Cass's POV
Happiness. That's what described my mood. I was happy to be in Disney World with my family. It was one of my favorite places we went on vacation. Even if it was a little hot most days. That's what the pool is for in the afternoons! There was always something interesting going on and I never got bored. Even though some of the rides were a little on the easy going side, I enjoyed them. I enjoyed the history of the company as well. I guess I just like history in general, but that's not really important right now. Right now, I'm standing in a ride line with my folks listening to my chatty mother talk about the rest of our plans for the day. I pretty much ignored most of what she was saying until she started talking about food. I love food. All food.
We were currently standing in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean when I got a wiff of the most amazing colgne I'd ever smelled.
Holy shit it smelled amazing! It was like a colgne with hints of musky cedarwood and maybe bergamot. Maybe. Earthy. God it smelled good. The creeper side of me wanted to know what it was so I could buy some and spray it on my pillow!
I caught myself looking around, and stopped before someone saw me being a total creeper. Not that many would notice me and a whopping 5'6.
I guess that's tall for someone that is sixteen years old. I don't know. I wouldn't mind being a little taller though.
I decided to ignore the amazing smell. There was no telling who it belonged to. My dad always said that I have the nose of a blood hound. The last thing I want is to go sniffing around and find out the amazing smell belonged to some old dude. That would definitely put a damper on things.
My mom, Janine Miller, was droning on about where we should go after we got through with this ride. I loved my mom, but god she talked a lot. She was a kind person though, and everyone liked her. Mom had the gift of gab. I didn't take after my mom much, except for my thick chocolate brown locks. She had green eyes. I had blue like my dad. She was short but slender, and had a stellar fashion sense. Not me. I was the Queen of Comfort.
My dad on the other hand was the King of Practicality. Seriously. He was a retired Navy Seal. Everything was a calculated mission, from our daily schedule down to how to plan a quick exit from a restaurant we were eating at. Dad was tall, fit, salt and pepper thinning hair, and quiet.
He decided it would be his life's mission to make sure I was prepared for anything that came my way. He made me start taking tae kwon do at a young age, and that was only the beginning.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. The kicking and punching random objects and people. Plus, I liked making my dad proud.
Dad was standing listening to mom talk like always. She talked. He listened.
The line took a turn, and the fans blowing on the hot bystanders sent the breeze in my direction again.
The same colgne hit me like a ton of bricks.
I took a long deep breath and let it completely engross my senses. I felt a knot forming in my chest. My instincts told me to turn around toward the scent. It's all that i could think about.
Find the source. Find the source. Find the source.
That's all I could hear in my mind.
I heard the voice of a guy. Rich and deep. Damn sexy.
I turned around to find nothing. Just the crowd.
Frustration took over me. I wanted to find that voice - that scent.
It flustered me in a way I had never experienced. I even felt a tingle between my legs that very few boys had ever made me feel. This was even more intense though. I haven't even seen the guy. How embarrassing.
"What's wrong Cass? You look like you lost something." My mom had noticed my look of confusion and irritation.
"I thought I lost my sunglasses but they were on my head! Silly me!" I spit that out entirely too fast and gave my mom the biggest grin I could muster. She seemed to buy it. My dad on the other hand just gave me an inquisitive look.
My mom did what she always does, and started up another random conversation. For that I was so grateful. The last thing I wanted was my dad asking me what I was really doing and thinking about. No way.
We went through the line pretty fast. I continued to look around me, without being obvious. Before I could get up the nerve to turn around and look directly behind me again I realized we had reached the end of the line where we would board our tiny boat. A Disney worker pointed us to the row we would be sitting on in our tiny vessle.
I took my seat next to my mother on our row, but before boat took off on the ride I looked up to see the attendant ushering someone in my direction.
I groaned thinking I was going to have some random person sit by me, and turned myself more towards my parents. Normally they don't sit people with you that aren't your family.
Then it hit me. The scent.
My hearbeat skyrocked. I don't know if I was excited or panicking! Either way, I knew when I felt the boat shift he was there - beside me. I did my best to not seem obvious, but the second he came into my peripheral vision I knew I couldn't hide my shock. He was tall. He was smokin' hot. He was staring right at me. Or I was pretty sure he was. He had sunglasses on, which I thought was odd. Why would he wear sunglasses inside? I decided I would mess with him about it if I could get up the nerve to actually talk to him. Then he spoke.
"Like what ya see doll face?"
Doll face?! The hell!? Terms of endearment with strangers drove me crazy, and not in a good way. "Actually if I'm being honest I was just wondering why you're wearing sunglasses in here. Last time I checked only blind people and douche bags wear sunglasses inside."
Silence.
He said nothing. The only change on his beautifully sculpted face was a little smirk.
Damn. I was certain I'd get some type of reaction out of him. Maybe that was too harsh. I glanced back at my parents who were engrossed in their own whispered conversation. If my mom had heard me call a stranger a douche bag I would have been popped on the back of the head. I should probably apologize for coming off like such a bitch.
When I turned back to the douche bag, the sunglasses were gone and I was met with a set of the most peircing icy blue eyes I had ever seen. If mine were deep blue, his were almost gray or white. I hoped that I was able to control my face better this time, but I knew it was unlikely. I was the worst at controlling my facial expressions.
He broke the silence when he asked, "How about now?" Huh? Now what? Oh! He means the fact that he took off his sunglasses.
I had been so engrossed in beautiful douche bag boy that I hadn't even noticed the ride had started until my thoughts were interupted by our boat going over a damn waterfall. I shrieked and the next thing I knew my hand was gripping his. The biggest jolt I've ever felt went from our hands, straight to my chest, and exploded through my whole body. "Shit!" I yelped! I jerked my hand back about the same time as my mom's hand connected with the back of my head.
WHOP! "Language Cassandra Miller!" She whisper yelled. "Sorry mom! Something shocked the mess out of me!"
I turned back to the mystery guy beside me and asked, "Did you feel that?! That was crazy! We must have had some seriously built up static electricity." He only had a blank look on his face when he replied with, "I didn't feel a thing. It must have just shocked you." Excuse me what? There is no way. I mean he had to feel SOMETHING! Was he lying? He seemed kind of cold all of the sudden. Damn I knew I should have apologized faster.
After that, he looked away from me like the ride was the most interesting thing he'd ever seen and never said another word. When our boat came to a stop, we got off single file but before I could say another word he blew past me up the ramp and was gone, taking is intoxicating scent with him.
Ezra's POVI had to get closer. My mate was here! I couldn't believe it! Werewolves travel and visit places with humans all the time. It's not rare, but I have to say I was surprised. What are the fucking odds? I had to get to her without making a scene."Pardon me, my parents are up there." I said to anyone that kept me from cutting in the line. I couldn't make a scene, but I had to find her. I'd never felt a pull so strong. They always say when you know you know, and they weren't kidding!The scent of lavendar and mint got stronger and strong until I spotted her. Beautiful chocolatebrown hair pulled into a high ponytail exposing the most sexy neck I'd ever seen, cut off shorts showing perfectly tan legs, a gray fitted tank top, and black converse.Then I froze. I took another deep breath. Some was wrong. She's human. HUMAN?! This can't be right. I studied her again. Fuck she was beautiful, but that was besides the poin
Ezra's POVThe rest of my day went by in a complete haze. The Magic Kingdom seemed extremely big until you were actively trying to avoid someone. I only caught her scent one other time during the day and it took less strength than before to stay away. That was a good sign.I just wandered aimlessly. Trying to focus on anything but Cassandra Miller. Fuck I wish I hadn't heard her stupid fucking name. I can't believe I let her touch me! I can't believe she felt the mate sparks! I can't believe she's human! I wanted to scream! Rage and frustration came over me in waves.I finally spotted my parents and their group of werewolf youth all wearing their matching Best Day Ever Disney shirts. I waved as they spotted me and walked up to join the group. Still lost in thought. My mother pulled me from my internal rampage, "Ezra, honey. Are you okay? Did you have fun being a loner at Disney?" I looked into her hazel eyes. I could see love and concern. My mothe
Cass's POVTwo Years Later...It was my eighteenth birthday. I laid in bed that morning staring at the ceiling, not thinking about anything in particular. I got up and dressed in my favorite pair of skinny jeans, white fitted short sleeved v necked t-shirt, a black blazer, and a pair of red converse. I went with curling my hair, and natural makeup. Comfy yet stylish - That was my jam. I grabbed my backpack and jogged down the stairs. I could smell the food my mother had been cooking since I first woke up. I've got a good sniffer, what can I say? From the smell of it, I knew she'd made bacon, eggs, and french toast. Half of the way down the stairs I heard my dad call my name. I knew based on where his voice came from, he must be in his office. I walked the short distance past the kitchen to his office and walked in without knocking."Hey Sweetheart. Happy Birthday!" My dad was eyeballing me with concern and added, "
Cass's POVDad turned to walk back in the direction of his truck, the tear long gone from his face. I, however, was rooted in place. I couldn't move. Shock had taken over me. The ringing of my dad's cell phone inerupted my mind's sea of nothingness."Janine! Hey, I was just about to call you."....."No I hadn't had a chance to text you back. I'm sorry."....."Yes. She's fine. It was another one of her spells, just quite a bit worse."...."I know dear I want answers too. They don't have any though."...."No! She's not staying. We are about to be released. See you soon." Dad said cutting mom off and ending the call before she could say anything else. We must have been here longer than I thought.I could hear my dad's heart beat and it was still pumping a little higher than it should. He was still a little uneasy about what had happened. How could he not be? His daughter had just. Fuck. I don't even want to say it. Mainly because I still didn't have a
5 YEARS LATER... CASS'S POV I walked into the lecture hall about thirty minutes before class would start. I wanted to get a feel for the room. This was my second semester as an Assistant Professor. I was so excited to get the job. I enjoyed it, plus it helped me pay for my masters degree. Thank god I was going to be done after I take my comps in a few months. I never went to UCONN to play basketball. After my first shift, my dad and I decided it would be best to lay low. Mom was pretty disappointed, but my dad worked his magic and convinced her it was for the best. So, I gave up my basketball scholarship and took an academic one at UCLA. I had completed several hours of college credit in high school, so I with some determination I was able to complete my undergraduate degree in English Literature ahead of schedule. I'm now persuing a masters degree in Folklore. I know it sounds like an odd thing specialty, but folklore ha
Ezra's POVI was out for a run along the south side of our pack border. It was a beautiful day for January. The sun was shining. The trees were still convinced it was winter, but it was weather I couldn't pass up the chance to enjoy. I like to run in wolf form when I can. It helps relieve some of my daily stress. As a wolf, I am quite large. Larger than my father, and certainly larger than any other wolf in my pack. My fur is jet black. Only alphas are capable of having jet black fur, but not all have it. My father's was not. His was dark dark brown, and almost black but not quite. I was secretly proud of my black fur but a good leader doesn't brag."Alpha, I'm going to put all the files on the newest warrior trainees on your desk." Jax, my lead warrior said via mindlink. We were starting warriors younger than any pack ever has. They still recieve proper education either by private school or some even choose to go to public school. That's completely up
Cass's POV I was done a little earlier than I anticipated and decided to just relax the rest of the evening. I loaded up in my good ole Jeep, and went by and got mine and Alex's favorite Chinese takeout. I then headed to my home. I live on the outskirts of the city. It was my attempt at being as secluded as possible in the event that I had a melt down or something. It also allowed me to shift whenever I wanted to. I had very few neighbors way out here. Alex lived closer to the university, but stayed over a couple nights a week. I stayed with him occasionally, but I always claimed that I slept better in my own bed. It probably sounded extremely upity, but Alex never complained. I think if I was happy, he was happy. We both knew eventually we would need to sort out where we would live after we got married. If I am being honest I don't know how I would live in the city and keep my sanity. There are always so many noises and smells. It wears me out.
Cass's POVWith unnatural speed I raced over and grabbed the phone from Alex. I made sure he hadn't pressed SEND yet before putting the phone down on the table. Seeing that he hadn't, I breathed a temporary sigh of relief."What are you doing babe? There's something not right about those men." There was worry laced in every word.I sighed and closed my eyes. I had been in denial. I really thought I could keep this day from ever coming. I thought if I laid low and minded my own business that the werewolves would stay away.Dragging Alex into this world was the last thing I ever wanted to do. Hell, this world was a mystery to even me. I wasn't a part of it. There was knowledge available in writings throughout history that anyone could dig up. The little details about lycans and werewovles is where my lack of knowledge were going to eventually put me and my loved ones in danger. Unfortunately it seemed that eventually had come.