Chapter 25

“Where are you guys,” I linked Ryker as soon as my class ended.

“Me and Ezra are in our room, Drake will be back soon.”

“OK, I’m on my way.” The boys have a nice suite in Raven Hall. They live together, but all three of them have their own rooms, and they have a small kitchen and living room in between their bedrooms.

Luckily, I made it to their room on the third floor without running into Creed. Ryker had the door propped open for me.

“What happened? You don’t usually just drop in to see us.”

“Nothing really happened, but I do need to talk to you guys. I had another dream last night, but this time I talked to the Moon Goddess.” I sat my book bag on the floor and sat down on the couch.

Ryker and Ezra both sat down across from me.

“What did she say?” Ryker asked.

I went through the whole story with them, including what Reese said in class. I noticed Ryker kept rubbing his thumb under his chin, which is something he does when he’s nervous. On top of that, the two of them kept glancing at each other.

“What do you think any of it means?”

“I think it means exactly what she said. Things are going to get worse before they get better.” Ezra said, as he looked at me and then at Ryker.

“I need to come clean with you, Bella. We have been slightly investigating your mates.” Ezra looked back at Ryker before continuing.

“Stop mind linking and tell me everything.”

“There’s not much to tell yet. Uncle Kain got us access to the Council's database, so we can research the new wolf, and any more wolves that pop up. As you know, Ezra is an awesome hacker and has been working on hacking into the school’s database. I want to know everything there is to know about Creed, Dawson, whoever Reese is, and the new guy.”

“Especially after that dream.” Ezra jumped in, “I don’t think we should trust any of them right now.”

“What dream?” Drake asked as he closed the door behind him.

I sat back and let Ryker and Ezra fill him in.

“What about Jacie? Do you trust her, Ezra?” Drake asked.

“I do, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to divulge everything about myself or our pack. I trust her to a certain point, but I don’t know anything about her coven, and I just started getting to know her.”

“Fair enough.” I nodded,” but I don’t want you guys looking into Creed or his history. I trust him. I know what he is and where he comes from. I promised him I would keep it to myself, and he keeps his identity hidden for a good reason.”

“Well shit, he’s the one I trust the least, and I wanted the information on first.” Ryker glared at me. “Are you sure you can trust him?”

“I feel safe with him, and he hasn’t given me a reason not to trust him.”

“That could be the bond,” Ezra said.

“It could be, but he’s different with me. It’s like he puts a wall around himself when he’s around other people. He’s defensive and feels like everyone is against him, but when we're alone, he’s completely different. He’s sweet, sensitive, and caring.”

Ryker gave me a curious look, “Are we talking about the same guy?”

I smiled as I thought about last night, “Yes, he’s possessive, but have you ever seen dad when men get too close to mom? I think that’s some kind of a macho man, mate thing. In his mind he’s protecting me.”

“If you say so,” Ryker said as he arched his eyebrows at me.

Ezra stared at me for a second, “I really think we need to check into all three of them, Bell. We need Dawson, and the wolf's full name's. We won’t disclose anything that we find out about Creed, but we do need to make sure he is who he says he is. Like the Moon Goddess told you. Not everything is as it seems.”

I stared back at them for a minute, “Do you guys promise me that you won’t disclose any information that you find out about my mates to anyone but me. If Creed wants you to know his information, he will tell you.”

“You have a deal. You let us check them out, and we won’t say a word.”

I nodded, “I’ve got a date with Dawson tonight. I’ll see what I can find out about him.”

“OK, where are you going?” Ryker asked.

“I don’t know, all he said was that we were going somewhere off campus.”

Ryker, “OK, just link us if you have any problems.”

“I will and let me know if and when you find anything out.”

“Deal,” Ryker and Ezra both nodded.

I thought about everything a little more as I walked back to my room. I don’t know how to feel about them looking into Creed. I also know that, regardless of what I say, they’re going to do it anyway. They were being considerate by telling me about it.

I don’t want Creed to think I betrayed his trust, but on the other hand, what if he’s not telling me the truth? Is there more about his den that I should know?

Creed is a secretive person. Does he keep everything hidden to keep the world out, or to keep his demons in? I don’t know if I’m more nervous about losing Creed’s trust or about what the boys will find. I guess I have no choice but to wait this one out and see what happens.

I double-checked the time. I still have a couple of hours before Dawson will be here. I think a hot bath and some pampering time is just what I need to clear my head. Even though my head is all over the place, I want to look my best for Mr. sexy dimples.

I filled the small bathtub with bubbles, and tried to stretch out. Dorm room bathtubs are not near as large as they should be. This is a supernatural school. They know most shifters are tall. They should fire whoever designed these.

I heard a knock on the outside door. That can’t be Dawson already. I haven’t been in here that long. Jacie must have forgotten her key.

I got out and wrapped a towel around me. “Hold on, I’m coming.”

I opened the door, “Rowen, what are you doing here?”

“Mine,” I heard him growl as he pushed the door the rest of the way open. I jumped back as he entered, and I backed myself against the wall.

I saw his eyes flickering between him and his wolf as he trailed them up and down my body. Why is he fighting for control?

“Shit, I’m naked. It’s not Rowen I’m dealing with. It’s his wolf. I don’t dare to take my eyes off him, but I need to pick up my towel. When a wolf meets their mate, the lust and urge to mate can be hard to control. You need to fight it, and sometimes, like now, the wolf counterpart will take over.

“Give Rowen back control,” I said as stern as I could.

“Fight it, Rowen. If you come any closer, I will hurt you,” I yelled.

I kept my eyes glued to his, and I watched as the flickering continued.

“You’re going to walk back outside that door until I get dressed, or I’m going to throw you out of it. I’m your mate, you can sense my wolf. You know I’m strong, and you know I’ll do it.”