Chapter 3 Chapter Three

There’s that damn giggle again, since when does that giggle affect me so much. I lead us onto the dance floor twirling her twice, before pulling her into me. Leilani smiles as she snuggles close to my body. My inner wolf groans, she smells of vanilla. God, I could smell her all day.

We continue dancing until the slow song comes to an end, she pulls me in to a tight hug. I wrap my arms around her, taking one more deep breath memorizing her scent before releasing her. “Thank you for the dance, Malakai.” I smile as Leilani gets on her tiptoes and places a kiss on my cheek.

I gently peck Leilani on the cheek. Smiling as I think about where her lips touched my skin. My cheek burns where her lips were, I wish I could feel that feeling every day. What the fuck is wrong with me? She is eighteen. “You’re welcome angel. Have fun at the rest of your party.”

“You’re not leaving, are you?” Leilani looks at me with pouty lips and puppy dog eyes. 

“I was going to head home; you have lots of other people to talk to.” I watch as her lips deepen the pout.

“I want you to stay, please Malakai.”

I take a deep breath. I really shouldn’t stay. Something is telling me I can’t leave though. “I guess I will stay a while longer.”

Leilani squeals with excitement. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She hugs me once more before being asked to dance by a boy from her school.

She glances at me with uncertain eyes. Is she having the same weird feelings as me? She’s only eighteen. Even if she is meant to by my mate, I won’t be able to sense her for three more years. There is no way I can be with her even if she is my mate. Tiberius would never allow that.

“Go dance, have fun.” I smile encouraging her to go have fun with people her own age.

Leilani gives me a nervous glance before placing her hand in the boys. I believe his name is Lucas, his father is a part of the pack protectors. I watch for a minute as he spins her around the dance floor. Lucas pulls her into his body, and a sudden rush of anger comes over me.

I do not like the way he is looking at Leilani. That boy is thinking about one thing and one thing only. My eyes darken with anger. There is no way in hell he will be touching Leilani in any way.

I start towards them on the dance floor, not even sure what I will say when Tiberius walks up to me. “So, Malakai did you find your mate?”

“Um, no, no I never found her.” I say without taking my eyes off Leilani.

“What are you staring at then?” Tiberius asks with amusement.

“Umm nothing, I need to go.”

“You can’t leave, Leilani will be devastated she specifically asked that we both be here when she shifts, and when she returns from her first run. I promised we would be right here waiting.” Tiberius says with pride.

Leilani specifically asked that I be here for her? I can’t leave, I rarely say no to Leilani. I definitely can’t start now. “Excuse me I have to use the restroom.” I say politely to Tiberius. He nods as he watches Leilani and Lucas laughing and dancing.

I make my way upstairs, knowing the downstairs bathrooms would be full. I make my way to the end of the hall where the guest bathroom is located. When I pass by Leilani’s room, I can’t help but stop, the door is cracked. I push the door open and step inside, quickly closing it behind me. The bathroom light is on, shining enough light in the room to see the bed and desk.

Leilani has always been afraid of the dark. I smile. I haven’t been in her room in years. The bed once covered in pink blankets, and stuffed animals is now made with a black and red comforter set. The desk which once had her bracelet making stuff, now has a laptop and schoolbooks. The table she would sit at and pretend to have tea parties is no longer in here. Wow it’s amazing how time has flown.

The light flips on and a soft scream comes from behind me, startling me causing me to jump. I swiftly turn around, to see Leilani with her hand on her chest. “Malakai you scared the shit out of me.” Her first curse word around me. I smile.

“I’m so sorry, I was headed to the bathroom. Your door was open.”

“So, you decided to come in my room just cause the door was open?” Leilani asks in a flirty tone.

My inner wolf howls with excitement at her tone. Ignoring it I try to make things less weird “Umm yeah, I just haven’t been in here since you were about ten. It’s hard to believe you are already eighteen. You shift for the first time tonight.” Leilani fidgets uncomfortably for a second but quickly recovers.

“Are you nervous?” I ask, sensing her anxiety.

“Yeah, I guess so. I’m really just ready to get this night over with.” She smiles a little.

I smile. “Well, I will get out of your um.. room. I’m sure you want a minute alone, it’s almost midnight.”

She fixates me with a flirty smile. “Actually, since you’re here can you help me with this zipper. Dad told me it’s best to be in a robe, so I won’t rip any of my clothes.”

“Umm sure.” Leilani walks over by the bed where I’m still standing and turns around. I reach for her zipper as she pulls her sandy blonde hair to the side. Her zipper reaches just above her butt. I slowly unzip her, trying to steady my breathing. 

“Umm. There you go. I’m going to get out of here now. I will see you downstairs.” I say as I quickly head towards the door.

“Thank you, Malakai.” She says seductively. There’s that flirty tone again. What is this girl trying to do to me?

“You’re welcome.” I say as I quickly run out of the room and back down the stairs. The last of the partygoers are leaving as I reach the bottom of the stairs. Alpha Tiberius is thanking everyone for coming as they head out the door, wishing them safe travels home.

Tiberius closes the door as the last pack member leaves. We both sigh in relief. “You alright Malakai? You were up there for a long time.”

“I’m good. Can’t wait to see Leilani’s first shift.” I force a smile.

“Me either. I have waited eighteen long years for this.” Tiberius fidgets with anticipation of what’s to come in a matter of minutes. We stand in silence for a minute unsure of what to talk about.