Anyone But You

Chapter 5

The months following The Challenge, the boys and I were thrown together on a regular basis, afternoon meetings here, “family” dinners there. Every time we turned around, we were together. We still didn’t get along great, but we were slowly learning to have mutual respect for each other, and our “banter” as my father puts it, has taken a much lighter tone. We still had our one-off arguments every now and then, but overall, something was growing between us four. I wouldn’t go so far as to say friendship, but it was no longer out of the realm of possibilities as it had once been.

“I can’t believe you get to spend all day with three gorgeous Alphas,” Lara said as we walked into the small pack diner. Lara was the daughter of my father’s beta and my best friend. She was a gorgeous blonde hair, blue-eyed, model. She was smart, spunky, and had the most beautiful soul. She was kind and fierce and would stand up against anyone. She was 17, and her birthday was a week before mine, and I was so excited for her to find her mate.

“I don’t see the appeal,” I said as we slid into our normal booth. “But I’ve heard them speak.”

We picked up our menus and moved them to the edge of the table so Luka would know we were ready to order. Lara and I came here every Thursday for milkshakes and fries, so the menu wasn’t needed.

Luka walked over and smiled as he saw Lara. He was a tall, average build guy with brown hair and brown eyes. He had a perfectly symmetrical face with a beautiful smile. Although neither would admit it, they were smitten with each other.

“Afternoon ladies, the usual?” Luka asked as he picked up our menus, eyes locked with Lara's.

“Absolutely,” I answered, completely ignored by the either party. I giggled to myself and picked up my phone.

“Actually, I would like something different,” Lara said with a big smile.

Luka’s eyes lit up, and his tone turned flirty. “Oh yeah? What looks good?” he questioned, leaning against the table.

“You,” she said almost as a whisper, catching all of us off guard. “Um… what do you suggest?” She asked quickly, trying to play it off.

I held my breath to keep from laughing so as not to embarrass her any further.

“Um. I mean, I guess, I would suggest my favorite,” he stuttered as he turned bright red.

“Which is?” She questioned, also turning the color of a fire truck.

“Strawberry and Chocolate Milkshake,” he said sheepishly.

“That sounds perfect,” she gushed as they locked eyes. Realizing that is her "normal," I put my hand over my mouth and started coughing to keep the laughter at bay. They both suddenly remembered my existence and quickly regained their composure as Luka walked off.

As soon as the table was just us again, I lost it. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the booth.

“It's not funny,” she said as she kicked me under the table.

“I can’t believe you finally admitted it.” I said, shaking my head as my laughter dies down.

“He’s so adorable, and his eyes, it threw me off.” She said as she started to blush again.

“I really hope he’s your mate. You two would be adorable together, and your pups would be gorgeous.” I said as I smiled at her. I loved seeing her so happy.

“So, when are the Alpha’s coming over?” She asked, trying to change the subject.

“The children descend on me at 1800,” I said with a smirk.

“You make it sound like you have to babysit kids.” She said with a giggle.

“Now you understand my frustration,” I said with a smile. She rolled her eyes, and I started laughing.

“I can’t believe I’m finally turning eighteen,” she squealed as Luka walked over and sat down our milkshakes and fries.

“It’s an awesome birthday!” He exclaimed with a smile.

“Luka, have you found your mate yet?” I asked with a smirk.

“Not yet, but I’m hopeful it will be soon.” He said as his gazed drifted to Lara.

“I am as well,” she said as they both smiled.

“Do you feel different yet?” He asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“It’s weird, but I do. I am so glad you know what I’m talking about.” She said, surprised.

“Wait? What do you mean feel different?” I asked, confused.

“It's hard to explain,” Luka said, shifting his focus back to me.

“It's kind of a mixture of tingles and growing pains,” Lara said, puzzled.

“How long have you had this for?” I asked curiously.

“I had it for two weeks before my birthday,” Luke answered abruptly, making Lara smile.

“I’ve had it for about two weeks as well.” She said, grinning at me. I smiled at them both and dropped the subject as Luka walked to the back.

The rest of the afternoon was spent discussing her birthday plans, her wolf, and her future mate. Glancing down at my phone, I freaked out.

“Oh s**t, it's 15:00, my dad’s going to kill me,” I said, jumping from the table and gathering my stuff. “Sorry to dine and dash, my dear, but I was told to be back at three sharp.” I said, wrapping my arms around Lara and tossing money on the table before I ran out the door.

“Have fun with the boys, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she called after me. I smiled at her and gave her a wink as the door closed behind me.

Thankfully, the “downtown” of our territory is a one mile stretch with business on both sides. The lack of pavement gave it a “Western Movie” vibe, thankfully, with a lack of shootouts.

I took off running down the road as fast as my legs could carry me. Down the road a mile and viola, three minutes later, I was on my porch.

The packhouse sits at the end of the road like a capital building overlooking a city. It is a five-story mansion that has three different wings. The left wing is where my father and I live. The right wing is where our Beta lives with his family, and the center is for the pack. There are single rooms on the fifth floor for pack members who need a place to stay. The fourth floor is for staff only, the two chefs, three house keepers, two grounds keepers, and their families. The third floor is our recreation area, which includes a movie theater, a bowling alley, and an arcade. The second floor is the gym, training areas, and showers. Lastly, the first is our reception area. There is a dining room big enough to fit the entire pack. There is a grand ballroom that doubles as a meeting hall and a lounging room with a bar and library.

“You're late!” my father said sternly as I came running through the door.

“I know, I’m sorry. Lara and I were talking about birthday stuff, and I lost track of time."

“You only have three hours to get ready before they get here.” He said, still not turning away from the tv.

“I know,” I said, exhausted as I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, young lady!” My father smirked.

“I really hate that you can do that,” I said as I plopped down next to him. He smiled at me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his chest.

“That’s why I do it,” he said as he kissed my forehead. I smiled as I breathed in his mint and leather scent. “Are you okay?” He asked as he turned the tv off.

“Absolutely,” I answered, trying to hold back my hesitation and put on a smile.

Looking at me, he knew I was lying, but he decided that arguing with me would waste more time than just letting it go and preparing for our company. However, he definitely made a mental note to interrogate me later if necessary.

“Do you really think I am mated to one of the boys?” I asked quietly as I stared onto the blank screen.

“I don’t know, but would it be so bad if you were?” He countered. “The mate bond changes us, sweetie. The person you know now will not be the same if they are mated to you.”

I nodded my head sadly, “If you say so,” I said as I pulled away from him and stood up.

“I personally think Atlas is your mate,” my father said nonchalantly as he studied my face.

“What did I do to deserve such hateful words from you, father?” I asked dramatically as I gasped and clutched my chest. He gently pushed me towards the staircase.

“Go get ready,” he ordered playfully.

“Of course, can’t disappoint Heckel, Jekyll, and Hyde,” I said as I climbed the stairs as slowly as possible, causing my father to throw a pillow at my head.