There, sprawled out on the lavishing couch was a heavenly sight.

Drew was hovering over Dana, spreading kisses on her neck, while she moaned and rubbed herself all over Drew’s lower body. I grimaced, before tears pooled my eyes and I wished they would retract. I wouldn’t let Drew see me so weak. He’d enjoy making me suffer. The damn bipolar jerk. His behavior wasn’t even close to what was appropriate of an alpha, but I guess it was reasonable. He was a guy, a werewolf guy nonetheless. Of course they were going to be horny dogs. But the fact that here he was, screwing over the slut of the pack, when he’d already found a mate, made my wolf howl in agony. 

I just walked away from them-barely acknowledging the dry humping they were doing-and headed off towards the kitchen.

After making a quick snack for the others, I retreated to Sammy’s room to check on him. He was, as expected, playing with his toys.

“Aribear!” he yelled, throwing his arms around me.

“Hey little man,” I chuckled, running my hand through his soft honey colored locks. 

“Aribear why you crying?” he whispered, pointing at my face that was still drenched in tears.

“Oh nothing sweetheart. Now tell me, what did you do at school today?” 

His eyes gleamed with happiness. 

“Ari, today a girl was being picked on, and I helped her and told everyone to leave her alone!” he huffed proudly. I ruffled his hair again before smiling at him.

“That’s my little hero,” I laughed.

The sound of deep chuckling flooded my ears as I shot up straight. I turned around, finding Drew standing there. I stood in front of Sam protectively, shielding him from any abuse he might see.

Drew looked pained and hurt for a moment before he covered it off with his usual smirk. I frowned, backing up slowly, while making Sammy follow closely behind me. We walked backwards, bit by bit, till I made sure he was a safe distance from Drew.

“Hey Sam, I bought you a cool new bike! Want me to show it to you?” Drew crouched down, outstretching his hand. I gripped Sam’s arm firmly yet soft. I didn’t trust my voice at the moment to say no, so I just went with holding Sam back. 

Drew studied me a moment before sighing.

“Your sister can come too,” he smiled at Sammy.

“Come on, Ari can we go, pretty please?” Sam whined, making me smile.

“Okay, but you have to finish your homework too buddy!” I playfully scolded him. He nodded before running past Drew. I looked at Drew again, almost getting caught up in his icy blue grey eyes. I shook my head of those thoughts and followed after Sam.

We walked towards the garage, with Sammy running in front of me, while I took quick and quiet steps behind him. I felt Drew’s presence right behind me. So close, in fact, that I could feel his body heat sparking with my own, making me shiver. 

I scowled, clenching my fists at my side. I didn’t like his effect on me. I didn’t want this. Any of this. It was all a mistake by the Gods! Why on earth would I be compatible with this walking, talking human devil?

My wolf growled softly, probably upset that I insulted our mate. But too bad, he didn’t deserve any of my kind words. 

Arriving to the garage, I opened it up to find a brand new bike. It was a shiny blue with silver and grey streaks spiraling around the body. Sam’s eyes lit up at the sight of it. He ran over to the bike, completely engrossed by it.

“Y-you didn’t have to buy this,” I mumbled to Drew.

“Of course I did,” he faced me, smiling a smile that made my stomach flutter. I looked away from him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Sam, let’s go upstairs,” I said curtly. The sooner I got out of the 5 foot radius around Drew, the better I would be.

Sam whined about, but finally gave in, letting me drag him to his room.

I sighed, collapsing onto his bed while Sammy sat beside me with his homework, as I went through my usual routine of helping him. Soon, I got myself lost in the alphabet jumble that was Sam’s so called homework.

**********

The night sky shone brightly. The stars were dim, illuminating a soft glow around the forest. It almost beckoned me, luring me into its grasp. Oh how I wanted to let my wolf out and relax. 

Just 5 minutes, I thought to myself. I jumped off the windowsill, and ran downstairs as quietly as I could. Once reaching downstairs, I bolted for the forest Laying my clothes in a nearby tree stump, I beckoned my wolf. Soon, the familiar feeling of paws on the soft dirt floor encompassed me.

I trotted lazily over to the small pond in the forest. The moon’s reflection was clear as day in the shimmering water. I studied my reflection: soft white/gray fur matching with my brownish-gray eyes. My ears lazily flat against my head, and my posture relaxed and comfy. 

The sound of rustling interrupted me from my reverie. I looked back to see the huge wolf of Zane, a close friend of Alpha Drew’s. He wasn’t as bad as the others. Never had he physically or mentally hurt me, however, he didn’t ever stand up for me, which was why I avoided them all.

“W-what are you doing here?” I said through mindlink, submitting towards him with my head down.

“I have a proposition for you,” he smirked at me-well, as much as a smirk would look like on a wolf. Running behind a tree, he shifted and emerged fully clothed. I mirrored him, and we both moved towards the edge of the lake, overlooking the horizon. I decided to speak up again.

“What d-do you mean?” I stuttered confused.

“I know that you and Drew are mates, but him being the dick he is, won’t let go of his player ways so...” he trailed off, looking at me expectantly. I gasped, looking shocked that he’d known. He gave me an understanding smile back, which assured me somewhat.

“So...?” I questioned back, utterly confused.

“So, we both have a fake relationship. It’s simple: you and I act all lovey dovey. Some hugs and kisses here and there, and he’ll be putty in your hands,” he grinned.

“But why? I mean, why would you help me?” I stated, looking down at my hands in shame.

“Because I’m tired of everyone treating you badly, and I’m tired of Drew’s selfish player ways. Unlike him, I’m waiting for my mate like a gentlemen, while he’s off screwing girls left and right. Now I know you might be surprised on why I hang out with a guy like him, but it’s not that complicated. On other terms, we’re like brothers, but when it comes to girls, I have decency, while Drew, well...you catch my drift,” he shrugged.

“B-but...”

“No buts Arianna. Please! If not for yourself, do it for all the girls Drew hurts by having one night stands! One of those girls could be a loving mate, tricked by Drew’s selfish ways. Sometimes I’m afraid that it might be my mate one day. I would not hesitate to kick his ass if that ever happened. And besides, I’ve always looked at you like a sister, with Ethan and I being close as kids. He was my mentor on how to be popular, until I met Drew, and he took me under his wing. But it was your brother that taught me to be a good guy, and not a horny wolf. That’s why I feel like it’s my job to help you get Drew on track. So please, Ari, do this for me?” he was using the ultimate weakness: puppy dog eyes. 

“Alright!” I huffed, giving into his cute little face. He grinned like a maniac at my giving in. 

We walked back together, and I found myself strangely at peace with the strange boy next to me. Sadly, my life just didn’t always work that way.