Stranger with the Stars

She Smelled Like Strawberries PT3

For the past few months, I’ve been seeing Ellie around campus. We luckily shared one class together on Friday’s. Sadly, I’d be in the front without pack members, and she’d stay in the back. I would always try to blend in with whatever or whoever was around, so that she wouldn’t catch me staring at her. My wolf was unintentionally finding ways to run into her. I craved to touch her. If I got lucky, our eyes would meet. Something would always distract either one of us after, causing our split moment to be fleeting.

That was until the other day, when I happened to go into the hardware store. I was looking for something to fix part of a yet another broken deck. Two newly turned members had a brawl that caused part of the railing to be destroyed on impact. It was common, but a pain in the ass to fix. On the way to check out, Matton was chatting with another employee, who was asking as to why we always bought so much lumber. He was attempting to cast it off as a future project, with the cashier drooling over him.

Luckily, I got Archer as my friendly helper today.

“Hello, Archer.” I cautiously started the conversation. I had been attempting to chat with him more, but deep down we both knew who I wanted to speak to.

“It’s still Archie, but hi Trenton. No, Ellie isn’t here. I think she’s at work or something right now. So if you want to bother her, you’re just gonna have to talk to her directly.” He curtly stated. I didn’t ask often, but I’d try to see if Ellie had mentioned anything, how she was doing, or anything he was willing to provide. He kept it between us, I was grateful for his assistance. For his help, I’d bring Matton along. I knew Archer would check both of us out, but I knew he found Matton more his type. Matton would turn into a blushing mess whenever we’d try to talk about it on the way home. I wasn’t sure if Matton was getting the mate to pull Archie, but he couldn’t hide the feelings that were forming. I’d ask him later if needed.

“Thank you, but I was going to ask if you knew of any events coming up soon.” I tried to play off the conversation. I knew that if something was happening for his Theater class, that he’d talk about it for hours. I still cared about him as a person, it was just difficult to follow what he was saying most of the time.

“Nope. I mean, there's been buzz about that one Masquerade Club doing there even in a few weeks. I’ve got my eyes on it. I’m super excited. I’m gonna see if people want to go.” He started to ramble off about how hard it was to get people to text back when he wanted them to.

I knew of the club he spoke of, it was run by fellow wolves. They’d hold an event every year to attempt to get the united werewolves to either let go of some of their s****l aggression, or find a mate. Either way, it meant good business for them.

“It’s Ellie’s birthday that day, so I’m trying to get her out. She’s a fabulous dancer, but she doesn’t go out on her own.” My ears perked up at her name again. It was her birthday soon?

“I see. So do you plan on going?” I tried to add, as inconspicuous as possible.

“Do you mean are you just gonna ‘casually’ keep bumping into her, hoping that you can do it there too?” He threw air quotes at me when saying casually. I couldn’t get it past him.

“Yes.” I stated. Archer was taken about by my forwardness.

“Then yeah, I’ll make her go. Just talk to her. Maybe dance with her. At some point, you’re gonna need to make a move, or someone else will.” He sang out the last part to me.

My wolf growled in response, escaping my lips before I could stop it. I faked a cough to attempt to cover it, as Archer looked at me with wide eyes.

“I’m serious. She doesn’t bite. Eventually, she's gonna notice you. You’re hot, it’s not that big of a deal. You’re not exactly someone who can just blend in. Maybe around your other hot friends, but not on the college grounds.” He said matter-of-factly, handing me my receipt.

“Thank you. I’ll see you around then.” I nodded to him and made my way out. Matton had driven the truck, so we had a place to put everything. I couldn’t help but get giddy inside knowing that I’d have a chance to get closer to her. Other than the one class, we had classes on opposite sides of campus. I didn’t know what she liked yet, I didn’t even know where to start. It was difficult with the other females around as well. I didn’t want to f**k anything up.

__________________________

I had grown anxious with the weeks passing to the club event. All I could think of was our parking lot exchange. I promised myself that I wouldn’t wear a jacket, but a long sleeve button up, rolling up the sleeves. I wanted to be able to touch her, and hopefully not be touched by the others around. From what I understand, Archie may be going as a group to the place. Matton told me he’d come with me. There were a few other pack members going in hopes of meeting a mate. Of course, the place would be crawling with parties. We went over the ground rules. They were not to drink, and to stay within range. I also advised that if I made the choice to dance with someone, that they were not to invade. Everyone agreed and we headed out. We’d be going in a total of three cars. Two persons to a car, just in case someone did happen to find their mate, we wanted to ensure they had room to take them back to the pack house. The lot was full, but we were escorted to the front of the line with immediate access. The owners were close friends, and always wanted to appease the Alpha.

I’ll admit, being Alpha had quite a few perks.

My mask was that of a dark furred wolf. It’s fur closely matching my own wolf. Matton provided it. He had been getting closer to Archer in the passing weeks. It was obvious he had grown a liking to him. I appreciated my Beta having my back, and also trying to ensure he could help in any way to the situation. I sent him a mind link letting him know that he could enjoy the night as well, and thanked him for letting us know what they’d be wearing.

They had sectioned off a large booth for us against the wall of the club. Once everyone took a seat, the music started. The lights went low, the ground rumbled with the base. We had a few drinks for the table, myself with a brandy on ice.

A sweet smell immediately invaded my senses.

I could smell her scent. She was on the edge of the dance floor, gently swaying to the music. She looked stunning. She wore a wolf mask of a lighter shade, her eyes striking against the dark surrounding them. She was in heels, confidently twirling around at this point. If I didn’t smell her as my mate, I wouldn’t be able to tell this was the same Ellie I see around.

I watched as she made her way to the bar, downing a few shots before going back out. Her smile was beaming to the bartender and to those around her. When she entered the dance floor again, her radiance exuded her. Even the wolves I brought were entranced, looking onto her with hunger in their eyes. She was attracting almost everyone. The dance floor was flooded with flashing lights, bodies rubbing up against one another in delight. I downed my drink.

I wanted her. I wanted her right now. I wanted every other male to take their eyes off of her, she wasn't up for grabs. I wanted to see that smile every day for the rest of our lives. I made my dominant aura prominent, causing some male wolves to duck their heads and make their way off the dance floor. Others backed up, realizing I was making my way through. The females wanted to be closer, but I squeezed past them.

She was a beam of light in the center, her last dance partner sauntered off, unable to keep up with her energy. I was drawn to her.

Mate.

I stood in front of her, only an inch or so above her in height with her heels on. I pressed her back into me, flowing with the music as she bobbed and swayed. I couldn’t help the heat rising in my chest. The s****l tension was rising, and I couldn’t stop myself from running my hands down her sides. The electricity shot from my fingertips to my scalp. Everything tingled in joy, the fire burning through. I knew she was feeling it too.

I buried my face in her neck, taking in her scent with every fiber of my being. It was intoxicating. Our bodies intertwined with the music, instinctively moving as one. I couldn’t get my hands off of her. I wanted to remember every curve, touch every soft inch of skin I could. I couldn’t get enough. My wolf was howling in pleasure, my arousal was only climbing. I couldn’t help but be hard from the moment we touched.

Mate! Claim mate!

I needed her to be mine. To bear my mark. I needed her to be mine, and mine alone. I was lost in the thoughts of us being entangled in bed. Her hands pinned by her sides, my lips instinctively going for her nape. Baring my teeth into her supple skin, sinking in at just the right moment. Us being sent into ecstasy as our bond was forever set.

I couldn’t hear the music anymore, it had blurred away. My eyes poured over hers. Taking in my future Luna. Her hands dropped down to her sides, I pulled her in to face me. Her breath smelled of cheap liquor, her eyes were full of the same lust that my own were. I couldn’t stop my body from leaning in, brushing her lips against mine. Sending shivers down my spine. I was so close. I could feel her body relax under my touch, sending rolling flames down to my groin. I was so close I could almost taste her.

I needed to.

“Alpha, we have a situation. We have two men trying to claim one female. It’s getting violent. Alpha!” One of my guards was linking me. Snapping me back at the moment. I looked towards the door to see a few others rushing outside. Of f*****g course this would happen now.

I let Ellie go with a huff. My wolf whined in pain. My heart fell.

I tried to focus on the fighting outside, I needed to clear it before anyone inside saw. My pack needed me. I couldn’t allow this to happen, it was my duty.

My body screamed to turn back, to take her in my arms and give her my all. I felt the burning in my throat with the rage I had towards the situation. If the two men weren’t going to stand down, I’d kill them myself.

Next time, I wasn’t going to let her go. She’d be mine.