Chapter 18

I felt like I had the best sleep of my entire life. I felt warm and rested until I felt a hard body pressed up against me. I stretched and turned and saw Krewe sleeping behind me. I remember laying down with him, but when did he get naked? I quickly checked to make sure I wasn't naked, but no, thankfully, I still had my clothes on. I lifted the blanket and crawled out of the bed, and grabbed the blanket on the end of the bed to drap over him. As soon I had it on top of him, he woke.

"Good morning."

His voice was still deep and raspy from sleep.

"You do realize you're naked?"

"I am? Oh yea, I went for a run last night."

He said it so casually like it shouldn't matter. I've never been with a naked man. It does matter. I didn't grow up with wolves. This is just awkward. I could feel my cheeks heating up the longer I just stared, dumbfounded. Talk Sawyer, talk.

"Well, don't you think you would be more comfortable with some clothes on?"

"Oh, shit, yea. I hope I didn't freak you out. I forgot your new to this. Forgive me, Sawyer?"

"Sure, yea. It's no big deal," I said, trying to play it cool. He was supposed to be my mate.

Krewe got up and wrapped the blanket around his waist, then sat back down.

"Max saw me leave your room last night. After we originally fell asleep and I decided to get up and go for the run. He was out in the hall. Despite wanting to tell them so soon, I think we have some explaining to do. I will go get ready and we can meet downstairs?"

"Yea. That should be fine."

I ran my hand through my hair as Krewe got up to leave.

"Wait! Krewe?"

"Yea?"

I walked over to him, slowly and as seductively as I could. At least I was trying. When I reached him, I stood on my tiptoes so I could reach his height a little more. I whispered, "I would very much like to date you. Take things slow, but try new things too?" Then I kissed him.

He picked me up and turned us around so I was against the door and my legs wrapped around him. He kissed me with want before he broke it and put his forehead to mine.

"I like the sound of that."

He placed me down gently. I moved out of the way and let him leave. My heart raced as I touched my lips and smiled. I had never felt this way with a guy before. I mean, I think I had a bit with Shawn, but this was a bit more intense.

I pulled out my cell phone, which I hadn't looked at since last night. I had a missed call from Ceasar. I called him back.

"Hey, Sawyer?"

"Hey buddy! What's going on?"

"Why do you sound so happy?"

"Me? Can't be me, I'm never happy. Mostly cynical and just living."

"Quit it. What's going on?"

"Well, first off, I skipped school yesterday. Might do the same today. I've discovered some really important news about my past."

"Your past? As in?"

"My parents and who I really am?" I couldn't give him too much about the wolf thing, so I thought this was probably the safest answer.

"Oh shit. Are you doing okay? I hope it wasn't earth-shattering."

"Nah, nothing like that. I just need some time to myself, though. Think you could cover for me at the diner this weekend?"

"I think we can manage. I just hope to see you sometime soon?"

"You will. Like I said. I'm just trying to discover who I am after this news. Family stuff."

"No problem. Oh, Mr. Henderson was asking about you."

"What did that creep want?"

"Haha, I knew there was something off with him. I don't know. He mentioned you missed a study session?"

"Sure, the smartest girl at school needs a study session? He was probably just trying to bust my ass for not being at school."

"Probably. Anyways, go discover yourself. Become a butterfly and fly away!"

"Thank you, Ceasar. Love you."

"Yea, yea. Talk to you later."

As I hung up, I frowned. Would I ever be able to tell him? Would he ever be able to be a part of my life? He was my best friend. There would be changes. I would live away from the world in a pack. Would I ever get to travel? There was still so much I needed to learn.

I quickly got ready in an outfit provided by the clothing Liz left for me. I chose a spaghetti strap tank that was cropped with a pair of jean shorts. I left my hair down and brushed it out a bit.

I closed the bedroom foor behind me and saw Max coming out of his room.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Sorry I didn't invite you in last night. I should have, I was just nervous."

"But not nervous enough to invite Krewe?"

"There's an explanation for that."

"That's what I keep hearing."

"I just didn't want something to happen when there's more the story. I didn't want you to get hurt."

"Too late for that."

"Max, come on, we barely know each other. Yesterday was just fun."

"Krewe knows me, though. What's his excuse? Do you treat all the guys that are into you like this?"

"No! I've never acted out in this way before. It's all new emotions and feelings. Please, Max, just give us the chance to explain."

"Fine."

Max started walking off downstairs, and I followed behind. We entered the living room where Krewe and Elizabeth were sitting and chatting.

"Hey, you two! Late to the party."

I sat next to Elizabeth, and she grabbed my hand.

"The big, bad wolf called a meeting," she giggled as she whispered to me.

"I heard that," Krewe lifted a brow and smiled.

"Well, let's get on with it," Max scowled.

"What is with my grumpy pants," Liz threw a pillow at Max.

Max caught it and placed it down.

"I would like to first take a moment to apologize to Max. He saw me leave last night out of Sawyer's room. We spent the night talking until she fell asleep. I then went for a run back home to speak with my dad. So Max, it wasn't what it looked like. However, it seems like I have met my mate. My fated mate. Sawyer and I are fated to each other."

"Krewe, I'm sorry. If I knew, I wouldn't have moved in on her. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I was worried that maybe the reason her aunt and uncle were suppressing her wolf was to protect her due to something awful that has happened. I was right. I don't want to get into further details with you guys yet because you are still under my father's control. He could Alpha command you to tell him anything. I can't take this risk. Not when it comes to my mate. I didn't even want to tell you guys about her being my mate due to these reasons. She needs protection until I become Alpha."

"That won't be for a few more years!" Max exclaimed.

"Actually, it might be a lot sooner than you think. My dad is unwell, and he wants me to take over in the next year or so."

"So what does that mean?" Liz asked.

"I wish I could say more, but I can't. I would be putting Sawyer in danger. Once I become Alpha, everything will come to light. Until then, Sawyer needs to be protected."

Everyone looked at me like I was going to break.

"So what can I do?"