Beyond the Spirit

Cat and Mouse

---POV Lily---

“Come on, babe! Just this once!” Marí whined while she pinned some of her luscious chocolate locks to one side. “I mean, he is really…nice once you get to know him?”

I rolled my eyes, feeling the hesitation behind her tone and the cliché of those words all too deeply. Really nice.... I've heard that before. Every time I was...introduced to a proper romantic interest, according to those asinine elders, they were all really 'nice' but not one of them showed me respect. Not one of them made me feel remotely close to calm around them and all of them were selfish and cruel. “You don’t even believe that Marí.” I huffed absentmindedly.

“Trust me…I do.” She mumbled under her breath.

“What?” I called with the same interest as before. Barely any. I need to finish up this chapter before class starts tomorrow and little miss, I have a mate now, is completely distracting me.

“I do too, Lily!” My wolf howled.

I huffed, slamming my pen on the desk. Both of them are driving me crazy. “Why don’t you and Dalton go out and have some fun and let me finish studying?”

Marí mumbled something else under her breath that sounded like something around Dalton putting her up to something. If it had anything to do with his brother and I, then, yeah. This is a stupid plan. I don’t know what I want from him yet, and until I do, distance works just fine for me. “Why don’t you give the man a break?! Even you said that you were surprised by the honor he showed in the ring. I know there is no way you are comparing him to those doormats the elders keep throwing at you. But I have a feeling there is another that keeps making you feel this way towards anyone who isn't him.” I shot a glare her way and she shrugged it off. I don't like it when she throws my flashes of memory back into my face. “It may have been a bit corny, but I really don’t think he will have any ill will against you. That’s not fair to him.”

I winced as another memory of those boys fell through my mind. She isn't wrong, but from what I do remember of the boy with those shimmering eyes, I don't think there is a man alive that can meet the standards he unknowingly engrained in me. “Well, there are a lot of things that aren’t fair to him.” I mumbled.

“So! I knew you were still thinking about that kid we used to hang around with as children, but even without your mild amnesia, I don’t think you will remember him well enough. Even if he is right under your nose. Hell, I don’t remember them. You haven’t seen him in over a decade.” Marí called back. “Are you really going to ignore your mate bond over a boy you will never see again?” She continued to press, and it seemed like she really did know something I don’t know. I shook my head. There is no way she would hide something from me. We tell each other everything and if it wasn’t for her, half of my memories would still be a foggy puzzle I’m desperately trying to put together. All that aside, I still feel like there is something she isn't telling me.

I spun around in my chair irritably. “That is not it! And remember he was polite after he acted like an egotistical brat.” I grumbled. This wasn’t working. I think it’s time to just hit the library. I slipped on my black sweats and rolled up the waistline. The baggy pants were nicer, but that usually meant everything was bigger. I slipped a thin gray jacket over my shoulders and left the sports bra alone. Yeah, I live in them. So what?

“Where are you going?” She asked once I finally got on my vans.

“To the library.”

“You really aren’t going to come with us. This party is actually supposed to be fun, and you are already a buzz kill during the school year. We only have one more day. At least live a little now.” Her doe eyes started to lean towards me, and I threw my bag over my shoulder.

“Not this time.” I giggled lightly and headed for the door. I yanked it open while the guest of honor stood in the doorway with his hand raised to knock. “You guys…have fun.” I called over my shoulder and brushed past him.

What I didn’t expect was the electrifying touch that raddled through the seam of my jacket. “Can I talk to you?”

“Apparently, studying is no longer an option tonight, so…why not?” I huffed and gently pulled away. I don’t hate him per se, nor do I feel like I’m waiting on the boy I know I will never see again. I’m just…. He’s just not what I expected is all, and the alpha aura radiating off of him was so obvious it hurt. What am I supposed to do with an alpha as a mate when I’m one myself?!

He held out his hand once our eyes met again, locking me in place. “My name is James. Nice to meet you, formally.”

I raised a brow and nodded slowly. I stepped back and his hand dropped as he watched my, yet again, retreating form. “Nice to know. Now I know who to report if you two don’t get Marí home safe. See yah.”

And that was that. I turned on my heels, not allowing him to throw in a word edgewise. This is how it will be from now on. I cannot slip up. I may have promised mom I wouldn’t run away from my mate, but I never promised her I wouldn’t make it hard on him first. At least, until I get my hands wrapped around this, distance is a requirement.

----------

It’s been almost two weeks since Marí started to stick to Dalton like glue and, from that relationship, I’ve learned that steering clear from him was not going to be as easy as I thought. It did mean a lot of nights in the library though. School started and it wasn’t too bad, which was quite the relief, and Marí still makes time for us girls and that made it all the easier to accept my new role as the second most important person in her life. A role I will happily take if I can see the smile Dalton brings her, I may add.

“Alright! Today is the day you will learn from your upperclassmen! Not all of you have worked in this simulated terrain and it is important that you do not hurt yourself – or others – in the process.” Georgie called over the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshmen. Marí and I glanced at each other, sharing an eyeroll, before we turned our attention back to the professor.

I looked around us and the level of competition was dismal. It wasn’t like I am ungrateful about my sudden shift of ranking bloodlines, but I sometimes wish I was still a beta. “Well…that hurt.” My wolf huffed.

I grinned subtly. Nothing can get past her. At least, not anymore. Now she’s stronger, more alert, and ready with a clapback whenever the moment suits her. Worst of all, with all the training Marí and I completed as children, it seems like anything below an alpha was almost comical for competition. It made me too comfortable. I can't get lazy. “You know what I mean. The only one I can even spar with is Marí, and I thought it would be different when we got to college, but I guess I was wr–”

My thought was cut short as the smell of blueberries thrashed through my senses. Every time Marí would come back to our dorm after hanging out with Dalton, I would smell it. Every time Dalton picked her up, I would smell it. Every time he stayed in our room too long, yeah…I would smell it. It’s almost become a bad addiction I’ve slowly built an unbearable need for.

James and I's eyes locked immediately, and it seemed like they had just finished a speech that followed after whatever Georgie was talking about. Maybe I should learn to pay more attention…. Whoops? “So, you’re going to run again?” Marísol asked as my mind focused back on her, and my eyes finally dragged themselves away from his.

She bumped me with her hip, and I smirked and bumped her right back. “That’s irrelevant at this point. I wouldn’t have a head start.” I mocked and she giggled lightly. The clicking of tongues and increased disgust around me wasn’t subtle, but I didn’t care. As long as Marí and I were still tight, I wasn’t going to think too much of it.

Especially in our upper-level classes.

We didn’t want to be smarter than the average freshman, but we were, so we decided to test out of things we didn’t need. It would be a waste of time and it was too boring to even think that staying within our designated classes would have been a good idea. However, Marí and I tend to stick out in presence and intellect. Don’t even get me started on the fact that we now have lunch with Dalton every day. He seems pretty cool, and I have no qualms with him, but I really didn’t want to be lured into dating his brother because we happened to be mates. I’m…I’m still thinking? Ugh, even I don’t sound believable in my own mind. At least Dalton was gracious enough to keep the chatting about James to a minimum when he met up with us. I mean…I’ve got time. Right? Right.

“Hello, little minx. Hey Marísol.” There goes that husky voice again. Wait, little minx?

“Hey babe!” Dalton called, jogging around his brother.

Marí was wrapped in a hug – their normal greeting for each other – while I forced away the redness from my cheeks after James’s little…comment. “How about this? Stop fighting it. You promised your mom, and this is exactly the same as running away from him, Lily.”

I scoffed and rolled my eyes at my wolf's comment, forgetting I was in mixed company. Other supernatural don’t have the luxury of the internal monologuing werewolves that we have the pleasure of enjoying from time to time. I glanced around and my eyes were met with a few pixies and vampires turning their noses up at me. Well, I’m used to it. I carry the Rogue name and I either have people who hate me for it or, hate me later when I call out that they are groveling too much. Now I have people hating me because of him. What can I say? Word gets around fast when jealousy is involved.

Also, James is a senior here and a well-respected Alpha due to the whole, pulling himself up by his bootstraps thing. But the main point to all of this was, he was a senior and I was not. He was already an alpha, I was next in line. My family may outrank him outside of this school, but within these walls, the seniors’ word is law. I was nothing. So, rolling my eyes in front of him was a complete no-no.

“Please have these types of thoughts when I’m not surrounded by my whole class. Okay?” I mumbled toward my wolf. I’m sure in his eyes, I’m continuing my long exploration of how much I can irritate James. In his defense, ignoring him seemed to be the best tactic, but this time it gave me a full view of my friend getting nuzzled by Dalton.

Georgie cleared his throat and the class chuckled at the delay created by the brothers. “Now! I see that you all noticed the men here are upperclassmen of varying supernatural. This little exercise will prepare you to face your enemies regardless of who or what they may be with different types of specialties at your disposal. For example, James and Dalton are your wolves, Sam as your vampire, Rozzi as your Hybrid, and Talin as your pixie. They will be one group and provide great expertise on how to work as a team.”

“What about fairies?” One student called irritably.

Georgie chuckled. “Lucky for you they were not available for the hour.”

And now I’m bored again. At this point, James had reached his limit and stormed off back to the others. Dalton, however, stayed glued to his queen. “Hey Dalton?” I whispered his way.

“What’s up, Lil’?”

“Are you the only sophomore here?” I asked, looking at the authority the others posed compared to him. That had to be the case. Sophomores are still considered underclassmen, so there isn’t really a difference between the freshman and sophomore classes.

He smirked and nodded. “Of course, I am, but because I’m already a ranked member of my pack, I get upperclassmen privileges.”

“Dalton!” James bellowed and I felt a chill the moment Dalton stood a bit straighter and ran over to see his brother.

“Comin’!” He called. Marí huffed and her arms folded over her chest while she allowed James to boss Dalton around. Whether she likes it or not, Dalton is James’s beta, and she will have to deal, for now.

I stretched my neck, feeling the death stares coming my way. Especially from the she wolves. After word got around about who we were to the most eligible alphas in town, school got annoying. But now, all of that was confirmed with Marí and Dalton's little display of affection.

I’m still trying to figure out how they even got that title. It’s not like they are the only alphas on campus. Actually…now that I think about it. They are the only ones who actually run their pack before graduating. I wonder why that is. Hmmm…. “Lily!”

Sh*t! I pursed my lips and turned back in Georgie’s direction. “Yes, Geo – I mean professor?” I called back.

“Thanks for coming back to the land of the living. You will be the target.” Ugh. I guess it sucks that daydreaming seems to be my favorite pastime. I missed everything important!

“For what exactly?” I asked calmly, forcing myself not to let the unneeded audience get to me.

“A simple game of evade and defend. The upperclassmen will be one team and the freshmen will break out into three teams to try and apprehend the target. I chose you for such a task.”

The underlying smirk in his words were like a bullhorn to me. Oh, I’m so going to get him for this! “Good to know you still have jokes Georgie.” I growled through the link.

A grin formed on his lips, and he chuckled lightly, causing confusion to the others. It’s not like they knew he was my bodyguard as a child, so I’m sure our mind link was not expected. “He’s totally baiting you.” Marí added with a giggle, and I rolled my eyes at that truth.

I know he is.

I leaned on one leg and folded my arms. “And what happens if I cannot be caught?” I hummed, playing into his game.

“Well! Someone is a bit cocky! They are the representatives from the upperclassmen for a reason. They don’t lose. Especially to some entitled freshman like you. And who are you to think the rest of us are chopped liver?!” I heard the same whining voice as before, but I couldn’t place where I had heard it before.

I stared at her for a moment while her smug face grew. “And…you are?” I asked calmly.

I could hear people holding in their laughter, but honestly, I don’t know who she is and I’m not going to allow her to disrespect me no matter who she thinks she is. “Bimbo from the cafeteria.” Marí clarified, but subtly was not her forte.

“Bimbo?! Excuse me?!” She shrieked.

“Oh, come on, Grace. Aren’t you supposed to be a sophomore? I’m sure you can do better than allow freshmen to bug you.” Dalton called out mockingly, and I could see the steam coming from that girl’s ears.

She was about to continue, but another aura shifted the conversation to its source. “Enough!” James bellowed. “We are in class, start acting like it!” He shouted and the group fell completely silent. Only when he thought he had everyone’s attention did he continue. “Now, be aware freshmen! She has a right to be just as cocky as she sounds. She is a…slippery one, to say the least, and a good practice for all of you. It’s almost as if she has mastered every art of fighting our world has. It’s best you humble yourself and learn from her.” His eyes darted to Grace’s and I could see the menace behind his stare.

My wolf purred at the protection he showed against us but to be honest, it wasn’t protection. It was the truth. He was right, but I won’t give him the satisfaction. That wouldn’t be any fun. However, the fact that he figured that out in one fight is quite impressive in itself. Georgie cleared his throat. “He is actually correct in his assessment and that is why I chose her. I want to gage everyone off of the one person who can pretty much read you like a book, regardless of your species.”

“Yeah right.” Grace mumbled.

I cannot wait to put her on her ass. “Good luck everyone and be aware! She does not have to be on her paws to disappear.” Georgie called, ignoring the pouting child.

What kind of clue was that? “You are making me do your work for you aren’t you?” I added through the link, and he purposefully ignored me too! Rude!

Fine. If he wants to play this game, I’m more than happy to oblige. “You better kick ass girl! But…you know I will find you.”

I let my eyes darken as I smiled ruefully at my bestie. “Yes, but again, you will have to beat me first.” Her smile darkened as well once her spirits took on the challenge.

“You get five minutes to strategize and find a comfortable spot. The rest of you will have two hours to find and apprehend the target.” Georgie called.

“Yeah, I know how it works. I’ll see y’all when the time runs out.” I waved to the brooding children and bolted into the expansive combat structure. Some days it even doubled or tripled as a massive obstacle and hunting course. I knew there was a dense forest in the back with tall enough trees that I could easily take the high ground. But, I also knew there were fairies and pixies within the group, so I needed to stay vigilant. If they use their powers correctly, the high ground could also be a detriment.

I could feel his eyes on me even though I was at least three miles away now, but I needed to focus. I needed to search for the right strategy with minimal information and that would probably be my downfall. All I know for now is the upperclassmen won’t make this easy.