Grayson's shoulders fell with a sigh, “Yes.”
“What's that mean?”
“I'm drawn to you, Chloe. Like a magnet. Eternal, forever undying devotion. It's a wolf thing and I don't get how wehave that.”
She took a moment, “Err.”
He huffed, “I'm sorry.”
“Are you sure you don't just like me a lot?”
Grayson smirked, “Yes.”
“So, we're... mates?” she tried out the word, awkward came to mind.
“I think so,” he glanced at her, “I want you so bad, Chloe.”
“Huh?” She blinked, not understanding what he meant. Shaking her thoughts, she continued, “What's this whole thing involve, Grayson?”
Nervous, he approached her next question, “In a normal situation; I would make you mine. I would have from the second I found you. Of course, it's usually reciprocated. It's very hard to control; it's why I seem off.”
Needing more than that, she prodded further, “So, okay, say I agree to let you make me yours. What happens?”
“Uh, well...”
“What is it!” Chloe shot, losing all her patience, “What happens!”
“Chloe, we can't. You would have to be on my playing field. If you’re not, well, I'll probably kill you.”
Her breath caught in her throat, “Why?”
“Chloe,” he grumbled. “Why do you act so innocent?”
“I'm really confused right now, Grayson! So in all fairness, cut me a break!” Almost in tears, it gave him a needed wakeup call.
“In a normal situation in order for me to claim you and complete our bond, we have to do two things.”
She cringed, not sure if she wanted to know the truth anymore.
He continued, “One... err... we'd consummate it.”
“What!” her heart slammed.
“Yeah, I know, okay.” Choking on his words, he continued, “Then, I'd mark you. That would complete the claim, if you were already like me. But now... I'd have to change you first and that I would have to do shifted. I'd have to bite you. And I...” He began to ramble and grumble, upset with himself.
“Are you kidding me!” her panic took over.
“Chloe...”
She snapped her seat belt off, took her palm, and hit him on his shoulder as hard she could. Crying out from snapping her wrist, she began to sob. It hadn't made her feel better and she was sure it hadn't affected him at all.
“Chloe!” he came towards her.
“No!” she rubbed her tears, “Don't touch me.”
“Please, Little.”
“It's a lot to take in, Grayson!”
He nodded, “I know.”
Sniffling, she tried to compose herself, “So, you want to change me and claim me?” The concept seemed delirious!
Saddened all of a sudden, he pouted, “Well, I'm not sure if... if they'll go for it.”
“What are you talking about now!” She shot, unable to keep up to him.
“Since I would have to turn you, Chloe.” Grayson hitched with nerves, “It's against our pack rules.”
“Why?” Preparing herself for more unmanageable information.
“My family has been Alpha for hundreds of years. We don't mix with humans. Other packs might, but not ours. My dad won't allow that, I know it.”
“Oh god!” She exclaimed, “It doesn’t matter anyway.” Talking herself down, she started to ramble and mutter.
“What do you feel?” he breathed, “For me?”
Closing her eyes, she ignored him.
“Let's get you home.” He turned back to the steering wheel, letting the subject go easier than she guessed.
“No, wait!” she stopped him from pushing the truck into drive, “Just stop!”
He paused, his green iris' taking over her core. Inching herself closer, she pressed against him, able to feel his thundering heart. His hand came to her waist, cementing her in place.
“Do you want to turn me, Grayson?” The question frightened her.
Closing his eyes, he moved his head away in shame, “I don't know, Chloe. One side of me screams to claim you, like in my room the other night,” he put a hand in his hair, pulling. “I was close.”
She thought back, “Oh, I felt that.”
“Nothing happened, you're fine.” He assured her, “If it did, you would have been in massive amounts of pain and because you're not changed, it wouldn't have worked anyway.” His hand tracing her hand, “The other side of me is loyal to our pack. I'm an Alpha's son. I can't screw up, Chloe. Even if my brother is next in line. I'm an Alpha's son.”
Chloe nodded, “What you're saying is; we can't be together, if I'm still like this?”
“Chloe, I have no choice than to follow you to the ends of the earth. I'm programmed to protect and need you but,” he lowered his head. “If you tell me... if you reject me, I have to obey.”
“Huh?” She blinked.
“I won't ask it of you, Chloe. I can be your friend. But if you ever decide for more, I will ask my father, because I... I feel like I can't live without you.”
Chewing her tongue, she tried to think of the right thing to say, “Okay...”
“Okay, what?” he asked.
“I think we should go home.” Her brain in overload, saying over and over, run.
Defeated exhaustion became him, but he gave her needed space, pulling the truck from the side of the road. It was the one thing about Grayson Holtz she started to see, he didn't push too hard but just enough.
She needed time to think, he'd given her an invite to be a supernatural large Chihuahua after all, or that is what she was pretty sure had happened.
When the truck stopped in front of the house, he gave her one last weary and apologetic look. She knew there would be no goodbye kiss or tingly pow-wow in the cab of the truck. Something, she'd been looking forward to before.
“I'll see you tomorrow, Grayson.”
“Sure. See you tomorrow.” His disturbed eyes met hers, begging but she ignored it. She needed out of the truck, away from him. Willing herself to stop picturing him in his white underwear in the snow and how he could be hers forever, her hand gripped the door-handle, about to pull.
“I'll help you,” Undoing his seat belt, but she didn't need him brushing up against her and touching her.
“It's fine! I'm fine. See you later.” Her boots hit the ground and the cold air greeted her with goosebumps. Setting off toward her house, she felt his eyes; burning, exhilarating, filling her with want and need.
Her hand took the front door and slammed it to the frame, the truck peeling off quick outside. He must have been frustrated, possibly angry, but what more could she do? He shouldn't have expected an answer and she hoped, he would respect that for some time.
***
Grayson Holtz
Chloe, please explain to me what you're feeling, I can't help but think you're mad at me. If you're afraid or confused, I can try to help. I'm really sorry about in the truck, I just didn't know how else to tell you the truth and you really seemed to want to know.
However, I'll understand whatever your decision is regarding us.
The message flashed at her, her eyes wide as she read it two, three, four times over. Her forehead found the desk in blatant frustration. Another ping broke her out of the all consuming thoughts.
Grayson Holtz
Chloe, are you there?
Her left eye twitched, she wasn't sure if she wanted to answer him. Still trying to figure out how she was a so called mate to a Wolfboy, she ignored him.
Grayson Holtz
Chloe, I'm sorry for putting you in this position.
She went to type, knowing he wouldn't leave her alone till she did.
Chloe Pryce
It's fine.
Lying, it was a sin. She knew that. The more she thought about being a Wolfgirl, the more her body shook and convulsed with anxiety.
Grayson Holtz
Can I come over?
Shaking her head in reply, she repeated the word no, over and over aloud.
Chloe Pryce
No. I have to go.
She grabbed the screen of the laptop and slammed it shut. Did he really expect her to let him come over! Ridiculous, insane was all that came to mind.
With a huff, she walked across her room, falling into her bed. Sleep seemed like a decent thing to be doing, her brain needed the shut off.
***
Though her intention to wake up from her nap had been a plan, she had stayed asleep far longer. Taking her to an early three in the morning and a crisp howl accompanying it.
Shooting up from the pillows, she felt the damp, uncomfortable sweat covering her. Her dreams had no doubt brought it on, the sharp pain of the wolf's teeth in her arm still present.
Another howl came and she walked to the window. Pushing aside the lace curtains, she squinted through frost on the pane. The valley behind the house only cold, dark and empty.
The frigid silence broke, two wolves bounded from the shadows. Their bodies entwined as they chomped and snapped at each other. One took the other's neck.
Her heart sped, as the large black wolf increased his hold on the smaller of the two.
She slammed her hand to the glass, panic arising as the bigger wolf twisted the other's head in its jaw.
Struggling to get the window unlocked, her fingers slipped. The wolf in the grips of the other, whimpered and staggered under the power of the large one.
Once she freed it from the ice and frame, she screamed at the top of her lungs out into subzero temperatures, “No, stop!”
The wolf slipped his grip from his lifeless victim, and ran for the house. Snarling, snapping and baring his bloody teeth.
“Ah!” Her fingers slipped the glass in her panic to close the window. Slamming it shut, she returned to the darkness of her room. Breathing heavy and trying to calm herself, she crawled into her bed, hoping for the smaller wolf out in the cold but not knowing what to do. The black wolf below let out a long, warning howl, that she knew was for her.
***
She hadn't slept after the wolf fight. In the morning light, upon further inspection, the only thing left was disturbed snow.
Her distant thoughts of the small wolf, stayed with her as she got ready for school. Nervous to see Grayson, clothing and looking good became least a priority.
She walked down the stairs just as there was a knock on the door. She paused, swallowed and went to open it. Her hand hesitated, but she pushed through it and opened the door.
Grayson stood calmly a foot or so away from her.
She felt the awkwardness radiating off him, she wasn't sure if he was pissed or just shut down.
“I just need to get my boots on...” she turned away as he stepped inside and shut the door. She pulled her boots on over top of her sweat pants, grabbing her jacket and toque.
Stone still and silent, Grayson waited. She thought he would be questioning her and trying to convince her to be a Wolfgirl but not a word came.
“Okay.”
He snapped the door open and walked out into the snow as she trailed behind, trying to keep up.
Getting in the driver's side, he didn't offer his aid to help her climb in.
She bounced into her seat and fiddled with the seat-belt, “Grayson?”
“Yeah?” He turned the truck around in the drive and flipped on the music.
Chloe swallowed, “Are you okay?”
“I don't know,” he grunted. “Are you okay?”
She shrugged and looked away from him, “I guess.”
“You logged off quick last night.”
“I was tired.” Making up excuses, she felt like she owed him an actual explanation.
He didn't reply.
Her blue eyes moved over him, studying his perfect face and short brown hair. Something about him was irresistible and though her heart said she wanted him, her head had different thoughts.
The rest of the ride to school was quiet and uncomfortable, she didn't push Grayson and he didn't push her. He let her walk away from him, once at school, not a word said to one another aside a longing glance.
It made school awkward for her and lunch worse.
With Grayson still mute, she became irritated and confused. He gave her ample space, proving to her how much it hurt the bond they had.
School released them and she found herself staring into her locker. It had been the slowest and most awful day of her whole existence and that made her angry.
One boy had done this to her, her independence – something she prided herself on, Grayson Holtz, had ripped it from her.
She looked to her left, the invisible magnet that had been beating her up the whole day was now pulling her eyes up to his large approaching form in the hall. He stopped mid-way, talking with Mike and a few others.
Turning away, she ripped her purse and coat from the locker, booking it in the opposite direction towards a set of doors. Already freezing, she swore under her breath, convinced it had become colder than the week before.
“Hey, Little,” Like usual, he appeared out of nowhere at her side. He dug his truck keys from his back pocket as they walked across the parking lot together. Mute again.
Once inside the truck, desperation jilted her, she wanted to hear him talk. A whole day of silence had been torture, “What were you talking to your friends about?”
He grunted, “I don't know, I wasn't paying much attention.”
“What?” She wrinkled her nose.
“No, I was watching my mate run away from me.”
She cringed, “Do you have to call me that?”
He grumbled and stayed in the same mood he'd been in all day.
“You've hardly said a thing to me,” she snapped.
His grip tightened on the steering wheel, “I don't know what you want me to say? I've been thinking; trying to think of something to say to you but I have nothing.”
“You didn't seem like you wanted to talk to me.”
He sighed, “Have you thought about anything from yesterday?”
Chloe shrugged, “Not really.”
“Why not, Chloe?” his voice somewhat level.
“I just need more time.”
“Well, do you have any questions?”
“Stop pushing me, Grayson.”
He snorted and looked over to her, “See, this is why I haven't said anything.”
She rolled her eyes, the truth too true. She decided to prod at it, “How do you know you could be with me forever?”
He winced, “Really?”
“What our eternal bond will keep us together? I don't feel it.” That had been a bit of a lie but she brushed it off, “It all seems a little fruity.”
“Chloe!” Grayson snapped. “That's quite offensive.”
“Offensive?” she echoed, “You’re the one that made me like you and then told me we can only be together if I let you turn me into a Wolfgirl!”
He smirked, “Wolfgirl.”
She rolled her eyes, “Grayson.”
“I've spent the whole day trying to figure out if I can just be your friend.”
She lifted an eyebrow at his honesty, “What's your conclusion?”
“I can't.”
His words brought on a sudden tightening in her abdomen. “You mean you're taking back what you told me? You said...”
“I don't care what I said.” He glanced to her and back to the road, “I want my mate.”
“Maybe we should go back to not talking,” she snapped, panic flooding her. “Hearing you're honest opinion is freaking me out.”
He growled.
She sniffed, looking out the window as the truck turned into her drive, she thanked god for it too.
Henry's truck wasn't in the drive, it was the first thing she noted; she wondered where he was. Likely with Roger, she thought.
Grayson undid his seat belt and turned to her, “So, you hate me? Are you going to reject me?”
“Do you really expect me to be okay with all this?” Staring into his deep green, intimidating eyes.
“Honestly, I don't know what I expect, Chloe.”
“Why don't you just say it!” Her emotions bursting forward.
“Say what?” He breathed.
“That you expect me to be your forever-chihuahua-lover!”
Growling again, he kept eye contact with her, “You better go inside.”
“I don't like being told what to do.” She snarled.
Taking a deep breath, he composed himself, “Get in the house, Chloe. I'll see you tomorrow.”
She grabbed her bag at her feet, “Fine, whatever, don't have a hissy fit.”
Jumping to the ground, she grabbed the door, about to close it, but Grayson was staring at her. His eyes dark and pissed.
“What are you staring at, idiot!” she screamed, her heart stopping.
Grayson shot out of the vehicle and she reacted fast by running from him.
Running for her front door, he grabbed her from behind, around the waist. Into the air she went, her feet dangling below her as he clutched her in his grip, his hot breath caressing against her exposed neck.
“I'm sorry, Little, that you're her.”
She slammed her eyes shut, squeaking.
“I can't expect you to make a choice and I don't, I just...” He dropped her to her feet and she stood, staring at the front door of the house.
His hand came to her shoulder and she tensed, “I love you.”
“What!” She spun to him, tripping back but he caught her, bringing her back to her feet, “Grayson.”
He sighed, “I haven't slept normally from the first day I met you. You're all I think about. I...”
She felt her eyes starting to water from her internal fear and conflicts, “You can't. You don't even know me!”
“I do.” He growled, upset with her protesting.
“No!” She argued.
“If you want to reject me, fine but I didn't just look at you and say that's my mate. I can't control it! I'm programmed to you!” He'd lost most of his cool, “I've never been in this much pain. Ever.”
She shrivelled away, not quite able to understand him through his agitation.
After moments of staring at each other, he spoke, “House,” his voice dark and deep in his chest, “And stay there, please. The Balant pack has been testing our borders.” Cumbersome and serious, she didn't dare test him further.
“Bye,” she jogged to the safety of the house, she slammed the front door behind her. Her hand rose to her mouth as she realized what he'd said and how much more it'd wrecked her nerves.
“Loves me?” She slipped to the bottom stair and sat, stunned.