3 Chapter 2

We stared at each other, my brown eyed boy and me. He stood and I realized he was no longer a boy. His chest was bare and he was perfectly sculpted. He seemed to be out of a dream, or a made from a piece of marble carefully crafted. I went to speak but he crossed the room so quickly it made my head spin. Soon his thick lips were on mine.

He pushed me against the wall as he held my face with his hand. He began to fumble at my clothes but I tore my lips away. It was awkward and uncomfortable so I made an excuse.

"Stop," I whispered against his mouth.

He growled but put distance between us.

"I'm sorry but you know the rules," I straightened my top out. My mind swam with annoyance and my lips hurt from his exertion.

He rolled his eyes, "Does it actually matter?"

I sighed, "yes, until we decide how to go forward." I lied knowing my course of action.

He shook his head in disappointment. "I have decided," he growled.

"You are not alpha here," I reminded him. "Humphrey was chosen as alpha."

He looked at me contrarily, "the tribe has spoken, Niara."

"Hush," I hissed making sure my door was closed. "Don't use that name."

He stared up at the ceiling, "What else can't I do?"

I ran my hand through my hair. "It's just until things have died down." And I leave again.

He sat on my bed and assessed me. "What's really going on?" he analyzed me further. "You think I killed John?"

I lost my breath. He did not hesitate and went for the heart of the matter.

"Because, I didn't," he continued.

I sighed with relief. He saw my reaction and calmed down as well.

"It wasn't you?" He asked quietly.

I shook my head, "I wasn't even here."

"I'm sorry," he said. "I know how you are when you lose your temper. No one would have blamed you for it."

"I didn't kill John," I snapped. "Even if I had lost my temper with him I would have…

"Turned tail and run," he murmured.

I rolled my eyes. "I would have walked away."

Tak seemed calmer. "Then why must we wait?"

"Decisions made now will affect the entire pack, not just the tribe," I crossed my arms and kept my distance. His immaturity wore my nerves thin.

He seemed undeterred. "I haven't seen you for two years… the girl I loved would have acted and not shrunk back with indecision. She wouldn't have walked away from confrontation, she would have attacked."

"Exactly," I pointed out. "She was a girl who did not think of repercussions. Hence why I was sent away in the first place."

He shook his head defiantly. "We know the repercussions. The Republic will take control soon and I had hoped you would stand by me as promised."

"Is that why you were in Linda's kitchen tonight?" I quipped.

He looked guilty. "I needed to see you."

I shook my head, "no, you wanted to see if I would go despite your orders that loyalist not attend."

"But you went anyways," he said through clinched teeth.

"For Diana," I lied.

He snorted with laughter. "You've never done a damn thing for her in your life."

"And what has she done for me?" I snapped.

He shook his head. "I'm not here to fight with you," he emphasized the word you. He may not have been at war with me but he was still preparing for battle.

I heard Diana and Caleb enter the house and my eyes grew large.

"You have to go," I snapped.

He growled, "I'll be back later this week," it sounded like a threat. "Promise me you won't leave again."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Where am I going to go now? Uncle Sean seems to be putting down roots here. I won't leave without him."

He nodded accepting it as an answer and then out the window he went.

Days passed from the night of the meeting and everyone seemed more on edge. I knew something was going on but no one spoke to me. Most people avoided me and to be honest I liked it that way.

Canada was odd to me having lived in Kent for so long as my grandmother's helper. Even the homes seemed different. I was constantly getting lost in my Uncle Sean's home here in Kelowna. Two wrong turns found me in his study instead of the kitchen where I intended to go.

A male stood by Sean's desk. He was an imposing figure. I assessed him toe to head. His jeans were dark and plain as was his grey long sleeve pull over.

My eyes wandered from his clothes and up to his face until I saw silver.

His eyes glistened and slightly glowed as we locked on each other. A tingle ran up my spine and made the hair at the nape of my neck stand on end.

He was an alpha, chosen by Artemis herself.

Generally the pack voted for their choices and then first blood would win. Only twice had the moon chosen it's champion and in those times darkness had over taken our world.

Instinctually I bowed my head to the side exposing my neck. Though I was across the room from him I felt his glow pulse over me.

"Lilly," he said softly but I could hear his Scottish lilt.

I looked back to him once more. He knew my name which was a surprise.

I nodded, "alpha?"

He seemed aloof and apathetic. "Yes."

I felt awkward standing in front of him with no words to say. I began to back away in retreat. Sean walked in but stopped suddenly noticing the tense situation. He looked from the alpha and myself.

"I'll be going," I murmured as I escaped.

I turned too quickly before I got my baring's, swiftly into the door I went.

The pain from my nose was half of the pain to my pride. Scrambling I exited the office to hear him speak to Sean.

"So that's Lilly…"

I stopped in my tracks. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I almost shrieked but kept walking. Last thing I needed to do was show my ass…again.