Chapter 27

Dawson must have noticed how annoyed I was. After we walked into my room, he wrapped his arm around me and turned me to face him.

“Hey, are you sure you're OK,” Dawson watched my expression as I hesitated.

“Yah, I’m fine. Rowen lost control of his wolf when he first got here. I didn't expect it, and it shook me up a little, but I handled it.”

I watched Dawson’s expression change as he noticed my arm. He put his hand under my elbow and lifted my arm up for a better view.

“Is he responsible for this?”

I nodded, “yes, his wolf was in control, and I was trying to throw him out. He wouldn’t let go of my arm when I started fighting him. This is the result. I’m not worried about it. By tomorrow it will be healed.”

I watched Dawson’s expression as he examined my arm and looked back up at me. I can’t tell if he’s concerned or pissed.

“Bella, I know I said I would rather share you than not have you at all, but I don’t like this. I don’t think you should be around him at all, at least not alone. He never should have put his hands on you, and he will pay for this. If I had seen this before he left, he wouldn’t have walked out of here.”

“It’s over with, it’s not a big deal. He just needs to learn how to control his wolf, and maybe a lesson in respect.”

Dawson laughed and shook his head, “you might think it’s over, but I’m guessing it’s far from over.”

“What do you mean?”

Dawson smirked, “Like I said, if I had seen your arm before he left, he wouldn’t have left here in one piece. I know I’m not going to let this go, and what do you think your boy Creed is going to do? I personally think he’s a little unhinged. I know you like the guy, so I’m trying to respect that. Then there’s your brother. What do you think the Green boys are going to do when they see this?”

He let my arm down gently and crossed his arms, “Rowen just made a lot of enemies. I don’t think he’s going to be around here much longer.”

“No Dawson, you can’t tell Creed or the boys about this. Rowen was an asshole today, but I want to see what he does next. First impressions don’t always tell the whole story about someone.”

Dawson arched his eyebrows, “No one is allowed to put their hands on you, and I’m not hiding this. One way or another, Rowen’s going to pay for this. How do you expect to hide it from them anyway?”

“I don’t know I haven’t thought about it yet, and I don’t want to think about it any more today. I just want to relax and enjoy the rest of our night.”

Dawson bit his lower lip and shook his head, “I’m ready when you are sweetheart.”

I grabbed a light jacket and followed Dawson out to his truck.

“So, when are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

Dawson smiled, “I found a little place where we can be alone. I think you’re going to like it.”

“OK, I'll trust you.” I smiled back at him.

He turned the truck on, and I couldn't stop the giggle that left my mouth, “I didn’t have you pinned for a country boy.”

He winked, “there’s a lot about me that you don’t know. I listen to everything but was in the mood for a little relaxing country music tonight.”

I nodded, “Well, the need to relax tonight is one thing we have in common.”

The drive didn’t take long. Once we left campus, we went through a small town and then Dawson turned up a road that led us to the top of a mountain. He parked the truck and grabbed a bag from the back seat.

“I found this place by accident,” he smiled. “I went for a drive earlier to try to plan something fun for us to do. It’s a small town. All I could find was a couple of restaurants, a bar, and a few places to shop. None of it felt right. When I was driving back, I took a wrong turn and ended up here. With the seasons changing, the color of the trees got my attention and, well, I hope you like it.”

I nodded, and we walked about a half mile into the woods. The trees opened up to a small clearing that was beyond beautiful. We’re surrounded by beautiful fall leaves, and there are a few overly large rocks that could make a perfect place to sit and think.

“It’s beautiful, Dawson.”

He smiled, and those panty soaking dimples get me every time. “I figured it would be a nice place to have a picnic.”

“It’s perfect.” I smiled back at him.

I helped him get everything set up. He planned it all and thought of everything. He had one blanket for us to sit on, and a small throw blanket for me in case I get cold. He packed spaghetti, garlic bread, and red wine.

Once we got everything set up, and he poured our wine, he handed me my food. “Umm, I didn’t think about needing to heat it up.” He is so cute, he looks embarrassed.

“Cold spaghetti is my favorite,” I smiled. He is so sweet. I love the effort he put into making our night perfect.

We had a nice dinner and made small talk while we ate. I get the impression that Dawson really is as good of a guy as he appears to be. He seems to really care about people and wants to do good.

After we finished eating and cleaning up the food, we got comfortable. Dawson sat up against his bag and I curled up against his side.

“So, how are you doing being so far away from Green Ridge? Has reality set in yet?”

“At first it was weird being away from my family. My life has gotten crazy, but at least I haven’t had a lot of time to miss home.” I laughed.

Dawson smirked, “that’s not what I meant. Green Ridge is so different from the rest of the world. It’s like they live in their own universe. That’s not a bad thing. I just figured you would have had a couple of eye-openers by now.”

“You mean like getting three mates, and exposing the one thing I was supposed to keep hidden.”

Dawson laughed, “Well yah, I guess that tops the way packs in the rest of the world run.”

“What do you mean? I think Green Ridge is a great pack. They make sure everyone does their part to keep the pack running, and people are truly happy there.”

“Like I said, it’s not bad. Just different. Your pack is the only one where supernaturals mix willingly and live together.”

“We can’t be the only ones.”

“Bella, have you looked around you at all on campus? Most supernaturals stick to their kind. Unless your fated mate is a different species, you’re not supposed to mix. A lot of people even go as far as rejecting their mate if they are different.”

“My Aunt Violet is a witch, and she lived in a wolf pack when she met my uncle.”

“Was one of her parents the mate of a wolf?”

“Well, yah. Her mom was a witch. She kept ties with her coven, but she lived in her mate’s pack.”

“See, that’s the mate exception.”

“I guess. I never thought about it. How do you feel? Are you upset that I’m a wolf?”

“Honestly, it was weird at first. I didn’t know what to think about it, but I like you. You're different than other she-wolfs. Although, I have thought about it quite a bit. How will it work when we graduate? You have more than one mate, and I don’t even know what Creed is, but I can tell he’s not a wolf. Where would we live? Your pack, My den?”

I shook my head, “I’m not sure. I’m having a hard time processing what’s happening from day to day. My life seems to be changing fast. I haven’t thought about the future at all. I’m kind of going with a let’s see what happens tomorrow thought process.”

“I don’t know what will happen in the future either, but pay attention. A lot of people are against species mixing. As allies or mates.