Remember Me

Chapter 6: Are we Friends?

The next day, my detention with Joseph wasn’t half bad. We had to clean the stalls where the horses were. Joseph commented that I must feel right at home. I reminded him I lived with werewolves not horses. His reply that animals were animals actually made me smile. In his own dark, twisted way, he was teasing me. I could definitely understand why he rubbed my brother and Rafe’ the wrong way but he was not a bad person. He just had a sick sense of humor.

He even helped me with a couple of meditation exercises so that I could concentrate my magic better. He was actually pretty smart and simplified some rather complex concepts for me. It wasn’t a surprise that many teachers always picked him to be TA for their jr. classes. It was no surprise that none of our teachers ever asked me to be TA for any sophomore classes.

Pushing the depressing thought away from myself, I happily watched as small needle-shaped sparks shot from my fingertips into the sky. They were supposed to be sharp enough to cut something or more like someone. This level of control took time to master. Joseph grinned and pointed his fingers upward, letting four lines of fire shoot from his fingers up into the sky and swirl together in a spiral before instantly disappearing.

“I cut off the flow of oxygen around the fire so that it smothers quickly.” Joseph commented. “Otherwise the dissipating sparks could cause a forest fire.”

“Mr. Danielles caring about our environment.” I teased.

“Shh, you’ll destroy my reputation.” Joseph grinned back, jostling my shoulder as we started walking back to the Institute. I felt a little warm and tingly, joking around with him as if it was the easiest thing in the world. He had always been easy on the eyes and the way the corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled made me think back to the list Abigail and I had made last year. Joseph ranked number 1 on our list of Sexiest Guys at Sinai Institute. There was no denying that none the rumors made him any less attractive. You’d have to be a rock to not notice the appeal oozing off him. So yeah, I admit, I was falling victim to his charms. He was definitely eye candy. Feeling my cheeks heat up a little when I realized he’d caught me staring, I looked away at his triumphant grin. He leaned in close, completely invading my personal space.

“Like what you see?” his breathe was hot on my ear as my face warmed even further. He chuckled, refusing to move away from me. We stood there, him with his hands in his pockets leaning down close to my ear while my bent head exposed the flush probably deepening on the back of my neck. To an onlooker, it might seem as if two lovers were having an intimate chat.

“You’re so full of yourself.” I scolded, my hands moving up to push him away. No sooner had they landed on his chest that his hands came up to grasp my wrists. Still laughing, he pulled me towards him teasingly. I lost my footing, stumbled and fell against. Surprised, I allowed his arms to circle my waist.

“Ah see now you’re throwing yourself at me.” His lips were way to close to my ear now. I involuntarily shivered a little at his nearness. Why did my stomach just flip flop? And why did he smell so damn good? Like pine trees. Trying to shake myself out of it, I pulled back quickly.

“You wish.” I scoffed.

He opened his mouth probably to make some snarky reply but he never got around to it.

“Danielles so help me God, I told you to stay away from my sister!” a voice exclaimed as Joseph was tackled to the ground.

“Get off him!” I yelled at Griffin, attempting to pull my brother away. I looked to see Rafe’ rushing to help me.

“He’s dangerous!” yelled Griffin, struggling against our grip.

Joseph stood up scowling at Griffin.

“You need help Griffin, if you think it’s me your sister needs protection from.”

“I know! I know what you are!” Griffin yelled, straining against us. “You’re part of the League. You’re a no-good power hungry—“

“What power could I possibly gain from your sister?” Joseph challenged him. Rafe’ took a sudden sharp intake of breath. “If I’m not wrong, It’s me who is teaching her how to become powerful.” He levelled his gaze on me as if asking me to back him up.

“Joe’s… helping me.” I conceded, letting my brother go. He still continued to struggle against Rafe’. “So that I can utilize my magic.”

Griffin finally stopped struggling to stare at me slack jawed. “H-helping you? Han, he’s got an ulterior motive. That’s just not possible.”

“It’s not possible someone might want to be my friend? Am I that boring and stupid that you can’t accept that I might have a new friend?” I asked, hands going to my hips.

“No, Hannah that’s not what your brother meant.” Rafe’ cut in gently.

“Cut the crap Rafe’. Just because you and Griffin always found me annoying doesn’t mean every other guy on the planet does.” I responded. I pulled Joseph’s arm so that he was standing next to me. “Let’s go.” I said and left with Joseph walking beside me.

 I could hear Griffin cursing loudly while Rafe’ remained silent. Rafe’ was an Alpha by blood and heir to his own pack. He was trained to think with his brain and with his heart. I knew he was rationale and would keep Griffin under control. The problem with Griffin and I was that we had inherited the temper of an alpha but weren’t actually alphas. We were both hotheaded which is why we butt heads so often now.

I sighed as my hand on Joseph’s arm tightened. I glanced at him sideways but he was looking straight ahead and didn’t seem to mind my touch.

“Did you mean what you said?” Joseph finally asked as we entered the school. I gave him a blank stare. “Are we friends?” Joseph asked with a small teasing smile.

I let out a huff of laughter.

“Yeah sure, if you want to be.” I replied nonchalantly.

“Well…most girls don’t ask to be my friend.” Joseph gave me a lewd grin. “They usually ask for—“

“Whoaaaa buddy!” I exclaimed stopping him from finishing his sentence. “I don’t need to know the details okay.”

 “See. So innocent.” He snickered.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

“And mature.” Was his final parting remark as I turned towards the dorm rooms. He watched me as I walked away.