Notice Me (5 page)

Chapter 6: Insight
Tristan's Point Of
View
Sitting in homeroom just a few rows away, I couldn't help but stare
at her. Why haven't I ever noticed how beautiful she truly is
inside and out? I mean come on; I've lived next door to the girl my
entire life. Sure, I waited for her to walk by my house each
morning so I'd know when to leave, but other then that I never paid
her a second glance.
Now I can't seem to stop looking at her, she's constantly on my
mind. The way her eyes and face light up when something excites
her. How she manages to brighten up an entire room with just her
smile. It's adorable when her cheeks get an instant tinge of pink
every time I get close. There's a fire that burns in her eyes when
she's upset about something. I love her feistiness and quick-witted
comebacks.
Here I thought she was a quiet girl, but given the opportunity to
get to know her, you find out differently. She's a little spark
plug. The scent of pineapples mixed with a hint of coconut made me
think of a warm day at the beach on a tropical island somewhere.
Somehow it's comforting to me, maybe because it's her scent.
I knew when I turned eighteen in the beginning of August that I
would find my mate. Who would have thought, she's been living next
door to me the entire time? You see when males turn eighteen they
go through all these changes. It's then that his wolf possesses
their full power and abilities, hence the need to find their
mate.
All I know is that at the beginning of summer for the past few
years, she would disappear to somewhere, maybe a relative's? Then
at the very end of summer, she would come back in time to start
school. So it's no surprise that I didn't recognize her as my mate,
since she wasn't even around when my birthday passed.
The day Lise brought over the chocolate chip cookies, must have
been the first day she returned from camp. It would really explain
why the entire time we were out back playing football all I could
focus on was on her scent.
Ever since that day, I've been obsessed with pineapples, it reminds
me so much of her. Even now I thought of the pack of pineapple
orbit gum tucked away in the pocket of my cargo shorts. At first I
just thought I was imagining things, I'd catch a whiff of it here
and there whenever there would be a slight breeze. Being a hundred
and one degrees, there really wasn't a breeze at all.
Then the smell started to get stronger and stronger and soon I
couldn't focus on anything, but that. When I heard a female clear
her throat, I looked up and it's as though all time stopped. Once
she lifted her sunglasses to the top of her head and our eyes
locked for the first time, I instantly knew she was my mate. My
wolf was trying to claw its way out of my body.
I got lost in the swirls of green and chocolate brown that made her
eyes that perfect shade of hazel. Her smell was overpowering in a
good way. The only thought crossing my mind was,
'So this is what Dad meant when said finding your
mate is an experience like no other'
.
Growing up my parents would tell us stories, us being Luke, Gabe,
Jordan, Max, Sam, and I. Yes we are all wolves and we belong to the
Monhegan Moonlight Pack.
There are many more wolves that belong to our pack; we all live
scattered amongst our small town of Port Clyde.
As children we would always be together, we're the best of friends
and so are our parents. They basically raised us all as one huge
group of kids. My father is Alpha of the pack and I'll be Alpha one
day in the future, but I'll get more into the details later
on.
It wasn't that I didn't recognize her, it's that I was so surprised
to find out she was my mate. The shy girl from next door, mate to
someone the complete opposite of her and human nonetheless. She
looked like a completely different person, her body filling out in
just a few short months. This summer has been extremely good to
her.
She was no longer wearing the coke bottle glasses that hid her
beautiful eyes. Her hair was a shiny blond instead of the dull
brown; even the way she dressed wasn't as conservative as she used
to. I didn't like the way my friends were checking her out, I could
almost feel my wolf at the surface ready to challenge them and
protect my mate.
The jealousy was boiling outrageously out of control through my
bloodstream, as I took short breaths to calm myself. When she
opened her mouth to speak to me, her voice sang to my heart causing
me to get goosebumps all over my entire body.
All these reasons are why I stood there like a fool with my mouth
open catching flies. My brain was telling me to speak up and say
something, but my body was screaming claim your mate! She's always
been so quiet and reserved, the complete opposite of what I am,
outgoing and adventurous. None of that mattered to me though; I
just wanted her to be mine.
Almost as if she could sense my gaze on her, Lise lifted her head
from the book she was reading and glanced over her shoulder at me.
I thought of what her best friend Anya said that day in the car
about her always having her face buried in a book. It was then that
I noticed she didn't speak to anyone around her. For some reason,
they didn’t speak to her either. I wondered why?
Embarrassed that she caught me gawking, I threw her my trademark
smirk and a wink. Which, in turn made her cheeks redden and caused
her to turn back around quickly. She is just too damn adorable for
words. I wanted to gain her trust and break her out of this awkward
shell that she built around herself.
I need her to feel comfortable around me enough so that I can tell
her the truth. Wanting to give her the option of being with me
after I confess to her what I really am. I refuse to be one of
those guys that force their mates to be with them. I'm no
barbarian. Even though it would physically kill me if she didn't
want me, I'd agree to whatever makes her happy.
The shrill ringing of the bell snapped me back to reality. I can
only imagine how this day is going to turn out, it was fifteen
minutes of homeroom and I couldn't even focus. She consumes my
every thought. Now imagine how hard it's going to be for me to
concentrate in class.
"What class do you have first period?" I asked placing the palm of
my hand on the small of her back, approaching her desk quickly.
Knowing her, she'll try and walk to class herself, not happening!
My wolf craved to be near her; he can't be away from her for
extremely long periods of time.

Being away from her on pack business with my
father these past two days was driving me insane it was pure
torture. My heart needed to know she's safe; I don't know what I'd
do if something happens to her. I'll never be able to look at
another girl for the rest of my existence, all I'd see is her
face.
"English." She mumbled quietly. "You don't have to walk me, I'll be
fine on my own." Her eyes looked up then searching mine for an
expression.
I let out a sigh. Doesn't she pay attention? "No, I already told
you I'm walking you to all your classes." I told her
matter-of-factly as she nodded her head in defeat. She's not
getting away that easily.
When Lise told me she was skipped a year and that she'd be a
senior, I was overjoyed. That is, up until the point I realized the
way the senior guys were ogling her as fresh meat. I didn't even
have to hear their thoughts through our mind link in order to know
what they are thinking. I'll rip apart each and every single one of
them that try to overstep their boundaries.
All the male wolves are well aware she's my mate and completely off
limits, but it's not the wolves I'm worried about. I saw the way
the humans eyeballed her too. "You coming?" Lise asked turning
around to face me from the doorway. Her eyebrows quirked in the
cutest expression ever. She's probably wondering what the hell I'm
standing there thinking about.
"Can I see your schedule?" I asked as we walked side by side down
the hallways. I wanted so badly to grab a hold of her hand, but I
don't want to make her uncomfortable. I know she's still adjusting
to the fact that I drove her into school and insist on walking her
to all her classes. Grabbing a hold of her hand may send her over
the deep end and scare her away.
She still seemed a bit timid and untrusting around me, but I have
to admit she's beginning to open up, even if it's just a little. I
wonder if she's been hurt in the past? Otherwise, why would she
think I wanted to get something out of being seen with her or that
this is some sort of joke?
Knowing how some of the she-wolves act in our pack, I already
warned each and every one of them to back off of Lise. I've both
seen the way they scowl at her and heard them talking about her
before. Let's just say they weren't very nice things. Some of the
she-wolves of the pack are just as bad as the evil villain from a
horror movie, relentless.
Now that's she's my mate, I won't allow it and I dare anyone of
them to try and test me. Digging into her bag Lise handed over her
schedule to me. Damn, we only have Gym, Lunch, and Anatomy
together. Maybe I can try and get some of my classes changed.
Nodding my head, I gave Lise her schedule. It’s already committed
to my memory.
"I'll come get you after first, don't leave without me." I asserted
with a stern look in my eyes as we came to a stop outside her
English class.
She rolled her eyes and gave me a sarcastic smile. "Yes, sir." She
chimed after putting her hand up to her forehead saluting me.
Smiling to myself, I shook my head, told you she's a
comedian.
Not being able to control my actions, I leaned in closer taking in
all her scent. This girl is going to be the death of me. It's going
to be so hard being away from her. She stared at me with curious
eyes as I bent down even further and placed a kiss on her cheek. My
lips tingling for more contact. Being so close to her neck, I had
to exert all my strength to not claim her as mine.
Pulling away from her I whispered in her ear, "Be good." Then I
spun around to walk in the opposite direction; I need to get away
from her before I lose the little bit of self-control I have.
Plus, I don't want to scare her. I'm sure my eyes are a bright
silver color from wanting her so badly. I could so go for either a
cold shower or a nice long run right now, but no I have to get to
Pre-Calc. Just have to get through these forty-five minutes before
I get to see her angelic face again. Hopefully I won't get
detention for spacing out in class. Lord only knows I'll be spacing
out a lot.

Chapter 7: Heartache
Walking out of fourth period, I instantly noticed Tristan leaning
against the lockers beside the door. He had a bored expression on
his face as he watched people shuffling out of class. How the heck
did he make it over here that fast when his class is on the other
side of the school is beyond me. He probably leaves all his classes
early, either that or he ran all the way over here.

Once his gray eyes zoned in on mine an instant
heart stopping smile spread across his lips. I thought it was sweet
how he was being so protective of me...I'm not sure from what
though. My heart thumped wildly against my chest cavity at the mere
thought of him actually being happy to see me. Is it pathetic of me
to have trouble breathing every single time I see his face?
I have to admit that he's really been trying his hardest to prove
me wrong. To show me that there's more than meets the eye when it
comes to him, that he's not just another pretty faced player. I'm
not sure where we stood as far as our relationship goes or if this
could even be categorized as a relationship at all. Let's just
safely call it an escalating friendship.
I haven't seen him give any other girl a second glance since we got
here this morning, which was very surprising. He said hi and was
friendly to everyone, but he never overdid it. Guess I had him
pegged all wrong. I thought he enjoyed all the attention the random
girls threw his way. For some reason I thought he was the type to
live for it.
To say I felt special would be an understatement. He was completely
ignoring all the lustful looks the other girls were giving him and
devoting all his attention to me. "Hi." I greeted him shyly. We had
gym together third period, since it’s the first day thankfully we
didn't have to get dressed.
Mr. Deluca our gym teacher gave us a free period after handing out
our gym T-shirts. He gave us a fifteen-minute lecture on the
importance of coming prepared and being ready to participate
tomorrow. Of course Tristan had to be in the one class that I'd
make a fool out of myself in. I'm sure he'll get a kick out of my
wonderful athletic disabilities.
Jordan and Luke were in the same gym class as Tristan and I; they
played a game of volleyball while I sat on the bleachers reading. I
could feel his eyes watching me the entire time he stood on the
court, but I kept my eyes focused on the story. Or at least I tried
my best to act like I was, all the words were blurring together on
the page.
"Hey, ready for lunch? You're sitting with us." Tristan told me
while reaching over and pulling my messenger bag off my shoulder.
He slung it over his head so that it hung across his chest with the
pouch resting on his back. I barely even had time to react to him
stealing my bag, he maneuvered so fast. Everything he does is so
smooth and in one quick motion. It's unnatural for someone to move
so gracefully.

He wasn't even carrying any books of his own. All he had was a pen
tucked into the top of his ear, while I had my messenger bag which
was full and two textbooks I was hand carrying. Holding out his
hand with his palm facing upwards he looked over at me with a grin.
"Give me your books."
I shook my head; I’m perfectly capable of carrying my own things.
"No, I'm fine. Can I have my bag back?" I asked in a small voice,
but only received a stern look in response. Huffing like a little
girl not getting her way, I grudgingly handed over my two
textbooks. Why is he treating me like I’m made of glass?
I know…I know any girl in the right mind would be dying for all
this attention. But do I look like your typical girl? No, I'm not
so of course it made me feel hella awkward. I was used to being
independent and doing everything for myself. Not ever having anyone
else to count on, I got used to the fact of being alone.
Tristan stopped right in front of my locker and began twisting the
dial on the lock. Yes, he made me give him my combination. For
what, I don't know. "Uh..." I began, knowing deep down inside this
idea isn't going to sit too well with him. "I always go to the
library for lunch."
I don't want to sit at his table for lunch; it will be too
uncomfortable. Tristan's table includes all the guys he usually
hangs out with along with a few more I don't know and a bunch of
girls, that I know for a fact aren't too fond of me. For the past
two years, I've spent my lunch period on the comfy beanbag in the
library. I wasn't about to change my routine now, just because he
says so.
His head twirled around and those smoky eyes bore into the side of
my face as I stood there chewing down nervously on my lip.
"Absolutely not." His voice came out in an authoritative tone.
"You're going to eat something first and if you want to go to the
library when you're done, I'll come with you."
I couldn't help, but roll my eyes. Since when did he become my Dad?
So freaking bossy! I have to admit he is extremely sexy when he
gets that determined look in his eyes. The look that says he dares
me to try and defy what he says. Boy, he is one intimidating
looking guy when he doesn't get his way.
Tristan shoved all my textbooks and emptied out the contents of my
messenger bag neatly into my locker. Only leaving my binder and
pens for the remaining classes.
When we reached the lunchroom, I looked around in wonderment at all
the seniors. It's a place I've only been to a handful of times in
my two years here.
I’m a brown bag type of girl. So I would normally eat my lunch in a
quiet corner of the library. Mrs. Reynolds the librarian and I have
a mutual understanding. I'd help her with the filing and she'd let
me eat my lunch as long as I cleaned up after myself. She’s a nice
woman, understanding I was a loner with no friends.