Chapter 9: Chapter Eight

DAX

~“Daxton, if I could punch you, I would. How could you do that and then just leave?”~ My wolf was seething. “~She tasted so sweet. Go back. Break her phone. Tell her she’s ours.”~

The girls in the dormitory hallway watched as I strode toward the stairs, my resolve shaking my self-control. I wanted to be the jerk who would break her phone, who would claim her on the bed like a caveman. But my parents didn’t raise me to be ~that kind~ of alpha. I wanted my luna’s respect and love.

And I wouldn’t get it that way.

I’d never felt such fury in my life. Not once. This situation surpassed every other I’d ever faced. It felt like my heart was splitting in two.

The need I had for her was tearing me apart from the inside. It clawed at me, begging to be released. Fighting back the urge to shift in front of the entire courtyard, I stormed off toward our mandatory alpha meeting.

There were a million other places I’d rather be than at that meeting. I’d been on my way when I felt her. She’d rushed out of the cafeteria, and half an hour later, I felt it.

I hated everything about it. Knowing another man made her feel like that… I clenched my fist and punched a passing tree. Blood smeared across my knuckles, but I didn’t feel it.

I needed to hit someone or something, and fast. The loud voices of the other alphas put me on edge. But I had to attend the meeting—it was mandatory, and I suspected it was about the lycans.

The fraternity house was packed when I walked into the conference room. Braxton sat at the head of the table, chatting with Kayden when I slumped down at the other end.

They exchanged glances but didn’t push me.

“Now that everyone is here, we need to talk about the lycans,” Braxton said. As the head of campus security, he worked closely with the alphas. “There have been rumors circulating about a planned attack.”

Landon, the fraternity president, leaned forward with his elbows on the table, his light gaze on me. “What do you know about him, Dax? This started because he was flirting with your mate, right?”

I slid my palm over my head, sighing. “Not much. His name is Luther and he’s an asshole.”

Braxton rolled his eyes. “What’s got you so pissed off? This is serious and you come in late with an attitude—”

“Nothing,” I snapped. “I’ve got a lot going on.”

Kayden shot me a look that said ~calm down~.

“I don’t know anything. I met him once and now he’s talking about attacking the campus and grabbing Savannah.”

Braxton stood. “We’re going to increase security for the next few weeks to ensure we’re safe. I’ll have a schedule to each of you by the end of the night. We’ll double patrol and stake out the woods if we need to.”

Landon nodded. “We’re fine with that.”

Braxton dismissed everyone but signaled for me to stay behind. Once the conference room door shut, he turned to face me. “What’s going on, Dax?”

“You know what’s going on,” I said. “You saw how my mate is treating me. And today…” I stopped, too embarrassed to say it.

“I hate her boyfriend. I want to break his face. I mean, could you imagine if Kelly was with another man, Brax?”

He snarled. “~No way~, and I do understand, but you can’t let it get to you. She has loads of classes tomorrow that will open her mind up to our world. Let it sink in for her.”

“In the meantime, I’m supposed to just let her make plans to go see this douchebag? If he shows up here, I won’t be able to stop myself from hurting him.

I don’t want to get expelled for fighting a human, Braxton. I don’t know what to do.”

Braxton shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ll work on that, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Go let off some steam. Take a run. Do something because you’re a real dick when you’re stressed.”

I scoffed, but didn’t disagree because it was the truth.

***

Kayden held the punching bag while I let myself go. He’d been talking about something for over an hour, but I couldn’t repeat any of it.

I kicked and hit until my body felt tired, which was a lot since it took a lot for us to get exhausted. Sweat pulled at my hairline, and I shrugged out of my shirt to wipe it away.

Kayden stood back and stared at me. “You’re somewhere else tonight. What happened?”

I chugged my water bottle. “She was sexting her boyfriend. I could… feel it.”

“Ouch,” he whispered. “That’s rough. Well, if it makes you feel any better, Stephanie says she can tell Savannah is affected by you.”

“I can feel it, but she won’t act on it, and she’s wrapped up with this boyfriend. God,” I said, swiping my palm down my face. “I never thought this would happen to me. I’ve waited for so long.”

Kayden didn’t respond, because what could he say to make me feel better? My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I dug it out, accidentally answering it.

I cringed when I saw Mom’s name on the screen.

“Dax?” came her gentle voice. I couldn’t bear to let my mother down. I loved her, and she didn’t deserve the silent treatment, even though part of me wanted to ignore her until I’d sorted things out with Savannah.

“Hey, Mom,” I replied, moving to the other side of the gym. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to figure out what to tell her. “What’s up?”

I could hear her shuffling around on the other end of the line. “Nothing. I’ve been trying to reach you for days, sweetheart. Is everything okay? Your father said you’re probably busy with your mate. Have you found her? What’s her name?”

I closed my eyes tightly. “Her name is Savannah Harper.”

There was a sigh of relief from my mother, followed by a squeal of delight. “I can’t wait to meet her. I’ll organize a party at the pack house so we can introduce her to everyone.”

Aware that Kayden could hear, I glanced over my shoulder at him. He was pretending not to listen, but I saw the grimace on his face.

“Yeah, well, let’s hold off on that, Mom. I don’t want to scare her.”

“Scare her?” Mom scoffed. “She’s going to be a luna, she can’t be afraid of crowds. I can’t wait to meet her. Is she pretty? What color is her hair?

Oh, don’t tell me. I want to be surprised. I can’t wait for you two to have pups—”

“Mom—”

“—your father is going to be so excited. He’s been worried you wouldn’t find her. I’ll call the girls and have them help me with the party. You know we all love a good party.

Do you know what she likes to eat? And drink? I’ll send you a list of questions I have for you. Text me back. Love you, son. I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.”

The line went silent.

“Wow,” Kayden said. “I think she’s excited,” he mumbled. “What are you going to do about that?”

I pulled up my dad’s number and stared at it. I’d always sought his approval for everything, and I needed his guidance now more than ever. “I’m going to call my dad. I’ll see you at dinner.”

I grabbed my bag and jogged out of the gym, shirtless, wearing only shorts and a frown.

My dad answered with a gruff, “Hello?”

“Dad,” I said. “Have you talked to Mom?”

“She called squealing about you finding your mate. I’m in the office. What’s the matter, son?”

I pictured him with a furrowed brow, leaning back in his black leather chair.

“I— my mate didn’t know about werewolves until she got here. Her parents died, and she was raised by her human grandmother.

Her parents arranged for her to come here, but she doesn’t know about mates or packs, and she has never shifted. She has a boyfriend, and I’m literally dying. Don’t tell Mom.”

A weight lifted off my chest. I leaned against the exterior of the gym and closed my eyes.

“Damn, son,” he muttered. “So I’m assuming she isn’t reciprocating your interest?”

“Not the way I am. She feels it, but she doesn’t understand it. I don’t know what to do. I’m trying to take it slow, not force her, but my wolf is pissed at me. He only talks when she is near and wants me to jump her. Any advice?”

Dad chuckled. “You’re joking?”

“I wish.”

He sighed, and I heard him start to pace the room. “I’ll hold off your mother. You woo the girl, Dax. I know you can do it. Earn her trust, and get rid of the boyfriend, in a way that won’t get you expelled.”

“That’s easier said than done,” I groaned.

“Do you want your mate, Dax?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then you’ll find a way. If she’s feeling the same pull as you, she’ll give in. Give her a reason to know you’re the one. Protect her. Be… available when she needs it.

Seduce her, but don’t force her. You’re an alpha, son, act like it.”

~Told you~, my wolf mumbled.

I mentally groaned but nodded to myself. “Okay. I’ll do it. Hold off Mom, and I’ll bring a willing luna home soon.”

“’Atta boy. Love you, son.”

“Love you.”

I slid my phone into my pocket and headed toward the cafeteria. I sensed she was close, maybe with Jaka in the cafeteria. After what happened in her room, I wasn’t sure she’d want to sit with me, but I’d offer it. Offer a chat.

I made it to the courtyard, the cafeteria sat right across the street, when I sensed the ~shewolf~ that cornered me in the cafeteria. I cringed.

She’d been trying to get with me since freshman year. I hurried to the front door of the cafeteria, but I felt her speeding up to catch me.

“Dax!” she called out. “Wait up.”

I slowed but didn’t stop. “What’s up, Randi? I’m super hungry—”

“Wait,” she said, grabbing my arm to stop me. I turned to look down at her, and she beamed. She was a pretty girl, but I hated the way she threw herself at me.

Randi’s family pack had always been close with ours, and she had made it no secret that she harbored dreams of marrying an alpha. When a wolf doesn’t find a mate, they have the freedom to choose their partner. Or, if their mate rejects them, they can move on and find solace in the arms of another.

But Randi would never be my solace, because I was destined for Savannah. I needed her. I wanted her. And I knew, deep down, she wanted me too.

~“Tell her to piss off,”~ my wolf growled within me.

Randi twirled a finger around her blonde ponytail, pushing her chest forward in a blatant display. “I was wondering if you were planning on attending the beta party this weekend? Maybe we could go together?”

“Randi, you know my mate is here.”

“Oh, really? I hadn’t heard. Where is she? I haven’t seen you two together?”

She attempted to mask the lie in her voice, but I knew she was aware. And she knew that Savannah was oblivious to the world of werewolves.

“Cut the crap,” I said, my voice firm. “I know you’ve heard. I’m working on it with her. She’s new to all of this.”

Her smile was tight, her eyes cold and calculating. “Hmm,” she hummed. “So you don’t want to go with me.”

~“Does she need a brick to the head to understand?”~ my wolf grumbled.

“No, Randi. I don’t. Maybe you should give some of those betas that have been chasing after you a chance. It’s not going to happen between us.”

A blush crept across her face. “Oh… okay. I guess.”

She spun on her heel, nearly colliding with a passerby who tried to catch her, only to be shoved away.

~“Great. Now she’s pissed.”~

~“She’ll get over it,”~ my wolf retorted. ~“Head to the cafeteria. Our mate is there and I want to see her.”~

I made my way inside, quickly grabbing my dinner, and spotted Savannah sitting with Jaka. I cleared my throat and approached, ignoring the warning look Jaka shot me.

“Hey,” I greeted her. “I think we need to talk.”

Savannah glared up at me. “Oh, ~do we~? Are you going to break the table if I don’t?”

My wolf chuckled. ~“Tell her exactly what you’ll do if she keeps smart talking you.”~

I sighed. ~“That’s not what Dad suggested,”~ I countered.

~“Your dad is getting laid on a regular basis. You’re not. Kiss her!”~ he snapped.

~Someone send help.~