– Skyler's POV –

“It's not like you can tell just by looking at someone you moron. Otherwise, everyone would know how much of a man whore you are” I thought rolling my eyes as Jared passed me the ball with a chuckle which told me he'd been paying attention to my thoughts. Practice ended a few minutes before five and we all headed to the locker rooms. Quickly showering, I locked myself in the handicap stall to dress so that Declan couldn't try anything. Everything today made me acutely aware that he must have some feelings for me and that thought made me even more uncomfortable around him. Leaving the stall, I checked to be sure he and Jared were still showering before running back to my locker for my stuff and leaving first. As I left, I mind linked Jared telling him I'd gone home first because I needed a little time to myself.

“Alright man, sorry today’s been so shitty” he thought back before I closed the link. 

Halfway home, I decided to go for a run once I made it to the pack lands. Entering the barrier that hid us from the humans, I quickly made my way to my house which was close to the border but instead of going inside I went around back. Leaving my bag and clothes in a bush, I shifted and took off running through the woods. As I ran, the breeze ruffled the black hair of my pelt and I paused as I started picking up the scent of vanilla and chamomile. Following it, I came across another runner and decided to follow at a distance. After about twenty minutes, he slowed to a stop and I crouched down in the dark where he wouldn't notice me as I realized it was the warlock, Zane McDermot, my long time crush. 

“Wow, he looks different with his hair pulled up. It’s definitely sexier than with it down but I like him none the less” I thought as he turned towards where I was hiding and reached up to remove his headphones. Closing his eyes for a minute, he said “I know you're here too, Skyler. I can hear you and feel your eyes on me.”

“Damn it, and here I thought I was invisible” I thought making him laugh which told me exactly how he could hear me. 

“Yeah, I’m a telepath. Though I have to chose to use it since it takes a lot of effort. You know, you have quiet the pair of lungs on you when you're pissed. My friend, Tristan, and I were at the locker room door when you and your friends were fighting earlier. My friends and Senan saw you heading to the locker room pissed off and got worried you'd cause a problem. So, Tristan and I went to check just in case. Oh and I was just curious what your tattoo is” he said making me wish I was invisible. 

“Only one of those guys is actually my friend. I only put up with the other one since I really have no choice. Though I have no idea why he bothers with me” I thought making Zane cock his head to one side in confusion before I continued explaining “Jared is my best friend along with his mate, Kinsey. Has been since we were infants almost. Declan is... Well, I don't know what Declan is besides an asshole and our next Alpha which is part of the reason I put up with him. The other is Jared since he's up for Beta when Declan takes over and my tattoo is a small Celtic cross with wings in memory of my grandma.”

“Oh, that’s a sweet gesture. So, just out of curiosity are you going to show yourself or stay hidden. It's up to you either way, I just usually prefer to see who I'm talking too. It makes me feel like less of a freak than apparently talking to myself” he said with a shrug. Standing up, I walked into the light but still at a distance. 

“Wow, I was not expecting that. Don't the pelts of your wolf forms usually match your hair color? I'm surprised your eyes are still their vibrant purple though” he asked when he saw my black pelt. 

“Yeah, that's usually true but I'm one of the rare exceptions which is why only a few members of the pack know about me” I shrugged which must've looked odd in my wolf form because Zane chuckled again.

“Well, I had the feeling something was different about you. Oh, I was wondering why I surprised you this morning in English. Did you not expect someone to sit there?” he asked. 

“Oh that, I was so lost in thought and wasn't paying attention. Also, the things I was thinking about were things the pack wouldn't have liked if they got close enough to pick them up” I thought looking away.

“Can I ask what you were thinking about? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I was surprised when you relaxed suddenly though which is why I kept glancing at you” he said taking a seat on a broken tree.

“It's a little embarrassing. You know as wolves we have predetermined mates right? Well, everyone assumes that Declan is mine since the three of us have been together since childhood. Though, I'm hoping the moon goddess isn't so cruel. So, I was wondering what he'd be like” I thought laying down but still not looking at Zane as I waited for him to realize what I'd just said.

“Hmmm I figured it was something like that. I wouldn't want to be mated to that asshole either specially not after what I heard him say in the hallway this morning and then the part of the fight we heard earlier. Wait, isn't he seventeen now? Shouldn't he have already found his mate?” Zane asked putting the pieces together but clearly ignoring the second part of what I’d said.

“Not if his mate is younger than him and remember everyone assumes it's me since I won't be seventeen until this Saturday. The only things I want for my birthday are not to be mated to Declan and for my mate to be someone who accepts me for me and loves me no matter what which is unlikely given almost everyone in our pack looks at me like I’m broken. And now that I've said it, it’s totally embarrassing. Kill me now” I thought covering my face with my front paws. As I lay there, I heard a soft chuckle before I heard Zane approach and sit next to me. After a minute, he pulls my paws off my snout so he can look me in the eyes and say “don't wish for that. Honestly, it's not that embarrassing as I too want someone to accept me and love me for me magic and all. Why do they think you're broken though? And why would the pack be against you being happy?”

“Because they all think I'm the next Luna not that I have any interest in it. I just want to be a normal wolf with a happy family. I don't want power unlike everyone else. Hell, I'd settle for more than two real friends at this point” I thought ignoring his first question as I move a little so I could lay my head on my paws.

“Hmm... So, what do you say to us being friends then?” Zane asked looking curious but not pushing for details.