AZARIAH THE UGLY QUEEN OF THE PACK

Azariah's pov

Do you know what the best part of having long black, curly, frizzy, out-of-control hair is? Nothing, that's what.

I swear I would make it to school on time if I could figure out the magical formula on how to tame this mess.

Don't get me wrong, some things work, shampoo then condition then defrizzer then blow dry, iron then add a sleeking serum. But since I don't have 3 hours every day to do that, ponytail it is.

Again.

Now that my hairstyle's been decided, time to get dressed. In high school, we had these awful uniforms we had to wear, grey pants, grey tops, and just for fun matching grey shoes. Thank fuck those days are over. I'm currently enrolled in an advanced medical class here in our pack along with one of my best friends, Micah. And lucky me I get to wear whatever the hell I want.

After high school, Micah and I decided to go into medical training along with our other obligations so we could become better leaders when the time comes.

As I stand in my closet, slowly turning in circles, it dawns on me I need to clean this shit show up. There are enough clothes in here for six grown women and there thrown haphazardly everywhere.

Oh don't get me wrong, some are on hangers but even more are on the floor, currently hiding my second obsession, shoes. And boots and whatever else may be hidden under there.

I suddenly get a flashback to when my other best friend, Jace, unknowingly offered to help me clean my closet.

About a year ago,

" Jace, will you please listen to the words coming out of my mouth, I have to clean my closet or my dad says my car is gone for a month." i huff out in annoyance.

" There's no way it's gonna take all day Azari, my match starts at 8pm and its 1pm now. Even if it took you 5 hours to do, you would still have 2 hours to get ready." He says while pinching the bridge of his nose, clearly annoyed, as if he's explaining this to a 3 year old.

I just stood there starring back at him. He seriously has no clue.

" Fine, how about i help you, then you agree to come to my match" he pleads.

He really doesn't need to beg me, i almost never miss one of his matches. I take every opportunity i get to watch him fight.

You see, it's been Jace's goal for a long time to become a pack warrior. He enrolled in a sort of "boot camp" last year for all wolves who want to prove their the best of the best.

During the off time camp, the packs take turns holding a "friendly" tournament of sorts . Although anyone who has attended one of these fights, would tell you they're anything but friendly.

The way Jace moves in the fighting ring, you can tell he's a natural born fighter. The boy was magnificent to watch. The way his body moves, it looks effortless.

He's only ever lost 2 matches out of the dozens he's been in, and since i was there to witness both, i call bullshit. However Jace wasn't willing to cheat or use a low blow, unlike others, so he had to swallow those losses and move on.

I couldn't even stop the evil chesshire cat grin that spread across my face. "deal"

There are moments in every person's life that they will never forget. Your first date, first kiss, first broken heart, drivers licence and so on. For me that moment will forever be the look on poor Jace's face when i opened my closet door. His beautiful moss green eye's held a look of terror that ive never seen matched. His mouth hung open so wide i bet i could have shoved an entire sandwich into it, if i had one handy at the moment that is.

The sound of a car horn blaring pulls me out of my thoughts. Shit, that was Micah here to pick me up and I'm still standing here in nothing but my bra and undies, and the famous ponytail.

I quickly grab some faded jeans and a green sweater, I pull them on faster than my heart is racing, and fly out the front door.

I was so not in the mood for another one of Micah's early morning lectures on tardiness.

Although I suppose it was kind of his job. Micah's going to be the next Alpha of the Moonwalker pack sometime in the next couple of years and he takes this seriously. He also takes lecturing me just as seriously, as I'll be his Beta when the time comes. The first female Beta of our pack, or any pack that we know of.

Micah wants us to be prepared for the foreseen bullshit that's bound to come my way. My father is the pack's current Beta and has also been preparing me for years, although it's starting to feel like overkill already.

I jump in his truck, with a big smile on my face to try and hide the fact that I'm struggling to breathe from my mad dash.

"Hey Micah, I was wondering when you were gonna get here, I've been waiting forever," I say cheekily.

The sound of Micah's snorting/laughing fills the truck as he pulls out of the driveway. He then holds out his hand to me and says " Hi I'm Micah, and you are?"

I ignore his outstretched hand and turn my head to look out the window. I can see he woke up and decided to be a comedian today.

Micah snorts again and in his best "innocent" voice says "Obviously you think this is my first time meeting you, so I was doing the polite thing and introducing myself."

I continue ignoring him, still looking out the window, even though internally I'm fighting not to laugh. His sense of humor is one of the things I love the best about him. Not that I'm gonna let him know that at the moment.

He gives my shoulder a shove and when I side-eye him he looks at the console where two coffees are sitting. Oh, that sly bastard. He knows my weakness and uses it every chance he gets.

"Thanks, Micah''I stretch out my hand towards him, " I'm Azariah." I say with as much sarcasm as I can while trying not to laugh.

"I figured you wouldn't get up early enough to make one, again, and I don't particularly enjoy your company unless you've had one. At least one."

He finally gets the reaction he's looking for as I laugh, trying to keep it to a minimum so he doesn't think he's funnier than he is.

The drive to school is only a few minutes so I start drinking my coffee quickly, trying to wake up before class.

This is our second year of medical training, and since it's an advanced class, I need to be alert. We're currently learning how to treat wounds that are too large to heal on their own. Or ones that are caused by silver, which wolves have a real bitch of a time to heal from.

Wolves naturally heal faster than humans, however, we can't heal all wounds. For example, if we get cut with a silver blade, the outer edges of the wound turns black and the skin cannot mend itself back together.

That's where this class comes in. We're learning how to cut away the blackened area and stitch the good tissue back together.

Yes, it's as gross as it sounds, but I secretly find it fascinating and I'm apparently a quick study, meaning I'm good at it.

As future Alpha and Beta, Micah says we need to learn more than just politics and fighting. I'm glad he pushed us into this. This is an area I excel at. Politics, not so much. I'm also pretty damn good at fighting, better than good if I'm being honest, so I guess it's only fair I learn to heal wounds, not just inflict them.

Micah's annoyingly good at all of it. Prick.

We pull up to the school with a few minutes to spare. We get out and start walking into the large tan colored building, it more resembles an old run-down factory than a medical training facility. But I guess that's probably what it used to be. Or so we figured.

Our pack is located close to the Selkirk mountains on the west arm of Kootenay lake in British Columbia. Back in the mid-1800's there was a boom in gold in the area. Once the settlers got what they came for they left as fast as they came, leaving a bunch of little towns all deserted.

Our ancestors, found these hidden gems and took up residence. Eventually separating into 5 packs spread out. We've occupied this area for over 125yrs now, so what this building used to be, we have no clue. We simply fixed up some of the old buildings and turned them into what we needed for the pack.

We made it into class just as the teacher was starting her lesson for the day. Any other student would be getting the stink eye from her, however, being who we are we didn't even get a second glance. Well, not from her anyways.

We did however get some dirty looks from the other students. Whatever. I only ever had two friends throughout high school, so I'm not expecting to make any new ones now.

The dirty looks I'm completely used to, however. Mostly from the female population. Almost every she-wolf at some point shamelessly flirted with my two male best friends, and once it started dawning on them they weren't getting anywhere, the evil eyes were turned in my direction. Along with enough rumors to last me two lifetimes. I'm sure you can guess the nature of these rumors, but I learned a long time ago to master the perfect resting bitch face. One that said, " fuck you and the horse you rode in on".

That's the look I was currently sporting on my pale, make-up-free face.

Micah however, is all smiles. I swear this guy never lets anything bother him. I wonder what it would take to get him all riled up. Besides me being late every day that is.

It only takes half an hour before I'm fighting to stay awake. The bookwork part of this class sucks. I'm more of a hands-on kinda student. That's probably why I excel at the physical training we undergo. Micah notices my eyes drooping and gives me a nudge under the table with his foot.

I give him a look that pleads for him to put me out of my misery. Of course, he does no such thing, he keeps his annoying, stupid-looking smile on his face.

Thankfully we only have a couple more months, then schooling is over for good. I could always take the final year, and get the medical degree that would allow me to work as a surgeon in our pack. But really, what was the point? With the certificate I'll get just from this part, I could work as an assistant in an operating room.

My future job has already been decided though. I was only going to use this skill I was learning if the need arose. My days would be filled working alongside of Micah, running the pack.

I was going to be the Beta of the Moonwalker pack. With or without a medical degree. I'm tempted to remind Micah of this, so he'll let me sleep. Of course, I'd just be wasting my breath, for every argument I have, he has an even better one. I swear it's part of his Alpha training.

I've heard there are people out there who can sleep with their eyes wide open. I wonder if it just comes naturally, or if it's a learned skill. I'm definitely gonna look it up later, cause that's a skill I'd kill to have right about now.

Azariah's pov

Well this is just great. Note sarcasm. Two days a week!! There making us go two days a week for the next few months.

It's not that I dont want to go to other packs per se, I just like it to be my choice.

According to Mrs. Klesson, our teacher, we will all benefit from attending the medical training facility in Snowmoon packs territory. Apparently all the packs top Doctors meet up once every few months to share new information or findings they have come up with. Snowmoon pack has come up with new methods of treating things such as silver poisioning, wolfsbane poisioning and so on. And since there aren't enough teachers to send out to the other packs, they've invited us there.

How generous.

I feel like a well worded email could have covered this , why make us go twice a damn week. And I am currently voicing this to a rather amused looking Micah. Of course the king of calm, cool, and collected has absolutely no objections to this.

As a matter of fact, he thinks it'll be a great opportunity to form new relationships with the other packs up and coming rising stars. Aka future Alpha's and Beta's what not.

We've already established relationships with a couple of them, but not Snowmoon's new Alpha. A few months ago Alpha Joseph handed the reins down to his son, for personal reasons from what we heard.

I continue to voice my complaints as I practice knotting stitches. Micah watches my hands work, letting me vent. How I'm able to work the needle and thread so precisely while not even paying attention, due to my annoyance, is beyond even me.

Loop, thread, knot repeat.

My lines on the practise skin are perfect and I finish quickly, moving aside for Micah to have a go at it.

Just as Micah sets up, I notice he goes stiff as a board. His eyes quickly dart up to mine with an "oh shit" look on his face. I would have burst out laughing then and there if I wasn't currently staring at the face of the reason his looks like it does.

Priya fucking Evans.

Not that I personally had a beef with her, Micah however did. You see, Priya relentlessly, and if I'm being honest, also shamelessly, has thrown herself at Micah ever since the begining of highschool.

She somehow got it in her pretty blonde head that she was gonna be this packs next Luna. Of course the only way to do that was to land Micah himself. And man has she tried.

She comes sauntering over, putting a little extra sway in her hips as she does. She's wearing her trademark skin tight jeans, and even tighter top that leaves nothing to the imagination. Then there's her four inch heels, that make an annoying clicking sound with every step she takes.

Most males in our pack drool over her. Not Micah. He's always been able to see right through her.

"Hey Micah, how are you doing?" She purrs in his ear.

"Just fine thank you" He politely replies.

Oh man, I'm loving this. His current expression makes him look constipated. Its's taking all my self control to keep my face neutral.

"So I was wondering , would I be able to catch a ride with you to the classes at Snowmoon pack?" She says as she presses her chest against his arm.

Micah's eyes once again dart to mine, with a pleading look in them, begging me to help. Funny how he does a shit ton of complaining about my attitude, until he needs it to save his hide.

He's gonna owe me big time.

"Ah, I'm sure your not aware of this, but Micah's truck doesn't have a back row" I say as nicely as I'm able to.

She looks in my direction as if just noticing me standing here for the first time. Her eyes narrow, and she puts her hands on her hips, trying to look intimidating. I still have to hold back the urge to laugh.

"And what's your point Azariah?" She snarkily asks.

" You mean besides the fact that he has no room to take you and I both". I inform her.

" The front row has 3 seats does it not?" She's grasping at straws here, but I admire her courage.

I give Micah a look that asks if I still have to play nice. The slight lift of his lips is the only green light I need. At least I'm a good enough friend, I let him think it was his call. The gloves were coming off either way.

"Why yes Priya it does, however thats where my coffee holder sits and if Micha has to choose between you and it , I guarentee my coffee wins." I give her a smile that basically says go ahead, ask him yourself.

She whips around to face Micha and in the most annoying voice ever she whines "Micah, are you honestly gonna let her speak to me like that?" She rubs her hand up his arm, and Micah's cool finally snaps.

He grabs her hand and pointedly looks at it like it's the most vile thing to ever touch him, and to be honest it probably is. He pushes it away from himself and drops it. Then he does his famous pinching of the bridge of his nose.

"If you have a problem with how Azari spoke to you, I suggest you take it up with her, as you can see I'm busy here". His voice is low and gruff, letting her know he's pissed.

There's no way I can hold back my laughter now. Priya only ever worries about her looks, she has never put any effort into anything like studies, or training to fight, because she feels that if she's pretty enough some guy, aka Micah, will look after her.

Me on the other hand, I can look after myself just fine. Most men in our pack wouldn't even be dumb enough to pick a fight with me. That probably has a lot to do with who trained me to fight.

I continue to laugh as I say " So did you want to step outside and talk about your supposed hurt feelings?"

I'm not surprised when her face pales visibly and she just turns and walks away.

"You know, if you want to ride with her , I can always take my own car." I say just to get a rise out of Micah.

Truthfully, I do have my own car, it's just that Micah always picks me up to ensure I show up. He says if I'm left to my own devices, I'd even be late to my own funeral. Yup, he's a real comedian.

He finishes the line he's stitching then looks up at me and shakes his head. "If your trying to get out of going, forget it."

Since today is Monday, I only have two days to try to get out of going, cause apparently Thursday and Friday were the days they decided we would go. Considering Micah never puts up with my bullshit it's gonna be harder than pulling teeth getting out of this.

As if he can tell where my thoughts are going he tries to bribe me.

"Make you a deal, I will bring coffee and donuts everyday we have to go up there, plus I'll let you pick the play list the the ride." He tries bribing me.

I roll my eyes at him, as if coffee and donuts can buy my cooperation.

"But if you take her instead, you won't be annoyed with my constantly being late, and it'll be a peaceful ride as I'm sure her mouth will be to pre-occupied to do much talking"

Micah drops his head in both hands and groans. I can tell I've won this round, so before he can say anything back I turn and walk out of class.

I go in search of coffee and something to eat. For some reason, I'm not able to go more than a couple hours without eating. I can easily out eat my two best friends, put together at that.

Good thing for me my metabolism is naturally super high, or I'd be a rather thick girl, that's for sure. As it was, I'm already quite curvy, but that's just hips and chest. One would define it as an hour glass figure, and there's women out there who would kill for it. Definitely not something to be ashamed of.

Micah finds me a short while later sitting outside on a bench stuffing my face with some snacks I got from a vending machine. He comes over and sits beside me, his usual easy going smile gone. This here is the serious Micah, the one who's ready to have a talk with a snarly pack member. Looks like I'm said snarly pack member.

It was still a bit cool out as it was only the end of March, but I liked this weather. Not scalding hot nor freezing cold. And the grass was starting to turn green again after being suffocated under snow for the last few months. I loved this time of year when things were starting to bloom again.

"Okay girl, lets talk. Tell me why your so against going? And be serious here" He asks of me.

Im not sure how I can explain something to him that I'm not even a hundred percent sure of myself. How do I explain a bad feeling. Cause that's all I have at this point, a bad feeling.

The second the teacher told us about this, something in the pit of my stomach gave off a warning. I couldn't tell if it was just a bad feeling or my wolf not liking it.

My wolf and I had issues. Ari never communicated with me the way others wolves did with them. Apparently your wolf could have a silent conversation inside your head, not that I would know because it has never happened for us. I had to learn fast the signs that she was about to break free to go for a run, otherwise things could get uncomfortabe. Imagine one minute your eating pizza with friends, the next your clothes are shredding and people are running in terror.

That's the other issue with my wolf, she is certifiably crazy. Anyone who gets to close to her she attacks. My own mother won't even go near her. The only person to date she hasn't bitten is Jace's wolf, Ehron, she just ignores him.

And because of this, Ehron got the unfortunate job of babysitting her whenever she comes out to play. He's never once complained, but I can't imagine it's a fun job. Always having to be worried if he'll be her next victim.

So sometimes I wonder if the bad feelings I get are her way of warning me against things. Even though were not able to talk I at least hope she cares about my well being.

"Honestly Micah, I'm not even sure. Something just tells me this is a bad idea. And I mean more than just having to get up that much earlier" I say with a slight laugh and bump him with my shoulder.

" Okay. Well you know were in this together and if at any point you feel uncomfortable then we will tell them were done. But lets at least give it a chance. Any skills we gain only helps our pack members. And I'm being honest when I say were a team and theres nobody else I'd consider going with." He says the last with a smirk referring to my un-called for comments about him taking Priya.

"Fine!! But I want two donuts and my coffee better be extra large."

" Done. Thank you. "

" Ya ya don't mention it" I say.

" Oh by the way, did you send Jace that package yet?" Micah asks with a knowing smile.

"Hell yes I did. I just wish I could see the look on his face when he opens it"

As bad as Micah and I have it, Jace has it worse. He spends morning, noon, and night training and fighting. He's in his 3rd year and final year of basically " boot camp" so he can join the pack warriors. In five days he will take his final test then come home and officially become a pack protector.

I may need someone to protect me when he gets that package!!!

Jace's pov

The sound of a loud ear piercing whistle rings out , signaling practice is over. Thank fuck. Every muscle in my body is screaming, ones I didn't even know I had at that.

Even though I'm in the best shape of my life, these sadistic bastards find new ways to torture us. Daily.

I use my discarded t-shirt to wipe the blood off my face. The bastard I was sparring with got a few lucky shots in. What can I say, I was distracted. It also may have been that I underestimated his ability to actually land a punch. And my face was paying the price for it.

"Jace, hold up". I hear Blake yell out to me.

Blake is one of the sadistic bastards who ran this training facility.

I stopped and turned immediately, giving him my full attention. Blake was not somebody you wanted to show disrespect to, unless you didn't want your own mom to recognize your face that is.

"Whats up sir?" I'm still wiping up the blood as he approaches.

" That" He gestures to my face. "You fucking new here or something pup?" He crosses his arms over his muscular chest, and the display is aggressive enough that I take a step back.

" Sorry sir, I guess I'm just having an off day".

" You guess??" He yells in my face. "Cause if I had to guess I'd say the top student here just willingly got his face beat to a pulp. Have you forgotten basic self defense pup?"

Shit. He's yelling loud enough now that we've drawn a crowd.

"No sir" Thats all I manage to say before I see his huge fist come flying towards my face.

I dodge the impending hit, but apparently he isn't done. He continues to swing at me, in a flurry of motion, and although I manage to avoid getting hit in the face, he lands one in my left rib cage.

All of the air is instantly stolen from my lungs, making it burn as I try to draw air in. Fuck, there's definitely broken rib.

I don't have a chance to let my guard down though , as he keeps coming at me. I know what he's looking for and he won't stop until either I land a hit on him or I'm unconscious on the ground.

Yup, thats how these bastards work.

After several more attempts, on his part, to land the final blow, I see an opening. I swing with what little energy I have left.

CRACK

My fist lands squarly on his jaw. Thank fuck. Cause any longer and I definitely would have been facing the option number 2.

Great, now blood is running off my right hand as that hit split a few of my knuckles wide open.

But I don't dare move an inch. I'm not stupid, nor do I have a death wish. I've made this mistake once before, only once.

After staring me down for what felt like an hour, but in all reality was maybe thirty seconds, his face splits into a huge grin, showing his front teeth that are covered in blood. Glad to know more than just my hand felt that one.

He turns his head and notices the crowd, "Unless you wanna trade places here with Jace, move it the fuck out."

Blake takes a step towards me and reaches out to place his hand on my shoulder.

"Talk to me Jace, this isn't you. Your five days away from getting out of this hell hole, and I haven't seen your face look this bad since your first year here. ."

" I'm just overthinking the final test." LIE. " Wondering if I'm as good as everyone thinks I am , or expects me to be." Another lie. I know I'm good , otherwise I wouldn't have made it in the top five out of the hundred and twenty warriors who came here three months ago.

In the top 5, there's one member from each pack. So the fact that I made it to this point confirms that I have what it takes. I've dreamed of this very moment since I was 14yrs old.

That also happens to be the age I realized that I did not just see Azariah as a friend. Did that have anything to do with my decision to prove my worth as a top warrior?? Hell yes. I wanted her to see me as something more.

The first two years of training here, there are no cuts. But in the third year they make cuts daily. Someimes just for having a stupid look on your face. I personally seen someone get cut for that exact reason.

There's no way I can tell him the truth, that some curly, dark haired angel, who occupies my every thought is the reason I was distracted.

I'm more focused on the fact that in a week I'll be able to see her extrodinary face in person, than on my training right now.

Blake just nods at me , believing my lie. He pats my shoulder a couple times , nods his head and walks away. I'm glad he doesn't push the issue. I'm not the worlds best liar.

Thank goddess thats over, cause I need a shower so bad I'm sure the wolves in the next town over can smell me.

I've never been more thankful for the upgraded accomodations I'm currently in. Once you make top 5, you get your own room and private bathroom.

Prior we were all shoved into a military style barracks, complete with a communal shower. As wolves nudity shouldn't bother us, and for the most part it doesn't. I'm just not really a fan of being in that close of proximity to more weiners than an Oscar Mayer factory.

Just as I'm stepping out of the shower, I hear someone knocking loudly on my door. I throw a towel around my waist, as to not scare the unsuspecting person on the other side, and ran to open the door.

" Jace Lyk?"

" Ya thats me" I say looking at the younger boy who's holding a large box.

"This is for you" He says as he shoves the box towards me.

Once I have it in my hands the boy, who's name I don't get, runs off down the hall as if I'm the devil himself. Weird.

I don't even need to look at the tag to know who its from. I can smell her on it.

Fresh rain.

The way rain smells when its raining on a sunny day. And yes there's a difference.

My heart instantly picks up speed, beating so fast you would think I just had to run for my life. Her smell does that to me more often than I'd like to admit.

I close my eyes and bring the box closer to my face drawing in a deeper breath. I can instantly see her in my mind, wild curly black raven hair, hair that she hates but I personally love. I have pictured that wild hair of hers splayed across my pillow and bed an insane amount of times. Her eyes are a mesmerizing cross between blue and grey. More blue when she's happy or excited, more grey when she's sad or pissed off. I've been on the recieving side of both colors, more than once.

Her body is shaped like an hour glass. Curves so delicious if one were to stare to long, you'd have to come up with some creative ways to hide the boner you were sporting. Baggy sweat pants is usually the way to go if you were planning on spending any amount of time with her. Yes, I'm talking from experience.

But the thing I love most about her.. her smile. I don't care if it sounds cheesy, its the truth. I love how when I come home from being here she puts on this thousand megawatt smile like she's missed me more than she loves chocolate.

Goddess , will I ever grow a pair big enough to ever tell her how I truly feel for her.

"no and do you wanna know why? "

Oh great, Ehron has decided to pitch in his two cents worth.

I'm not in the mood for your bullshit right now Ehron.

"well to bad. Your a pussy, thats why. Your to afraid to take whats ours, and one day someone else will, and we'll be left in our own misery with your dumb ass to blame.."

I flop down on my bed and scrub my hand down my face. Not this shit again. I decide to ignore my obnoxious wolf who enjoys nothing more than tormenting me ,and open the box Azariah sent.

I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting. Definitely not this.

I find myself hunched over, holding my broken ribs, and laughing so hard there's tears running down my cheeks.

One wouldn't think a pair of silk boxing shorts was this funny.

I wipe the tears off my face to get a good look at my gift. Not that I expected any different, but they are an exact replica.

A replica to what your wondering.

Well let me tell you.

I'm currently holding a pair of red and white striped, with blue trim, silky boxing shorts, just like the ones Rocky Balboa wore in Rocky 4 when he fights Ivan Drago.

Azariah has this little obsession with the Italian Stalion, Rocky Balboa. I can't even begin to count how many times she's made me have a Rocky marathon day. Numbers one through four only though. She hates number five. Her theory is, if she doesn't watch it, then it didn't happen.

I glance down at the box they came in and notice the card. The front of the card has a picture of Rocky and Apollo Creed on it with their arms around each other. Cute. The back has her handwriting.

Jace

I'm so so so proud of you.

I know your final test is soon and is gonna seem impossible.

But guess what

It should have been impossible for Rocky to beat Ivan

but he did it.

I thought maybe you needed to wear the motivational shorts!!

I miss you

Kick ass and hurry the hell up and come home.

Love Azariah

Fuck! How is it possible that my heart is filled more love for her than before. I gotta try to figure out a way to see her as just my friend.

"you've been trying this for years. you get the same results every fucking time. Failure! she's ours and you need to do something about it. "

Ehron is right about a couple things here. First Ive tried hundreds of times to just look at her as a friend, and I fail every time. Second, someone will capture her heart one day. Someone who deserves her. And that person is not me.

I decide to facetime her. I know I probably should just text her seeing how distracted I already am due to thoughts of her, but common sense seems to have left me.

She picks up on the third ring and I'm instantly reminded as to why this was a bad idea. The sound of her voice is like a punch in the gut. I'm immediately sporting wood so hard its borderline painful.

Yup. Just one look at her face can do that to me. I wonder if I took matters into my own hands if she would notice. She'll probably be able to see the motion in my shoulder, then this conversation will just be weird.

Pain and suffering it is.

"Admit it, you love them!!!" She says with a big shit eating grin on her face.

I need to keep my composure if I plan to fool her for a bit. "There awful Azariah. You don't actually expect me to wear them do you?" I exaggerate a loud groan as I say this.

" What the fuck Jace! " Her beautiful smile falters and I almost feel bad. Almost.

I groan loudly again, and give her what I hope is a pleading look. " Come on, I can't wear these. I'll be the laughing stock of the entire camp. How will I ever show my face again?"

She gives me her famous blank faced stare. The one that warns you to choose your next words wisely.

I try my best to match that stare, but in the end lose.

The grin splits across my face before I can even stop it.

"Just fucking with ya girl. There the best!! Honest, this is the best gift I've ever gotten."

Of course it wouldn't matter what she sent me. I'd love it either way.

Her smile returns faster than it left. "Hell yes they are. Micah says there terrible but I think he's just jealous I didn't get him a pair."

We chat for a while about their school situation , and she tells me about Micah's stalker, aka, Priya. It feels amazing to hear her voice and laugh with her.

I don't know how I'm ever gonna go on like this. Go on pretending I just look at her as a friend. Six years is how long I've already been doing it, I'm not sure I have much left in me. I've thought about telling her at least a thousand times, but I always chicken out. Its more than just being afraid of rejection. Azariah comes from a very high ranking family. Me, not so much.

Don't get me wrong, she's never treated me as anything other than her equal. It's my issues. I'm the one who doesn't feel good enough to be her mate.

"Anyways Jace, I better get to bed. Micah's at his witts end with me being late everyday."

" Alright. See ya soon Azari."

She smiles warmly at me and I can just tell from the look on her face she's about to say something that'll deliver a blow to my heart.

" I am seriously proud of you. Regardless of how you do in the finals, your always number one to me"

And there it is. The shot that goes straight to the heart. I need to hang up fast before my poker face falters.

"Thanks, see you soon." I hang up fast before she can see my eyes starting to water.

Well isn't this just great. Im laying here, still hard as fuck, now thinking of her laying in her bed as well. I bury my face in both my hands. What the hell am I gonna do?

" What you always do loser. Jack off while picturing her bent over in front of you cause your to big a pussy to make it a reality."

Why Goddess, why of all the wolves, did I get this opinionated prick???