Chapter 8 SET UP

Going to college is like a breath of fresh air for two reasons. One - I get to leave the house, and two - Alvin doesn't follow me because he also has lectures to attend. He initially wanted to tail after me and see me tucked into my class first, but I ditched him the first chance I got.

Now, here I am all alone, trying to lie to myself that I'm not lost.

I wander around for the better part of an hour, trying to navigate this huge college, but no luck. Everything looks the same. Sweat pools on my forehead and runs down my neck. Yeah, being a freshman isn't what it's cracked up to be. I'm sure I stick out like a sore thumb. Unfortunately, asking someone for directions takes me out of my comfort zone. I'm socially inept like that.

So, after searching for the building where my lectures will be, unsuccessfully, I decide to hell with it all, and walk into the nearest ice cream shop. I realize I'm screwed when I check the time. I definitely won't be attending my first lecture. Oh, well, eating a large bowl of ice cream more than makes up for it.

See. . . its a win-win situation for me all around.

Few minutes later, I've got a bowl of ice cream in front of me and I'm slurping it like my life depends on it. I'm enjoying the heck out of this thing when my mind decides to remember yesterday. The pleasurable feeling immediately disappears and is replaced with irritation. I have being trying, successfully, if I might add, to rid my mind of what Alicia told me yesterday and it's mostly working.

I shake my head but that only makes me feel dizzy. It's too late anyway, as the memories begin to spill, unbidden into my mind.

"You need to stay away from all of those rogue-werewolves, most especially Roman."

"Why?"

"Just trust me on this, Layla. I know they're hot. I mean Roman is hot as fuck, but his attitude leaves little to desire."

I'd stood there, trying to wrap my head around what she said as shock spiraled through me, until she'd spun around and ran off. She didn't even wait for me to ask her what she meant. I look up to see some guy standing in front of me with a smirk on his face.

"Where did you go to just now?" He said.

I cock my head to the side. "Errr. . . do I know you?"

"Are you gonna eat that, or you need some help?"

He points to something in my hand. That's when I notice my spoon is raised in the air half way to my mouth and some ice cream has begun to spill from it onto the table. Without thinking, I put it in my mouth. The vanilla and chocolate taste explodes and I close my eyes relishing in its creamy goodness, releasing a moan in the process.

Someone groans and I collect myself realizing that I've got an audience when I look up to see the guy watching me closely. His gaze is like that of an animal fixed on its prey. It's a look of bold hunger. I don't mind sharing some of my ice cream since that's what's got him drooling.

As soon as I think it, a sharp whiff of desire wafts in the air.

Does that mean. . .?

I might not be a shapeshifter but I'm sure able to discern the smell of creatures. This one standing in front of me is a werewolf. His heartbeat races as he moves closer to me. I rear back, but that only eggs him on. Without looking around, I already know we're the only ones in the parlour.

My chances of escaping is slim.

Still, I stand immediately, knocking my chair over in my haste as I put up a hand in the air. "Whatever you think you want to do, DON'T!"

This seems to do the trick because he halts in his tracks and the lustful look in his eyes slowly dissipates. He shakes his head and looks away, but not before I see his blue eyes flash red. His movements are jerky and uncoordinated as he stumbles backwards.

He grabs a hold of his blonde hair and pulls. This seems to do the trick, when, after a few seconds, he lets go and releases a large groan before shaking his head. By the time his head whips towards me, he looks normal. Almost.

"I'm sorry." An easy lopsided smile pops onto his face. I'm not yet convinced so I stay silent and watch him warily. "Please don't be scared." His hands are up in a pleading manner.

"Does this happen a lot?" I blurt out. I'm concerned that this isn't an isolated incident. Maybe it's something about me?

He looks up at the ceiling, as if the answer is splayed all over it. "Ah. . .no. Never." I know when a light bulb goes off in his head because he's got that eureka look in his eyes when he looks back at me. "Although. . . I have a theory."

I nod my head, urging him to continue.

"I think. . ." He begins to move close to me once again. "You, beautiful woman, are my mate."

My eyes are practically popping out of my head at his words. And then I snort out a laugh. I can't help it. I'd know it if he is. Or will I? What do I even know about mates? I've closed off myself from everything and everyone, not bothering to find out more about shapeshifting. I was never included in history talks during pack classes so I know next to nothing about werewolves and their mates.

"I know what you are." The strange boy speaks up. His voice dips as he comes even closer to me. "You're a werewolf."

I shake my head in denial. "I don't know what you're talking about, but for your own peace of mind, I suggest you forget about this encounter." I try to walk away but he blocks my path.

"Tell me how you think I'm going to let you go now that I've found you, hmm?" He's so close now that I can see the moment his wolf takes charge. His eyes change into the color red and his smile becomes flirtatious.

I mean he's good looking but I'm not into him that way. Plus, this dude must be bi-polar as well as having a few screws lose up there. No one behaves the way he does. I release a long sigh and shake my head. "Get out of my way now, weirdo, otherwise. . . ?"

"Otherwise, what, hmm?" He lifts a hand and traces a pathway from my cheek downwards. I feel revulsion creep into me. I try to repress a shudder but it still comes out. He seems to misinterpret it as desire because that lustful look is back in full force. "You see, you want me just as much as I want you."

His leg lands in between my closed ones and tries to pry them open with his knee. I try, I really do try but he's strong and his wolf - damn it - actually thinks I'm his mate and is fueling him with super strength. My legs begin to shake from the pressure of keeping them open. I lose the battle as my legs open and I let out a whimper which makes him even more excited.

He bends my head to the side and nuzzles the side of my neck. "Goddess, you smell divine. Like honey, milk and citrus fruits, all melded into one."

Panic fills me as I feel his fangs graze my neck. He can't. He won't. Will he do it? Will he mark me and ruin my life forever? I know the moment he's pulled back because the pressure immediately eases off me and the panic seizes. I take in large gulps of air as my eyes hone in on Roman holding the weird guy by the scruff of his neck.

"How dare you force yourself on her?" Roman bellows. I whimper. I've never heard, nor seen him so angry before, not even when Kurt held my hand.

The weird guy wiggles and tries unsuccessfully, to release himself from his grip. "Who the hell are you?"

"She's my mate!" Roman shouts. With the speed of lightening, he throws him across the room and weird guy lands with a loud crunch, in an ungainly heap on the ground. Roman stalks off after him, his gaze locked squarely on him, his steps predatory. As he gets close, he stoops to his level. Even though his voice is low, it somehow carries over to where I am. "She's mine, do you hear me. . . Mine! You touch her once more and I'll kill you."