More than Secrets

Tyler Black

TYLER'S P. O. V.

I really don't know why my mother insisted I go and check on the shipment personally.

Scratch that, actually I do know why.

It all clicks when I pull up at the harbor and see a glossy red Porsche parked near the warehouse door. A tall blonde leans casually against the hood. Sierra.

She flashes me a smile that would probably make any other guy's knees weak, but not me. I've known Sierra since we were pups and I really only see her in a kid sister kind of way (even though we're the same age).

Not that that has stopped my mother from trying to play match-maker.

You see, it's my 18th birthday today. It's the day my kind gain their wolf and are finally able to find our mate (our other half).

Your mate is supposed to complete you and make you stronger when you complete the mate bond.

A mate is a gift from the Moon Goddess Herself and I'd be a fool to ever go against Her wishes - an opinion my mother knows I feel strongly about.

I think she was hoping Sierra would turn out to be my mate so she set up this seemingly "random" encounter to see if it was true.

"Morning Sierra," I say as I give her a small hug.

She wraps her arms around my neck and presses herself as tightly against me as she can.

"Happy birthday, Ty!" she squeals in my ear. "How does it feel to be a man?" she wriggles her eyebrows at me suggestively and I have to laugh at her.

She's still such a dork, despite being so beautiful, and it's one of the things I admire most about her, but my wolf, Hunter, is not perking up at her scent. She's not my mate.

I sigh and shake my head sadly, hoping she will understand what I'm about to say. "Sierra, I'm so sorry, but -"

"I'm not your mate right?" she asks me softly.

"No."

She shrugs her shoulders and gives me a small smile. "Still friends?"

I feel a rush of relief flow through me. "Yeah, always."

We embrace again, but this time as friends.

"Is there even a shipment of rainbow trout I'm supposed to check on?" I ask her, looking around at the warehouse. Our cars are the only ones here.

She laughs and explains how my mother asked her to meet me here this morning, but didn't give her any explanation why - though it's pretty clear now.

I shake my head. My mother would plan my whole life if she could.

I get back into my car after saying goodbye to Sierra and promising her a dance on Saturday.

We part ways and I'm driving back towards town, not wanting to be late for my first day of senior year.

I turn down a suburban road and start to feel anxious. My wolf is pacing in anticipation. He feels excited, sensing that his mate is near.

I slow down and start to look around. The street is fairly quiet. Surely most kids my age would have left on the bus by now? Unless... she missed the bus!

There she is, the most perfect creature I've ever seen, standing alone at the bus stop. She's a vision of beauty.

Oh, Moon Goddess, thank you!

Daniella Carstens stands in the bright, morning rays of sunshine, like an angel ready to take flight.

Memories of Masie Thompson's basement and Dani's soft lips on mine flash in my mind.

This is going to be more difficult than I initially thought though... my mate is human.

Dani's P. O. V.

Tyler Black, the most attractive, most popular guy in our school, my first kiss and long-time crush since... well, forever, is offering me a ride to school?

Me? Dani Carstens? The most ordinary girl in school. The girl people only talk to to ask to borrow a pencil from... that girl?

Tyler's smile is fading a little and he's probably regretting his offer because, i***t that I am, can't even form a simple reply.

I just stare at him, shocked and in awe of his handsome features.

His medium-length black hair is tousled to the side, giving him a sexy disheveled look and his green eyes sparkle in contrast with his plain black T-shirt.

He clears his throat and I quickly look away in embarrassment.

Tyler Black has clearly just caught me checking him out.

Oh God, can the earth just open up and swallow me now?

"So... about that ride?"

I nod and get into the passenger seat, keeping my head down the whole time and hoping that my hair will cover my flaming-red cheeks (though I'm sure you could spot these babies from space).

My eyes follow the motion of his fingers as he plays around with the stereo dial.

I can picture those wonderfully-large, calloused fingers and strong, capable hands playing around on something else too, mmm...

Dani, oh my God, what is wrong with you?

My cheeks heat up even more at my dirty thoughts.

Tyler grips the steering wheel tighter until his knuckles turn white. I can't help the feelings that overcome me as I watch his jaw clench and his lips pull into a thin line.

Oh, what I wouldn't do to have those thick, juicy lips roaming all over my body.

Ah! Dani, stop it!

I force myself to look straight ahead, crossing my legs in an effort to restrain my body from squirming in these luxurious leather seats.

Damn all these wild thoughts running through my mind.

I focus on my breathing and it soon helps to relax my body and calm my racing heart.

I steal another quick glance at Tyler now that I'm in control of my thoughts. He's still staring ahead.

I follow his lead and look out the window too. We're passing by the gated estate now where the wealthier families in our little town stay.

Brie and Lee stay here too, but I've only ever been to visit their homes which are situated closer to the entrance of the estate.

I know, from what they've told me, that the homes in the estate only get bigger the further in you go.

A lot of the more popular kids at our school live in those mansions... including Tyler Black.

Wait, what was Tyler Black doing driving around near my home on the opposite side of town, when his home is nearer to our school than mine is?

I open my mouth to ask him that very question when he blurts out, "Trout!"

What?

He shakes his head and gives me a small, nervous laugh. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," he pauses and takes takes a deep breath, "What I meant to say is that my mother... She's throwing a party on Saturday and asked me to check on the shipment of rainbow trout that's supposed to have docked this morning."

I nod my head at him, but I'm still so confused. Why is he telling me this?

He must sense my confusion because he quickly elaborates: "I was on my way back from the harbor when I saw you at the bus stop and figured you could use a ride."

"Thank you," I say sincerely, "I would have been late for sure."

He flashes me the most dazzling smile and I think I might just faint.

"It's worth it for even a moment alone with you."

I just stare back at him. Did he really just say that?

"We're here." he says as he pulls into the parking lot of Green Hills High School.

Tyler parks his car and I notice everyone in the parking lot turn and smile in his direction.

Yip, this boy is definitely the most popular guy in school.

"Thanks again, Tyler." I say as I reach down for my bag, avoiding his burning gaze. I reach for the passenger door's handle and I'm about to open it when I feel warmth and tingles on my arm.

I look at his large hand where it's wrapped around my arm, then into his beautiful emerald orbs.

"Will you come to the party?"

I think I forgot how to breathe. "Huh?" is all I can manage to get past my lips.

Is this what it feels like when you have a stroke?

He let's go of my arm like I've burnt him and clears his throat nervously.

He's nervous. Tyler Black is nervous... because of me?

"The party on Saturday?" he asks again, with a sideways grin. "I'd like it very much if you could come."

I gulp and nod before grabbing my bag and heading into school, trying my best to ignore the very obvious stares (and glares) I'm getting.

I already know what they must be thinking: "how does a plain girl like Dani get a ride to school with Tyler Black?"

Believe me, I don't know the answer to that either.

And now I'm going to a party at his house too? I've never been invited to a party at a popular kid's house before, let alone the most popular guy in our school's house. And I just said yes? Just like that?

Dani, what have you gotten yourself into now?