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CHAPTER TWELVE

CAMDEN

I stand there, staring at the closed door for a little while after Lee leaves. I’m kind of in shock, stunned in awe?

What the fuck is going on and how the hell is this my life?

How did I go from fearing this pack and doing whatever I could in my power to avoid them to getting this giddy excited feeling for what's to come?

So much has happened over the past twenty four hours, and I’m not sure how to handle it.

Brooks killed someone. Because they hurt me. I’ve never had someone care enough about me to do something like that before.

I’m terrified of the fact that these men are killers. I already knew that, knew what they were capable of. But this is more real now.

Then again, a part of me wants to puff my chest out at the fact my alpha took someone’s life for daring to touch me.

Only he had no idea he’s my alpha, so why did he do it?

Why have they gone from wanting to bring me down, to wanting me to be theirs?

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and groan. My room smells like sex, my perfume and Lee. Cotton candy with chamomile and cinnamon is an interesting combination, but I’m not hating it.

If anything it has my cock growing hard again.

Flopping down on my bed, I roll over and grin into my pillow, thinking about what happened between me and Lee just now.

I liked it. No, I loved it. His hands on my body felt like I was on fire in the best way. The way his hand felt wrapped around my cock was heaven. I’ve never come so hard in my life. I want more. So much more.

Not just from him, but from his alphas. My alphas? Fuck, I don’t even know.

Groaning, I bury my face deeper into the pillow.

What the fuck do I do now? Do I just let them in after everything they’ve done? Are we really going to act like the past month or so didn’t happen?

They’ve fucked with me so much to the point, I tried to kill myself.

Okay, that's a lie. They weren't the reason. My mind was already a mess, they were just fuel added to the already burning fire.

It was the fact I couldn’t accept that I liked how they treated me, no matter how fucked up it was. The news of having your enemies as your alphas wasn’t what I needed on top of everything else.

Now, things seem to be different. They know I’m not out to hurt them, that I don’t want anything to do with my father. So, are they even the enemy? Were they ever?

My fathers, sure. But mine?

No. They’re not.

They’re mine. My alphas. My beta. Fuck.

What are they going to do when they find out I’ve known and didn’t tell them? Will they hate me, reject me?

So many questions I have no answers for.

The best I can do without driving myself crazy would be to give them a chance. What's the worst that could happen?

Lee has already made it clear they’re not letting me go. I could fight them on it, but we’ve seen how that's worked in the past.

And I don’t think I want to fight them.

Something has shifted between us, and I want to explore and see what could be. There’s this part inside me that yearns for them. Like something is missing. I know it’s because they’re my scent matches, I have no control over how I feel for them, but it doesn’t change anything.

This is my reality, this is how fate chose. So I can fight this, run myself into the ground in the process, or give them a chance.

“I’m so fucked,” I groan, rolling over onto my back and glare up at my ceiling. “What is wrong with me?”

So much. So fucking much.

* * *

I’ve been a wreck today. Everywhere I went, I looked for them. It was a habit only this time it wasn’t so I could avoid them. I wanted to see them. And every time I didn't, disappointment filled me.

My mind had me worrying I did something wrong. Did they not care about where I am anymore? Was it all just a way to fuck with me and now that it’s put behind us, they’re not going to be around like that anymore?

“What is wrong with me?” I mutter to myself as I walk towards my next class. “I’m seriously getting sad about the fact that the unhinged pack isn’t stalking me anymore?”

“No judgment here,” A deep voice has me jumping.

With a hand on my pounding heart, I spin around to find Professor Kennedy standing behind me. “Fucking hell,” I breathe out. “You fucking scared me.”

“Sorry about that,” he chuckles. “I didn’t mean to overhear you, I was just catching up to hand you this,” he holds out a paper. “You rushed out of class before I could give you your paper back. Good job by the way,” I look down to see I got an eighty six and smile. Not bad. “And if you're wondering why River wasn’t in class today, and probably why they’re not following you around like stalker puppies,” he grins. “It’s because Brooks is doing something with the team. And most likely Lee and River are handling…. Business.”

“How do you know so much about them?” I ask, raising a brow.

He gives me a small shrug. “They’re not the only ones who make it their job to know what is going on around here.”

I want to ask him more about that, but I’m too filled with relief by his words. So they’re not around because they're busy. They’re not rejecting me. I can handle that.

Letting out a breath, I let my shoulders relax.

“So, you're with them now?”

“I don’t know,” I rub the back of my head. “Kind of?”

He nods. “I get it. They’re your scent matches. You can’t stay away.” He looks away, as if thinking of something and my stomach stops.

“How do you know?” I whisper, looking around to make sure no one is nearby to listen.

“Let’s just say, I can relate.”

What does that mean? Why is he being so cryptic? Does he have a pack of crazy alphas on his ass?

And what about Jamie? I know there’s something going on there.

Wait… My eyes widen and Beckham narrows his eyes. “Not a word.”

I clamp my lips shut. Holy shit. Does that mean Jamie is his scent match?

How the hell does that work? They’re student/teacher. Beckham is at least ten years older than him.

“Anyways,” he clears his throat. “Good work. Keep it up. And remember, I’m always here to talk, no judgement. But let’s get one thing straight. We talk about your life, not mine.”

I nod slowly. “Understood.”

With a pat on my shoulder, he turns around and heads back the way he came.

“What were you talking to him about?” River’s voice has a squeal bursting free as I spin around and come face to face with a pissed off alpha.

“W-what?” I stammer. I’ve never felt so unaware of my surroundings than I am right now. Two people have snuck up on me. Where the hell did he come from?

“I asked you…” he steps closer and I swallow down the whimper lodged in my throat. My eyes widen as I tip my head back. He’s towering over me, looking all crazy and killer like, but one smell of his coffee scent and my cock is at full attention. Thank god for scent blockers and these suppressants. Lee left me with a bottle of spray, and I’ve used a lot of it just to be sure. I’m going to need to get more of that. “What were you doing talking to him ?”

He’s pissed off. And maybe a little jealous? Why does that make me even more aroused?

“He was just giving me this,” I whisper, trying to hold up my paper between us.

River snatches it from me, looks at it and then glares. “Let’s get something straight, Little Beta,” He growls, his hand wrapping around my throat.

My heart thrums, my cock throbbing and my eyes threaten to roll back with the pleasure that’s shooting through me right now.

“You are not to talk to any other man. Do you understand me?”

My brows furrow. “W-what? That’s going to be impossible. River, there’s people around me all the time. Am I supposed to just keep my mouth shut and never say another word?”

“Yes,” he says plainly. “Unless it’s to me, Brooks, or Henley. And you're free to speak to any woman you like,” he shrugs.

“You’re fucking crazy,” I huff, shaking my head.

“And your point is?” He asks, raising a brow. “Tell me something I don’t already know.”

I narrow my eyes. “I’m not doing that, River. Plus, he’s my teacher. That’s it. And I have friends that are guys. I’m not just going to stop talking to them because you tell me to.”

“You can, and you will,” River’s jaw ticks.

“Look, I agreed to put the past behind us and start over new. But if you're just going to snowplow my life, then maybe this isn’t going to work.”

River’s nostrils flair, his hand around my throat tightening. “Fine.” he grinds out. “But just know, if I find you flirting with another man, or even looking at them for too long, I will remove their dick and make them choke on it, understand me?”

His threat should have me trembling in fear, but I’ve got to be fucked in the head because it only makes my cock leak with pre-cum. “Got it,” I whisper.

“Good,” he grunts. “Now come on.” He lets go of me and takes a step back. I miss his touch imminently. I want him to wrap me up in his arms and hold me as I rub my face against his chest as I scent him.

We start walking down the path, no one saying a word. I keep sneaking glances at him, unable to stop myself.

“Keep looking at me like that, Little Beta, and I’ll fuck that tight ass of yours right here in front of everyone,” River chuckles and I almost trip over my damn feet.

Fucking hell these men.

Flashes of him doing just that has me nearly cumming in my pants.

“Where are we going?”

“Have you eaten today?” He asks, ignoring my question.

“Ah, no?” I’ve been too in my head to even think about food.

He tisks. “That won't do.” He grabs my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.

My heart tightens, eyes flicking down to where they’re joined. Warmth spreads through me. I tighten my hold. He looks at me through the corner of his eye and I can see a small smirk on his lips that does something to my heart.

“Sit,” he barks, pointing to a chair outside the little cafe.

I do as I’m told, watching him disappear into the building. My leg bounces as I chew on my lip. What is going on right now?

River comes back out a few minutes later, a coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other. “Here,” he places them down on the table. “Eat.”

Is it fucked up that a part of me wants to cry right now? My alpha… is feeding me.

Using my nails, I dig them into my thigh to keep myself from breaking apart. It might seem stupid and silly, but this means the world to me.

If they keep doing small things like this for me, I don’t think I’ll be able to walk away.

It might not seem like a big deal, but for a man like River? It is. There’s a sweetness there not many get to see, maybe no one other than his pack. Actually, I’m willing to bet there’s no one on the outside who does.

Trying not to show how much my hands want to tremble, I do as I’m told and start eating.

I might not have been hungry before, but because he told me to, I find myself with just enough to get this muffin down.

He watches me intently the whole time.

“Why are you staring at me?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.

He cocks his head to the side, giving me a grin that both thrills and terrifies me. “I’m trying to figure out if you're a screamer.”

My eyes widen and I choke on my coffee. “I’m sorry. What?”

“You know. During sex? Do you moan, cry, scream?” He licks his lips. “All three?”

A flush breaks out over my whole body. He’s so crass. “I wouldn’t know,” I murmur, looking down.

River groans, making my eyes snap back up to him. “You're telling me you're a virgin, Baby Boy?”

The nickname has me clenching my ass. “Y-yes. I’m not ashamed of it. There’s nothing wrong with waiting to have sex until it’s with someone you really care about.”

“I didn’t say there was, did I?” he cocks a brow, leaning forward.

“N-no,” I look down again.

He grips my chin, forcing me to look up. “You don’t need to be afraid of us, Camden,” he murmurs, bringing his lips so close to mine. I want him to kiss me. “We won’t hurt you. Unless you want us to.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Closing my eyes, I squeeze them shut, willing myself not to perfume and give myself away right now.

With these suppressants not as strong as the ones I had before, I don’t trust the scent blocking spray to keep my secret.

River chuckles, sitting back in his seat. “Watching you squirm just became my new favorite hobby, Little Beta.” He moves to stand. “Come on, you have a class to get to.”

The whole walk there, I’m a fucking mess. Part of me wants to blurt out what we are to one another in hopes he takes me with open arms right now.

But I know that won’t be reality. So I keep my mouth shut.

As we pass some students, a few people look our way. River growls at them, baring his teeth.

“Would you stop that?” I grumble, my whole body blushing in embarrassment.

River swings his gaze my way as we stop in front of the building. “No,” he cocks his head to the side with a laugh. “I don’t think I will.”

Before I know what he’s doing, he’s in my personal space, grabbing a handful of my hair and yanking my head to the side. “W-what are you doing?” My heart hammers in my chest.

He rubs his cheek against my neck. “Scenting you,” he growls. “So everyone in your fucking class knows you’re mine.” He grins down at me wildly before surprising me again by licking up the damn side of my face. “For good measure. Be a good boy, Camden. Remember. We’re always watching.” With a wink, he spins around on his heel and takes off, leaving me standing there stunned as hell.

“What the fuck...” is all I can think.

I’m walking on air, unable to keep the damn grin off my face as I make my way into the building.

* * *

My hand is tightly clasped in Lee’s as he guides me through the crowded stands. I’m dressed in our school colors like he is, both of us wearing Brooks’ jersey as well as his number painted onto our cheeks.

Henley met me after class and brought me back to my dorm where he stayed with me as I showered and got ready. He gifted me the jersey, told me I had to wear it, and here we are.

I hate being in crowds, but there’s this part of me that wants to be here for Brooks. And well, I didn’t really have a choice. I’ve learned not to argue with Lee, he just ends up getting his own way regardless.

Keeping my eyes on him, I follow as he brings us to our seats. Right near the team's bench.

“These are really good seats.” I tell Lee as we sit down.

“Perks of having your alpha on the team.” He winks. Something tells me that's not the only reason. They run this school, and I don’t think anyone would fight them on where he could sit. One look from him would have someone jumping to their feet to offer him theirs.

My eyes scan the stadium, taking in everything around me.

Cheers from the crowd have my eyes snapping over to the tunnel. The team comes jogging out and the crowd gets louder.

Biting my lip, I look for him. When my eyes lock on Brooks, my heart beats a little bit faster.

He looks so fucking sexy in his uniform. He has a massive smile on his face, waving to the crowd with his helmet in his other hand. His brown locks bounce with every step he takes, giving him this boy next door charm. Brooks is no boy next door. He’s more likely to break into your house and kill the boy next door.

My stomach sinks as I remember the other night. The way the man's hand felt on me, touching me when I didn’t want to be touched. Bile builds in my throat.

I’ve been so distracted by everything with the guys, I haven’t allowed myself to think about what happened to me.

“Hey, you okay?” Henley grips my chin.

“Sorry.” I croak, eyes welling with tears.

His eyes flick between mine. “Are you thinking about it?” I don’t have to ask what he means. He knows. I nod, tears breaking free.

His lips are on mine in a second. His touch soothes the hurt inside me and I lean into his touch. Our lips move together soft and slow, but it’s everything.

“Better?” he murmurs against my lips.

“Yes.” I breathe.

“Good. Anytime you need to forget about it, just let me know.”

“Thank you.” I swallow hard.

Leaning my head against Lee’s shoulder, we watch the guys warm up.

“Hey, Cam,” Jamie grins up at me, waving.

“Hey,” I wave back. I look over to Lee. “I’ll be right back.”

Henley doesn’t look too pleased, but he doesn’t say anything.

River might want me to stay away from people, but I’m not going to. Jamie is my friend. My only real friend. My best friend. I’m not giving that up. I’ve already had to give up so much in my life, I deserve this little piece for myself.

“Hey.” I say again as I join him on the field. I’m probably not supposed to be down here, but I don’t think anyone is going to say anything to me.

“How’s it going? Glad to see you. Here to cheer me on,” he grins, flexing his muscles.

“Of course, why else would I be here?” I laugh, eyes glancing over his shoulder to see Brooks watching. He’s glowering, jaw tight.

Nerves plague my stomach, but I don’t back away. Bringing my attention back to Jamie, we talk a little bit.

“What the hell, man?” Jamie grunts as his body gets knocked to the side.

My heart stops when Brooks grabs my face, this murderous look in his eyes. For a moment I think he’s going to yell at me, but then I’m moaning, his lips pressed against mine.

Brooks kisses me hot and dirty in front of the whole stadium, my lips parting to let his tongue slip inside.

Hoots and cheers break out around us and my cheeks heat.

“W-what was that for?” I ask, dazed, head spinning and lips tingling. Oh, and my cock is stiff as stone. Fucking great.

“Just a little reminder of who you fucking belong to, Camden,” he rumbles, eyes flicking over to Jamie before he turns around, jogging back over to some of his team.

“So, you belong to them now, huh?” he asks, an amused look on his face.

“No.” I grumble, but the word feels like a lie on my tongue. “I don’t belong to anyone. They’re just crazy.”

“You sure as hell don’t seem like you're fighting it,” he chuckles.

My gaze shifts towards Brooks. He’s throwing a ball back and forth with a guy, but his attention is on me.

The look in his eyes has my stomach in knots. They’re possessive, screaming at me that I belong to them. I’m theirs.

And I don’t hate it. No, if anything I love it. Fucking crave it.

I’m totally screwed.