Chapter 6 Falling for you - Part two.

It had been three weeks since we'd all been at the lake, me and Layton had been texting regularly, he told me he did want to talk to me about something that has apparently been on his mind for a while now but that he wanted to be able to chat properly because it always made him feel a lot better whenever he spoke to me face to face.

I had to get up early this morning to get to warrior training this was my fifth week and I loved it, every session made me feel stronger and like I was really accomplishing something great! I walked over to the training mats where some of the group had already arrived.

Gabel came over and asked to speak to me, pulling me to the side he patted me on the shoulder. "Lelanna I just wanted to quickly take a moment to let you know how delighted I am at your progress"

"Oh wow, really" I said looking up at him wide eyed with surprise

"Well yes of course, you are very skilled Lelanna, your fast on your feet, you have great stamina and you're a fast learner. I love that you come here every session and give it your best effort, and I can honestly say, I'm excited to see in how your skills develop. I can already see your going to be special... You know your dad was a great warrior and Sam proved to be very skilled too, so to see how great you're doing makes me happy and I feel very optimistic about your future training, just keep up the good work and you'll go far, trust me" he gave me a nod at my silly excited smile and walked back to the other students.

Everyone arrived and we all gathered round to hear who we'd be partnered up with for the first hour. Gabel called out for me and Liam to be partner up. Liam was slightly taller than me and very cute. We were issued black tops and shorts on our first training day and even though his shirt was baggy I could tell he had a nice set of muscles underneath especially for an eighteen year old and he had light short brown hair and a cheeky boyish smile under his stubble. I'd only been partnered with him once before, but he was sweet and always so laid back with a charming sense of humour.

He casually walked over to me grinning "ready to get your ass kicked Lelanna?"

"Yea keep dreaming Liam, you know I beat your ass last time"

"Well, I was trying to be nice, but bring it on...this is war" he laughed and got me laughing too.

Gabel instructed us that the first hour we would be concentrating on our opponents' weaknesses and I already knew that Liam's weakness was relaxing too quickly after getting his opponent down and I was going to use that against him. We got ready in our stance facing each other, I let him make the first move toward me, he grabbed me by my upper body and swung me around and I let him think he was going to be able to push me down onto my back, just at the moment I kicked his foot with force and his legs collapsed beneath him.

I put all my body weight onto him making him fall onto his back then sitting on his chest, I managed to hold him there for ten seconds which is what we were always told to aim for... those ten seconds meant that in a real fight, if our enemy was down long enough, it would give us the opportunity to injure or worst case scenario, draw our sword and kill them. We both laughed as I let him up and we got back into our stance.

We managed to get each other down a few times, then we helped each other recognise each other's weaknesses and flaws in our attacks. Liam said although I was quick I could be quite predictable with my moves and I helped him work on not lowering his guard too prematurely and reminded him to never fall back or relax until he knew his opponent was pinned. I enjoyed working with Liam, he was a good and dedicated trainer and we always bounced off each other.

It was time to switch partners to which me and Dakota quickly paired together, she was strong and we both practiced moves we wanted to try on each other to see how affective they were, she was my height and build, so practicing on each other was handy and by the end of the session we were covered in sweat as usual and my muscles were aching, I felt like my legs had run a marathon!

Me and Dakota said goodbye to our group before heading home together making a pit stop at Maz's to grab a takeaway coffee.

I got home and could hear Sam and Layton chatting in the kitchen, my mum and dad were still at work. I called out to them that I was home and went up to my room and flopped down onto my bed willing myself to not fall asleep and to get into the shower.

A few minutes later a knock on my door stopped me from nearly falling asleep... I looked up to see Layton poking his head round my bedroom door. "Hey you!". He spoke as he sauntered in

"Oh hey". I managed bringing my hand up to give him a floppy wave.

"You, ok?" He asked

"Yea just worn out and I'm trying to make myself get up to have a shower, training today was tiring" I yawned and stretched my arms out.

"Oh... well, why don't I pop the shower on for you and grab you a towel? me and Sam have just made some pasta, so I'll put some on a plate for you, that'll make you feel better"

Run me a shower...get me a towel?

"Umm Ok! But you had me at Pasta" I said with a grin.

He left my room and I heard him turn the shower on, next thing I knew he strides back into my room, grabbed my arm and pulled me up and put me over his shoulder, making me laugh as I let myself hang over him. He carried me into the bathroom then put me down.

"Right when your done come down for some food, me and Sam are gonna a put a film on the big screen so come and join us"

I laughed at his bossiness "Yes sir" I said giving him a salute, he chuckled then left shutting the bathroom door. It wasn't until he left that I looked around and realised he had lit some candles. I hopped into the shower letting the hot water relax my muscles letting myself unwind making sure to use my honey and coconut shampoo So I would smell good enough to eat when I went downstairs.

I got dressed into my comfy shorts and a top and went down to grab my food... I took it into the back room where our big sofa and big screen tv was and noticing that Sam was sat on one edge of the sofa and Layton was sat in the middle, with leaving only one space next to him... I didn't linger and let myself flop next to him tucking into my food as Sam played the film.

"Mmm this is yummy boys, thank you" I groaned

"Anytime Lanny" Sam replied as they both smiled at me.

I finished my food and put my plate down on the table next to me and when I sat back, I instantly noticed Layton's leg was against mine, it was a light touch, but it still managed to send a quiver down my spine and a twinge in my body and I let my leg stay there feeling too nervous to move it as I could feel the warmth from his leg on mine.

I must have been tired though because I don't recall watching much of the film... next thing I knew the credits were rolling and I slowly fluttered my eyes open and to my realisation I was asleep on Layton's shoulder with the side of my body nestled into his side. I didn't know whether to move or pretend I was still asleep so I quickly closed my eyes again and I started to take in his warm and strong scent and the cosiness of his body.. I heard Sam whisper to Layton about me being asleep, then I felt Layton's arm that I was resting moving to the back of my neck and shoulder wrapping it around me while he slowly got up and lifted my legs up with his other arm, holding me bridal style. He pulled me in close then began to walk up the stairs.

Mmm his smell it invaded my very core, his warmth, his heartbeat, the sound of his breathing! He felt so good, and it felt magical to be so close to him.

He walked into my room and lowered me slowly down on my bed and still I kept my eyes closed, but then I felt his hand lightly caress my cheek for a moment, stroking it with his thumb, he grabbed the blanket from the bottom of my bed and put it over me whispering "sweet dreams my Lanna" then quietly walking out of my room and closing the door, only then did I let my eyes open again.

Feeling flustered from the touch of his hand on my face and how my heart was pumping so hard...It was just another strong reminder of how strong my feelings were for him, then it hit me like a cold flash of realization, the feelings I have for him isn't just a crush or 'I really like him!' This...this is love, surely! that's how it felt, like I was in love with him completely head over heels! And it dawned on me that eventually I'd have to move on, but it would be so hard to find someone I could happily be with and not compare them to Layton and be able to feel for them more than what I felt for him...

DAMN YOU HEART!

Its finally gotten warmer with spring ending and the summer just beginning and a celebration had been organised for the warriors that had done the extensive training to become royal guards. Six of them had succeeded in the training, so a party is being held on the beach tonight in their honour for their sacrifice and dedication to the Palace Royals.

Me and the girls decided it was a good reason to go shopping and for a cocktail on the high street. We'd been shopping for three hours, and I'd finally found a strappy crop top and black shorts with a pair of flat black strappy sandals, and I treated myself to a dark red lipstick to go with my makeup tonight.

We'd all finished our shopping and headed to the cocktail bar. as we drank our drinks, we decided we'd all go home get the rest of the stuff we needed then meet at Lola's and get ready together there as her house was closest to the beach.

I made a sandwich when I got home and grabbed my stuff that I needed then made my way to Lola's. we started getting ready with music playing and glasses of wine in our hands, getting started on our makeup and then hair. I did my makeup and added my new dark red lipstick to finish it off and curled and sprayed my hair into beaves waves.

We finally headed to the beach that had been partitioned off for the party, there were already loads of people filling the area with music wafting from big black speakers, people were drinking from their red plastic cups and dancing while loads were chatting away It was crowded as far as the eye could see. We looked over to see a large marquee, it was black with all side down except from the front where you could see the makeshift bars where drinks were being served. The black marquee and the beach were lit up brightly with large lanterns and dotted around were tall tiki torches and in areas filled with deck loungers and beach chairs we found some free seats next to a large group of people, Lola and Maisie snagged the seats for us as me and Dakota went to get the drinks.

We all sat down together chatting away and soaking in the scenery noticing that the party had only started an hour ago and some people were already drunk and could barely stand. We'd been chatting for nearly 30 minutes when we decided to have a walk around the party and socialise, however Dakota and Lola made it clear that they wanted to find Sam and his mates... Can't blame them they were actually a lot of fun to hang out with...

Dakota "come Lil's find your brother get us in his group" she pleaded giving me puppy dog begging eyes

Lola "Ohh, yes please Lil's I need to find someone gorgeous tonight"

Me and Maisie just laughed at their eagerness and the fact that we'd only been here for just over 30 minutes, and they already wanted to hang with the guys.

We made our way through the large crowds, and I kept my eye out for Sam, when a loud deep voice caught my attention

"LANNY" Sam shouted my name and I turned to see him and his mates with a large group of other people and not shockingly most of them were girls... drunk giggly girls! I waved and we headed over toward them, I got to Sam who put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a little hug "where you been sis, thought you would have been here ages ago"

"Sam it's only been an hour, anyway we were sat by the bar for a while"

"Well stay close cos it's getting busy and rowdy already, so stay with me and the guys" he said giving me a stern look which I just smiled at, fine by me they're all a good laugh anyway.

We all started mingling in the group when I felt someone come up behind me, lifting me up, wrapping their arms around my legs I squealed in shock as looked down and behind me to see Layton as he started spinning me around laughing, causing me to scream in hysterics.

He finally put me down and nudged my arm "Where you been girlie... huh"?

I've been mingling" I said looking up at him with a smile

"Oh, so you saved us for last did ya?" he laughed.

"Yea, well everyone else is pretty drunk and you lot are the only ones standing so you know, there is no better option" I grinned cheekily

"Oooh harsh Lanna don't make me spin you again!"

"Ohh, no please don't however will I recover" I dramatically rolled my eyes in sarcasm

His eyes narrowed at me trying to give me his 'scary face'..."don't tempt me Lanna" he said trying to hold a straight face

"Oooh I'm shaking" I quirked

He went to grab me again but as I quickly rushed to the side, he ended up losing his balance and nearly fell onto his friend's lap who was sat on a lounger chatting up a very happy and excited girl... We both laughed as the guy gave him a daggering look as to not cramp his style... but his stern face made us laugh even more.

We'd actually been chatting and messing about with the others for ages, playing drinking games that consisted of what pairs could swap clothes the quickest so they don't have to take a shot... truth or dare and a two legged very drunk race that just led to people falling over and laughing or play fighting in the sand rather than actual racing.

I think I had three other mismatched outfits on tonight by the time I finally had my own clothes back on, luckily as Sam was there and hated the thought of any of his friends seeing me in my underwear he'd always guard me while I quickly change even then they'd all still wolf whistle just to wind him up "Sam's sisters hot" "Hey Lelanna, are you single?" they'd all shout, earning lots of groans and "fuck offs" from Sam while I just laughed behind his back too tipsy to care.

After all the games and drinking I found myself with Layton once again as we stood next to everyone else chatting away to each other, as me and him spoke mostly about the new tasks and jobs he's now being given to get him ready to take over as Alpha but then somehow it went from that to us talking about the time, me, him, Florence and Sam, would make a fort out of sheets in his palace garden and pretend to be on a steak out with our toy guns watching out for baddies that wanted to steal our treasure. We were laughing hard, tears in our eyes at how once we got told off when his mum had realised our treasure was some of her jewellery... I mean its LUNA jewellery it's not just expensive. Its crazily expensive and a lot of it was stuff that had been handed down through the generations of Luna's. She told us off but then felt bad and had one of the Palace housekeepers bring us out a big basket of food so we could have our own little picnic.

As our laughter started to calm down I noticed a few yards away from where we were, Zara and her little minions were glaring at us, I frowned at her which Layton noticed, and he whipped his head round to see what I was looking at and at that moment Zara quickly wiped of her glare and plastered on a fake sickly sweet smile and started walking over to us...well to Layton, trying to strut and walk seductively ...what an idiot you can't walk sexy on thick sand with wedges on! I baffled to myself. I eyed her up when she came over to Layton wrapping her arms around one of his... "Hi Layton" she said looking up at him futtering her eye lashes.

"Uh hey Zara, what's up" he said looking at her puzzled as he tried to loosen her hold

"Well, I need you to quickly help me with something"

"Uh, well" he looked at me "I was chatting Zara, I'm busy... can it wait?"

She glanced at me coldly, clearly not liking that I'm still here. "Well, it's kind of important... pleeease?" she begged looking at him all doe eyed.

I rolled my eyes in irritation and thought fuck this to myself "I'm getting a drink, see you later!" I couldn't be bothered to stand near that girl any longer she literally drained my patience any time she was near me. I don't know what she wanted or if he went with her but seeing as he made it clear he didn't like her when we were at the lake, I didn't feel the need to worry.

Looking at my phone I saw it was 1.25am, feeling tired I decided to go home. I made my way over to Sam who was laughing and chatting with Dakota...I quickly told him I was going home and gave Dakota a quick kiss on the cheek, while whispering "DO NOT KISS HIM" Not that I care if they did but I knew it was better for now if she didn't.

I made my way off the beach and back to the village, our streets were always patrolled with Warriors 24 hours a day, we had many and they always rotated shifts, so it was always safe on our streets, and I never had to worry about walking around at night on my own which was actually good for me cause Sam was usually busy snogging some random girl whenever I was ready to go home.

As I quietly walked away from the beach, I could sense someone running up behind me I turned around to see Layton running up to me... "Wait Lanna where you going"?

"Home Layton its late and I'm so tired besides I need to be up early, dads teaching me to hunt in my wolf form". I told him as I returned to walking home

"Ahh that's good, I loved my lessons in hunting, I think you'll enjoy it Lanna, everyone always does especially their first time".

Noticing that Layton is still walking with me away from the beach I looked at him as I raised my brow "well anyway are you going home already? bit early for you or have you broken enough hearts already tonight?"

"Oh hah ha very funny... no I haven't if you must know, I wasn't bothered with that tonight actually I'm just done for the night, then I noticed you were leaving and you didn't even say goodbye".

"I did! I told Sam I was going home, he knows".

"Well, I meant you didn't say goodbye to me"

"Well, actually I was going to but when I looked over you looked pretty busy... I mean you had a few girls around you so thought I'd leave you to it"

"Ohh... well you should have just grabbed me anyway I wouldn't have cared we could have had another catch up"

"Well let's catch up now then while we walk home, yes?... sound good?"

Layton chuckled as he looked ahead of us to see we were nearing the village "But your nearly home already". He stopped in his tracks "why don't we...."

and I stopped next to him "What?"

"Why don't we walk down to the bridge just hang there for a bit, its quiet and its better than going straight home".

why did him just saying that make me feel nervous like why? why does he want to go to the bridge with me, when he could go back to the beach and make out with any girl of his choosing and whyyy am I even questioning it? What does it really matter?

"Sure, why not?"

Layton smiled as joy flashed across his face "great, come on let's go".

The bridge was only five minutes from where we were walking, and we took our time. strolling slowly in the quiet night.

"Hey Lanna?"

"Mmmm"

"Do you believe you can be in love with someone that isn't your destined mate?"

"Well people fall in love all the time now to someone who they weren't destined to be with, I mean Maisie and Jackson fell in love before they turned eighteen and when they're eighteenths came and went and they realised they weren't destined it didn't change anything for them, they're still in love"

"But there's love and then there's madly in love, head over heels, can't be without you kind of love".

I looked up at him quizzingly as we neared the bridge "what's with the deep love questions?"

He shrugged "I don't know, just on my mind I guess... I just always assumed that kinds of love was only felt with your destined mate"

"But your parents weren't destined Layton and they're still madly in love"

"Yea I know, but to be honest I always assumed they were just lucky... until"

"Until what?"

He shook his head "no. no, never mind"

I raised my brows at him "Layton... Until?" I repeated trying to urge him into talking but a part of me was scared, has he fallen in love with this special girl and now that's why he's questioning the 'destined mates' theory.

But the conversation came to a stop as we got to the bridge and took our shoes off, we sat on the side of the wooden bridge and let our legs dangle over our feet touching the cold fresh water. The night was so quiet, and the stars were shining on the water like dozens of little sparkles were floating on its top. Me and Layton were sat side by side our arms nearly touching, I lifted my head up to the sky and took a deep breath with a loud sigh.

"Wow Lanna what was that sigh for...world on your shoulders?" he said jokingly as he nudged my arm with his.

I chuckled lightly "Noooo just.... it's nice, I'm just enjoying how quiet it is, it's so peaceful and no matter how many times we've been here I never tire of it, just like the field we used to go to as kids"

"I know, I love this place, especially when were both here together".

His words caught me off guard as I felt my stomach lurch with joy. "Yea? Why is that? does it make a relaxing change to all the girls you must make out with here" I said with a forced laugh trying to gauge if this spot meant anything to him like it did to me

"What? no Lanna I've never bought any girl here, ever!"

A wave of relief washed over me "oh, I just thought... because its quiet and pretty it would be your favourite spot to bring them, I mean they'd be like putty in your hands... although I suppose they are already, so you don't need extra help". I said with a playful chuckle.

Layton glanced at me then back at the water thoughtfully staying quiet for a moment.

"Well, it is one of my favourite spots" he finally spoke "but it's one of ours, isn't it?... think how many times we've sat here together or at the field... you know Lanna, I honestly can't talk and don't talk to anyone like I can with you, you just make it feel so easy and fun... and well... I wouldn't want to ruin our place by bringing some random girl here...and anyway only like being here with you".

I felt gobsmacked at everything he was saying my stomach was tightening and churning, I felt so confused 'tell him, tell him, just tell him how you feel' my head was screaming at me, and I could even feel my wolf getting antsy, I could see her in the back of my mind with her ears perked up and her heart was beating just as fast as mine was. I could sense she wanted me to confess too but my mouth wouldn't let me, my nerves erupted, and I lost all courage to say anything to him...what if everything he said was just meant in a friend or sisterly/brotherly way

"Layton, I think once you find the right girl for you, it'll be her you're able to talk to easily... it'll just flow and feel natural, and she'll be the one you want to talk to all the time."

Layton chuckled "Lanna are you trying to get rid of me? getting bored of our talks are you now?" he said with a smirk

"Nooo, jeez so sensitive". I said playfully nudging his arm with my hand trying to mask my nerves and just as I rested my hand next to me on the bridge, I felt his hand slightly touching the side of mine and his little finger slowly sliding over mine and I quietly gulped as my body started to feel fuzzy and warm and I didn't dare move my hand not even by an inch, I didn't want to lose his touch.

We sat quietly and all I could think was what was he was thinking about? was he feeling the

same as I was right in this moment... does this little touch mean as much to him as it does to me? damn I cussed myself I always do this! I always let my head and my heart run wild with what If's and could it be?

After some time, Layton finally broke the silence as he spoke quietly "Hey Lana... have you ever?" but he stopped and hesitated to finish his sentence

"What?" I looked at him, his eyes deep in thought he clearly wanted to say something but maybe he wasn't sure if he should or could.

"I just need..."



"HEY LAYTON... LIL'S!" Sam's voice called out making us jump and as always any moment between me and Layton was interrupted as Sam and a few of their friends started walking close by and it was obvious they were quite drunk as they were noisily slurring their words and laughing together.

I sighed and took my feet out of the water "well... I guess we better go."