Chapter 6

Grace's POV

Damn it! There he was, William Davis—leaning against my locker with that infuriating smirk, blocking my way to freedom and a much-needed night out at Howling Moon.

I forced myself to take a steadying breath, tamping down my irritation. Getting on the bad side of someone who might end up being my lifelong responsibility probably wasn't the smartest move.

"Alpha, is there something I can help you with?" I asked, pleased with how I managed to sound simultaneously disinterested yet respectful. A delicate balance, if I do say so myself.

"Hey, don't you remember me? We crossed paths in the hallway before! Of course, I quickly had you pinned," William said, his smile widening with every word.

I felt my blood beginning to boil. This arrogant prick was actually bragging about restraining me? Last time was a fluke—I'd been distracted. If I could, I'd flatten him right here, right now, and wipe that self-satisfied grin off his face.

Instead, I plastered on the fakest smile I could muster. "Sorry, my memory is terrible," I said, deciding to play along. I batted my eyelashes dramatically. "You're an Alpha, right?" I made sure to give him my most innocent, adoring gaze.

"That's right, darling, but don't let my aura intimidate you. I hear it can be a bit overwhelming."

God, this guy was full of himself! Even Alpha Carter's presence couldn't suppress a Guardian's bloodline. We're completely immune to Alpha influence or commands.

My father had explained it once: in ancient times, Alphas grew too attached to their Guardians and would order them to stand down during conflicts, leaving the Alphas vulnerable to injury or death. Over time, our bloodline evolved immunity to Alpha commands. Not that I needed to worry about this particular Alpha doing that—he didn't even know who I was, let alone appreciate my family's sacrifice.

While I could sense William's aura, it had zero effect on me. But I wasn't about to let this jackass know who I really was!

"Oh my goodness," I placed my hand over my heart, pretending to steady my breathing. "It's so nice to meet you."

You're laying it on a bit thick, aren't you? Seraphina snickered in my mind.

Maybe a little, but honestly, an Alpha should know his pack members. It was insulting enough that he didn't recognize me under normal circumstances, but considering what my family had sacrificed for his? The fact that he didn't even know who I was made my blood boil.

He extended his hand for a handshake. "I'm William, Alpha heir to the Silver Moon pack. Perhaps you've heard of me?" I shaped my mouth into the most convincing "o" I could manage, trying to appear even more flustered. "Oh, oh my goodness, it's so nice to meet you," I said, taking his hand.

What I didn't expect was the jolt that shot through my palm, like electricity running up my arm, making the hair stand on end. The sensation wasn't unpleasant, just unexpected. William looked startled too, and I wondered if he'd felt it as well. Strange. Must be static electricity from the lockers.

He held onto my hand, looking at me expectantly. I wondered what he was waiting for, why he wouldn't release my grip. Finally, he spoke up. "Where I come from, when someone introduces themselves, the other person typically does the same." He flashed me a charming smile, as if rendering females speechless was just another day for him. It probably was. He spent his days surrounded by fawning idiots—making them tongue-tied wasn't difficult.

However, I wasn't part of his happy fan club, so just as I was about to introduce myself, James thankfully came to my rescue.

"Hey, Gr—" I cut him off before he could say my name.

"Hey, James, do you know Alpha William?" I asked, giving him a look I hoped he'd understand. James shot me a "what the hell?" expression, then turned to William.

"Of course. Alpha William is from our pack, he's my future Alpha." I could have kissed James right then. He might not have understood why I was playing dumb, but he was rolling with it beautifully. "Alpha," he nodded to William, exposing his neck in submission.

"James," William acknowledged with a nod. "I was just introducing myself to your friend here." He turned back to me. "So, darling, what's your name, and which pack do you belong to?"

Now I was truly pissed. He really had no clue who I was. From the corner of my eye, I saw James flinch. Time to end this charade. "What makes you think I'm not from your pack?" I raised an eyebrow, dropping the innocent act for sarcasm.

He returned my raised eyebrow with his own, looking at me with that typical Alpha condescension. "Well, darling, I know every member of my pack, and I don't know you." This was my moment to take this arrogant asshole down a peg.

I moved closer to him, placing my hand on his chest. His very firm, very warm chest. Dear God, were all Alphas made of granite? I forced myself not to slide my hand around to see if his entire body was this hard and sculpted. Focus, Grace.

I rose onto my tiptoes, bringing my mouth close to his ear. Thankfully, he got the hint and leaned down so I could whisper to him, "Clearly, you don't know every member. And my name isn't 'darling.'" I was certain I heard him suck in a sharp breath as I turned and walked away. "Come on, James, we've got places to be."

Once in the car, James looked at me. "Okay, are you going to tell me what that was about? Why let Alpha William think you're from another pack?"

"I didn't," I insisted. I mean, really, William started that conversation. He clearly had no idea who I was, and then he had the nerve to stand there and tell me he knew every member of his pack? "I couldn't let that slide, James. Why should I? He's our future Alpha. If he's going to be arrogant, he should at least have the facts to back it up. You heard him—he didn't even know I was from his pack."

"Then why not just tell him?"

I gaped at my best friend in disbelief. "You're joking, right?"

"I'm just saying, be careful, Grace," he pleaded, looking at me with concern.

"Careful of what, James? That he might eventually figure out who I am and be mad at me? That's not my fault. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I could take him in a fight. Though Alpha Carter would never let me fight him."

James sighed, knowing I was fired up. "I'm just saying, you're probably going to be stuck with him at some point. Better not to be his number one enemy before that happens. He'll find ways to make your life miserable."

He had a point. When William became Alpha, if I hadn't found my mate by then, my duties as his Guardian would officially begin.

Then I might be trapped with this playboy Alpha and all his sycophants for who knows how long. I didn't even want to imagine what I might see or hear being around him that much. Gross!

"Fine, James! You're right—if he approaches me again, I'll be nicer! Now can we please stop talking about this and focus on having an amazing night out?"

I smugly reached into my backpack for my prized three-piece sheer lingerie set, confident I'd be turning heads all night.

My hand searched through my bag, frantically feeling around several times without finding anything.

A sick feeling settled in my stomach as realization dawned on me.

It was gone.