Gem

Eye Opening

I open my eyes to see that it is morning. I feel a heavy arm around me and I know it’s Ryder. As selfish as it is I feel conflicted.. Why was I so comfortable around Ares? It made me confused.. Maybe Angel just doesn’t see him as a threat. Not that it’s a bad thing. I’ve just always heard not so good things with his pack. Onyx. Them being deadly fighters. Not ones to be around other packs willingly and hold grudges for decades at a time.. Being so mysterious.. I guess I can say the same for Ares. He’s quite mysterious and hardly talked about himself. What was his actual gain? I guess I’ll be doing some pack researching once I get to school. They’re library is filled with ancient books. As for now I did tell Ryder we would give this a chance. I meant it. I’ve been skeptical but him coming to my room last night after everything really changed course for me especially when Angel was trying to take over.. I have never experienced her behavior like that.

It was strange and hard to hold back for a moment. The tingling sensation from just simply pulling him into my room to not wake my parents were pretty strong.. As his birthday inches closer I can feel our bond igniting.. It’s like I was no longer in control a few times and I had to pull it together or something probably would have happened without my consent. I can’t deny he is incredibly comfortable and his scent. Nothing better than hot fudge and fresh strawberries. It’s invaded my space since the first time I smelt it the day we got ice cream. His large arm holding me in place was nice but I really need to get up and use the bathroom.. I wiggle and his body starts to move. “Uhh what’s wrong?” He asks groggily moving his arm to rub his eye. “Sorry just need to p.ee real bad.” I say getting up and walking to my bathroom. I use it and wash up for the day. I come out of the bathroom and Ryder is still sleeping.. I go into my closet and get dressed. I put on a pair of jean shorts and a tank top with sandals. I walk out and go to my mirror to fix my hair. I brush it out and then throw it in a messy bun. I add light make up and get up. “You can’t sleep all day! Let’s get a move on! I have to talk to the girls. I haven’t seen them since last night!” I shout at him walking over to my bed and rip the blanket off of him. The second I did that he grabs me and throws me onto the bed.

“Ahh!” I scream super loud landing face first into my pillow. He is laughing so hard and I lift my head to glare at him then start to laugh uncontrollably. My door swings open almost flying off the hinges as my father barges in shouting “Hazel are you okay?!” He shouted his eyes bright green like his wolf. I immediately turn bright red and Ryder is up on his feet within seconds standing far from me. “G.. Good morning sir. I uh.. I can explain.” Ryder says to my father running his hand through his hair. His wolf Reed is protective of his family. My mother walks in and soothes my father then looks over to us. “You scared us half to death Hazel. We thought someone was attacking you! We understand how strong the bond becomes that it is hard to stay away from each other but a heads up would be nice.” Mother says with a light smile at the end. My parents look at each other then start laughing which causes me to laugh. Ryder doesn’t know what to make of it. “So your not going to kill me?” He says jokingly. “No son. Just making sure my baby girl is safe. Now I know she is. You kids have a good day now.” He says gathering himself and taking mothers hand as they leave my room closing the door.. Ryder and I just glance at each other.

“That’s never happened to me before..” Ryder says and I instantly roll my eyes at him.. “Oh I’m sure it hasn’t.” I say walking towards my door. That insensitive mother fuc.. He pulls me out of my thoughts as I’m being pulled back into his arms. My head comfortably against his chest. Engulfed by his scent. “I’m sorry. Force of habit I am trying to work on it.. it’s only been almost a week of this so it’s new to me but I will try harder. I promise.” He says and I look up to see his brown eyes gazing down at me. We stay like this a few seconds before I push out of his hold. “We really need to get going. I forgive you. Shall we go?” I ask him with my hand out for him to grab. He takes it and we head down to the pack floor. I’m going to make the effort if he will. It’s only fair. Besides it’s becoming harder and harder to stay away.. I can feel Angel excited for his birthday. Whenever he mentions it I get a wave of warmth filling my heart. Just a few more days. I will go to the Academy, set up my belongings this week, come back for the weekend and celebrate his birthday and we all leave that following week for classes. The perfect plan I smile to myself.

“You okay there?” Ryder chuckles looking down at me. “Yeah I was just thinking.” I say to him smiling goofy. He laughs again and holds me close as the elevator doors open to the pack floor. “Are you ready for this?” He asks me. “I have nothing to worry about do I?” I stop and raise my eyebrow looking into his eyes. “No buttercup you don’t.” He says leaning down and kissing my forehead. I just smile feeing the tingles he brings me and take his hand. Of course we get all the looks and I get a few glares from other she-wolves that I send right back. I have never been one to be weak. Everyone knows that. We stroll happily into the dinning hall and Karsons eyes are immediately on Ryders hand holding mine. We start to pass the buffet and Ryder leans down into my ear letting me know he’s going to get us breakfast. I smile looking at his face and kiss his cheek. He smiles from ear to ear. I turn back facing Karsons stare watching me as I keep my head up walking to our table.

“Hey guys, uh where’s Stass?” I ask Karson and Blake. “She is still sleeping. Apparently after I brought her home last night she snuck out to be with her Romeo for a while and didn’t return until sun up.” He says and he sounds a little annoyed. “Oh.. How was your night? I heard you danced with Raquel for a while?” I say and I see a change in his eyes. Must be his wolf. That can only mean.. ‘Is she your mate?’ I ask through mind-link seeing if he makes any movements. I always forget he has a wolf. He’s a whole two years older than us so duh Hazel of course he has his wolf. He’s just always training or what not. When he first turned eighteen I was sixteen so it’s not like he paid us girls very much attention but I would catch his stares checking me out occasionally. I did have a crush. Crushes are harmless! Not like I sleep with all of them or anyone for that matter. His eyes meet mine smiling and I know he heard it. ‘I didn’t know we could mind-link!’ He reply’s and the corner of my lip curls into a mischief smile.“What am I missing?” Karson speaks and I forgot he has no idea. “Nothing at all. Our conversation yesterday that’s all.” I say looking over to Karson. ‘Don’t say any word of it. Not even to Stass. Let’s keep it between us for now. An advantage if you will.’ I say to him and he smiles eating his food again.

Ryder finally walks over with a tray of different things. “Sorry buttercup I had to go get your donut in the high rank dining area. They ran out over here.” He says smiling at me handing me my donut. “You didn’t have to do that. But I really appreciate it.” I say to him before taking a big bite. ‘Slow down or you’ll choke.’ Blake says and I almost do choke. I spit out the donut and start coughing I grab my chocolate milk taking sips and throwing death stares at Blake who is trying to hide his laughter. Ryder is rubbing my back asking me if I’m okay. I simply nod still drinking my drink. ‘I can’t believe you. You jerk.’ I say and he instantly replied with ‘Now you know how it feels.’ He says and we both laugh out loud. “Are you guys okay?” Ryder asks confused. “I’ve been wanting to know the same thing.” Karson adds tapping on the table. “Will you two just lighten up. We’ve had inside jokes for years. Besides since when are you two not having discussions.. Can we please just eat and go on with our day like normal?” I ask them. “Your right buttercup. I am sorry.” Ryder says to me and Karson is speechless..

We all continue to eat in awkward silence. Ryder keeps his hand on my thigh most of the time and it is a nice feeling.. I never thought I would be saying that.. But most good things come to an end right? None other than the slut.tiest she-wolf there is coming straight for our table.. Elena Desmond.. She is beautiful I will give her that. Bright red hair and blue eyes. Porcelain skin. Everything else about her is a disaster though. Always tearing down woman even with her parents being trusted warriors of the pack she doesn’t come anywhere close to their credibility. She shamelessly leans in between Blake and Karson giving Ryder a nice view of her breast.. I don’t say anything I just simply watch. This is his time to prove to me he has changed. I can feel his hesitation as his hand is still on my thigh. To say I am annoyed is an understatement. Glancing around our table to see Ryder not paying attention to either of us woman and the other two Karson and Blake watching my next move. I push Ryders hand off my thigh and he snaps his head towards me. I give him a look.

“My Elena did you get a boob job? Wow they are remarkable. Huh guys? I’m sure these fellas would love a little more of a preview. Why not bend all the way over? You are use to that now aren’t you? If you all will excuse me I have a session with Callum. Hopefully he hasn’t warmed up yet!” I say not giving a da.mn I’m done being made a fool here. Ryder jumps right onto his feet pulling my hand back. Instant tingles run up and through my body. “Hazel.” He says looking down at me. I put my hand up. “Not now. You have other obligations. Thanks for breakfast. I will make sure to go throw up. Blake you want to walk with me?” I ask and Blake nods standing up. I pull my hand out of Ryders and walk away almost in tears. Stupid mate bond. He has no idea and I shouldn’t put that on him but he could restrain himself a bit better. Out of respect to me at least.. Blake and I walk away. He puts his arm around my shoulder like the great guy he is not giving a sh.it if Ryder cares or not. I take a glance back stupidly to see if he did and to my disappointment he wasn’t. Him and Karson talking to Elena. As we almost reach the door way I turn my head one last time in their direction we shared eye contact for a split second.