The Challenge (The Pack 2)

We got our food, Caleb giving Monster a cookie before I could stop him. The smug look Monster threw me had me narrowing my eyes in warning and he hastily shoved the cookie in his mouth.

We sat down and it wasn’t long before the tables filled. My presence at the ‘Pack’ table was no longer a source of gossip but Monster was another story. Rumors were wild about him.

“So, he’s you and Dom’s love child, huh?” Caleb had the first genuine smile I’d seen so far.

I glanced up, scanning the room, as curious gazes flickered toward us. “Seriously? That’s what they come up with? I thought we were doing a pretty good job of hiding our relationship,” I huffed, glaring at the few who didn’t drop their gazes when I met their eyes.

“That’s what bothers you?” Caleb shook his head, a small chuckle escaping him. “You and Dom are so obvious it hurts.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, really.” He tilted his head toward me, his smile changing. “Maybe we should give them something else to talk about.”

I laughed nervously, his implication catching me off guard. “Haha, but I think Anna would be upset.”

He gave me a startled glance but didn’t say anything as members of the Pack arrived, greeting him. Dom arrived next, sitting next to me, and cementing the idea of our ‘love child’ in the minds of half the school.

“Do you know what people are saying?” I asked him immediately but he wasn’t looking at me. Instead, his gaze was focused on his Alpha, the one he was sworn to protect, and the one who hadn’t told him he was going to be at school today.

“Caleb,” he rumbled and the table fell silent. Caleb glanced at him defiantly and I held my breath. “Glad to see you back.” Caleb seemed to deflate as he gave Dom a short nod, and turned back to someone who’d asked him an earlier question.

“To answer you, yes. I’ve heard the rumors about your brother and so far the most popular one is that he’s our love child.” Hearing the words come out of Dom’s mouth, I couldn’t stop a giggle. It sounded so ludicrous when he said it. I mean, it was ludicrous anyway, but his dry statement made it twice as funny. “You find it amusing?”

“Only when you say it,” I retorted, being sure to keep a clearly defined space between us. It didn’t seem to stop the rumors though, especially when Dom glanced over at Monster curiously.

“I heard he’s caused some trouble.”

“Depends on your definition of trouble,” Monster answered, staring back at Dom. “I was just exploring.”

“And exploring involves rearranging multiple shelves in the library?” Dom asked dryly.

“I was looking at them,” Monster said defensively.

“Reading the counselor’s notes about students over the intercom?” I winced at that one. “How can you even read yet? You’re four.”

“Five and Jess taught me,” Monster answered, throwing me under the bus without a qualm. “I didn’t realize the intercom was on.”

Dom narrowed his eyes at Monster. “And a compulsive liar. Lovely.” He glanced at me, switching to the bond to add the next part. He’s a sociopath in the making.

I choked because the thought had crossed my own mind. He’s bored, I said in a lukewarm attempt to defend my brother. And too smart.

That’s an understatement. I heard weariness in Dom’s thoughts and a sense of worry, and neither had anything to do with Monster.

What’s bothering you?

Caleb.

The one word held a wealth of meaning as I felt him pull back from the mental bond.

“I can take Monster this afternoon,” he said aloud and Monster suddenly looked scared. “We can get to know each other.” Dom leaned around me to smile at Monster, who suddenly wasn’t so brave.

“If you let me stay with you, we can forget about the cookie you owe me,” he whispered to me.

“You can’t come to class with me,” I hissed back. “And you’re lucky they haven’t expelled me for bringing you here. Be grateful Dom is willing to put up with you and I suggest you behave for him.”

“But, he’s a –” Monster pleaded, almost slipping up as I glared at him.

“But nothing. You’ll be safe with Dom.” I eased my expression, seeing he was genuinely nervous. “I swear you’ll be safe with him.” Monster’s expression was resolute as he nodded. “Good boy,” I smiled.

He faced Dom and without a hint of fear asked him, “Do you have cookies?”

Dom’s gaze flickered to me as my head smacked against my palm.

“You have no shame,” I murmured to Monster who shrugged.

“You said I could trust him.”

“I can get cookies,” Dom interrupted and Monster gave him a considering look.

“I think I like you.”

“Why does that fact make me nervous?” Dom whispered under his breath. I rolled one shoulder, giving him a tentative smile.

“I recommend hiding anything flammable,” I replied instead of answering his question and he nodded slowly, eyeing Monster carefully.