Chapter 1

Hope

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and hated your own reflection? I do that every single morning. Why? Because I’m weak and couldn’t live up to my parent’s expectations.

My mother, the Luna of the Mirage pack, never embraced me when I was a child. Her eyes were blank and lifeless whenever I was around. She despised me, yet I trailed after her like a puppy that longed for her approval.

I remember walking into her room with a stick drawing of our family and saying, “Look, Mommy, I drew this for you! It’s our house!”

She took the drawing from my hands, but instead of smiling, she ripped it apart by turning her nails into claws. I watched the pieces of it soar to the floor before she yelled at me in a furious voice. “Annoying, little wretch, stop giving me drawings! You’re no child of mine, and I want nothing to do with a wolfless joke like you!”

Those words hurt, but they didn’t make me cry. Instead, I tried to impress my mother by pretending I wasn’t in inner pain, but as always, it didn’t work.

My parents hated me no matter what, but back then, I didn’t understand that my family would never accept me, but I do now, and a year ago, I ran away from my pack. I had no other choice. No one respected me back home. I was seen as a nuisance, so I packed my bag and left the werewolf family who rejected me behind.

They didn’t even track me down. Funny how my family doesn’t see me as a person just because I don’t have an inner wolf…

I’m the daughter of Alpha Pike, the firstborn child who was supposed to become the Alpha of the Mirage pack, but my wolf never awakened at birth. I couldn’t shape-shift—I still can’t. I’m a failure, while my younger sister proved to be stronger than both my mom and dad at an early age. So they made her the Alpha.

And I…I was forgotten.

My family pretended I didn’t exist while the rest of the pack started to bully me. They called me weak, and the worst part was that Faith, my own little sister, was among those who bullied me. Marcus, her boyfriend, delighted in using me as a punching bag, and Faith would just laugh as he hit me.

I shudder at the memory. I now live in a new city and work as a waitress at Bar25, and since tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday(yay me!), my boss has allowed me to sit and drink during my shift. No alcohol, but my lemon cola is delicious!

I take another sip of my drink and glance down at my phone. My boyfriend, Ryker, still hasn’t called me back after the billion times I’ve tried to get a hold of him, but at least he has now sent me a text message.

Ryker: I’m sorry I can’t make it to your birthday. Something important came up, but I will be home later, okay? See you at the apartment, bye!

While I’m disappointed my boyfriend can’t make it to the bar where I work, I’m not exactly crying. Ryker is sweet, but I’m beginning to see a pattern of him never having time to meet up with me. The only time I see him is in the mornings before he heads off to work, and because of that, I want to break up with him.

“Is this seat taken?”

Startled by the voice, I shriek and spill my drink. It runs over the table, and when the stranger reaches out to catch my falling glass, he gets cola all over his crisp white shirt.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry! I’m such a freaking klutz!” I hastily stand up, grabbing some napkins from the box of cutlery on the table to clean up the mess. “Here, let me help you with that...”

“It’s alright, it’s just a shirt,” he says with a charming smile as he takes the napkins I offer him.

I can’t help but notice how good-looking he is. His eyebrows are two angry slashes of dark blonde hair, his jawline is sharp enough to cut diamonds, and the cherry on the cake is his perfect facial hair. It looks smooth, unlike the hair on his head, which looks disheveled as if he has run his hands through it at least ten times tonight.

He looks to be in his early thirties, but despite his older age, I swoon a little in my seat. I have a weak spot for leather jackets and tall men with broad shoulders. Do I look okay? I’m wearing my blonde hair in a ponytail, and my blouse should be nice enough…I hope.

“I’m Ethan,” he introduces himself, holding out his hand.

I shake it. “Hope.”

“Beautiful name,” he says, his eyes lingering on my face a little too long.

I blush and can’t help but feel self-conscious in my stained blouse and white skirt. “Thanks.”

We keep staring at each other, lost in each other’s eyes, while goosebumps spread over my arms. Ethan is a complete stranger, yet I feel this strange...pull toward him? And Ethan must feel the same way because he doesn’t leave.

“Mind if I buy you another drink?” he asks, gesturing toward the empty seat across from me.

I hesitate for a moment, wondering if Ryker would approve of me talking to a stranger, but then I remember that he is not even here for my birthday.

Deciding to be a rebel, I say, “Sure, why not?”

Ethan waves the bartender over and orders two more colas with lemon for me. He then proceeds to get some whiskey for himself.

“So, Hope, when you’re not spilling drinks over strangers, what do you do?”

I snort. “You’re a flirt, and while you’re handsome, I will let you know that I have a boyfriend.”

“Oh, I’m not here to flirt,” Ethan smirks and glances down at the plate of sweets beside me. “But if the burning candle on your cupcake means it’s your birthday, I will be bold and say your boyfriend is a...fool.”

I can tell he wanted to call Ryker something way worse, which is why I’m hiding a smile behind my glass of cola. “Why is he a fool?”

Ethan arches an eyebrow. “Because he is leaving someone as sweet as you to spend her birthday all alone.”

I can’t stop myself from laughing. “That’s so cheesy...do women actually fall for your flirting techniques?”

A silent smile touches his lips. “Yes, but then again, it’s usually enough just to let them see my face.”

Oh, so he knows he is handsome? My interest grows, and I giggle in my seat. “I thought you weren’t flirting?”

“I’m not flirting with you. You’re way too old for me.”

Ethan doesn’t laugh, but even though he is deadpanning, I know that he is joking. Anyone can tell Ethan is older than me, but I wouldn’t have cared if I were single. He is more than six feet tall, and his muscles are visible through his shirt. This guy is a freaking snack.

As I continue to assess him, he smirks. “If it’s not obvious, I’m just kidding.”

I snort. “You have a strange sense of humor.”

His smirk only grows. “Says the girl who is laughing.”

My lips curve. “Touché…”

Ethan says nothing but looks very pleased with himself. He picks up his whiskey, and I look him up and down. “You can’t be that old.”

His lips curve behind his glass. “You would be surprised.”

A flutter starts in my chest when his blue eyes meet mine, and I have to fight not to drown in them. I’ve never been this affected by a man in my entire life. This one even smells good, and there is a full bucket of butterflies in my chest.

“So…” I drawl and try not to sound as nervous as I feel. “Except ‘not flirting’ with women at the bar, what are your hobbies?”

“I like movies,” he says. “I was actually headed to the theater, but I was late, and they didn’t let me inside. Now I’m sitting here, talking to you.”

“What movie was it?” I pluck a piece from my cupcake.

His lips twitch. “Is this a test?”

“It is,” it’s not, but I give him an evil smile anyway. “Your answer will decide whether or not I will accept you as my friend.”

Amusement dances in his eyes. “You like horror movies, don’t you?”

I stare at him. “How do you know?”

“You just seem like that type. You know, innocent-looking but hiding a dark sense of humor underneath her friendly smile. I bet you went to the theater to watch The Conjuring and didn’t even flinch.”

“You’re right,” scarily accurate, actually. “I did watch it, and you know what? I didn’t even find it that scary.”

Ethan breathes a laugh. “I had to look away for most of the movie.”

“Oh, were you that man screaming in the theater?”

I’m just joking, but Ethan laughs again. “Might have been me.”

I can’t help but laugh with him. There is something endearing about a big, intimidating man admitting that he can’t handle watching horror movies. Call me invested. We fall into conversation. I tell him about my job, my hobbies, favorite animals, and Ethan listens attentively, nodding and smiling at all the right moments. He is easy to talk to, and before I know it, we are laughing and joking like two old friends.

When the clock approaches twelve, there are wolves howling outside, and Ethan turns his head to eye the window. “Busy night today, huh?”

Since I don’t have an inner wolf, I don’t know what the wolves are saying, yet it doesn’t stop me from joking around.

“They are saying that I should ask what you do for a living before letting you take me home.”

His lips twitch, and he takes out a card from his pocket, sliding it toward me with amused eyes. “I’m the CEO of my own company. It’s not exciting, but it definitely pays the bills, so I can’t complain.”

I look down at the card and back up at him, impressed. “Wow, that sounds impressive. What kind of company?”

“Import and export business. Do you want to know a secret? It’s not as glamorous as it sounds,” he says with a chuckle.

“Well, I think you’re pretty impressive.”

“Thank you.” For a moment, he hesitates, but when I smile, he smiles back and speaks. “Listen, I know they only let in people above the age of twenty-five into this bar, but if you don’t mind me asking...how old are you?”

I feel my cheeks go red. “Umm...well...”

Ethan looks at me expectantly, and suddenly, I hear static in my ears. I quickly realize it’s because the clock has struck twelve. I’m officially eighteen, but that’s not the biggest change: my inner wolf is awakening. I won’t shape-shift today. It’s too early for that, but I can feel the mate bond coming to life, and it’s making me panic.

I have a boyfriend, but now, it turns out that my fated mate is close by. It’s an Alpha! I can sense their power and—

Ethan clears his throat, and I gasp when I realize he is a werewolf and my mate—my Alpha mate! I don’t know what to think but find myself growing confused when he glares at me.

“Are you only eighteen years old?!” He hisses, looking me up and down while seeming to grow angrier by the second. “I’ve heard of some wolves only awakening on their eighteenth birthday. Are you one of them?”

I feel vulnerable under his gaze, especially since I have now discovered he is my mate. “It seems like it…” I whisper, feeling ashamed.

“How did you even get inside the bar?” Ethan growls.

“I-I work here, but t-tonight is my day off,” I stammer, feeling tears prickle at the back of my eyes. Ethan is scaring me.

“And they gave you alcohol?!”

I shake my head, gripping my glass. “This is cola with a slice of lemon in it.”

This makes him fall silent for many seconds before speaking. “I’ve been ordering you cola this whole evening?”

“Yes.”

For a moment, he just stares at me. I have no idea what is going through his head, but then Ethan stands up abruptly, pushing his chair back with a loud screech. “This is unacceptable. I can’t believe I’ve been fated to be the mate of a damn child! This is a nightmare!”

His harsh words sting and I can feel my heart break into a million pieces. I never asked for this, and I certainly didn’t want to be mated to someone who thinks of me as a child.

“I’m sorry,” I say, standing up as well. “I-I d-didn’t think my wolf would awaken on my eighteenth birthday. I mean. I’ve heard stories of people awakening on their eighteenth birthday, but I didn’t think there were any truths in those stories! And I’m sorry for not telling you my age sooner—”

“Stop talking,” Ethan growls and immediately catches my attention when he steps forward. He is tall, way taller than me, and easily grabs my chin between two fingers. “Let me make this easy for you, Hope.”

I stare up at him, aware that we are the only ones moving in the bar. Time has been stopped by powerful magic—it must be one of Ethan’s abilities, and soon, his lips move.

“I, Ethan, Alpha of the Nightslash pack, reject you, Hope, as my fated mate and Luna.”

Chapter 2

Hope

I can’t believe it. I had a mate for three minutes, and now the bond is already broken. I'm too shocked to say anything. I can only stare at the man who rejected me, Ethan. He is as gorgeous as he is intimidating. I’m astonished he is the local Alpha and that he is my mate. It's sad that he rejected me without giving me a chance, though. I know that I’m younger than him, but does it really matter that much?

How much older than me is he?

“Alpha!”

I turn around to the sound of footsteps coming from the kitchen. Time is still stopped, but not for other supernaturals, it seems. I look at the kitchen door opening, bewildered to discover that Graham, the big bald chef at Bar25, is a werewolf.

He studies me for a hot minute before focusing on Ethan. “Alpha, there are wolves from another pack running outside our territory. They haven’t attacked, but I don’t think we have an alliance with them.”

“Thank you for letting me know, Graham,” Ethan says and walks toward the door. He stops when his hand is on the handle and slowly turns his head. His cold blue eyes rake over me, but there are no warm emotions within them—only bitterness. “I will find you after this is over, and you will reject me back.”

With that, Ethan leaves Bar25 by shifting into a large white wolf. It's absolutely huge, with massive white, feathered wings on its back. Is Ethan a hybrid? He must be, but what sort of hybrid has wings?!

When Graham clears his throat, I immediately focus my attention on him.

“It might be best if you went home,” he says, and now that Ethan is gone, people begin moving around us again. “As a newly awakened werewolf, it might be best to stay home for at least a week. Your body is going to go through changes, and I also suggest you find a pack,” his nostrils flare. “You smell like an Alpha that has lost its pack. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.”

I nod my head absentmindedly, still in shock over what just happened. My head is spinning. Not only was I rejected, but my mate is a weird, magical Alpha. Is that why he didn’t want me? Or did he honestly reject me because of my age?

Regardless, it sucks. I'm used to feeling lost and rejected. My family treated me like dirt, but it's a whole new pain having been rejected by your true mate. Tears are prickling behind my eyelids, but I blink them away, not wanting to show any weakness in front of Graham.

"I will go home," I say, my voice surprisingly steady. "Thank you for the advice."

Graham nods his head, but I can tell that he is not convinced. He looks at me with a worried expression, like he knows something that I don't. I shake it off, not wanting to think about it anymore.

I walk out of Bar25 and into the cold night air. The stars are twinkling above me, but all I can think about is Ethan and his rejection. I feel like I've lost a part of myself, like I'm not whole anymore. I don't understand why he would reject me without even giving me a chance.

As I start to walk home, I realize that I don't even know where I'm going. I've lived in this town my whole life, but I've never felt so lost before. I don't have a pack, I don't have a mate, and I don't have a purpose.

My heart feels hollow, and I wander about the city without even looking where I'm going. Somehow, I end up at my apartment. Ryker still isn't at home, and I'm actually grateful because all I want is to be left alone.

I walk into my own bedroom. Ryker isn’t at home, and thank the goddess for that. It would be awkward to share a bed since I have decided to break up with him, but I rather not do that tonight. My head has had enough drama for today, and I close my eyes, exhausted from my inner wolf's awakening. She hasn't spoken to me yet, but I suspect it's going to happen soon. I can feel her presence…

Hours later, I wake up with a start.

“Oh my god, you’re a werewolf!” Ryker shouts.

“You’re so loud…” I mutter and pull my blanket tighter around me. I haven’t got a clue how long I’ve been sleeping, but it's no longer dark outside.

Ryker snorts. “Dude, it's like eleven AM.”

“And?” I blink life into my eyes and then glare at Ryker, who walks over to the window. He pulls open the curtains in a swift motion, and I hiss at both him and the sun. “Why did you do that for?! Pull back the curtain!”

Irritatingly enough, Ryker doesn’t listen to me. In fact, he is positively beaming at me and looking incredibly happy. “I can’t believe you’re a werewolf. This is too good to be true. I thought you were a normal human, but you’re actually a werewolf, just like me!”

Wait, what? Is Ryker a werewolf? I sniff the air for confirmation, and what would you know—my boyfriend is a werewolf too. Not that it changes anything. I still need to break up with him. He isn’t a bad guy. Ryker is actually a sweetheart, but my heart just isn’t in it, especially since I’ve met my true mate.

Ethan rejected me, but I still have hopes for us. I feel like a complete bitch thinking about him, though. Ryker is one of the good ones. I doubt he loves me, though, or he would be more available for dates. He never has any time for me, but that might be a good thing. If he isn’t invested in me, he won’t be sad when I break up with him.

"Listen, Ryker...I've been thinking and—"

"We must visit my dad immediately. I'm not sure why you carry this faint smell of an Alpha, but most of all, you smell like a rogue, and I won't accept that. You can't be a rogue in this city, or you will be eaten alive by one of the wolf packs that are ruling here."

I arch an eyebrow. "There are two wolf packs in this city?"

"Yes, and you should get up," Ryker throws me a shirt and is respectful enough to look away. We haven't had sex, so I'm grateful for that. "Put that on and get into the car."

"The car?!"

"Uh, yes?" Ryker looks at me like I've grown two heads and as if I'm crazy for being confused right now. "If you haven't noticed it yet, we have an emergency on our paws. There is no time to waste! The longer you stay without the pack, the harder it's going to get accepted. After a while, you might go crazy like all the other rogues."

"What do you mean I’m going to go crazy?”

His blue eyes meet mine. "Have your wolf spoken to you yet?"

I shake my head, and Ryker sighs.

"I believe that's because she is confused. Without a pack, a wolf is lost, and we must hurry to make you a member of my pack. So, put on those clothes! Hurry!"

I stumble out of bed. “What makes you so certain the Alpha will accept me?”

At that, Ryker laughs and looks at me with amusement dancing across his face. “Because the Alpha of my pack is my dad, and even though he is a bit grumpy and the scariest Alpha in the country, he will accept you with a little bit of convincing. Trust me.”

Oh wow, Ryker’s dad is the Alpha of his pack? That’s…surprising. And since Ryker mentioned there are two packs, I bet his dad is the Alpha of the other pack because Ethan couldn’t be Ryker’s dad. My mate looked way too young to be a dad of an eighteen-year-old.

"You coming?"

"Stop stressing!" I hurry out into the hallway while still trying to fit my ass into my pants. Ryker shakes his head at me, entertained by my little dance.

"You're so cute..." he mumbles, and then he grins. "My dad is going to love you."

I grow flustered. The last thing I want is to meet Ryker's dad. I'm about to break up with him, damn it! But I also know that I need a pack, and...maybe I was too fast to judge? My mate doesn't want me, and Ryker is sweet.

I'm so confused—this is why it's a bad idea to start dating your roommate and best friend. I don't want to hurt him, but I also don't think we are a good match.

Bottling up my negative emotions, I throw a smile at Ryker while putting on my shoes. "I doubt your dad will like me. I'm not the type of girl that parents usually take a liking to."

Ryker snorts while opening the door. "You don’t know that yet, you silly girl. I'm the only guy you have ever dated!”

I roll my eyes and follow him out to his car. As we drive through the city, I can feel my wolf stirring inside me, eager to stretch her legs and run in the woods. I try to ignore her since now isn't the time, but it's damn near impossible. She is growing stronger with every passing moment, and I know that I can't deny her much longer.

I might have to shape-shift tonight.

"Ah, we are finally here!"

Ryker drives up to the pack house, a large mansion on the outskirts of the city. As we step out of the car, I can feel eyes on me, watching me from the shadows. I shiver with fear and excitement, wondering what kind of reception I will get from Ryker's father.

'You still haven't asked him the name of his pack...' A voice says inside my head. I recognize it as my inner wolf, but her presence vanishes in an instant.

I lift my eyes to Ryker, about to ask him the name of his pack. Something I forgot to do since my head is a jumbled mess after everything that has happened, but the door to the building is already opening.

"Ryker," a deep voice says, rumbling, intimidating, and scarily familiar. I hold my breath, staring at Ethan walks out to stand on the porch. His cold and calculating eyes meet mine, and then he growls. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Dad, this is my girlfriend," Ryker beams at his father, oblivious to his anger as he gestures to me. "She is a newly awakened werewolf and in need of a pack."

Well, if this isn't awkward...the mate who rejected me at the bar is Ryker's father, and he looks pissed off to see me. Those ice-blue eyes of his scan me from head to toe, and I hold my breath, unsure of what he will do next.

Ethan keeps staring at me. I'm afraid he is going to expose me and tell his son that I'm his true mate. But instead, he turns around to glare at his son.

"Why did you bring that packless creature to the pack house? Rogues aren't allowed here."

Ryker steps forward. "But Dad, that's why I brought her! She needs a pack in order to survive. And I thought it would be a good idea if she joined us!"

"No, your girlfriend can't join us, and she should leave immediately," Ethan snarls. "Rogues are not allowed here."

"But dad—"

"I said no," Ethan growls in his Alpha voice, cutting Ryker off. "Take her back to your apartment and forget about her. She is not welcome here."

A lump forms in my throat. I know that Ethan's distaste for me is because of what happened at Bar25—he thought I was older and...shit. Should I have told him my age? It seemed like a silly thing to slip into our conversation, but there is no denying the burning hatred in his eyes.

I wet my lips and try to speak up. "I know that you don't like newcomers, Alpha, but I need a pack," I lift my eyes to his face, begging him to hear what I'm not saying. I don't want to mention the mate bond in front of his son, but I hope to make Ethan feel something—anything when I look at him. "I won't make it as a rogue. So please, please take me in."

Ethan's eyes narrow, and for a moment, I'm sure he is going to reject me outright. But then, he takes a deep breath, and some of his anger dissolves. "I can't take you in as a member of my pack, but I can grant you temporary asylum."

I exhale a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Temporary asylum is better than nothing. "Thank you, Alpha."

"Don't thank me yet," Ethan’s voice is cold and distant. "I still need to figure out why you smell the way that you do. It could become a problem for my pack, so it's important we address it right away," he turns around but doesn't leave the room. "Follow me. I would like to question you in private."

I walk toward the door, and so does Ryker, but Ethan immediately snaps his attention to his son, and even though he is calm, Ryker pauses in motion. "Not you. Don’t you understand what private means? I need to speak to the rogue on my own."

Ryker looks like he wants to argue, but one cold stare from his father makes him back off with his hands raised in surrender. Ethan says nothing, yet Ryker releases a slight whimper before he retreats to his car.

I shiver. I don’t want to be alone with Ethan. He is scary, but it seems I don’t have any choice as the Alpha looks at me. “Follow me.”

I immediately hurry after him and gulp. Ethan is much taller than I remember, with muscles that are even bigger than the ones belonging to Ryker. And even though the two of them are related, they don’t look anything alike. Ethan’s hair is dark blonde, while Ryker’s hair is purely black. Ethan also carries an air of importance, and I can't help but feel intimidated by his commanding presence.

I fight off yet another shiver when Ethan glances down at me. There is no warmth in his gaze, and his lips part. “What are you waiting for? Get inside the room.”

“Oh!”

I didn’t even notice he was holding up a door!

I stumble forward like Bambi on ice, entering a large room that resembles an old interrogation room. It has a metal table and two chairs facing each other. There is even a lamp hanging above the table.

Ethan takes a seat, gesturing for me to take the other chair. I sit down nervously, clasping my hands together on the table while Ethan leans back in his hair. His face remains cold, and his blue eyes are calculating as they study me.

"Now, tell me about yourself...how did you become a rogue? And why do you carry the faint smell of an Alpha on your skin? Just who are you?"

Chapter 3

Hope

My limbs freeze into place as I lock eyes with Ethan. He is a big and frightening Alpha, and I’m unsure how to answer his question and make a long story short. I can barely keep eye contact with him without feeling like I might wet my pants.

I nervously laugh. “Well, it’s a long story.”

His expression is neutral, his face so hard and unsmiling it’s hard to believe this is the same charming man I spoke with at the bar. But maybe Ethan is the kind that needs alcohol to liven up? Right now, he looks like a man that never smiles, and that makes me sad. His face is sculpted, and his cheekbones give him a model’s look. He would be pretty if he didn’t look so bored and intimidating.

“I have time,” his eyes rake me up and down. “What pack were you supposed to inherit?”

I’m shocked by the question. Ethan is sharp and intelligent. He has already figured out I was supposed to become the Alpha of my pack without my help, and I think for a moment. He is not glaring at me or making me feel threatened, so I feel bold enough to speak the truth.

“I was supposed to become the Alpha of the Mirage pack, but I never awakened as a werewolf...until now.”

He silently studies me, face impassive. “And you don’t wish to return to your pack and make a claim on the Alpha position since it’s rightfully yours?”

I cringe.

“No, I’m not interested in that at all,” not when my pack treated me so horribly. “Besides, the Mirage pack has a new Alpha already. My little sister, Faith, took over the pack since she was much stronger than both of our parents. She is just a year younger than me—”

Ethan interrupts me, but in a calm, disbelieving voice. “They are letting a seventeen-year-old child lead them? Did I hear that correctly? They didn’t wait for you to turn eighteen? What sort of idiots are leading that pack?”

At this, I have to swallow back a laugh. Never once did I think it was weird for Faith to lead the pack so young, but now, I’m realizing it might be weird.

“Yes...” I clear my throat. “I mean, yes, my Alpha, the Mirage pack is letting a seventeen-year-old lead them since they apparently had no time to wait for my eighteenth birthday to see if I would awaken as a werewolf.”

Something changes in Ethan’s expression. I can’t pinpoint what it is, but he almost looks...amused?

“You’re not supposed to call me that.”

“Call you what?”

“Your Alpha.”

I shiver at the tone of his voice. Ethan is intently staring at me, and it’s making me all sorts of nervous. But I’m more curious than afraid and whisper, “Why not?”

He almost smiles. Almost.

“Because I’m not your Alpha. You are not an official member of the Nightslash pack and shouldn’t call me your Alpha.”

“Ah.” I suck my lips into my mouth, wetting them. “Well...I hate to sound like an idiot, but what am I supposed to call you if not my Alpha?”

His lips twitch, but he doesn’t smile. If anything, he looks even more intimidating and scary. “I haven’t decided yet,” he says while gazing at me. He is big on eye contact. “Are you in a serious relationship with my son?”

“W-what?”

“Answer the question.”

Ethan stares at me, and I swallow hard. “W-what does that have to do with anything?”

“Everything.”

“Everything?”

“I care about my son,” he folds his hands over the table and leans in before speaking in a menacing tone. “And I wouldn’t like to see him get hurt. So if you’re not as into him as he is into you, I would suggest breaking things off with him before it gets ugly. Do you understand, miss Moonchild?”

How does he know my last name? Wait, of course, he knows it! As the Alpha of his pack, he probably knows everything there is about the Mirage pack.

I nod. “I understand.”

I plan on breaking things off with Ryker as soon as possible. I got interrupted earlier, but I will talk with him later and explain the situation. We don’t make a great couple, and when I tell him that, I will be respectful since he is my friend.

“Good.” Ethan lifts himself up from his seat. Since I don’t know if I’m supposed to get up as well, I sit in my chair like a fool until he glances down at me, his eyes hooded. “You may leave the pack house. I have decided to be generous and grant you protection and a pack to hunt with for the time being.”

“Oh,” I smile as I stand up on my feet. “T-thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” his cold eyes bore into mine. “I’m only doing this for my son.”

My smile still doesn’t falter. “I’m still very grateful for your protection, Sir.”

“Did you just call me Sir?”

I blink. “Don’t you like that? I mean, I figured it was the second-best thing to call you since you don’t want me to call you Alpha,” I know that I’m babbling, but I can’t seem to shut the fuck up. “I was trying to be respectful.”

Ethan is awfully silent, and my cheeks burn crimson when he gives me a once-over. Those blue eyes of his are as intense as ever. I’m barely breathing as he scrutinizes me, and I actually hold my breath when he comes over.

Shit. He is really big and lean. It’s hard not to back away. This man has a presence, and I shiver when he walks to stand right behind me.

What does he want?

My heart is pounding embarrassingly fast. I’m certain Ethan can hear it, and I stand as still as ice when I hear his shoes close in on me. One step. Two steps. I close my eyes, expecting the worst.

I’ve been beaten by my own pack members and expect a slap from Ethan, but instead, a big hand reaches out and grabs the strap of my bra that is halfway down my shoulder. He carefully eases it back into place, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin on my collarbone. I notice his fingertips are rough and calloused like he works with his hands a lot.

“The next time you visit, I expect you to wear a bra that fits, not one where your tits are spilling out.” His voice is a deep rumble. Ethan is standing dangerously close, and his firm hand stays on my shoulder as he leans in to whisper into my ear. “Is that understood, miss Moonchild?”

The hairs on my neck stand up, and I shiver when his hot breath brushes my skin. Why am I getting turned on? I can’t allow myself to allow this. Not when Ethan spoke to me in that degrading way, as if I’m a child and nothing else.

Somehow, I manage to answer him. “I understand.”

“Good.” He still doesn’t leave me alone. His broad chest is still pressed to the back of my head, and his hand still rests on my shoulder. “Have you slept with my son?”

Even though it’s none of his business since he rejected me, I still shake my head. When he says nothing, I open my mouth to speak the words instead. “I have not.”

“Hmm...” Ethan’s large hand slides down from my arm to my waist, and I hear him discreetly inhale my scent. “You smell like you’re untouched. Am I right? Are you a virgin, miss Moonchild?”

I swallow thickly. “I’ve been saving myself for my…”

“For your what?” he demands.

My eyes close. “For my mate.”

He is silent for a while. “Is that right?”

I nod, barely able to swallow a whimper when his hand slides down. It heads further south until he is cupping my throbbing pussy. I like his touch a little too much. My inner walls clench, and something goes tight and hot in the pit of my belly. It feels wonderful. Is this the beginning of an orgasm? It can’t be, right? I’m not going to get an orgasm from this. Not from simply being touched by Ethan. It would be humiliating and disgraceful and...oh.

His fingers are lightly rubbing my clit in a perfect motion through the fabric of my clothes while his other arm holds me in place. My legs feel weak, and I sway forward, but Ethan easily pulls me toward him to keep me upright. He is so strong, and I can tell his arms are corded with muscle even though he is wearing a shirt.

He is hotter than hell.

And he smells nice too.

Like a powerful Alpha.

But why is he touching me? Is it because he still feels something for me since I didn’t reject him back, or is he trying to humiliate me?

Probably the latter.

I inhale deeply. “M-maybe you shouldn’t touch—”

I get interrupted by my own whimper when his fingers pick up their speed, stimulating my clit until I feel a hot wetness spreading between my thighs.

“What was that?” he whispers in a husky voice. “Don’t you like this, Hope?”

He said my name!

A moan slices up my throat, and it’s mortifying. Why did I make that sound? I’m making a fool out of myself! Ethan is definitely doing this to humiliate me, yet I can’t stop myself from thrusting against his hand. It feels amazing.

Another moan erupts from my lips, and I wish to sink through the floor. I’m making embarrassing sounds while Ethan is silent behind me. I bet he isn’t even hard while I’ve been reduced to a shivering mess just because of his simple touch.

“You’re so wet…” Ethan whispers in a darkly amused voice. “And here I thought you were into my son?”

Don’t moan. Don’t give him the satisfaction!

Ethan chuckles. “Aren’t you embarrassed that the mate who rejected you has made you this weak and dripping wet?”

Fight it.

He leans closer to whisper into my ear. “Do you know what I think? I think you’re into older, more experienced men. You shouldn’t be with a boy—you should be with a man. Someone who can spank you into submission.”

Suddenly I’m groaning, eyes closed, mouth wide open, and my back arched as I’m falling apart. Ethan’s hands are really, really talented. Fireworks are going off inside my body against my will. I’m entering heaven, but when the man who made me this shivering mess speaks, his voice isn’t kind.

“Break things off with my son,” Ethan whispers in a commanding and cold voice. “And stop wearing clothes that don’t fit your body. It's embarrassing and highly inappropriate.”

With that, he releases me, and I’m forced to grab the table since my legs are too weak to stand on. I’m breathing hard and shuddering. My body is on fire, and for a moment, my vision darkens as I try to come down from my high.

That was my first orgasm ever.

Chapter 4

Hope

I feel so humiliated. Not only did Ethan reject me as his mate, but then he made me come all over his hand by simply pushing his fingers into my pussy. It was degrading.

How could I let him give me my first orgasm inside his office? I should have pushed him away. Ethan wasn’t even naked and probably not even turned on!

Ugh, I just want to die!

I quicken my footsteps and make my way out of Ethan’s mansion. Ryker is waiting for me outside and looks up from his phone with a smile.

“Hey, you okay?” he asks. “What was so important that my dad needed to talk to you alone?”

Guilt gnaws at me. I can’t tell Ryker the truth: his dad is my mate, and he showed me just how pathetic I am by making me climax on his hand.

My cheeks burn. “Oh, you know, the usual. He asked me about my old pack and then interrogated me.”

Ryker frowns. “Yeah, he takes his Alpha work a little too seriously...he didn’t frighten you, did he? You’re my girlfriend, and I wouldn’t want my dad to treat you badly.”

And now I feel terrible.

Ryker is a super nice guy. He is my best friend, and he is a werewolf, and we live together, but I can’t continue to date him. Not when his dad is my true mate and basically ruined me inside his office.

I’m such a slut...

“Ryker…” I say as we walk to the car, hoping he won’t be too hurt by what I’m about to say. “About that…I think we need to break up.”

Ryker stops dead in his tracks. “What?!” his face is rapidly turning pale. “Why?”

“Because...because I’m eighteen, and there still isn’t any mate bond between us. It means we aren’t fated mates, and perhaps it would be better if we broke up before one of us met our true mate, you know?”

He pauses at this, considering my words. “But mate bonds are a rarity, Hope. You could go your entire life without ever running into your true mate. Do you really want to throw away our relationship just because we aren’t mates?”

I sigh. I really don’t want to hurt Ryker, but I have no other choice. Not when Ethan is my mate—the one and only person I’m supposed to be with.

“Look, the truth is that I’ve met my mate,” I won’t tell Ryker that my mate is his dad, but half of the truth might be my only shot at not ruining our friendship.

“You’ve met your mate?” Ryker asks, and a look of understanding crosses his features. “Shit, that explains everything...the mate bond is sacred, after all. I’m so sorry, Hope. I didn’t realize that’s why you wanted to break up with me. Now I feel sort of stupid. Of course, you had a reason.”

“It’s not your fault,” I assure him. “I guess...like you said, I just never thought I would meet my mate. I didn’t think it would ever happen to me.”

“Oh, I see...well, I hope you’re happy with your mate.”

I grimace. “I don’t think he likes me very much...”

Interest flashes in Ryker’s eyes. “Is it someone I know? My dad is the Alpha of one of the packs, and I might know them. Perhaps I can talk to them and tell them they are making a mistake in not giving you a chance.”

Why is Ryker so goddamn nice? I’m swimming in guilt, close to drowning in it. I’m the shittiest friend ever for not telling Ryker everything, and the world is a seriously messed up place for making Ryker’s hot billionaire dad my mate.

I think I’m about to have a headache...

I sigh. “How about we just head home to our apartment? I’m exhausted after being roasted by your dad.”

He chuckles. “He was that intense, huh?”

“The most intimidating Alpha I’ve ever met.”

Ryker grins. “Possibly the strongest one too. My dad is actually a hybrid.”

Interesting. I remember that Ethan’s wolf was purely white, with large, angelic wings spreading out from its back. Could he be a half-angel?

“A hybrid, you say? And you’re not?”

“No, the angelic blood didn’t get passed on to me,” Ryker says and shrugs one massive shoulder. “I don’t know why, but I also don’t mind. This way, I won’t have to take over as the Alpha because my dad won’t age. I will grow old and die before he does.”

I stare at him, unsure what to say. I couldn’t possibly imagine what it would be like to know I would one day grow older and wrinklier than my parents.

Luckily, I don’t have to comment on this because Ryker is quick to laugh. “It’s actually a bit weird how my dad has lived for centuries. He is much older than he looks, and if there is anything he hates, it’s young, inexperienced werewolves. He takes life way too seriously.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “I noticed.”

Ryker grins and opens the car door for me. “Don’t let how he treated you bother you, though. My dad is an asshole to everyone, but now that you’re under his protection, you won’t have to see him again.”

I try to smile, but my stomach churns. I only have temporary asylum, and I have a feeling my sister will come for me soon. If I’m awakening as a werewolf and smell like an Alpha, she is going to want me dead before I grow strong enough to take the pack away from her.

‘Do you want the back?’

I freeze into the car seat, eyes kept on the road as Ryker is driving, but my mind reeling. This is the first time my inner wolf has attempted a conversation.

‘Uh...I don’t know. Most likely not, but at the same time, I don’t want to be a rogue.’

My inner wolf is quiet for a while, processing what I’ve said before she replies. ‘There is going to be a war among all the packs soon, and you’re too strong to stay out of it, Hope. Your pack is going to need your strength in the future.’

With that, I can feel my inner wolf retreating. It makes me panic. I want to ask her more questions, but the only one I can bring myself to ask is, ‘What is your name?’

She snickers. ‘Tariel.’

With that, she is gone, and I’m left with my own thoughts.

***

Later that evening, I’m cleaning a table at Bar25 before Laura rushes into the restaurant. She is a co-worker of mine and the only friend I’ve made in the kitchen. Before I awakened as a werewolf, I couldn’t tell that I was working with other werewolves, but I can now.

Laura is a werewolf too, and she beams at me the second our eyes meet. “I knew you were a werewolf. Come here, and let me take a look at you!”

With her arms outstretched, Laura embraces me. She is a tall, lean werewolf with dark skin and a pixie cut. Her makeup is always on point, and she usually wears deep red contact lenses to give herself a fierce look.

“Oh wow,” Laura murmurs, awestruck. “You have the faint smell of an Alpha. I can’t believe it. The rumors about you were actually true!”

I take a step back, eyeing her. “There are rumors about me already?”

“Of course,” she smiles. “Everyone wants to know why our scary and dark Alpha agreed to give you temporary protection. Most people believe it’s because you’re the one who was destined to become the Alpha of the Mirage pack. It’s your birthright...and that’s the truth, isn’t it?”

I blush. “I had a late awakening, but truthfully, I don’t know if I even want to become the Alpha of the Mirage pack.” It would mean having to duel my sister and becoming the Alpha of a pack that doesn’t even like me.

“Well, you have time to decide what you want,” Laura chuckles but falls silent when the bell above the door opens.

The air fills with the scent of Alpha, and I can see Laura’s expression turn into one of submission when Ethan walks into the bar. The other staff members seem nervous too, and I hold my breath when Ethan takes a seat.

What is he doing here?

My heart pounds in my chest as I witness Ethan order a drink, and I wonder if he can smell my fear. Ethan is the epitome of a powerful Alpha, with piercing blue eyes and a chiseled jawline. His black suit hugs his broad shoulders, and I can’t help but feel a pang of attraction despite my fear.

“Hope, come here,” he suddenly orders, his voice deep and commanding.

Laura squeezes my arm. “Good luck...you will need it.”

I fight the urge to throw up. Even Laura is worried about me, and I reluctantly step forward, fighting the urge to bow when I stand in front of Ethan’s table. “Yes, Alpha?”

“I want you to know that I will be keeping a close eye on you since your original pack are enemies of mine,” he says, his eyes narrowing. “I wouldn’t want to make the mistake of trusting you when you could be a spy of theirs.”

“I can assure you that I’m not—”

He growls, and I fall silent while struggling to stand still. The other pack members in the bar have all gone silent. I know without asking that they are all afraid of Ethan, but since I have Alpha blood coursing in my veins, I’m not as affected by Ethan’s smell and the power oozing from his pores.

He is intimidating, but I won’t bow to him. Instead, I straighten my shoulders and look him dead in the eye. “Keep an eye on me all you want, but I’m not your enemy.”

Ethan smirks, his eyes narrowing as he leans forward. “Well, well, well. You’ve got some fire in you, don’t you? I like that.”

My heart races as he stands up, towering over me. Even though I’m a werewolf, Ethan’s sheer size and power make me feel small and weak. But I refuse to back down. I’m not afraid of him.

“Just speaking the truth, Sir.”

“Good,” Ethan says, a dangerous glint in his eye. I notice that time has stopped all around this. This time, even the supernaturals are frozen in motion.

Nothing where I’m looking Ethan, continues speaking. “I wouldn’t want them to listen in on our conversation. I have something important to tell you.”

I swallow thickly. “And what is that?”

Amusement dances in his eyes. “A lot of things, and the first thing is that I appreciate honesty and do you know what else I like, Hope?”

I shudder. “What?”

His lips twitch. “A challenge. Being as old as I am, you seldom find anything that interests you. But that has recently changed.”

“It has?”

“Yes,” his intense blue eyes peer down into mine. “You broke up with my son earlier, didn’t you?”

I nod, and he gives me an almost smile, but it’s far too dark to be considered friendly.

“Great,” he whispers. “That means I’ve just found a new toy, and I think we can have a lot of fun together.”

I narrow my eyes, not sure what he means by that. But before I can say anything, Ethan reaches out and cups my chin, tilting my head up to meet his gaze.

His face is stupidly beautiful. It’s like looking straight into the sun—I’m confident that staring at him for too long could leave permanent scars on your eyes.

Could it be his angelic role doing that? I feel wildly attracted to him, and it gets even worse when he leans closer to brush his cheek against my hair.

“You’re going to be my pet, Hope,” he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. “I can smell the Alpha blood in you, and while I would never accept you as my mate, I can’t help but feel intrigued by you.”

My eyes widen while my heart pounds hard against my ribcage. Wetness is spreading between my legs. His scent is so addicting, but before I know it, Ethan releases me and steps back, a smug grin on his face.

“Don’t worry, little wolf,” he says. “I will give you some time to think about becoming my pet. Just remember that your life is in danger. Your sister will surely come for you when she realizes you’ve awakened, but if you agree to become my pet, I might have it in me to take you under my wings.”

And with that, Ethan turns around, and time resumes to normal while I try to keep my legs from giving under their own weight.

What the hell just happened?

Chapter 5

Hope

I must be mentally ill. Ethan said I would need to degrade myself into being his little pet if I wanted his protection, and here I am, using my lunch break to search for his FB profile. What is the matter with me? The truth? I don’t know, and I don’t care. I’m thinking with my vagina.

“Ethan...Ethan...” A smile steals over my lips when I find his profile.

Sadly, it’s set to private. I can’t see anything unless I add Ethan as my friend, so what do I do? I snap a screenshot of his profile picture because, honestly, that face? Gorgeous.

He will be my guilty pleasure later, inspiration.

“I have the worst migraine ever...”

I look up and watch as Laura takes a seat in front of me with her microwaved lunchbox. We aren’t that close yet, but since we are both werewolves and she is a member of Alpha Ethan’s pack, I should try to get to know her.

“Do you get them often?” I ask.

“No,” she briefly looks up from the pasta. “It’s usually after Ethan has been around to stop the time with his scary hybrid superpowers.”

I smile at her but mention nothing about how Ethan actually did stop the time when he stormed inside Bar25 just a few minutes ago. It might be better to keep that a secret, especially since Ethan’s only purpose in coming here was to tell me to accept my fate as his pet.

At least if I wish to be kept under his protection…

“I’m really sorry about your migraine. Just take some aspirin and drink plenty of water, and it should go away,” I say, trying to be as helpful as possible.

“I already did, but tell me,” she leans closer with a mischievous smile. “Any particular reason why my Alpha is your background picture?”

I feel my cheeks flush as I realize she must be referring to Ethan’s profile picture, which I just screenshot.

“Oh, this? It’s not Ethan,” I lie without batting an eye. “I found a nice stock image with a model that is an Ethan lookalike, so I thought using it would be funny.”

She snorts in disbelief. “Liar. Anyone who is friends with Ethan on FB can see that you’re using his profile picture,” amusement dances in her eyes. “I didn’t realize you were that into him. Then again, who isn’t? The Alpha is gorgeous.”

“Whoa, whoa,” I laugh nervously, trying to wave away her assumption. “I’m not into Ethan, okay? I just thought the picture was nice. That’s it.”

“Sure, sure,” she says with a smirk and shakes her head. “Call it whatever you want, but I see you blushing over there. You’re definitely into him.”

I feel my face heat up even more as Laura’s teasing continues. “I swear, I’m not into him like that,” I say, trying to sound convincing even though I’m lying. “I just think he is attractive, that’s all.”

Laura chuckles. “Well, you’re not the only one,” she says, finishing up her lunch. “Ethan has a way of drawing people to him. As a single Alpha, every girl at seventeen secretly hopes to wake up as his future mate. The guy doesn’t age, so it has been going on for a while.”

“I can imagine,” I reply, my mind wandering to the conversation I had with Ethan earlier.

The idea of being his pet makes my stomach turn, but at the same time, a part of me is intrigued. What would it be like to be his little pet? To feel his cock stretch my pussy? I shake my head, trying to push those thoughts away. I shouldn’t get horny at work.

“Hey, you okay?” Laura asks, noticing my sudden change in demeanor.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I say, plastering on a fake smile. “Just a lot on my mind.”

She nods, understanding. “Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you,” she says, getting up to throw away her empty lunchbox into her backpack. “Anyway, I’m going to get back to work. Your lunch break is over too, right?”

I hand her a smile. “Yeah, I should probably join you and clean up some tables.”

The rest of the day passes by in a blur, and soon enough, it’s time to end my shift. I say goodbye to Laura and start the walk home, my thoughts once again on Ethan.

As I’m walking, I can feel something stalking me in the shadows. The air smells rotten, and when I hear something moving in the shadows, I quicken my steps. Could it be a rogue? I begin to walk even faster, scared that whatever is hiding in the alley will catch up to me.

The sound of a yowling cat fills my ears, but whatever is in the shadows attacks it with a monstrous snarl. I hear screaming and frantic crying coming from the cat and then utter silence.

Shit.

Did the cat get eaten?!

Suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder and nearly jump out of my skin. Turning around, I find Ryker standing behind me with an amused expression on his face. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I let out a relieved laugh. “Ryker! You scared the crap out of me.”

A smirk forms on his lips as he takes in my disheveled appearance. “What were you running from?” he asks, his voice light but filled with curiosity.

“Oh, nothing,” I lie quickly. “I just...thought I heard something behind me and got spooked.”

He raises a skeptical eyebrow but doesn’t push further for an explanation.

“I see...and you’re heading home?”

“Yeah, I was just about to call you,” I say, glad that I’m not alone but together with my roommate. It will make walking home that much safer.

Ryker smiles at me, and even though we are no longer a couple, he wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You’re lucky that I was around. A little werewolf like you shouldn’t be walking alone at this hour. It could be dangerous.”

I’m a bit weirded out by his behavior. Ryker would never put his arm around me like this. Did he hit his head or something? And since when does he call me little werewolf?

“Hope!”

Wait.

Is that Ryker’s voice?

I whip around and stare at another Ryker running toward me. He waves his arms at me with a wild expression. “Get away from the other me! It’s a shadow!”

A shadow?

Those are shape-shifting demons that stalk their prey. They love to eat werewolves, but a whole pack of them is too many for it to hunt, so they specialize in rogue hunting and confuse their victims into turning into their loved ones.

Oh my god...does that mean it’s here for me?!

My heart stops, and before I can even scream, the shadow behind me hisses and reshapes itself into a massive creature of darkness. Icy fear crawls down my spine as I stare at its formless body as it becomes something new.

It’s glaring at me, cloaked in smoke with eyes that seem to glow like a fire from within. I tremble before it, and that’s when it opens its mouth to moan and howl up at the sky.

“Yes...” it groans in a perverse voice. “Your fear is making me stronger...so much stronger...yes...”

The shadow grows larger and larger until it stands tall between us with a massive body like a lion’s but with wings that stretch out like a dragon’s.

“Little wolf...” the shadow growls in a distorted, inhuman voice. “It’s time for you to die!”

“Hope, get away from the shadow!” Ryker shouts before shape-shifting into a werewolf.

His wolf is black and white, and he jumps at the shadow—only to be thrown away like a baseball by the shadow’s tail, which has taken the form of a massive snake.

‘The shadow has taken the form of a chimera,’ my inner wolf explains. I didn’t expect Tariel to speak to me, but it makes sense since we are in danger. ‘And it seems Ryker isn’t strong enough to defeat it. Do you know what that means?’

I wet my lips. ‘What?’

She chuckles darkly. ‘It’s time for you to shape-shift for the first time. The time has come for the legendary silver wolf to awaken—your true form.’

My eyes widen. ‘W-what do you mean?’ Is she sure she got the right person? I know that I come from an Alpha lineage, but I can’t remember any silver wolves in my family.

“Hope...” I can hear Ryker’s weak voice cough. He has changed back into a human and is shaking on the ground from the big wounds on his body. “You need to run...save yourself and warn...the others...”

“What?!” I exclaim. “No, I’m not leaving you!”

“You have to!” Ryker argues and coughs up blood. “The shadow is too strong for you to fight! Go and get my dad, or people will get hurt!”

Tariel howls in misery. ‘He is right. I’m unsure if we will be powerful enough to defeat a shadow as strong as this one during our first shape-shift.’

‘You don’t think so?’

‘No... I’m sorry, Hope.’

Shit, what am I supposed to do then?

Ryker gasps for air. “Hope...just leave...please...”

“I...” as I look back and forth between the shadow that is now changing into a dragon made of shadows and Ryker’s bleeding body, I realize what I must do.

I have to trick the shadow back to Bar25, where Laura and the other pack members from the Nightslash pack work. If I can do that, we can defeat the shadow together.

‘Good plan,’ Tariel says. ‘But you need to shape-shift.’

Instead of responding, I pick up a rock from the ground and throw it at the shadow. It immediately screeches and lunges for me, and my heart picks up speed.

‘I’m counting on you, Tariel!’

‘Leave it to me.’

In a flash, I shape-shift into a wolf. My bones break and rebuild, but I don’t have time to stand still. The shadow reaches out an arm to claw at me, and I jump forward to run, all while continuing to transform.

My legs grow thicker and wider, my fur grows longer and denser, and my instincts take over. I run faster than I ever have before—thrilled to have shape-shifted for the first time.

I never knew it would feel so great!

The wind whistles in my ears, the buildings blur past me as I run down the street, and soon the shadow is far behind me.

Did I lose it?

But then, suddenly, I’m thrown forward, my legs losing balance as something slams into me from behind. Before I can even comprehend what is happening, a clawed hand grabs onto my ankle and drags me back.

The shadow has caught up with me!

“Did you think you could get away from me, little wolf?” It hisses, its voice shrill and triumphant. “Think again...I won’t let a prey like you get away. I’m very hungry, and you’re going to be my dinner.”

I turn my head, and tears sting my eyes as I stare up into the monster’s hungry gaze. Reality is closing in on me like a cage, and this time, I’m not sure I can escape.