Chapter 33

I tried to make this longer since I haven't uploaded in a few days. I originally wasn't going to write in the part about Sutton going to college but I had someone ask me about her and college since she's a senior. I found though that this could play into the sequel.

Speaking of the sequel, I have decided on who it's going to be about. I have an idea about what's going to happen but I still need to go deeper into the details.

Don't know if I've ever posted a picture of her, but that's Lisa>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thank you to everyone who votes and comments and fanned. I so appreaciate you guys :)

(Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes)

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Chapter 33

Sutton’s POV:

“That is so cute!” Lisa squealed as Claire came out of the dressing room. While the outfit wasn’t anything I’d ever wear, it…fit her. I noticed quickly how different the two of us dress. While I dress to look appealing, Claire dresses for comfort.

“Yeah, I guess. I mean, it’s cute.” Claire tried to sound nonchalant but I could see her fighting off a smile. She may  try to not let it show, but she definitely enjoys this.

“So, next store?” I asked after we paid.

“There’s more stores?” Claire asked incredulously. I nodded and laughed. “But we’ve already been to so many. We lost the boys four boutiques back.”

I laughed again at that. They retreated to the food court awhile back, claiming they needed to reenergize after all the bags they had to carry. It’s safe to say, Claire isn’t the only one who was getting clothes.

“How about one more?” Lisa compromised. Claire shrugged and we followed her into one of the many stores in the mall.

Lisa and I walked around, picking things up and holding them up for display. Claire then decided yes or no. All yes’s went to the dressing room, all no’s went back on the rack. The system worked pretty well, though I was afraid that Claire felt she got no say in what she wore. After she assured me she didn’t feel like that, she went to the dressing room and tried on her previous yes’s.

“I’ll be right back.” I said to Lisa, walking over to a top that had caught my eye.

“Hello there.” A deep voice said next to me. I glanced at the male that had spoke and briefly smiled.

“Hi.” I made sure my voice sounded not interested and bored.

“So what’s a pretty little thing like you doing here all by yourself?” His scent marked him as a human, making him less of a threat.

“I’m not alone. I’m with a friend and my little sister shopping.” I moved away to the next rack, hoping he’d get the hint.

“Need any help with anything?” I guess her didn’t hear he hint.

“Nope.”

“Alright, let’s skip  this and get straight to it. I find you attractive, you find me attractive, so…” He trailed off, raising his eyebrows suggestively. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sorry, but I don’t find you attractive and I have a boyfriend.” I said, walking away again. He followed me, making me stop and turn in annoyance.

“The way I see it, your boyfriend doesn’t have to know.” He insisted.

“Sorry not interested.” I replied icily, crossing my hands over my chest.

“Is your boyfriend here?” He asked, stepping closer to me. I hissed under my breath and was about to respond when something over his shoulder caught my eye. I smiled brightly and leaned in really close.

“Actually…yes.” I said, stepping back. He smiled cockily at me.

“Where?” He obviously didn’t believe me. I nodded my head in the direction we had just come from.

“Right here.” Evan replied for me.

The guy jumped and spun around, instantly stepping back. Evan did look pretty intimidating, standing there with his arms crossed and a glare darkening his handsome face. I smiled and pranced up to him. The guy floundered around, clearing his throat and looking anywhere but Evan. His eyes settled on me and his eyes widened.

“This-this is your boyfriend?” He stuttered. I nodded, grinning smugly at him.

“Sorry, but I don’t share.” Evan said darkly before shooting another glare at him.

He then turned and wrapped his arm around my shoulder’s possessively, leading us back to a laughing Spencer and Lisa. Claire stood next to them, looking surprised and slightly dazzled. I leaned into Evan’s embrace and laughed as well. Yeah, that guy never had a shot.

“I leave alone for an hour and look what happens. Some human thinks he can still my girlfriend.” He hissed, shaking his head. He looked down and smiled at me, warmth filling his eyes.

“Dude, he looked like he was going to crap his pants!” Spencer busted him, clapping his hands against his knees.

“He’s just lucky I didn’t touch him.” Evan replied darkly. We all chuckled as we walked to the counter to pay for Claire’s stuff.

She remained quiet throughout the rest of the trip, even on the way home. Her expression switched between thoughtful and nervous. I wasn’t the only one puzzled, Lisa kept shooting me looks but I shrugged at her. Teenagers. I mouthed. She laughed loudly, causing everyone in the car to look at her.

“Thought of a funny joke.” She muttered, shrugging slightly.

“Need some help arranging all of you things?” I asked Clair when we got back to the back house.

“Uhh yeah. There’s something I need to tell you so I might as well get it over with.” She said, sounding extremely sad and nervous.

“Everything ok?” I asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. She was about to reply when Elise came bounding down the stairs carrying stacks of envelops.

“Tis’ the season for college letters.” She sang.

I tensed up, anticipation filling my stomach. I had filled out applications last year in the first few months of school. At the time, I wanted nothing to do with Evan. I’m pretty sure the closest school I applied to is at least a few hours away. Of course, I’d sent an application to Columbia. I hadn’t really discussed which schools I’d applied to with Evan. It never came up and with everything that had happened, it didn’t occur to me that this was the time when colleges sent out their verdicts. Lisa jumped happily and grabbed my arm, dragging me over to Elise.

“We’re bound to have at least one common college.” She said, a smile lighting her face.

We pretty much applied to the same schools as our career paths were similar. While we both wanted to work in the medical field, I was leaning more to surgeon while she was looking into being a pediatrician. Now that I’m Alpha Female though, my plans have altered. Traditionally most Alpha Females didn’t have jobs. They were the mother of the pack and were expected to guide and care for the pack. Now a days, some women chose to have jobs. I already know I wouldn’t be able to not have a job, it just wouldn’t work for me. I’d be bored out of my mind! I’m just  a bit uncertain as to what I would do now.

“What are you waiting for?” Elise asked, handing out a stack of envelops to me.

“Sorry, just got carried away in my thoughts.” I murmured, taking the stack.

Evan and Spencer moved closer, standing behind us. Taylor walked in from the kitchen and pushed her way into the circle until she was standing next to me. Within minutes, we were joined by my parents, Jason, Evan’s parents, and Lisa’s mom and dad. They all waited patiently while Lisa, Elise, and I nervously opened the letters.

“Well?” Taylor demanded after the first letter. I turned to her and smiled, ruffling her hair.

“Hush you impatient woman.” I scolded. “I’ll tell you after I open all of them.”

“What?” She shrieked. She isn’t the most patient person and hates waiting.

“Have to have some suspense.” I grinned at her glowering face and proceeded to open the rest of the envelopes, save for the last one.

Lisa held the same envelope I did, exchanging a nervous glance with me. We both held the envelops that came from Columbia. Elise had already opened all of hers and the smarty that she was, she got accepted into nearly every school she had applied to. Unfortunately, she hadn’t applied to Columbia. As far as I knew, it was just me, Lisa, and Lilah that had.

“Hey, where’s Lilah?” I asked randomly, looking around.

“She couldn’t wait and opened hers up as soon as the mail came. You should have seen her. She cried when she read the Columbia letter.” Elise laughed lightly.

“Did she not make it in?”

“No, she did. She said they were happy tears. Kevin though, he wasn’t crying happy tears when he figured out she was going to New York.” She laughed again lightly.

“He must be a little upset. He’ll probably end up going with her though.” Evan said, wrapping his arms around my stomach and leaning his head on my shoulder.

“Imagine that was us.” Spencer said, addressing Evan. They both shook their heads. I guess Lisa didn’t inform Spencer of her applications.

“Can you just open it now! I want to know where we’re going!” Taylor hollered. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“We?” I inquired.

“Sorry lady, but you aren’t leaving me.” I saw the determination in her eyes and couldn’t help but reach out and hug her. She was certainly sweet when she wanted to be.

“So open please.” She murmured against my arm.   I nodded and turned to Lisa who was biting her lip.

“I’m nervous Sutton. Here! You open it.” She thrust the letter at me. An idea suddenly jumped at me and I quickly took her letter, replacing it with mine. She raised her eyebrow but took it nonetheless.

“What school is this from anyway?” Spencer asked, trying to look over Lisa’s shoulder.

“Doesn’t matter.” She said, discreetly sliding her hand over the return address.

“Let’s get this over with.” I murmured, turning the envelope over and sliding my finger under the opening. I heard take the letter out and proceeded to do the same thing.

Dear Miss Ford, we here at Columbia are happy to inform you that you have been accepted into our school… I felt my heart stop and then speed up. I wished immensely now that I had read my own letter. Seeing her acceptance letter was killing me. I wanted to know now! I was happy for her though, whether I got in or not, I was happy she made it in. I bit back a smile and looked at her. She was already looking at me, looking said.

“Congratulations.” I murmured, smiling. She looked shocked.

“You mean…?” I nodded and she looked down, biting her lip.

I felt my heart stop again. I didn’t get in. I didn’t get into the only school I’ve been dreaming about since I was a child. But how? I made sure I got the grades. I did all the recommended community service. My application was perfect. I guess it wasn’t enough though. Sadness spread through me. Not only did I not get in, I was losing my best friend to said school. I looked at Lisa again and was about to tell her not to say it out loud when I saw a trace of a smile on her lips. Why was she smiling?

“I’m sorry Sutton…it looks like you’re stuck with me!” She shrieked out the last part and through herself at me.

“Wait, what?” I was utterly confused.

“You got in!” This time, we both shrieked in happiness. I stumbled back a bit as she was literally clinging to me, her legs wrapped around my torso and her arms encases around my neck.

“Where did you get in?” Taylor demanded, snatching the paper from Lisa’s hands. “Dear Miss Collins, we here at….” She trailed off as she read. After a second she whooped loudly and joined in on our hug.

“Would someone just tell us where the hell you guys were accepted!” Spencer finally yelled.

Lisa climbed off of me and looked around, anywhere and everywhere but where her mate stood. I couldn’t look at Evan. I already knew there was no way I could pick up and leave and move back to New York. Perhaps, had I been just any other wolf in the pack, I could have. I, however, was going to be the Alpha Female in just a few short weeks. I know Evan though, he would want me to go. I know it would be hard for the both of us and I don’t know how it would work if I went. Would he go with me? Would he stay here? And if he did, would we just skype all the time and then fly out on the weekends?

“Sutton?” I recognized the tone Evan used. It was his I’m getting frustrated here but I’m trying not to show it and yell at you tone.

“You see, Evan,” I began since Lisa hadn’t said anything. “I applied to colleges when we weren’t together. It was after you said you didn’t want a mate and I was trying to convince myself that I didn’t need you. And for that, I applied to colleges that are…a little farther away then some.”

“So what colleges did you get accepted to?” He asked

“Umm, University of Michigan,” I started with the closest one. “Penn State, UCLA, Boston University, UC Davis, University of Florida, and…” I trailed off, watching his reaction. I could tell he wasn’t too pleased about the distance.

“And what?” He ground out. I was pretty sure he already knew what was coming.

“Columbia.” I said quietly, wearily watching his face. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. “The both of us.” I said, speaking for Lisa.

It was quiet between the four of us. Everyone had filed out to give us privacy and to escape the uncomfortable stillness. It seemed Lisa and Spencer were having a conversation in their heads and by the looks of it, Spencer was pretty angry. I watched Lisa shake her head before she herself looked angry.

“Yes, that’s it Spence. I wanted so bad to leave you that I decided to apply just so that I could leave you. I did all of this just to spite you.” She muttered sarcastically. She turned on her hell, fighting back tears, and stormed up the stairs. Spencer watched her retreat before taking his own leave out the front door.

“Evan…” It was just the two of us now. I reached out to touch his arm but he flinched away and took a step. Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his hair.

“Just give me some time Sutton.” I heard his inner battle in his tone. He wanted so bad to be happy for me but it just wasn’t realistic for me to leave.

I nodded and he walked off towards his dad’s office. I watched his retreating back sadly before making my way up the stairs. I wasn’t going to go sit in my room and mope and feel bad for myself. That just wasn’t me. I walked through the hallways until I got to Claire’s room. She had wanted to talk to me before all of this and I had promised to help her put her clothes away. I knocked on the door and walked in, surprised to see her shoving things into her backpack.

“You going somewhere?” I asked jokingly. She looked at me before quickly looking away.

“Yeah, it seems you have things to work out and I have other places to go.” She replied stiffly.

“Wait, your leaving?” I couldn’t figure out why she would want to leave.

“Yeah. It was uhh, nice to meet you. And just so you know, I can tell if we hadn’t been separated, you would have been a good sister. I can see it in the way you treat the blond girl and how you were with me at the mall.” She made a move to go past me but I stepped in front of her.

“Why are you leaving?” I demanded, there had to be a reason.

“Like I said, you have things to work out here. You don’t need me to add to your pile. And I don’t want to hurt you.” She said the last part so quietly I almost missed it.

“Hurt me?” Her eyes widened when she realized she had spoken out loud.

“I didn’t say that.” She replied to quickly. I narrowed me eyes and folded my hands across my chest.

“Claire, you’ve been looking sad and nervous this whole afternoon. You looked guilty this morning. What’s going on?”

She wasn’t leaving until she gave an answer that satisfied me. She seemed to realize this and walked backwards until the back of her legs touched the bed. She sat down heavily and kept her eyes focused on the ground. When she spoke, her voice was quiet and strained with emotion.

“I-I can’t tell you.” She whispered. I walked forward until I was standing in front of her.

“Why not?” I asked gently.

“Because then you’d hate me.” She said after a minute. I stared at her. What could she have possibly done to make me hate her?

“Tell me.” I insisted.

“Please, just stay and here the whole story ok?” She pleaded, finally meeting my gaze. Cautiously, I nodded.

“Go ahead.” I prompted.

“I literally walked into this town. There’s no busses or trains or airports so I walked from the bus stop in the next town over. They literally came from nowhere.” She breathed and shuddered. “One minute I’m all by myself surrounded by trees and the next thing you know, there’s this car that pulled up next to me. They offered me a ride and I thought, hey! What could happen in a town this small.”

“Continue.” I said after she paused.

“I don’t really know what happened. They told me they would take me to you but then they took me to this cabin in the woods. There were a lot of people in the cabin and they got all riled up when they dragged me in. There was a man, standing at a podium at the front. He started talking to them and kept calling me your sister. He had the most chilling grey eyes, and his smile…it was scary.” She admitted. “He said that I would help end the pack and all that stuff. When they left he stood in front of me and told him that I was to help him take the pack down or he would kill the both of us.” She shuddered again, replaying the scene in her head. “Please don’t hate me. They said I had to tell them everything that was going on here and then they would let us go. They wanted me to help them take down Evan. I swear I didn’t know you were mates! He didn’t tell me that. When I got here and saw how loving and connected everyone was, I knew I couldn’t help them tear this pack apart.”

“Claire,” I spoke gently, placing my hand over hers. “I don’t hate you. By you telling me this, it means you’re not going to help them. I appreciate that. Tell me, did this man ever tell you his name?”

I had a feeling about who it was but I needed her to confirm it. If I was right, I would tear him to pieces for threating my little sister.

“Yes, Lockey.” So I was right.

“Alright, very good Claire. Why don’t you lay down and rest for a bit. You like tired.” She nodded and smiled gently at me.

“I’m sorry.” She said quietly.

“I know, now get some rest while I go talk to Evan.” I shut the door behind me and went to sniff out my mate. If it was a fight the hunters wanted, it was a fight we were going to give them.