Chapter 4

"Here comes her white knight." Aaron said as his smirk began getting wider. "We're just saying hello, that's all."

Christian was soon at my side sending glares to the group of guys standing before us. "That's not what it looked like to me." he replied.

"I witnessed the whole thing and I didn't see them doing anything wrong." someone said from the side.

Turning to look at who the new voice belonged to my entire body started to fill more and more with dread. The voice belonged to none other than Max Wards. Max and his little group of friends were from our pack and just so happened to be the only members of our pack that felt the need to mock me for having to sign, which is why when I'm around school I try to make sure that they are nowhere around me when I do. Sometimes it's hard to avoid them due to the fact that I had quite a few classes with them. It's almost like they have nothing better to do because it seems like they just spend all their time waiting to catch me signing.

"No offense Max, but I call bullshit." Christian said, rolling his eyes.

"We're just having a talk with the little mermaid here." Aaron said stepping forward.

"Well, consider that conversation over, come on Leana." Christian said as he tried to guide me away from them and to our table.

However Aaron once again blocked my path. "I believe that decision belongs to Leana, don't you think?"

By this point we had the attention of the entire cafeteria, making this experience so much more uncomfortable for me.

"Aaron!" another voice calls once again making the attention shift.

At hearing this voice Aaron automatically straightened up. "Yes Alpha." he replied as he and the other members of his pack turned to face Alpha Jackson. And as he made his way to us anyone could tell he was not happy.

"What's going on here?" he asked, finally standing in front of him.

"Nothing sir. We're just having some friendly conversation."

"I'm having a hard time believing you." Jackson replied with anger still very evident in his voice. "Are you okay Leana?" he asks, turning to look at me.

I nodded in response, hoping he would put this whole ordeal to an end.

"If I find out you're bothering her again I will make sure you are seriously punished, understand?" he asked, turning his attention back to Aaron and his group.

"Yes, Alpha. We understand completely." They all responded.

Satisfied with their response he turned to Max and his friends. "And you, what are your names and ranks?"

"Max, Austin, and James. We are all warriors." Max answered.

"I'm going to have a discussion with your Alpha about your behavior." he said.

"Follow me." he said to Christian and I.

We looked at each other before complying, wanting nothing more than to get as far away from the cafeteria as possible. I could feel everyone's eyes and whispers following me as we left. Seeing my discomfort Christian tried to shield me as best he could in hopes of providing at least some comfort. Soon enough we were in an empty hallway.

"I would like to personally apologize for their behavior, I will make sure that nothing like that happens again." Jackson said once we were far enough.

"We would both like to thank you for stepping in back there." Christian responded.

I nodded before bowing to show my gratitude.

"Leana?" Jackson called out, gaining my attention. "If anyone gives you any problems, don't hesitate to tell me."

Confused, I looked at Christian. "We appreciate that sir."

"Also, I want you to know that you don't have to feel as though you have to be embarrassed to sign in front of me. My mother is deaf so I've grown up knowing sign language. I hope knowing that makes sitting with me in art feel more comfortable." he continued. "That is also why I am mortified by Aarons behavior and once again I deeply apologize."

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. Part of me almost didn't believe him but I decided to sign my response. "Thank you for stepping in and defending me. I deeply appreciate it and I am sorry if my reluctance to sign in front of you made you uncomfortable."

"It didn't make me uncomfortable, don't worry." he said smiling. "Let me see your phones for a second."

"Might I ask why?" Christian asked as he handed over his phone.

"I'm giving you both my number. Since we're in different packs we don't have a mind link, so if you guys need me you can call me instead."

After Jackson handed Christian his phone, he reached for mine. I looked at Christian to see if I should hand it to him or not, Christian nodded. So I grabbed my phone and handed it to him, but when my hand touched his, a strange shock went through my body. Quickly I retracted my hand and looked at Jackson with wide eyes, not completely sure what happened. Seeing my reaction Christian immediately turned me to face him.

"Leana, are you okay?" he asked. "What happened?"

All I could do was slightly shrug my shoulders in response.

"What happened?" he asked again only this time the question wasn't directed at me. This time it was directed towards Jackson.

Turning to face him I saw him looking at me with black eyes, indicating that his wolf was in control. Upon Christian seeing this he automatically pushed me behind him. This action caused a low growl to escape Jackson's lips, before he tried to grab my arm to pull me away from Christian. That of course just made Christian pull me further behind him, making one word leave Jackson's mouth.

"Mate."