Mates in Disguise

Chapter 6

NOAH

For dinner all we got was a piece of bread with some kind of vegetable stew. If what swims in my bowl could be taken as vegetables. Tasted more like paper.

“We need meat!” Nyx scawls in my head.

I couldn’t agree more. After whole day of running, walking to get here and fighting against obstacles, the least you expect is a hearty meal full of protein to keep the stamina up.

I guess humans don’t follow the same rules.

“Or they are trying to weaken us before the next examinations.” My wolf suggests.

That would be cruel, but also quite intelligent. During war soldiers are expected to fight in both states – full and starving.

I take another bite of this so-called meal and take my chance with looking around. Seventy men were cramped into small canteen. From all I could see, only my face showed slight disgust over the given meal. Those I noticed were fully content with food.

As shocking as it was, I didn’t let my face show my surprise.

Three quarters of the men here were muscular. Most of them tall with good muscle mass. I always thought that humans were slim, weak creatures. Yet today proved me wrong. They were capable.

Of course they couldn’t compete with werewolves, but they were strong for their kind. I guess that’s what the Academy wants – to divide the cadet's between weak and strong enough.

Suddenly, through the cacophony of manly voices, emerges a warm laughter. Noticeable by an octave higher tone.

I could mentally see Nyx perking his ears almost on spot.

I’m also intrigued by it. I steal a glance towards it’s source.

Skyler Lovett. If that’s even her name.

She’s sitting two tables away from me, but it feels like her whole face enlightens the whole space surrounding us. She’s laughing at something my bunkbed mate said. The sound of it full of warmth. I can’t take my eyes of her.

She’s adjusting her flowy, short curls on top of her head under the cap again. A movement, which brings both her hands to her head; and all my blood to the lower part of me.

I can feel my brows furrow on its own. How is it that a simple human being is making every cell in my body aching for something I can’t describe.

The emotions are starting to get overwhelming. Back in the barracks, when the Douch Bag was offending her, I barely could get a hold of my wolf. He wanted blood. I am fully aware that she probably could take care of herself. But the idea of someone calling her a waste of space makes my blood boil.

Even now, the smiles she sends towards the other guy – Liam, I think – make me uncomfortable.

I want.... her.

The realization struck me like a thunder. Not only for s*x. Although honestly, I would give my hand blindly for it to be the best s*x ever. Yet the attraction was not only physical. She’s brave. If stepping into the world of men – soldiers - isn’t brave, then sleeping with whole lot of them in the same space after offending them definitely is.

Suddenly, with the corner of my eye I noticed three men standing from their seats. They appear to be pointing towards Skyler. Murmuring something to themselves. I didn’t like the looks they were throwing her way.

Not realizing anything, Skyler stood up with the bowl in her hands and headed towards the exit. With Liam following. Talking with each other without any clue of what was happening.

As soon as the two disappeared behind the doors, men headed out.

I had a bad feeling. I took off my seat and decided to catch up with them.

Walking out, I didn’t see any of them. But the night was quiet. I used my enhanced senses to locate the warm voice or that jasmine-like smell. Luckily, I got a good whiff, coming from my left.

“What the f**k?” I heard her voice from the distance.

“You think you’re better than us, huh?”

“You think you can come here and own the place?”

The voices grew lauder. I quickened my pace.

“You’re nothing, but a piece of s**t!”

I run around the corner and saw three man surrounding Skyler. She had her back at the wall of a nearby building. One of them held her by the arm.

“Go and find yourself someplace to live, before we end your pathetic life.” He sneered in her face.

I was just about to step in. When she shrugged her arm off and straightened her posture.

“You think you’re scary?” She asked with a strong voice. I didn’t expect that.

“I’m pathetic? Look at yourselves. Three on one? If you have a message, you've got to have some balls to send it without help.” She put her hands on her hips and looked them in the eye.

The middle one threw his arm and grabbed Skyler by throat, pushing her to the wall behind.

“Smart on, aren’t you?” He sneered. “We gave you a chance. Guess what boy. It won’t save you now.” I could see his grip around Skyler's throat tightening.

I took a step towards them and saw as Skyler’s knee connected with the guy's crouch.

Ouch, Nyx commented.

Then she took his hand off herself and punched her knuckles inside his chest. Leaving him fighting for breath.

The other guy was just about to punch her in the face. But I catched his hand midair. I won’t let the girl fight on her own.

“I don’t think so.” I said.

The fucker looked up to see my face. I was towering over all three of them. A grimace of fear mixed with anger slashed their faces. Then, they looked at themselves and took off, almost running.

I had to admit. I didn’t expect her to fight. But inside, I was proud of her.

I turned to look at her. Only to see her murderous face.

“Why did you do that?” She snapped at me.

“I saw them going after you. Wanted to help.” I shrugged. Why the attitude? Aren’t all girls dying to be saved?

“Did it look like I needed help?” She said angrily, crossing her arms on her chest.

“No.” I admitted. “But they did.” I smirked at her confused face.

“It seemed like one of them will never become a father. That kick definitely hurt his balls.”

She puffed with annoyance. Her lips catching my attention. They were small, but full. I haven’t noticed that before. Standing this close to her, made me want to touch them and see if they were as soft as they looked like.

“It would if he had any.”

I smiled.

“Feisty one, aren’t you?”

She looked at me and rolled her eyes.

“Stop it. I’m so done with men for today.” She said and turned to walk away.

“Too bad, you got yourself into a camp full of them!” I shouted after her. I couldn’t help but smile. She did look annoyed. And that just made my day.

My smile brightened.

She’s a challenge.

I liked a good challenge.

And somehow, I knew it had the best reward.