– Zane's POV –

“I wonder why that surprised him” I thought as our teacher began the lesson reviewing the chapter from yesterday. Focusing back on the lesson, I glanced at Skyler every so often admiring the way his shoulder length white gray hair was falling into his violet eyes and over his tanned left hand as he propped his cheek against it while diligently taking notes. Sensing my eyes, he glanced at me only once and continued taking notes without saying a word. A few minutes after the teacher assigned the homework, Skyler packed up all his things and left as soon as the bell rang. Slowly, I followed him just to see where he was going loosing him in the crowd of students before making my way to the second floor hallway where I found him again at his locker talking to his friend, Jared. Just as he was about finished, Declan Taylor leaned against the locker next to him with a flirty smile. Rolling my eyes, I walked towards them and when I glanced at Skyler he looked annoyed just before slamming his locker closed and turning away headed back down the hall towards the main stairwell. 

“What the hell did he say to annoy Skyler so bad? Why the hell do I even care?” I thought as I headed to my locker at the other end of the hall before second period. Just as I passed Declan and Jared, I heard Jared ask “dude, why'd you ask that when you know it'll just annoy Sky?”

“Because, I'm not sure he understands the implications if we are mated this weekend. I know he's gay but I'm pretty sure he's still a virgin. So, I wanted to be sure just in case” Declan said shrugging. Horrified, I walked to my locker now understanding why Skyler had that look on his face and why he'd been daydreaming in class. 

“That also explains why he jumped but suddenly relaxed when he realized it was me and not a member of the pack. Since, he doesn't know I could hear his thoughts if I want but they'd hear if they were in close proximity” I thought as I exchanged my books. Heading to second period, I couldn't get Skyler out of my head and I had no idea why despite feeling bad for him given all the extra pressure he must be feeling. The rest of the day passed quickly and I was finally heading to my locker for all the books I'd need for homework tonight before going to meet my friends at my car. Grabbing my books, I closed my locker and headed to the parking lot where Senan, Tristan, and Logan were waiting for me. As I exited the building heading for my car, all three of them turned to me with worried looks. 

“Here, hold this” I said handing him my bag then added “Tristan and I will go check it out. Logan stay with Senan please.”

“Yeah, of course man” Logan said nodding his head. Handing off his bag, Tristan followed me towards the locker room. Magically, we are stronger than Logan and Senan. So, if we have to interfere we won't be at much of a disadvantage. Approaching the locker room, I kept hoping it wasn't Skyler and his friends again because I may actually hurt his friend Declan if he didn't first. 

“Why am I thinking like this?” I wondered as we got close. Cracking the door, we listened as two guys argued.

“Who is that? Why does he sound familiar?” Tristan whispered trying to place where he'd heard the guys voice before without getting us caught since they were arguing pretty loudly. 

“I think that's their Alpha to be, Declan Taylor” I whispered as he stepped out from behind the locker dressed in the soccer teams uniform as he yelled at another guy. As the second one yelled back, I whispered “and that's their Beta to be, Jared Greyson. I only have one class with each of them but I overheard them arguing in the main hallway earlier.” Just as I finished my explanation, another person yelled “SHUT UPPPP! I'm so sick of this conversation and this topic in general. It doesn't matter right now. It's not like my fucking birthday is tomorrow. FYI it's not until Saturday. Trust me, I'm well aware of the stakes here and I'm well aware that you aren't as chaste as the rest of the pack believes. However, that doesn't give you the right to question my sexuality or my sexual history. So, just drop it okay.” As we watched, Skyler came around the corner of the lockers in a pair of soccer shorts and shin guards with his shirt on around his elbows and his hair pulled up in a ponytail revealing small tattoo at the base of his neck. After a short pause to finish putting it on, he continued “this isn't something we should even be discussing here. Hell, it may not be something we ever need to discuss. We don't even know what will happen this weekend. So, can we just focus on practice before I change my mind and skip.” They all looked at each other and nodded their heads before going back to getting ready. Tapping Tristan on the shoulder, we slowly and quietly backed out closing the door gently behind us. As we walked back to the car, I couldn't help but wonder what they were fighting about. Shaking my head to clear it, I focused on Senan and Logan's worried expressions. When we were closer, I said “just an argument, nothing to worry about. Come on, let's go home.”

“Well, hello to you too” I mumbled rolling my eyes causing Senan and the guys to look at me.

“What's wrong?” he asked confusion evident on his face. 

“Oh, nothing... Just more family drama” I said nodding towards the window. Following my nod, they all looked up and caught sight of her leaving. 

“Don't worry brother, she's just jealous of you being the strongest and the next head of the family instead of her” Senan said with a smile.

“Yeah, I wish it was just that. It feels like she hates me for some other reason” I said shrugging. Walking towards the door, we fall silent just before entering the house. Entering the foyer, we split up to go about our afternoon routines. 

           As I headed up the stairs, I saw my mother and auntie waiting for me at the top. Taking the last step, I said “hello mother, hello auntie” before bowing slightly and walking passed to my room. As I put my hand on the knob, I heard auntie say “see what I mean? A leader is supposed to be respectful and he clearly is not.” Mother is silent for a moment before responding “he did show us proper respect. However, he knows his homework is important and since we didn't say anything to him, he excused himself to go get to work on it.” Opening the door, I stepped inside and quietly closed the door again before taking a deep breath. Placing my bag on the desk, I walked over to the bed and took a seat waiting for my mother to come see me as she always does after one of aunties tantrums.

Seconds later, there was a knock on the door before it slowly opened. As she closed the door, she was quiet for a few seconds before saying “I'm sorry sweetheart. I know you do everything you can to stay on her good side but it all feels worthless.”

“You're right it does feel pointless. I wanna know why she hates me so much” I said watching my mom flinch as I said the last. 

“I didn't realize you'd figured that out” she murmured looking at her hands.

“Well, I'd have to be blind not to mom. She doesn't treat Senan or any of the others that way. It's just me” I said a little irritated. After a few minutes of silence, mom said “well, I'm sure you'll find out soon but I can't tell you that. Even if I did, you probably wouldn't believe me. So, it's better for you to find out on your own.”

“What does that even mean? Whatever, I’m gonna go for a run. Don't worry I'll get my homework done when I get back and I'll make sure to stay in the protected area” I said standing to get my workout gear out of the closet as mom left my room. Dressing in running shorts, an old t-shirt, and my old running shoes I pulled my hair up off my neck. Grabbing my blue tooth headphones, I linked them to my phone before leaving my room. As I walked towards the door, I heard the others talking in the foyer but I ignored them as I passed. Leaving the house, I turned on my music and started running.