Riley
The following morning, my eyes catch movement in a dark alley as I walk to school. I take this route every day, and it's usually safe and filled with humans. People get their baked goods on the way or coffee, but when I snap my head in the direction of the sound, I spot a rogue.
My skin crawls as the werewolf glares at me with saliva dripping down from its mouth. It's large, brown, and obviously out of control, which sooner or later happens if you're without a pack for too long.
I carry on and ignore the wolf. It doesn't follow me, but even as I leave it in the alley, I can't help but feel like there have been a lot of rogues lately. Is something happening?
The rogue stays on my mind during the entire morning as I get to my classes and try to ignore the popular girls laughing at the sad choice of clothes that I'm wearing.
"Seriously?"
"Why won't she buy new jeans?"
"Does she think it's hot to wear those or something?"
"Oh-my-god, is she like poor?"
I grimace.
My jeans have plenty of holes in them. They aren't the stylish kind but come from the amount of violence Josh has given me. Last week, he dragged me along the asphalt.
"Is it true that you're friends with that girl?" Teagan asks Linda as they are eating around the popular-people-only table.
I freeze, and a frigid chill passes through my heart, encircling it with eternal winter and loneliness.
Linda swallows. "I don't know what you're talking about. Riley is the omega of our pack. I would never make friends with her."
I stare down at the table with teary eyes. I might be the omega of the Crescent pack, but it still hurts. No matter what, I always got Linda's back, and I wish the same could be said for her.
"Is this seat taken?"
My lips part in surprise.
A girl I've never seen before with pink hair and a lot of makeup is smiling at me. She is stunning with bright blue eyes. A beanie covers her head, and she is wearing a leather jacket like me. Only hers is burgundy red.
"No," I say and glance around the cafeteria. "No offense, but you're a werewolf, right? So hanging out with me might not be the best idea."
She smiles. "You have a strong nose."
Now it's my turn to smile. "Thank you... It's like the only thing I'm good at as a werewolf. Sniffing things."
The girl smiles even broader, showing me her pearly white teeth.
"My name is Isabella Rossi," she reaches out her hand as she takes a seat. Her expression is determined and proud. "I know who you are, and I'm here to become your friend."
I shake her hand. "I'm Riley Archer... Wait, Rossi? Are you..." I lower my voice when someone passes our table and clear my throat. "Are you William's little sister?"
"Half-sister," Isabella smiles. "My brother and I don't get along, but I know you're his mate."
I widen my eyes.
She snorts. "Relax, every werewolf in school knows after William beat up Josh. But don't worry. Josh and his gang won't tell anyone else. I've already threatened them, and Josh peed himself simply at the idea of William beating his ass again."
I laugh. "Sounds like Josh. He was terrified of your brother."
"Yeah," Isabella's eyes grow haunted. "Everyone in our pack is terrified of my brother..."
I pause eating and put my fork inside my lunchbox. My cooking skills aren't excellent, but I make stuff for my mother and myself every day. Now Henrik is included too.
"And why is that?" I ask, despite knowing the answer.
"Because of his blood," Isabella grimaces. "We don't have the same mother. William's mother is our father's mate, but she returned to her world many years ago. She left William behind, thinking he was more wolf than a bloodthirsty fairy."
I swallow thickly. "Why are you telling me this?"
She smiles. "Because I'm hoping you can help my brother."
A dry, not funny laugh forces its way up my throat. "No offense, but I can barely take care of myself. I'm the bullied omega of my pack, and life isn't precisely easy."
"You're strong-willed," Isabella says. "I've asked around about you, and it seems you never cry even when you get your ass kicked. You keep that uncaring expression, and... I think William might need that."
I exhale. I'm not sure how to say this without sounding like I don't want William. I do, but... There are so many things in the way.
"William said he doesn't do relationships, and he is my teacher—it's inappropriate that we are mates. Besides, after I've graduated, I'm leaving this town far behind."
Right then, I hear William's voice inside my head. 'Could you see me in my office after you've eaten? It's urgent.'
"Where would you go?" Isabella asks.
"Somewhere more tropical," I tell her and rise from my seat. "Do you mind? I have somewhere I need to be."
"Not all," Isabella smiles up at me. "Don't hesitate to sit with me again. I would love to become your friend."
My lips twitch. "Because I'm your brother's mate?"
"No," Isabella sizes me up, pointing at me with her fork and food still in her mouth. "Because I like your style. That leather jacket you're wearing is hot, but I would get a new pair of jeans."
I beam at her. "The leather jacket is stolen, and my jeans drawer needs an upgrade."
"Stolen?" I've caught Isabella's interest now. She looks me up and down again, smiling. "Who are you, Riley Archer?"
I wink at her. "A survivor," I smile when she laughs. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you, but I got to go!"
"See you around!"
I hurry through the people in the corridor, curious about what William could possibly want from me that is urgent. Is it about the paperwork he made us do? It wasn't my best work, I must admit.
My pace is quick and steady, and when I make it over to the door that says "Mr. Rossi," I enter without knocking.
"Lock the door," William says from his chair.
"O-okay?"
I don't question him and do what he asks. When I turn around to face him, my cheeks burn at the view.
William is standing up and removing his shirt, revealing a torso that looks photoshopped. His intense eyes are on mine, and a slight, mischievous curl plays over his lips.
I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Unable to keep my eyes from roaming up and down his massive body.
William studies me in silence. There is no laughter in his eyes. His features are emotionless, resolved not to show what he is thinking. Yet my sex is already swollen against my soaking wet underwear.
I want William.
And he knows it.
His lips curl higher. "Strip."