16

I heard her tusk down at me and felt her drop my chin. Instantly I released a breath I didn't even know I was holding in. However, I decided to open my eyes and keep my gaze firmly on the forest floor. 

I felt her eyes on me and Derek. She was so calm compared to myself. I really don't know what's about to happen. She can't kill me for walking too close to her border...but finding me alone with her son?...yeah that's not good. 

She sighed in almost disappointment at us. "I'm about to have tea with Satomi, she's an ally to my pack".

It took everything in me not to roll my eyes. Yeah, everyone knows who Satomi is. My mother can't stand her and my father is well, pleasent with her. But she's a weird alpha. While our pack is run off fear, hers is run off inner peace. My pack looks at Satomi as if she's one big joke and we're grateful that a pack so different from us is allies with the Hale's.

I felt a hand being placed firmly onto my shoulder and only looked into Tahlia's face once she extended her claws. "The of two you should join us, seeing as you've both decided to clear your day".

I felt the blood drain from my face. No!. "I-I was actually just about to drag myself and your son back to school, a-and we really should get going". 

Tahlia raised an eyebrow at me, followed by a pointed look. "I wasn't asking".

I swallowed, my hand now squeezing the life out of Derek's. I can't directly refuse an alpha, especially not one as powerful as Tahlia. "B-but I'd be breaking the feud".

Tahlia tusked in amusement. "Wouldn't be the first time".

Fuck.....

She turned around and had already started walking into her territory, my eyes still wide with fear. I felt Derek shrug beside me and start to walk yet I pulled back on his hand in exasperation. "No! No way!. I'll die, if I go in there she's going to kill me with Satomi as her witness!".

Derek sighed and hugged me while I tried not to shake in fear. "She'll know if you're missing. It's tea. You're invited and she's an alpha you can't exactly refuse her. It might start something".

I scoffed. Me? Start something with a powerful alpha that could escalate the feud all because I refused tea?!?...

I shook my head. "My family would smell your pack's scent on me if I go in there".

He nodded in fake consideration. "Then it's a good thing showers exist".

I growled lightly. "If my father invited you to willing walk into our territory for a chat, would you?".

He instantly frowned. "No, I'm not suicidal".

It's like he can't even see the danger!. I scoffed. "Exactly!. I'm not going into your territory for a cup of tea with Tahlia Hale!".

I didn't even look at him before turning on my heels and running to the one place I knew no one would come looking for me. That's right, I, Avery Wood went to school. 

I'm just going to say it. I hate school. I'm stuck in the parking lot watching my sister sucking faces with her human chew toy. I sighed loudly. I then growled loudly. Which did nothing but frighten Aaron and cause Anna to growl back at me in warning.

Aaron gave her a confused look which only drives my point home that humans aren't a hundred percent oblivious. 

Anna's eyes narrowed at me. "Avery, walk home".

I scoffed. That little bitch. She was back to sucking face and I growled before turning on my heel dramatically and stomping my way into the woods behind the school.

Unbelievable. Actually it's fucking believable. Stupid Anna and stupid human boyfriend!. Just as that thought left my head I felt a drop of water fall on my nose. I closed my eyes and stared above me in frustration.

Well, that's just peachy. Rain. 

I think I actually whimpered. This suc-

"Avery!, Avery wait up!". 

Oh god...no!. I turned around and frowned at the sight of Laura Hale running up to me. I felt my head tip to the side in confusion until she stopped and looked me up and down before smiling at me. "Bit wet for a walk, isn't it?".

I blew out an annoyed sighed before continuing my walk home as if she wasn't even here. I'm not dealing with anymore weird potentially lethal Hale drama today. 

Laura didn't take the hint and walked just as fast so she flanked my side. "Noticed Derek skipped today".

I tusked. "Well, I'm not surprised. It seems like something your lot would do".

She smirked. "My lot?".

I nodded. "Yep".

This is weird. I won't further acknowledge it. I frowned if Anna knew I was somewhat civil with Laura I doubt I'd last the night. I shook my head at her. "Can I help you with something?, because I'd rather not have your scent lingering on me when I go home".

She laughed. "Oh of course. I'm sure you always find a way around it with Derek's scent though".

I paused mid step and stared up at her like a deer caught in headlights. The Creeper! I should've known he definitely didn't keep it to himself. Thank God I refused that tea. Otherwise, I'm be dog food. I tipped my head to her with a glare. "What did you say?".

Look, I know a non-matured wolf to a mature future alpha is nothing but pathetic, but I have nothing to save me here. Laura shrugged uncaringly and held her hands up in defence. "Relax. I'm not going to out you to that barbaric pack of yours".

I scoffed and continued walking. "My pack isn't barbaric".

Dead. I'm so dead. 

I saw her nod mockingly out of the corner of my eye. "Sure it isn't. Cause they're your family".

Mock sympathy dripped from her tone and I frowned even more. Her fucking point?...I sighed. "I'm not in the mood to fight. If you want one you should go scream at my sister. She'd actually bother to scream back".

Laura's pretty brown eyes brightened. "As much as I love tormenting your wench of a sister, I'd much rather talk to you on this fine afternoon".

I felt my eyes narrow in suspicion. "Why?".

She smirked. "Because".

Like a child I instantly replied. "Because, why?".

"Avery?".

We both turned behind us to find Derek running up to us. I frowned he didn't go back to school with me, why is he coming from the school?!?.

I felt Laura lean into me as she whispered. "Because that's why". 

I frowned. She distracted me only so Derek could what? Walk me home?!?

Derek walked up to us with a cute smile while wearing a tight black shirt. He looked hot and I hated that all I wanted to do was run my fingers through his hair. I glared at him. "Laura knows".

His smile didn't falter and I exhaled in frustration.  "You knew, of course you did".

I started walking again. The two siblings shared a look but still followed me and I instantly stopped. "What now?!?".

Okay so I can feel my eyes have turned gold. But for the life of me if I see another god damn Hale I'll scream.

Derek's hand was in mine and like a switch, I instantly felt relaxed. Calm and at ease. I narrowed my eyes at our joint hands. That shouldn't be happening. 

Laura rubbed the back of neck. "So, our mother isn't happy with you".

I looked up at her and bit my lip. "Well, I'm sure she'll get over it".

What is she going to do anyways?. By refusing the tea I did what I'm supposed to via the feud.

Laura and Derek shared a look between them. I felt Derek's hand squeezing mine while his face formed that vulnerable little smirk I loved so much. "She...said that if you refuse tea with her tomorrow then...".

It seemed like he didn't want to continue and Laura had no trouble flipping her hair and cutting him off. "Then she'll go to the emissary and label you formally as a portrayer of peace. Of course  then ou-".

I growled in betrayal while ripping my hand out of Derek's. "I know what happens then."

Laura stared me down hard. Obviously this is why she's here. It's official pack business being carried out by their second in command. "So you'll go?".

I bit my lip and nodded curtly. 

What other choice do I have?!?