Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Mason POV

From the moment I woke up, Kane has been restless.

“Mate is close,” he says.

Today is my 18th birthday and that means I can find my mate.

I guess Summer was right.

She said she knew we would be mates and I guess she was right.

I get in the shower and get dressed for training.

On my way downstairs no smells stand out to me. As I make my way into the dining hall, I see Summer.

I know she isn’t my mate, but Kane is still restless in my mind.

“Mate is coming,” he says, pacing.

“Happy birthday, Mason,” Summer says, walking up to me and giving me a kiss.

“Thanks, babe,” I say as I make my way to the guys.

“Happy birthday, Alpha,” Hunter says.

“Thanks, Beta,” I say back to him laughing.

“Happy birthday, Mase,” Lucas and Micah say.

“Thanks, guys,” I say, sitting down facing the doors.

“So I assume Summer isn’t your mate,” Hunter says laughing.

“No, she isn’t, but Kane keeps saying she’s close. He’s been going crazy since I woke up,” I say.

Then the smell hits me.

Freshly baked apple pie.

Kane slams into the front of my mind.

“Mate!”

My eyes find Lyric Cassidy standing in the kitchen doorway.

For a second I just stare.

My little sunflower.

The same green eyes. The same stubborn expression.

Somehow the little girl I grew up chasing around the pack is almost grown.

She catches me looking at her and freezes.

Those familiar green eyes lock on me before she hurries into the kitchen.

“Go to her,” Kane growls.

“I can’t. She isn’t 18 yet. Hell, she only turns 17 on Friday,” I tell him.

“Hey Mason, you good?” Hunter asks, snapping me from my trance.

“Yeah,” I say quietly. “Your little sister Lyric is my mate.”

The words feel unreal coming out of my mouth.

“Seriously?” Jace, Hunter’s little brother, asks.

“Yeah, I just scented her,” I say.

“What are you going to do about Summer?” Hunter asks, looking toward the kitchen as Lyric and Winter walk back out.

She glances at me one more time before heading outside.

Fuck my life.

“Summer isn’t going to like this,” Lucas says as we all walk toward the training grounds.

“I’m not saying shit to Summer,” I growl.

“Mason, you can’t keep this a secret. You are not going to be able to stay away from Lyric and you know how Summer is,” Hunter says.

“Just drop it for now. I’ll handle it,” I say as we walk onto the training grounds.

When we get there, Delta Sam makes an announcement that Lyric and Gamma Jake will be demonstrating an offensive move that will help in a fight.

“He better not hurt our mate,” Kane growls.

“Dad, why is Lyric showing a demonstration and not one of us?” I link my father.

“Are you worried, son? Don’t be. Lyric can handle herself. Just watch,” he links back, amused.

“Do you guys talk to Lyric?” I ask her brothers.

Hunter snorts.

“Not much. Lyric mostly keeps to herself unless she’s with Winter.”

“Yeah,” Jace adds. “Winter usually does enough talking for both of them.”

We watch as Delta Sam yells, “Begin!”

She’s fast.

Controlled.

I’ve never seen anything like it.

“She is playing with him,” Kane laughs, pushing forward to watch through my eyes.

“Whoa,” I hear the guys say next to me.

“Okay, Lyric. Didn’t see that coming. I didn’t know someone so small could take down someone half her size,” Lucas says, amazed.

“They are watching her too hard,” Kane growls.

When Delta Sam calls time, I can’t take my eyes off her.

The grin on her face catches me off guard.

For a second she looks completely different from the quiet girl who usually keeps to herself.

Then I glance toward Summer.

She isn’t watching the demonstration anymore.

She’s watching me.

Following every look I send Lyric’s way.

The second Lyric smiles after taking Jake down, Summer’s expression hardens.

My stomach drops.

She noticed.

“Uh oh. Summer is on to you, Alpha,” Micah says, looking in her direction.

“I’ll handle her,” I say.

But as I look back at Lyric, I can’t shake the feeling that this is already bigger than I thought.

And for the first time all morning, Kane stops celebrating.

Because my wolf sees the same thing I do.

Summer isn’t angry that she lost me.

She’s angry that Lyric has my attention.