Ivy
Hi, my name is Ivy Stonebrook, and my wolf has yet to come out.
That's right, I'm already nineteen years old, and yet I haven't experienced the rite of passage that all members of the Hidden Valley Pack go through.
It's not just that I haven't found my mate yet - my wolf hasn't even made an appearance. It's like a part of me is missing, and I don't know how to find it.
I try not to let it get to me, though! I go through the motions of pack life, attending the gatherings and the hunts, but I always feel like an outsider. Everyone else seems so sure of themselves, so confident in their wolf, and I can't help but envy them.
I've tried everything to awaken my wolf. I've spent hours in the forest, connecting with nature, hoping that it will spark something inside of me. I've even tried talking to the pack's oracle, hoping that she could shed some light on my situation.
But so far, nothing has worked. And the longer I go without finding my wolf, the more I feel like I'm failing myself and my pack.
The other girls in the pack won't stop reminding me of my failure, either.
Like this bitch in front of me, who's snickering with her friends and pointing in my direction. I can feel the heat rising to my face.
"Seriously, Mindy?" I bark.
"Whaaat?" Mindy whines and twirls her perfect strand of blonde hair.
"You tripped me!" I growl.
We're in the training yard, practicing our fighting skills. I may not have a wolf, but I still have to be able to defend myself. And right now, I'm sparring with one of the more aggressive girls in the pack, who seems to take pleasure in trying to knock me down.
I dodge Mindy's attacks as best I can, but suddenly, she lunges at me with a vicious swipe, and I'm forced to leap out of the way to avoid getting hit.
I feel a sharp pain in my ankle, and I know I've twisted it. I try to hide my injury, but the other girl notices and takes advantage of my momentary weakness, landing a blow that knocks me to the ground.
I lay there, dazed and defeated, as she struts away, laughing with her friends. I try to hold back the tears that threaten to spill out, but it's no use. I feel like a failure, like I'll never be able to measure up to the other girls in the pack without my wolf.
Where the fuck are you, you worthless little shithead?
Guh, it's no use. I should just give up already.
But then a voice interrupts my self-pitying thoughts.
"Ivy, are you okay?"
It's Jack, one of the pack's elders. He's always been kind to me, treating me with the respect that I don't always get from the other members of the pack.
"I'm fine," I say, trying to sound tough.
But Jack knows better. He kneels down beside me and examines my ankle, which is now swollen and tender.
"You need to get this looked at," he says. "Come on, I'll take you to see the healer. And then I'll take you to see the Alpha. He summoned you."
Well, shit, that's not good. Every time the Alpha calls me in, it's usually to scold me. But I nod in agreement, knowing that I have no choice but to follow Jack's lead.
We make our way to the healer's house, where the kind old woman examines my ankle and gives me medicines to ease the pain. Then Jack leads me to the Alpha's den, where I feel my heart pounding in my chest as I await my fate.
Alpha Maurice is a formidable, towering man with a stern expression and piercing eyes. He looks at me as if he can see right through me, and I feel myself shrinking under his gaze.
"Ivy Stonebrook," he says, his voice deep and commanding. "Do you know why I have summoned you?"
I swallow hard. "No, Alpha."
He leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. "You have been a member of this pack for nineteen years, and yet you have not found your wolf. You have not fulfilled your duty as a member of this pack, and that is unacceptable."
I feel a lump forming in my throat. I know he's right, but it still hurts to hear it spoken aloud.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" he demands.
I take a deep breath, trying to gather my courage. "I'm sorry, Alpha. I've been trying everything I can think of to awaken my wolf, but so far, I've had no luck. I don't know what else to do."
The Alpha regards me for a long moment, and I feel as if he's sizing me up, trying to determine my worth.
"There's one thing you can do to speed up the process," he says grimly.
"What's that?" I look at him curiously.
"You will meet with another wolf your age and consummate with him. Sometimes it helps to bring out the animal."
"Eww!" I shout.
Alpha Maurice glares at me.
Oops...did I say that out loud.
"Pardon me? Did you just say eww?" the Alpha roared.
My heart pounds in my chest as I realize my mistake. I can't believe I let my disgust slip out like that. I quickly try to backpedal.
"I, um, I'm sorry, Alpha. That was inappropriate of me. I didn't mean to be disrespectful," I stammer, feeling ashamed of myself. "It's just that...the idea of having se-...I mean, consummating with someone right now just seems kind of..."
"You are not a child anymore!" Alpha Maurice roared again.
Alpha Maurice stares at me for a long moment, and I can feel his eyes piercing through me. Finally, he speaks. "I understand your hesitation, Ivy. But the fact is, you are already behind in your development as a member of this pack. You must do everything in your power to awaken your wolf, and you are also overdue on finding your fated mate," he says sternly.
I feel a lump form in my throat, knowing that he's right. But the thought of having sex with a rando, fills me with dread.
"Please, Alpha," I say, my voice shaking. "Is there any other way?"
But Alpha Maurice shakes his head. "I'm afraid not, Ivy. You have one month. If you don't find your mate within the month, we are going with my plan. I will select a pack member for you."
I swallow hard, feeling a mixture of fear and desperation. "Yes, Alpha. I understand," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Alpha Maurice nods, his expression softening a bit more. He must feel sorry for me. "I know it's not an easy thing, Ivy. But it's necessary for your growth and the growth of our pack. Trust me, it will be worth it."
I nod, not quite believing him but not wanting to argue, either.
"Yes, Alpha. I'll do my best," I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
"Good," Alpha Maurice says, standing up. "You are dismissed, Ivy. Remember, one month."
I nod again and stand up, wincing as pain shoots up my ankle. I'll have to get that looked at soon. But for now, I have more pressing matters to attend to.
I better produce my mate out of thin air.
Ivy"Ivy, this isn't how you're supposed to find your mate," my best friend Maddy says as she watches me gawk at every guy that walks into the cafeteria."I know, but I have to try something, Maddy," I reply, feeling frustrated. "I don't want the Alpha to choose someone for me.""I get it, Ivy, but you can't force things like this. Your mate will come to you when the time is right," she says."I only have one month, Maddy.""A lot can happen in a month, Ivy." Maddy smirks.I roll my eyes at her. "Very helpful, Maddy.""I'm serious, Ivy. Just focus on being yourself and doing what you love. Maybe you'll meet your mate while doing something you enjoy," she suggests."Like what? All I want to do is hang out in the woods and climb trees."Oh, did I mention I'm an excellent climber?"That's perfect, Ivy!" Maddy exclaims. "Maybe you'll meet someone while you're out there climbing. You never know who might be in the woods."I consider her suggestion for a moment but then shake my head. "Not
Ivy I rush out of the class as soon as it's over and start making my way back to my pack house. I need to take a break and clear my head. While I walk, I notice that the campus is buzzing with activity. There are students everywhere, some hurrying to their next class, others hanging out in groups, chatting and laughing. I look at them with a bitter expression. What are they so happy about? As I walk past the group of students, I catch a glimpse of someone familiar. It's the Alpha from earlier. He's surrounded by a group of friends, all of them laughing and joking around. Why does he get to have it all? Looks, strength, and popularity. It's not fair. He really pisses me off, I think to myself. I want to get back at him for being mean to me for no reason. Just because I look weak, doesn't mean he gets to treat me like garbage! I start to brainstorm possible ways to get back at the Alpha. I don't even know his name all I know is that he is pretty popular so he will definitely be at
IvyI am smiling brightly as the lightbulb turns on in my brain—I know the perfect solution to my problem."Stop smiling and tell me what you want," Ryder barks again."First thing first, I need to help you get sober," I say, quickly springing into action."I don't need your help," Ryder says, trying to push me away.But I am determined. I grab a glass of water from the nightstand and hold it out to him. "Drink this, it will help you feel better," I say firmly.Ryder grumbles but eventually takes the glass and drinks it. I can see him starting to sober up a little."That's good," I say encouragingly, "Now, let's get you cleaned up." I guide Ryder to the bathroom and turn on the shower. "Get in and let the water wash away the alcohol," I instruct him.Ryder grumbles again but starts taking his clothes off."Whoa there, buddy. I don't want to see you naked. Do it behind the shower curtain!" I say, wide-eyed. Although I'm kind of curious to see what he looks like naked.Ryder chuckles sl
IvyI nearly frolicked on my way to college. I feel like a woman in love, except I'm not.Gosh, I can't wait to see my fake boyfriend!My heart is beating faster with excitement. I can't believe I'm actually doing this.I finally spot Ryder in his usual spot, surrounded by his friends. He looks up as I approach and gives me a cold stare that sends shivers down my spine."Hey," I say and wave enthusiastically.Ryder grunts in response.I try not to let his icy demeanor affect me and take a deep breath. "Can I talk to you in private?" I ask, hoping to get a positive response. I can feel his friends' eyes on me, so I look at them and smile.One particular girl gives me a nasty stare. What, did she call dibs on him or something? He didn't mention having a girlfriend at the party!Ryder looks at me for a moment before finally nodding his head. "Fine," he says, standing up and motioning for me to follow him.I feel a sense of relief wash over me as we walk away from his friends and find a s
Ryder I step up to the plate, the cool metal of the bat resting on my shoulder. I take a deep breath, trying to focus on the pitcher as he winds up, and I prepare to swing. The ball comes hurtling towards me, so I bring the bat around in a swift arc. The satisfying crack of wood meeting the ball fills my ears as I watch the ball sail through the air. I never miss it. Well, I guess being a werewolf has its perks. Of course, my teammates have the same powers as I do, but I am still the Alpha wolf. No one could match my speed or strength. I hit the ball perfectly and watch it fly through the air. I feel alive, powerful, and free. As the ball lands in the outfield, I take off toward first base, my heart racing with excitement. I can hear my teammates cheering me on, and I know that I've made them proud. "Woohoo! GO, RYDER, GO!" I hear a girl cheering loudly, so I smile and look up at the bleachers. She must be one of my fans. If she is hot, I might take her back to my hous
IvyI guess my fake mate didn't like my acting because currently, he is staring at me, scowling."What?" I ask."Did you really have to yell this loud?" he barks.The look of annoyance on his face makes me giggle. "Okay, sorry. That was stupid. Maybe we don't have to yell the word mate at each other. We can just act like we are in love."Ryder lets out a deep sigh before nodding his head. "Fine, but let's try to make it believable. No more of that overacting you just did."I nod my head, feeling relieved that he's still willing to go through with our plan. "Agreed. We can start by spending more time together, maybe even going on a date or two."Ryder looks at me skeptically. "A date? You really think that's necessary?"I nod my head eagerly. "Yes, it'll show everyone that we're really into each other. And who knows, we might even have some fun in the process."Ryder rolls his eyes, but I can see a hint of amusement in his expression. "Okay, fine. But let's keep it low-key. We don't wa
IvyI'm anxious because Ryder won't tell me where he is taking me. We are going on our first date, and I don't know what to expect or how to prepare.Sure, it's not a real date, but still..."Where are we going?" I asked for the twentieth time."I told you it was a surprise," he barks."But Ryder, this isn't a real date, so why can't you just say it?" I whine.Ryder's eyes sparkle mischievously. "Because surprises are half the fun. And besides, just because it's not a real date doesn't mean it can't be a memorable one."I roll my eyes but can't help the flutter of excitement in my stomach.He parks his car and urges me to get out then we start walkingAs we turn a corner, I gasp in surprise. We are standing in front of an old-fashioned carnival, complete with a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a row of brightly lit game booths."Welcome to the carnival," Ryder said with a grin.I snort. "Really?"Ryder almost looks offended. "What? I thought we could have fun and be kids for a day. I don
Ryder So, I just invited Ivy to Sirius's birthday party. I'm not entirely sure why I did it, but it's done now, and I can't take it back. Maybe it was because I had fun hanging out with her earlier today. She's funny and easy to talk to, and I feel like I can be my true self in front of her. And also kind of cute. I shake my head. No, I'm being stupid. She is more annoying than cute. But I can't stop thinking about her now. Her soft, rounded face with full lips and a cute nose with tiny freckles sprinkled on it, her wild curly hair and big green eyes... Dang it, why do I find her so attractive? "Why do you look like you swallowed a whole lemon?" Sirius pushes me to get my attention. I jump, startled, and quickly compose myself. "Uh, what? No reason. I'm fine." Sirius is the Beta wolf of our pack and my childhood best friend. We are supposed to be celebrating his birthday tomorrow night. Sirius raises an eyebrow. "You sure?" You nearly ran into me just now, not even watching wh