Beyond the Spirit

...Not What I Expected

---POV Lily---

Marí and I started to clash as our bodies continued the routines we have practiced since we were old enough to get in the ring. Eight or nine, I think. At least that’s what they told me, but it was pretty easy to put two and two together when I trained as hard as I did over the years, and it came just as easy as breathing. My wolf kept whimpering and she almost made me miss a swift shot by my bestie. Almost. “Oh, look at you. You really are distracted today.”

I groaned irritably. “I know, I know. My wolf is driving me crazy!” I whined as we started to square up again. It was almost as if her paws were digging a trench in my mind! Once I gained my new wolf, she never really pushed at me for anything. She gave me much more strength than I had before and told me it was important that I trained to be able to handle the change, but she really tended to be on the quieter side. She didn’t like to impose on my life much. I liked it that way and so did she. However, it feels completely different now. Like an unrelenting pull from hell! She’s driving me nuts!

I shook off my annoying distractions and tried to stay focused on Marí already calculating her next move. I leaned over, not realizing I was going to bump into someone. Without thinking, I ended up on the other side of the ring next to Marí in a breath of a second. I do not like getting snuck up on. “Damn. That was fast.” The hype man said from behind the wall of muscle currently in our light.

“Lily….” My wolf howled again. I shot my attention to the remainder of the group, pulling my focus away from tall, brooting, and handsome. It didn’t last long though. My eyes were back on the center of attention in front of us as his cool silver eyes pierced mine. Silver? That’s a strange color. I glanced back at Marí, and she looked beyond annoyed. Great. I’m glad we are on the same page.

“Hush.” I growled to my wolf. “I got this.”

“No, but –” She started, and I closed her out.

The man furrowed his brow before folding his arms over his chest. “Interesting.” He said. What? Is he surprised that I’m not fawning over him like the others. “Did you not hear me, woman? Did you not hear when I asked the two of you why you are here?”

“What?” I growled.

“I do find it interesting that you two thought it was appropriate to ignore your seniors.” Sh*t. He’s a senior?!

“Well, that explains why he’s so huge, but we worked so hard to ignore him.” Marí whined through our link.

I shook my head and tried to focus on the situation at hand and not the delicious entrée in front of me. He may be nice on the eyes as his tattoos pulsed on his arms, but the man was starting to act like an awful rendition of Tarzan. It was getting on my nerves. However, it wasn’t lost on me that I was at a loss for words. It was like my mouth wouldn’t work with my brain right now.

“Excuse me?! Did you not see that we worked really hard to ignore you. I find it interesting how you think it is appropriate to butt in where you don’t belong, man.” At a girl Marísol! She is my best friend for many reasons and her way of slapping people without lifting a finger is definitely one of them.

I smirked and straightened my stance, realizing this had to be the reason why my wolf was so agitated. My wolf doesn’t like to be challenged, especially by two guys that think they can overrule us just because we have breasts, and they don’t. Ha! Sucks for them! “It’s okay Marí. It seems like they need the practice more than we do.”

Her grin darkened as she turned to me with just as much mischief as I hoped I was expressing. “Oh really? And how would you know that?” She asked…innocently.

“I don’t have time for this.” The loud man grumbled.

He huffed and threw his bag into the corner of the mat and we both didn’t flinch at his little outburst. I don’t know who pissed him off today, but it wasn’t our problem, and I don’t really appreciate his tone! “You know, I was trying to be nice, but I guess manners don’t work on the neandertal. Now, I would appreciate it if you would let us finish our training since, you know, we got here first. Then you are more than welcome to flaunt your man muscles to all the drooling females. I know this might be new to you, but we won’t submit to you just because you’re our senior.” I called, noticing the crowd of women appearing out of nowhere.

Then a scent hit me. It was like sweet blueberries and a field on a crisp spring morning…so peaceful, but rudely interrupted by the overwhelming odor of perfume now wafting from downwind. I wiggled my nose and huffed irritably, causing a reaction to appear on his face. Was that curiosity? Familiarity? Once he noticed I was staring, he quickly shifted his demeanor and barred his teeth at me.

He literally just barred his teeth…at me?!

I hunched over, sending the same challenge his way and he raised a brow as an annoying smirk started to form. “You surprise me once again. You will not back down?” He called.

I felt my rage increase while Marísol scoffed. “I’ll leave you to it then.” She waved to me with no worry in her voice and hopped out of the ring, grabbing her water along the way.

The man hummed, sending shivers down my spine while he pulled my attention back to him. “You will not run?” Well least he wasn’t calling me woman anymore, like we were in the year 200. But the patronizing…. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Well, apparently you will not leave, so, we are at odds here, aren’t we?”

He chuckled lightly and shooed away his little posse. “Boys are stupid. He should leave with the rest of them if he knew what was good for him.” Marí said with a sigh, and I don’t disagree.

“This will be quick.” The man added, digging an even bigger grave for himself to fall in later.

I took in a deep breath and raised my body from my initial stance. He wasn’t a threat, and I wasn’t going to give into anger. I’ll just taunt him a bit. This will be quick. Auntie Res always taught me it is important not to give into rage. It gives the opponent the upper hand. I’m not stupid. He is much bigger than me and I can smell he is a werewolf, so I have to take this man seriously and make sure I address the solution accordingly.

I stretched my arms above my head and kept my eyes on my prey. “Oh, I wouldn’t want anything less.” The whole room was stunned to silence, even the cheer squad that does not need to be here. I relished in the glances of awe still leaning our way. I do enjoy a good teachable moment.

I heard a huff from my ‘opponent’ as he charged my way. I took the time to backflip and land gently on one of the poles holding the ropes around our place of challenge, nice and taunt. “What the–” He turned around to see me poised and unphased. “What kind of fighting is this?” He asked curiously, but the angered undertone was prominent even through his clenched teeth.

At this point, Marí took the opportunity to laugh lightly as he lunged, and I dodged again. “You seriously don’t know who she is?” She asked as his anger continued to increase and his eyes started to shift from silver to green.

“Shut it!” He called to my cheer squad while he tried his best to maintain focus.

That did it.

Her growl echoed throughout the training facility as the room turned from inquisitive to fearful. “Do not talk down to the Head of the Hybrids you little mutt!” She bellowed when she finally reached her limit. Great, now her wolf was in control.

He stared at her dumbfounded, completely taking his eyes off his opponent, and I couldn’t resist the opening. Her distraction and my gymnastics training came in handy as I jumped onto his shoulders and slammed his large frame into the mat. I pinned down his arm and torso with ease, making it impossible to break free without breaking his arm. “I should tell you power tends to walk together. I guess, since the cat is out of the bag, you should know who I am.”

“Let me up!” He grumbled, unwilling to tap out.

“I am the next Western Head Alpha of the Rogue Empire.” I hummed calmly with an icy undertone. “Now, yield.” I growled lowly.

He chuckled softly. “Interesting.” He said as he slowly stopped struggling. “I yield. Let go.” He stated, tapping the mat lightly.

To be honest, I was expecting him to start whining like all the other guys who fought – and lost – to me, but he actually seemed sincere. He…respected and knew when he was beaten. It was…different. Smart guy.

I slowly let go, careful not to aggravate anything. I proved my point. I’m not going to recklessly hurt him more for no reason. I pulled myself off the floor and walked over to the end of the ring, slipping out of the ropes. “Good to know the rumors aren’t just talk.” He called from behind me.

I raised a brow. “Depends on who’s talking.” I turned to Marí and stretched a bit. “I think it’s time for lunch. You hungry, Marí?”

She finally regained control and nodded. “You know I’m down after a good ass-whooping like that!”

I smiled, letting my nose wrinkle just a bit before grabbing our bags and tossing hers towards her outstretched hand. She caught it with ease, like I knew she would. “Let’s go, oh great Hybrid Queen.” I laughed lightly, mocking her little announcement and she pushed into me.

“Hey, just because royalty is abolished doesn’t mean the bloodline is.” Her justification…priceless. Well, I say we have done some great work today. It’s not even three and we have showed up some juice heads and got in a good training session. He was a good sparring partner. I will give him that much. Funny enough, I don’t see what my brother was so worried about. I see this transition from high school to college going very well.

Marí and I sauntered to the large exit doors at the far end of the gym, but I knew my level of childishness could not leave it where I did. It just wouldn’t be…me. I turned to look over my shoulder at the men, just as stunned as the audience around them. “You can have the mat. I’m assuming you need the practice.”

I waved off to them and watched the door close behind us. “You, my friend…are ruthless.”

Ruthless or tired…. However, you want to call it, I don’t care. I will not be anyone’s door mat. I was not raised that way.

---POV James---

Usually I ignore rumors, but this one really piqued my interest. I knew who they were. Everyone knew who they were. The way they acted…it was obvious they are the pair that guy was talking about in the dorms. I can’t even say that strength is the only reason why they are so 'strong'. They seemed intelligent and cunning to boot. They know how to fight, and they have no problem standing up for themselves. It really isn't all talk. The minute the door closed behind them, I smirked. They really are quite the pair.

I am a bit irritated that I ended up being the butt-end of the joke, though, but it was worth the test. “You should have gotten her name!” My wolf huffed. What has got him so agitated all of a sudden? I even lost my temper in front of the ladies because of his bantering.

“Not important.”

“The other girls you have messed around with aren’t important, but her…. I feel like we should know her. I want to know her.” He howled.

I was about to respond when Dalton's voice rang through the gym. “They are hot as hell!” His arm came and rested over my shoulder. “It looks like my guy actually had some good intel, huh? I even think we’ve –”

I raised my hand, cutting him off, and went to grab my bag. Know her…? How would we know her when I just barely figured out myself shortly after entering Walray four years ago. “Ha! Don’t tell me your mad because you lost James.” Ugh. I know that voice. I’m not in the mood, my wolf is stirring again and that never leads to anything good. Including getting my ass handed to me not even a minute ago. I turned slowly to the sniveling vampire who never missed the opportunity to provide me an opportunity to kick his ass. “Maybe he’s not as strong as we thought.” He called out a little louder, trying to get support from the equally stunned audience.

At least they know how to make an exit.

I took a swig from my bottle then turned my attention to him, waving my arm his way. “Would you like a reminder?” I growled lowly.

“Of course. Like she said, I’m sure you will need the practice.”

“When she said it, it was cute, but this guy will be in the hospital before lunch.” My wolf growled.

“I don’t disagree, but…cute?” I asked.

“Yes, don’t you feel it too? The pull towards her. It’s familiar, but there is also something different. I can’t put my paw on it.” He mumbled, getting lost in thought.

“Well, you continue to think about that, I got a vampire to squish.”

“Have fun!” He yipped and closed the link while I let my…training begin.

The laughter heard from the people around me was annoying. Even my brother’s. “Man, you put him out. I don’t think he is going to make his first day of classes.” Dalton said.

“I’m sure his ego wouldn’t let that busted-up face see the light of day.” Sam added.

“There it is again.” My wolf howled happily once we made it into the café. Oh, they were serving steak today. Nice. “No, not that.” He grumbled.

I sniffed the air again and that pleasant smell hit me again. It wasn’t that nauseating aroma of perfume. No…this was different. It was like fennel and honey with a subtle undertone of…lilies? Why was it so…? I turned to see the two girls from earlier and, surprisingly enough, the one I had fought was staring right back at me. “You good, Lil’?” The curly-haired one asked, waving her hand around...Lil's face. That was all I knew about the friend. My eyes were too distracted by the other beauty sitting next to her.

Long dirty blonde hair, vibrant hazel eyes. Alluring and dangerously kissable pink lips and, let’s not forget, she may be petite in nature, but she had legs for days. As she and I locked eyes, the situation became quite apparent. When I walked up to her, she leaned back a bit as if that would give her more leeway to run. “Sh*t.” She mumbled under her breath.

“I would like to apologize for today. I have no excuse for my actions.” Other than my wolf, but I will not give these two anymore fuel. “However, it was a great fight.” I held out my hand for her to shake, but she froze as I watched the gears continue to turn faster and faster in her head. I was being serious. What’s with the hesitation?

“Why does she want to run from us?” My wolf huffed while a flash of a memory ran through my mind. The memory of a little girl squealing and laughing as she ran away from my brother and I. The same girl with the braided pigtails.

“Mate!”

“Mine!”

Speaking of brother.... I turned to see Dalton wrapping his arms around Lil's friend and their eyes were glued to each other. The minute I turned to confirm it was them, Lil ran. Are you joking right now? She actually ran?! “Wait!” I called.

“Oh no…. What did I do?” The curly-haired girl called with the upmost regret in her voice.

“It’s okay, Marí. Go after her. I won’t be mad.” Dalton chuckled lightly. “I don’t think my brother will either.”

“But, wait…bro? Wait…Dalton?” She shared the same shocking response, as all do, but hers seemed different. Dalton's eyes widened while a mischievous grin graced his lips.

“What’s wrong with him?” Sam asked and I shook my head as Dalton mumbled something in her ear. She ended up with the same grin as him and at that moment, I knew they were perfect for each other.

Sometimes I wonder if all the memories I got back were real. If Dalton was messing with me. I mean we do look the same. I may have a bit more muscle than him, but we both have short black hair and tanned skin. He has blue eyes while mine are like a weird grey color, and we are pretty much the same height. He said I got my eye color from our father who died shortly after I woke up. But our actions…they are like night and day. He always seems to have a joke up his sleeve, while I’ve been called stoic and aloof by the best of them.

Never mind. I don’t have time for this! I started off after my mate and another noise shrieked from behind me. “Eeeekkkkk!! James! Where are you going?”

My mate froze at the doorway, and she sniffed the air as if confirming her suspicions that I had already made clear for myself. I wanted to go after her but, all of a sudden, the source of the shrieking noise latched itself on my arm. Ugh. “Nice to finally get reacquainted. It was so boring staying behind in summer school without you.”

“Oh, for goddess sake. She’s trying to lay claim.” My wolf groaned. “Why now?!” He added. I was aware of her nonsense, and I agreed that she had horrible timing, but there was one problem with her ridiculous idea.

I looked down at her feeling my emotions darken. “Who are you exactly?”

The eyes on us started laughing off the girl with, now steaming red cheeks, as she ran off to goddess knows where. Don’t care, either. “Lily!” Marí called out to her friend, running after her. The intensity radiating off of my ma – I mean Lily – was fading, but it was being replaced with acceptance and…sadness?

What was she sad about? Her hands balled into fists, and she pushed her way out of the cafeteria, but unlike last time, she didn’t grace us with another perfect afterthought that my wolf thought was cute. Marí froze as the door closed in front of her, but in the same second, turned on her heels and raced up to Dalton. “Oh, I messed up!” She shouted and Dalton went to her side immediately.

“You didn’t mess up. It’ll be fine. She’s probably just annoyed about James is all.”

“James?” She asked while we finally took a seat where Marí and Lily were before we apparently rudely interrupted. Again, there was that undertone that she knew something I didn’t.

“Yeah, brother remember?” Dalton smirked with that same feeling to his words as hers. What are these two planning? I nodded my head in her direction and she looked between the two of us.

“I still don’t believe it. You two really are different. Let me guess, you’re the older one?” She asked, nodding to me.

I shrugged. “You would be right.”

“Figures.” She grumbled.

“Now it’s my turn to ask some questions.” I growled back.

“I’m sure you have plenty.” She added with a giggle, and Dalton sighed longingly at the sound while a goofy grin rolled on his face.

Me, on the other hand, I shook my head and the sigh from my lips was harsh and impatient. I want her to talk to me. I want these random memories to stop flashing in my mind as if they are taunting me that I’d forgotten something important. Plenty of questions…. Ha! If only she knew.