Hey fans! Hope your Labor Day weekend is going great; if not, maybe this chapter will cheer y'all up:)

I'm so happy this has received so many reviews. I sometimes think that I really don't deserve them, but I just want to say thanks for reading and reviewing, because it means so much to me.

So, I used the proofread writing button here in the edit section of FP, and let's just say it was amazing, and I learned that I need to work on my passive voice...

On a side note, I'm thinking heavily on changing the name...What do you guys think about "Primitive Instincts"?

Anonymous Reviews:

Guest: Sorry for the long wait! Hope you're still reading, and let me know what you think of this chapter as well:)

JA: Lol, don't like who? And Avery is very instinctual, and I hope I'm portraying that well^^ For any readers out there who read my responses to ARs, yes, Anubis is a normal dog. I'll put more in about his background later:D

Alison: I'll try not to give up:) I'm having fun writing this story, and having even more fun reading the reviews. You guys are amazing and give me my author's high, as I like to call it. And I am updating:D Happy?

Chapter 9

After my tears had soaked into my pillow, I fell asleep. My nap was short-lived though, as my dad came home and called for me.

"Pumpkin!" Dad called loudly, excitement ringing in his voice. "Jay, where are you? I have some great news!"

I mentally groaned and rolled off my bed. My eyes felt swollen and my cheeks red. Anubis jumped down but stayed by my side. I softly touched his ear as I passed him to open the door.

"Dad," I greeted, seeing him in the living room. I smiled and hoped my face didn't look as bad as it felt. "Did you get the job?" I asked hopefully.

"Yes!" He exclaimed with a laugh. He was so happy, and his entire face was lit up with glee. "Jay, we won't have to save up our food anymore! I got a great job at a corporate office."

"Where is it at?" I asked, dread filling me. I didn't want to move from our house. Avery would probably kidnap me and hold me hostage in his basement.

"It's in Orange," Dad answered, telling me the name of the ridiculous town, "only forty-five minutes from here. Jay, the drive there is so beautiful." He smiled at the memory.

"That is great, Dad," I went up and wrapped my arms around his middle, squeezing him.

He hugged me back and I looked down at the table. The white letter had my name on top, so I knew it was for me. The chicken scratch had to be Avery's. I let go of Dad after a second. I gave him a bright smile before Anubis started whining at the door. Dad and I looked at the copper dog and then looked at each other with smiles on our faces. Dad didn't notice that when he turned away, I quickly snatched the white paper off the table.

"I start tomorrow." Dad stuck his chest out proudly, turning back to me. "Mr. Hudson said he hadn't interviewed someone so competent before."

I froze at my dad's new boss's name. Hudson?

"Dad, where did you say you worked again?" I asked carefully, trying to act like I wasn't so interested. My hands gripped in a fist and I heard the small note crumpling up.

"Huh? Oh, Hudson and Co. They're a very prestigious company, you know."

"I know," I whispered, but Dad didn't hear me.

Dad chattered about his new job, the things he was excited about and what he would have to do to get ready for tomorrow. It made me smile. Dad was acting like a first-grader on the first day of school. Anubis whined again and I snapped back into it. I let him out and Dad continued to chatter, not even noticing that I wasn't paying attention.

"Dad," I interrupted him mid-sentence. "I still have some homework to do." I prodded gently. "I'm really happy that you got the job, though. You, of all people, deserve it."

Dad's eyes moistened, but he cleared his throat and it went away. "Thank you," he beamed.

I tossed him another easy smile before going back to my bedroom. I opened my hand, the crumpled paper contrasting my pale skin. I carefully smoothed it out and Avery wrote:

Jay,

I will be picking you up tomorrow morning. Don't you dare leave without me.

~Avery

Avery was everywhere. In just a few short days, he had infiltrated nearly every part of my life, binding himself to me. His father was my dad's new boss and my new boss, he was at my house, he was taking me to his house. Avery was protecting me, yelling at me, acting sweet then pissed off. Now he was forcing me to ride to school with him. I couldn't shake him; he was like an annoying fungus that wouldn't go away. God, this was going to be a long week.

I waited outside in the cold for Avery. Fog permeated the air, making it difficult to more than twenty feet in front of me. Worry gnawed at my heart. Dad had just left with a giant smile on his face; it was his first day at work and he promised me, before leaving, that he would do his best. I heard the familiar sound of tires crunching slowly down the gravel driveway, and dread settled in the bottom of my stomach like a heavy rock.

Avery's car came into view, the red easily visible through the thick fog. He drove slowly, and I could see his dark figure from behind the wheel. His eyes swept the front of my house, settling on me. I gave him a half-smile and he pulled up and parked.

I walked over to the car and opened the door. I was about to sit down when I noticed a long white box sitting in my seat. I stopped and looked down at it.

"Avery, your box is in my seat." I pointed out, and Avery glanced over at the white rectangle and then up at me.

"It's for you," he said softly.

I stared at it for a second before I picked it up and got in the car. I put it in my lap, put my bag on the ground, and buckled my seat belt. Avery started to pull out of my long driveway and I carefully opened the expensive looking box and gasped. Inside was a rose. The purple petals were so light they looked like silver. I touched a soft petal with my fingers and sighed. It was beautiful. I looked over at Avery.

"Why did you get me this?" I asked, clearing my throat.

"Because I haven't been the best mate." Avery said, his golden eyes flickering over me before returning to the road. "Mates are supposed to be whatever their mate needs. I'm supposed to be whatever you need. You need a friend? Call me up; we'll have a slumber party. You need a shoulder to cry on? Mine's free, and it always will be for you. You need money? I will do everything short of killing myself to get it for you." Avery's hands gripped on the wheel. "Right now, I think you need a friend, someone who isn't going to push and pressure you. I've been doing that, pushing you. Werewolves are very social creatures, Jay. We constantly need to touch and kiss each other to fill that emotional need. When we find our mates, that social need is multiplied. I've hurt you because I've put my needs before yours, and that's not what I should be doing. I should always put you first, and that's what I'm going to do, starting today." Avery nodded in self-conviction.

I stared at him for a while, letting my eyes roam his handsome face. He carefully drove, ignoring my stare.

Finally, I said, "Thank you."

Avery gave me a sharp look and let out a bark of laughter. "Thank you?" He repeated. "Thank me? No, Jay, I'm the one who should be saying thank you." Avery grinned painfully, obviously mad at something I said.

"No one has ever put my needs before theirs before, Avery." I said quietly, turning so I was looking out my window. I watched the countless amount of trees zoom by, the lush green landscape too foggy to see much beyond the treeline. "Not like you just stated, anyway."

Avery was quiet and we pulled into the school parking lot. It was later than last week, so there were more cars and people milling around. Avery pulled into a parking space and as I got ready to get out, he spoke.

"Jay, I'm your mate. You're my life from now on. You, no one else. I will fight to the death for you. I will die in your place. Everything I do from this moment on will be for my most loved one." Avery took my hand and placed a careful, soft kiss on the back of it.

I inhaled sharply. My senses heightened, and Avery looked up at me with his amazing golden eyes. They sparkled brightly, the gold shimmering around his pupils. My heart thumped loudly in my ears and I could feel my cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

"I love you," Avery whispered.

He dropped my hand and got out of the car.

I stayed immobile for a few seconds before I looked up. My hazel eyes were met with blatant stares. Random teenagers looked at me with awe, jealousy, and astonishment. My eyes looked over the student body and finally rested on one girl: Kortney McCartin was glaring at me, daggers in her eyes. Beside her stood her brother, Daniel, who looked like he was going to be sick.

I turned to look at Avery, who was patiently waiting for me to get out of the car. He met my gaze coolly, but his eyes sparked dangerously, reminding me of our moment we just had. My heart beat painfully for a second, and a wave of gracious thanks flooded me; no one had ever pledged to die for me before, so it was a wonder my heart didn't burst. I snorted and realized that guy was going to give me heart palpitations.

I opened my door and stepped out. Avery was at my side in an instant, taking my book bag from my arms and slinging it across his shoulder. I gave him a warm smile and we started our trek to the school. Avery's large hand swung past my arm and I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. I slowly put my small hand in his huge one, wrapping my fingers around three of his because that is all that would fit.

Avery looked down at me, his expression tender. My heart squeezed and I gave him a sheepish smile. He squeezed my hand and held it close to him. I looked down, trying to hide my smile. When I looked back up, people stared at me openly. The McCartin's looked absolutely furious. Some people looked astonished, and others with jealous shock. The stares made me uncomfortable and I paused slightly.

"What's the matter?" Avery said, his cold sarcastic smirk returning.

"Nothing," I muttered, my eyes fluttering over the crowd of people who started whispering from behind their hands.

Avery watched my eyes and looked over at the bunch of people.

"Just ignore them," he muttered angrily under his breath. "Ass holes." Avery scowled, his chiseled face wrinkling between his eyebrows.

"I'll be fine," I assured him. "I just don't like people staring at me so...hard." I finished lamely, giving an apprehensive glance at the group.

Avery looked down at me before puffing out his chest and yelling at the teens, "Take a picture; it'll last longer!"

I tripped over a crack in the sidewalk, and Avery caught me, pulling me closer to him, protecting me from the curious stares of the student body and from any other cracks in the pathway. I slid my arm around his waist to secure myself more, and Avery's arm settled on my shoulders. He chuckled.

"You're so small," he ruffled my hair and I pinched his side. "Ow!"

"Ha!" I snorted.

"Don't be mean," Avery smirked. "I was just pointing out the obvious."

"I'm not small; everyone else is just ridiculously gigantic." I muttered, and Avery let out a laugh.

"I don't think your logic works to the rest of the world."

"The rest of the world can kiss my butt." I laughed.

Avery scowled and leaned down to my ear. "I will kill anyone who kisses your butt. Your rear-end belongs to me." He kissed my cheek and pulled back, returning our walk to the building.

I stayed silent the rest of the way to the building. Avery was too dangerous to reply to. His lips tugged up in a victorious smirk and he pulled me closer to him, hugging my shoulders tightly to his body. If I could, Avery would probably have me melt and conform to his body. It was odd, though, how well I fit right into Avery's side. It was like I belonged.

Avery dropped me off at my locker, kissing my cheek, grazing the side of my mouth. I placed my hand on his cheek and he leaned into my touch. His chest rumbled contentedly and he closed his eyes.

"Will you eat lunch with me?" Avery asked, snapping his eyes open.

I giggled. "Sure."

Avery smiled and pat my head like I was a child. I glared and he turned around and disappeared in the throng of students heading to their classes. I spun the combination on the locker, popping it open like a pro. Inside was another white box, though this one was smaller. I let myself smile brightly and pulled it out. I peeled the box open and found a small key chain. The delicate silver chain held a small playing card: the ace of hearts. My brain melted and I sighed happily. The bell rang and pulled me out of my reverie. I closed the box and put it in my pocket, grabbing my books and shoving them in my back pack.

I slammed my locker shut and rushed to class. I sat down just as the bell rang and Mrs. Jacks sent me look of warning. She started roll call and someone hissed behind me.

"Bitch."

I cringed in my seat, sinking lower as the class erupted into giggles.

"Something the matter?" Mrs. Jacks looked up from her computer.

"Jayda here just farted," I heard Kortney McCartin laugh behind me.

My face heated up, and Mrs. Jacks gave me an exasperated frown.

"Miss Lane, if you cannot control your bodily functions, maybe it would be better for you to go to the principal's office." She said sternly.

"No, ma'am," I whispered, horrified.

Mrs. Jacks glared at me before turning back to her computer.

"The only reason Avery is with a little thing like her is because she puts out, you know," Kortney lied behind me, talking to her friend sitting next to her.

The class laughed again.

"Miss Lane!" Mrs. Jacks yelled, her face red and a vein popping on her forehead. "Principal's office, now!"

I opened my mouth blankly. I couldn't defend myself and tears threatened to fall. I could feel my lips quiver and I stood up, grabbing my books. I all but ran from the classroom, hurrying to the principal's office. I had never been in trouble before, and I didn't know I could get into trouble with flatulence, but it was the bullying that got to me. It was such an obvious lie, and not one person stood up for me. The hallways empty, I felt truly alone for the first time in my life. I could have probably broke down and sobbed right there and people would just trample me and laugh.

I made it to Mr. Stoker's office and I went up to the secretary.

"What can I do for you, Honey?" Mrs. Dods asked, her frown deepening when she saw my face.

I probably looked horrified.

"I'm here to see Mr. Stoker," I swallowed. "Mrs. Jacks sent me."

"Oh," Mrs. Dods nodded, pitying me. "You can go in now."

I nodded and knocked on Mr. Stoker's door.

"Enter," he called from the deep recess of the dark office.

Well, I imagined it would be dark. And damp, Very dungeon-like, actually. Maybe a couple of torture devices on the walls.

The office was surprisingly bright. One wall was entirely windows, and they streamed in copious amounts of sunlight.

"Miss Lane, please have a seat." Mr. Stoker instructed, not looking up from a paper he was furiously scribbling on.

I sat down and placed my book bag next to me. I waited a few minutes for him to finish. I took that time to look around his office. A tall glass case held school awards and pictures. Trophies and medals lined the mirrored walls. A long, green plant sat on top, the vine-like leaves trailing down to the ground. The back wall had two bookcases, both overflowing with books. Other than the trophy case, his desk, the two chairs, and the bookcase, the room was bare. White walls held no pictures or drawings.

"Miss Lane, in the three years you've been here, you have not caused a single problem." Mr. Stoker started, looking up from his paper. He sent down his pencil and stretched his hands tiredly. "In fact, you've had perfect attendance, not even a tardy, until last week when you had your run in with Avery Hudson."

My heart quickened at Avery's name, but I tried not to show it.

"Miss Lane, if Avery Hudson has anything to do with your...complications, it would be wise to tell me now."

My eyes widened, but I shook my head. This was my fault; not Avery's. I wouldn't drag him in on my problems. Mr. Stoker watched me with calculating, watery, blue eyes. He let out a sigh.

"Miss Lane, can you please tell me what the issue was in Mrs. Jacks' class?"

I nodded and said, "People started laughing, and when Mrs. Jacks asked them what they were laughing at, they blamed me."

"Why did they say they were laughing?"

"Because I passed gas," I muttered sheepishly.

"Ah." Mr. Stoker looked at me a moment longer before taking his pencil and looking down at the paper.

He stared writing again, and I waited for just a few seconds before he addressed me again.

"Please go wait in the lobby, Miss Lane."

I stood up silently, picking up my books from the ground, and stepped out of Mr. Stoker's office. The lobby was an old loveseat with matching chairs and a coffee table. Mrs. Dods desk was a few feet away, but I couldn't see it from where I was sitting.

A few minutes after waiting, someone came in and walked up to Mrs. Dods' desk. I kept my eyes trained on the ground, knowing that I wouldn't be able to see them anyway.

"Mr. Stoker called for me?" Came the familiar voice.

I snapped my head up and leaned to my left. I saw familiar dark hair and tanned skin. Avery stiffened and turned to look at me. His golden eyes widened, and I saw confusion in his eyes.

"Yes, you and Miss Lane need to go in his office together." Mrs. Dods pursed her lips.

"Thanks," Avery muttered, walking over to me. He leaned down, touching my cheek. "Why are you here?" He asked.

"Long story," I sighed at his touch.

I gravitated towards him, my cheek eventually touching his chest. I wrapped my arms around his middle, and he wrapped his around my shoulders. All my troubled feelings disappeared as Avery comforted me with his warm embrace.

"Huh-hem," Mrs. Dods coughed. "He's ready for you now."

Avery stood up, cradling me to his chest. I buried my nose in his chest and Avery breathed deeply, basically carrying me over to the door.

"Jay, you have to let go," Avery laughed.

"Nn," I shook my head, but let go anyway.

Avery took my hand and led me inside the office.

"Mr. Stoker, what seems to be the problem?" Avery asked easily, but his posture was stiff and unwelcoming.

"Avery, don't put on any airs with me." Mr. Stoker let out an exasperated sigh. "Sit down, both of you."

Avery chose his seat and I sat down in the only other one left. My hand never left his.

"Now, as the principal, I have certain duties to perform. One of them is making sure my students are safe and secure. Jay, as I'm sure you know, is not happy with the kids in her class." Mr. Stoker seemed to be talking to just Avery, but occasionally his eyes would flicker over to me. "I looked over your schedules and I noticed several similarities. You have nearly the same classes, just different periods. Now, as not only your worried principal, but as a fellow were," I gasped softly, which was ignored by both men, "I would be willing to make a few changes to either schedule so you will be placed in the same class periods."

Avery stared at him for a second before his face broke out in a smile. "Mr. Stoker, I can't thank you enough for this opportunity. If she could, I'd rather have her switch to my classes," Avery glanced at me. "If that's alright with you. A lot of my pack mates are in class with me."

I looked between Mr. Stoker and Avery. I nodded slowly, blinking back tears. I gave Mr. Stoker a watery smile.

"Thank you."

Mr. Stoker nodded, and filled out paper work. Avery and I sat there, watching him write out my new schedule.

"Here," he said finally, handing me five pieces of paper. "Go have your teachers sign these and then bring them back. You will also need the teacher's whose class you will be moving to signature. The teacher's name is on the slip. You'll be admitted to Avery's classes tomorrow." Mr. Stoker waved his hand. "Now, get back to class."

Avery stood up, picking up my bag and taking the paper out of my bag. We exited the office, and I turned to look at Avery.

"Did you know he was a wolf?" I whisper-asked, not sure if Mrs. Dods knew.

"Yeah," Avery smiled. "I'm sorry for whatever happened to you, but I would allow it to happen all over again."

I gave Avery a startled look.

"Why?" I asked suspiciously.

"Because now I get to spend most of the day with you." Avery smiled sweetly before smirking. "But don't worry; I won't let anyone hurt you now. You're going to be by my side constantly."

Fan-freakin'-tastic.

Thanks for reading:)