Different

Evelyn

That night, after my run, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I spent the rest of the evening in the sanctuary of my room, successfully avoiding Alpha Ben and Alpha Alex for an entire week after our little incident.

The only downside was the rumor mill. Word was spreading that Tessa was now Alpha Alex’s girlfriend. I shouldn’t care—I don’t care—but she hasn’t even tried to find her mate. He’s probably out there, searching for her, while she’s here, sleeping with half the pack. And not just anyone, but the beta sons, Parker and Wayne.

I can’t wait to find my mate. I hope he’s from another pack so I can leave this one and escape Tessa. She blames me for our parents’ deaths, which is ridiculous considering her mother killed mine. But I don’t want to argue with her.

It’s Monday, around four in the morning. I like to rise early to prepare sandwiches for the patrol wolves, and also for Alpha Ben and Alpha Alex. As I’m halfway through, I hear someone approaching. Looking up, I see Julian, looking worn out.

“What’s up, buttercup?” I ask, my voice soft. Julian has always had nightmares, and since we were kids, he’s asked me to sing to him to soothe his fears.

“Another nightmare,” he replies, meeting my gaze with a half-smile.

I hum in response, giving him a comforting smile, and start to sing softly.

“Wise men say, only fools rush in.”

He takes a seat at the bar, resting his head on his fist, watching me finish the sandwiches as I continue to sing.

“But I can’t help falling in love with you. Shall I stay? Would it be a sin if I can’t help falling in love with you?”

Once the lunches are done, I walk over to Julian, take his hand, and lead him to the piano in the next room. We sit down together, and I start to play softly.

“Like a river flows, surely to the sea,

“Darling, so it goes, some things are meant to be.

“Take my hand, take my whole life too.

“For I can’t help falling in love with you.

“Like a river flows, surely to the sea,”

“Darling, so it goes, some things are meant to be.”

“Take my hand, take my whole life too.”

“For I can’t help falling in love with you.”

“For I can’t help falling in love with you.”

When I finish, I look at Julian. He’s relaxed, a soft smile on his face. We’ve both loved that song since Raf and Sam told us that my parents dedicated it to each other.

“Eve, that was beautiful,” Julian says, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

Even though he’s heard me sing it countless times, he always compliments me. I’m about to thank him when another voice interrupts from the doorway.

“I agree, that was amazing.” It’s Alpha Alex.

I blush a little, knowing no one else has really heard me sing. I’m not shy about it, but I usually only sing for Julian and myself.

“Thank you both. I should get back and start breakfast.”

I stand up and head back to the kitchen, placing all the lunches on one counter, each one labeled. Picky wolves.

Julian and Alex join me. “You make the lunches and breakfast?” Alex asks.

I nod. “Yes, but the other women help with breakfast.” He seems interested in what I do.

Before Alex can ask anything else, Julian jumps in. “Are you training with us today?”

I nod again. Alex looks at him, puzzled. “Why would a cook be training with you?” he asks.

Julian chokes on his drink, while I turn to give the alpha a disapproving look.

“Just because I’m cooking to help out the other women doesn’t mean I’m limited to it. I train, I work out, I even patrol the border from time to time.

“So before you assume that I’m just a cook, maybe you should learn more about your pack, Alpha.”

With that, I storm out of the kitchen, heading for my room.

How dare he just assume?

I wouldn’t care if he hadn’t had that skeptical look on his face, as if I can’t train.

I’ll show that cocky alpha what I’m capable of.

I quickly change into a pair of shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top, and lace up my sneakers. Training is about to start.

I feel a little guilty about not helping the women in the kitchen, but I’m sure they’ll understand.

I head back downstairs, thankfully not running into that jerk of an alpha, and apologize for not helping.

Mertle, being the woman she is, hushes me and tells me I don’t ever have to help, but they appreciate that I want to.

I load up a plate with bacon, eggs, and waffles, and eat quickly, eager to get to the training field and kick some ass.

As I walk out, I see Alpha Ben and give him a small wave before looking away. We haven’t talked since that dinner, and I’m not looking forward to it.

I run up to Uncle Raf and Julian, greeting them. “Hello, boys. Ready to get your asses kicked?”

Raf throws his head back and laughs. “Julian, that sounds like a challenge. But luckily for you, Alpha Ben and Alpha Alex are joining us and want to do a sort of matchup tournament.”

Surprised, I nod. “Sounds like fun. Julian, you want to be my sparring partner?” He gives me a “really?” look before getting into stance.

We’re warming up together when Alpha Ben calls everyone to attention.

I'm hoping against hope that they'll pair me with a decent partner. I don’t want to be stuck with the weakest girl in the room, but something tells me that’s exactly what’s going to happen.

I glance over at Tabitha, a tiny, delicate girl who’s been training for a few years but never seems to take it to heart. I heard something about her parents pushing her into it.

Sure, she’s got a few moves under her belt, but nothing more than the average Joe.

In that moment, I just know these idiots are going to stick me with her. But I’m holding onto the hope that I’ll quickly climb the ranks to spar with one of our top fighters.

I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve been training my ass off and doing pretty damn well. Even Uncle Raf seems taken aback by my progress.

So when they call out Tabitha and my name to square off, I can’t help but roll my eyes.

Let’s just get this over with.