"Only a struggle twists sentimentality and lust together into love." - E. M. Forster

The party was loud, very loud. Music was blaring, people dancing, some talking and some relaxing at the sides. I spotted my dad sitting along with the other Alphas at one corner of the room. Ethan wasn't there.

Damn, I really wanted to make him jealous.

"This party has nothing on the parties I have back at mine," Josh screamed over the music.

It had been ten minutes since we came. Tyler was right when he said we would make a statement. Everyone, and I mean everyone, present had their gazes plastered on us three. So much so, my father ran towards me when he saw my arms linked with the two.

"Is any of them your mate?" he questioned to which I just shook my head.

"Then why are you three standing like this?" He pulled me away from them, bringing me to his side.

"Dad, we are roommates."

His eyes widened instantly, "Roommates? Two unmated Alpha wolves, who are not your mate, are living with you?"

"I didn't ask for it, dad. Please stop with this now." I looked around cleary embarrassed, hoping no one heard us. Thankfully, everyone was busy doing whatever they were busy doing.

Dad closed his eyes, and inhaled a deep breath. Most probably trying to control his wolf.

I looked at my sides, both Tyler and Josh were scared out of their wits for giving a bad impression to the North-Moon Alpha, a soon-to-be-teacher.

Funny. They're going to become Alphas soon as well, they shouldn't be that scared.

"We will talk later....." he left to join his friends but not before giving me a disapproving look.

What for? I didn't ask for this.

"Your dad is intimidating," Josh spoke, becoming more comfortable now.

"And you're weak and judging by that, your wolf is most probably too. Should've looked at both your faces. God, I wished I could've taken a picture of both of you," I teased.

They both lowly growled, "The last thing we are is weak. You'll see soon, dear Viv." Tyler challenged back, amusement twinkling in his eyes.

We silently stared at each other for a few secods until Josh interuppted us, "I wanna dance and drink and dance and drink!"

Next thing I know, I was being pulled towards the dance floor by Josh.

"Hey, let Tyler come!"

"He is getting us drinks, come on!" Josh kept pulling me until we finally reached the dance floor.

We both danced crazily for a while, letting go of everything. I was surprised to find out that Josh's dance moves were pretty bad-ass. He could dance for sure! Then there was the poor old me, trying to figure out how to look sexy in heels without falling and stepping on Josh's feet.

"Drinks are here!" Tyler returned, skilfully holding three glasses.

"Are you sure you weren't a bartender before?" Josh joked whilst taking his drink.

"Shutup, J babe and let's get this party started." He replied, finishing his drink in one go.

We danced again for a while, going crazier with each song. They both were party animals.

"Vivian Alejandro, you are so dead when you come back." Somebody mind-linked me.

"Brother?"

"Yes buttface. Why the heck didn't you contact me?" I could feel his anger through the bond.

"Just give me minute, let me find a quieter place...." I answered him, whilst making my way outside. Tyler and Josh were busy dancing and having a hell of a time so I decided not to interrupt them.

"Now you may speak your majesty," I joked.

"Where are you? Why did you have to find a quieter place? What's going on?" My brother bombarded me with questions.

"At the Academy. Music was loud. Party is ooon!" I knew this would irritate my brother.

Unleashing the anger in 3,2,1...

"WHAT PARTY? WHERE IS DAD? VIVIAN I SWEAR IF-"

"Bonding party, Adolf Titler."

"Oh...."

"Listen, I'll talk to you later. I really want to go and dance. They're playing Beyonce and you know when the queen is being played, I gotta dance."

"Fine, but do not, I repeat, do not get wreckless."

I nodded then I realized he can't see me - wait - JOHN CENA.

"Kill yourself for this pathetic joke," my wolf answered.

What? It was funny.

Nevermind.

I sensed my brother had blocked me now, so I couldn't answer back.

"No it was not fu-"

Before my wolf could complete her sentence, a powerful smell rocked throughout my body, waking every nerve ending of my body. My wolf purred in delight.

It smelt so right.

How come this keeps happening?

I looked up to see Ethan jogging his way towards the party. Must've gotten late since he was fixing his shirt while he was running.

And then as if he sensed me looking, he looked up.

Well, obviously, he sensed me like I sensed him.

He couldn't find me at first. He kept looking side to side, figuring out where I was.

My wolf snorted, "He's weak as fuck."

From where I stood, he looked extremely handsome wearing black slacks, a white shirt with few unbuttoned buttons at the top and a black blazer.

And then he found me.

His eyes met my shoes, slowly going up to my legs, my stomach, my chest, lingering there for a while, and finally stopping at my face.

He again repeated the aforementioned routine. I could feel his gaze penetrate my skin, burning a line of fire as his eyes drank me in.

Then as if some sense was knocked into him, he shook his head aggressively.

"Trying to get rid of his dirty thoughts, I am damn sure." My wolf rolled her eyes, if that was even possible.

He walked towards me, dangerously slow.

And I to him.

"Hi," he breathed out, dark flames of fire dancing in his eyes.

I raised one of my eyebrows, "You talkin' to me?"

He reluctantly nodded, his dark, brooding eyes trailing down my chest.

"Eyes up here, Alpha."

Instantly, his facial expressions changed. His eyes turned a shade more darker, anger evident on his face.

"Don't call me A-" he stopped, obviously realising something.

Then abruptly, he turned away and went inside, not muttering any other word or so.

"Coward."

---

The party was still in full swing when I made my way back; although this time the certain overwhelming smell kept tickling my body, bringing parts of my body to life which I never knew could be awaken.

But why? That is the million dollar question.

I seriously need to read books on rejection since I will never have the self-confidence to ask anyone.

My wolf had quietened down after the event that took place outside. Must be saving energy for tomorrow.

"I'm still here, you idiot. Just enjoying some peace."

"Which I'll never get...." I mumbled under my breath.

My wolf lowly growled in response.

"Viiivvvyyy? Where were youh my darrrrlinhh. I serchhh da hole wouurld forrr youuh," A drunk Josh made an appearance, stumbling over his own feet.

I went towards to grab him before he landed flat on his face. That would be great sight to behold though.

"There you both are!" Tyler arrived shortly, a short, pretty brunette next to her.

"Who's she?" I questioned Tyler.

"This is Angela. From my pack. And my only cousin."

"Nice to meet you," I gave her a warm smile.

I really need some girl friends and she seemed nice.

"Likewise. I've heard a lot about you."

"Badass things, I hope," I winked.

She let out a laugh. "You were right, Tyler. She is something."

Before I could answer, I felt a huge pressuring weight at my side.

Josh.

"As louuungh as youuuuuh luuuuuvh meeeh," I don't think I've heard anyone sing a song this bad. Josh definitely tops the list.

"Dooooonut killll meh, leh meeeeh finishh deeez. I luuuuv piiirzzzaa."

"What in the world," Angela spoke out our thoughts.

"I'm so pathetic! Wait, let me help." Tyler quickly intervened when he saw me struggling. He grabbed one arm of Josh and placed it on his shoulder.

"I'm going to find a place for him to sit. Angela, can you please fetch him some water?" With that said, Tyler left with a drunk Josh being dragged beside him.

"Donnnut worry myyy Vivian, my pirza quein, I shall killlz daa knights and we conquer dem muddafknnnn pirzzaa castle. Lifetymmmm pirzza supppally, heckh yeh."

"This boy, I swear," I shook my head and started following them.

"Hey! Vivian?"

I turned around and literally melted on the floor because standing in front of me was the dream father of my children, Elliot.

"Elliot? What the hell are you doing here?" I jumped forward and gave him a hug.

That's when it hit me. He was there at the house. Oh Goddess, please don't embarrass me here.

"To discuss some pack business. Going back now, just couldn't go without meeting you, now could I?"

"Of course not. Now let this good friend buy you a drink." I grabbed his hand and headed towards the bar.

---

"Yes, I'm excited for it. Cannot wait for the training to start."

"It is tough in the beginning, nothing you can't handle, but soon it will be fun," Elliot spoke, an empty glass in his hand.

"Hopefully. Let's get you another drink..."

"No, I should be leaving now. I'm on Alpha duty, remember?" he winked.

"Ahhh, the perks of being a Beta. It was good seeing a familiar face. Thanks for staying to meet me!" I leaned forward and gave him a hug.

He was warm and strong against me. My hormones were all over the place. And so was my wolf. She was purring with delight.

I decided to losen my grip on the hug, despite the fact I didn't want to let go of him.

Surprisingly, he pulled me towards him and embraced me again.

I was stunned.

"Just wanted to tell you that you look absolutely breathtaking," he spoke against my ear.

...

Fuck.

I am not breathing.

Anymore.

Quickly, coming back to my senses, I pulled away and thanked him.

"Vivian, daughter! Come here!" my dad mind-linked me.

"Guess we both have places to be, SYS." he said when he realised someone mind-linked me.

I raised my eyebrows, confused at the word he used.

"See you soon," he grinned after clearing my confusion, and headed his way.

"SYS, Elliot..." I whispered to myself, a smile plastered on my face.

---

"Vivian honey, come here," My father was sitting in the corner among the other Alphas, including Ethan. "I want to introduce my lovely daughter to the Alphas."

I stepped forward and they all stood up to greet me.

Except for Ethan.

He was still seated on the sofa, his eyes shamelessly travelling all over my body.

Prick.

"Hello Alphas, I've heard a lot about all of you from my dear father and my brother. I cannot wait to train among you all," I greeted them all with a polite nod.

"Zack! He was an amazing student. It was a pleasure to train him. I cannot believe I'm going to train you now, I feel lucky," Alpha Lennon beamed.

At that moment I noticed the similarities between him and Tyler. Both of them had the same black hair but Lennon's had streaks of grey in them. As for the eyes, his were the same chocolate brown as Tyler's.

"Likewise. I can't believe I'll be trained by you both either. Moreover, I've had the privilege to meet both your sons as well. They've been keeping me great company," I answered back.

A low growl was heard from the side.

My smile turned into a smirk. The beast had awaken.

"Ethan, are you alright?" Alpha Lennon asked.

I turned my face to see him. He was standing now, just a few feet away from me.

His smell was driving my wolf and I insane. And the fact he was a few feet away from us didn't help the situation either.

Did all rejections feel like this?

Ethan passed a smile towards Alpha Lennon.

"Yes, I just didn't want to miss the oppurtunity to introduce myself to Vivian," he looked at me and smirked, desire blazing in his eyes.

The way my name rolled out of his tongue did things to my body. My brain started to fanatasize about all sorts of things he would do to me, things which no one shoud know. Or they'd have to take a bath in holy water.

"I'm sure we don't need any introduction, Alpha," I stressed on that word as he clearly showed his disapproval for it before.

His face fell, but he quickly regained his demeanor.

"Yes Alpha Ethan, of course you deserve a proper introduction even though you both know each other since childhood. Afterall, you're an Alpha and her teacher now," My dad proudly replied.

If only he knew that he was my rejected mate too, then he won't be as proud as he is right now.

Ethan stepped forward, his smell englufing my body. I tried my best to not close my eyes and took a good sniff of it.

"Remember what he did...."

Atleast my wolf had her senses intact.

He brought his hand forward, waiting for me to do the same.

I quickly brought mine forward too so he doesn't get the idea that I'm affected by him.

As soon as our hands touched, tingling sensations lit my whole body on fire.

I quickly looked up in his dark eyes to see he felt the same.

I withdrawled my hand to be only grabbed by his again, litting my body on fire once again.

I passed him a cold look, warning him to leave me. Right now I didn't care if anyone noticed my easiness, I just wanted to get away from him.

"Alpha, you won't mind if I shared a danced with your daughter?"

My eyes widened. Is he out of his bloody mind?! This the second time he has asked someone for permission to dance with me.

And like Elliot, my dad gave him his permission too.

Hello? Will no one ask if I want to dance or not?

As soon as I was about to turn down his offer, his hand snaked around my waist, grabbing it tightly. He started leading us towards the stage.

"You can't say no. I'm an Alpha now. Plus, your father also gave his permission..... you're stuck with me for now," he whispered in my ear.

I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent. My brain couldn't even come up with a proper sane thought as his side kept on touching my side. I felt electricity passing throughout my whole body.

When I opened my eyes, we were on the dance floor and he was standing in front of me.

Everyone was looking at us.

He pulled me closer, his hand making its way around my waist again. Knowing I wouldn't move a muscle, he used his other hand and guided my hand on his shoulder and the other in his own grip.

Then there was no one. Only us.

Ethan and I.

Looking in each others eyes, hand in hand, bodies on fire.

As if somebody gave me a tight well-deserved slap, I snapped out of the trance, "What are you doing, Ethan? This is the second time we are dancing....... please tell me your foolish plan because I don't want to be a part of it. I'm sick and tired of your games."

He tilted his head, inspecting my face, "I'm not playing any games, Vivian."

I scoffed, "Stop it. Please, stop with this. I swear if you don't tell me why you're dancing with me right now, I'll kill you. And we both know I'm strong enough to do it."

He laughed. He bloody laughed. And on top of that, I never knew that a sound coming from his mouth could cause my body pleasure and fill it with overwhelming desire.

"Darling, I'm not underestimating your strength when I say this, but you cannot kill me." he answered, a look of amusement present on his face.

I ignored his reply, "This is the last time I'm asking you, why are you dancing with me?"

"Because I wanted to," he flatly replied back.

"What do you mean 'because you wanted too'?" I shot back, slowly losing my temper.

He didn't answer for a few seconds, instead he leaned closer to me. For a second I thought he was going to kiss me but he moved his mouth towards my ear.

His lips were touching the top of my ear, his breath causing weird tingling sensations in my body.

"You look so goddamn sexy, Vivian. Is it wrong if a man wants to dance with the most beautiful woman present in the place?"

My whole brain skyrocketed to the moon and back.

What?

Sexy?

Did he just compliment me? Did Ethan Salvador said something nice to me? He must be really drunk. Or maybe he's playing his bloody games with me. Yes, probably that.

"You know what Ethan, you don't deserve to even see this sexy body of mine. In fact, you don't even deserve to dance with me. Fuc-" His hand instantly pressed down on my mouth, silencing me.

"Shh, darling. Bad words don't suit your mouth," he lifted his hand, a smirk plastered on his face.

"I swear I'll snap your neck if you ever do something like that," I pushed on his chest but he grabbed my hands.

"Don't draw attention." he clenched his teeth.

"Why, scared your reputation would be ruined? And as a matter of fact, everybody had their eyes on us when you stupidly brought me on the dance floor." I was rapidly losing my temper now.

"I want to ask you something and then you're free to go," his voice was serious.

Maybe he will let me go after he asks whatever he wants to ask, "Go on."

After a long pause, he managed to say, "What were you doing with Tyler and Josh?"

Wait, what? Why is he talking about them? How does he-

"They've been keeping me great company."

Oh, the Alpha's jealous. My wolf smirked.

"Why do you care?" I raised my eyebrows. Now it was my time to enjoy this.

"Answer me, Vivian," he growled lowly.

"He's trying to control his wolf," my wolf spoke.

"They're my very close friends and......my roommates too." I gave him the sweetest of smile known to mankind.

His face instantly darkened and he let out a loud, angry growl, attracting everyone's attention.

The next second I know, he was out of my sight.

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