late for that now.

'I still don't think that's a good idea...'

"I can make thousand copies of myself when the best fighter of the Kitsune clan can only make five of them."

'Six.' My wolf corrects me.

Same thing.

"I'm stronger than your alpha."

"Don't get cocky." He warns baring his teeth, his eyes shining a deep yellow.

"Ask him, he'll tell you." I shrug. "My eyes are different." I announce and show him my red eyes.

He freezes for a few seconds before pulling himself together.

"What's your point ?" He inquires impatiently.

I smirk impressed he wasn't more affected at the sight.

"I'm trying to show you I'm different."

"What does it have to do with the subject at hand, which is that you believe yourself to be Nate's mate ? Don't you think you might need to see a doctor about this ?" He wonders concerned but I'm not sure if it's for my well being or Nate's, he probably doesn't want a crazy rogue around his alpha.

"If you would just listen to me." I cry out throwing my hands in the hair exasperated.

"I am. You're just not making any sense." He growls stubbornly.

This time I am the one pinching my nose to try and stay calm. I count to ten in my head, focusing on my breathing. It wouldn't be wise to throw stuff around again. I'm not sure they would appreciate a new hole.

"Look, it's hard to explain but," I insist as I see him open his mouth to comment on it. "I am his mate and I know this because I can feel the bond. And the reason he can't is because I'm kind of cursed."

"Next you'll tell me witches exist." He rolls his eyes unbelieving.

"Trust me, that kind of curse wouldn't work on me."

His eyes turn to slits as he observes me.

"Then who cursed you ?"

"Dear old Moony." I say sternly and I can almost feel her burn a hole on the back of my head.

Eavesdropper.

"Not possible." He refuses my explanation.

"I don't really care if you believe me or not even though that's the truth. She hates me but don't worry, I hate her too. Goddesses usually don't get along."

"You're a goddess !" He barks out laughing.

"That's not the point right now." I grumble.

We're getting off topic.

'He definitely thinks you're crazy now.'

"What's important is that I know what I'm doing." I insist.

"Did you tell him ?" He asks but I can see he already knows the answer.

"No." I shake my head. "And I won't tell him. And once everything settles down I'll leave quietly."

"I don't understand." He frowns. "If you believe he's your mate -which I still think is false- why would you leave ?"

"Because as you said he will always be waiting for his mate and he will never know it's me. The Moon won't allow that."

"That's kind of stupid though."

'Right ?! I'm right there with you buddy ! You tell her how stupid this is !'

"If you don't believe me do you actually think he would ?" I question.

"No." He agrees.

"I don't have any tangible proof, so I won't tell him anything and I expect you to keep it to yourself too. I'm really trusting you with this.' I tell him seriously. "Anyway, can we drop the subject now ? I want to go see Jordan and the rest and Im hungry." I smile finally getting rid of the stress of this conversation.

I spend the day with the pups and Ogon. The bird is old enough to learn some tricks and it's quite smart to be honest. I even manage to make it shoot fire balls at Gabe at some point in the afternoon. It has us all rolling around laughing as the man starts shouting in panic as his shirt catches fire. A few people linger around curious now that they know it's not a simple bird. The fact that its feathers ignite sometimes while it flies is a big giveaway. Jared stays around, training it to respond to his orders but I have the feeling deep in my gut that he's keeping an eye on me.

I'm finally on speaking terms with Noriko again, I think she's still suspicious of me but she tries to hide it. At least it makes working together a little easier.

Before I know it the Sun is already setting and people are starting to gather in the background gardens where a large white sheet has been suspended against the back wall of the pack house to replace a screen. There are also sheets laying around everywhere on the grass for people to sit, with a buffet on the side. I can feel the excitement in the air.

The wide open space allows everyone to gather.

Wait, open space ?

I frown and look at Jared.

"Is there any chance you intend to build a tent ?" I question.

"No way. The weather's nice we don't need it."

"Of course." I grumble.

'You could ask the shaman to make it rain.' My wolf suggests.

They would only cancel the screening and people would get pissed.

"Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow." I sigh hopeless.

"What ? Don't be stupid, you have to stay."

"Why ?" I ask suspiciously as he starts to fidget and look everywhere but at me.

"I told you I didn't want to get involved !" He complains avoiding my eyes.

"What are you talking about ?"

"Alpha Nate intends to spend some time with you." He informs me. "He said he wanted your input concerning a strategic meeting they held this afternoon but with what I saw this morning I know that's just an excuse. That's why I said I didn't want to know." He mumbles under his breath.

I can't help the smirk lightening my face.

"Are you afraid I am going to steal your alpha from you ?" I joke and he glares at me.

"Just be there when he comes looking for you." He sighs.

"Are you going to set a tent ?" I repeat to be sure.

"No Hope, I'm not."

"Alright, alright." I lift my hands in surrender. "I'll be back in a bit."

I run up to my room and spend thirty minutes trying on cloths. There's no way around this, I'll look stupid no matter what I put on. I choose the lightest shirt and pants I own. No need to die of a heatstroke, I'll suffer enough as it is. I add to it a black hoody and don't forget my cap and sunglasses. I'll just hope I can hide behind a tree or something.

When I make my way back down the Moon is already lightening the sky. I take a big breath, settle the cap on my head with the glasses and let my hair fall over my shoulders in cascade. I step outside ready to jump back inside at any moment.

'Something's burning.'

I look around apprehensively before looking down at myself.

"What the hell ?!" I screech as I see the tip of my hair on fire.

I sweep quickly at it to make it stop before my head turns into a torch getting a few burns on my hands in the process. I hurry to put my hood on and throw my hands back in my pockets ignoring the pain. I glare at the ground since I can't glare directly at her. I'm not crazy enough to let her touch my skin.

"Real mature." I spit the words to no one in particular.

"Show me your face, let me shine on your skin." Her melodious voice resounds in my head.

"Dream on crazy."

This is a really bad idea. I'll show up and say I'm ill.

'That might be wise. That's the first time this happened. She's getting sneaky.'

I follow the sounds and laughter, everyone is already there, mingling together. The clans are mixing up, even the merepeople seem fine with wolves close by.

I walk to Ralph, Ellie, Marie and Rob hoping to use them as cover from the mad deity in the sky. They are all gathered at one end of the buffet, filling out their plates. I don't even dare taking my hands out in case a ray of moon light would inadvertently touch them.

What has the world come to. I sigh distraught.

"You're not eating ?" Ben asks me as he steps in line behind me.

"Only if you feed me." I joke though that's half true and he laughs.

I'm starving so there are really only two options, I can either go back inside to the kitchen or someone will have to feed me. I don't care which one it is I just want to eat.

"What are you doing ?" Jared hisses behind us.

"Did you want to feed me ?" I inquire unfazed as he comes closer with Ogon on his shoulder.

"Stop talking before I lose my head." He pleads irritated looking over my shoulder.

"I see you still have weird habits." Nate smiles at my attire.

"I'm cold." I shrug.

"Poor you." Ben mocks me by my side as he reaches to hug me.

Except I'm really hot and his cool temperature is actually welcomed. I sigh in relief as the cold cuts through the layers of my cloths. I hear a gasp and some one dropping their plate. When I look up I see a young werewolf from the pack looking in our direction. It makes me frown.

Is he that surprised that vampires and werewolves can get along ?

'Maybe he's surprised someone gets along with you.' My wolf corrects me.

I feel unsettled as we get more and more attention.

"Sir, is something wrong ?" Jared asks.

"I'm fine." Nate answers but his tone his cold.