"Harry, you're being ridiculous." Rhys groaned next to me, smacking the hand that's not holding his books across his face.
"'Am not." I retorted childishly, tugging my hood further up on my head. "I'm just being cautious."
"Look at you!" He said in exasperation, motioning to my attire. "You practically raided my closet and are hiding under one of Greyson's giant sweaters."
I felt my cheeks redden as I look down at my outfit. Okay, so maybe I'm being a little ridiculous. Rhys wasn't lying when he said I practically tore his closet apart the second he let me into his dorm. Let me just lay down how this all went, basically after Rhys and Greyson came back up to the dorm room yesterday after that whole thing with my 'mates' and Professor Horan, I realized what Greyson told me the first day I met him. We were on the same floor as The Tops, a.k.a my 'mates'. I knew that since they knew my scent from the attack in the alleyway, they would now be able to recognize it once they past my dorm to get to theirs. To simplify it, I literally took every bottle of cologne Greyson owned and sprayed the entire room until my sent was unrecognizable. I also dragged Grey out of bed really early this morning and demanded he take me to Rhys' dorm. After much begging, I threw on one of his giant sweaters and practically sprinted the two of us to Rhys' omega building. From there, I dressed myself in Rhys pants and shirt - with Greyson's sweater overtop - to hide my scent.
I know it may seem a bit much...but I really don't want to have to deal with four Alphas claiming I'm their mate. After seeing them almost tear Rhys and Greyson apart for not telling them where or who I am, I don't even want to think about what they'd do to me once they find me.
"Harry, you can't keep hiding from your mates. You guys can't live without each other. And didn't you say wanted to find your mate?! Well now you have!" He stressed, his voice catching the attention of other students as we walked towards our first lecture hall.
"I know Rhys, b-but I didn't think that when I said I wanted a mate I'd get four!" I cried helplessly, pulling the sleeves of Greyson's huge sweater further over my hands. "What am I supposed to do with four mates? H-How will I even be able to handle them?      What if one of them doesn't like me? Will that make all of them hate me? A-And...a-and-"
"Hey," Rhys cut in, a smirk crawling its way onto his boyish face, "on the bright side, I bet the sex will be wild." He winked, bursting out laughing as soon as he said it.
I groaned loudly, stomping my foot to show him my unamusement, "This is serious Rhys!"
His laughter took a while to die down before he looked at me with a more annoyed expression, "You're asking me to be serious? You're the one in a disguise!" He rolled his eyes with a huff crossing his arms over his chest, "I hope you know that you're mates have one of the best werewolf senses known to man, they will probably still smell you out even if you're in Grey and mine's clothes."
"They couldn't before." I grumbled with a pout, remembering how uncertain they were about my scent with Greyson's sweater blocking it.
"Yeah, but that's because they weren't looking as hard. Now that they know for sure that they're mate is among them, they're be practically scratching the surface to seek you out." He retorted, "And I really want to see they're reaction once they find you decked out in another Alpha's clothes." He chuckled slightly, making me bite my lip to suppress a groan.
He's right. They're going to find me no matter what. I mean, I live on the same floor as them; it won't take them that long to figure out. I sighed, reluctantly lowering the hood of Greyson's sweater and peeking my head out sheepishly. I turned to Rhys who was watching me with a small sympathetic smile.
"I thought you were on my side. Now you're trying to make it easier for The Tops to find me?" I murmured sadly, looking at my feet as they dragged along the pavement.
"But I am on your side, H." He insisted pleadingly, lowering his head to try and meet my averted eyes. "I know how badly you want a mate. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at Grey and me. I just want you happy, and I guess I'm starting to think you should give your mates a shot. Prove to everybody that what they think about The Tops is wrong! Maybe they do have a heart, it's just sitting locked up waiting for you to unleash it." He shrugged, nudging me to try and get me to look at him.
I sighed to myself, pushing the sleeves of the sweaters up so I could play with my fingers. "Okay." I whispered meekly, "But can we just drop this for today I don't feel like talking about it anymore."
He exhaled loudly, with a tone of pity yet understanding; "Sure, I guess we can leave it for now."
The rest of the walk to the lecture was spent in silence.
-----
By the time Rhys and I made it to our second, and last class of the day, we were on slightly better terms. It was awkward through our first class because the both of us couldn't stop thinking about the conversation on my mates. However, on our way to the History building Rhys apologized for getting into my business and he promised to not talk about it unless I brought it up. I was happy with his promise because I really didn't want to stray to that topic again. It was too stressful thinking about what's going to happen when I finally have to face up to my mates. I would rather leave the stressing for later.
"Oh no." Rhys gasped under his breath from beside me, halting his steps as soon as we walked through the door of the classroom. "No no no no no no no..." He chanted desperately, looking wide eyed at something in the room.
"Rhys?" I shook his arm slightly, trying to get him to snap out of it. "What's wrong? Rhys!" I whisper-shouted, trying not to draw attention ourselves. I followed his line of sight to see the group of boys I saw looking at Noah the other day. It caused me to gasp and look back at Rhys cautiously, "R-Rhys..." I began slowly, gently reaching a hand up and turning his face so he's looking at me. "Who are those guys?" I could feel some part of me not wanting to know, but alas my curiosity was eating it up.
"Seekers." He whispered in horror, his voice so low I almost didn't catch it. I took notice of the audible gulp he took in, as well as how wide his eyes were. It was sending an odd chill down my spine and I didn't like it.
"W-What're-what're Seekers?" I bit my lip worriedly, looking back to see the group talking quietly in the back of the room, much like I had seen them yesterday.
This seemed to have snapped him out of his shocked state. He hurriedly gripped my arm and practically dragged me to the very front of the auditorium, the furthest seat possible from the...Seekers?
"What are Seekers Rhys?" I repeated, this time more sternly my eyes narrowed as he swallowed thickly.
"Greyson warned me about them the first day I came here. They're werewolves, mainly Alpha's, who seek out unbounded Omegas. They snatch them up and bring them to their hideaway that no one has ever found."
My eyes widened, "What do they do with them?"
"I'm not sure." He whispered fearfully. "I-I think they-" He leaned closer until he was right next to my ear, "m-mate with them."
"What?!" I gasped, making him quickly smack a hand over my mouth.
"Shhh!" He hissed lowly, "They might hear you!"
I tore his hand away from my mouth, looking at him in disbelief, "Why the fuck do you care?! You're already mated!" Despite being scared to death, I still kept my voice down because I really didn't want them to hear me. That would literally mark me off to my doom.
"It doesn't matter." He snapped, glaring heatedly at me. "They'll take mated Omega's too and use them as fuck bags. Do you know how much pain will be cause to mated Omega's if someone who is not their mate is fucking them? You are basically breaking the bond you've created with your one true love."
"Why would they do something like this? Who could be so heartless to take another's mate when they have their own?" I shook my head in utter confusion. Nothing is a bigger crime in the werewolf world than to take another's mate. It is considered illegal to be in a relationship, intimate or not, with someone who is not your soul mate.
"That's just it. The Seekers were created for all of those Alpha's who have either lost, or rejected their mate. This group has been around for so long, yet no one has ever found out what has happened to all those stolen Omega's. I mean, no one has even seen them when they kidnap those Omega's."
I gasped.
Noah.
He must've been taken. I saw those guys watching him yesterday, and I knew it seemed unusual for them to be waiting at the front door of the classroom and than had suddenly disappeared when Noah was done signing his name upfront.
"B-But...if everyone knows they're the Seekers...why haven't they been reported?" I questioned in confusion. It seems that it is known to almost everybody who this group is, so why hasn't anyone acted on it?
"There's no proof." Rhys shrugged simply, taking a hesitant glance at the group who has not stopped talking, as if they are not the most feared group on campus...next to my mates I assume. I blushed at the thought. "Like I said no one knows where they're taking all these Omega's and no one has ever seen them in action. It's a huge deal to accuse someone without any proof. I find it fucking stupid. I mean the whole campus knows it's them! Everyone can see them staring and tracking on one particular Omega, and then coincidentally they're gone the next day." He scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest. "But a last, it still isn't enough evidence."
I bit my lip, cautiously turning in my seat to face the front of the auditorium. I had to force my body not to turn around and sneak more peaks at the dangerous gang. I'd be in so much trouble if I caught one of their eyes. I could be on their next list...I almost vomited at the thought. No Harry! I scolded myself with a frown. Don't think like that. Nothing's going to happen to me as long as I don't draw attention to myself.
"Is there a Harry Styles in here?" A loud booming voice echoed from the front of the classroom, silencing anyone who was in the midst of chatting.
My eyes widened and then shut tightly in aggravation. Really? Could he have said that any louder? Was he trying to get me kidnapped? All these sarcastic questions were racing through my head that I barely even noticed Rhys nudging me with bruising force.
"Harry." He gritted, "Go."
I gulped fearfully, eyeing the man at the front of the class who I presume to be our professor for this lesson. The students were so quiet I wouldn't be surprised if I heard crickets begin singing.
With shaky hands, I picked up my backpack from its place on the floor beside me, where I had dropped it when Rhys had practically shoved me in this seat. I rose to my feet hesitantly, all eyes drawing towards my small Omega frame. I didn't dare look back to see if the Seekers were watching me, I just kept walking forward until I was standing right in front of the professor.
"Y-Yes, Sir?" I croaked meekly, gripping the straps of the backpack resting heavily on my shoulders. I could feel all the rest of the class's eyes burning holes at the back of my head as I spoke quietly to the professor. I knew they could hear me; I seem to forget that werewolves have enhanced hearing at times. And with it being so silent at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised if what I was saying considered shouting in their ears.
"Professor Horan has requested of me to send you down to his office immediately. He has written a note that states you are dismissed from this class session today, so you will not be marked absent." The teacher didn't even try to keep his voice down, making me flinch with wide eyes.
"P-Professor H-Horan?" I whispered fearfully, warning bells chiming through my head. "N-Now?"
"Yes, you know the way? If not I can send someone with you."
I quickly shook my head, "No sir, I know the way. Um...did he say what he wanted to discuss?" I asked sheepishly, peeking up at the huge man through my lashed with heated cheeks.
He sighed loudly, a look of annoyance crossing his features, "No he did not Mr. Styles, it is none of my business. Now hurry along before I get in trouble."
I nodded in humiliation, hearing the snickers going around my classmates.
"Yes sir." With one last look at Rhys, who had nothing but sympathy on his face, I walked out of the room with dread weighing heavy on my shoulders.
What could the principal want with me? I hope it has nothing to do with my mates...even though I know it probably does. The man is one of their fathers for crying out loud, if that doesn't make it obvious than what else would?
I quickly shook my head. Stop jumping to conclusions. I told myself harshly, holding my head up high and attempting to look confident as I marched all the way to the head office building.
All my confidence seemed to dissipate though when I entered the building. It was empty, save for the older man sitting behind a huge wooden desk in the middle of the room. Gulping, I shuffled over to the large piece of furniture with a small blush coating my cheeks.
I cleared my throat to get his attention, my face turning redder by the second as his eyes landed on me.
"What?!" He bit harshly, glaring at me over his small-framed glasses that were perched on the tip of his giant nose. I winced at the loud tone, cowering into myself a bit as I sheepishly looked down at my toes.
"U-Um...I was told Professor Horan wanted to see me...?" It came out more as a question than a statement but I just felt so tiny and unimportant under the man's heated eyes.
"Are you telling me that are your feet? Look at your elders when you are speaking, young man." He scolded roughly, making my eyes snap up to him. Jeez he sounds exactly like how my father used to speak to me.
"S-Sorry...uh..I-I was t-told-"
"I know I heard you the first time, I'm not deaf." He snapped, picking up the ancient phone resting beside him and jabbing at one of the buttons. I bit the inside of my cheek to suppress any comments I wanted to retort, a frown forming on my face. "There's a student here to see you." I heard a response being murmured through the other line of the phone, making me assume it was Mr. Horan. "You're name?" This time he was speaking to me making me flush before answering.
"H-Harry Styl-"
"Harry Styled." He spoke into the phone, not even letting me finish answering him.
"No, Harry Styles." I cut in hesitantly, looking down when he sent me a harsh glare before correcting himself over the phone.
"Yes, I'll send him in." With that, he harshly slammed the phone back into its place before pointing behind him wear a large set of double doors stood proudly, lined with engraved figures and objects I couldn't make out until I was closer. "Through that door."
I nodded, muttering a meek 'thank you' to which I got a grunt in return, and than practically tripped over myself making my way towards the large doors. My feet echoed with each step, pulling a large gulp from myself as well as a slight sweat. I was so nervous. I've never been sent down to the principal's office before, not through high school or elementary. My father would skin me if he heard I ever got in trouble.
Placing a trembling hand on the doorknob, I raised my free hand to knock lightly on the large door. The loud sound that resonated when I made the action caught me by surprise, making me take a step back.
"Enter." A loud voice ordered from the other side, along with a scent that I could remember anywhere.
Before I even opened it, I knew what lay behind this barrier. The smell of four different, yet very delightful aromas was hard to deny.
Should I run?
No. Not when I know they can already smell me. They will just chase me until I'm out of breath, and willing to surrender.
With a shaky intake of air, I pushed open the heavy doors and quietly slipped in. I faced away from the five frames standing at the other end of the room as I closed the door behind me.
Squeezing my eyes shut for a minute, I released the air I took in moments ago and turned to face my fate.
Opening my eyes, they fell on Professor Horan, before making its way up to the four boys I was trying desperately to avoid. My mates.
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A/N:
Welllllll...this update wasn't expected. I wanted to focus solely on Our Baby Nialler because I'm really trying to finish that story but...I was getting so many requests for this one and I just came back from my 5SOS concert AND FIVE DAYS AGO WAS MY ONE DIRECTION SO I WAS JUST REALLY HAPPY AND DECIDED TO GIVE YOU GUYS THIS!!!
I hope you like it :) Let me know your thoughts, what you think will happen next chapter...
AND VOTE PLEASE! WE REACHED OVER 200 VOTES LAST CHAPTER SO PLEASE CAN WE TRY IT AGAIN WITH THIS ONE! Thanks for the support!
Love you lots!
-Avery :)