Sugar Blood: The Morningstar Series Book 1

Chapter Six: Ryce's P.O.V.

I just got the mind link that the team from the Anderson School has arrived. Finally. They're late.

When Caleb told me the school accepted my offer, I asked him if he knew who they were sending. All he knew was that it was going to be a five man team, and a girl he had hooked up with is one of them. Of course Caleb hooked up with some random girl.

I rolled my eyes thinking about it. He's been the same his whole life. I only hope his mate won't be pissed.

Just as I was finishing up my paperwork Dax entered my office.

"They're downstairs you ready to meet them?"

"Do you know who they are yet?" I'm being impatient, and I know it.

Dax didn't question me, but he knows something is off. I just need to make sure Aureaila isn't on that team.

"All I know is there's two guys, and three girls."

Fantastic. No one knows their names.

Colt.

Yes Alpha?

What are the names of the team members?

Two men: Ambrose and Simon. Three women: Ridley, Avery, and Relly.

I let out a breath. Least Aureaila isn't with them.

Great thanks.

Existing my office, I headed downstairs to the living room. Cree has been awfully quiet all day. I didn't ask him why. Honestly, I think he's just sulking about Aureaila.

Just before we were to the living room the most amazing smell hit me. Vanilla and sunshine.

Fuck f**k f**k f**k f**k.

"You okay Alpha?" Dax asked from a few steps ahead of me.

I thought she wasn't here. What the hell is going on?

Go to mate. Cree demanded wagging his tail enthusiastically.

We can't.

Shit am I panicking?

"Alpha?" Dax looked at me his brown eyes full of concern.

I cleared my throat. "Yeah fine."

Then I rounded the corner entering the living room. All of my men straightened their stances sensing my presence.

I'm staring at the back of Aureaila's head, then she turned around to face me, our eyes connecting. The same light green eyes that have haunted my dreams for years stared back at me. All the air left my lungs.

I can't believe it. Aureaila is right in front of me. After all this f*****g time she's right in my grasp. And f**k is she beautiful. Her long curly blonde hair is tied in a high ponytail. She's filled out just like I knew she would. Curves are hidden under her black leggings, and oversized red T-shirt. She has full pouty lips that are begging me to bite them.

Mark her.

Shut up.

I shook my head, and continued for the group. As I got closer Aureaila held her hand out, and opened her mouth to say something. Completely ignoring her, I walked up to the biggest member of their team.

"You must be the team captain. Nice to meet you, I'm Alpha Ryce Blackwood. Lycan King." I held out my hand, but the man didn't take it.

Raising my eyebrow, I looked him straight in the eye. That didn't seem to intimidate him though.

"Actually, aha, I'm the captain."

I closed my eyes.

Shit.

I turned around to find Aureaila smiling up at me. f**k, that smile took my breath away. It took all the control I have, to keep my composure. No way am I just going to give in to her.

"You?" I scoffed, laying it on thick.

Aureaila's smile grew bigger. "Me, big guy."

Big guy?

"Guess they don't have high standards at Anderson."

Yeah, I might be trying to piss her off.

"Well, you are the one who asked us for help, so what's that say about you, Lycan King?"

I glared at her.

"What's your name pup?"

She smiled sweetly at me. "Aureaila."

"And who are the rest of your team, Captain Aureaila?"

She doesn't seem phased by me at all, and I'm confused. Even if Aureaila doesn't remember me, should she still recognize me as her mate. Is she pretending, like I am?

There's no way she can't feel this connection. Its taking everything in me to not take a bite of her. Seriously, it isn't fair how good she smells.

"This is Ridley, Avery, Simon, and Ambrose. Is there somewhere we can go to talk about the situation privately?" Aureaila asked.

So, Relly must be a nickname. She told my men her nickname, but not me. That just doesn't sit right with me.

"Wouldn't you like to get unpacked, and settled in first?" Dax asked.

Aureaila looked to her team. All of them looked at her, but gave nothing away.

"You guys go to your rooms, and get unpacked. Rest for the night. I'll fill you in in the morning."

They all nodded to her.

"Lance, Logan show them to their rooms." I commanded.

Aureaila looked up at me as everyone dispersed. It's just the two of us, and Dax.

"Can we go over the situation somewhere more private?" Aureaila asked.

Is she trying to get me alone? Maybe she's waiting for us to be alone to tell me she's my mate.

"Come with me to my office. Dax go check on our guests, and see if they need anything."

Dax nodded, and turned to leave when Aureaila opened her pretty mouth.

"Oh wait! Can I ask you a favor?"

Dax nodded.

"Can you please take five blood bags to Ambrose? Teleporting here took it out of him, and he needs to be sharp."

"Of course." Dax smiled.

"Thanks! I appreciate it." Aureaila looked Dax up and down.

Instantly, I'm pissed. I was about to make a comment when Aureaila spoke.

"Ridley is a Vampire, so if you wanna take her some too, I'm sure she'd be greatful."

Dax smile grew. "Thanks Aureaila."

"No problem. And call me Relly. Oh, and her favorite is B positive." She winked at him.

Did Dax just blush?

We're losing her to our Beta. Cree said dramatically.

You're too dramatic. She isn't his mate.

No she's ours. Mark her, and let's shift. He said.

Why would we shift after marking her?

Cree puffed out his chest. So she can see how strong her mate is.

I rolled my eyes, and ignored him.

I walked Aureaila down the hall, opening the door to my office I walked in. Aureaila shut the door behind her, and turned around. She jumped slightly, and her eyes bulged as she realized how close I was.

"Uh, personal space bro." She said as she pushed on my chest.

I didn't budge. Instead, I looked in her eyes. Searching for the slightest recognition. I saw nothing.

"What the hell was that with my Beta?" My tone is harsher than I intended.

Aureaila raised one blonde brow. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know how things are run at that school you're from, but don't sleep around with my men."

I know I'm being mean. I can't help it. I just want her to be as angry as I am. As I've been for years. Because of her.

"But I can sleep with the women?" She giggled.

"Don't sleep with anyone here. My Beta isn't interested in someone like you, so don't even try it." I narrowed my eyes.

Then Aureaila did something I wasn't expecting.

She laughed. f*****g laughed. She wrapped her arms around her belly, and doubled over.

"What the hell is so funny?" I asked glaring at her.

She couldn't stop laughing as she tried to talk.

"You... have.. no idea."

"No idea about what?" I asked annoyed.

Aureaila finally pulled herself together wiping a tear from her beautiful green eye.

"Phew. You'll figure it out. Anyways, give me some space. Thanks."

She pushed passed me, and placed herself in one of the chairs in front of my desk. I walked around, and sat in my own chair.

"So, I see you guys don't have very much information."

I frowned. "No one can ever figure out how they are getting in. Its always different times. And there are never any witnesses."

She scoffed. "I find it hard to believe no one saw a damn thing."

"You're more than welcome to ask around." I offered.

"Thanks, I planned on it."

I glared at her. She smirked at me. I don't get it.

"What are you doing here Aureaila?"

She gave me a confused.

"Fulfilling a mission?"

I continued to stare at her more. Does she really not know she's my mate?

"Anyways, I will be having Avery scouting the territory. She can see rips someone leaves behind when teleporting. If that's how they are getting in, she'll know. Simon will be going around talking to pack members. Ambrose is our best fighter. I'd like for him to show your pack new moves. I'd also like for you to encourage all of your members join. Even if they learn just basic self defense. Ridley is sneaky, so I asked her to go around, and look for suspicious people."

"And you?" I asked.

"Well, unfortunately Alpha, I'll be sticking with you most of the time. I'd like you to show me the pack lines tomorrow. I can set up a barrier that will alert us if anyone enters your territory even if it is via teleportation."

"Sounds like a plan."

"I also think you should know what we all are. You heard me say Ridley is a Vampire. Simon is kind of like a Demon. Avery is fae. And Ambrose and I are Morningstars."

"Ambrose is your brother?"

"Yes."

A few awkward seconds ticked by before she stretched her arms above her head.

"Can you show me where my room is please? I'm tired."

Shit her room?

Dax where is Aureaila's room?

The room next to yours Alpha.

You put her on my floor?

Our guests share your floor, and my floor Alpha.

Were there no other rooms available?

Dax's response was hesitant. No Alpha sorry.

I find that hard to believe. I'd have to question him later.

"Follow me."

I got up, and walked out of my office. Showing Aureaila where the staircase is we walked up to the third floor. I walked down the hall to the second to the last door.

"This is your room. You have a bathroom connected. Kitchen is downstairs to your left. Help yourself."

After I walked out of the doorway I decided to make one last comment.

"Oh, and if you need anything, don't ask me. Find someone else."

Aureaila giggled.

Fuck I missed that sound. It's different now that she's a women, but it's still familiar.

"Trust me Alpha. I'll only be speaking with you when I have to." Then she slammed the door in my race.

That f*****g women. If she was anyone else I would of broken her door down, and punished her.

We should do that still. Cree said.

You want me to punish our mate?

We could punish her in fun ways.

I walked next door to my room, and lay on my bed. Punish her in fun ways huh? I could think of a few ways to put that pretty mouth to use. f**k, I bet those pouty lips would feel amazing wrapped around me.

My d**k twitched at the thought. I wonder what she tastes like. Her blood, and her p***y. I bet she's divine. My c**k went hard as a rock at the thought.

I undid my jeans, and pulled them down. Reaching my hand in my boxers, I grabbed my throbbing c**k. I bet Aureaila would feel amazing touching me like this. I started pumping my hand. My thoughts are all Aureaila.

Fuck, she's so much sexier than I would of ever thought. That f*****g sexy round ass. I bet her boobs would fit perfectly in my hands. Those pouty lips probably taste amazing. That adorable nose. The twinkle in her light green eyes. I pumped faster, and faster. I bet her p***y gets wet as f**k. That sweet voice would sound amazing saying my name.

Ryce...

I pictured Aureaila looking up at me, naked. Her face, and skin reddened with what I'd be doing to her. She'd beg me to f**k her.

Uuuggghhh fuuuuuck.

I pumped two more times before cumming.

I took a few deep breaths, and headed to my bathroom. Turning my shower on, I removed my boxers, and stepped in. I showered quickly, dressed in my pajamas, and got into my bed.

It's still early as hell, so I pulled out my laptop, and turned on a movie. When it ended, I put my laptop down, and lay under my dark red comforter. My last thought before I drifted into darkness is 'I'm f****d'.

*********************************************

I woke the next morning grumpier than ever. I spent the whole night tossing, and turning unable to get any peaceful sleep. Probably has everything to do with the fact that my mate was right next door. All I had to do was go to her. But I absolutely refused to give in so easily.

I'm still pissed off at her for forgetting about me. Even more pissed after jerking myself off to her last night. Her f*****g giggles haunted me. Everything in me begged to go to her, but I fought it all night.

Plus, I have no idea what she's playing at. Does she really not recognize me as her mate? How is that even possible? Maybe her parents did it?

That doesn't make much sense though. Her mother begged me to find Aureaila when I got older. To save her. From what, I have no idea. Aureaila is a Morningstar. She is the most powerful creature on the planet, who would be stupid enough to go against her.

I thought our mate was weak. Cree teased.

She is. She's weak minded.

Cree scoffed. Our mate is strong.

Whatever. I replied as I walked to my closet to change.

Grabbing some orange basketball shorts, and a white tank top, I dressed quickly. I need to get my mind off of that women. I mind linked my pack last night requiring that everyone who is aabl, to train in the mornings with us. They know about the random attacks, but believe I have it under control. Still, Aureaila was right, everyone needs at least basic training.

I walked out of my bedroom, and headed downstairs. Pausing at Aureaila's room, I pressed my ear to the door, and listened. I can hear her soft breathing, and steady heartbeat. Still sleeping I see.

I shook my head, and finished my way to the kitchen. When I got there, Ambrose, Logan, Lance, and Colt were sitting at the table talking.

"Morning Alpha." Lance greeted me.

My response is a grumble as I went straight for coffee.

"Were you able to get more of your pack members to start training today?" Ambrose asked.

I nodded.

"I'm Ambrose by the way. Aureaila's little brother."

"Wait, you're her younger brother?" Lance laughed.

Ambrose nodded his head. "Yup. Aureaila is 20 and I'm 18. I have another older sister too. Atiana. She runs the school now. Oh, I also made breakfast burritos Alpha. They are in the oven right now. Have some theres plenty." Ambrose smiled at me.

"They're f*****g bomb Alpha." Lance said.

Surprisingly, Colt nodded his agreement. Since when did Colt even hang out with everyone? After finding him a few years ago chained up in a f*****g science lab he'd become one of my best warriors. He's also grown to be a really good friend of mine.

Usually, he keeps to himself though not talking much with the others. I think he always felt slightly out of place. I'm not sure what he went through before I found him. I would never pressure him to tell me, but I trust him completely.

Grabbing a few burritos from the oven I asked, "So how many of you are there?"

I took a bite of one burrito, and almost moaned out loud. Holy f**k, that's amazing. I grabbed five more from the oven, and took a seat at the head of the table. Ambrose and Lance on my left, and Logan and Colt on my right.

"My mother and father had 12 kids." Ambrose smiled.

I nearly choked on my burrito.

"Twelve!? Geez, did anyone tell your parents what a condom is?" Lance laughed.

"Guess not." Ambrose shrugged. "I love my siblings though. Having a big family was actually fun growing up. Especially being a Morningstar, and an Anderson. Kids were pretty brutal growing up. It was really nice having others around to befriend. Even if they are your siblings." Ambrose chuckled.

"People shouldn't judge you guys before they get to know you." Logan said.

Ambrose shrugged. "People tend to act harshly when they're afraid. I can't thank you guys enough for being so welcoming." He smiled brightly.

"Speaking of being welcoming. I thought you brought a bunch of that banana bread to share?" Lance said.

Ambrose looked around. "I brought it down after I unpacked yesterday."

Lance and Ambrose started searching the kitchen. Meanwhile Logan is trying desperately to hide his laughter. He looked at me, and I raised an eyebrow at him.

"What the f**k happened to it?" Lance asked out loud.

"Alpha, where is my sisters room?" Ambrose asked.

"She wouldn't." Lance said.

"Don't worry I'm sure she'll share with you Lance. She did on our way in yesterday." Logan said, a smile spread across his face.

What the hell are they talking about?

Ambrose shook his head, and rolled his eyes as he sat back down.

"My apologies Alpha. My sister can be.... selfish at times."

"Maybe she's just pissed about the way the Alpha treated her yesterday, and felt he didn't deserve any." The man who I think is named Simon said from the doorway of the kitchen.

I frowned. s**t, I did do that in front of everyone.

"Simon." Ambrose said sternly.

Simon walked over to the coffee pot, and poured himself a cup.

"What? I'm just saying you know how petty your sister can be. After the Alpha brushed her off like she wasn't even there..." He tsked. "I would have taken the banana bread too."

Simon came to sit at the opposite, end of the table from me. He looked straight into my eyes, and took a long drink of his coffee. Is this some kind of challenge?

"Simon, knock it off. Sorry about him Alpha Ryce he just likes to start trouble. I'll get Aureaila to give it back." Ambrose apologized for his teammate.

"It's fine Ambrose. Lance, have you seen Dax this morning?"

Lance smirked. "Nope. Haven't seen him since last night." He shared a knowing look with Logan.

What the f**k is going on? They've been here for less than 24 hours, and are already causing mayhem in my pack.

Dax. I reached out.

His response wasn't as instant as usual, but didn't take more than a minute.

Yes Alpha?

Are you coming down for breakfast? Ambrose made burritos, and they're good as f**k.

A pause. Who's all there?

I frowned. What does that matter?

Another pause. You're right Alpha it doesn't. Unfortunately, I don't have much of an appetite this morning. I'll see you at training.

Dax closed the mind link. Okay, that was weird. Again, what the hell is going on in my pack?

All of us had sat at the table talking for about another hour before leaving to the training grounds. There are a lot more bodies here than usual thankfully. I announced that Ambrose would be taking over for the time being.

Ambrose introduced himself, and asked the untrained wolves to pair with the trained ones. He told them he just wanted to see what everyone had today, and to try their best. As we were walking around observing, Lana came running over.

"Sorry Alpha, I was helping Mrs. Haven with her groceries. And you know how that women loves to talk." Lana said breathlessly.

"Its alright Lana. I want to introduce you to Ambrose. Ambrose this is Lana. My Gamma."

I wanted to gauge his reaction to hearing I have a female in a powerful position. Something crossed his face, confusion maybe, but he quickly recovered.

Ambrose extended his hand to Lana, and she gladly took it. "Nice to meet you Lana."

She smiled. "Same here."

Ambrose looked to me. "Ya know, I gotta tell ya. Its really nice seeing a women in a powerful position within the pack." He looked back at Lana. "My sister would love to meet you."

Lana smiled shyly.

"Anyways, I'd like to speak with you more about training while I'm here. Get your feel for things, and spar with you. You up for it?"

"Absolutely!" Lana lead Ambrose to an open spot on the field, and they began sparring.

Dax took that moment to come stand next to me. I looked at him, and he looks awful. Like he didn't slept at all last night. He has a scowl on his face.

"You okay buddy?" I asked him.

He refused to look at me, just staring ahead at our pack members.

"Yep."

I raised an eyebrow. Okay?

He seems to be staring at someone in particular, so I followed his line of sight. I was surprised to see he's staring daggers at Caleb. Caleb didn't seem to notice, but I definitely didn't miss the black eye he has.

Where the hell did he get that?

"Well, I need to blow off some steam. You in?" I asked.

Dax turned to look at me, and nodded. We sparred for what felt like hours. I was unusually more aggressive, but so was Dax. Something is clearly bothering him, but I don't know what.

Dax has been my best friend my entire life. There isn't anything we don't talk about. This though, doesn't seem like he's ready to share, and I'm not going to press him.

Just as Dax landed a punch to my jaw the red haired girl Ridley and Aureaila came into the field.

"Hey guys!" Ridley said waving to us.

They walked up to us, and I tried my best to keep my attention on anything, but Aureaila. Ridley looked up at Dax, but he didn't pay her any attention. Weird.

"You guys mind if we train with you?" She asked clearly speaking to Dax.

"Do whatever you want." Dax said coldly, and walked away to spar with Allie.

Alright, something is definitely going on. Dax can't stand Allie.

"I'll spar with you Ridley." Logan said.

Ridley bit her bottom lip, and nodded her head. She went to where Logan is, and they started to spar. I watched the Anderson team, curious to see what they had.

Ambrose is a very exceptional fighter. Lana isn't able to land one blow on him. Simon has a different way of fighting. Using shadows to his advantage, he was able to take on six of my pack members, and pin them all down. Ridley however, seems very distracted. She's holding her own, but I can tell her head isn't in it.

Suddenly, she threw Logan back, and he went flying a few feet. Her face contorted with anger, and Ambrose had to step in front of her. He whispered something in her ear, and she stomped her foot like a child, and left the training grounds back to the pack house. I looked to where she had been looking to see what pissed her off so bad.

Allie has Dax pinned down, and is straddling him. What the f**k?

As soon as Ridley was out of sight Dax pushed Allie off of him knocking her on her butt. He stared in the direction Ridley had disappeared. I saw as Allie reached her hand up to him. He ignored her and walked over to Caleb.

"Spar with me." Dax demanded.

I watched as Caleb swallowed hard, and got into position.

"Shit." Aureaila mummbled under her breath.

She took off in a sprint to them.

"How about we spar instead Beta Dax?" She smiled sweetly, her hand on his shoulder.

I didn't like her touching anyone, but I quickly shook the feeling off.

Dax nodded, and Caleb looks relieved.

Take the rest of the day off Caleb.

He looked at me. You sure Alpha?

I nodded once, and he took off for his house. Only the Beta, and I live in the pack house. Lana lives in a house close to the pack house with her mate, and their two children. Usually, the gamma still lived in the pack house with their family, but Lana wanted her own space. She wasn't used to being in the pack house, and I didn't blame her.

I turned my attention back to Aureaila and Dax.

"Don't hold back just because I'm a girl Dax." Aureaila said.

I watched as she dodged everything he threw at her. Dax isn't one to go easy on anyone. He feels that people have to be pushed down to get better, and I agree.

So, why was he going easy now?

Aureaila ducked as Dax fist came flying at her. She swung her leg at him, knocking him down.

Smirking down at Dax she said, "Ya know Caleb's a pretty buff dude."

She placed one finger on her chin like she's thinking about something. Dax growled.

"I wonder what his stamina is like." She said.

Can't lie, I'm fighting my own growl. Why was she interested in Caleb? Is she the one he slept with when he went to the school? No, she's a virgin, I can smell it.

Dax growled again, and lunged for her. Aureaila just barely dodged him. He went for her again.

"Maybe I should ask if he wants to watch a movie with me and Ridley later." She smirked.

Dax roared, his eyes turned black, and his claws extended. A wave of panic rolled through me. Dax lundged for her again.

At this point everyone else stopped to watch their fight. We watched as Dax relentlessly attacked Aureaila. She dodged every single thing he threw at her. Pride swelled in my chest, and I tried to choke it down.

This went on for another 20 minutes. Aureaila dodged another attack, but grabbed Dax's arm, and threw him to the ground. She pinned him down with her knee, and whispered something into his ear. After Dax retracted his claws , and his breathing had slowed a bit, Aureaila removed her knee, and extended her hand to him. He took it, and she helped him up.

Patting him in the shoulder she said, "Fight me like that every time. Maybe one day you'll be able to land a blow."

Dax nodded.

"Damn, she's fast." Lana mummbled.

Aureaila walked up to me, and I looked down at her small frame with my arms folded across my chest.

"You should let Dax go for the day." She said.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you telling me what to do with my pack members?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes I am, Alpha."

I bent down to get in her face. "You think you can tell the Lycan King what to do little wolf?"

Aureaila smiled sweetly. "Pretty sure I just did."

Suddenly, an image flashed across my eyes. I'm in my bedroom, and have Aureaila pinned against my wall. Her beautiful curls swam around her, and she's looking up at me with those beautiful light greens. She has a thin tank top on that shows her hard n*****s, and a pair of pink silk shorts. I have my leg between hers keeping them open. Her face is flushed, and she's panting slightly. I wrapped my hand around her throat, and then it was gone.

Aureaila is staring at me like I've grown two heads. What the f**k was that? Did she see it too? She doesn't seem phased.

I growled not taking my eyes off of her.

"Dax. You're relieved from training. Go change, and meet me in my office in two hours."

"Yes Alpha."

Aureaila looked at me through her thick long lashes.

"See how easy that was." She patted me on the chest.

I grabbed her hand, and sparks instantly erupted up my arm. Aureaila's eyes went wide for a moment, but she quickly recovered. I threw her hand back to her.

"I want you, and your team to meet me in my office in two hours as well."

With that I turned, and headed back for the pack house.