Dark Woods

Chapter 4

We head back into school, the hallways falling silent as we pass. The scent of lust follows us wherever we go—a mixture of desire from girls and even some guys. Being future alphas makes us something like celebrities, with girls constantly throwing themselves at us, hoping to become future Lunas.

It's always been like this. From the moment we hit puberty and our alpha genetics kicked in, we've had more p***y thrown at us than we know what to do with. Most of the time it's convenient—easy access, no strings attached, exactly how I like it. But sometimes, like right now when I'm trying to focus on other s**t, it gets annoying as hell.

We reach our lockers to find Jamie and Max wearing identical satisfied grins. There's definitely a cheerleader somewhere putting her clothes back on, probably in some empty classroom or supply closet. Those two have no shame when it comes to finding creative places to get laid during school hours.

I barely pay attention as I open my locker, searching for a textbook, until I hear Nick approaching someone nearby. I glance over to see him talking to the girl with long black hair and crystal blue eyes—the same one from the cafeteria. She's wearing a leather jacket over a white cropped shirt and black ripped jeans, and f**k, she looks even better up close.

Her style's casual but deliberately put together—like she doesn't try too hard but still manages to look incredible. The ripped jeans hug her legs perfectly, and that cropped shirt gives just a hint of toned stomach that makes my mouth go dry.

Then she laughs at something Nick says.

The sound hits me like a physical blow, my body responding instantly and sending blood rushing straight to my groin. I turn toward them, studying her as Nick shifts his attention to the blonde and brunette.

So, this is the infamous Jasmine Armstrong.

I've heard of her—daughter of Ethan Armstrong, Beta of the Winter Moon Pack. I've seen her father at interpack gatherings, but Jasmine has never attended. She's popular at school for leading multiple sports teams to back-to-back championships. Being a year older, our paths have never crossed until now.

She has the most beautiful smile, with dimples that make her even more striking. Even from this distance, she's absolutely stunning. There's something about her that's different from every other girl in this school—she's got this confidence that doesn't come from trying to impress anyone. It's just... her.

Jasmine must sense my stare because she suddenly tenses and looks directly at me. When those crystal blue eyes meet mine, my heart nearly stops. I see her discomfort, watch her say something quickly to her friends before practically sprinting away.

Interesting. Most girls would've come over to introduce themselves by now.

I glance at Keaton, surprised to see him also watching Jasmine disappear around the corner. Something about that girl makes me want to chase after her, though I can't understand why. I just feel this overwhelming need to find her, to figure out what it is about her that's got me so twisted up.

The bell rings, pulling me from my thoughts. Shaking my head, I head to class with Jasmine's smile burned into my memory.

What the hell is happening to me?

The rest of the day crawls by. I haven't seen Jasmine since lunch, and her absence makes me irrationally angry. Is she deliberately avoiding me? Does she not know who I am, or is she just being defiant? Either way, it pisses me off. I'm used to girls seeking me out, not running away.

I find myself scanning every hallway, checking every classroom I pass, hoping to catch another glimpse of her. It's f*****g pathetic, and I know it, but I can't stop myself. She's gotten under my skin in a way no one ever has.

Damn that girl. I need to get out of here.

My phone pings with a message from Jamie saying they've been let out early and to meet in the parking lot. I sigh, pocketing my phone and heading outside. I meet up with Lucas and Keaton along the way—the perks of being future alphas mean the school rarely questions our comings and goings.

We find Max, Jamie, and Nick waiting by the entrance, looking like they've had a productive afternoon if you know what I mean.

"Man, Deluca, you are so whipped," Max says with a grin, still riding the high from whatever he and Jamie got up to.

"Yeah, your mate doesn't even know you're her mate, and you're already acting married," Jamie adds, adjusting his shirt that's definitely been hastily put back on.

"What happened to the self-proclaimed ladies' man?" Max laughs.

"What can I say? My days of pleasing random women are over. Now I'll spend my time pleasing my mate," Nick replies, completely unfazed by their teasing. There's this softness in his voice when he talks about her that I've never heard before.

Max and Jamie erupt in laughter while Nick rolls his eyes and turns to us. "Finally! These two are giving me a headache."

Only to have his future alphas join in the teasing, causing Nick to groan in frustration.

"Hey, Gab, are you sure you're good? You seem off since lunch," Lucas says as we walk toward the parking lot.

"I'm fine, Luke. Don't worry about it."

I hope Lucas will drop it, but knowing my friend's observant and stubborn nature, I doubt it'll be that easy. Lucas Blackwood is serious and can be cold to most people, but I've known his true nature since we were kids. He notices everything, remembers everything, and he definitely knows something's up with me.

Keaton, Max, and Jamie lead us to a picnic table near the parking lot. I pull out my phone, only half-listening to the conversation until I hear an unfamiliar female voice.

"Show me what?"

My head snaps up to see Nick pulling Jasmine toward our table. The sight of Nick's hand wrapped around her wrist makes my blood boil. I nearly growl before catching myself, my jaw clenching as I fight for control.

Get your f*****g hands off her.

The possessive thought comes out of nowhere, hitting me like a freight train. Where the hell did that come from? I don't even know this girl, but seeing another guy touch her—even Nick, who's practically family—makes me want to rip his arm off.

Lucas is watching me with curious eyes, his gaze moving between me and Jasmine with growing interest. Fortunately, the others are too focused on the unfolding drama to notice my reaction.

I can't stop staring at Jasmine, completely mesmerized by everything about her. The way she moves has me hooked—confident and effortless, like she owns every room she walks into. My eyes keep drifting to her lips, soft and perfectly kissable, and I find myself imagining what it would be like to pin her against a wall and claim that smart mouth of hers. The thought of her hands on me, of seeing if she's as fierce in bed as she is everywhere else, makes my pulse race and my c**k strain against my jeans.

Nick shows her something small, and I watch her face transform from confusion to shock to fierce protectiveness. When she threatens Nick with that dangerous smile, blood rushes straight to my groin. Damn, she's so f*****g sexy. I want to bend her over this table and show her what real dominance looks like.

But I need to get control of myself before I do something stupid.

"Hey guys, I'll see you later," I say, standing with deliberate calm. Every instinct screams at me to grab her, to claim what's mine, but I force myself to walk—not run—to my car with measured steps. Only when I'm safely inside do I allow myself to speed out of the parking lot.

The drive home's a blur of frustration and confusion. I've never reacted to a girl like this before. Usually, I see someone I want, I take them, I forget them. Simple. Clean. No complications. But Jasmine... she's different. She makes me feel things I don't understand, want things I've never wanted before.

As soon as I reach my house, I go straight to my room, the image of Jasmine still burning in my mind. I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over my tense muscles. But even under the steaming spray, I can't escape thoughts of her—the way she moved, the curve of her lips, that dangerous smile, the pull I feel toward her.

My body responds despite my attempts to focus on anything else. My c**k's already hard, throbbing with need as I imagine what it would be like to have her in here with me. I picture her on her knees in front of me, those crystal blue eyes looking up at me with that same fierce defiance, but this time breathless with desire. The thought of her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, of those perfect lips wrapped around my c**k, drives me over the edge.

I wrap my hand around myself, stroking with desperate need as I fantasize about her taking me deeper, that smart mouth finally put to better use. The water runs hot over my shoulders as I imagine the sounds she'd make, the way she'd look at me while she sucked me off. I come hard with her name on my lips, my release mixing with the water as it spirals down the drain.

Thirty minutes later, I emerge with a towel wrapped around my waist, feeling both satisfied and frustrated as I collapse onto my bed.

"What the hell is going on with me?" I mutter, running my hands through my damp hair. "Why does this girl affect me so much?"

I groan, staring at the ceiling. "I need to get a f*****g grip."

This isn't like me. I don't obsess over girls. I don't jerk off thinking about someone I've barely talked to. I take what I want, when I want it, and move on. But Jasmine... she's messing with my head in ways I don't understand.

Deciding to push Jasmine from my thoughts, I stand and walk to my closet to find some clothes. After getting dressed, I head downstairs to grab a snack before dinner, only to find my beta Jamie flirting with one of the omegas. Sensing my alpha aura, the omega quickly excuses herself and hurries off to complete her duties.

"Hey, Gab," Jamie says with a sly smile, completely unaware that he just interrupted what was probably going to be a quick f**k in the pantry.

Rolling my eyes, I saunter over to the fridge.

"Damn, not gonna lie, but I think Nick hit the jackpot with his mate. And her friends are hot too," Jamie continues, grabbing a beer from the counter.

My eyes instantly snap toward Jamie. "Yeah, he did. But what does her friends being hot have to do with anything?" I question, my voice carrying a warning edge.

"Nothing, just saying," Jamie shrugs, but I can see the confusion in his eyes at my tone. "But that Jasmine chick—there's something about her. She's got this attitude, you know? Like she'd be a challenge."

My hands clench into fists at my sides as jealousy surges through me. The thought of Jamie even thinking about Jasmine that way makes me want to rip his throat out. He's my beta, my best friend, but right now all I can think about is how badly I want to beat the s**t out of him for looking at what's mine.

Mine? Where the f**k did that come from?

"I just remembered I have some pack business to handle," I say abruptly, grabbing an apple from the counter. "Catch you later."

Before Jamie can respond, I'm already walking toward the door, my stride controlled but quick. I need to put distance between us before I do something I'll regret.

Get it together, Preston. She's just a girl.

But even as I think it, I know it's a lie. Jasmine Armstrong is definitely not just a girl.

She's going to be my downfall.