THE MATE PULL

Amanda first noticed it during training. The pack students circled the field, sparring in pairs under the watchful eye of Coach Duran. Skylar was across from her, paired with one of the older boys, and she wasn’t even looking at him when the feeling struck. It was like a spark, faint but sharp, rage, coiled tight like a spring. It wasn’t hers. She knew her own anger, and this was… heavier, rawer. For a split second, she felt the slam of Skylar’s emotions echo in her chest like an aftershock, leaving her breathless. Her eyes darted to him instinctively. He had his opponent pinned, movements sharp and merciless. The tension in his shoulders bled straight into her bones. Amanda shook herself, forcing her focus back to her own partner, but the sensation lingered. And it wasn’t the last time. Later, when Cassian wandered over during a water break, casually draping an arm across her shoulders, another wave hit her: Hot, bitter jealousy.

Amanda stiffened, her heart thudding too fast. The emotion pulsed through her like it was her own, but when Cassian leaned closer with a teasing smile, she realized the jealousy wasn’t hers at all. Her gaze snapped to Skylar across the field. He was staring, golden eyes burning holes into Cassian’s hand on her arm. Amanda jerked away from Cassian, heat rushing to her face. He blinked at her, surprised.

"What? Did I forget deodorant?", he asked as he brought his arms up to his nose to sniff them.

She forced a laugh, shaking her head, but inside, she was spiraling. Something was wrong with her, something was changing. It was literally impossible to feel what someone else was feeling, but she knew for a fact that these emotions weren't hers. 

---

That evening, Amanda found Skylar brooding alone by the garden fence, his posture rigid, his face shadowed by the sinking sun. She hesitated, but the questions had been building for days. She couldn’t ignore them anymore.

"Skylar", she said softly.

His shoulders stiffened. "What?"

She crossed her arms, trying to steady herself. "I… I don’t know how to explain this, but I keep... feeling things. Yours, your anger, your jealousy. And I don’t know what’s happening to me or why it's happening", she told him.

For a heartbeat, silence hung between them, then Skylar turned, his eyes blazing.

"Stop", he said forcefully.

Amanda flinched. "I’m not lying–"

"I said stop!", his voice was a growl, low and dangerous. He stepped closer, the air thickening with heat.

"You don’t get to say things like that, not to me."

"Why not?", Amanda demanded, her chest tightening. "Because you know it’s true? Because you know I can feel what you feel even when you’re trying to hide it? You think I asked for this?"

His breath hitched, his face twisted in fury and something else, something raw. He closed the space between them in a rush, pressing her back against the fence post. His hands braced on either side of her, his body close enough to make her pulse stutter.

"Don’t. You don't know what you're saying", he rasped, his face inches from hers.

Her heart thundered, her breath caught.

"Then tell me what I am saying", she whispered, her voice trembling.

His gaze flicked to her lips, his eyes molten, his jaw tight as if fighting a war inside himself. For one dizzy, suspended moment, she thought he would kiss her. Then he tore himself back with a guttural growl, dragging his hands through his hair.

"Damn it, Amanda."

The air between them crackled, heavy with what almost happened. Amanda pressed a shaking hand to her chest, her emotions tangled and aching.

"Why are you doing this to me?", she whispered.

But Skylar had already turned away, stalking off into the shadows, leaving her trembling against the fence.

---

The next day at school, Amanda ducked into the bathroom between classes, splashing cold water on her face in an attempt to settle her nerves. Her reflection looked pale, worn, eyes shadowed by too many sleepless nights. She was drying her hands when the door creaked open. Tessa stepped in, alone. Amanda stiffened.

"Well, well, if it isn't Moonridge's little mystery girl", Tessa purred, leaning against the sink.

Amanda tried to brush past her, but Tessa blocked her path, her smile sharp and cold.

"Don’t play dumb. You think I don’t see what’s happening? The way Skylar looks at you?", her eyes narrowed dangerously. 

"He’s mine. He’s always been mine and if you think you can steal him away, you’re wrong and honestly, horribly gross."

Amanda’s jaw clenched.

"I don’t want—"

Tessa slammed her hand against the wall beside Amanda’s head, making her flinch. "Stay. Away. From him."

Something inside Amanda snapped. For the first time, she didn’t just shrink back. She straightened, fire sparking in her chest.

"Or what?"

Tessa’s eyes gleamed. "Or I’ll make sure you regret ever stepping foot in this school", she warned. 

Amanda’s fists curled. She was a second from shoving Tessa off when the door banged open. Cassian strolled in casually, his expression shifting the moment he saw them.

"Whoa", he drawled, sauntering closer. "Oops looks like I've missed my way. Ladies, I’d ask what I just walked into, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t on the school program", he added with a teasing tone.

Tessa glared at him.

"Stay out of this, Graveson", she warned forcefully. 

Cassian’s grin widened. "Nah. See, I have a policy. I don’t let girls corner my friends in bathrooms. Bad manners, you know?", he slipped between them, his presence easy but firm. 

"Run along, Tessa. Find a mirror, practice your scowl."

Tessa’s lips curled in a snarl, but she backed away slowly. Before leaving, she shot Amanda a venomous look. "He’s mine. Remember that."

The door slammed shut behind her. Amanda exhaled shakily. Cassian turned, concern flickering beneath his grin.

"You okay?", he asked softly.

Amanda nodded, though her heart was still beautiful wildly in her chest.

"Yeah. Thanks."

"No problem", Cassian leaned casually against the sink.

"Though I have to admit, part of me kind of wanted to see you deck her. You had that look."

Despite herself, Amanda smiled faintly.

---

Word of the confrontation reached Skylar before the day was over. He found Tessa waiting by the lockers, her arms folded smugly.

"What did you say to her?", his voice was low, dangerous, barely controlled. 

Tessa blinked innocently.

"Just gave her a little warning. She doesn’t belong here, Skylar. She’s nothing but trouble, and you know it", she replied indifferently.

His fists clenched at his sides.

"If you ever threaten her again—"

Tessa smirked.

"What, you’ll hurt me? Really? For her?"

 His growl rattled the air. "I’ll make sure you regret it. Don’t test me."

Her eyes gleamed.

"You care about her", she noted.

"I don’t", he snapped, though the fury in his eyes betrayed him.

"She’s my step-sister. That’s it. And no one, not even you, messes with her."

Tessa tilted her head, her smile sly.

"Keep telling yourself that, Skylar. Maybe one day you’ll even believe it", she said sarcastically.

His glare burned hotter, but he turned on his heel and stalked off, leaving Tessa’s knowing laughter echoing behind him.