Chapter1

Every girl dreams of her high school prom, and I was no exception. My friends and I were getting ready to go dress shopping, but my parents couldn’t understand how important the prom was to me. They believed I should refrain from doing anything that could affect my image and bring negative attention to our family name.

Apparently, being the beta’s daughter put a leash on you having fun. Of course, I took every opportunity to enjoy my life and live life to its fullest. Mom said I reminded her of who she was before she found a mate, and tended to give me some leeway, but Dad was a huge stickler for the rules. My mom, Sarah, was 5’ 6” tall with a toned frame and light brown hair that was chest length. She was a warrior in our pack and had taught me to fight since I was five. My dad, Ben, was 6’ 7” with a football-build body that could bench a car, had tattoos from head to toe, and slick black hair. He had never gone easy on me and was upset I was not a boy, but that did not stop him from raising me as such. I competed in all the same competitions as boys, but I had yet to get the best of him. He thought I was just as good and should get the beta position when he retires—if I could shape up and not cause him more headaches. Laughing, I thought about all the lectures he had given me over the years. “What mate will want a girl who parties and is fast and loose with the rules, let alone what alpha would want you as a beta?” I laughed because I grew up with the future alpha, Damian.

He was my best friend, and occasionally we had kissed, but I was keeping my virginity for my mate. Damian was 6’ 8” of solid muscle, had short black hair, and a tribal tattoo from his chest to his shoulder, around his neck and arm, and across his back. He was a walking sex-on-a-stick with piercing, bright blue eyes. His temper matched his bad-boy look, but he always had a sweet spot for me. I knew I had always caught his eye. Being 5’ 7” with a slender and toned body, waist-length dark wavy hair, and emerald green eyes, I tend to catch a few guys’ attention. However, most of them thought they would get the position of beta, so I tend to ignore them.

“Hurry up, Nina!” shouted my best friend, Holly. She was beautiful with her creamy mocha skin and shoulder-length black hair. She might only be 5’ 5”, but her attitude was that of an eight-foot-tall person. Jumping away from my vanity, I ran to the front door before she could begin to climb the stairs. I kept her waiting once, and she almost broke my door down.

“I’m coming! I had to finish my makeup,” I said, slightly out of breath.

“Zach, Damian, and Trevor are in the car waiting for us.” Zach was another warrior’s son. He was 6’ 6” with a pale skin complexion, hazel eyes, and shoulder-length blonde hair. He was cute in his own way but had a softer expression to him. He always had eyes for Holly, not that she paid attention. Being the gamma’s daughter, she got the same lectures that I did. Trevor was her brother and also Damian’s right-hand man since they were born only a few days apart. He was 6’ 6” with a darker complexion than Holly, and had jet black hair and the same matching dark brown eyes with gold flakes in them that Holly had. Apparently, it was a family trait of theirs.

“Bye, Mom and Dad!”

“Bye, honey. Remember to behave and mind-link me if you have any trouble. Don’t get into a fight this time!” Dad yelled from the kitchen. It was one time, and I won the fight. Not my fault that a guy couldn’t understand no. Dad was not too worried this time since I promised the boys were going along and could “protect us.” Like I needed a guy to protect me. I rolled my eyes and walked out the door with my arm on Holly’s shoulders.

“Hurry up, girls! I don’t have all day,” yelled Trevor.

“Oh, shut up, Trevor. You have nothing but time today,” Holly mouthed off, sliding into the backseat of Damian’s Cadillac Escalade. I, of course, hopped right into the front seat next to Damian. Some people thought I was Damian’s mate. We didn’t believe we were, but we weren’t against it either. I was treated as such though and never minded.

“I should be able to sit up front. My legs are a lot longer than yours, Nina, and if we need to get out quickly, I need better access than the third row,” grumbled Zach.

“Oh really, do you want another rematch, Zach?” I arched my eyebrow at him. The last time he questioned me, I laid him out more times than he could count, but he still said he “let me win.”

Everyone laughed out loud except Damian, who just cocked an eyebrow at Zach. Zach was a great warrior, but when you had beta blood running through your veins and had been trained since you were five, not a lot of people could compare.

“I am just trying to be a gentleman here, Nina. I would like to treat you as the princess you are,” Zach joked with me. He just earned a snort and an eye roll from me and a chest growl from Damian.

“Anyway,” Holly smirked, “What kind of dress are you wanting to get today?”

“Hmm,” I mused. “Maybe a skintight one that stops right below my ass with a deep V-neckline that is sheer.”

“The fuck you are!” growled Damian.

 I busted out laughing. “I am just joking. Jeez, I don’t really know. I want a floor-length one though!”

“Well, I want a short one that will make my legs look longer and that will hug my curves.”

“Holls, Mom and Dad will kill you—you know that right?” asked Trevor as he rubbed his hand down his face. “You will be what gets me killed,” he whispered, but with our wolf hearing, we all heard him.

“I am their princess. They won’t! Plus, if I find my mate, they can’t say anything!” Holly said with a determined look in her eyes. I knew that look, and there was no changing her mind. Our “prom” was a prom per se. It did start as a traditional prom, but over the years, all the eighteen-year-olds that are unmated crash other packs’ “prom” night in hopes of finding their mate or getting a quick lay if not.

My birthday was the day before prom, one week away, and I was so excited. I would finally get to see if Damian was my mate or not. I get a weird feeling in my stomach every time I think about this. What if he wasn’t my mate and he found another girl? Would I be okay with that? Deep down I have always liked him being protective of me, but he did it in a way that I was still able to smack a guy around and he would be there watching, making sure I didn’t get hurt in the process.

Chapter2

“You okay there, kitten?” Damian asked quietly. I was in deep thought and didn’t realize the conversation drifted off in the back, and he noticed I didn’t have my usual sarcastic remark to them. “Kitten” was a nickname he called me when we were little because, apparently, I had a temper and feisty personality that did not match my size. I didn’t hit my growth spurt until I was fourteen, so the nickname stuck.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I sighed.

“It will be okay, no matter what happens, I will never forget you.” He mind-linked me, not wanting everyone else to overhear. I turned my head and gave him a sad smile. He always said that, but I knew when he finds his mate, she would be all he thought about, and she would not want us to be as close as we are. I understood, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t hurt like a bitch. You don’t know who your mate will be until you both are eighteen, so even though Damian is nineteen, we won’t know until next Friday.

“YYYYEEAAAHHH, we are here!” Holly screamed, snapping Damian and me out of our conversation. I quickly got excited again.

Six stores later, I emerged in a stunning silk, deep red gown. It had a sweetheart neckline with a corset top that hugged my hips and ass and cascaded downward. It had a high slit that showed off my toned thigh perfectly.

Hearing gasps, I looked up and everyone was staring with their mouths on the ground. I wasn’t stupid; I knew how good I looked and how to make a statement. This dress was all statement. Damian recovered first and let out a low growl. Everyone immediately shut their mouths and turned their heads.

“Holy hell, Nina. That dress was made for you,” Holly said after finally emerging herself. She was wearing a short, thigh-length satin royal blue dress. It looked like a goddess dress, with the way it wrapped around her over and over, giving her curves and legs for days, and with silver peep-toed heels.

“Thanks,” I beamed. “That looks amazing on you, too!”

“Well, that does cover more than I was expecting,” Trevor grumbled, still not pleased with how short it was.

“Okay, boys. Time to check out and find you all tuxes!” I said.

Suddenly, I heard Damian’s voice in my head as I was stripping. “Kitten, I hope you’re not too fond of that dress because even if I am not your mate, I will be ripping it off you come Saturday night.”

I smirked. My cheeks got red, and my panties instantly got wet. “And who said I will let you?” I teased back.

“I will come up behind you, pin you to a wall, and take you right here, woman,” he teased right back.

“The whole store is about to smell my arousal, you want that?” I whispered, trying to get ahold of myself. I didn’t hear anything back but he chuckled.

“Come on, boys. Let’s get a head start on those tuxes,” Damian said out loud. “Hurry up, girls. We will be on the other side of the store!”

“Ass.” I mind-linked him with no effort. 

After we changed out, Holly and I found the boys, and they had already finished, so we headed home. Zach, Holly, and Trevor were in the back arguing about who was the better dancer and I found myself looking out the window, spacing out. I felt like my life was going to change in a week and I didn’t know why. I just had this bad feeling. I always had this knack for knowing things. Like, if something bad was going to happen or if someone was lying. Maybe I was just in tune with nature or whatever, but I felt more at peace when I could run or be in the woods. Maybe that’s why I felt an ominous feeling. I needed to go for a walk in the woods around our pack. We finally got home and I quickly told people I was tired, and that I was going to call it a night. 

Thankfully, my parents were not home yet, so I hid my dress and went for a walk. It was starting to get dark out and I loved this time of day. Dusk was so beautiful with the reds and oranges painting the sky. It was late April, and it was starting to get warm out, but I still wanted to bring a jacket. I hated being cold, and dusk in April was still a bit chilly. There was a small meadow about half a mile from my house that I loved. I liked to lay there and look up at the stars. There was a small opening in the canopy that allowed the sun or the moon’s rays to peek down. Even though the stars were not quite out yet, I still laid there and let my mind wander. That was until I heard a stick snap and the smell of coconut and rainwater filled my nose. Damian.

“I knew there was something wrong with you.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Oh really, this is where you run off to when you’re stressed about something, so talk to me, kitten.”

I sighed. He knew me too well. “I just have this feeling. Like something bad is going to happen next Saturday. There will be like five hundred kids from all over here for the prom. Things are going to change. I just don’t know if it’s for the better.”

Damian knew of my “feeling” I get. Multiple times, my instincts had never been wrong and had saved us a time or two. He laid down beside me and was quiet for a while. The stars were out now, and they were beautiful.

“I have always liked you and admired you. You would be a perfect Luna and I would be proud to be your mate. Even if we aren’t mates, we will find a good balance. I will be jealous of any mate of yours that is not me, but as long as you are happy…”

“If only it was that simple,” I said quietly. I knew we had talked about this multiple times, and we had fooled around too, but I would be heartbroken if we weren’t mates. I had secretly wanted him as a mate since we were little. 

“Do you feel like it’s something else that is going to happen?”

“I just don’t know.”

“Kitten…”

Chapter3

“Nina! Get up, you’re going to be late for school!” My mom shouted from down the stairs. Shit, it was Monday. This weekend went by quick. My senior year was almost over. I had prom this Saturday and graduation next Saturday. Rolling over and sliding out of bed was the hardest part. I had a very loving relationship with my bed. I quickly took a shower and got dressed. I always wore comfy clothes, but since I had to go to training today, I let my hair air dry and wore leggings and a sports bra with a crop top.

“NINA! Your friends are waiting outside!” Mom shouted right as I heard an impatient horn honking. For as long as I could remember, Holly and Trevor always picked me up and drove us to school. It was only a ten-minute walk, but it was nice not having to walk when it was cold out. With a granola bar in hand, my mom stood at the door and gave me a big smile and a hug goodbye. Jogging down the steps from my wrap-around porch, I heard them already arguing.

“Trevor, I told you, I am old enough to make my own choices!” shouted Holly angrily. For as long as I could remember, Trevor had always been overly protective of Holly. He did not like her training, flirting, dating, or anything that would give a guy the wrong impression. He wanted her to be a princess and not lift a finger. Unfortunately for him, she had a passion for fighting and an attitude to match it. We were twins in that respect.

“Already arguing? Why now?”

“Trevor thinks I should stay home and learn to cook or work at the daycare instead of going to the field after school to train. Apparently, it gives guys a chance to look at what isn’t theirs and isn’t ladylike. It doesn’t matter if I know how to defend myself or that I am one of the top female warriors,” Holly lashed out.

“Trevor, you know you won’t and have yet to win this argument. She is going to do what she wants, and you need to love her for who she is, and not trying to make her into a submissive trophy wife,” I said, standing up for my friend. Mainly because I loved her, but also, I didn’t want to be put into that category either.

“Whatever,” Trevor commented under his breath as he floored his Dodge Charger.

Finally, school was over, and I could let out some of my frustration. Running to the field, I saw my dad walking over to start training. He gave me a head bob and yelled at everyone to start with ten laps for a warmup and then to pair off and work on offense and defense. On my second lap, I suddenly felt a presence behind me.

“Hey there, good looking.” Coconut and rain rushed into my senses. I didn’t need to turn around to feel Damian’s eyes on my ass as I ran. Rolling my eyes, I suddenly swerved to the right and kicked my foot out, sending him flying forward. However, since Damian was over eighteen and had gotten his wolf, he could nail the landing and glanced back at me with a wink. Slowing his pace, he looked at me, and this time I almost fell. The look he gave me was filled with so much love, desire, and longing. My mouth went dry, and I couldn’t seem to find the words to snap back at him.

“Something got your tongue?”

“Oh, just this cocky future alpha who thinks he is hot stuff.”

Faking hurt, with a hand over his heart and a pained look on his face, he asked, “Well then, I guess you might want to be my partner and show me how cocky I am?”

“Sure, I would like to knock you down a peg or two, mister.” Finishing our laps, we all broke off into groups of two and started to spar. Damian knew I needed to let out some frustration, so he took defense first. I got in a few good punches, but I seemed to end in more pain. Although I was the top female warrior, I was no match for a future alpha. I did feel better though, and I was able to get my pent-up energy out. All these feeling for this Saturday seemed to be getting stronger each day.

“Feeling any better, kitten?”

“No, it only seems to be getting worse. The feelings are getting stronger each day.”

Damian looked at me worried, then he glanced behind me and dipped his head.

“Nina! We need to go over your birthday party on Friday, as well as Holly’s,” said the Luna. Since Holly and I shared the same birthday, we always had a party together. We were both looking forward to it since we would get our wolves and possibly get to meet our mates!

“Yes, Luna! I was thinking since prom is the next day, why don’t we just do a little party before prom, and then we can all head over to the dance after?”

“That sounds perfect, dear. I will organize it for you!”

“Thanks, Mom!” Damian said to his mom. The Luna was the sweetest person you could ever meet. Just standing over 5’4” with a petite frame, and with long blonde hair, she was a beauty. She was where Damian got his blue eyes from. I don’t think she knew how to raise her voice at all. I watched Stephanie walk away.

Meanwhile, the alpha was the scariest person I knew. He was barely taller than Damian, with solid muscle and was bald. He had this look that made you squirm, even without using his aura on you. How they ever got paired together was beyond me.

“So, will you go to prom with me, Nina?” Damian asked, pulling me out of my train of thought.

“Took you long enough to ask. What if I already found a date?”

“Please, everyone knows you belong to me. No one would dare ask you without running it by me first.”

“Oh really, and what makes you think I belong to you?” I challenged.

“Don’t make me laugh, kitten. I claimed you when you were five.”

“Yeah well, we will see Friday, won’t we?”

“About that…” Damian suddenly took a step back and rubbed his neck.

“What?”

“Dad has me going to a few meetings with alphas who have teens coming to the prom, so I will be busy Friday. I won’t get to see you until Saturday at your party.”

“What the fuck? Seriously? That’s perfect, how long have you known about this and why didn’t you tell me?” I felt my eyes burning with tears. I was beyond mad. That was the biggest thing I hated about myself. I cry when I am mad.

“I just found out, I swear! I am so sorry, Nina. I really wish we could figure out if we’re mates before the party, so we can decide on what happens. I didn’t plan for this.” Damian looked at me pleading, begging for me to understand. The only thing I could think as I turned and walked away was… this was the beginning of a very bad week.

Chapter4

I hadn’t seen Damian all week with my studying and finalizing of all projects. I was in all advanced classes, and I had a feeling I would not want to go to school next week, so I busted my butt with Holly to get it all done.

“Are you excited about our birthdays tomorrow?” Holly squealed. 

Rolling over in bed, I said, “Hell yes! I am so excited about meeting my wolf! I wonder how big she will be, what color, and what her name is.”

“Me, too! I am so glad your parents let me stay over tonight. I am glad we get to share this together.”

“Well, we have been busting our asses all week, so we don’t have to go to school today and next week!”

Holly suddenly got a serious look on her face. “What will you do if Damian is not your mate?” Holly knew my thoughts and fears. I tell her everything.

Sighing, I responded, “I honestly don’t know. Let’s go to sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a long day.”

“Wake up, sleepyhead!” I suddenly heard yelling in my head. Maybe I was still dreaming. “I am not a dream girl! WAKE UP!” I snapped my eyes open and realized I had my wolf!

“Oh my god, what is your name, what color are you? I love you already!” I yelled. I tried to lay still so I didn’t wake Holly up, but I was so excited!

I heard her giggling. “My name is Raven, and you will see what color I am when we shift!”

“Damn, can I shift now?”

“So impatient, but yes, you can. It will hurt badly but I will help you through it,” Raven said.

Very quietly, I got out of bed, tiptoed down the stairs and went outside. “Okay, now what?”

“Go into the woods, you might want to get naked and get comfortable. This will take a while.”

Thirty minutes later, there was a fire burning through my body. I bit my tongue to keep from yelling out and making my presence known. Suddenly, I heard my bones start to snap. “RAVEN, what is happening?”

“Imagine your hands are paws and you are a wolf,” Raven instructed. “I know this is going to hurt, but it will only last a short time. You can do this!” I was lying in a fetal position hearing my bones breaking, and the next thing I knew I was looking at the earth. I smelled the wet earth and more scents. I didn’t know what they were. Looking down, I saw dark brown and reddish paws. Looking around, everything was clearer, brighter, louder, and had more scents than before.

“Wow.” That was all I could say right now.

Laughing, Raven said, “Let’s run!” And we did. We went up to a stream and I looked down. Raven was beautiful. She had my emerald green eyes and dark brown fur with almost a red tint to it. We ended up running for a few hours before we found ourselves back at my parents’ house.

“You should probably shift and get some sleep. You will need it for today!”

“Um, exactly how, Raven?”

“Imagine yourself as a human again.” Raven rolled her eyes at me.

I did as she requested, and suddenly I felt cold. Looking down, I saw I was naked and put my clothes back on. I slipped back into bed and felt drained.

“You will be tired for the rest of the day, but also, Happy Birthday!”

“Thank you, Raven! Goodnight!”

“OH GOD OH GOD!” I heard screaming, and I sat straight up in my bed. Wiping the hair from my face, I looked around to see Holly jumping up and down screaming. I clutched my heart and tried to get my bearings, but just as I was about to ask Holly what the hell, my parents busted through the door, almost taking it off its hinges.

“What happened? What is wrong?” My mom asked us.

“I got my wolf! OMG, she is so sarcastic and funny! She is just like me and can’t wait to find our mate!” Holly sang while twirling around and around like a kid after they got ice cream.

“What is her name?” I asked. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents about Raven. “Is she always this loud?” Raven asked, her tone was of annoyance and amusement. “Yeah, that is just Holly. A very large personality in a little body.”

“Indy! I can’t wait to shift and see what she looks like!”

“After breakfast, Holly! You need your energy for it!” Mom scolded lightly, but there was a smile on her face, so we knew she wasn’t upset anymore. “This calls for chocolate chip pancakes!”

I heard Dad grumbling about how he never gets waffles anymore, and my mother’s laugh as she scolded him for trying to be difficult. As rough and stern as he was, there would always be a soft spot for me and my mom.

“My wolf’s name is Raven! She is just like me also and has brown hair with a red tint to it!”

“You already shifted?” Holly asked with a crestfallen look on her face. “I thought we would shift together.” Sighing, she sat down on the bed. I wiggled my way over to her and gave her a hug.

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Raven woke me up last night and I just couldn’t wait. I don’t have much energy, but I would love to shift again with you and go for a short run!”

“Oh, yes please! Maybe my mate is out there. I could use some sexy time with a mate.”

Raven sang as she twirled in my head, “Girl please, control your thoughts.” I rolled my eyes. If her thoughts are as bad as my own…

“Okay, yeah, that would be okay. I am not mad, really, just bummed. I totally get it though. I probably would have done the same,” Holly said, as she came to terms with the situation. She figured we would do everything at the same time as one another. Find our mates, get pregnant and everything at the same time. I never felt like that was going to happen, but I never put down her dreams. Honestly, I didn’t want to. I would like for us to experience it all together, but it never felt right.

“Girls! Breakfast!” Mom yelled from the kitchen. Holly shoved me on the bed and darted for the door. Unfortunately, I had always been quicker and was able to trip her foot and send her flying into the wall. She landed with a thud. I didn’t stop because we had done this so many times, and now that she had her wolf, she would heal faster. I made it to the kitchen just seconds before she did.

“Honestly, girls. Aren’t you a little old for that childish stuff?” Dad scolded us. I gave him a peck on the cheek while Mom told him to leave us alone. It was our birthday and we just wanted to eat. We hid our smirks and shoved our mouths full. Mom loved to cook. I got my skills from her.

“What are your plans today, girls?” Mom asked.

“After breakfast, we are going to shift and go for a run, but then probably just lie around all day, eat junk food, and watch movies. I hear shifting for the first time takes it out of you, so we are doing that today, so we have energy to dance tomorrow!” Holly said.

“I know the boys are busy with pack stuff today, so it would just be you two,” Dad said. They were trying to get everything ready so Dad and the alpha could retire, and so Damian and Trevor could take over. Zach had border patrol today. He switched so he could have tomorrow off. So, it was a girls day!

“That’s fine. They won’t want to watch our movies anyway!” I said, slightly disappointed. I knew Damian said he wouldn’t see me today, but I was holding out hope.

Chapter5

“Hurry up, Nina! I am ready to go!” Holly said impatiently. I was already feeling sluggish, so I wasn’t in a hurry.

“Girl, you better move, my tail needs to stretch!” Raven said. Rolling my eyes, I shoved three bites off my plate and handed it to Mom to clean.

“Thanks, Mom!”

We ran out the door before she could even respond.

“Where should we shift at?” Holly asked, deep in thought. “It needs to be deep enough that no one sees us naked but close enough to home.” I saw her rolling her eyes and knew she was talking to her wolf.

“I’ll show you where I went last night.” We found the clearing, removed our clothes, and sat facing each other.

“Will it hurt?” Holly whispered.

“Yes, but only for a while. Once you shift, it will all go away, and it will be the best feeling in the world!”

Two hours later, and with a screaming Holly, I finally saw a small gray wolf standing in front of me. I also shifted, but this time it only took me a few seconds. It was still painful but not nearly as bad. Once Raven and Indy got to know each other, they took off, jumping over logs and even catching a rabbit to eat. After about three hours, we found our way back to our clothes and slipped them on.

“That was the best feeling I ever had. It is so freeing. You see and smell everything differently now!” Holly said in awe.

“I know, I feel like nothing can touch us when we are in our wolf form. Let’s go take a nap. I am so tired though,” I said, struggling to make it to my house.

“Yeah, definitely not doing anything today!”

As soon as we got inside, I took the couch and curled up with a thick, fuzzy red blanket with tribe patterns on it, and Holly took the recliner with a gray blanket with a wolf on it. Grabbing the remote, I flipped the channels until I found a horror movie.

“Look at the blankets we chose. Interesting colors, isn’t it?” I laughed but it fell on deaf ears as Holly was already asleep. The girl could sleep through a bombing. Sighing, I wiggled my way into my pillow and closed my eyes.

“Girls! Are you going to wake up?” Someone was yelling at me, and I couldn’t figure out why. Just let a girl sleep. I needed five more minutes!

“GIRLS!” Shit, I opened one eye and looked at my dad standing before me with a smile on his face. Groaning, I just rolled over and was about to settle back in, but I suddenly felt cold air!

“AAAARRRR— Why did you do that?” Holly screamed. Dad pulled off both of our blankets and successfully dumped Holly on the floor.

“Well, girls, it is almost supper time and you slept the day away! We have cake and presents, plus Holly’s family is coming to dinner, so get upstairs and shower, and be ready in two hours!” Dad said, taking his place on the recliner and turning the television on.

Holly rubbed her hip as she sprinted to the bedroom to get in the shower before me. I let her win because I wanted another five minutes of sleep before our little family party.

Soon, we were showering, and Holly fussed over my hair and makeup. I honestly hated doing my makeup, and wearing dresses was not my thing.

“I have to wear a dress tomorrow. Don’t put me in one tonight as well! Plus, it is my birthday too, so I can choose to be comfortable!” I stated firmly.

“Fine, but no sweats!” Holly stared back with a determined look on her face. Rolling my eyes, I picked out a pair of black holey skinny jeans and a cream sweater. Holly wore a long-sleeved dress that had a high neckline and stopped just above her knees. It was white with yellow flowers on it.

Walking into the kitchen, we smelled the wonderful smells of pot roast, potatoes, and carrots. One of my favorite meals. I ended up eating three bowls, as getting my wolf made me hungry! Dinner went nicely and small talk was made. I suddenly didn’t feel good. I knew it was about tomorrow. I managed to forget about the feeling all day since shifting and sleeping the day away. Holly and I both got matching necklaces that had a wolf emblem on them. Mine was white gold and Holly’s was gold. Finally, Holly’s parents said goodnight and we headed up to bed. This had been a great birthday, but I KNEW everything was changing tomorrow.

“Happy Birthday, beautiful,” Damian whispered in my head.

“OMG, he sounds yummy,” Raven said. “Raven!” I said, laughing but agreeing.

“Thank you! When will I get to see you tomorrow?”

“Not till the party, unfortunately. I have a few things to finish up.”

“Okay. Well, I will be the one in red.”

“Ugh, I am going to have to kill someone if they look at you or even touch you,” Damian said, growling.

“Hmm, well we will see, lover boy,” I teased. I needed to stop this before Holly smelled my arousal. She was already looking at me, smiling. She knew I was mind-linking someone and by the smile on my face, she knew who it was.

“Goodnight, my princess”

“Goodnight, my prince.”

“Soo, how is Damian?” Holly asked as I turned to her.

“He is so perfect. If I am not his mate, I will be so heartbroken.” I had been in love with him since we were kids. What if I was not his mate and he found someone else?

“Oh girl, that won’t happen. You guys are made for each other. Everyone can tell he loves you, too. Even if he had another mate, I bet he would reject her for you. I would put money on it,” Holly stated firmly.

“I don’t know. I just have this bad feeling. I hope you’re right, but I will not let him reject his mate if it isn’t me. That isn’t right. The mate bond is made from the mood Goddess herself. I can’t come between those.” We were taught our whole lives that nothing was beyond the mate bond. You were supposed to cherish and love them. It was something every girl dreamed of finding. We were no exception there.

“Well, I think tomorrow will be perfect and we will each find our mates and live happily ever after!” Holly stated, but even she had a worried tone to her voice.

“You are probably right,” I said, rolling over and ending the conversation.

“Raven, what do I do? What if he isn’t our mate and my fairytale ends here? What if he is my mate and my bad feelings are something much worse?”

“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but I know regardless, we are strong, and we will make it through whatever happens. Nothing can break us,” Raven stated flatly. “Good night, birthday girl. We have a long day tomorrow, too,” Raven said, softer.

Chapter6

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP. The alarm was going off, signaling it was 9:00 a.m. We didn’t have to be at the pack house until 3:00 p.m. The party was from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., then we went to dinner before prom, and the dance following. It would take us three hours to get ready to go. We had a few hours to kill. We ended up looking at our grades that were posted.

A gasp. “Oh my god. I passed everything,” Holly said. I looked over and she had tears in her eyes. The school was always harder for her, but she kept pushing herself. She wasn’t a straight-A student but never had a C.

“I passed, too!” I said proudly.

“Let me guess, with all A’s too probably,” she said, slightly annoyed but happy.

“Yes, but Susan got valedictorian and I am okay with that. No speech for me!” I laughed, slightly hurt but mainly relieved. Public speaking was not my thing.

“Let’s watch a movie until we need to get ready!” Holly said.

“Okay, I’ll go get snacks and you pick the movie out.”

Coming back with sausage, cheese, and crackers in one hand and chocolate, popcorn, and pop in the other, we managed to snack and laugh all morning. I felt so relieved from knowing we passed our classes! I didn’t even have any bad feelings.

Soon, Holly was pulling at my hair and assaulting my face with makeup. She tied half of my hair back with an elegant braid and left pieces framing my face, which she curled and curled back. She applied a smokey eye with only a slight blush since I seemed to blush enough to bring out the color on my cheeks. Slipping onto my gown, I looked into the mirror. I didn’t even recognize myself. I was stunning. My wolf necklace just brought everything together. Holly came out with her hair in a low side bun with pieces framing her face, and a dark blue smokey eye to match her dress. She was a vision to see.

“Damn, girl! I will be jealous of whoever is your mate!” I said, making a show of my heart hurting.

“Oh my god, Nina, you look better than I imagined you would! I’ll take partial credit, of course!”

“Of course, you—”

“Girls, it’s time to go!” my mom’s voice sang out, cutting me off. “I can’t wait to see your pretty dresses!”

“Oh great, she already sounds like she is crying,” I grimaced.

“I heard that. Now get out here!” Mom said sternly. Giving Holly a smirk, we made our way to the living room. Looking at my mom, she was wiping the tears from her face and my dad looked pained.

“What’s wrong, Dad?” I asked, slightly concerned.

“Well, I would prefer a turtleneck dress, but you girls look beautiful,” he whispered.

“I love you too, Dad!”

“Alright, enough of this lovey dovey stuff. Let’s get you girls to your birthday party!” Dad said. He had work to do regardless, so he was taking us to the pack house in his truck.

Suddenly, I felt it. A feeling of dread came over me. I tried to act normal and keep my heart rate the same, but it spiked a little. I caught Dad’s eye in the rearview mirror, and he looked at me questioningly.

“You okay, hun?” Dad asked via mind-link. Thankfully, Holly was too excited to notice.

“Yeah, just a bad feeling about the night. I am sure it will be nothing. You know how they can be.” I tried to sound reassuring.

“Hmm well, just mind-link me if you need me and I’ll be there any time you need, sweetie.”

“I know. Thank you, Dad. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Pulling up into the pack house, it was already busy with kids. They changed the game room into a party, removing all the games, and adding tables, snacks, and drinks. There was alcohol, because if you were of age, you could drink because it took so much to get a wolf drunk. However, those at seventeen and under were not allowed, but it was not enforced hard since we were staying on pack grounds. We made our way over and both poured ourselves a drink. Holly liked the sweet drinks and went for a Sex on the Beach, and I like my whiskey, so I poured a Crown Royale and coke.

“I have to go to the bathroom!” Holly said loudly, so I could hear her over the music.

“Okay, I am right behind you.”

We got about halfway and Holly suddenly stopped. She started smelling the air and moved away from the bathroom. What was going on with her? I tried to follow her, but she was moving too quickly because of how many people were here. I finally caught up to her and she had a deer-in-the-headlights look to her, and she was staring straight ahead. Turning my head, I looked to see what she was looking at. It was Damian. I got a sinking feeling in the pit in my stomach as I heard Holly whisper, “Mate.”

No, no, no, no. That couldn’t be right. He was supposed to be my mate, not Holly’s. I was in a trance looking at him. I could feel the tears start to well up in my eyes. I hadn’t taken a breath and Damian was looking between Holly and me, unsure of what to do. Trevor and Zach were on either side of him with shocked expressions on their faces. No one could believe it. I was supposed to be his mate. ME!

“Nina, I….” Holly stammered, unsure of what to say or do. Everyone was waiting to see how I would react. Snapping out of my trance, Raven was howling loudly in my ear. She could feel my heartbreak as if it was her own. My whole life was a lie. All of the make-out sessions, all the midnight talks. I knew they were gone. Damian took one step toward me and suddenly we all heard a growl that made him stop.

I looked over and Holly had her mouth covered and a shocked expression on her face. I had told her all my feelings about Damian, and she knew how much I loved him. Our friendship would not survive this. Of that, I was sure. She was already possessive of him. She was probably afraid he would reject her. My heart was breaking for her, too. She knew her mate was in love with another girl, and that other girl was her best friend.

I did the only thing I could think of, and that was to turn around and run away. And I ran fast. I could hear everyone yell at me from behind, and I could hear their paws hit the ground, so I shifted mid-stride and took off. I managed to outrun everyone. I let Raven take over and I just cried. Cried for my lost friend and lover. Raven found a cave and crawled into it. I built a wall around my mind. I cried myself to sleep while blocking out all the mind-links I was getting.

Chapter7

“Nina, wake up. Something is happening. Something doesn’t feel right!” Raven whispered urgently.

Sitting up in my wolf form, since I still didn’t have any clothes, I felt it. A very bad feeling. I assumed the bad feeling was Holly being Damian’s mate but now I wondered if it was more. Slowly we crept out of our cave and strained my ears. I heard growling and smelled blood.

“Dad, what’s going on?” I mind-linked my dad.

“Oh my god, Nina! Are you okay? Where are you? We are under attack! Get to the safe house NOW!”

Panic sank into me. I ran to our house, and under the kitchen island was a bunker. I could clearly hear the growls and cries of wolves. I sank into the mattress we had there and waited it out. It happened, I felt a snap. I screamed as loud as I can. I couldn’t believe it. My MOM was dead! I felt her life being cut from my mind. I heard my dad’s wails in the distance, and I knew he would not survive tonight either or would be dead within months. No one survived a mate dying. Your wolf eventually goes bad, and you turn rogue. I didn’t think I had anything left to cry, but I did. I cried for my mom, and when I finally felt my dad’s connection snap, I cried for him, too. I was now an orphan, and my best friend was mated to my childhood lover. I cried until I passed out again. Raven kept watch in case she needed to protect me while I mourned.

It was finally morning and I woke up. This wasn’t my bed, I thought, and last night came rushing back to me. I knew I shouldn’t stay down here, but I needed to find my parents’ bodies and say goodbye. I walked upstairs and looked at all the pictures my mom had hung on the wall, and I lost it. I smashed everything in sight. I was going to town when I felt strong arms around me holding me still. Tears were pouring out and I didn’t have energy to fight with anyone.

“I got you, Nina,” Trevor said, and I was thankful it wasn’t Holly or Damian. I was not ready to face them yet. I quickly realized that I was still naked, and so did Trevor as he let me go and turned around. I sprinted to my room and put on black joggers and a sports bra and crop top. I pulled on my Nike sneakers as Trevor walked in and sat down on my bed. He had been here before, but it just felt different now. His sister would be luna.

“I don’t know what to say, Nina. I am so sorry about your parents. I am sure you already know. Holly had no idea what was going to happen. She feels like the worst person in the world. Damian is worse. He didn’t reject Holly but didn’t accept her either. Everyone assumed it would have been you…” his voice trailed off. We sat in uncomfortable silence for a while.

“Take me to my parents,” I said finally. Trevor just looked at me and nodded. He was always like a brother to me, and I let him put his arms around me and comfort me. We walked in silence, and I kept my head down. I could feel everyone staring and I couldn’t look into their eyes that I was sure were full of pity. The girl whose boyfriend was mated to her best friend and lost her parents. I was going to be the pack’s member that everyone felt sorry for.

It hit me right then that I wasn’t going to be able to take the beta position. How could I work under Damian and Holly and watch their love story grow? I was not that strong. I guessed Trevor was going to get a promotion. Finally, we made it to where they were preparing for the funerals. Pack life was different. Here at the Red Moon pack, we didn’t have funerals in these situations. If someone died of natural causes, then yes, but warriors that died on the battlefield got the honor funeral. Everyone gathered around. The alpha would say a few words, and then the dead would be set on fire—their ashes fertilizing the ground in belief that we gave back to the Moon Goddess by keeping her creations alive. Circle of life. Trevor was sent to come get me for the ceremony, I realized in that moment, as we approached the whole pack. He guided me over to where my parents were.

“Nina,” I heard softly. I turned and saw Holly with a tear-stained face and Damian looking at me from behind her. Next to him were his parents, the alpha and luna, with sorrowful expressions on their faces. I couldn’t do this now, so I turned around and walked away to my parents. We lost twenty-seven warriors altogether. I grabbed my parents’ wedding rings and my mom’s necklace that she had on. I had given it to her for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It was a simple, single princess emerald on a white-gold chain. I put their rings on the necklace, and I had Trevor put the necklace on me.

I heard the alpha speak, but honestly I was done being here. Zoning out, I couldn’t help but think, what will I do now? Do I stay in the same house? Where do I work? I knew mom and dad had saved up, so I was not hurting for money, but I couldn’t rely on it. I was planning on going to college anyway, so maybe I would go to one outside of this state. I couldn’t stay here was all I knew. Finally, they started to bring fire to the bodies, and I watched my parents become ash. Well, I knew one thing for sure now. My mate was not in this pack. I would have smelled him today. I didn’t know if I should be happy about that or not. Happy I was not going to be stuck here looking at Damian and Holly for the rest of my life, but sad I would have to leave into the unknown to find him.

Trevor started guiding me back home since I didn’t want to go to the meal afterward. I couldn’t eat. Walking through the front door, I found the couch and laid down. I heard a door shut and glass moving, and I realized Trevor was cleaning up my mess. Working on autopilot, I stood up to help him.

“Nina, don’t. I can handle it. You need to eat and relax.”

Looking down, I whispered, “I can’t sit still, I need to keep moving.”

“Okay, well, why don’t you make us some lunch since we missed the meal,” he suggested.

I nodded and went to work. I wasn’t really thinking, and I just made everything. I started by boiling the noodles and cutting the chicken and adding it to the pan. While that was cooking, I made the dough for chocolate chip cookies and had them in the oven by the time the noodles were done. My chicken was cooked, and I added the alfredo sauce and added the noodles. It was my staple meal and apparently everyone would say how amazing it tasted. It was another comfort food for me.

“Nina, we need to talk.” I heard a high, squeaky voice from the door.

Straightening my back, I prepared myself. I was not ready for this but here we go. Time to be the daughter my parents raised. And since Raven had been absent from my mind all morning, I was on my own. She stayed up all night to make sure we were protected, so she needed to sleep today.

Turning to look at Holly, I could tell she had been crying. Her cheeks, nose, and eyes were swollen and red. She was wearing leggings and a t-shirt, and her hair was in a ponytail. Standing behind her was Damian. His eyes reflected the pain and turmoil he was in. He wore black gym shorts and a white wifebeater, looking sexy as ever. Trevor had his head showing from the doorway with a nervous look about him, like... was she going to go all crazy? I had to smile internally because that is exactly what I would do. I was a born fighter, trained and at the top of my class. I wouldn’t be able to kill Damian or Holly, but I could get a few hits in before I was pulled off. And they knew it. They were standing tense and waiting to see what I would do, glancing nervously between them both.

Sighing, I said, “Nothing to talk about. You guys are mates. You will not reject each other. Damian, our fairytale of love has come to an end. Holly, our friendship is done, and I will be leaving here soon once I get everything in order. I can’t stay here and watch you two in a mate bond being in love and running the pack as alpha and luna, even if I am not made beta. Being beta would be worse, having to work closely with you guys and seeing it every day. Trevor can be beta. Zach can be gamma. I won’t be the pathetic ex-girlfriend you can’t get away from. I have more pride than that. I might eventually feel different about things, but right now I need to not see you guys ever again.”

I finished my speech and Holly had a shocked and hurt expression on her face. She bursted into tears and ran outside through the front door. Damian looked back at her and turned to look at me, opening his mouth to say something, but I stopped him before he did.

“Just leave.”

I felt a mind-link from Damian. I allowed it through. “I am so sorry, I will forever love you, please forgive me.”

I shut it off and didn’t reply. Looking out the window, I saw him bring Holly into a hug. He tilted his head and saw me watching through the window, and got a pained look in his eyes. All I could do was turn away before I headed to bed and cried myself to sleep, leaving Trevor to clean the kitchen.