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I let out a shaky breath I didn’t know I had been holding as River jogged towards us. I knew Rowan would be here any second and that if they saw each other, there would be trouble.

River arrived at the bleachers, a wide grin spreading onto his face. “I didn’t know you went here, Jay. Why haven’t I seen you?” he asked.

I didn’t say anything at first, but when Issy nudged my side with her elbow, I spoke. “It’s my first day.” I frowned. “Exactly how old are you?”

“I turn eighteen this year.” He smiled.

My eyebrows knitted together. Perhaps it would be insensitive to ask about his story in front of Issy, but I made a mental note to question him about it later.

“What’s your sixth class?” River asked.

“Uh – I,” I stuttered, fumbling in my bag for my schedule. When I finally retrieved the piece of paper, I handed it to River.

His eyes scanned over it and he smiled. “You and I have Gym together.”

“Really?” I asked, taking the sheet back and looking at it. Gym would be my first class the next day. I was looking forward to it as it was going to be my way of letting my frustrations out – not that I had many.

An arm circled around my waist and I flinched. “So this is where you were,” Rowan mused, looking down at me. He then saw River. “What are you doing here?” He asked threateningly.

River put his hands up in mock surrender. “I go here.”

A low growl sounded from Rowan’s chest and I cleared my throat in panic, cocking my head to the side to gesture at Issy and tell Rowan not to let the secret off. He silenced himself but shot a glare of warning in River’s direction.

River merely laughed, causing Rowan’s glare to become even harder. I cleared my throat. “Should we get going?” I asked, placing my hand softly on Rowan’s shoulder and breaking him from his staring competition.

Rowan nodded, tugging on my waist and leading me to where the car was parked. I turned around and gave a quick wave to Issy, who smiled back at me, dazed and slightly flushed.

~~~*~~~

It was now apparent that the entirety of the Golden Eye pack had the same dark brown skin as River.

“Remember,” Rowan said quietly. “Stay close to me.”

I nodded, leaning my head on his shoulder as we stared at the bonfire in the centre of the clearing.

By now, the party was in full swing. People would approach us to greet Rowan, but other than that, things were relatively quiet when it came to the two of us.

“Rowan?”

“Yeah?” He replied, looking down at me.

“Exactly how old are you?” I asked.

My mate’s eyebrows furrowed as he frowned. “Haven’t I told you?”

I shook my head.

“I turn twenty four this year,” he said.

“Really?” I asked. I looked down at the ground. “I’m only nineteen.”

Rowan kissed my temple and smiled. “I know.” He then kissed my shoulder. “Why are you asking?”

I shrugged. “I was just surprised to find out what River’s age was.”

~~~*~~~

“River?” I asked, awkwardly clutching my books and flushing when his friends all looked at me. “C-can we talk?”

He smiled at me and stood up, laughing when one of his friends wolf-whistled. “What’s wrong?” he asked when we reached the outside of the cafeteria.

I exhaled. “Did you lie when you said your mate died?” I asked.

River’s face turned stone cold. “Why would I lie about that?” He questioned.

I flinched, realising that he was angry. “I’m sorry,” I apologised. “I-it’s just that you’re really young and I…” I trailed off. “I assumed you were a lot older. I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it.” He paused. “Was that all you wanted to ask?”

I nodded and apologised again, watching as he made his way back into the cafeteria and feeling terrible for being responsible for his slightly hurt expression.

“There you are, Jay!” Issy’s voice sounded from behind me and I jumped in surprise. Looking back, I saw that River had disappeared back inside. “Are you coming?” Issy asked.

I shook my head. “I’m not hungry.”

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