Chapter 9

Tommy steps forward getting more into James's face trying to intimidate him I am guessing but James doesn't back away.

"Why are you touching her?" Tommy asks pulling me behind him as soon as I am out of James's grip.

"We were just talking, what is your problem?" James spits back.

"Don't go near her." Tommy says with an angry tone.

I was beyond confused now. Why was Tommy so worried about me talking to this James guy? Also why was he acting like I was his girlfriend or something? I peaked over Tommy's shoulder to see how James was reacting to Tommy protecting me. From the smirk on his face, it seemed like he found the whole thing entertaining. Something about his mischievous smile was both attractive and terrifying. Part of me wanted to stay away from him but another part of me was curious. I definitely had not had two human guys fight over me before, which actually made me feel a little special.

I had tuned them out and gotten lost in my thoughts, but was brought back when James called my name. I looked up and he had leaned over to see my face.

"See you around soon Maya!" He said before looking back at Tommy and smiling.

He then turned and walked away, and so did several other onlookers who had realized no physical fight wasn't about to happen. Tommy let out a frustrated growl before turning to me quickly and examining me for any injuries I'm guessing.

"Did he hurt you?" Tommy asks, his face softening.

"No. I'm fine, we were just talking." I explain.

"Maya I recommend you stay away from that guy." Tommy's voice turns serious again.

"Why? He seemed nice." I protest.

"He does at first but he is a huge player and I don't want to see you get hurt." Tommy replies and a k pout forms on his face.

I would be lying if I didn't admit he looked kind of adorable.

"Honestly Tommy I am a big girl, don't worry." I try to say with out lacking confidence.

I didn't mind Tommy protecting me, but I also knew on my best day I could hold my own. When I had my wolf with me I could handle a fight. Dad had trained me well over the years to tap into the strength of my wolf to defend myself. He never trained me as a warrior but enough to get away if I needed to. I felt weaker now, but I didn't want others to know that. If anything I needed to at least pretend I could fight off some flirty college guys.

"I don't doubt you could take him Maya, he talks big but he couldn't take on anyone." Tommy jokes.

Not sure if I should be glad or offended that he thinks the only reason I could take that guy was because he was weak already. I brushed the comment off and turned to walk away instead of continue this pointless conversation. Tommy was surprised at first that I just walked away and rushed forward a little to catch up with me.

"Are you mad I stepped in?" He asks worried threading his thumbs through the straps of his backpack.

"No, but maybe next time let me make sure the guy is an actual threat before you defend my honor." I tease but am also serious.

"When you say it like that it sounds like I'm your dad of something." He says with a disgusted face and a fake shiver.

I laugh a little. "Well remember that next time so it doesn't look like you are acting my dad too!"

He groans and continues to walk along side me falling silent.

"Sorry, I don't know what came over me when I saw James touching you. I wanted to break his arm!" Tommy admits gritting his teeth.

"Well that probably would have been frowned upon, so I am glad you didn't." I say smiling.

"I am just not used to feeling that much anger toward someone. I am usually a pretty nice guy!" Tommy says smiling but with a look of concern.

"It's ok Tommy, I guess it could happen to anyone. Just forget about it for now ok?" I say resting a hand on his arm.

"Yeah, ok! You have changed me already Maya and we just met!" He teased.

"I am not sure if I am proud to bring out your psychopathic tendencies but thanks I guess!" I tease back.

"It's not like I want to kill everyone suddenly, it's more like I would protect you from anyone. I am sure that sounds strange, but I guess it's hard to explain." He says shrugging.

To be honest it was a bit odd, but maybe this was just how Tommy was when he felt protective. I did tell him I was on the run and was being hunted. So I guess I could see how he had cause for concern. It was probably nothing.

"To be honest Maya, I like you. I feel this pull to you and I know that sounds crazy, but I feel like I was meant to protect you and take care of you." He says with caution.

He peaks over at me, and I do my best not to make a surprised face. Did he just confess to me? I mean no right? Wait what is happening right now?

"I am not sure what you are trying to say right now Tommy." I reply skeptically.

He laughed a little.

"I'm saying you are special and I like that about you. You are interesting, and beautiful obviously!" He let's out a nervous laugh. "I guess what I am getting at is I would like to take you out again if you would like!"

He stops and turns to me and I stop too and stand awkwardly.

"There are some things about me Tommy that you don't know, and if you did you wouldn't want to be with me. I don't think it's a good idea. Sorry." I reply dropping my head.

"There are things about me too that you don't know, and may scare you but I don't want to not take a chance." He replies not taking a 'no' for an answer.

I looked at him questioningly, what about him would scare me?

The strange thing was, I felt like I could trust him and that I should be near him. It was an odd feeling, something faint maybe instinct I can't be sure.

"I don't want to hurt you Tommy, and with all the things going on in my life you might be effected and I wouldn't want that." I try to convince him.

He looks concerned.

"Look, I don't have another class right now. Why don't we go and sit and talk for a while?" He asks.

'Go with him.' I hear in my mind.

'Leah! Why?' I ask my wolf.

'You need him. We need him.' She replies.

'But why?' I ask her.

'You will understand.' She tells me before blocking me.

Man this wolf was critic as hell lately and it was starting to get old!

We find a grassy spot not occupied by anyone and we sit together and fall into a slightly awkward silence. I can see he is battling with himself about what to say next but I am at a loss for words as well. So I wait for him to work through his thoughts.

"I want to tell you everything Maya but I don't want to scare you." He says suddenly.

"Oh well I don't scare easy Tommy trust me!" I say smiling.

"Well, see I am a little different from others here." He starts. "You see...I am not exactly human."

He stops and watches my reaction.

I don't think I seemed surprised enough from his words that he seemed confused.

"Uh, you see I am well....a werewolf." He blurts out finally.