The Lion and his Emancipated Mate

Whispers Pt. 3

I shook off that feeling and ran into my next class. To my utter embarrassment, people were still staring at me then whispering. When I made it to my biology class I made a beeline for Chelsea. She was bouncing in her seat. She yelled, “Thank god! I have been WAITING for this class all day! Tell me everything about your first class. Everyone is talking about it; this is so exciting!”

I frowned and asked her, “Why is everyone staring at me because I embarrassed myself and ogled Lucas Lyons? I cannot be the only female to notice he’s a freaking god.” Chelsea laughed, “If I asked how you felt about other women staring at Mr. Lyons that way, what would you say?” Before I could stop myself I answered, “Bitches.” I clapped my hand over my mouth. What was wrong with me?

Chelsea, Sam, and Valerie all laughed. I told them, “I have no idea where that came from.” Sam spoke, “I feel the same way about Drake.” I frowned, “Drake is your boyfriend. Lucas is the guy who runs the youth center in town. He just wants to help me because he thinks I need it. I’m probably just a charity case to him.” I really hoped it wasn’t true because it would crush me it was. I was probably just some crusade to him.

Chelsea became concerned, “That’s not true. No one sees you as a charity case,” She admonished. I sighed, “Alright.” She smiled again, “So, tell us everything from the moment you walked into the class.” Luckily, it was a lab day, so our teacher didn’t mind us all talking. I told them everything from smelling chocolate when Lucas was near, to him growling at me because I had his coffee. Then him growling at his friend Dylan, Travis’ older brother, for going to shake my hand. I told them that he came out to talk to me during lunch.

When I finished the story, I noticed almost the entire class, including the teacher, were listening to us. I flushed and put my head down. I tried to keep working on our lab assignment. The girls didn’t care though.

Valerie squealed, “You totally have a crush on Mr. Lyons. Don’t think we didn’t notice you called him Lucas.” I frowned, “He told me to call him Lucas. Chelsea’s dad works for him. Don’t you call him Lucas too?” They shook their head, “No, we call him something else.” I sighed. Right, they probably called him Alpha Lucas or something.

The bell rang. Chelsea smiled at me, “You don’t have to work tomorrow after school, right?” I nodded, “Right. We are still planning to work on our homework at your place, aren’t we?” She nodded, “Yup. After school I’ll drive us back to my place. My mom wants to know what you want for snacks.” I smiled, “I’m not picky. Whatever you want is fine.” I’d eat anything. I learned to not be picky living on my own. She smiled, “You are a fabulous friend, Emmaline.”

Chelsea ran off. I looked at my watch, went to Mr. Foster’s office, and knocked. He looked up and smiled, “Lun… I mean Emmaline. What can I do for you?” What was he about to call me? Did I look like a previous student? I shrugged that off. I told him, “I don’t have to work until six tonight. So, I was wondering if I could practice with the team.” Mr. Foster smiled, “Go get changed. Maybe with you in the pool the team will have better times. Your old coach told me you motivated everyone to swim harder.” I smiled, “Thanks!”

I ran to the locker room and grabbed my swimsuit. I quickly changed. When I entered the pool area Mr. Foster introduced me, “Ok, everyone this is Emmaline Richards. She’s going to practice with us today. She going with the gold group.” Everyone looked at me with interest.

The werewolves that made up the gold group laughed. One asked, “Do you think she can keep up with us, coach?” I couldn’t stop myself from retorting, “I think you’ll be trying to keep up with me.” The boy smiled, “Game on Lu… Emmaline.”

I really must look like an old classmate or something. I shrugged and we went to our lanes. Mr. Foster told us to swim a few laps to warm up. I went easy to see what kind of pace the werewolves kept. They were pretty fast, but I knew I was faster. Mr. Foster split us up in groups. I was paired with three of the boys in the gold group.

One taunted me, “You’re going to eat our dust, Emmaline.” I just smiled teasing, “And when you get beat by a girl, I’m not even going to feel sorry for the crap your friends give you guys.” The whistle blew. I dove off the starting block into the water. It was a freestyle race, and I gave it everything I had. We were doing six laps. Down and back counted as one lap. When I saw the red marker come into the water, I knew this was my last lap. I kicked my gear higher. I touched the wall and came up and took off the goggles and swim cap that Mr. Foster had let me borrow.

Mr. Foster smiled at me. He told me, “I really want you on the team. You just smoked our three best male swimmers. They have another lap left.” I avoided answering him, “Thanks, Mr. Foster.” I heard clapping from the stands. I looked up and saw Lucas, Dylan, and the principal smiling at me. My face turned red. I turned away to look at the clock on the wall. I needed to get moving.

The three guys got out of the pool after finishing their laps. They were stunned to realize I was already done. I winked at them, “I’d say thanks for the race boys, but it wasn’t much of a challenge.” They growled as I smirked.

I turned to Mr. Foster, “Thanks for letting me swim Mr. Foster. I’ve got to head to work.” He nodded, “Seriously Emmaline, think about joining the team.” I smiled sadly, “Thanks, but it works better for me to just practice when I can.” I left before he could say anything else.

I changed and headed off to work. I had been there an hour when the smell of chocolate hit my nose. I was both excited and annoyed. Before when I heard his name, he invaded my every thought; now his god like self was every freaking where I was. I’d been working here for a year and never met him. Why was he suddenly everywhere? I’d never sleep again at this rate. I turned and did a double take. Why was he so freaking hot? He was stretching and his shirt was barely showing off his abs. I wanted to lick them. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME? I turned and ran to the back.

I took several deep breaths before I heard Ralph yelling for me. Great, that’s just what my day needed. Ralph. Liz came around the corner. She eyed me before offering, “I can take Ralph’s table for you today, Emmaline.” I sighed, “No, it’s ok. They give good tips, and I need the money.” She looked towards Lucas and lowered her voice, “Just make sure you keep your distance. Mr. Lyons may run them out of town for how they normally treat you.”

She walked away before I could ask why she said that. I smiled when I saw Lucas and Dylan sit in my section. They were with the lady who gave me his coffee this morning. I think she said her name was Ruth. I sighed and walked to Ralph’s table first. I asked, “Do you guys want your usual?” Ralph reeked of alcohol. I grimaced he was worse when he’d been drinking. He asked me, “Are you still not serving yourself on the side there, sweets?” I heard a growl that sounded like Lucas.

I replied, “That’s still a no, Ralph. Do you want your usual burgers and fries? Maybe some coffee?” He smiled, “You just get us, Emmaline. I’d take you away from here, and you’d never work again. What do you say?” The growling was getting louder. I smiled tightly, “Still no. I like working here. So, the usual then?” He nodded.

I quickly left the table and gave Fred their ticket. He took it from me smiling broadly, “Well, hello there Ms. Emmaline.” I smiled, “Hi, Fred. How’s your day going?” He winked, “Never better Ms. Emmaline. Never better. I do believe Ralph and gang are going to be put in their place. Firmly.” I frowned, “I’m not sure what that means. You and Al always put him in his place.”

I left and went to Lucas, Dylan, and Ruth’s table. I greeted them brightly, “Good evening. What can I get you guys?” Lucas was angrily glaring at Ralph’s table. His eyes softened when he turned to me though. He asked, “What do you recommend?” I immediately told him, “Fred’s burger is our specialty. He makes them for me take home on my night shift. It's got his special twist.” Lucas smiled, “I’ll have the Fred’s special then.” Dylan spoke, “The same for me please. It’s my regular order when I come here.” Ruth said, “I’ll have the Caesar salad with chicken dressing on the side.” I nodded and asked, “Any drinks?” They all said water was fine.

The rest of my shift passed almost without incident. Unfortunately, Ralph had to go and be himself. My back was to him busing a different table in my section that had just vacated. My only warning was the snarl I heard before Ralph groped my ass. He whispered, “Come back to my truck with me, sweets. I promise you won’t regret a single second.” The growl became a deafening roar.

Ralph looked over in shock, and I used that distraction and kicked him in the balls. I gritted my teeth, “Look here buddy, stop grabbing my ass! I’m not coming back to your truck tonight or any other night. For god's sake, you’re old enough to be my dad! You need to go sleep it off.”

Lucas was beside me in a second. He had Ralph by his throat. He effortlessly picked him up in the air. My jaw dropped. I knew Lucas was an Alpha, but Ralph was a werewolf too. Lucas picked him up as if he were nothing. I was admiring the bulging of his biceps.

I snapped out of it and touched his shoulder. I told him, “It’s alright, Lucas. I’m fine.” He looked at me, “Your statement implies he’s done this before. It’s far from alright.” Dylan cleared his throat, “While holding someone by the throat inside this fine establishment is a choice we are making… Let’s take this outside, boss man.”

Lucas nodded then looked me over. He asked, “You’re alright?” I nodded, “I’m really ok.” He assessed me again and carried Ralph out by his throat. Dylan followed closely behind him skipping as he went. Before the door closed Lucas said, “I’ll see you again, Emmaline. I have to take care of this.” I nodded to him. Dylan threw Ralph and his friends into an SUV and sped off.

I turned to see a smiling Ruth, “Hello again, Emmaline.” I smiled, “Hi, Ruth.” She motioned to the check on the table. She informed me, “Mr. Lyons left the money for our food.” I winced, “I’m sorry they didn’t get to finish their meal.” She smiled, “No one is upset about it. It wasn’t your fault. So, will I be seeing you at the youth center?” I frowned, “I’m good, but thank you.” She smiled sadly, “We all need help sometimes. There’s no shame in it.” She left after statement. I wanted to tell her I knew that, but asking for her kind of help could get me killed.

I got through the rest of my shift and grabbed my bike. I got the sense I was being followed. I wasn’t going to lead them to where I actually lived. I started to head towards Red Run’s borders. At least where I thought their borders were based on the wolves I’d seen on my way work. I noticed the moment they stopped following me. It must be a fairy thing. I kept going, making sure. I stopped and waited fifteen minutes before I doubled back to my tent. I sighed in relief when I didn’t sense anyone nearby.

I sat by the pond and calmed myself. Once my adrenaline faded, I went into my tent to sleep. I felt hands on me and felt tingles all over my body. I moaned, “Lucas.” I opened my eyes, seeing his stunning blue eyes were on mine. He growled, “You are mine, Emmaline.” I felt a finger slide inside me. I moaned, “God yes, Lucas. I’m yours.” He smiled and pumped his fingers into me. He leaned down and bit my neck. I screamed his name and woke up to my alarm blaring.

I looked down to see my own hand in my underwear and swore. Seriously? I’m having wet dreams about an Alpha who probably has a girlfriend or something? I know he’s not married because he doesn’t have a wedding ring. His neck didn’t bare a mark, but no woman wouldn’t want him. I cringed at the thought of him being with someone else. I shoved it aside and grabbed my uniform and went to work.

I rode up stunned to see five burly men waiting outside. They all watched me ride up with interest. Ok, that was new. I went inside to see a smiling Al. I greeted him, “Good morning, Al.” He smiled, “Good morning, Emmaline.” I jerked my head towards the guys outside asking, “Is that a new crew? I’ve never seen them before.” He smiled, “No, they live around here. They just aren’t usually here for the morning rush.” I nodded and got to work getting all the stations ready for morning crowd.

As soon as we opened the doors those five guys sat in my section. I walked over to take their order. I asked, “What can I get you guys?” One spoke for the group, “We will all have bacon and eggs, Luna.” I frowned. Why would they call me that? I wasn’t their Luna. I told them, “Oh, it’s Emmaline. I’ll put your order in.” They nodded and I left.

The smell of chocolate hit my nose minutes later. Apparently, my body was becoming hyper aware whenever Lucas was about to be around. I turned my head to see him walk in. Holy crap on a cracker. He was in a suit, in Al’s. God…

Liz bumped me with her hip. She teased, “You’re drooling.” I quickly wiped my mouth and came away with nothing, I rolled my eyes, “Ha-ha Liz. Very funny.” She laughed, “Plenty of women stare at him.” Anger filled me and I looked away. I muttered, “I’m sure they do.” She smiled, “He’s looking at you though.” I turned around to see if she was right. She was. He was looking right at me. I smiled at him, and he smiled back.

He walked over and joined the five guys that had come in when we opened. I walked over, “Good morning Lucas and Dylan. What can I get you?” Lucas smiled, “Eggs, Bacon, and Coffee would be fabulous, Emmaline.” I shivered when he said my name. He had dropped his tone and his voice was pure s*x. I didn’t know that was a real thing, but when Lucas said my name; I wanted to throw him down and repeat my dream. I quickly walked away and got their order in.

Their group stayed and drank coffee until I left. I was running late so I quickly showered and ran to home room just as the bell rang. Everyone was still whispering today, but not as bad. I couldn’t wait for next week when Peter started coming to school. Surely, everyone would talk about that instead of coffee gate.

I sat next to Drake who observed me then asked, “So, where were you last night?” I frowned asking, “What do you mean?” He looked away then amended, “I mean what did you do last night?” I sighed, “I swam with the swim team for practice.” He smiled interjecting, “Yeah, I heard you kicked some blue moon ass there, little Emmaline. It’s impressive, almost inhuman.” I gulped. His eyes narrowed.

I looked away. My heart was racing. He couldn’t know I was a partial fairy. He just couldn’t. He would’ve said something when they were at war with them. I admitted, “I used to swim all the time. I’m really good. I’m surprised your friends didn’t mention it last year. I used to beat them in the pool a lot.” Drake laughed, “Oh, from what I hear it’s more than pretty good. Anyway, you kicked swim ass and then…” I frowned, “I went to work and went home.” He frowned but nodded.

Several kids seemed to keep a close eye on me all day. After third period, I turned to see Travis Frost standing behind my locker. He greeted me, “Hello, Emmaline. Since we have the next class together, I thought I would walk with you. Do you mind?” I answered, “Um, I guess that’s fine.” He smiled, “I hear you met my brother the other day.” I nodded, “I did. I’ve seen him around a lot lately. He seems nice.” Travis laughed, “He’s a big kid. Here we are, m’lady.” He opened the door and walked me to my desk, than sat down next to me.

I stared at him in question because this was the class another transfer from our school was in. His name was Grayson, but he wasn’t a werewolf. Travis usually sat on the other side of the classroom. In unison some other werewolves from Blue Moon got up and sat in the seats closest to me. Grayson, who usually sat next to me, came in and threw me a questioning stare. I shrugged and noticed every male in the class glaring at him. What the hell was in their coffee this morning?

It was announced that Saturday night we would have a get to know you mixer to welcome new students. Everyone was excited. I quickly realized that by mixer they meant dance. It was finally lunch and I ran in to sit beside Chelsea, Sam, Valerie, and Drake.

I threw my tray down and muttered, “God, something is in the freaking water today.” Chelsea choked back a laugh. Drake smiled at me. Sam asked, “So, Emmaline where is your place?” I stopped eating and looked at her like a deer in headlights. I wanted to lie to her, I really did. For some reason I just couldn’t lie. Avoid? Yes. Lie? No. I asked, “What do you mean?” Sam frowned clearly picking up that I avoided answering her.

Drake reiterated, “She means where do you live? The secretary is Sam’s aunt and she’s all worried they have no address for you on file.” I gulped, s**t. Drake's eyes narrowed again. I looked away, “Oh, well I recently moved.” Drake was quiet. His eyes were calculating. Chelsea spoke, “Well, maybe for one of our studying sessions you could show me your new place.” I just shrugged. I wouldn’t. I already knew I couldn’t tell her or any of them the truth. She’d tell an adult, but I also couldn’t lie.

Valerie came to my literal rescue changing the subject. Meanwhile Drake studied me like I was his personal mystery to crack wide open. Sam kissed his cheek before he finally looked away from me to stare at her with puppy dog eyes. I laughed, “You guys are so freaking cute!” Sam giggled and just like that, I was forgotten; just like I wanted.