The Hidden Danger of Love

Chapter Three

Astrid just stood there, unsure what to do now. What the boy just said didn't make much sense, he talked so fast and left so quickly... She was still puzzled when reaching the fence line, after climbing it, the dewy grass tickled her feet as she went quietly back up to her room, scurrying into bed quickly and covering herself up with the blankets. Astrid steadied her breathing just in time to hear the door swing open violently, it took everything she had to not flinch. She squeezed her eyes shut when she heard a heavy step toward the bed. "Johnathan, you are hearing things! Now let her sleep in peace!" Astrid could hear the faint voice of Dawn from the outside of the room. She let out a shiver when the footsteps quickly left, and the door closed behind them. But what happened next, she couldn't believe.

"I rank over you, never tell me what to do again or you will be even more sorry!" Astrid could hear the deep, growling voice of Johnathan coming from downstairs, his angry tone directed to Dawn. She began to think about what the boy had said to her. "They are werewolves... you need to believe me" Those words stuck with her, but what made her head spin even more was when he said she was like them. She was a werewolf too? And what did he mean by "seek me or I can safely seek you". She felt slightly overwhelmed by what he talked about, and had so many questions about it. Why was she one of them? Is that why she was in the orphanage? Do they know? Do her foster parents know? Is the school she is going to, supposed to be for werewolves? Letting out a deep breath of confusion, she closed her eyes. Maybe if she went to sleep, her questions would be answered quicker tomorrow.

"Time to go to school! The bus will be here shortly, you'd better get ready!" Astrid woke to the cheerful voice of Dawn. Letting out a small laugh, she quickly jumped up and grabbed the bag that Dawn apparently packed for her this morning. Astrid had everything laid out last night, and she assumed Dawn was just trying to help by putting it all together. Before she left the room, Astrid remembered her phone. She grabbed it from under the bed, she didn't use it often but she assumed she would need it during the week.

As soon as she got downstairs, Astrid cursed inwardly when she saw Johnathan. But he walked away without meeting her gaze, she just shrugged a little and continued to the door. Dropping her bag there, she walked to Dawn who was preparing french toast for her. Astrid flinched a little when Dawn turned around and she saw a noticeable bruise under her eye. Dawn must have noticed her staring becuase she smiled as she gave Astrid the food. "I am clumsy enough to give myself a black eye walking to the washroom in the dark!" Dawn teased, beginning to eat her own food. Astrid just nodded with a smile and quickly ate the french toast before heading to the washroom herself to get ready.

It took about twenty minutes before the bus reached the stop outside of their house. Astrid walked on from the end of the driveway, still picturing the tight hug she got from Dawn before leaving, and the stern talk from Johnathan. "Remember what I told you about the people". She shivered as she recalled the deep, scary voice. Astrid commented in her mind how there were only about nine kids her age on the bus. She sat three seats from the back, ignoring all of the eyes that were set on her. She felt goosebumps form on her arms under her green hoodie when she met a girl's gaze from the other side, in the back seat of the bus. The girl had bright blue hair and pale green eyes, but what made Astrid uneasy was the red tint in her gaze that looked exactly like the one from the boy at the mall. Now that she looked around, all of the kids looking at her had it. Cluing in almost instantly, they must be werewolves too. Astrid looked away and took out her phone and earbuds, plugging them in and leaning against the window. It was only 7am and socializing was already off to a bad start. They drove for almost twenty minutes before the next stop, when things got a little worse.

A girl, Astrid's age, or maybe a little younger, walked onto the bus with confidence. Her wavy amber colored hair, unlike her own, flowed down her shoulders. Astrid moved over and gave a friendly smile when the girl sat beside her. But all of the others also glared at her, but their eyes were a little more red. "Hi there! You must be the new girl?" The girls voice was loud when she talked, her dark amber eyes were happy and curious. Astrid nodded and gave her a warm smile, "Yes, today is my first day." Astrid piped up, happy to find someone friendly. She glanced out the window, but shifted her gaze back to the girl when she spoke up again. "My name is River. Are you a-" She was cut off urgently by the boy across from the two of them. "Nice to meet you, i'm sure you will enjoy your time at our school." He said quickly, annoyance edged his voice. Astrid smiled at him trying to be friendly, his eyes were almost the same color as hers but they were slightly lighter, and tinted red.

The bus ride was silent for the next hour, when they reached the school. The big yellow vehicle began to drive slowly down a path, turning off of the main road, into the forest. They began to head up a step hill. Trees crowded on either side of the road, and after a few minutes it began to clear out. Astrid's jaw almost dropped when they pulled into the parking lot. The school was huge, on top of a hill surrounded by fields, the fields surrounded by the forest. The building in general had to be three stories tall, nice log building.

When they got off the bus, she walked into the building and stopped. It was more like a house than a school. There was a large staircase right in the middle that lead up to a split balcony that led both left and right. And at the bottom, on either side, were hallways that she assumed were the classrooms. She began to walk when a gentle voice spoke from behind her."Nice huh? Hey I'm Jacob." Astrid clenched her teeth and turned. A cute boy gave her a charming smile, his eyes were bright yellow, but the red flashed in them as he talked. She nodded having to blink a few times to unlock her eyes from his seductive gaze. "I'm Astrid. And yes, it is very nice." She managed to say, her eyes locked to his. His grin sent shivers down her spine as he brushed her back with his hand. "I can show you around if you would like?" He said smoothly, his tone was sweet as he talked. "Okay." She replied, realizing that the girl from her bus had disappeared in the time Astrid looked around. "We will start where you will have your classes." He spoke with confidence as he walked toward the hallway on the left. Astrid began to follow when more voices popped up. "Hey! You are the new girl right? Welcome!" Astrid smiled and thanked a mixed group of kids who walked by. She waited for them to pass before walking toward Jacob, who was waiting patiently. "You will get so many hello's today so you better get used to it." He have a small laugh and led her to the hallway. She was surprised when they walked into the first room, it was all lockers but no one was in there. Astrid felt a little uneasy when Jacob came really close to her, she looked at him and noticed the glint of sharp white canines that began to show when he smiled. She let out a small huff and smile when he leaned his elbow on the lockers and gave him a goofy smile, he was obviously about to say something but the door opened. Astrid was half relieved, he was making her uncomfortable with his closeness.

But all of that feeling faded instantly when she saw who walked into the room, the blood felt like it drained from her face when a boy with bright green eyes walked in. It was him. The same boy from the first day of her arriving. And the same boy from the night before. She took a few steps back when he shut the door behind him, his green gaze slowly turning red. "Well hello there, new girl. And good job Jacob, your charm always works." The boy nodded but didn't take his eyes off of her. It hasn't even been an hour and they are at it again! She thought to herself, her eyes clouding with worry. "What do you want with me?" she hissed through clenched teeth, she shoved her hands in he pockets and backed up until her back hit the lockers, making them slam. She realized that that could be her escape. "Well you see missy...you haven't really learned everything yet. We saw your little friend come visit and talk to you last night. But what he said, isn't even the start-" As the boy talked his eyes turned a dark red when he was cut off by the door opening. She let out a small gasp, barely making a sound when her whole body tingled.

A boy with ice blue eyes walked in and slammed the door shut. But Astrid's heart sunk as soon as he walked and stood beside Jacob. "Oh look Damen, she thought I was someone else?" The boy mocked, he snorted with laughter before rolling his eyes. The boy with the now-red eyes nodded. "I see that." He said with a grin, his canines showing.They all slowly walked forward again, this time Astrid started to panic. She took a deep breath and backed into the lockers over and over. Suddenly they froze, shock and panic spread across their faces when the noise rang out. Astrid heard the door open and shut but she couldn't see who came in, but suddenly, a warm scent filled her nose.

She knew exactly who walked in before the boys said anything. "Well look who it is." Jacob mocked, his head turned, she could hear a growl from the doorway. Before Astrid could see the boy, Damen nodded and Jacob ran to flip the light switch off. As soon as everything went black Astrid took it as her chance to move. She quickly darted to the other side of the room as she heard a silent fight break out. Would it help the boy if she turned the lights back on? She hesitated when she heard a body slam against the lockers. She ran in the darkness to the light switch to turn it on when she was grabbed by the wrist. About to scream something, a hand covered her mouth. She tried to fight it until a sweet scent overwhelmed her. She went limp and the boy knew it was okay to let her go. As soon as the hand was off her mouth, it was on her wrist again, making her body tingle. It was very quick when the door opened and closed she was already in the hallway. Her eyes were shut as the boy dragged her very quickly in the other direction, farther down.

She opened her eyes when another door opened, somehow Astrid found herself outside. "Come on." He said quickly and took off into a full sprint toward the forest, pausing to make sure she followed. When the two of them reached the forest, Astrid finally got to get a good look at him. She was frozen in one place when she looked at him, His short, dusty brown hair went slightly upward and to the left. His ice blue eyes and his sleek, defined jaw bones made her body tingle. His biceps were also well defined and he had to be at least three inches taller than her. He was very cute and it took her off guard.

When he shook his head and let out a huff of laughter, Astrid realized she was staring and looked down at her feet, her cheeks blushing. "You seem to like getting yourself into trouble, don't you?" He said, a tease lingering in his words as he spoke. She shook her head. "Trust me, I was not planning that at all." She muttered, more to herself than anything. When she looked back up, his gaze was softer but the unease still lingered there. "I know." He answered with a small smile, he ran his hand through his hair as he looked away for a moment. "If you hang out with them, I cant rescue you." He finally said, his voice edged with worry. Astrid looked right into his gaze, annoyance flared up in it. "Are you going to explain to me what is going on yet? Or even tell me your name?" She asked him, her tone making her sound slightly hurt that he didn't explain it last night. The boy hesitated before taking a slow step forward, like he was afraid to scare her away. "Okay." He said looking up. Astrid looked behind her when he nodded toward something. She jumped, feeling her body touch his when she accidentally moved. There was a ginger colored wolf who nodded back as it walked by the far edge of the forest. It wasn't just any wolf, it was about two times bigger. She felt him gently put his hands on her waist, "Its okay, she is part of this pack. She is keeping guard so we can talk, there are a few others too... They formed a large circle around us." He said in a soothing tone.

Astrid flinched away from him, not wanting to admit she would have stayed close to him where she felt safe and comforted. But she couldn't, she was still unsure about the whole situation. She wondered if that was hurt that flashed in his gaze, but it was gone so quick she doubted herself. "Now where do I begin..." He said, opening his mouth to talk again but she butted in. "How do you know I am like you guys? Why are they all out to kill me? Why don't I just change instead of getting sick-" "And why does I feel funny, and get tingles when I am around you..." She blurted out, but adding the last part in her head so he wouldn't hear. She was so lost with everything that was happening within the last few days it was insane. An amused look crossed his face when he looked at her, then it turned serious again. "I will tell you later about how I know, it is very complicated but you will fine out soon enough."He said quickly, like he wanted off of that subject. "They are not out to kill you. The one with green eyes? Damen? Is going to be the future Alpha of their pack everyone is saying. He is trying to mark you, and mate with you... And there are a few of his friends that are going behind his back, trying to get to you first." The boy's eyes suddenly turned black for a moment before he continued. "Once you change for the first time, after that you will change just like us. The first time is always painful." He said quietly, his eyes went back to the normal, breath taking blue. Astrid watched him for a long moment, "Why wont you answer the first question?" She asked him, narrowing her eyes. "You will know eventually." His eyes clouded with something Astrid couldn't quite comprehend. "There are two sides here, Astrid. There is the side they are on, and the side I am on. Your foster parents are on their side. They are evil, Astrid. You need to choose to stay away, I cant protect you on their territory. That once was an exception becuase I caught a break you were close to the border and there weren't many of them... It was a close call." He murmured sadly, he didn't take his eyes off of her when he lifted the bottom of his shirt to reveal a large gash. Astrid's first reaction was to go over to help him, without thinking she took a step forward and dropped to her knees to take a closer look. It took a heartbeat to realize what she was doing and she quickly got up, but when she got up she forgot to step back and Astrid found herself inches from him. His seductive scent flooded over her and she felt the urge to go closer but her stubbornness made her stay in the spot. She felt her skin tingle when he didn't move back, but he actually moved his hands forward to unzip her sweater. She flinched away but he just shook his head with a small smile. He moved her shirt to the side to reveal the bite mark that was forgotten about on her shoulder. "That is what he was trying to do when he bit you..." He murmured quietly, gently zipping the sweater back up. He moved backward, Astrid was tempted to follow but she stood still.

"I don't know where to go when we go back..." She said quietly. She was starting to think it wasn't much of a school, that's just what they called it to make humans believe it. And she was scared and afraid of the others. "As long as you are in that building, we can protect you. But it is you that needs to make that decision. The night you change fully is the most important night. From then on, getting marked actually counts and you will be stuck with it and your decision. Now lets head back." The boy smiled at Astrid, sending warmth through her.

She started to think the feeling was just becuase he was so friendly. As they headed back she gave him a shove. "I never got your name?" She said, trying to act offended. She finally made a friend, hopefully this one will last, she tried not to think of what happened when she got friends... She always lost them some how. The boy didn't speak until he got to the front doors. "My name is Caleb." He said with a smile and wink before slipping into the building and in the crowd. When Astrid walked in, she felt her heart skip a beat when she was alone once again with a crowd of what she knew now, were all werewolves.

Astrid shifted her body towards what looked to be a lounging area, kind of like a living room. There was a very pretty, large stone fireplace and a few long couches. There were many teenagers talking, a few younger adults too. Astrid also noticed how many of them had bite marks and how many of them were very close, which made her assume they were "mates".

"Hey! New girl right?" Astrid held her breath before turning around. She didn't want to have to deal with any more werewolves out to get her. But when she turned she saw a pretty girl, around her age, smiling at her. The girl's natural ginger hair was in two neat braids behind her head and her pale green eyes made her freckled cheeks very noticeable. "Yes, my name is Astrid." She replied with a polite smile. This girl was slightly taller than her, but thinner and more pale. "My name is Memphis, I know who you are, everyone has been talking about you for weeks!" The girl exclaimed, excitement edged her voice. Why am I so special? Why does everyone care about me? Astrid thought to herself, she was truly puzzled. There was nothing special about a girl who came from an orphanage after being thrown around a bunch of homes. Astrid smiled when she recognized the girls name. Memphis watched the other people with a grin on her face. "I know that you know who I am." She said simply, the grin crossing her face. Astrid let out a small huff of laughter.

"How come everyone is so concerned about me?" She asked Memphis after a moment, her eyes clouded with confusion, watching as Memphis looked around before grabbing Astrid's sleeve and pulling her toward the staircase. "Follow me." She said quietly, her voice a little more than a whisper. Astrid did as she was told and quickly followed behind, as the two of them walked up the stairs, Memphis pulled her to the right side of the balcony and toward an closed door. They stopped in front of it and the girl knocked three times. "Let us in, Caleb." She said, a touch of annoyance flickered in her tone. A few seconds later, a boy with jet black hair opened the door just enough for his body. His silver eyes were narrowed until he saw the two of them, he didn't say a word when he glanced down the hall before letting them into the room.

Astrid was kind of surprised by how big it was. There were two sets of bunk beds, and several people in the room. Quickly, she blinked and looked at her feet when she noticed Caleb was sitting on the windowsill at the back. She felt all eyes on her as Memphis patted at the spot on the floor beside where she sat down. Astrid obeyed quickly and sat beside her, crossing her legs. The room was silent for a few moments before someone actually spoke up. "Astrid wants to know why everyone is so concerned about her, and talking to her." Memphis spoke with confidence, she seemed very comfortable with this group which made Astrid relax a little more. She looked up and instantly met Caleb's gaze. "I told you, you will figure it out" Caleb answered with a small shrug, but his gaze flickered with frustration. It was almost as if he couldn't tell her for some reason. "Aw Caleb, your m-" The black haired boy's teasing laugh was cut off by a small shriek as he was knocked to the ground by a blur. Astrid raised her eyebrows in surprise when she realized Caleb had attacked him. Everyone around let out a laugh when the two of them wrestled around on the floor, to the point where the two girls had to move onto one of the beds, and the boy and girl that were sitting close to each other also had to move onto the other bed from the floor.

Eventually, after a few minutes of the match Caleb had the boy pinned to the ground. one of his hands held the other boys hands above his head, and the other on his throat. Astrid felt a shiver trail down her back when Caleb spoke with a cold voice, "Remember who is higher ranked, Cole." He said with a low voice. "This is what happens when you make my brother angry." Memphis leaned over and whispered into her ear. Astrid left out a huff as she watched the two of them get up, Caleb's eyes were still black, but they began to fade to their regular color again when the two boys let out a small laugh. "But I don't understand what he did to make Caleb angry." Astrid murmured back to her as she tightened her ponytail. Before Memphis could say something back, a boy with dirty blond hair and pale blue eyes spoke up, a tease in his voice. "You know, I bet Astrid could beat you at a fight Caleb." As soon as she heard her name, Astrid looked up, catching Caleb's gaze. There was a spark of mischief in his eyes when he smiled and looked at the boy who spoke. "I doubt that Seth, but there is only one way to find out." He said with a smirk before glancing back at Astrid. "Go on, I want to see this!" Memphis said, giving Astrid a small shove with her shoulder. When Astrid got to her feet, she glanced uncomfortably at the others, they all seemed friendly enough. But she had never fought before in her life. That's not true, there were lots of fights at the orphanage. She thought to herself as she moved to the center of the room. "Rules?" She asked quietly, unsure what she was allowed to do. Caleb's eyes glinted playfully, and suddenly it was like there were only two of them in the room. "The rule is, there are no rules." He said playfully, and with that he jumped on her.

Astrid was shocked when he took her to the ground, effortlessly. "Don't kill each other is the rule. And Caleb, go easy. She hasn't even changed yet." Cole's voice spoke, slightly teasing. Astrid knew he was referring to her not changing as a werewolf yet. She struggled in Caleb's grip, then went limp. As Caleb looked up to reply, she took it as a chance to knock off his balance. She flew up quickly and it knocked him over, shock spread over his face and everyone in the room started getting excited. She shifted toward him and gripped both of his wrists with her hands. She looked down at his face as she hovered above him. Her blonde ponytail falling to the side of his face. "Give up yet?" She teased him quietly, searching his eyes. She let out a small squeal of surprise when he shot her away, but he was gentle about it. She felt him pin her down, the same was she did, but he was much stronger. "Do you give in?" He asked, his gaze flickering with excitement. But Astrid couldn't answer when their eyes locked, she couldn't move her gaze away from his ice blue. It wasn't until the door swung open, hitting her hard in the side of the head did she break from his gaze.

But before she looked away she saw panic spread across his face. She felt herself be shoved to the side of the room and a boy with short, dark red hair jumped on her, pinning her down and covering her mouth. Astrid wished she couldn't see, becuase when she watched what was happening, Damen walked in with four other boys. Two guarded each bed, where the good group members were fuming, but the others were bigger than them so they didn't try anything. Damen walked right at Caleb, their eyes were locked on each-other, hatred sparked from Caleb's eyes right before Damen slammed him against one of the walls, holding him by his throat. Caleb could have beat him, until two more boys came in and held his arms, stepping on his feet so he couldn't move.

Without thinking, Astrid started to struggle out of the red haired boys grip. She got loose enough that she kicked him hard, right in the crotch. He, of course, fell to the ground. "Feisty girl." Astrid looked up to see Damen turned around watching, shaking his head at her. Glancing at Caleb, who was now being held by the other two boys, he was mouthing something to her. But it was too late when she realized he was saying run. She backed up but it wasn't in time- Damen was at her, pinning her against the now-closed door, his lips parted and at his teeth skimmed her throat. This is what Caleb and his friends were trying to protect her from...