Chapter Eight

As Regina walked out of the class, she noticed her mother's car parked at the parking lot. Hurrying, she entered the car. Her mother was a tall beautiful woman in her early forties. She turned and looked at her daughter as she entered the car. "Good afternoon, Mum", Regina greeted. Her mother, Mrs Tina smiled. "Good afternoon, dear. How was school today?". "Fine", Regina muttered faintly. As Mrs Tina started driving, Regina thought about Xander. She had 2 options; end her friendship with Xander and ignore whatever growing feelings she had for him, or allow her friendship with Xander...

At home, She pushed all thoughts of Xander away and got engrossed in household chores. Her younger sister, Amanda noticed she was moody. "What's up, Gina? Why the sad face?", she asked when they were in Regina's room. "I'm not sad. I'm fine", Regina replied with a shrug. Amanda sat near her and stared at her elder sister. "Hmm... It's a boy, isn't it? Tell me!!", she insisted. "I don't know what you are talking about", Regina muttered. "Hmm..indeed. I'll find out, even if it means reading your diary", Amanda murmured. She was an average heightened thin girl with bright big eyes. Regina rolled her eyes, "I don't have a diary, and you know it's because of you". Amanda laughed, "You know I'm just trying to look out for you, big sis". "And reading my diary protects me ". Amanda tapped her chin, "In a way...". Regina sighed, "Just let me rest, Amanda. I'm tired". Pouting, Amanda stood up. "Of course, I'll leave you to rest", she murmured and left the room. Regina buried her head with her pillow, and closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Xander was watching TV when his phone rang. It was his dad calling, which was strange. It was the first time his dad called after he left California. He picked it hesitantly. "Xander", Garvin's deep voice came from the phone. "Hey, dad", Xander muttered, wondering why his father called him.

"How's school?"

"School's fine"

"How are you coping with the new environment?"

"I'm good. How's home?"

"Not bad. The pack misses you"

Xander knew that was a lie. Most of the pack members were probably glad the Alpha's arrogant son was gone. "Focus on your studies. Don't get into trouble, okay?". Xander did not answer that. "Did you meet with the local pack at your residence?", Garvin asked. "No. I doubt there is a pack here. Haven't seen any werewolf since I came here", he replied. "Take care", Garvin said and the call ended. "Now that was weird", Xander muttered under his breath. Garvin was never an affectionate father. He taught his son to be independent and strong right from a young age. After all, Xander was going to be the next Alpha of the California pack and there was no room for weakness. Well, that was what Garvin thought. Xander's mind was centered entirely on his mate. How was he going to claim Regina, who was adamant to admit the connection they had? She was stubborn and he knew the only way was to be as stubborn as she was.

At night, Mrs Tina sent Regina on an errand to buy a pack of seasoning cube. She had forgotten to buy one at the grocery store earlier. Regina trekked to the small kiosk not far from her house. On her way there, she followed a bushy path. The path was lonely and quiet, only the sound of crickets were heard. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Her heart raced, and she walked faster. A huge man blocked her path. She turned, and realised there were four young men behind her. She trembled, biting her lips. The crack of the huge man's laughter frightened her. "Well, well,well. What do we have here?". He circled her slowly, "A little innocent girl all alone outside". The four young men snickered. Regina couldn't see their faces because everywhere was dark. "Please, let me go", she whispered. "We'll let you go, when we're done with you", one of the men said with a smirk. Regina screamed and ran. But the men were faster than her. They grabbed her. The huge man slapped her and placed her on his shoulder. "Let me go! let me go!", all her screams were in vain. They took her deeper into the bush. Satisfied, the huge man placed her on the bushes. "Me first", one of the men muttered. The huge man spread her legs apart, ignoring her wailing. "Somebody save me!", she yelled. "There's nobody to save you here, so stop yelling already", the huge man said. She stopped yelling, accepting defeat. She had heard cases of rape but never imagined she could be a victim. As she closed her eyes with tears flowing down her cheeks, she heard a loud growl. An inhuman growl. Things went quickly. She heard snapping of bones, screams, wails. She opened her eyes and met a pair of glowing dark blue eyes. A huge white wolf was attacking the men. It tore them into pieces with its claws and teeth. Blood was every where, even on her body. When the wolf killed all the men, it stared at her. It slowly came towards her. Regina screamed. The world started spinning before her eyes. The last thing she saw before she blacked out was the alluring pair of dark blue eyes.