Emily's pov

I sat down on one of the chairs around the lunch table and dug into my burger. I was hungry and moaned aloud.

"Don't make that sound again Em," Bryson grunted a bit when he sat down on one of the chairs beside mine.

I furrow my brows and turn to him.

His eyes fall to my lips and they darken. I'm stunned by how dark they've become. "You have something on the corner of your..." He trails off and before I can wipe whatever was on my lips, Bryson reached out and brushed his finger on the corner of my mouth.

My eyes fall to his finger and I feel the heat crawl up my neck and settle in my cheeks when I noticed that the tip of his finger was painted with mayo.

With a smirk, Bryson lifted his finger and pushed it in his mouth and, sucked. He moaned.

And my heart leaped.

When he was done, he grinned at me and teased. "You're such a messy eater."

This time the heat took over my entire face. I was certain I looked so red that everyone could spot me from afar.

Bryson chuckled and was about to say something when someone else plopped down on the chair mirroring mine.

"What are you two talking about?" Shawn, Bryson's best friend and also a close friend of mine asked as he dug into his fries.

His eyes gleamed with amusement as they darted between Bryson and I.

He arrowed a fry our way. "Let me guess. You two are flirting like usual."

If it were even possible my face turned even redder. "We we-re not flir-ting." I splattered out.

Shawn busted out laughing at my expense and from the corner of my eye I can see Bryson staring at me with a huge grin on his face.

Great my friends thought I was a laughing stock.

"Bryce. Did you see how red she got man?! Em is literally the color of a firetruck." Shawn snorted playfully.

I glared at both him and Bryson whose grin widened as he agreed. "Yes. Makes me wonder where else that blush go." There's a heavy tone in Bryson's voice that had a slick electrical feeling zapping down my spine.

"Yuck. Keep the flirting away from me before I barf." Shawn jokes and had me shyly moving my eyes away from both his and Bryson's.

"Who's flirting?" Maya's voice flutters near.

I turn around to see one of her arms slung over Bryson's shoulder as she held him close.

Everyone knew that if anyone had to be Bryson's fated mate, then it would be Maya.

Not only was she of higher rank but she was beautiful and walked with grace.

Bryson deserved a mate as strong as him.

And that mate couldn't be me, because I was weak. An omega and not as pretty as Maya.

Swimming with jealousy, I tore my eyes away from the two.

Shawn who didn't always see eye to eye with Maya, responded sarcastically. "Bryson and Emily. Who else? Do you see any other couple around Maya?"

I shyly peeked at Bryson when Shawn mentioned that we were a couple. He didn't look like he hated it, in fact, Bryson had a charming grin on his face.

Maya removed her arm off Bryson's shoulders and glared at Shawn. "Would it kill you to be nice to me for once dick? And, besides, Bryson and Em aren't a couple. Bryson's going to find his mate soon so you should be careful with your words. His mate might be someone in this room, you never know."

She huffed and went to sit down on the chair beside Shawn who scooted away from her a little.

I looked over at Bryson. That grin on his face is gone and is replaced by a frown.

"What does finding his mate have to do with this now? There's no harm in the two flirting." Shawn grumbles and glared at Maya.

"I'm just saying that if his mate is in the room she might get the wrong idea. It could be anyone, well except for Emily herself. She's an omega so her being Bryson's mate isn't believable." Maya said with a shrug.

There was a bitter feeling in my chest when she said those words. And even though they were absolutely true, it didn't make it hurt any less.

Suddenly a chair scraps backward and I snap my gaze to Bryson who stands up and storms away, leaving the three of us stunned by his sudden departure.

"What's wrong with him?" Maya asked in confusion as she stared at a storming away Bryson who managed to capture everyone's attention.

"Gee I wonder who upset him," Shawn said sarcastically.

I rise to my feet, concerned about his obvious angry mood. "I'll go check up on him," I said.

"No, I'll go," Maya said and rose to her feet. Shawn is quick to wrap his hand around her wrist and stops her.

"No, Emily should go. It's obvious you upset him with your words Maya. I don't think you going to him is a good idea. Let Emily handle it." He grumbles tightly.

Maya frowns but nods and sat back down.

Shawn nods his head, urging me to go ahead. I quickly leave the cafeteria my eyes scanning around the area.

Where could you be Bryce....

I opened the locker room and sure enough, there was the sound of a fist hitting metal.

I rush over to his side, shocked to see him this angry. He's breathing roughly and his canines are out. And when he looked at me, I stare into angry red eyes.

He's shifting and he's trying to fight it.

"Bryce," I said softly as I took a cautious step forward. Bryce was an alpha, a future alpha and they tend to not be able to control their emotions when the day to take over the pack is approaching.

He places his forehead on the locker while trying to control his rage and breathing.

I approached him slowly, cautiously and when I'm beside him, I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder.

He relaxes, breathing out a sigh.

"Did she upset you that much Bryce?" I whispered when his eyes had gone back to normal and his teeth retracted.

"It's her damn words. I hate when she brings up the mate thing." He admits and pushes off the locker only to turn around to face me.

"I don't understand," I whispered. "She's right you know, you'll be finding your mate soon. Isn't that a good thing?"

Bryson's jaw ticked and his eyes shifted in irritation. "How is that a good thing if there's a possibility I can't have the girl I want Em?"

Emily's pov

His words stunned me and my heart leaped.

Did he have someone in mind he wanted as his mate?

It sure sounded as though he had someone he liked.

My heart throbbed.

I know I shouldn't feel this way, Bryson after all would obviously be attracted to girls...

A big part of me wanted him to be attracted to me but that was just wishful thinking.

Bryson was way out of my league, in looks and ranking.

It's actually laughable that I was so deeply in love with an alpha male who would never be mated to an omega like me.

Bryson sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. "The closer my birthday comes the more agitated I get. I'm fearful of who I'll end up with knowing that the one I really want might not-

He groans and shakes his head. His eyes lift to mine and they connected. It feels like electricity is zapping around us as he holds me in an intense stare.

"In a few months, you'll be turning eighteen to Em. Aren't you afraid of who you'll end up with?" He asked, staring at me deeply.

I tore my eyes away from him.

I've thought about who the moon goddess must've chosen for me and my mind always wraps back to maybe an omega or low-ranked male.

Omegas have never been mated to any higher-ranked wolves, it's not like I'd magically be mated to one now.

"I've thought about it a lot actually. And yes I'm terrified of that day." I admitted.

I'm terrified that we won't have the same bond we have now.

Your main focus will be on your Luna and I'll be stuck with someone I have to force to fall in love with even though my heart belongs to you.

But instead of saying the truth, I sent him a shaky smile. "But I figured the moon goddess won't fate me to a higher ranked wolf so I suppose I have nothing to fear of. You know how you higher ranked wolves are more maintenance." I joked trying to ease the tension.

But it does the opposite because Bryson's brows knot into a frown and he grumbles. "Right."

He stares at me with an emotion he was quick to mask and then clears his throat. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see who we end up with huh?"

I nodded grimly.

I didn't want to end up with anyone else other than Bryson. I was in love with him and I was afraid that even with a mate that's not him, I'd never be able to get over him.

_

"You better take your time today," I warned him as I buckled myself.

Bryson shoots me a grin and winks. "No promises."

I gripped the door quickly as he drove off.

"Bryson Taylor!" I yelled in anger.

He roared with laughter and then slowed down. I turn to shoot him a glare.

"I swear you're just trying to piss me off."

The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he spared me a glance. "You're hot when you're pissed off, I can't help it." He joked but there was something weighing in his tone that made it a bit hoarse.

Again, his words always seem to make me stop breathing for a few. But then I always remember that Bryson was always a teaser and he loved to tease me. Those words had no real meaning behind them. They were just that, words.

Even though I wanted them to mean so much more.

With a raging blush on my face that I failed to hide, I rip my eyes away from him and focus on the road while I murmur. "Shut up. "

He chuckles and the sound sent a warm rush of tingles fluttering in my stomach.

When we got to my place Bryson said he'd much rather warm up the food in fear that I'd 'burn' down the house.

"Whatever," I said and rolled my eyes.

I left him and went upstairs to freshen up.

When I got back upstairs, Bryson is already seated on the sofa, his feet kicked up on the coffee table.

"Aren't you supposed to have a meeting with your dad today about the alpha ceremony?" I asked as I approached him.

Not only was Bryson turning the age of eighteen in a couple of days, but he would also be passed down the alpha title. He will now be the alpha leader of the pack.

Something he's been training for relentlessly.

He looks up at me and I didn't fail to notice the way his eyes dipped for a few seconds on my breasts area and legs.

I blushed and he clears his throat while reaching over for the remote. "Like I'd leave you home alone Em. I mind linked my dad, we'll talk about it tomorrow."

I winced.

Brent Taylor, alpha of our pack, was a bit more stern. Especially when it came to pack business.

"Was he upset?" I winced as I plopped beside him.

I let out a tiny breath when his arm slings around my shoulder and he pulled me closer to his side.

"Nah not really. He understood. It's really not a big deal Em. Alpha duties can come after, you'll always come first."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. When he says words like that it makes me want to beg him to kiss me at least once before he'll never be mine again.

But that wasn't a possibility. We were best friends and he only saw me as his little sister.

"I just don't want to be the reason you're missing out on your duties Bryce. You'll take over the pack in literally a few days. " I whispered and peeked at him under my lashes.

I hear his sharp intake of breath when our eyes connected and furrow my brows when he rips them away quickly.

"I have enough time Em. Now stop being so worried." He whispered and switched through the movies and picked one I liked even though he didn't like that kind of genre.

I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder.

-

A few hours had passed and now it was dark out. The only light in the house was coming from the television.

We had eaten a few hours ago and now I was exhausted.

I yawned, my eyes fluttering closed until sleep washed over me. It was only when I felt myself being lifted did my eyes slowly fluttered open.

In my hazy mind and vision, I spotted Bryson's eyes staring down at me. "Go back to sleep Em, I got you." He whispered and my eyes followed his command.

I can hear his footfalls as he walked up the stairs, feel his arms hold me protectively to his chest. Hear the steady beating of his heart in his chest.

And then soon, I felt the soft covers under me as I sank into the mattress. He fixed me and pulled the covers over my legs to my midsection.

But when I thought he was gone, I felt the hovering presence of him above me then felt the softness of his lips on the corner of my mouth.

"Goodnight baby." He whispered, his lips lingering there.

Emily's pov

"Bryson, what are you doing here?" I whispered, looking into his startling green eyes that shone with love.

I must be dreaming. Why was he staring at me with so much love?

Bryson takes a step forward, his eyes darkening with lust when they fall to my parted mouth.

I let out a gasp of air from the intensity of the fire of desire swirling in his foresty gaze.

His eyes cause my body to burn with heat and I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from moaning out loud.

I'm like a flickering match under the weight of his stare and when he spoke in a husky tone next, I burn alive.

"Em, I want you," He groaned, his eyes darkening until they swirled with red.

His wolf was aroused too.

It wasn't only him.

"I've wanted you for so long. I want you Em. I want you so badly it hurts." His hands reach up and he bunches his shirt in his hand. Where his heart beat.

I can hear it. I can hear the organ beat as furiously as mine.

I sucked a very sharp breath, stumbling back a step when his words registered.

He wants me.

His canines jut out from his gum and he takes a powerful step forward.

"I want you and I'm going to claim you. I'm claiming you as mine Em. You're mine." He snarls and finishes the distance between us and pulls me in his arms.

He holds the back of my head, forcing me to look up. Our eyes connected and tingles rake over my body and swirl in my veins like the fire he had flickered already inside me.

"Bry-son," I gasped, my eyes widening a little.

He grins, showcasing his canines that were still on display. "I knew it. I knew you were mine. You're my luna-

I gasped, my upper half snapping up in a sitting position. I gripped the covers around my body as I try to relax my pounding heart.

I'm trembling and lift my hand to brush through my hair shakily.

Great Em, now you're dreaming of your best friend claiming you....

You can't be any more obsessed than this.

I let out a shaky breath and licked across my lower lip which felt dry.

Pang.

My brows furrowed.

Pang.

What the hell?

Another pang cracks the silence in the room.

I look over at my window. There wasn't a tree or a branch close by that can make that kind of sound.

The only person or should I say wolf who would do this was none other than my best friend. The boy I just dreamt about.

Pang.

I was right. He was throwing tiny stones at my window.

My heart starts beating like it normally does when he's near.

I gripped my shirt where my heart beat in my chest.

Calm down, heart. Stop making it obvious.

When the organ had finally settled, I throw the covers off my body and padded my way over to the window.

I slid it open, welcoming the cold air to beat against my cheeks.

I looked down and sure enough, Bryson is standing just under my window, his arm up ready to sling another pebble at the glass.

I stop him before he could.

"Bryson!" I hissed getting his attention. He stops, throws the pebble down, and grins up at me.

"You caught me. I will forever be indebted to you, my lady." He joked, keeping his hands up in surrender.

I rolled my eyes yet smiled. I had noted that he had no shirt on and only khaki shorts.

He had been in wolf form and run all the way here.

I turn to look at the beating red numbers on my nightstand clock. It's two a.m in the morning.

That's the latest he had ever come here.

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What's wrong Bryce?" I whispered in a worried tone that he caught.

"Jump," He answered.

I shook my head. "It's cold out, and it's inappropriate to be outside at this hour with my future alpha."

He knew I was bullshitting him. Even if I had yet to shift I still had wolf genes which made my body warm even in the winter times. It was difficult to get cold.

After that dream I just had, I didn't want to be face to face with him so close.

Bryson looks irritated and moves out of the shadows a bit. The fadish light from the moon beamed down on him, eliminating his green foresty eyes.

"And as your future alpha, I ask that you get your pretty ass down here this instant." He cocked a challenging brow. "Or would you rather I come up there and take you myself?"

Oh damn, he was serious.

Sighing in defeat, I opened the window wider and crawled onto the ledge. I looked down, pinning him with a look that told him he better catch me.

He grins boyishly and winks. "I'll always catch you Em. " He promises, his eyes shining with honesty.

If I fell I wouldn't necessarily die. It wasn't that high off the ground and I could still heal. Slowly yes, but I'd heal nonetheless.

But that didn't mean I'd take the chance to actually fall and perhaps accidentally break a bone or two in the process.

I held the air in my lungs, counted to three, and jumped.

"Oomph," I said when arms quickly wrap around me, catching me before I could land on the ground.

Bryson's arms wrapped around me like a band of hard steel, tightening around me protectively.

For a few moments, we stay like this, just me in his arms and him holding me so closely.

I slowly looked up at him, only to remember that his upper half was naked.

A furious blush spread on my cheeks hotly and I squirm and wiggle for him to put me down on my feet.

"Okay you can put me down now," I said, avoiding his gaze and very thankful that I left my hair down messily, so it would help to veil around my face and block his sight from my reddened cheeks.

"Oh right," Bryson said sheepishly and awkwardly place me on my feet.

I fixed my oversized shirt and brushed my hair in a way that would block my cheeks.

Looking up at him, he's already staring at me in amusement.

"Now can you tell me why you're here so late?" I asked, trying to move his attention away from me.

"I came here for you."