Awakening Fate

Chapter 7: I’m Tired

Clarks POV

              The morning after the party I am awoken to the sound of someone pounding on my bedroom door. I groan and throw back my covers to march over to the door.

              “What?” I fling open the door and am met with Kenzie standing there with her hands on her hips. She looks me up and down as I stand there in my boxers glowering at her. She doesn’t seem phased and walks past me into the bedroom.

              “What did you do Clark?” She asks with her arms crossed over her chest.

              “What are you talking about?”

              “Why is Hayden in her room at home crying, instead of with you?” She asks while shooting me a glare.

              “Watch it Kenzie.” I warned her walking over towards her. “What I do is my business and not yours. But if you must know, I’m tired. I’m tired of her attitude and having to watch her degrade other pack members.” I state, and honestly this was a long time coming.

              “But Clark, you guys are meant to be mates.” She says looking horrified by my honesty.

              “I don’t think so.” I state moving back towards the doorway. Kenzie gasps and clutches her chest.

              “I don’t have time for this, Kenzie, please leave.” I state gesturing to the hallway. She straightens up and glares at me before moving towards the doorway.

              “You will take her back.” She mutters before making her way down the hall.

              Now that my sleep was disturbed, I decide that it would be best to just get up for the day. I haven’t visited my parents for breakfast in a while. I quickly shower and dress for the day before making down the hall towards my parent’s suite. As soon as I arrive my mother throws open the door smiling at me.

              “Clark what a lovely surprise.” She says holding her arms open to me. I hug and give her a small kiss on the cheek.

              “Morning mom.” I spot my dad sitting in an armchair reading a book. “Morning dad.”

              He looks up at me and smirks. “Morning Clark.” He sets his book down. “What brings you to join us for breakfast?”

              “I just figured it’s been awhile.” I shrug moving to sit down in the sitting area while mom makes orders to have breakfast delivered. I sit quietly until Lily comes running into the room looking flustered.

              “Sorry I’m late!” She exclaims as she hops up and down trying to slide on her shoes.

              “Lily, your not late.” Mom says laughing at Lily’s expression.

              “Oh, thank goddess!” She says while visibly relaxing. “Clark it’s nice to see you here.” She sings coming over and hugging me.

              She joins me as we wait for breakfast. “So your friends with Matt’s sister?” I ask trying to appear unphased.

              “Emmy?” She asks raising an eyebrow. I nod and lean back trying to look relaxed. “Oh yeah, we have been friends since we were little.”

              “What is she like?”

              “Well, she is quiet, shy, and wickedly smart. Our favorite thing is to go to the falls in the summer to go swimming away from everyone else. I know she likes to read and tolerates shopping for me. Speaking of which, mom are we still going to the mall today?” She asks suddenly looking towards my mom.

              “Yes Lily, I have already arranged transportation with some of our warriors.” Mom states rolling her eyes.

              “Is it okay if Emmy comes with?”

              “Absolutely, she is always welcome.” Lily smiles at mom before turning her attention back to me.

              “Why are you asking about Emmy?” She asks while taking out her phone and sending a text.

              “I met her for the first-time last night, and I was surprised that I have never met her before.”

              “Well, that’s what you get for having your head too focused on Hayden all the time. You miss all the others walking amongst you when your too busy babysitting a spoiled brat.” She sneers at me giving me a disapproving look.

              “You really don’t like her do you?” I ask while accepting a cup of coffee from my mother who is raising her eyebrows at us.

              “No, I do not. She is self-righteous and cruel. Both her and Kenzie.”

              “Well, hopefully she won’t be much of a problem anymore.” I state giving a small shrug. My mother whips her head around with her mouth hanging open.

              “You and Hayden are no more?”

              “Correct.” I watch as my mother and father share a brief glance and my mother has a small smile on her face. Apparently, many did not like me dating Hayden.

              “So, does Emmy have other friends?” I ask Lily who is looking at me with a small smirk.

              She nods slowly while looking at me. “Same friends as me, plus Lewis.” Hearing that my brother has been friends with this girl makes my heart burn with jealousy. “A lot of people have been interested in her, but she doesn’t seem to notice.” Lily chuckles shaking her head slightly.

              “Is there anyone she has… well you know problems with?”

              Lily stiffens at my question and her eyes go wide. Her mouth opens to say something but immediately closes. “She asked me not to saying anything.” She whispers glancing to make sure mom and dad aren’t listening.

              My entire body tenses knowing that my intuition was right. “Please Lily, I need to know what is going on with this pack member.”

              Lily takes a steady breath and nods. She stands and motions me to follow her to the balcony. Once out of ear shot of our parents she looks down and takes a long breath.

              “Kenzie and Emmy don’t get along. Kenzie has admitted to hating Emmy and bullies her daily. Basically, Kenzie believes Emmy is a weakness within our pack and enjoys showing her how weak she really is. I have told Emmy to fight back, but she doesn’t want to cause problems, so she just takes it. Two years ago Kenzie beat Emmy so bad that she broke three of ribs and her wrist. Emmy just blamed it on falling while out for a run.” Lily says looking down at her feet.

              “Does anyone else know about this?” I ask through gritted teeth.

              “Just me, and well…. Hayden. She joined Kenzie at times to verbally degrade Emmy.”

              I feel myself fighting my anger, trying not to take it out on my sister. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

              “I didn’t want to betray my friend’s trust.”

              “I can understand that but how long has this been going on?”

              “Since we were eight years old.”

              “That’s a long time Lily, and you stood by watching your friend take this cruelty. We could have done something about it back then.” I state feeling frustrated not only with my sister, but myself for not noticing this girl before.

              “I’m sorry Clark.” Lily says looking down. Her voice quivers softly as she tries to hold back tears.

              I sigh and pull her into a hug. “It’s okay Lily, now that I know we can do something about it.”

              She nods softly, “Emmy is not going to be happy about it.”

              “We don’t have to tell her anything yet, but I will be keeping an eye on her from now on. But I have to know did something happen recently?”

              She nods again, “I’m guessing you say the bruises.”

              “That’s all I needed to know.” I state shoving my hands into my pockets. There was no way I would be able to get back with Hayden after this. I look up to see Lewis entering the suite. Lily and I head in and greet our brother who is looking at us strangely.

              “Breakfast is here.” Our Mother yells brining a tray cart to the table.

              “So, what is everyone’s plans for the day?” Father asks looking around the table.

              “Mom is taking Emmy and I to the mall later today to buy some dresses. She will be stopping by after breakfast.” She says looking at me with a small smirk.

              “Cool, now I can find out why she ditched us last night.” Lewis says before basically diving into his food. “I’m just going to the gym and then spending some time with some of the guys.”

              “Clark, what about you?” Mom asks before taking a small bite of scrambled eggs.

              “Today Matt and I are starting training by accompanying dad and Beta Marcus to some meetings.”

              “It will be nice to have my son taking on some of the responsibilities from here on out. After next week once you have your wolf you will start training with the rest of you pack but also one on one with Beta Marcus and myself.” Dad announces making me pause mid bite.

              “That will be awesome. Thank you.” I state after processing everything he said to me. “I’m ready to start my training so I can be just as great of an Alpha.” I said giving him a nod showing my respect.

              “That means the world to us.” Dad says taking mom’s hand smiling. “It will also be great to watch you find your mate and letting your mom train her in all the responsibilities of Luna.”

              “Oh I hope she is pretty and sweet.” Mom chimes in clapping her hands. I shake my head at her enthusiasm.

              “I heard it’s going to be Hayden.” Lewis states taking a piece of bacon and breaking it. Everyone freezes and stares at my brother who shrugs. “What, that’s what is going around.”

              “That’s because her and Kenzie tell everyone that.” Lily says rolling her eyes.

              “If that is what the moon goddess wants than we will respect that.” Dad says glancing around the table. Mom nods slowly but has her lips pursed as if she wants to say something different.

              “Well, I hope not.” Lily pipes in making Lewis chuckle as I my dad shakes his head disapprovingly.

              A small knock comes from the door breaking us from our laughter. Lily jumps up and opens the door to reveal Emmeline standing there looking down at her phone. She glances up as Lily pulls her into a hug jumping up and down in the doorway.

              “Mom, she’s here!” Lily screams and laughs as Emmeline also laughs at her enthusiasm.

              “Yes, I can see that.” My mom says annoyed but walks over to them. “Emmeline, you look beautiful as always.” She briefly hugs Emmeline and then smirks. “Hopefully, I can steal some of her energy for the day.” She mutters making Emmeline giggle.

              “She does have a lot of it, Luna.” Emmeline responds and then glances around the room. “Morning Alpha and everyone else.” She says bowing her head slightly.

              “Morning dear, is your father already working?” Father asks walking over to her and giving her a small handshake.

              “Of course. He said something about Matt and Clark having a busy day and needing to prepare.” She says giving him a small smile. Her eyes flick towards me briefly before returning her gaze to my father.

              “And that is why he is my Beta. Always putting in the hard work. I’ll see you all later. Ladies have fun today.” He says before giving my mom a quick kiss and stepping out of the suite.

              “Let me just clean up and then we will be on our way.” Mom says walking into the small kitchenette.

              “Well, troublemaker, where did you disappear to last night?” Lewis asks while pulling her into a small hug. It takes everything in me to stop myself from removing his arms from her.

              “I got tired so I went home.” She laughs at Lewis who is giving her a fake pout. “Plus, you looked quite entertained.” She shoots him a wink and giggles.

              “Hey, that’s not fair. I was victim to the alcohol.” Lewis says throwing up his hands in defense.

              “Sure. The alcohol just prompted your tongue down that girls throat.” Lily says rolling her eyes.

              “Wait.” I state suddenly realizing something. Everyone turns to look at me confused. “How did you get home?”

              “I walked.” Emmeline shrugs giving me a confused look.

              “By yourself?” Lewis asks catching onto my point.

              “Well how else does one walk?” She giggles looking between me and my brother.

              My mother laughs from the kitchen. “Well, she has a point there” She laughs out with her back still turned away from us.

              “That’s not the point. It’s not very safe for someone so young to be walking around at night in the dark by herself.” I state giving Emmeline a pointed look.

              She shifts uncomfortably back and forth and looks at Lily who is rolling her eyes. “I do it often, actually, and I’m fine.” She says softy trying to defend her actions. “I will stop if it’s really that concerning.”

              “At least have someone go with you next time.” Lewis says before I can reply to her. Emmeline just nods and smiles a bit.

              “Are you offering?” Lily asks giving Lewis a wicked grin. “Because, if you are, then no more playing around for you!” Lewis just glares at Lily.

              “Alright Lily, enough teasing your brother. Go get ready, so we can leave.” Mom says walking into the room and grabbing her purse.

              Lily dashes off leaving Emmeline alone with the rest of us. She looks down at her phone again and starts to text someone with a furrowed brow. At this time I can get a good look at her. She is dressed in a simple white tank, with faded blue jeans and a dark blue light sweater. My eyes zero in on her arms and I take a breath remembering that she is hiding the bruises underneath the fabric.

              Her eyes raised up from her phone slightly and met mine. She stared at me for a second before Lily came walking back into the room. I watched as she quickly diverted her eyes and blush crept into her cheeks. I really do enjoy making her blush.

              “Ready!” Lily says giving a small twirl. She grabs Emmeline by the hand and leads her out the door.

              “Bye guys!” Lily shouts not even turning around to look at us. Emmeline glances back and gives a small wave before getting dragged by my sister out of sight.

              Lewis looks at me funny. “Dude, you’re staring.” He says raising his eyebrow. All I can do is shoot him a glare begging him to drop it. He glances back at where the girls disappeared to and then back at me.

              “Nope! No! Not her.” He states frantically.

              “What do you mean?” I ask starting to grow irritated with my younger brother.

              “Seriously, not Emmeline. Not unless you two are mates. She deserves more than just being a plaything, and she has mentioned the importance of the mate bond before, so I’m pretty sure she is not that type of girl.” Lewis continues to ramble running his hand through his hair.

              “Exactly what are you implying Lewis?” I ask taking a deep breath trying to ease the anger rising within me at my brother’s challenge.

              “My point is she is not like Hayden or Kenzie. She is looking for true love or something like that. Goddess any of us would be lucky to have a girl like her, but we won’t know that for a while, unless someone older with their wolf feels the bond before she does.” He takes a deep breath trying to steady himself. He looks me dead in the eyes. “Please just respect her. If you are mates, I’ll be happy for you, but I really don’t want to see her get hurt.” I feel all the tension building within me release at that moment.

              “I don’t want to hurt her. Actually, I want to protect her.” I state clearly maintaining eye contact with my brother. He stares back at me for a minute before nodding.

“Good.” He says and then he turns and walks away.

 I let out a deep breath even my own brother has this girl on his mind, but he has his thoughts on making sure to honor her wishes. I could do that too. I wanted to do that for her, but I also wanted her to want me. Goddess, what is wrong with me.