Chapter 15

After we ate, everyone seemed to disperse. Elizabeth went inside to lay on the sofa, Krewe was busy cleaning up, Max helped Krewe out, and I went back upstairs to at least put my bottoms on so I wasn't sitting around in the bikini.

I made my way back down and out onto the deck. I sat back in a chair, letting the sun hit my skin as I closed my eyes.

"Want to go for a walk with me?"

I looked around and saw it was Max.

"Sure," I said as I got up.

I followed Max' lead. We made our way down to the water line and walked towards the forest. I could feel eyes on us as we made our way further from the lake house.

"Thanks for agreeing to come with me."

"No problem. I love going for walks and hikes. Although, I feel like it takes on a whole new meaning now that I'm a wolf. Like I should shift and run."

"You don't have to. It's alright to still do normal things that aren't wolf related. We are part human, too," Max laughed.

"Fair enough. I just don't know what to make of it all yet."

Max stopped and turned to look at me. He grabbed my hands in his.

"Sawyer, just because you're a wolf doesn't mean you lose your human side. You just get to enjoy both equally now. You make time for you, but you have to remember to make time for your wolf, too. She is a part of you. When you work out, give your wolf just as much equal time to work out, too. You went for a run with your wolf this morning, and now you've been enjoying some time to yourself. Just listen to her, and she will guide you. Just like I'm happy to be here to help also."

"That's really sweet of you, Max."

That's when he leaned in and kissed me. I didn't pull away from it either. I actually enjoyed it and pulled myself in to deepen it. It felt good, but at the same time, it also felt wrong.

"He is not our mate," Evelyn said, sounding sad.

"But he's making moves, and it still feels good."

"I'll trust you for now and let you have your fun. When you're done, you will realize how much better it is with Krewe."

Maybe she was right, but this was all so new for me. I wanted to enjoy myself and not tie myself down to a so-called mate just yet. I've only been a wolf for a couple of days. I need time to figure everything out.

Max grabbed my hips, pressing himself against me. His body was rock hard as my hands traveled from his shoulders to around his neck and through his hair. He was taller than me and had to lean down to kiss me. He eventually picked me up, cupping my ass as my legs wrapped around him. Our kiss broke, and his lips made their way down my neck. This was turning into a full blown make out session. Our lips met again, a little more gentle this time. He then rested his forehead against mine and let me down gently.

"Wow!" he laughed a little.

"Wow is right," I laughed lightly, too.

"I hope you didn't mind?"

"I think there would have been signs it I did."

Max laughed. He really seemed sweet and caring. I hope I wouldn't hurt him if he found out I had a mate and it was his best friend.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"What's a mate?"

"How do you know about mates?"

"Evelyn, my wolf. She said, "You aren't my mate.""

"She's right. If we were mates, we would have known by now."

"You don't have one?"

"I might? If I do, I haven't met her yet. Some wolves never meet their fated mate, so some have to choose a chosen mate."

"What is the difference?"

"A fated mate is a pull you have towards someone. Someone who was made by the Moon Goddess just for you. As soon as you find a fated mate, most times the pull is so strong, your emotions run wild and boom, you're having sex 24/7. A chosen mate would be more of a friend, or significant other who you might date and decide you want to take them as you're life long partner. Fated mates are treasured and very important in wolf culture, though. Some people think that if you reject your fated mate, you will be cursed."

"What if you have a fated mate but don't want to commit to it yet?"

"I guess you could date and take your time?"

"And what is a Moon Goddess?"

"The Moon Goddess is our higher power. She is who created werewolves. She brought us to life and then helps guide us in our journey."

"Oh, so she's like the Lord of werewolves."

Max laughed, " That's one way to put it."

"Since you haven't met your fated mate, are you looking for a chosen?"

"Not yet. I am still young, so there's still time to find her. Not that I just want a fling with you or anything. I actually find you really attractive, fun, and someone I wouldn't mind possibly dating?" Max raised an eyebrow.

"We'll see about that," I laughed.

"Yea, sure, still too early."

"Definitely, but we can have fun and see where it goes."

"Sounds perfect!"

As we headed back, Max reached out for my hand and held it as we walked back. No one was outside. Max sat down on a chair and pulled me down with him. I sat on his lap. He then went in for another kiss. I felt a little guilty cheating on Tom, but he did it to me all the time, and our relationship was practically over.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Sawyer, maybe we should get you to practice?"

"Oh shoot! Is it that time already?" I quickly stood.

"Yea, unfortunately, unless you would like, you skip it and hang out more? You are welcome to stay as long as you feel you need to."

"Honestly? I would love to stay. This is the most normal I have felt in a long time. I actually feel like I fit in with a group of friends."

"How about she sleeps over, Krewe? She can use some of my clothes," Liz said as she came out of the house.

"Could I? I would only have to call my aunt and uncle and say the girls are having a sleepover. I'm sure I could pull it off!"

"You're welcome to do as you please. I'm happy you're feeling comfortable and at home with us."

"Thanks! I will run inside and make the call."

As I made my way inside, I could feel that Krewe followed me in. He followed me to the foyer where I had left my backpack.

"Thanks for letting me stay," I said as I turned to face him.

Then he came even closer, pushing me up against the wall. His hands then went up against the wall, boxing me in. My heart started beating faster, and all I wanted in that moment was for his lips to be on mine. I got aroused just thinking of it. He sniffed the air like he could smell it. Then he leaned his face in closer, but he had a look of confusion, like he was trying to control whatever was going to happen next or thinking carefully about what he wanted to say. I couldn't control myself in that moment. I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought him in for a kiss. It all happened so quickly. Like we both just let go of the world around us. I kissed him hard and fast. His hands were all over me in an instant. First, he grabbed handfuls of hair, then my back, followed by my waist to bring me in even closer, then he lifted me off the ground. He carried me upstairs to a room I'd never seen before. He closed the door while we kept kissing and laid me down underneath him slowly and gently. I didn't care what happened in that instant. The feeling felt too good to be true. There was a warm tingle that felt addictive. I fit against his body like he was made for me. Maybe this whole Goddess thing was true.

Then Krewe released me from his embrace and walked away. He was pacing. I sat up in the bed.

"Did I do something wrong," I asked, feeling embarrassed.

"No! Not at all! Don't ever think you did. That felt incredible."

"Then what's wrong?"

"I'm scared. We have no idea who you are or know anything about your past. I want to help you find out, but it's all so confusing. You're my mate, Sawyer! I couldn't stand seeing you with Max any longer. He's my best friend, though. I just stole the girl he has a crush on away from him all because I felt possessive and jealous."

"If we were meant to be, then shouldn't we just come clean about it? Wouldn't they understand?"

"I'm sure they would. I just feel like a dick for not saying anything sooner. I thought I could control my feelings."

"Honestly, I think my feelings and emotions have been running a little wild. I'm sorry if I hurt you by kissing Max."

"Please don't. I understand what it can be like."

"If they are your best friends, then we should tell them and trust them. They can help, too."

Krewe walked back over and kissed me.

"You're right. We can take this slow and get to know each other properly. I want you, Sawyer! You don't know the kind of pull the mate bond has on us."

"I'm starting to realize it."