Chapter 32: Mate!

The day after Erick woke up, he decided to go to school. At first, his mother told him to stay at home to rest more but he was determined to go. He did not want to miss any more of his classes. And he believed that he has enough rest. He felt like he was going to morphed together with the bed if he stayed there longer.

His father had bought him a new car. Technically not new but rather a secondhand car. Erick did not mind at all. He wasn't a big fan of cars as most guys were. Probably because he felt more comfortable running, than being stuck inside a 'box'. Though, he does feel that there were some usefulness when it comes to car. At least, he has more space to 'dump' his sports equipment. It would be tedious if he ran back and forth for his equipment, even if he runs *fast*.

The car that his father bought him was a grey saloon car. It was an old car, probably had spent more than ten years on the road. But it was still drive-able. Lachlan gave him the car for his successful shifting. And he probably thought its better for Erick to have his own car, rather than relying on others to send him to school or other places.

Erick had his driver's license a couple of days before the shifter ritual. If he was not with Paccia, doing her errands and tasks, he had spent the day with his father, who taught him how to drive. Luckily, he was a fast learner. Though, more like, because he used to take his father's car for a joyride.

Erick finally arrived at his school and had parked his car at the students' parking lot. He got down from his car and looked around. He could not see Hamish anywhere.

He took a deep breath and sighed. His sense of smell was getting stronger. He could smell so many unfamiliar scents now. And looking around, he also felt like his sight was getting better too. He could even see beyond the school. His five senses really grew stronger.

Up ahead, he saw his friends from the football team hanging out with a bunch of cheerleaders. They were standing in front of the school, just talking and laughing.

Erick walked over and gave each of his teammates a hi-five greeting.

Just then, a strong foul stench hit his nose. Surprised at the sudden stench, he cringed at the smell and felt someone hugging his arm. He looked down and saw Zoe wrapping both of her arms around his, giving him a flirtatious smile. She was wearing a black halter top and pink short skirt. Her hair was bundled up in a high messy bun, making her look pretty.

Unfortunately for her, Erick was immune to her looks. Yes, he does admit that she looked hot but she stinks so bad that he could not stand it.

He gently pried his arm away and backed away a bit. He did not realize that this little action was noticed by Zoe, who frowned darkly. She quickly changed her expression and gave him a confused smile.

"What's wrong, Erick?" she asked, feigning confusion. Inside, she was burning with anger.

He just shook his head, giving her a forced smile. He did not realize how repulsive her stench was. He did not know he was able to smell clearly now. It was not a surprise as to why Dane dislike humans. They probably smell revolting for him. What's worse was that she smells badly than the other girls. She probably slept with a lot of guys, he thought with amusement. Seems like her talks of being faithful to him before were all lies. He knew that she wasn't that faithful. And he only accepted her dates because he wanted to eat and he did not mind being seen with a pretty girl.

In fact, other than Zoe, he can actually 'smell' the others as well. Some were alright and some were a bit disgusting but still tolerable. He was surprised to smell the bad stench from the other girls, who were there at the moment. Seems like he could smell who is 'pure' and who is not.

Now, he could only forced a smile and nodded, while trying not to gagged. 'How can mom and dad and even the other shifters endure the smell?' he thought, inwardly wincing.

Just then, Dane answered him in his mind, 'You need to practice your endurance.'

Erick inwardly rolled his eyes. 'I don't need to hear that from someone like you,' he thought grimly.

After talking for a few minutes, the school bell rang. They all immediately went into their own classes.

Inside the classroom, everyone had settled in their seats. Erick looked around the class and could not find Hamish anywhere. He has the same homeroom with him. It was then his homeroom teacher walked in and announced that Hamish and a couple of guys will not be coming to class for another week. It appears that there was a flu coming around in town.

Erick recognized the other guys as his packmates. He let out a breath of relief. It seems that they had survived the shifter ritual. This made him more curious as to who did not survive. And as he looked around him again, it seems like he was the only one from the pack who came to school.

He sighed again as he leaned back against his seat, tuning off from the drone of his teacher. Its going to be boring without his packmates.

As he was daydreaming, he felt Dane stirring inside him.

He seems to be restless as he was moving around in his mind. Erick could feel his teeth starting to change. He had to bite down his lips until it bleeds to stop the change. It was as if Dane was getting edgy and fidgety.

Shortly after, he looked up and his eyes widened. Erick did not realize that his eyes had turned amber for that short while. He then heard his voice, or rather, Dane's raspy voice coming out.

"Mate!"