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Max was sitting and looking in front of him in a daze.

He was lucky to have an unbreakable poker face, else it would be clear for everyone in the school's cafeteria the reason for his daze.

Shawn was sitting in front of Max. It was Thursday, and 20 minutes ago as soon as lunch break started, Shawn found Max and dragged him with him and his friends to the cafeteria. He was doing that all week. Usually finding Max first, and just randomly chatting with him, or dragging him for lunch.

Even before knowing that Max is a witch, Shawn was already curious about him. He never met a witch before, so he was dying with questions. 

But the image of the smaller boy's stance during the encounter with rogues, his quick thinking, confidence,  calm demeanour, was making Shawn fall more and more for Max. At first, he thought that it was only friendliness. But later he started to recognise more feelings had began to emerge. 

He tried to stop himself many times. He didn't want to be like other werewolves,  saving himself for his mate. Nonetheless, he found himself undeniably and hopelessly falling in love with Max.

Max, on the other hand, maintained a cold act towards Shawn. He didn't trust him, nor did he want to show his feelings to Shawn. But inside he was a mushed mess when it came to the blue-eyed boy. 

He wanted to know, the touch of Shawn's hands, the taste of his lips, the feeling of his broad, muscular chest. How would he kiss him... Would he be soft and gentle, or would they just roughly collide their lips together...

They were all sitting at the table, one of Shawn's friends telling how the last football game went. He was jumping around like a crazy gibbon, demonstrating how he jumped into the air and caught the ball. Shawn calmly and forgivingly watched his friend, and Max watched Shawn.

The bell rang, and everyone began to gather their things to head for the next class. Shawn stopped Max on the way.

"Remember, the party tomorrow... You didn't change your mind about coming, right?" Shawn anxiously waited for an answer.

"I'll be there. You are asking me already for the hundredth time. I know that your Father really wants me at that party, but no need to be so anxious about it," Max smiled.

"It's not because of my father, you know."

Max looked at the floor. He wasn't oblivious to Shawn's feelings. But it was Shawn's feelings now.

"Shawn, we both know you are turning 18 tomorrow. You will find your mate, and believe me, I will be the last thing on your mind."

Shawn didn't answer. The silence really pained Max. Shawn wasn't stupid, he knew that Max was right. What they had now was very fragile. They couldn't let themselves to get lost in their feelings. Shawn didn't want to hurt Max. But he just wanted to keep pushing. It was the first time, that Shawn liked someone so much, and he was lost.

"See you later, Shawn." Max looked one last time at Shawn, with a pained expression on his face and turned the corner.

Shawn didn't move from his spot. He knew Max was right. But he just didn't want to think about it.

***

On Friday, Max couldn't find Shawn at school. Shawn was preparing for the party at home. The Alphas' 18th birthday was always a big deal. Neighbouring packs and a lot of people were invited. With Shawn's pack being one of the biggest packs in the country, the celebration was even more pompastic then usual.

Max was fidgety from the morning. He didn't want to go to the party. He didn't want to see Shawn finding his mate, but he promised. Max had tho think about his future, too. Being the healer of the pack was not a bad suggestion at all. He liked doing what he did, and there was no denying his nature. He was a witch, a name he wore with pride. He had to hide it from simple humans; a feeling which left him feeling alone. But was not like he had many things in common with them. At his previous school, his classmates were playing games, chasing after girls, partying and doing other teenager stuff. While Max was roaming the woods and gathering herbs like some medieval witch. Max's brother, Luke always ridiculed him about it all the time. "Dude, you can just order it online.." But where is the thrill in that?

Max came home from school. After resting for some time, he played games with his brother for a bit. Luke was in a good mood, but Max didn't know why. "Spring", he thought to himself. Usually Luke was quite a gloomy person, sarcastic and even negative in some occasions. But today he was smiling a lot, and even made some food. Their parents were still working. Max had told them about Shawn's dad offer. They didn't mind much. As long as Max was happy.

Max looked at the clock. It was time to get ready, so he went to take a shower. He picked his clothes, laid them down on his bed and went to dry his hair. Today he was wearing black skinny pants, a light blue button-up shirt, and black loose-fit cardigan. He dressed, still nervous and feeling knots in his stomach. He couldn't shake this dreadful feeling, like something bad was going to happen... Witches had a great intuition. The feeling in Max's guts was concerning. He looked at the mirror one last time and smiled at the thought. "If I'm gonna die today, this will be my ghost outfit forever...."

"Stupid," murmured Max and shook his head.

He grabbed his car keys, waved to Luke, who was far too immersed in his phone, and left.

As he approached pack house, he saw a lot of cars. It was already getting dark. The whole house and even the village was decorated with shining lanterns. A whole town was situated in the middle of the woods, so with the shining lights, it gave off an eerie forest atmosphere. 

Max parked his car and headed for the main event hall. It wasn't hard to find, despite Max's lack of orientation skills. He could get lost even in his own bedroom.

As he entered the event hall, he saw a lot of people. The hall was decorated with natural flower arcs and similar lanterns to the ones saw outside. It looked cosy, and even if the area was huge, it didn't give that uncomfortable feeling. Max normally felt that way inside a big hall, with lots of people, feeling out of place, cold, observed and trapped.

At this point of the evening, Max was so nervous, that he barely managed greet Shawn's friends as they approached. Shawn was nowhere to be seen, a fact which both stressed and relieved Max at the same time. Immediately, a few people came to Max, introducing themselves. They had already heard about Max, and were really curious to know more about witchcraft. Everyone was really nice, and Max was quickly immersed in the party.

***

Max was already on his fourth glass of wine, stupidly giggling at some guy's jokes, who had  approached him not long ago. He was the Alpha of another huge pack in the country, and was interested in Max. He had been trying to convince Max to join his pack, finding him quite attractive and now attempting to make a move. 

Suddenly Max felt a hand on his wrist, and less then 30 seconds later he found himself being dragged down the dark hall, by a quite upset looking, Shawn.

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