The next few days went by fast. I didn't stick around to find out how Eloise's date went with that jerk Calvin. All I did was stay in the woods and mope. "What is wrong with you?" Kaelan asked as he couldn't take my sour mood anymore. "None of your business," I bark. "It is my business when you can't even help me with this simple task," he says irritably. I glare at him and reluctantly agree to help. We walked through the woods, looking for whatever Kaelan thought we needed to find. Suddenly, I heard a sound that made me jump, and I spun around to see what it was. A group of hunters with guns were coming our way. I quickly grabbed Kaelan's arm and pulled him behind a large tree. We wait there, trying to keep quiet, but it doesn't seem to be enough. One of the hunters calls out, asking if anyone is there. We stay motionless. "Why can't we fight them?" I whisper. "We are outnumbered," he says. "But those look like humans, and we are werewolves. Surely, we are stronger than them!"
IvyHi, 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 a
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