Thank you to all my new fans and for everyone who commented on the last chapter, I read every single one and they honestly make my day. 

Chapter Sixteen

The air around us was thick with tension. Neither of us had spoken and I just wanted to be able to step into a time machine and turn back the clock. I had no idea what to say, no idea what Richard would say and I didn't even want to begin to think what was going through Mason's head right now.

Richard's fury filled eyes bore into Mason's before he turned his attention to me, his gaze softening slightly the longer he held mine. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that I didn't miss. "I need an explanation."

Mason snorted, "You don't need jack." Taking a firm, but gentle grip on my arm he pushed himself in front of me. "This is between me and Rain, not you." He spat his words with disgust.

Clasping his hands together in front of him, Richard's shoulders became rigid and his lips set in a straight line. "Rainie is a part of our pack and if I'm not mistaken, I believe I directed my request at her, not you." His eyes were firmly back burning holes into Mason. The bulging muscles in his arms tensed through his checked shirt.

I tried to move forward, past Mason, but he held my arm a little tighter keeping me in place. "You need to back the hell off." Mason seethed, becoming visibly more agitated by the second. This really wasn't going well.

Any other male wolf would have had their shoulders hunched and their heads down. None would dare to speak to Mason like that in the fear he'd tear their neck to shreds. Richard obviously didn't have that worry. "And you need to let Rainie go, you're hurting her."

Within seconds of those words falling from Richard's mouth, Mason turned to me, his features twisted with concern. I noticed his eyes weren't quite the electric blue they usually are, but they weren't entirely black either. "I'm sorry, my love." He whispered as his grip loosened.

He seemed almost pained at the thought of hurting me and his voice held such a sincerity, any words that were about to come out were stuck in my throat. Mason had never been like this towards me and I don't think he had apologized to anyone in the sixteen years of his existence.

Staring into his cerulean eyes, my lips lifted into a small smile telling him I was okay. I knew he was still having an internal battle with his wolf. Though he seemed to have more control over him then he did before, the protective and loving side of his wolf was still coming through strong and though I could hear my own wolf's protests trying to convince me otherwise, I knew it was only because his wolf that I was seeing this side to Mason.

"I think it's time for us to leave." Richard made an attempt to step closer to us, but was quickly stopped by the rumbling growl that bubbled inside of Mason's chest.

Turning his back to me, I flinched at Mason's voice. "You won't be taking her anywhere. You can go where you want, but Rain stays here." My own body started trembling, but it wasn't because my wolf wanted to come out - far from it - it was nothing but panic that was pulsating through me.

I didn't want Mason and Richard to fight; I just wanted everything to stop getting so damn complicated. Our packs barely spoke unless they had to and now two of them were standing square on ready to take each other out. "You will not tell her what to do. You're not her father and you're not her Alpha." Mason voice was laced with rage and authority.

Richard's fisted clenched and contracted at his sides. "I'm more to her than you are." He was normally the composed one in our pack, but I could see him slowly losing his temper. "How dare you think you can speak for someone from another pack?"

Mason let out a humorless laugh. It sounded more menacing that playful. "You think you mean more to her than I do?" I could hear the smirk in his voice; he was enjoying this more than he should be. "You don't know what you're talking about."

My palms instantly became moist and it felt as if my throat had dried up. Oh, God. If Mason told him that we were mates, Richard would tell my father and I certainly couldn't let that happen. The thought of letting my pack know that I had been rejected was an embarrassment that churned my stomach and it would only bring shame, especially now I was in training to be Beta.

Ugh, I hated this. I didn't want to be brought into it. I wouldn't go against Richard. He was my father's best friend and an honorable member of our pack who, because of the training, I would have to spend almost every day with, but my wolf wouldn't allow me to go against our mate either.

Richard's voice filled my mind. Rainie, it's not safe to stay here with him, he is more wolf than human and if he's pushed any further he will shift. What the hell do you think you're doing? He spoke calmly, but I could hear the anger in his words. He knew what Mason was like - everyone did - using girls like they were toys, treating everyone who wasn't in his little popular clique like crap and dropping you like a hot stone when he had gotten what he wanted. The worry Richard had for me had been clearly written across his face and it had me flinching with guilt, but I couldn't tell him, I wouldn't.

It's fine. He won't hurt me. I said trying to reassure him, but there was a doubt in my words that even had me thinking twice, so I knew Richard wouldn't believe me. When your wolf is in control, everything inside of you becomes animalistic. Mason didn't see me, just my wolf.

Don't be ridiculous. Of all people I never thought you would be naive enough to fall for his charm. I inwardly flinched at the harshness and sound of disappointment in his voice. He was right; I couldn't believe that my wolf had almost fallen for it. Again. Once she had felt him that close to her I had no chance of gaining back full control. She was too close to the surface to be pushed back.

Ignoring the ache in my chest from my wolf and the heat in my cheeks from the embarrassment of being caught like that by Richard, I gave the best reassuring smile I could muster. I know what I'm doing, Richard. Please, just let me deal with this. I know he was looking out for me and he thought I was just being used for sex by Mason - which I kind of was - but right now I just needed him to leave me to sort this out with the jerk-hole that was standing like a stone wall in front of me.

I won't let you get hurt, Rainie. You're like family to me and I'll protect you like I'd protect my own. Before I could say anything he blocked himself from me. It was going to go from bad to worse, I just knew it.

"I won't ask you again. Let her go." Richard's words were ground out through his teeth. "She doesn't belong here."

Mason's hand tightened around my wrist, but instead of it causing pain like I thought it would have, it sent sparks running along my arm. They somehow felt different to how they had done before. Stronger, more lustful that they had been and I could feel the stirring of Mason's wolf almost as if he were pacing inside my own body.

If I listened carefully I was pretty sure I would have been able to hear Mason's teeth grind together. "Neither do you and yet there you are, in my home thinking you can tell me what to do." Without my permission my free hand reached for Mason's hand that was gripping my wrist. I gave it a little squeeze causing his body to stiffen for a second before he relaxed. Richard was an incredible fighter and was renowned with packs throughout the country, but he didn't have Alpha blood and though he would put up a good fight, he would never be able to win against Mason. 

Reaching up on my tip toes I could barely see over Mason's muscled shoulder, but I was pretty sure the veins in Richard's head were about to pop. "If you have hurt her I will make it my promise to destroy you, Alpha or not."

I gasped. "Richard." What the hell was he doing? To threaten an Alpha was like signing your own death warrant. As a strong, dominant, powerful wolf Mason wouldn't have appreciated being called out. Especially by someone who was lower ranked. No Alpha backed down from a threat and I was sure hot headed Mason wasn't about to let that one slip past him.

"Hurt her?!" Mason asked incredulously. His body winced and for a second he looked like he had just been punched in the gut. Recovering quickly, the menacing growl that ripped from his throat told me just how pissed he was at that comment. "Are you crazy?" Fur began to spout through the goosebumps that had risen on his arm and the nape of his neck. His shoulders had stiffened and I couldn't help but admire the strong muscles that tensed in his bare back. "How dare you say that to me? You think I would lay a hand on my own mate?"

My heart stopped.

Richard's widened eyes snapped to mine. "Your what?"

The air of smugness that radiated from Mason had me wanting to smack him upside the head. "My mate." He pronounced each word slowly, dragging them out. I was sure I was going to be sick.

The three of us stood there for what felt like an eternity before the silence was broken. "Is this true, Rainie?" Richard asked me, his voice was quiet and if I thought he looked worried before, that was nothing to how he looked now.

I couldn't answer him. I opened my mouth, but no words would come out. My heart beat not only in my chest, but in my ears and my throat. My hand gripped Mason's tighter as my nails dug into his skin. So many thoughts and questions whirled inside of my head it began to pound against my skull causing little black spots to pop up in front of my eyes.

How could he do that? He of all people would know how bad it looked for me and yet there he was, yet again proving he didn't care about my feelings.

I could feel my legs stagger back and if it wasn't for Mason's hand wrapped around my wrist I would have fell hard on the wooden floor. "Rainie?" Richard's brows pulled together as he took a step towards me and outstretched his hand.

Shaking my head I wiped the beads of sweat that lined my brow. Trying to push back images of my mother and father's disappointed faces was useless. Wishing I could go back to that first day in the cafeteria and walk away before his eyes met mine was useless. Naively wishing I could click my heels like Dorothy and make all this mess disappear was an even bigger waste of time. I was stuck here with the truth out in the open right in front of me.

The walls of the corridor lifted and spun around me, sending my stomach into a frantic dance and giving me no other option, but to shut my eyes tight. I could faintly hear raised voices, but I wasn't concentrating on them, instead I was focusing on keeping myself up straight. Shivering from the cold sweat that rushed over my body I tried taking deep breaths, but they only made me feel worse. The voices from Richard and Mason got louder which only made the pounding in my head grow stronger and before I knew it my legs buckled underneath me.

Waiting for the impact of the cold, wooden floor to hit I was pleasantly comforted by a warmth that spread through my body at the touch of two strong arms wrapping themselves around my waist.

My wolf purred at the contact she had with her mate. "I've got you, sweetheart." The velvet voice that I could easily fall in love with floated through my ear as warm breath brushed the loose hair across my skin causing a slight tickle to trail along my cheek.

I could feel myself being lowered until my head rested against Mason's lap. I sensed Richard was near, but due to Mason being in full protection mode, he would know to keep a safe distance. Mason's wolf wouldn't let another male near his mate right now.

Through the buzz in my head I could faintly hear their voices becoming clearer. "Leave," Mason ordered. "I'll look after her."

I tried to open my mouth to protest, but again I found myself unable to speak. I didn't want to be left alone with Mason. I didn't trust my wolf and in all honesty, I didn't trust myself around him. We had already shown weakness and I would be damned before I let that happen again.

The devilishly masculine scent filled my senses wrapping me up in a permanent image of Mason. The warmth from his bare skin seeped through my thin top sending waves of lust over my body.

"Have you marked her?" Richard whispered and I knew he was closer to me that he had been a minute ago.

I didn't hold my breath at the risk of completely passing out, but I couldn't stop my heart from doubling in speed. I knew what Mason's answer would be, of course I did, but that didn't stop the unnerving panic that took over me. "That's none of your damn business." Unlike Richard, Mason didn't bother to keep his voice quiet.

Opening my eyes I could just about focus on Mason looking up to Richard who stood above us, before I shut them again. "Then she will be coming home with me." Richard spoke firmly, an ending to this debate. "You have no rightful claim over her."

Mason's arms tightened around my body bringing me closer to his chest, much to the pleasure of my wolf. "No claim?! She's my mate; I have every claim over her."

Claim. That word, for reasons I didn't know, kept repeating in the back of my mind. It wasn't from my wolf, I knew that much.

Richard sighed, "You know as well as I do Mason, if you have not marked or mated with her then there is no discussion here, I will take her home."

Claim. Claim. Claim. The unknown voice chanted.

Feeling a gaze on me had my stomach jittering. I knew very well whose eyes were on me, but I didn't dare look into them. My wolf was still dangerously close to the surface and one look in those eyes, I would be completely lost. I couldn't let that happen; not now I had a little more control of her.

Why would I want you? Look at you.

Images of Mason saying those words to me in class suddenly sprung to mind without me being able to stop them. His eyes, void on any emotion, staring blankly at nothing as his hurtful words echoed around my head.

The pain that I had felt that day come back to me and had me clutching at my chest. A sharp pain exploded in my heart as if those words were imprinted in writing all over it and I would never be able to erase them.

You're weak, pathetic and a waste of time. As if you could be Luna of a pack.

The girls I had seen him with flashed in front of my eyes. Anna, that girl from the corridor who he had his hands all over. The girl, Arianna, who came out of his room not even an hour ago. All of their faces circled my mind like a vicious reel of film with no end. Do you understand now? That's what he had asked me. Showing me he didn't want me and that he chose those other girls over me and asking if I understood that.

I did.

"I, Mason Vermont reject you, Rainie Harper as my mate."

The moment I heard those words repeat in my head I knew what I wanted. It was hard enough for me and my wolf to hear them once, but to be tortured by them again was just too much. I wouldn't do it to myself and I wouldn't do it to her.

Bringing my arms up, I pressed my moist hands against his hot, firm chest and with all the strength left in my body I pushed him away and staggered up from the floor.

Anyone would call me an idiot for doing that. For finally having my mate hold me close to him, soothing me and then choosing to push him away, but I didn't care. Yeah, I wanted a mate, but I wouldn't settle for one who didn't truly want to be with me and would only want me to satisfy his wolf. I wouldn't be there only when Mason lost control to his wolf like he had done today.

"Rain?" Those cerulean eyes met mine and if I wasn't so dazed yet determined to do this I would have melted into a puddle of want and lust.

No! Scolding myself, I pushed him further away. He wouldn't do this to me again. I wouldn't let him in only for him to hurt me when someone prettier or seemed more suited to be a Luna come along.

His arms reached out, but I simply ignored them, tilting my chin up. I didn't need his help. The gesture seemed more hesitant that it would have done a few moments ago. It seemed the longer we had stood there, the more control Mason had won back from his wolf. The caring, sweet pet names from his wolf were long gone. "You're too weak." He stated emotionlessly. Of course you would think that, I thought as I leaned my back against the wall, waiting for the pins and needles in my legs to stop.

For a second I could have sworn his face twisted in confusion. What the hell was he confused about? He was the one who thought I was weak to begin with, why wouldn't he now?

"Okay to walk now kiddo?" Richard smiled, offering me his arm. Nodding I linked mine through his and, with some wobbling on my part, made it away from the wall.

"I'm sure she could make it on her own." Mason stated, his voice seeming a little... off.

Richard's head snapped up, but instead of seeing anger like I thought, his eyes sparkled with something. Amusement, maybe? "That won't work on this girl, kid."

I had no idea what he meant by that and from the look Mason wore, neither did he. My body ached with tiredness, but my wolf still hummed with pleasure. I figured there wasn't anything Mason could do that would make her stop loving him, so all I could do is fight her for control and hope for the best that I would win. Obviously after today, I would have to be stronger on her.

Mate. She whimpered.

Ignoring her I tugged on Richard's arm, telling him I wanted to go. "Mason." Bowing his head slightly to show respect I could see his jaw grind. Richard wouldn't have liked doing that.

Mason didn't bother acknowledging him, instead turning his attention to me. "You're leaving?"

What does it look like? "Yes."

"And we're not going to talk about what happened?" He questioned. I know what he meant. He didn't want his father to find out. Alpha Peter was a little strict when it came to mates, he couldn't understand why anyone would reject the person who was given to them by fate itself. To say he would be disappointed with Mason would be an understatement.

Straightening my shoulders and lifting my chin, "Nothing happened." I answered. He didn't have to worry about his precious secret being revealed. The last thing I wanted to do was broadcast the fact my own mate didn't want me and would never love me.

Turning on my heel and not for the first time, I turned away from Mason, leaving him and his wolf to stare at what they had lost.

* * *

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

How could I have been so dumb? My traitorous hormones were pulsating through my body making me feel as if there was a firework going off in my core and the lightness in my head was making me feel giddy. My body was shaking with desire and adrenalin, and my heart was beating so fast it felt as if it had moved up my chest and into my throat. It was so different to how I had ever felt before and although I hated and refused to admit it out load, it felt kind of amazing.

Dammit.

How dare he do that to me?

How dare you do that to me? My words were harsh and I could feel my wolf curl up inside of me, but I didn't care. I was beyond angry. You're my wolf! I raged. I don't care if you're his mate; your loyalty lies with me first.

Okay, taking it out on my wolf was a cruel thing to