Chapter 14

I sat on the back deck with Liz as Max got the grill going. They were being so nice to me. They accepted me for who I was. This whole wolf thing was so ordinary for them that it made me forget who I truly was. I didn't feel like a freak, but I needed more. I needed more answers. Like, why my aunt and uncle are making me wear that necklace instead of telling me about who I really am?

"Sawyer, are you good with burgers?"

"Definitely. Thanks, Max."

Krewe had excused himself and took off inside. I was starting to get used to the sensitivity of scent and hearing. I could tell he wasn't around the house right now. I wonder where he went. Maybe it had something to do with Shiloh? Maybe there was more there than I knew?

"Hey, Sawyer! How about we go for a swim in the lake! It's such a beautiful day!"

"I'd love to, but I don't have my swimsuit with me."

"You can borrow one of mine! Come on!"

Liz grabbed me by my hand again, and we made our way into the house, to a bedroom upstairs.

"Do you guys come here often?" I asked as she rummaged through a bag only to pull out two very revealing bikinis.

"We do. It's Krewe's parents, but they let us vacation here whenever we want! Isn't it amazing! Anyways, I think either one will look great on you, so you get first dibs."

"There's barely any fabric to this," I laughed.

"Yea, but you're hot! Those boys are drooling over you. Max seems to have taken a liking," she winked while I blushed.

"I'll take the baby blue one. Thanks."

I started to undress as Liz did the same. I finally figured out which end was which and was tying the strings. She had given me a baby blue bikini set. The fabric barely covered my breasts, and the bottoms sat like a thong. It was better than nothing.

"You ready?!"

"I am. Thanks so much for your kindness today."

"Girl! No problem! We're basically family!" she said as she hugged me. "Now let's go! The water is calling our name."

I followed her back down through the house. Shiloh was coming out with her things.

"Hey, Liz. Give me a second?"

"Sure, I'll meet you at the dock!"

"Shiloh?"

"What do you want?"

"I wanted to say sorry. I'm not sure what I've done, but I really feel bad that I have upset you."

"It's okay," she said with crossed arms as she looked down. "You really didn't do anything, I guess. Just watch out for Krewe. He's an Alpha, so he can't commit to just anyone."

"An Alpha?"

"You have a lot to learn. Just listen to what I said if you don't want your heart broken."

"Sure. Thanks."

Shiloh walked out of the house with her things as I made my way out back again.

I could see Krewe had returned. He had his shirt off, and he was glistening like he had just gone for a run. He looked like a God.

I shook it off and walked out. I saw the way the boys looked at me as I strutted past them. Their mouths hung wide open. Their eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

"Hey man, you can handle the grill. I'm going in for a swim!" I heard Max say to Krewe as he jogged to catch up to me.

"Bet I can beat you!" Max said.

"Not even!" I said as I took off running to the dock, laughing.

I ended up beating him. Whether I really did or he let me win is another story. It was sweet, though. I jumped in, and he followed after. When I surfaced and looked towards the deck where Krewe was left alone. He had a scowl on his face.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's just pissed that he doesn't get to join until the food is cooked."

Elizabeth was swimming off in the distance, doing laps. I just stayed in the one spot as Max swam up closer to me.

"So, how's it going?"

"It's been great so far. Thanks for being so kind and letting me crash for the day."

"Packs are family. You're a wolf, so even though you're not technically a part of our pack, you're still basically like family." He paused. "I do hope you consider joining our pack. I would really like that," he said, blushing.

"I would love to learn more about pack life. Maybe you could teach me?"

He swam closer, and I could feel my heartbeat pick up, "I can help in any way you would like."

I followed his lead and swam even closer to him. I could feel his legs brush against mine as we tried to stay in position.

"He isn't our mate!" Evelyn shouted at me.

"But he's interested, and he can probably help us figure out the answers we need," I shouted back at her.

As he leaned in, like he was about to kiss me, a giant splash erupted from the lake. I shielded myself from the water as I laughed.

"You guys didn't think you could have all this fun without me?" Krewe said as he emerged.

"Glad you could join!"

"Yea, great timing," Max said as he started swimming away.

"What's up with him?"

"I don't know," I said as I swam towards the dock. I pulled myself up and sat at the edge.

Krewe swam up to me and pulled himself out of the water, too. Then he sat next to me.

"I have a question."

"You can ask me anything."

"Ok. Why were your aunt and uncle hiding you?"

"I honestly don't know. Maybe it has to do with why my parents died?"

"Do you know how they died?"

"They told me it was a car crash. I was so young, I just believed them. Now I'm questioning who I really am and what all of this means."

"You know I can probably help you with that. You know, finding answers."

"I would really appreciate that."

His hand inched closer to mine. I could feel a pull towards him. I wanted to just reach out and touch him. I refrained, though.

"Have your aunt and uncle told you their wolves?"

"Not yet. I wanted to keep this a secret a little longer. I will have to sneak in and out. Maybe lie about my whereabouts for a bit. I mean, most of the time, I will be at school, but before and after, and especially today."

"You can come here before and after if you would like?"

"That would be great!" I blushed at how excited I said that.

"I really want to help you, Sawyer."

His pinky touched mine, and I touched his back. Our fingers finally intertwining.

"See! He likes us, Sawyer! Now mate with him!" Evelyn screeched

"Relax, you horn dog!"

"Do you know anything about your mom and dad?"

"Not much. I just heard they were really great! Dad was always a leader and helping people. Mom was caring. Their names were Felix and Sasha Moon. Wish I could have kept that same last name, it's so unique."

"Did your aunt and uncle change it on your birth certificate?"

"I don't actually know. They must have."

"I'm sorry about your parents. They sound great."

"Thanks."

We sat like that holding hands in secret till the other two swam back to us.

"So, who's ready for some food?" Max asked.