Unknown Identity

Her Scent!!!

CHAPTER 3

DAINTHON'S P.O.V.

2 AM

“Where in the world do you think you’re going, young man?” I froze in place at the sound of my Mother’s soft but firm voice, my wolf who was always a coward when it came to my Mom, went into hiding.

No doubt, it’s a bummer getting caught after a successful half an hour of sneaking around this damn place. There are guards everywhere, it would’ve been impossible to pass them if I didn’t know their rotation times, and of course, with the help of my wolf.

I sheepishly turn around to face her, dropping the duffel bag I was carrying at my feet. “Mother.” I addressed her, with my eyes averted from hers.

She scoffed softly, “I don’t believe that was an answer to my question, Dainthon.” She called out my name, something she doesn’t do very often. She’d call me Dain, except for the times that she’d be pissed with me. And this is one of those times.

I know my answer will upset her more, but I have to tell her the truth... I never could lie to her, it’s like she has some sort of superpower or something to know when I’m lying, so I told her... hesitantly. “...I’m going to find her.” Finally meeting her eyes.

She gasped, shaking her head “No, not after what happened last time.” She firmly stated.

But that wasn’t about to stop me.

“I’m going Mother, whether you want me to or not... I have to.” I said with finality.

I chose not to mention anything about last time.

It was too painful a memory.

Her eyes glazed over and I knew she was mind-linking someone, and it had to be my Father.

After a few seconds of my Mom staring me down, my Dad shows up to confirm my suspicions.

As if my wolf wasn’t already in hiding, he put up a wall this time.

‘P***y'. I taunted him, to which of course, he didn’t reply.

“What’s going on down here? It’s 2 in the morning.” Dad stated looking at Mom, surprise filling his eyes when he trained them on me.

“Ask your son.” She replied, to which he turned his full attention to me.

He took one look at the duffel bag at my feet and let out a deep sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Let's take this conversation to my office, shall we...?”

Moments before arrival

Here I am, on the road, driving to this School for the Elite, Torrington Academy, to find my mate... with unwanted guests.

Without delving into the contents of the ‘conversation' I had with my parents only a few hours ago... let’s just say, it ended in me bringing along these unwanted guests I just mentioned.

I had planned to go on this journey alone, but my parents are so damn overbearing and overprotective. It’s damn near impossible to do anything without them knowing.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my parents and I know they only want me to be safe, especially after what happened the last time I ventured out like this.

Now these ‘unwanted guests’ are two of my closest friends, Joel and Nathan. Again, don’t get me wrong, as much as they’re my friends, I don’t think me going to find my mate is a journey I should bring my friends on.

I don’t mean to sound selfish or anything, but this is important to me in more ways than one.

I just want to get in, find her and get out without much attention.

Nathan, whom I call Nate, is one of the most loyal and dangerous members of our pack. Being as well known as he is, he might draw some unwanted attention...though I might be able to spin that.

Nate’s been my best friend ever since we were pups... a little feeling of guilt rushed over me at the thought that I didn’t say anything at all to him about what I was planning.

But I couldn’t dwell on that now, I had to just roll with it.

See how it all plays out.

Joel on the other hand is a hothead, always ready for a fight, you can say it’s his favourite pastime. Though he is one of the most reliable members of our pack and its resident sarcastic smart-ass.

Other than his temper and antics, Joel wasn’t as well know as Nathan was, and that I planned on using to my advantage...

The drive was mostly quiet.

Both of them were aware of my mood and they knew me well enough to know that when I was like this, I didn’t like to be bothered...

Pulling into the school's parking lot, I glanced in the rear-view mirror to see the reaction on their faces.

And just as I thought, both guys looked at each other with furrowed brows, probably mind-linking each other.

“Alright guys, listen up.” I addressed them for the first time since we left home. “I enrolled in this Academy some time ago, and as of this morning, so are both of you... you can thank my Dad for that.” I explained.

“High School? Are you kidding me?” Joel complained, “This has gotta be a nightmare.” He continued looking at the building in horror.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to push back the anger that was on the rise. “It’s not only a High School, it’s also a Pre-College Institute.” I announced to Joel before I could stop myself.

I knew better than to engage him when he gets like this, he answered before I could stop him, “So it’s a higher form of high school, within a high school?” Ignoring him, I shook my head at my stupidity for indulging him in the first place.

“Here’s what’s gonna happen...” I started, regaining their attention. “Since my parents demanded I bring you two along, the plan I had before won’t work. So I’ve been thinking up a new plan...”

I paused to run the plan through my head one more time, and of course, Joel took the chance to just be him, “So... are you gonna tell us the plan, or are we gonna have to guess?”

I gave him a deadly stare, to which he raised both hands in surrender.

I picked up where I left off, “Nate, the fact that you’re well known as a Beta for my family kind of makes this a little more difficult for me. But I think I can spin it to my advantage. Joel that’s where you come in...” I paused again, this time just to hear what the smart-ass had to say before I announce his role in my plan.

“Why do I feel like I’m not gonna like this?” he said more to himself than to us.

But thanks to the enhanced hearing we Werewolves have, I picked up what he said and a knowing smirk made its way to my lips...

After relaying my new plan to the guys, I presented two folders with a map of the town and floor plans of both the School and the Boarding House, for them. “I took the liberty of making these copies after I found out you guys were coming along with me.” I explained.

“Are we gonna be here long?” Nate inquired.

“It depends.” I responded, glancing at him in the rear-view mirror.

“... Are we going to war or something? Why the floor plans?” Joel questioned, eyeing me suspiciously.

“I just want us to be prepared. If anything should happen, I want us to know this place as much as they do, or even better. So study that map, it’s not that big of a town, you should be able to memorise it.”

“If I may, Alpha...” Nate spoke up, eyeing me and the plan suspiciously. I nodded to indicate that he should continue. “How long have you been planning this?” He asked.

I wasn’t sure I should answer him... I used talk to him about most things, but this is something I never breathed a word of to anyone.

As I recall, he knows I’ve never done anything out of impulse, he’d see right through my lie. So begrudgingly I told him, “...three months.”

With a quick peek in the rear-view mirror, I saw that his gaze was fixed on me with a pained look in his eyes.

“Three months.” He repeated in a voice just above a whisper.

“...Do you guys need a minute? I can go case this place and let you two...talk or whatever?” Joel broke the silence that started weighing down on us.

When there was no answer, he shrugged his shoulders then stepped out of the vehicle.

Nathan went to open his door to exit the car too, “Nate...” I called his name, but hesitated, rubbing my nose bridge. I see I get that from my Dad. “Don’t take it personally okay, I just wanted to...” but he cut me off before I could finish. “Don’t worry about it, you don’t owe me an explanation.” He quickly stated and got out of the car too.

As soon as he closed the door, I let the anger I’ve had bottled up all morning out on the steering wheel.

After beating the crap out of it, I tried to compose myself as much as possible before climbing out of the car myself.

Making a mental note to have that steering wheel changed... it had dents everywhere that my fist connected.

Another mental note... find other ways to channel this anger of mine. I swear I feel sorry for the things or person I take my anger out on...

As soon as I opened the door and stepped outside, a very strong scent slammed into my nostrils almost knocking me off my feet.

My wolf, Diavial, who had barricaded himself earlier today, took them down and is now pacing quite hastily, begging me to let him out.

He wanted to follow the scent, but why?

I tried to put him back behind the wall but he started fighting me, and with the scent making me vulnerable, my control was starting to slip.

My palms began sweating and my knees grew weak, so weak that I had to prop one elbow on top of my car and the other hand on the door to keep upright.

Nate who wasn’t too far away noticed my dilemma and rushed over to me, despite our little difference just now.

“Alpha! Are you okay?” He questioned when he reached me, grabbing hold of me and propping one of my arms over his shoulder and easing me back into the car.

Taking a few deep breaths didn’t help much, all I could breathe in was that scent... That intoxicating scent that drove both Diavial and I wild.

I fought myself to concentrate through the disorientation to regain full control over Diavial.

As soon as I got full control back, I put up a wall to keep him at bay. I didn’t like putting him there, but I can’t have Diavial running in there and we don’t know who she could be.

This Academy has a category of students; Humans, Werewolves, Witches, Lycanthropes and Vampires. Although, Lycanthropes are Werewolves, just an evolved species. They were created specifically to deal with Vampires back in the day, or so my Grandfather used to tell us in his stories.

You must be wondering how this all works, right? A School with such a mix of different species is bound to be nothing but trouble.

And you would be right, if the Board didn’t consist of a Witch... and not just any Witch, it was Lavida Castillos, the Great White Witch, the most powerful of the Western Region.

Every witch in this region answers to her, gets their power from her. You can say she’s their Mother, just as the Moon Goddess is the Mother of all Werewolves.

She placed a spell on the School to suppress the abilities of any and everyone that enters the school compound. So no one, absolutely no one, is allowed to use their abilities on the premises.

“Alpha? Are you hearing me, what’s wrong?” I heard Nate call out, bringing me back out of my reverie.

Giving my head a firm shake. I put a hand on the one he held me up with, “I’m fine.” I said, patting his hand in reassurance.

“Are you sure?” he further questioned.

“Yeah, I'm good, I’m good thanks,” I replied.

“What happened just now?” Worry was written all over that question. I knew he was still upset with me, but our bond was stronger than any argument we could have.

“I don’t know, I smelt something and... Diavial went wild, he was fighting me for control. He wanted to follow that scent.” I interpreted looking confused.

Nate, however, was looking at me fully concerned.

“Let’s just go.” I urged, not wanting that look on me anymore.

“Are you sure you’re feeling well enough to go right now?” he asked.

“Nate, I said I’m fine. It was just that little moment of weakness. I just have to find the owner of that scent.”

Nate turned to sniff the air, “What kind of scent are you smelling exactly? Because all I’m smelling are the cleaning supplies that were used this morning, a few wolves...” he paused to sniff again, “...and a human girl.”

I inhaled deeply, loving the way the scent tickled my nose and gave me that warm feeling of home. “I’m smelling pineapples and, a hint of lavender, I think.”

“Pineapples and lavender? Is that all you can smell?” He inquired.

I nod to confirm what he asked.

“There are about 8 people in that building, I do smell a faint pineapple scent along with everything else. And you’re telling me you can’t smell the other seven people in the building? Your sense of smell is way better than mine Dain, isn’t this worrying to you?”

I shook my head no, not wanting to talk anymore. All I wanted to do was locate the owner of that scent.

As if he read my mind, he stepped aside giving me a clear path to the school's entrance. “I think your pineapple scent is coming from the human girl, her scent's coming more from... the west”

“The west.” He and I said simultaneously. We grinned at that and I took off, leaving him to case the place with Joel...

After following the scent through two of the west hallways, my next turn filled my gut with anticipation as that scent hit me full-blown, threatening to make me feel as weak as before, but I shook it off... easier said than done though.

I pushed further to see I was entering a more open space, the sign on the wall indicating that I was now at the West Courtyard.

And there she was, sitting alone in the courtyard to the right of the entrance.

She doesn’t smell like a Werewolf nor any of the other beings that come here. Nate was right, she’s human. My mate is a human...

I leaned on the end of the wall just looking at her, a stray tear threatening to fall, thinking of all it took for me to find her. But I swiped at it before it could fall and straighten myself.

She seemed so troubled and I wanted nothing but to ease her worries.

I began moving toward her but her movements stopped me in my tracks.

She took something out of her bag, and by the look on her face, I bet that’s what had her in a foul mood.

I tried to get a peek at it but she put it back in her bag rather angrily, that thing was definitely the cause of her mood.

‘It’s now or never Dainthon.’ I gave myself a pep talk. I walked out from my observation spot, “I would not like to be whatever it is you’re mad at.”

When she jumped, I cursed myself for scaring her. However, she didn’t seem so scared after getting an eye full of me.

Her eyes were the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, hazel with a touch of green around the pupil.

I walked toward her a little slower, raising my hands to show her I mean no harm, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.

“Um, no it’s okay. I...I thought I was the only one out here.” She sounded a bit nervous, was I making her nervous? The way she was staring into my eyes didn’t give that suggestion.

“Have we met before? I have the strangest feeling that we know each other.” She asked me.

I can’t very well tell her it’s the mate bond that is making her feel that way, I don’t even know what she knows about Werewolves, or if she even knows anything.

I laughed it off, “Trust me, if we met before, there is no way in hell I'd forget.” I stretched my hand out, “I’m Dainthon.”

“Dainthon? That’s a nice name... unusual, but nice.” She clasped her hand over mine and could have sworn I was just struck by lightning.

She gasped and I knew she felt it too, it was intense. And the very last thing I wanted to do was let go of her.

‘Does everyone get this feeling when they first touch their mate?’

Diavial felt it too, he was raging behind that barrier. But I couldn’t let him out, not yet.

“I’m um, I- I'm Brielle, uh Gabriella.” She stuttered a little. I can tell she doesn’t get like that quite often, she’s always confident, it’s written all over her. The way she dresses, the look in her eyes and can I say it’s a breath of fresh air to see a girl these days without a drop of make-up.

Confidence does that, and not a lot of girls have it. Thank Goddess mine does.

“Gabriella... I like it.” I murmured, lost in just the natural beauty of her. So lost that I didn’t realise I was still holding her hand, until she tried to pull it away.

The sudden action had me holding her hand a little tighter, but I released it after another second.

The void I felt when her hand left mine did not feel normal.

‘How can I feel this much for her when I only just met her?’

“You don’t attend this school, do you?” Her question taking me by surprise.

I chuckled, “Nothing gets past you, does it? But to answer your question... yes, as a matter of fact, I do attend this school?”

“Then how is it that I’ve never seen you before?” she is now interviewing me, I can’t say I didn’t expect a little interrogation from someone or the other.

“Well, maybe because it’s my first day.” I answered smiling. “You really don’t let anything get past you, do you?

She rolled my eyes, but I could a smile playing on her lips. “No, I don’t... so seriously, what are you doing here?”

I couldn’t hold back my laugh this time, “I’m serious, I’m the new student...”