Chapter 9: 9: Beck

MAX

I’m up earlier than I usually am, sleep proving elusive. I can’t quite pinpoint what’s keeping me awake.

My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more urgent than the last. The uncertainty of my alpha training, the looming dates, all of it has me on edge.

I’m a planner, a trait I got from my dad. I like to know what’s coming and prepare myself accordingly.

I’m boiling with anger toward Derek. I plan on calling him today to hear his side of the story.

But knowing Derek, he probably won’t admit to his mistakes. Or maybe he’ll surprise me.

The fact that we practically grew up together, and now have to train together, makes it all the more complicated. I don’t want to be associated with him.

Everyone will know that he and that other guy are the reason our training was delayed. Derek’s reckless actions have affected us all.

I’m itching to hit the gym. Maybe a sparring session with Beck will help me vent some of my pent-up aggression.

I also want to talk to him again. It’s clear to me that he’s interested in Melanie, but he hasn’t made any obvious moves to show her his feelings.

At least not that I know of. Selene mentioned that Jacob Ryker was planning to ask Melanie to the Spring dance.

I don’t like that guy at all. Beck may not be in high school anymore, but I’d rather he be the one to take my sister.

I trust him. I’m sitting on the leg press machine, taking a sip of water, when Beck walks in.

“Hey Max, didn’t realize you’d be here so early. Am I late?”

“No, man, just couldn’t sleep. Got here a bit early. You ready to spar or do you need a warm-up first?” I ask, wiping the sweat off my brow with my towel.

“Let me warm up. Ten minutes?”

I nod at Beck and watch as he heads off to stretch and do a few laps before our sparring session. I’m surprised he doesn’t crack a joke as he usually does.

Maybe he’s worried I’ll lose my cool given everything that’s going on. I’ll have to reassure him that we’ll get through this.

He’s going to be my beta, so I don’t need him fretting over things that don’t concern him. Like this whole alpha training mess.

I finish my circuit and wait for Beck by the bench, stretching out my muscles. He jogs up to me, signaling that he’s ready.

We head toward the sparring area, but before we step into the ring, I want to talk to him. “Beck, can we talk for a bit before we start? There are some things I need to get off my chest.”

He shrugs and leans against the wall, crossing his feet. “What’s bothering you, Max?”

“I’ll cut to the chase. I don’t want you worrying about the alpha training. Everything will work out fine.”

“I’m a bit stressed because I feel like it’s throwing everything off schedule, but it will pan out the way it’s supposed to.” He nods but remains silent.

“Also, about my sister,” I look at Beck, who raises an eyebrow at me. “Are you planning to pursue her or not? Because if you are, I have a few questions.”

“Ok.”

“Firstly, I hope you make your move before that Ryker kid asks her out. I can’t stand him.”

“Secondly, what are your intentions with Mel? She’s a good girl and she deserves the best. I trust you, but I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

“I’m also worried that if you two start dating and you find your mate, she’ll be devastated. You’re twenty-one, so you could find your mate any day now.”

“But she still has a little over two years.” I cross my arms over my chest, waiting for his response.

Beck seems to ponder over my questions, chewing on his bottom lip. He takes a deep breath before he begins.

“I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell Melanie that I’m interested in her, without coming off as a creep. I’ve always liked her, you know that.”

“I just turned twenty-one and I don’t go anywhere except here and college. If my mate was around and over twenty-one, I think I would have bumped into her by now.”

“I’m hoping Melanie is my mate, to be honest. I’m hoping that the Moon Goddess has guided my feelings toward her for a reason.”

“Right. So what about the dance?” I ask him.

“Maybe I should just ask her. Especially if you think she might say yes to Jacob?” Beck asks.

“I think she might say yes simply because she hasn’t dated or been asked out, mostly because everyone is scared of me.” I shrug.

“All right. I’ll ask her tonight then. It’ll be a bit weird going to a high school dance again, but it’s better than her going with some jerk,” Beck says.

“Now can we get to this sparring match? I want to kick your ass.” He grins, back to his usual joking self.

“Fat chance, Beck.” We move over to the mats and I prepare myself to let out some of my pent-up frustration.

I grin at Beck and charge at him before he even sees me coming. This is exactly what I need.

MELANIE

Just two more days of school and then it’s Spring Break. The dance is scheduled for the Friday after we return from break.

So far, Jadon is going with Macy and Selene is going with Carter. I’m genuinely happy for them.

But I can’t help feeling a bit annoyed that I don’t have a date yet. I’m starting to wonder if Max has something to do with it.

I’ve heard from several people that Jacob Ryker was planning to ask me. But he hasn’t.

I walk into the pack house and drop my backpack by the door. Kicking off my sneakers, I head to the kitchen for some water and a snack.

Finals are over, so I don’t have any studying to do. What am I going to do with my evening?

As I’m in the kitchen, slicing an apple and dipping the pieces in peanut butter, Max walks in. “Oh, that looks good,” he says, swiping some of my apple slices and scooping up the peanut butter with one of them.

“Hey, get your own,” I swat at his hand. But I’m smiling the whole time because I always share with him.

I know I’m going to miss him not being around, even if it means he won’t be stealing my food anymore.

Max pops the last slice into his mouth and grabs a water bottle from the fridge. “What are your plans for the evening, Mel? No more studying for a while, bookworm.” He teases me, a crooked smile on his face.

“I don’t know. I was just thinking about that. Maybe I’ll curl up with a trashy novel or watch a movie. What about you?” I ask him.

Max gives a noncommittal shrug. “I don’t know yet. I’m thinking of giving Derek a call, get his perspective. Maybe we can hang out after?” He proposes.

I can’t help but wrinkle my nose in distaste. “You’re really going to talk to him?” I question.

“He’s not worth your time, Max. He’s making all of you look bad. You know how pissed Dad is about the whole situation.”

Max nods, understanding. “I know. I think it’s some leftover resentment from when he first met Mom. You remember what Damion did.”

“Dad never liked him, so it’s probably spilling over to Derek now.”

“Like father like son,” I quip, a snort of laughter escaping me.

Max shrugs again. “Movie later?”

“Yeah, sounds good. But I get to choose!” I assert.

“Only if you’re making the popcorn too,” he negotiates.

“Fine,” I grumble. “Just come find me when you’re done with your call. Or do we watch the movie after dinner?” I inquire.

“After dinner works better. See you then,” He offers a casual wave as he exits the kitchen.

I hear his footsteps thumping up the stairs to the third floor, where the alpha quarters are.

I make my way to the living room and approach the bookcase. Might as well read something for now.

I select a book I’ve read before but enjoyed, figuring that if I get distracted, it won’t matter. I settle on the couch with my book, my feet tucked under me.

I’ve been engrossed in my book for over an hour when I glance at the clock. It’s almost five. Everyone should be home soon.

Jaydon has baseball practice and Selene usually hits the gym while he’s there so they can walk home together.

It’s always safer to travel in pairs, you never know when a rogue could show up. Suddenly, the front door swings open, a gust of wind and rain following.

I hadn’t even noticed it had started raining, so absorbed in my book and thoughts. “Damn, I’m soaked.” Beck’s voice reverberates as he kicks off his shoes at the entrance.

I glance his way, noticing his hair dripping onto his collar. His shirt clings to his well-defined chest, his nipples hardened from the cold.

He’s always been attractive, but right now, despite his messy, wet hair, he’s downright irresistible. He must have noticed my staring because he clears his throat loudly before asking, “Everything okay, Mel?”

I hadn’t even realized I was staring. How embarrassing. I close my eyes, certain that my face is as red as a tomato.

“Uh yeah, I’m fine. You look like a drowned puppy right now though.”

“You’re comparing me to a dog? That’s harsh.” He pretends to be offended.

“I’ll have you know I’m a prime example of a wolf, Miss.” He runs his hand up and down his body as if to emphasize his point.

He’s always been confident, but in a humorous way, not arrogant. “Sure, Beck.” I can’t help but smile.

“You should probably go dry off though. Tilda will have your head if she comes out of the kitchen to find water puddles on her freshly mopped floor.”

Tilda is our housekeeper. She cleans the floors every Wednesday. She’ll do extra if they get dirty, but we usually try to be careful, leaving our shoes at the door.

Beck glances at the floor. “Yeah, can you get me a towel? Or maybe two?”

“Sure.” I stand to fetch him a couple of towels from the pool towel closet under the stairs.

I toss one on the floor and hand him the other, but as he takes the towel, he also grabs my hand.

He pulls me into his damp body, shaking his head back and forth, soaking me too. I squeal and try to pull away.

“Really?” I question, stepping back from him.

Beck laughs, thanks me for the towels, and bolts upstairs. I look down to see that my shirt is now soaked as well.

With a sigh, I follow him upstairs. Beck has been acting differently toward me recently, and I’m trying to figure out why.