Bonded

Aurora Glancing out the window I fiddled with the strings on my hoodie. If only the clock could tick faster. I was awaiting the bell for lunch, gran had packed me a pretty damn good PB&J with bananas I was craving. I watched Allyson and Kaitlyn walk into the room giggling overlly loud.l They had picked on me ever since I could remember. The blonde bimbos were perfect in every shape and form. From porcelain skin to the almost white blonde hair I had always envied them. I was just. So plain. My eyes a pale green, and my dark hair frizzy and unmanageable. My gran would tease me that I was born in the wild, and sometimes I truly would wonder. One more wretched class and my food would be devoured. "Alright class, take your seats." Professor Newman announced. Everyone hushed and sat down. Few whispers lingered but it wasn't ongoing conversation. Mr Newman looked like a linebacker mixed with a model. Lean and slender, he presented eye candy. I didn't see the appeal. He was only 32, but the girls ogled over him. He was tan and had sandy hair. Looked like a surfer commercial was being held right here in Seecah with his tan and Ken barbie appearance. "Mrs. Blake?" I snapped out of my thoughts as my cheeks flushed. I didn't know what was asked. "Uhm. Yes?" I asked back tentatively. "Can you tell the class what we are doing today since we have new students?" I regained my composure and gave a smirk. "Isn't that your job, sir?" I could be witty when needed. One thing about me was I always had something to say. He gave a small chuckle. "Ah, yes. But it's also my job to make sure my students aren't daydreaming." He gave me a stern look. I bit my lip. "We are beginning the chapter 8, page…" his voice droned on as I flipped to the page requested. I quickly started reading to get ahead of the game. I thought too much to go at everyone's pace. Looking around my curtain of hair were two boys I hadn't noticed before. Or maybe the new students? I shifted slightly to peek as my cheeks had finally stopped burning. I hated how easily I blushed. The one had chestnut hair and dark eyes, lips thicker than the average guy around here. The second was looking right at me. I had to hold back jumping from being startled and their eyes locked. Steel blue eyes bore inter her grey ones. She felt her cheeks heat up once again, like a mouse trapped under a cat's gaze. "Ah yes, Britney?" The teacher called on a student to answer a question he had asked. I peeled my eyes away to act as though I was paying attention to the class when truly my heart was stammering wildly. I tried to ignore those blue eyes all of class but was hyper aware of them. When the bell finally buzzed after a very tense hour, I jumped up quickly scurrying away from those two boys. Something about them made me have a twinge of…something. I needed to think but in order to do so I had to get away from the nuisance. In my haste I collided chests with Allison Parker's boobage. "Watch it, hag." She sneered as both their books fell. "If you weren't in the damn way all the time maybe you'd actually get somewhere in life." Her lip curled and eyes widened with delight as I bent to pick up my things. Ignoring the comment Allison made and next thing I knew warm strong hands brushed mine and I jerked my hand away. Owe. It was like being shocked by an outlet. Those blue eyes bore into hers as he picked up Allison's books. He stood broad shoulders, tall and lean. Not too muscular but just…perfect. "Oh my what a gentleman!" Allison fawned, touching his chest. He was still staring at me as his…friend? Brother? Stood silently beside him. Oddly like a bodyguard. On the defense. "You're welcome." His voice rumbled, low baritone, like honey dripping with vibration. He curtly nodded to the most popular cheerleader in the college. His eyes flickered to her and quickly back to me. She made a slight pout face, annoyed at his reaction. I quickly stood up, spun on my heel and went the exact opposite way of the lunchroom. My food was in my car, and preferring to be alone couldn't have come in handy at a greater time. What was that guy's problem? Did I have a zit or something? He looked at me like I was a freak show riding into town with 3 heads and a tale. Shaking off the weird vibes I got I was grateful to step outside. Fall was the best time to oversee the true beauty of the trees. I inhaled the scent of decaying leaves and crisp wind and tugged my bag tighter to my shoulder to support grabbing my Tupperware and sprite. I moved over to the willow tree in the yard as some students drove off campus for lunch and some started making out on the brick wall framing the front entrance to the school. "Seecha school for Arts" splayed in bold letters across the front of the building and I enjoyed the peek of the sun on my pale skin. I couldn't tan. My skin refused the sun. I just had a weird pale skin tone that never changed. Maybe it's why I hated the teacher in a way. Despised his tan. I took a bite out of her apple and cozied up to the willow tree, thankful for the wispy branches to cause a rhythm of sound around me. I revealed the sweet and sour of the granny Smith as I opened her worn copy of twilight resuming her page taking another bite of the apple. The willow wisps combined with the singing of birds brought me a sense of peace in her heart. Finally I could relax away from all the bullshit and noise. I fingered the worn pages and out of habit licked I thumb to turn the page. “Hey there stranger.” a deep voice startled me, making me chuck my book at the assailant, being Mr. Blue Eyes. God dammit. “Seriously? Seriously.” I dead panned at him and he chuckled at the book reading the title, I didn't even notice him picking it up. Running my fingers through my hair nervously, I bit my lip out of sheer frustration. “What do you want?” I glared, tried to look menacing as I could. The sun peeked over us and his dark hair turned a beautiful auburn. Dammit. Why was I so aware of him like this? “I was wondering why you disappeared so quickly? But now I see" He reached out to hand me my book back and I grabbed it quickly, but in my haste I heard a rip. Wincing, I made no inklings to address it. He winced as well. “Well, your guard is coming, you'd better go.” he gave a frustrated sigh, but it sounded so deep I furrowed my brow at him. What a weird noise to make. “He isn't a guard, he is my brother. Sadly.” he ran his hands through his hair making it bounce back quickly. I almost laughed at the buoyancy but caught myself. Reminding my frazzled brain to keep my cool and composed resting b***h face intact, I was about to turn on my heel when my foot caught and I tripped. Electrifying warmth oozed from his hands as they gripped my elbows gently and it felt like I couldn't breathe. Well, actually I was forgetting to breathe. Quickly I pulled out of his grip and we stared at each other, His sapphire eyes captivating me, and for a moment I let my mask slip and calculated the distance between his lips and mine. It was a wild thought, a crazy one at that, but after all I was only twenty-two, a girl could dream right? “Caspian!” The other was yelling, for how long I didn't know. Caspians eyes snapped away from mine and the trance was broken. I felt my cheeks give way to embarrassment and turned away quickly. The breeze pushed me back towards them and I huffed in annoyance. Grabbing my things I scurried off before this Caspian could say anything. Something wasn't right here. I haven't felt this way since Ethan. I winced at the thought of him shoving that back down forcibly, and before those two realized it, I was already in the courtyard sitting at an empty table. I had an hour before my art class and really wanted to read my book and eat in peace. I bit the inside of my tongue as I realized Chase Malkon was walking up to my empty table wearing his letterman jacket and followed by his little jockeys. What was with all these frickin men today? Was my hoodie and jeans combo just getting to them? Eesh. “Blake! Why the sad face. We both know you're not pretty enough to not smile.” he laughed and his gang joined in. Why did an art college have a football team, i don't know, but damn was it annoying. I sneered back and laughed an obviously fake laugh. I tried to just ignore them when one of the others leaned forward and put his hand on the table, a little close for comfort. “Boys, you all know she's pretty enough for me.” I think his name was Brent. He was average looking, brown hair, brown eyes, All of their teeth were absolutely perfect and since all five of them were leering at me, it made it eerie. I've dealt with them for the last three years, but today was just not my day. Allyson came waltzing up with her lip curled back in a sneer. “This is what has all of you hyenas cackling?” she made a noise and turned to me. “The b***h is not worth it boys, trust me. I heard it was like f*****g a motionless pig.” her eyes flared and I felt my eyes twitch. The boys laughed and Chase patted Brent's back. “Don't worry buddy, i will show you how to pick the rowdier bunch, like miss Allyson over here.” he winked at her and she shined under the attention. Ate it up like she was starving for it. “Awe Allyson where'd ya get yer info? I thought she was unplucked,” they all began walking away and with a hair flip she said, “Well don't you remember? She dated my brother.” “You f*****g bitch.” I breathed as she laughed and glanced back at me. “Well you definitely weren't the b***h,” everyone laughed, Brent gave me a sad look as they went on their way. My cheeks were aflame as I tried to read and nibbled on the sandwich. I tried not to think about Ethan. And failed. “I remembered the feel of the mist on my warm cheeks, Ethans hands in my hair. His tongue colliding with mine, the rush of adrenaline hit my stomach as we sat in the tree at midnight on a saturday, the usual. “I love you.” his melodic voice whispered, thick with lust. He was my first love, and my first for many things. The mist turned to rain as he hopped down onto the gravestone, his inky black hair sticking to his forehead, eyes as green as the grass. He held out his hand with a boyish grin, a zit above his eyebrow. I remember how in love I was as he helped me down, remembering the way his hands caressed my hips, soft but unafraid. “Can we go to your place?” I asked tentatively. He raised his eyebrows at me as he wrung out his beanie, which was full of water. “But you hate my sister.” he mumbled, giving me an out. “Yeah, but she can't determine the rest of our existence right?” I nudged his shoulder and he grabbed his neck in nerves. “But, Aurora…” “I want to.:”I gave him puppy eyes, and his cheeks heated up a little. Smiling he took my hand as we followed the worn trail to the Parkers Manner. I remember being chased upstairs, the house big and empty other than his sister being a floor above us, we were alone. And he did everything right for the first, i know that now. And at the time it was phenomenal. His lips exploring me in ways I had never known existed in my seventeen years. We were together for a year on that upcoming Sunday, if i would've known what I know now…” Going into the art room was a blessing. I got to just sit and work on the realism piece we were given earlier this week. We had to paint a photo of a realistic animal. I chose the wolf. He haunted my dreams for reasons I didn't know , but it was coming along great. I chose oils even though I instantly regretted it. It never dried fast enough. My wolf was grey with white highlights and black undertones. He was in motion, and his tail and back legs trailed to a dark blood red trail. It led back to red riding hood. “Marvelous Aurora.” Annalyse, our teacher, was looking over my shoulder. I gave her a small smile as I started touching up the details on the wolf. “Aurora dear, you wouldn't mind getting Caspian started, would you?” I fought back a groan. He came walking up with a set of brushes in hand. This was my last class for today, and I enjoyed my art way too much to allow this boy to ruin it. I gave a small sigh and smiled at her, her long hair was straightened today instead of the usual thick fluff. It looked nice. “Of course.” Her many bracelets and things jingled as she clapped her hands with a smile. “Great! I'll get him an easel.” Caspians eyes laid upon me and he turned up half a smile. “Aurora is a beautiful name.” I snorted. “What kinda names Caspian?” I don't know why but i felt guarded and jittery around this man. “You could call me Casper if you wanted. But something tells me thats worse.” He picked up a brush and then noticed my painting. His brows furrowed then went to surprise. “Wow.” he leaned over to look closer and I caught a hint of his cologne. Like the woods after it rained. I knew that smell because it was my favorite, just after it rains and the air heats up with the earth. I was startled because I leaned closer instinctively, to take a breath of him. Dammit. He smiled at me, a full wolfish grin. I pulled back and my cheeks betrayed me. “So this is a realism assignment for qnimals?" He asked. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “Hmm.” he rubbed his chin and I noticed a hint of a five o clock shadow. He was honestly really attractive, I watched as he concentrated on making a weird poop color. I decided I did my part and continued painting. We worked in silence for a while, and I noticed he would peek glances at me, his whole head would turn as I, was being sneaky and only using my peripherals. The teacher had soft country music playing in the background, and I was so focused I hadn't realized Caspian was studying me. Observing. “What?” I Asked. “You are quiet but I bet there's a lot you have to say.” he claimed, and smirked at me. My heart fluttered and I watched his brow twitch. “Why do you do that?” I questioned. “Do what?” he furrowed them. “Be in my business like that. It's kind of rude ya know.” I said nonchalantly as I began painting again. “It's not as bad as some of the things these pompous pricks have said to you.”My eyes flicked to him and I caught him staring at me again. “Oh?” I prompted, curious as to what he's heard. “Well, they better not in front of me.” he glanced at his clenched hands. Strange. “I can take care of myself, thank you.” I stated curtly. I wasn't trying to be so nice but with him I didn't have to try much of anything. Before I knew it Annalyse was dismissing us. “Caspian, that's lovely!” I glanced at his painting. In just an hour he had completed a partial fox face. My mouth dropped open, i couldn't help it. He did in an hour what would've taken me 3. “Oh Caspian, that's just beautiful.” Allison cooed. I think I vomited a little in my mouth. Ew. "Well, sorry to burst your bubble Allison, but I have to teach Caspian some valuable lessons in art here, so if you'd excuse us." I snapped. I am not sure what came over me but I grabbed his wrist and tugged him away. My cheeks heated up as we walked in the hallway. I hadn't realized I was speeding up and dragging him along until we exited the school and I was trying to control the panic seeping into my throat. Suffocating me. "Hey. Aurora. Hey…" I hadn't realized how bad I lost control and his hands wiping away my tears made me utterly furious. Using both my hands I shoved his away. I couldn't talk just glare like a snarling cat ready to pounce. The shove pushed him enough that he fell back looking dumbstruck. He looked at me like a wounded puppy and his brows were furrowed, eyes wide. He was going to ask questions. I f****d up. Fuck. ~ Caspian Her eyes flashed a neon green as I felt the power of the witch she was shove me down. Hard. Only a witch could move me like that. Only a woman of her exquisite nature could even come close to the power rippling beneath my skin. How? How did I not realize sooner? Her fierce body and stance showed her true power. It all made so much sense. The way she was so quiet. She was shoving her true nature down, just as I was. My chest ached watching her tears. I was utterly confused at her entire reaction all day to every single person. It was like seeing two different people in the same body fighting for the surface. Fighting to be her true self but fearing what she was. All of it was plain on her face now. I completely understood. And here I was on my ass like a dumbass. Before I could stand she spun on her heel, tugged her bags strap tight and literally ran from me. It began to poor rain and made it highly difficult to get a wiff of that unique smell she emitted. Lilac and mint with a hint of…something. It faded from my nose and the cold rain gave my brain a moment of clarity. "Caspian, what the hell? My ears were ringing like hell we gotta get outta here. Those mutts are up our ass. We need to report back to father." Everretes voice felt like a hangover. Or maybe it was because I went way out of bounds today when we were here to do a job. A hangover from a night of partying. A high like no other. Aurora was my drug. And I'm pretty damn positive I wanted more. Aurora I ran as it began to pour harder outside. God dammit I was losing control! My heart pounded to my throat as I ran away from the boy who just saw a small amount of what I was. And the boy I loved died because of it. Because of me. Lightning struck near me and I felt the tingle from my fingertips. Get it together. I went to my safe place, two blocks down and to the right, was the graveyard of Seecha. I finally slowed, as I went down the familiar path, hoping for some answers to my scrambled thoughts. My emotions went haywire and these spikes of my powers were getting bigger and bigger. And closer together. I knew that I could talk to Ethan and it would make the lightning stop. I rushed to his gravesight and tried not to fall in the mud as my tears rushed down. f**k. I slipped, scraping my knee on a chunk of broken headstone. Fuck f**k f**k. The blood gushed, mixing with the water. I couldve healed myself if I needed to but I wanted the gash to ooze and to feel the cold and the sting of my pain. Lightning struck the stone as i cried. I needed to calm myself and I needed to breathe. But what I wanted above everything was to be held. Glancing over to Ethan's grave through my tears there's a rainy shadow and I sat up rubbing my eyes. Ethan. I shoved my hair back visciously forgetting everything I ran into his broad stiff body. He was like stone and cold as hell. How was i seeing him? His hard body was muscular and his shoulders broad. He stiffened as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Aurora…” his chin was on top of my head as I bawled. How did he get so tall and…muscular? He smelled of sugary honey. “How is this happening.” Its been four years. How? “I don't have much time.” He straightened his arms standing me infront of him. His green eyes scanned mine, It was him, just a very not boyish Ethan.He made my knees weak. I felt my legs give way and he caught me in his arms. All my feelings came back in one giant tidal wave, my heart was pounding as he tilted my chin upward. Looking into his green eyes I knew he was trying to tell me something. Something. My breath caught as his icy exhale intoxicated me…leaning forward as I hoped he'd kiss me , but his lips brushed her ear. "Run." Ethans words echoed in my head. Run. Caspian Following Everrete to the pack house was as easy as finding my tail in the dark, until now. I was so worried about Aurora but I had to keep my composure or father would pull me from the assignment completely. I struggled with the thought of telling him or not to tell him. On one hand we Werewolves don't take lightly is the mate bond, On the other I'm a liability with my head this fuzzy. Thankfully Everette wouldn't tell ; but if Eve knew, she'd rip her heart out for fun. We were the pack who took on every rogue and banned wolf out there. Aggression we broke from them. We hunted the rogues and tamed them into submission and pack order. Father was the most feared Alpha in the region. He survived the War on the Werewolves and vampires. And from those ashes he rose as Ultimate Alpha, Three Scars marked his face from his wolf Falkor bonding to him, Showing his lycan roots. At the age of puberty we bond to our wolf spirits, and its the most painful experience I've ever had in my life. It's a battle of man and beast, some of us don't survive. In rare cases we have a bond to two wolf spirits thus creating the official lycans. Two wolfspirits battle for your human form, sometimes creating a monster, or what we call gods. Fathers one of them as Falkor, The two white and black wolves creating a unique multicolored coat and he is twice the size of us. Making our pack strong through the pack bond. Smelling my packmates as i rounded the corner I entered the clearing as a group of kids ran passed me. We Had this land for generations, 100 acres of land, great great grandfather owned it, and it works perfect for our set up and mission. A mission I needed to stay focused on. We entered Fathers office, and my head was swimming too much this was all instinct. "Whats the update, boys." Father voice bellowed and I held my stature. "There's been a disturbance in Landons forces. He can't put a scent to it but for sure we have two rogues on our watch." Everette spoke up thankfully. "And you boy." Fathers eyes rested on me. His one blue one black eye made most men intimidated. Not me. I saw the soft side as the rough hand he rose when upset. Respect is all I felt as the chisled salt and peppered man took a sip of whiskey. "For me I know we have Landon's pack and a witch. I discovered her before coming home." I felt Everette bristle. "A witch.?" Father questioned. Even though it sounded like a statement. "Yes. I believe she's my mate." I whispered that if they were human they wouldn't have heard me. Under fathers gaze, Alpha and father, my blood sang to be clean. And I knew that if they knew of the mate bond pulling me they would both protect her and my clouded head. "Is it that girl you've been following all day?" Everette asked. I grimly nodded. Everette calculated. "Well, father, if it's alright with you, I'd like to investigate this Witch angle we may have. Maybe if she has a Coven we could align our goals and take out Landons threats. I have a sinking feeling this is bigger than we anticipated with just half our forces…" Everette would be alpha I knew it. And rightfully so. I'd be the best second hand I could be. But I was more brute as he was the calculated one. We made an amazing team. And our fathers top investigators and muscle. His right hand. "Go on, Everette. " Father took another sip. "I feel it's the best leverage we could have stumbled upon and if Caspian is to mated to this girl, we should turn angles and focus on letting him figure that out and research the covens here." Father gave a half smile at me. "Ah, my boy, the first of my sons to find his to be, of course. I agree with Everette. Proceeded with that plan for now and make sure Eve and Liam rotate to keep sniffing these Rogues out." "Yes father." We agreed. Both of us gave a fist to the chest as our werewolf salute and sign of love and endearment. We exited fathers study and Everette paused to smirk at me. "Brother why didn't you tell me sooner. I knew you had found interest but I never would have guessed…your mate." He chuckled. I rubbed the back of my neck feeling it get hot. I was always that of arrogance where Everette complimented me with that calm smart wit. "I wasn't sure how to proceed. The power she emitted on me was insane. Kinda hot." I laughed as we continued into the study father had set up for us. Our pack swore to the Order we would protect who we could from the darkest of our kind. Werewolves vampires and all else out there. Father took that duty with his wolf came that responsibility. He bore the mark of yin and yang, and with that I was the black and grey wolf as was Everette white and brown. Both of us have fragments of Fenirs powers. And we all swore to do our duties to the greater good. Grew up training for it. Mate. Mate. Amire growled in my head and I stumbled. He had been pawing at my mind like a rabid dog all day. I stopped to let him speak. She's in trouble! He snarled. Before I even knew what I was doing as twilight rested upon us, I hurried out the study, stripping my shoes and shirt, and shifted into the beast that was a part of my soul. I let the earth pound beneath my paws. "Amire, what are we doing? Where!?" I yelled over his furious snarls. "She's in trouble. I can feel it we must go to her. NOW." He rounded the windy path quick as lighting as we entered what seemed to be a cemetery. The rain poured down intently as I sniffed the air. She was here. The rain normally drowned out people's scents and made my mates such a strong aroma. Honeysuckle lilac mint and rain. What a mixture. Amire howled his song for Aurora as I sniffed for her. There she lay by a gravestone, the smell of her blood hit me before the sight did and before I knew it I was shifting and kneeling beside her. She cut her head and knee deeply and the rain was beginning to ease. My little witch. She looked calm, and a slight smile tugged at her lips. It shimmered as she sighed. "Ethan." A man I did not know name escaped her lips and Amire cried out and I felt my chest ache. I brushed a wavy piece of hair from her ebony cheek as she sighed again. I assessed her wounds and shifted again, and ran home. We howled to Everette to meet as I'm sure he'd be wondering why I stormed off. I was questioning why I even bothered.