My Secret, My Bully, My Mates by Miss L

As if my body knew I needed to get up and away from the guys for a bit. I woke up before dawn and slipped out of bed. I turned to look at them before I left and like always when they are sleeping, they actually look young and at peace. Each tangled up under their own sheet, chest bare, leaving the big fluffy comforter for me. They are both so handsome, it's kind of ridiculous. And they have been giving me my space while staying close. It's a start I guess.

I should talk to them about that night and figure out what they were actually thinking, but it still hurts too bad knowing they took her side over listening to reason and having the evidence shoved up their nose. I'm not ready, I'm still angry, no matter how much they draw me in, I am just still angry and for the first time in my life I am making sure people know when they hurt me. I'm not just going to brush it under the rug and take it. They need to realize that they can't shield me from a fight literally coming for me. They can't force me to do anything and there is something very powerful in that knowledge. So I strode down the stairs and into the room I share with Lil to find her already dressed and waiting.

"I wasn't sure how early you wanted to train and I figured with the other half of our girls band occupied with their mates you would go alone, and I couldn't have that. That is the one thing I agree on with these guys." She laughs at me.

"Did you check the door before you came in?" I ask gathering things to change.

"Of course I did. I'm done being cursed, but that seems to be an occupational hazard being teamed up with you. Did you check it?"

"No actually. I could smell your scent all over the door so I knew I didn't have to." I winked at her. She stuck her tongue out at me and I just rolled my eyes and changed. There's no use taking a shower, we are just going to get disgusting.

training. A few waved, but most just let us pass and do our thing. The wreckage of the obstacle course is still

us at all, just got to their own training. Mateo, Jena, Sierra and Sam are still notably absent this morning, but I don't blame them. We are about to be attacked and they just found their

after getting actual sleep. My body feels good, my mind is clear. I really want to work with Gentry and Elena to figure out this pentagram thing. As we were walking back to the packhouse, the guys actually

and then Oliver. Then she hugs me. "My sweet girl, Lil. How are you all?" She gives

good mom, how are

actually better now that the ceremony is done and your father is back with the Moon Goddess. I feel like a weight is lifted, but it

that what happens when your mate dies? You start to lose all traces of their connection to you. That sounds awful. I lean in to

to share with just her and the boys. I head on towards the kitchen with Lil. Brett and Oliver are following. I think this is the first time Brett has left her side since Lucas passed. I wonder if it's hard for him to give up his position as her Gamma, or if this is exactly

actually good. Lots of practice before the real deal." Sierra winks back. I can't say if I will ever join into their s*xual innuendo banter, but at least I don't feel like my face is on fire out of embarrassment.

red there." Oliver traces a finger on one of my cheeks, which of course makes it

for lunch with the