The Alpha's Human Mate

His Mate, His Secret

"Aaaannnddd the last class has finally finished and summer can officially begin. Let gooooo" 

Maddie Senider shouted as she jumped onto her best friend's back before walking side-by-side. Her short blonde hair swinging around her face, her school blazer hanging loosely from her hand as she randomly waved at her friends, exiting the school doors. 

Gemma Lockhart grinned at her friend before reaching behind her head to pull off the blue band that held her black locks in place in a neat pony. She held her gray backpack more securely to her right shoulder as she walked out of the same class as Maddie. As the two friends walked out of the high school door's and walked to the side gym building, Gemma pulled out her Samsung mobile phone and started texting.

"Cindy shouldn't be long. She said they just got out and on her way too." Gemma said.

Maddie smiled and started scanning the crowds of students leaving Gala High School as she tried to see if she could catch her friend coming outside. It was the last day of high school, and they were officially on summer holidays as the bell indicated with the last completed class of the year. Many students could be seen running out toward parents or leaving to walk home themselves; their blue and yellow school uniforms now in different stages of disarray as the strict school dress policy was no longer in play with it being the last day. 

                              Maddie saw the top of Cindy's brown straight hair and started shouting her name. Cindy lifted her blue eyes and waved to Maddie as she said goodbyes to her friends, each promising to keep in touch with each other over school holidays as plans for summer events were made. Cindy walked over to the two girls before they walked out of the school gates and stood at the side to let others pass by them.

"Can you believe it's already summer?" Maddie asked in excitement, her eyes darting across all the friends who were leaving and excitedly chatting to each other. The school was quickly emptying as parents had collected the younger students and were leaving in cars while other older students walked away in their own groups, discussing the end of the year and their summer plans. 

"Forget that. Can you believe the guys are leaving and it's their birthdays soon?" Cindy replied, her eyes widening with excitement.

Gemma lowered her eyes and tried to hide her sad eyes at Cindy's comment. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her eyes from the tears that had started to gather in her blue eyes; her wavy black hair falling like a curtain around her face.

"There you guys are!" A deep Scottish voice said. 

The girls turned their heads to where the voice came from and smiled as they saw four boys behind them. They made an impressive looking group. In the UK, after the age of eleven; students went to high school until the age of eighteen of which attendance is mandatory until sixteen. The last two years would depend on attending college or continuing high school and graduating with the right and enough qualification in order to go to the University of your choice. 

                                                                            Gemma's eyes touched on each of the boys faces as they walked over to them laughing. The youngest boy being Kyle Henderson. A lanky growing boy who had just completed his first year of high school, his brown hair matching his sister Cindy's and their older brother Ben. While Cindy had blue eyes, her brother's had brown and while Kyle was still growing; Ben towered over his younger sibling at six foot already with a slightly toned body and judging by his slightly pinched expression as he took off his school blazer, still growing.

He held his blazer over one arm as they walked closer to the girls, the brothers smiling and clearly making a joke about the girls as they looked at them, bursting out laughing before looking at each other.  Gemma's eyes moved to the next boy who walked slower but while he looked at the girls, he also kept pace with his friend who was talking to him. Mark Senider. He, too, looked almost the same to the Henderson brother's but it was just a coincidence that he had the same brown hair and eyes and he was the older brother to Maddie but younger brother to.....him...... Max Senider. 

Gemma's eyes grazed of Max's form as she took him all in. Max was the oldest in their group and oozed confidence. His dark brown hair was styled in a modern design with his hair gelled into place and his gray eyes always filled with intelligence. Max was a big boy at almost six foot one and while other boys his age at almost sixteen, he showed maturity that was beyond his years.

Of course that might also have something do with Max being the Alpha-to-be. You see, most people at this school were werewolves and this group of friends were actual from the same pack and children of the Alpha and Beta.  

"Come on, hurry up!" Maddie said as she grabbed Gemma and Cindy's arm in hers as she turned back round and started walking away from school, her excitement in her steps showing eagerness as her steps became faster.

"Alpha Senider"

The group turned around to see the head teacher of the school coming towards them, and they stopped to listen to Mrs Lightwood. Max waited for her to approach as her quick steps bought her closer. Her caramel skin gleamed in the sun which had started peaking out as the last class ended as if in celebration for the end of the school year. 

"Alpha. I know that this is the last year for you and your beta Mark and Ben and that you three will be leaving soon for training. I just wanted to wish you three the best of luck. I apologize but due to some pending work the Alpha has asked my husband and I to look into, we will be leaving on Monday and won't be able to attend the birthday and naming event." She said as she smiled at everyone before giving all three boys a gift bag that they didn't see her carrying; before turning to walk away. 

"Cool! whatcha get?" Kyle asked as the group once again started to make their way home. 

The boys shrugged and started teasing each other about being teachers pet. Max slowly increased his pace until he caught up to Gemma before bumping his shoulder with hers. Maddie tutted and let go of her arm as she continued talking to Cindy about her clothes for the up-coming birthday party.

"So. Are you gonna miss me?" Max asked as he looked at Gemma under hooded eyes.

"Ppfftt why would she miss you? She's MY best friend" Maddie interrupted, her eyes rolling at Max's words before she grabbed Gemma and pulled them forward to walk faster in front of the boys. 

Gemma turned round to look at Max and smiled before sticking out her tongue at him and giggling with the girls. They passed many friends along the way as they walked down the hill from the school and onto the main street. Galashiels was a small, quaint town right at the Scottish border before entering England. It was surrounded with lush greenery, lots of trees and stunning rolling hill made of different shades of green as far as the eyes could see. The town was the biggest out of the smaller clusters of towns; some which only had five to six streets before a long road stretched to the next town.

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The Naming Ceremony and Birthday

Gemma couldn't believe that it had already been almost two weeks since school had finished. She could still remember them leaving that last day of school before walking home . They had all laughed and teased each other but there was a sadness in the air that soon everything was about to change.

"Gemma are you nearly done? Coz if so, could you some help me do my hair" Cindy screamed from the joint bathroom they shared.

"I'll be another 5 min" Gemma shouted back as she touched up her eyeliner, expertly creating a flick at the end.

Gemma thought's returned to how Max seemed to be somberer than usual that day as they all walked the last ten minutes to the pack lands. Gemma's parents had been killed when she was five year old and had since been taken in to live with the beta's family. Ben, Kyle and Cindy treated her like another sibling, their parents also as if she was one of their own. Sometimes Gemma would get sad thinking about her parents. She doesn't remember much, only that rouges had attacked her family and her human parents were killed in the fight. 

                   Her dad had been best friends with the Alpha and Beta and so when they had finished university, they had invited her mum and dad to live with them and told them their secret. Gemma only had stories from the two families and some photographs to go on. When she had been ten, she had asked over and over about her parents and what really happened; but the adults would find ways of leaving out information. Eventually she stopped asking as she realised she only caused them pain when she asked and so had decided that would live her life, happy to be the human among the wolves.

Gemma thought how time flew by. The Beta and Alpha were close and the sibling from each family had been bought up together, as a family and best friends. She had always been close with Maddie and Max and it felt sore inside her whenever she thought of him leaving. He always made her feel safe, loved; like she mattered. When they were younger, Max could always find her and make her feel safe but now he was leaving along with his brother Mark and Gemma's stepbrother (in a sense) Ben. The other biggest change was today, Max's birthday. The day he would know who his mate would be. She felt a slight twinge in her chest, thinking about who the she-wolf would be to have a place in his heart; the one who he will leave everyone else for and only want that mate - His friends no longer being his first thought....and that included her. Gemma sighed and shook her head to get rid of the sad thought as she walked into her bathroom that she shared with Cindy and connected both girl's room.

"Finally!!" Cindy said in a sassy voice "My hair won't curl" she pouted.

"Here, let me do it" Gemma said as she grabbed the curling iron and started fixing Cindy's hair in big curls and then arranged it, so they could be pinned and back-combed to sit atop her head

"Girls are you nearly done? We need to leave in five minutes. No exceptions!"  Their mammi said. 

"We done Mammi" Gemma shouted back. 

While the rest called their parents mum and dad, Gemma called them Mammi and Pops. It just felt right. Gemma turned off the curling iron and put it away before looking at Cindy's makeup. Cindy was only thirteen and wasn't allowed to ware too much makeup or dress too provocatively; however on this occasion her normally long dresses was a flattering peach with flecks of gold glitter; the colour on her tanned skin flattering, which skimmed her knees and had short capped sleeves. Her brown curled hair had been set to pile up on her head with little wisps falling about her face. A hint of gold eyeliner, some stardust blusher to give them a glow and clear gloss on her lips, and she was ready.

                                                                                                                                    Gemma looked in the mirror to check her appearance one last time. She smiled as she saw that her red skater dress showed off her athletic figure nicely, the bodis and sleeves made of lace to give it an elegant grownup look. She had teased her naturally long wavy black hair to have more curl to it. She had kept her makeup light by only adding a light eye-shadow and a fancy black eyeliner with a flick at the ends to help bring out her blue eyes. She'd applied a light red MAC lip gloss to her lips and her look was complete. She grabbed her black Valentino bag that matched her black heels and with Cindy, walked down the stair to stand at the front door with the rest of the family.

Carrie looked at her two daughters and tears misted her eyes. Gemma looked so much like her mother that Carrie had to swallow a couple of time to gather herself before turning to look at her boys who had now come to stand at her side. Ben had decided to ware smart black jeans and a beige polo shirt, making his brown hair and eyes stand out; his hair looking smart with his new crew cut. Kyle was a typical fifteen-year old kid. He had on his favorite blue jeans but a smart white button jean shirt that showed style yet cool. His brown hair looking like it needed a comb but was deliberately styled that way.

Finally, the family got into the car and after a five-minute drive, arrived at the pack house; the pathways from the drive to the house lit up with coloured lanterns. The pack and beta's house was a ten/fifteen-minute walk or a five-minute drive away; allowing both families to have enough space for privacy yet be close for emergencies. As they walked through the house, many wolves and human members of the pack would great the beta's family while congratulating Ben on his move. 

"Liam, Carrie!" Heather Senider said as she walked over to hug them. She smiled as she looked at all of them and gasped when she saw Gemma.

"Pumpkin" She whispered as she pulled her into a hug while squeezing her tight

"Hi Auntie Luna"

"Oh sweetheart just look at you! You look just like your mum" 

Gemma's breath hitched at the reference as she pulled back and smiled at her. Heather lightly took a curl between her fingers to rub at the softness before indicating to the rest of the family to walk through to the garden behind the house. She turned back to look at Gemma and placed a soft kiss to her forehead before quietly whispering.

"There's fish fingers sandwiches in the kitchen on the back counter just for you" 

Gemma smiled and hugged the Luna harder, her feet already moving to the kitchen in excitement. She found the plate stacked high and wrapped in clingfilm which she unwrapped before lifting and eating two sandwiches before feeling satisfied and grabbing one more to take out with her to the party.

"Pumpkin, Maddie went up to her room a while ago and not yet down, Could you grab her" The Luna said as Gemma started walking up the laminate stairs." it's going to be midnight soon and the naming ceremony needs to begin"

Gemma nodded just as the Luna was greeted by other guest who she guided to the party outside. Gemma walked down the long L-shaped corridor and opened the third door on the left and walked into Maddie's room. Maddie turned round and squealed when she saw her friend, the girl's excitement at how the other looked becoming the main topic.

"Oh my god Mads you look freaking amazing" Gemma gushed as she looked at her friend.

"Forget me, look at you! You don't even look fourteen! How did the guy's even let you out dressed like that?" Maddie replied, laughing at what she knew would have been world war three at what Gemma had worn.

Gemma rolled her eyes as she recalled pop's face when he saw what Gemma had been wearing before crossing his arms just like Ben and both of them declaring that they would not be going anywhere until she changed and would be happy to wait until she wore something less revealing in their eyes. It had taken a lot of prompting and strong words from Mammi who told them that it was her who had helped Gemma select the dress for tonight. That resulted in a not too happy Beta and a glaring brother who expressed that anyone looking at his sister's tonight would not be walking away without a few broken bones.

                                                                                                                                                                     Mammi had to threaten them with many things before both Ben and Pop's both grumbled and agreed to keep their temper in check and not cause Gemma any embarrassment. Yeah, like that was going to happen!

Maddie's own dress was just as eye catching. Her white one shoulder dress came to just above her knee and was matched with black sparkly heels too. Her blonde hair was gathered in a tight knot on her head that showed off her slender neck, and she wore a single diamond teardrop pendant. Maddie grabbed a red lip pencil and re-applied her makeup.

"What happened?" Gemma asked as she saw Maddie touch up her eyeshadow.

"Uh, Bobby Grouse. The i***t caught me as I was coming back from the kitchen when he cornered me beside the cloakroom and kissed me. His greasy hands went all over my face so i had to fix myself before dad or Max found out"

"Wait, wait, wait, wait!! He kissed you? OH MY GOD HE KISSED YOU?!! Gemma shouted, her voice getting higher with each word.

"SSSSHHHHHHH" Maddie said as she finished. She opened her bedroom door to make sure no-one was there before turning back around to look at Gemma.

"Oh my god! How was it?"

"It was sloppy and so weird and icky and....kinda hot"

Gemma screamed before hugging her friend, the girls giggling and laughing.

"I can't believe you had your first kiss and your fourteen. I haven't even had a guy pretend he wants to kiss me yet and I turn fifteen in two month" Gemma pouted as she started pulling her friend towards the door.

"I know, i know. I was so scared in case we got caught but honestly, it was kinda hot and nice being in his arms. But then he got kinda grabby, and we thought we heard someone and his hand messed up my hair a bit and obviously my lips were a mess. So i had to come up"

"Well we better get downstairs. It's already 10.30pm and time for the naming ceremony before Max's birthday. Auntie Luna set me up here"

The girls clasp hands before walking out the door and down the stairs. They laughed as they saw Bobby who winked at Maddie before the group of people started walking out toward the big patio and garden. Bobby made sure to keep smiling at Maddie whose face kept flushing. His every little action causing the girl's to giggle. They had agreed not to tell Cindy since she was only thirteen and wouldn't understand the fun element of this yet, but she would once she turned fourteen in five months time. Until then, the two best friend's enjoyed a moment only for them.

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming here tonight. I had a big speech prepared and ready, but I was assured by my boy's that it was too much, too embarrassing and was asked to keep it short and sweet"

The crowed laughed as they understood that right now it was a father talking and not their alpha as many parents related to his story. His wife stepped up beside him as did Max who smiled and looked out towards the crowed, his eyes seeking and scanning the guests.

"So without being embarrassing, I'd like to ask Max to stand in the middle and state his intentions and make the vow of the future alpha"

"I Max Senider of the Red Rock Moon Pack her by state that I will be leaving for Alpha training. So that when I return, I will be able to take care of my pack, to guide my pack to a better future and care for them like a family" 

The crowed clapped and whistled as the alpha walked behind him and put his right hand on his son's shoulder. He waved his arm to quieten the crowed.

"Future alpha Max. I accept your intentions and bless your journey. You must now select your Future Beta and Third who will also go on this journey with you. Select wisely as in your time of need they will train with you, guide you to be a better alpha and help you within the pack. Pick mighty warriors who will take command and be there in time of need"

Max Turned to his left where he saw the beta's family and smiled. He turned thoughtful as he realised he couldn't see his sister or Gemma anywhere but knew they wouldn't miss this. He took a deep breath, his black Versace shirt ruffling slightly in the low wind. His hand slightly brushed his beige coloured chinos as he braced himself before answering.

"I future alpha Max Senider choose Ben Henderson as my Beta and Mark Senider as my Third"

The pack started clapping as the two mentioned boys walked up to the stage; their pride in being selected obvious. They each shook hands with the future alpha before bowing to him on one knee. Jon touched each boy shoulder before whispering words of encouragement and blessing of power before stepping back and clapping as the three boys stood with their back straight looking out to the crowed.

"Ok everyone" Heather said into the microphone " Let's eat. As it will be Max's sixteenth birthday at midnight we will cut the cake then. I know that many of you need to get the young ones home so don't feel any pressure to stay. Of course, you are all welcome, however; I for one am already looking forward to being in my cozy bed so would understand your choice"

Many of the guest's laughed and nodded their head in agreement and understanding as they moved to the side tables that were set up with food and caterers who helped serve, before moving to the tables and chairs dotted around the vast garden. The coloured lantern gently swinging in the breeze while strategically placed heaters kept the garden party cozy. A few people made their way over to congratulate the boys and families while wishing them good luck with plenty of advice and teasing in between.

Ben walked over to his family and was hugged by all of them before being turned around by a hand pulling at his shirt. His eyes widened as he looked at Maddie, scanning her from head to toe before she threw herself into his arms for a hug.

"Congrats Ben!" she laughed loudly " I know you already knew but still"

"Thanks Mads" he said before clearing his throat "So..uh.. Does Max know your wearing that?"

Maddie rolled her eyes before punching him in jest. "Sheesh Ben, you and Max are so sad. You know; me Gemma aren't kids anymore. Besides mum bought me it so" and with that stuck her tounge out at him. 

Ben's eyes grew wide as he looked at her, his heart beating fast for no reason. He saw her smiling eyes and felt himself smile back while he realised that his family had walked away to grab food. He took her hand in his, gently pulling her toward the drinks table, feeling a sudden need for a drink to help his dry throat.

"Congratulation Max"

Max turned around to greet the soft voice he had been waiting to hear and look at all day. His gray eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight before him. 

"Gemma" He whispers reverently

"We will see you later Max" The lady behind him said as she took her husband and daughter towards the food. He lifted his hand to say bye without taking his eyes off Gemma, his heart a galloping horse inside his body. 

"Wow Gemma I mean....does Uncle Liam and Ben-"

"Mammi got it for me so yes they know" Gemma said laughingly as she rolled her eyes. She moved forward to hug him, her face coming to rest between his neck and shoulders.

Max took a deep breath and hugged her to him before looking at her face. He moved some of her hair behind her ear before she straighten up; blushing at the way he was looking at her. 

"So uh I know you guys leave in a few days but do you think we have enough time to go to Alton Towers before that?"

Max laughed. Alton Towers was a theme park in England that took a few hours to drive to. All the friend's were thrill seekers and loved the rides. It had become a yearly ritual that both the alpha and beta's families would pack up the kids with the mum's and would go for a couple of days.

"We can try Gemstone" Max said, using his own nickname for her. Gemma inhaled deeply before letting out the breath and smiling at Max.

"Hey pumpkin" Jon said as he walked up behind her.

Gemma turned round and hugged Jon as she smiled. Jon's heart lifted as he looked at the young girl before he realised what she was wearing and frowned down at her, taking in her appearance. Gemma covered his mouth before he could speak and told him Mammi got her this dress. The alpha frowned harder but before he could say anything further, Heather breezed in and stole her mate away, promising to see the kids later.

Max pulled Gemma with him to get some food before directing her to the kitchen inside the house. Along the way, many guest and friend stopped to wish him luck as he tried to grab the fish finger-plate from the counter. He was finally able to make his way up the stairs with Gemma who helped carry their drinks as they walked to the small living room that they used when their friends visited.

                                                                                                                                         Gemma's eyes widened as she realised they were alone. She had thought maybe Mark, Ben or Maddie would be here as this is where their group often hanged out. They sat on the same sofa and put their burden onto the small chocolate coffee table in front of them. They started eating the sausage rolls and snacks before moving onto the main food and taking a much needed drink after it.

"Gemstone" Max said as he looked at her. Gemma looked into his eyes, her breath hitching.

"You never answered my question you know?"

"What question?" Gemma asked, her eyes frowning.

"If you would miss me?"

Gemma blushed and looked away. She didn't know what to say. Max gently took her chin in his fingers and turned her round to look at him.

"Will you miss me?" He softly asked again.

"Max" She said breathlessly. Her palms started sweating as she looked into his deep grey eyes, her heart beating so loud she was sure he could hear it. 

Max leaned in closer slowly, his fingers still gently holding her chin. He looked into her eyes before settling himself back. Gemma suddenly felt scared. She didn't know why but it suddenly felt like she was losing him. Why did he move back away from her? Gemma hugged him.

"I'm already missing you. It feels like your already gone. You have so much to do before going, and we don't get to have the summer together"

Max hugged her back as he placed a soft kiss onto her forehead. He took her hand and was about to say something before he stopped. Gemma could see someone had mind-linked him, and she waited patiently for him to finish. He got up and pulled her with him as he started walking toward the door.

"Sorry, it birthday time" Max said, smirking slightly. Gemma chuckled as they made their way downstairs.

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"Happy birthdayyyyy toooooooo youuuuuuuuuuu" 

The crowd finished singing. Party poppers and streamers light up the air as they were thrown above Max's head. The cake was being taken to a bigger table to cut and to be given to the guest, of whom many had started to prepare for home. While there was a healthy balance of teenagers here, many had younger sibling and so parents had already started to gather them and bundle them into their coats so to prepare them to go home. Due to Max going away to Glasgow for two days to meet the first Alpha at 11am, the party had been held later than normal.

                                                                   Another reason was that this would be the only time the whole pack would be together and that was important because when a wolf turned sixteen, they are able to smell their mate. Most parent's threw their kids a sixteenth birthday party so that all wolves were in the one place together, so that any potential mates could be found. It usually worked. Of course not all mates are found in the one pack, but most are lucky enough to find them in their own one, saving them having to travel and find them elsewhere.

"Shame that you don't turn sixteen until another month Ben" Alpha Jon said as he started walking toward the table of presents. With Ben and Mark's help, the gifts were moved inside as some of the pack had started making their way out of the door. 

"I know. Mum is going to come visit if she can, but I guess I have skype for that" Ben sighed good naturedley.

Jon nodded in understanding as he asked the boy's to bring in any uneaten food to the kitchen table as the caterers started cleaning up the main food, leaving out the cake and desserts. Mark told Ben to direct the friends who were staying back for the party up to their living room where even more drinks and food would be set out soon along with some music. A few of the pack friends started making their way upstairs as they laughed and joked about as they voted on playing spin the bottle over truth or dare.

Max started walking toward's the house in confusion, a little hurt. He had been so sure he knew who would be his mate and thought his wolf would have spoken by now but ....nothing. Is it possible that he had made a mistake? That it wasn't who he thought it was? Max chest hurt with that thought. 

                                                                                                                                                From the age of five, when his father had taken him to see his human friend and his mate; Max had known that there was something special about Gemma. She was such an animated character, someone that touched his heart, and he had known; even from such a young age, that she was something special. He always worried about her yet knew she was strong. His heart had been hers from then and as he grew older, his feelings for her grew. He just assumed that she was his mate.

"Don't worry. After everyone leaves, your father and I are going out to the Pod and will sleep out there so you guys can play loud music all you want"

Max blinked as he realised that while he had been having a conversation with himself, he had somehow walked into the back of the kitchen where his mum, auntie Carrie and a few pack ladies were distributing the remaining food into take-home bags. He shook his head slightly to clear his head and smiled without any warmth as he turned to go out. Heather grabbed her son's arm before guiding him to the pantry and through the door leading into their garage.

"Mum? Where are we going?"

"Ok mister. Now tell me."

"Tell you what?" He asked as he frowned at his mum.

She lifted her left eyebrow up in inquiry as she folded her arms and waited patiently for him to speak. Max sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

"It's just....I thought that my mate would be here and yet my wolf hasn't spoken up"  He said, his eyes moving all over the room to avoid looking at his mum.

"You mean Maximus hasn't spoken out even though Gemma was in front of you?" Heather said smugly.

"WHAT? Who said it was Gemma. I..I'm just talking generally" Max eyes widened as he looked at his mum.

"Oh hunny!" She walked over to him and smoothed over his hair lovingly "of course it's Gemma. You don't think I see how you look at her? How you have always looked at her? Hunny, you look at her like the way your dad still looks at me"

"Muuummmmm!"

"She's human remember? She didn't inherit the wolf gene so it's different. You need to look her in the eyes or hold her hand somehow to feel the mate bond.... After you turned sixteen"

Max's face brightened up as he looked at his mum. He lifted her up in a hug before placing a kiss on her cheeks and running out of the garage and back out of the kitchen while waving goodbye to the remaining guest that were leaving the party. Looking at the clock as he walked upstairs towards where the noise and music was coming from, Max mind-linked Ben with a plan.

"Finally pal! Where have you been?" Charlie, another pack member asked as Max entered the room. There were fifteen people from their school and pack who were of similar age all sitting about in the living room that the sibling used for their friends. The table had been shifted to the side and the seating all pushed to the back so everyone could fit in as they sat round the middle.

"Come on! We playing spin-the-bottle"

Max smirked at Ben who nodded his head and sat across from Gemma. He looked at her as his mind wondered. He smiled secretly as he thought of his plan, hoping that it worked, and he would be able to find out if Gemma was his mate. She had to be, right? Max came out of his thoughts when he was pushed as he realised people were getting up. He looked around in confusion as he realised his actual plan wasn't working out as he wanted.

"Wait, what's going on, thought we were playing the game"

"We were" Maddie said with a roll of her eyes "But Jax dared Tilly for a kiss, but she said it had to be more exciting so now Tilly will only kiss Jax for 5 full minutes if he can find her in a game of hide-and-seek" 

"What the f**k?" Max mind-linked to Ben and Mark. They shrugged as the rules were explained. The whole house and gardens, apart from the pod where the parents were going to be sleeping; could be used. No-one could go outside the garden or the home and once Tilly was caught, everyone would be coming back to the house. And since they were all wolves, Jax could only use his wolf senses, so that meant no light were to be turned on. Max sighed as Jax started counting and everyone shouted in excitement as they started running out of the room. He followed as close as he could behind Gemma without making it obvious, he wasn't ready for anyone to find out until he knew himself.

Gemma and Maddie ran together along with Cindy, Mark and another guy called Dash in the same directions; near the edge of the garden where the lanterns were still alight and there were a couple of tool sheds as well as a small gym. Max tried to guess which one the girls would go towards, so he could try to go there too. Mark, Dash and Cindy ran towards the gym as Gemma and Maddie ran towards the first tools shed. Typical, those two always went everywhere together, which really annoyed him this time. 

                                                                                                                                                                       Just as Maddie got into the tool shed, Max grabbed Gemma's hand and pulled her with him to the next one which he knew had a little more space as that was where his mum kept the gardening tools. The one Maddie went into was where his dad kept extra pack items and goods from deliveries with shelves and cupboards and often had little space, enough for one person to stand in. Gemma struggled to run behind Max in her heels and stumbled behind him before she started falling down; but Max was quicker. He caught her in his arms bridal style as she clung to his neck. He took them into the shed and walked behind the steel shelf that his mum kept plants and bulbs on and after putting her down; stood with her as he kept all the lights closed. 

           Gemma took in deep breaths as she realised that once again she was alone with Max and that his body heat was calling to her. Max couldn't be more pleased. This was better than his original plan. He actually had her with him, alone and without anyone eyes on them. He thanked the Moon Goddess for this chance and thought of a way to get close to Gemma when he heard footsteps and the shed door opened. 

"You have got to be frigging kidding me. Can't I catch a break!!" Max thought to himself as he turned around to face Gemma and hugged her. He hoped that his black shirt would help to hide them better, so he tucked her head under his chin and bent his head into the crook of her neck. The person, who he assumed was Jax; came into the room before huffing out a breath; and almost immediately, the footsteps left. Max didn't let go. He couldn't. He finally had Gemma where he wanted her. In his arms, touching her. Hugging her which he did without thinking; Gemma tried to speak but all he finally heard were the words he was longing for.

Mate... Mate...MATE!!!

"Mate" He whispered softly

"What?" Gemma whispered back.

Max looked down toward her and smiled. Gemma looked at him as confusion marred her face as she realised that Max held her in his arms. His right hand cupped her chin as he bought her face down towards her lips. 

"Max" She sighed as his lips caught her own. 

Lights exploded behind her eyes as if fireworks were going off. Her stomach cramped in excitment, and she felt dizzy from feeling his lips on her. She opened her mouth to try getting a breath when Max suddenly thrust in his tounge and kissed her deeper. 

                                                                            He was in heaven. She tasted so good! Her soft lips tasting off cherries and chocolate while her smell intoxicated him. She smelled wonderful and tasted even better. He couldn't stop. He wanted more. Had to have more. Gemma had opened her mouth and Max couldn't help but plunge inside to deepen the kiss. He knew then that he couldn't live without her, that what he thought he had felt all these years was nothing compared to what he was feeling now. There was no way he could go away to Alpha Camp for training. He couldn't leave her. His body molded itself to her as he held her tighter in his arms, his hand going into her hair to tilt her head for a deeper kiss; his lower half responding to her closeness as his erection grew. He rubbed against her and Gemma moaned in pleasure as she tried to get closer to his body, not understanding what was going on.

"We finally found her even though we knew it was her" His wolf finally said to Max

Gemma tore her mouth away from Max as she gulped in a much-needed breath of fresh air, her chest heaving in shock as she tried to breath and make sense of it all. She didn't know if she was excited that Max kissed her and obviously liked her or be scared because what she was feeling was so intense.

"Max" She whispered

"Gemstone-"

"Come on guy's Jax found Tilly a few minutes ago. Let's go back and do the next dare" Maddie's voice interrupted just as she turned on the light. 

Gemma quickly distanced herself from Max and walked round the shelf and out of the shed. Mark, Ben and Cindy were waiting outside as they chatted and laughed at the information they were getting about how Jax thought it was Tilly he grabbed but really how it was another girl in the same kitchen pantry, and he kissed the wrong girl. Jax wasn't the best tracker in the pack so his mistake made the rest laugh. 

                                                                                                                                                                              As Cindy and Maddie linked arms with Gemma and walked past the boys, Mark and Ben's eyes widened and looked at Max. Ben held out his arm to stop Max going forward as he called out to the girls.

"Hey uh, you guys go in. We gotta just do something before coming back in"

The girls stopped and looked at him in surprise. Gemma's eyes moved towards Max face, and he smiled gently at her. He nodded to her, making her blush before she quickly turned round; trying to calm her breathing. 

"Do what?" Maddie asked.

"Well... We ...uh .we have an idea about a prank on some of the guys for dare's so..uh yea we gotta talk about it"

"Hey no fair. We wanna be part of it too" Maddie exclaimed while Cindy nodded. 

Gemma looked between her brother and Max who caught her eyes again and his heated look reminded her off the kiss. She blushed deeper and quickly grabbed the girls to convince them of leaving the boys, so she could get back indoors and take off her heels. Soon the girls were shouted over by other pack members and as a group they walked indoors laughing about the game.

Ben turned round and punched Max in the face, cutting his lip in the process.

"You f*****g asshole" Ben shouted as he pushed Max back into the shed. Max held his ground as Mark grabbed the door shut and stood between the two boys.

"What the f**k Ben?" Mark groweled.

"Ask your f*****g brother! Really Max? Really? That's how you're going to play this?" Ben answered back in anger as he tried to get around Mark.

"What? Play what?" Mark asked in confusion.

Mark was only fifteen and had yet to feel the presence of his wolf. Being the Third meant he would soon develop his own senses and have his wolf to guide him, but at fifteen and his birthday not for another three months, his senses weren't highly tuned. Max and Ben started feeling their wolves from the age of fourteen; mainly due to being the Alpha and Beta. Both had been excited when their wolves acknowledged them both on the same day and the boys often had short conversation with their wolves.

"It's not a game. I love her" Max said in a solid strong voice.

"Love who? What are you guys on about?" Mark said as he looked between the two friends.

"You can't f*****g love her. She's a kid!!"

"She's MY MATE" Max said in a deadly voice. His alpha voice coming through.

"s**t! You found your mate?" Mark said, his voice pitched high in excitement. "Who - Oh my god. Gemma?" He asked as it all clicked into place. He wasn't really surprised as he knew Max always had a soft spot for her. He just didn't realise how soft.

"But wait. She's human. Can an Alpha have a human mate?" Mark asked.

"It doesn't matter if he can or can't. HE can't because Gemma is a kid! You think i don't smell the lust? Or the pheromones in here. Your covered in each others scent. What did you do to her?"

Max eyes blazed with anger as he suddenly grabbed Ben by the neck and pushed him up against the door. His eyes went black in anger and his teeth lengthen. He partly shifted, fur growing out of his body while he grew in height and his hands changed into lethal claws.

"You think I would hurt my MATE! You dare come in between mates?"

"You shouldn't have kissed her! And don't lie, I know you did. I could tell by her lips" Ben shouted back as he tried to get the free from around his neck. Ben started shifting before Mark tried to separate them.

" Hey NO! f**k! Guy's stop! What the hell man. You can't fight. Your meant to have each other's back!" Mark was no match for a future alpha, but could help control Ben.

"People are asking where we are though the link but because you guys are fighting and so out of it, you don't hear them. You know what's gonna happen? Maddies gonna come looking and then you two are gonna have to tell her why you guys are fighting and she won't believe any bullshit you two say coz you have not fought since you guys were like eight...so yeah, good luck with explaining that one to her"

Max's anger still lingered as he glared at his beta. He slowly lowered Ben to the ground and let his neck go before taking to steps back and letting the pack know through the link that they had been asked to do a perimeter check and were on their way back in a few minutes, and that they should continue the game without them until they did. A lie, but a necessary one

Ben took deep breaths and shook his head as he laughed, anger clear in his voice as he glared at his Alpha and best friend.

"That stupid game makes sense now. You wanted to find out if she was your mate"

"I love her. I've ALWAYS loved her. You knew that once I turned sixteen, when we ALL turn sixteen that we would find our mate. Why is this so hard for you to accept"

"Because she's fourteen? Because she's my human sister who doesn't have the same ability as we all do? She a kid. Because we...you...are leaving in a few days for two years..take your pick"

Max walked up to Ben who looked down before looking at his friend. He took a deep breath, turned his eyes to the dark ceiling and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You don't know how it feels knowing that you have someone who is so fragile, so special....and the last link to your mum's sanity. Knowing that the one you call your sister and who YOU are calling mate is...is so f*****g god-damned young Max!! We are leaving in two weeks time. She isn't a wolf. She can't mind-link you and you know what is going to happen?" Ben said as he walked slowly towards his friend.

"You tell her she's your mate, you leave for training, and she's going to wither away. She'd going to miss you so much that she won't know what to do with herself or how to cope. We have our wolves and mind-link. She doesn't. The reason it works for mate's is that even apart, they can sense each other, talk to each other without technology; and if you are a powerful couple, even have mate dreams where in wolf form you can be with each other. SHE can't have any of that! I can't believe you were going to mark her! How the hell could you be so selfish" Ben shouted.

Max took a deep breath and puffed it out before taking another, his eyes watering as he took all the information in.

"What do I do then? I can't.... I just can't be without her. She my everything. The bond? They lied, it's not just a fuckin pull...it's gut wrenching, its soul's bonding"

"Then wait Max. Wait until we come back. It's two years. It will fly by but it gives her time to grow up. To not be a kid. I won't stand in your -"

"Wait? Are you kidding me? I could barely contain myself from taking her now. How the hell do you expect me to wait for two years?" Max shouted back as he pushed Ben away before walking toward the door.

Ben's eyes flashed in anger as he watched Max open the door and walk out. Trying not to focus on the fact that the future Alpha and his best friend admitted to almost taking his sister sexually. He walked out behind him and in a soft voice that he knew carried to Max's ears, he said.

"Because you'll kill her otherwise"

Max stopped abruptly before slowly turning to look at his friend. The weight of the statement set in his stiff shoulders. Mark's eyes widened as he looked at them.

"What do you mean kill her?" He asked, his eye round with shock.

"I mean" Ben explained "That there's something about Gemma, something that is strong yet fragile. She doesn't give away her emotion easily yet with Max she is different. I know her. She will stop living and only think about Max, but she won't have the comfort of the mind-link to help her. His leaving will kill her"

Addressing Max, Ben walks up to him and grips his shoulder, his eyes meeting Max as his eyes looked at him in sorrow.

"You know you have to-"

"I'm not rejecting her if that's what-"

"Nooo. How could you even think I would ask you to do that? God I would never ask that of you. I don't want that for either of you. I just meant that for now, you need to not tell her she's your mate. Max you have to keep this a secret"

Max pushed Ben's hands away from his shoulder and walked towards the house slowly. Ben and Mark looked at each other before jogging up behind him. As they stepped into the living room and walked towards the staircase Ben and Mark both called out to Max. He stopped on the fourth step but didn't turn around.

"What are you going to do?" Mark whispered, scared with what was going on.

Max sighed. He bent his head before raising it up, pushing his shoulders back and with new determined resolve, he looked back at the boys with sad eyes.

"I'm going to pretend that nothing happened, that the kiss was a mistake and make Gemma think it was nothing special and then...." Looking towards the room where laughter and music was coming from, Max started walking towards his destiny, his steps feeling heavy with what he was about to do.

"I'm going to keep my mate my secret until I come back"