Us Against the World

Chapter 7

Luke

I felt helpless, I thought Ava would understand what I was feeling. This wasn't an one time event, it felt too good, too real or at least for me it was. I can't get her out of my mind, I buried myself with pack work, not training with the group, avoiding eating at the pack house so I didn't have to see her. I've been staying at my parents for 2 days but that was enough, I needed to face her again. As I'm laying on my bed looking at the ceiling, deep in thoughts someone knocked on my door.

- Luke open up, I know you are in there man. - Tobias yells from the other side of my door. I can't tell him what's going on with Ava, she would never forgive me.

I walked to the door and let him in.

- Hey, man. - I tried to sound more excited than I really am.

- You look like crap man. What's going on with you? - You can tell he is honestly worried about me.

- Just a lot of pressure with the Alpha ceremony coming up next month and too many of us turning 21 and finding our mates. I'm under a lot of pressure, that's all.- Even though I wasn't telling him the whole truth I wasn't lying. Me taking over the pack was a big deal, my father was a great Alpha, those were pretty big shoes to filled and for that he had a great Luna, mom was awesome at her job, she enjoys doing it. I don't want to do anything less and I couldn't force Ava to a position she had no interest in.

- Yeah man I get it but you will do great. You've been getting ready for this position since you were a kid, I always thought I was going to be beta because my dad was the beta but seriously it made me super nervous, all the responsibilities but I don't doubt you. You have always been ready.

- I appreciate your words Tobias but let's stop all the praising- I said now walking towards my desk and grabbing an envelope- There was something I wanted to talk to you about.

- Ok, what's going on? - He looked a little concerned, I could use this moment to play a joke on him but I wasn't in the mood.

- I wanted to offer you the gamma position. I need you to be my third in command. I should have done this a while back but I would appreciate if you accept the offer now.- I handed the envelope to him to the official offer.

- For real man? It would be my honor Alpha.

- You and Ava are my most trusted warriors. Honestly I couldn't do this without you guys by my side.

- Say nothing more Alpha! We are celebrating tonight.

- No Tobias, I am not in the mood.- He interrupts me.

- Nonsense. This is my promotion, I get to pick what we do and we are going out tonight.

- Fine. I will be there.

- Hell yes you are. Please let Mila know, I would talk to Ava and Brad.

When I heard her name I got a little more excited about going out, if she was going to be there, I wanted to see her.

Ava

Tobias has texted me the news about his promotion to gamma. He honestly deserves it, he was a great fighter and a trusted friend of Luke and me. I didn't really want to go out and see Luke, we've talked a couple of times through mind link about pack matters but I haven't seen him in a couple days.

I couldn't back down now though. What I want is my position as a beta and nothing more. What I need to do is make Luke understand this too. I initiated this whole mess and I will stop it. I grabbed my phone and texted someone I wasn't really planning on texting but I needed his help to make sure Luke kept his plans as an Alpha and me as his beta.

I scrolled on my contact list until I found - Bad boy Carter.

- Hey Carter. Are you going to the pub tonight?

- Who is this?

- Ava.

- Ava who?

I didn't reply. Was he for real?

-Lol, I am joking. Hi, beautiful. I will go if you want me to.

- Well I should be there around 8.

- It's a date then.

- It's definitely not a date. - I replied back. He sends back a wink emoji.

I started getting ready, I decided to straightened my hair, wore a black miniskirt, a blue tank top and combat boots. I put some makeup on and looked myself in the mirror. I looked pretty damn hot, this was very unusual for me. Who am I dressing up for? Carter? Or was it Luke?

Stop it! I told at my reflection on the mirror. I am dressing up for myself. I want to have some fun tonight and there is nothing else to it.

I headed downstairs, it seems like everyone was gathering outside. I could see Brad and his mate Laura. She happens to be the she wolf I went to help the night of the haze. It turns out she turned 21 at midnight the night of the haze and found her mate. Lucky girl. I overheard Tobias making jokes and my heart skipped a beat when I heard Luke laughing. His laugh was contagious and sexy. I could feel my mood changing, just by the sound of his laugh. As I stepped out, my smile died down when I saw Mila attached to his side. Didn't she know about personal space.

- Oh wow Ava! You look amazing. I've never realized you could actually be sexy. Damn. - Tobias yells and all eyes turned my way. I rolled my eyes, I hated being the center of attention like this.

I could swear Luke's jaw dropped before he fixed himself back up. My heart flutters at the feeling.

- I will take that as a compliment- I said back to Tobias, getting close to him to give him a hug. - But tonight is your night so congratulations.

- Are you telling me you did all this for me? - He says with a smirk on his face- I pushed him away - Stop it.

- Nah, you look great for real. I appreciate you coming with us you sloth. We've been waiting for you.

- Let her be Tobias. - Mila interrupted- It's not every day we have to wait for Ava. Today must be a very special occasion. I will bet anything she has plans with Carter tonight. Right Ava?

I looked up at Luke, his jaw clenched. No trace of his previous laughs.

- He should be there, yes. - I answered reluctantly. I hated her. Everything she does and says annoys me.

- Ok everyone let's go! As much as I enjoy talking to all of you, my party is waiting!. - Tobias said.

Two separate cars were waiting for us, I made sure to get the opposite car of Luke and Mila.

The pub was packed tonight. Many of our pack members came to celebrate Tobias and some others from Carter's pack.

As soon as he saw me he approached me.

- You look amazing. You didn't need to do all this to impress me, I am already impressed. - He says smiling.

- Thank you Carter but I didn't do this for you.- I shot back at him.

- Oh no? For who then?

My eyes automatically went to Luke. He was looking straight at me, he didn't look happy and I am pretty sure he has been listening to Carter. With werewolf hearing and all the attention he was giving us there was no doubt.

- I did it for myself. If you would excuse me, I would like a beer.- I started walking towards the bar.

- Of course. Lets get you settled. Come on- He said while grabbing my hand and pulling me next to the pool table.

Everybody seem to be having a good time, Tobias has been drinking all night, Brad and Laura can't keep their hands away from each other, Mila is all over Luke and he is standing up with his back to the wall. I've been playing pool, Carter has tried to " teach me some new tricks but I know his intentions. He asks me to dance, I've considered saying no but I can't back down now. While our bodies are moving at the rhythm of the music, I could hear Luke talking to me through mind link.

- Why are you doing this? - He sounds sad? Disappointed?

- It's called having fun- I replied back.

- It's that really what you are doing? Is this really what you want for us?

- There is no "Us" Luke. You are my Alpha and my friend. Nothing more.

He didn't reply. I kept dancing and turned around to see him grabbed Mila's hands to get out of the club.

She was jumping out of excitement. Why were they leaving?

- Are you tired? - Carter shouted to me.

- I am thirsty- I point to the bar and we walked over there.

- I will be right back - I said to him and walk towards Tobias.

- Heyyy! Where is Luke? - Tobias is dancing with two she wolfs from another pack.

- I don't know. Probably f*****g Mila. - He says laughing.

Something changed inside of me. I couldn't breathe, I needed to get some air. I felt hot and angry. He was doing this because of me. I pushed him away and he listened.

I got out of the pub and one of our cars was gone. I am getting desperate at this point so I decided to mind linking.

- Luke?-