Chapter 4 - Celia

Jax towered over both of us. Three months ago, he had a massive growth spurt right before his wolf came. Jax said, "Would you even hear it if she said no before? You talk so fucking much." He reached out and pulled Ang's ponytail lightly.

"Hey, hands off sasquatch!" Ang said loudly as she rounded on Jax. She raised her hand to slap him, but stopped as the teacher walked in and the bell rang. I kind of enjoyed watching Ang and Jax. I think they are going to end up together. Though Jax has started looking at me like I am more than a friend and I hate that.

The class settled down and I tried to focus on class but was totally distracted by Jax sitting directly behind me. He usually sat in the back row, not behind me. Towards the end of class, he leaned forward and whispered, "Walk with me to class please."

I am so confused, what does he want? The bell rings and I literally jump out of my seat and head for the door. I am hoping to escape both Ang and Jax. I'm barely out the door when Ang catches me and links her arm in mine. "I promise I will behave. But can I ask one question?" Ang smiles and bats her eyes.

"You just did. But sure, as long as it's not about this morning."

Ang took a deep breath. "Don't you like him? Even a little."

From behind us, Jax says, "Oh, good question. I want to know too." Jax linked his arm through my free arm.

Sandwiched in between the two of them, I chewed my bottom lip as I thought about the question. "I don't know. I have been so focused on graduating and wanting to leave. I don't have the energy for that. And he reports to my Dad. It would be so awkward. Plus, I am sure he would want a girl with a wolf, not me."

Jax huffed loudly. "You don't know if you have a wolf and you won't for at least 2 weeks. But Gem says to tell you that you're special. He feels it."

"Well, regardless of what your wolf thinks, I don't agree. I don't even know if I want a wolf. I think I want to leave and be normal."

"Normal is overrated." Ang said as she let go of my arm. "I'll see you at lunch." Ang blew me a kiss as she walked into her class.

Jax was in the same class as me next; he and I continued down the hall. "Celly, I think your wrong. You're what, 8th generation on both sides with every female having a wolf. I think you will and she is going to be spectacular. Gem agrees with me, by the way." Jax said with conviction.

"Jax, did you hear your wolf in your head before he announced himself? My Mom told me that it isn't unusual to hear your wolf for weeks, even months before they announce themselves. I never hear any voice in my head except mine." I said sadly.

"Yes, I heard Gem a little bit before he announced himself. But when it started, I thought it was just my own thoughts. I didn't realize it was his voice until after he announced himself and we got to know each other."

"Oh." The bell rang and I realized that Jax had again taken the seat directly behind me rather than sitting in the back row. Jax leaned forward and said in a low voice, "After class, we need to talk."

What the hell did that mean? That was all I could think about during class. As the bell rang, I stayed in my seat and so did Jax. As the last of our classmates left the room, Jax said, "Did you talk to your Dad before school?"

"Over breakfast, just like every morning." I got up and started out of the classroom. Jax followed me out and we headed towards our English class.

"No, I mean about this morning. You know, your encounter and talking to Mike and Carson." Jax said very low to ensure no one overheard.

"Yes. I told him and he made me promise not to run to the lake alone until he gives me permission. I don't want to start rumors and that's why I don't want to answer Ang's questions."

"Good. Better you tell him than he find out from Mike." Jax grimaced.

I was hoping it would be Carson giving the report. But I guess since Carson still had school, Mike did the reporting. Considering that, I definitely made the right call to tell my Dad first.

"I am going to miss my morning run and swim." I said wistfully.

"You promised not to go alone. I'll go with you on my mornings off. I have night training on Tuesday and Friday. We can go twice a week at least." Jax said as he brushed a strand of hair back behind my ear.

"Thanks Jax, but I don't want to have you go when I know you'd rather sleep late." I slid into a seat in the front row. Someone was already in the seat behind me with their head resting on the desk, so Jax sat next to me.

"Celly, I wouldn't mind running up to the lake with you. I can take a nap while you swim." Jax said with a smile.

"Thanks Jax. I'll think about it and let you know tomorrow."

The bell rang and class started. I sighed with relief. This morning had been exhausting and confusing.