Chapter 1 Prologue

Elle POV 12 years old The bright fluorescent lights slowly pull me from the dark abyss of nothing I have been stuck in for Goddess knows how long. I open my eyes slowly so they can adjust to the lights in the white room. A small space that smells like it's doused in bleach daily. Five different machines are placed around the room in specific spots in need of importance. Looking around, I see three figures standing at the edge of the room, whispering amongst themselves, not realizing I have woken yet. I am trying to focus on what they're saying, but I can't decipher their words. However, I can feel the power rolling off the large male and the beautiful blonde woman standing at his side. "Look, Charles, she's up," The middle-aged woman says to the man standing to her right. Her voice is melodic, like an angel's song, and it's comforting. I've heard it before, but I can't remember from where. Without a second thought, I knew I could trust the woman and the man standing next to her. As they come closer to me, I can finally catch their scent, and with theirs comes the faintest whiff of sandalwood and eucalyptus. It makes my mouth water, but I can tell that scent isn't coming from any of those standing in the room with me. Who does it belong to? "Hello, Elle." the oldest man in the room says. I am guessing a doctor based on his uniform, "My name is Dr. Gibbs; how are you feeling today?" he asks, showing his kindness with a gentle tone. "Thirsty," I croak out, my throat scratchy and sore. I wonder how long I have been unconscious and in this hospital. What happened? Where am I? And why can't I remember anything other than my name, which I only know because the man in front of me told me so? The blonde-haired woman, whose name I haven't learned yet, rushes off to get me a glass of water, hurrying back to hand it to me. Charles's gaze hadn't left my body since he stepped closer to me, watching me with interest making me nervous from the intensity of it. "Enough, Charles," The woman says, smacking his arm playfully, "you'll scare the poor girl." she finishes before looking at me with a smile, and I suddenly feel at ease again. "Are you my parents?" I ask them, but I can tell from the saddened looks on their faces that they are not. Hell, we don't even look alike. Both of them are blonde-haired, blue-eyed bombshells. I don't remember what color my eyes are, but I can tell my hair is red from how it spills over my shoulders onto my chest. "No, dear," the blonde woman says, again speaking for the couple. Or I assume they are a couple with the way he has his arm draped across her shoulders possessively. "We are Alpha Charles and Luna Olivia from the New Moon Pack. You do remember that you're a werewolf, correct?" She asks tentatively, worried that she may have revealed too much too soon. "Yes," I respond after thinking for a moment, trying to remember the things I know about myself. "I know I am a werewolf. I know my favorite color is green, and my favorite tv show is Gilmore Girls. I know that I like banana peppers on my pepperoni pizza.""That's good," The doctor chimes with a smile, "what don't you know?" He asks as he grabs the clipboard pen in hand to take more notes on my condition. "Who my parents are, what pack I am from, how old I am on my birthday, or anything else important to tell me who I am." I sigh, starting to feel defeated when I can't seem to recall these details. My memory is one foggy blank. "How did you know my name?" I ask them, feeling skeptical of their intentions. "We found this on you," the gruff man says for the first time as he hands me a small blue velcro wallet. Opening it, I find a library card with a picture of a preteen-year-old girl on the front. The girl has red hair, the same shade as mine, bright green eyes, plump pink lips, and a button nose with freckles sprinkled over her nose and cheekbones. The Name "Elle Davidson" is printed underneath. "What happened to my pack?" I ask, my eyes flicking between the three adults standing before me, watching their expressions for any clues they might give away. The woman called Luna Olivia grabs my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I am sorry, Dear," she sighs, the sadness she feels thick in her tone. "But Alpha Charles and I arrived too late, and you were the only survivor we were able to get to before the Rogues destroyed the place.""Oh," I say, my body overcome with grief for a community of people I don't remember, but whoever they were, I was a part of them, and now they're all gone. Taking a deep breath and calming my nerves, I look at the adults standing in front of me, not wanting them to see me as weak or scared, even though that's exactly how I feel. "What will happen to me now?""Well," Luna Olivia says, looking at Alpha Charles with a smile, "we were hoping you would come home with us. We hope you agree. We have a son around your age who will be able to show you around the pack and introduce you to people. We have tried reaching out to any surviving members of your old pack, but we haven't been able to reach anyone in the two weeks you have been here." Unsure of whether or not it's the wisest decision to go with the Alpha and Luna, I do not know; back to their pack. I look at the doctor for some reassurance, and thankfully he chimes in with his opinion of the couple. "I understand you may be nervous about going with the Alpha and Luna to their pack, but I can promise you they are kind and fair leaders who will provide you with a loving and stable home." Looking between the Alpha and Luna standing before me as I weigh the doctor's words, I finally decide I have no choice but to follow these two back to their pack. With no parents stepping forward to claim me,  having amnesia, and the fact that I am a teenage girl, not taking them up on their offer would be a stupid idea. "Okay, I'll go with you," my agreement causes Luna Olivia to squeal in delight as she wraps her arms around me in a reassuring hug. "You'll love New Moon Pack," she tells me. But all I can wonder is if the same scent of eucalyptus and sandalwood still clinging to her clothes will also be in her pack. *********************** After being discharged from the human hospital Alpha Charles and Luna Olivia showed me to the black SUV. They pulled into the turnabout so I could get loaded into the car more efficiently and not worry about returning the wheelchair when we were done using it. Climbing into the back seat, I lean my head against the cool glass, letting the radio lull me into a peaceful sleep as the SUV roars forward to my new pack and home. "Elle, dear, wake up," comes the soft lull of Luna Olivia's voice as she tries to pull me from my slumber. Alpha Charles parked in front of a large mansion with four floors and two wings coming off of the main house, and I knew from the sheer size of the building in front of me that we were in front of the pack house. I wonder how many members fit into this ginormous building and where my room will be in the grand scheme of things. I open the back door and climb down, standing on the paved driveway, dimly lit in the night sky by the solar lamps lining the driveway. The house is made of brick, with beautiful hedges and flowers lining the front. The Luna likes flowers from the many flowers planted in front of the home. "Come along, dear," Luna Olivia says, eager for me to come up the steps to join the Alpha and Luna inside their home. Taking one last steadying breath, I follow behind them as they climb the stairs into the mansion. As soon as my feet cross the threshold, I am overcome by the most mouthwatering scent I have ever encountered. The smell is so potent it's making me weak in the knees and lightheaded. The same comforting scent I smelled on Luna Olivia and Alpha Charles seeps into every free space of the air. Every once of control I have within my preteen body is fighting against my base instincts to go in search of the scent. Does this scent belong to the son they told me they have? If it does, how am I supposed to live here with that delicious smell constantly calling out to me? "Our son Damon is waiting in the Alpha's office," Luna Olivia says, grabbing my hand, pulling my mind back to reality, and preventing myself from sniffing every part of this house until I find the source of the fragrance setting my senses on fire. As soon as we enter the medium-sized office, I am smacked in the face with the irresistible perfume that has invaded my thoughts since I first smelled it on the Alpha and Luna hours ago. If I thought the delicious odor was terrible, nothing could prepare me for the beauty of the teenage boy standing inside the room. Standing on the other side of the room is a god-like teenager, maybe a year older than me. He was tall, with blonde hair, the perfect mix of his parents' blonde hair. His blue eyes were so piercing I swear he is glowering straight into my soul. I notice how his pupils dilate, his jaw tightens, and he clenches his fist while he glares at me. It's evident from his demeanor that he doesn't like me already, which makes sense when we haven't said anything to each other. "Son," Alpha Charles says in that rough commanding tone of his, "This is Elle; she will be staying with us indefinitely.""Why?" The teenage boy sneers as his eyes look over my body with the same intensity his father did earlier, causing my body to flush with his scrutiny. "Her pack underwent a horrible rogue attack," Luna Olivia explains to her son, a sad expression on her face. "Elle is one of the survivors of her pack, and she doesn't remember much about her pack. Your father and I were nearby when it happened. Since your father and I rescued her, we felt responsible for her until her memory returns and a living family member can be found.""What's her rank?" Damon continues questioning, his eyes dark and stormy with annoyance as he glowers at me from across the room, sending me shivers of fear and excitement. "Omega," his father adds calmly, clearly not concerned by having a lower-ranking wolf in his home. The same cannot be said for his son, who turns as red as a tomato from anger. "Are you serious? Can you even trust her?" Damon demands to know, and his question causes me to snort while rolling my eyes. He can't possibly be serious, can he? "What's so funny?" Damon growls as he slinks toward me as a predator does with his prey. "Oh, nothing," I say, shrugging my shoulders, a bored look on my face as I look at the dirt underneath my fingernails. "Just never expected a big bad Alpha to be scared of a weak teenaged Omega," I say the last part while looking him directly in the eyes. "YOU LITTLE-"Damon starts to yell, his eyes shifting to black and his nostrils flaring as the anger rages throughout his body, the aura coming off of him in droves. "Enough!" Alpha Charles screams, causing us to jump, seemingly lost in our world for a few minutes. "Damon, you will apologize to Elle while you show her the room on the second floor. The Gamma's old floor. Now go!" He says, sounding exasperated as he holds the bridge of his nose, trying to calm his patience. "Fine," is all Damon grumbles in response before spinning on his heel and leaving the room, expecting me to follow behind him. I trail behind him silently as we go further into the mansion, passing numerous rooms with zero explanation of what they are from Damon. I can see how his fists keep clenching, and his breathing becomes ragged, but I say nothing to him about it. After climbing a few flights of stairs and going down another always, Damon stops in front of a door, grunting, "This is your room." He steps aside so I can open the door, and just as I am about to step past the threshold, Damon grabs my arms, causing tingles to run up and down the length of my arm. Damon must have felt it, too, from how quickly he released my arm and stepped away from me. But it didn't stop the growl as he leaned down in my face, his hot breath fanning my face. "Listen here, you little orphan. This is my pack; you will do as I say. I will only be addressed as Alpha Damon by you; We are NOT friends. You will do what I say when I say it. You will not try to be friends with my friends. And you will NEVER wear clothes like this again. Not at school or home," he growls as his eyes scan my body, pointing at the skirt, tank top, and converse on my body. "We don't need another pack slut, got it?""Yes," I sigh, already knowing he will make my life a personal hell within this pack, and I am starting to regret agreeing to ever come here with the Alpha and Luna. How could they be such lovely people and have such a nightmare for an heir? It makes zero sense. "Yes, what?" Damon growls, bending down closer to my face, and I know I should be afraid, but something deep within me tells me not to fear the angry Alpha in front of me. "Yes, Alpha," I mutter, trying my hardest not to roll my eyes at his stupid request but think better of it. I  have already done something to piss this hormonal teenage Alpha off, and I have no idea why but I don't feel like adding fuel to the fire. "Good," he says, nodding his head in approval before stomping away down the hallway and going up the stairs to what I assume is his room—refusing to enter my bedroom until I can no longer see him from the bedroom before walking into a space that'll be home indefinitely.

Chapter 2 Chapter One

Damon- 18 years old. Elle- 16 years old, a month away from her 17th birthday Elle The constant beeping of my alarm clock rouses me from my no-dream sleep, letting me know it's 4 am and time to head off into training with the Beta and Gamma of the New Moon Pack. It is strange how much Alpha Charles and Luna Olivia have invested into a nobody Omega from another pack. I never really bother to question it, I can't remember anything from my old life, and they treat me like their own. What do I have to complain about? They have made sure I have everything I could ever need or want. I am personally trained by the Beta and Gamma daily; no other Omega is lucky enough to receive that kind of one on one training. I have a beautiful room that they spent thousands of dollars to redo, even though I explained it wasn't necessary, and I was more than happy with the room the way it was when I moved in. They insisted that it be perfect and precisely as I desired. I have a massive bathroom with a rainhead shower, a large clawfoot bathtub, and a small sauna in the bathroom as well. Attached to the bathroom was a decent-sized walk-in closet. It's pretty bare, though, as most of my wardrobe consisted of sweatpants, t-shirts, and sneakers. Not that I didn't want any of those cute, stylish clothes other girls, in my school wear or that the Luna would say no. She and the Alpha have never denied me anything I have wanted before, but I knew one person would throw an absolute fit. Damon Ledger is my biggest enemy and a paranoid control freak. Especially when it comes to me. He has had it out for me since the day his parents brought me home. His controlling behavior towards me started small. First, I wasn't allowed near him or his friends. However, within weeks, it had escalated beyond what my twelve-year-old self could comprehend. Next, I wasn't permitted to train, which didn't matter; I would never be training with the pack per the Alpha's orders. I started training with the Beta, Gamma, Luna, and occasionally the Alpha in the private soundproofed gym they had built for me. Before I knew it, I wasn't allowed in the pool, and he picked out my clothes. I am not allowed to look him in the eyes. I'm positive he is why all of Timberlake high treats me like a leper; I am on his blacklist. He hated me before I said a word to him, and I have no idea why. But no one will go against him or his wolf Slade. Damon is nothing like his father or mother; he is angry and dangerous. A skilled warrior and the future of the pack I am living in. As soon as he takes his position as Alpha, I know I will be out on my ass. Luckily, I have been preparing for that day- I have excellent grades, can code, and save every penny I earn. I have created a nice little nest egg to escape this place once I shift and turn eighteen. I love the Alpha and Luna, but I will never survive with Damon as Alpha. Absentmindedly putting on the random clothes I picked from my closet, I try to stop thinking of Damon Ledger and enjoy my last day of this summer. Damon's been away at Alpha training for the entire vacation, and I have never felt so much inner peace. With him and his cronies gone, I have started feeling the confidence I shoved aside long ago. With Damon gone, I am beginning to come out of my shell and act like my old self. I forgot so much of myself trying to make Damon's adjustment to my presence here easier but fuck that shit. I am deciding that I will no longer allow him to have any more control over my life. Putting my hair into a ponytail, I leave my bathroom, taking my new resolve to my private gym to work out my frustrations on the poor unsuspecting Beta and Gamma. *************************** After a quick breakfast at the kitchen counter, I place my dirty plate in the empty dishwasher before grabbing the Eloisa James novel I brought with me off the counter before exiting the room. Walking through the swing door into the dining room that leads to the main hall. As I pass by the den, I hear the rasp of whispers too low to make out, but the scents leaking from the room tell me who it is inside. Not wanting the Alpha and Luna to think I am eavesdropping, I scurry down the hall and out the front door inhaling the cleanliness of the fresh air surrounding me and being thankful for it. My boots scraped against the driveway pavement as my mind mindlessly took my feet in the same direction it had every day for the last three months. Breaking from the pavement onto the dewy midmorning grass, my boots sank slightly into the soft dirt. Without thinking, I let my body take me to a spot that has slowly become my favorite over the summer. With Damon gone, I have felt safe enough to venture back after staying away for years. As I make my way through the forest, the sticks and leaves crunch beneath my feet as I get further away from the packhouse. The longer I walk in the quiet forest, enjoying the subtle chirps of the birds sitting high in the trees or the squirrels' dash between the branches chasing one another, my mind wanders to the first time I ever came to this spot. *****FLASHBACK******** Two Weeks After Elle's Arrival. After waiting two long weeks of only being allowed to wander around the packhouse with nothing else to do, Luna Olivia and Alpha Charles determined I had enough time to adjust, and it was finally time to see the town and meet other kids my age before starting school.  Thank the Goddess, too, because I was about to go crazy looking at the same four walls around me. At least I had been smart enough to avoid Damon most days except for dinner, so at least I had that going for me until Luna Olivia showed me around the town. Goddess helped the woman, but she brought me to Damon and his friends. While she introduces me to the kids hanging around her son, the next Alpha, he is glaring daggers at me. As soon as I could steer her away, I did, but not after five excruciating minutes of awkward pleasantries. It was unbearable, trying not to look at Damon, knowing the damnation that lay within. It wasn't until we walked away that I could finally breathe. After Luna Olivia showed me every nook and cranny of the town, she gave me the okay to explore independently. "Have fun, sweetheart. You have money on the card if you want to go in the shops," Luna Olivia says, "and our numbers are programmed into the phone we gave you. Once you join the pack, you'll get to mindlink everyone else too." She wraps her arms around my body; being tall for my age, I am only a few inches shorter than her, so my hair tugs uncomfortably on her earrings as we separate from each other. "I will be back in time for dinner," I say before stepping away and walking back towards the pack house. Having seen a small path in the woods at the end of the driveway, I am dying to explore. Wasting no time hurrying my way down the path, evergreen clinging to the air, invading my nose so that everything else slowly fades away, including my scent. Determined to follow this path to the end, I continue walking until the path widens, revealing a large field of the most vibrant green I had ever seen. A pigment that could only be found on healthy land. Tiny yellow flowers littered the field reflecting brightly against the afternoon sun. A gentle breeze causes them to sway. As my foot extends to step further, I hear the snap of a twig behind me and muffled voices coming down the path. Not wanting to be found, I find a tree with a low branch before hoisting myself up, my skin brushing against the rough bark as I climb higher. Once I get to the top, I watch for the people to pass below me. As they near, I hear a voice I could pick from a hundred different ones. "Come on," the blonde-haired and pale boy Luna Olivia introduced as Matt whines, "tell us more about that Elle girl.""My mom says she is an omega orphan from another pack," Andrew says if I remember him correctly. "I don't care who she is," Matt says, "she is super cute," Damon says nothing as they pass under the tree, stopping to lift his nose to the air and sniff, looking around for its source. My lungs are burning as the oxygen I have been holding in my lungs begs for release. He continues onward when he doesn't find what he is looking for. "Come on, Damon," Matt says, "tell me about her so I can make my move before the other guys in the pack try to. Have you seen how cute she is? Imagine how hot she'll be when she gets older." He continues on, not paying attention to the deadly look on Damon's face. Matt is about to say more when a low rumble shakes the trees, including the one I am in, when a sending me a little off balance that I grab the trunk in a vice grip. In the span it took me to blink, Matt's neck in Damon's vice grip, he slowly lifted him from the ground, face turning blue from the lack of oxygen. "NEVER go near Elle," Damon says, his eyes black voids. "Don't talk to her; she isn't yours to conquer. If I see either of you talking to her without permission, you'll wish I killed you today. Understood?" Damon doesn't need to scream to make his words frightening; his aura is doing it all alone. "UNDERSTOOD?" Damon screams, bringing Matt's face closer so he can hear the small croak of a "yes" from his lips before dropping him to the ground. The same black eyes focused on Matt a few moments ago are now looking at Andrew, waiting for his nod of acknowledgment to the new rules. Giving Damon the smaller nod of agreement, Damon shoves past him, making his way back to the drive. Andrew rushes to help a coughing Matt stand before following behind their Alpha. I don't move, frozen in the tree, my arms still around the tree as I try to decipher Damon's words.

Chapter 3 Chapter Two

ELLE POV Bouncing down to the dining room in my usual sweatpants and t-shirt, I pass the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma as they head into the Alpha's office to conduct pack business. Nodding to the three, I continue to the dining room to find Luna sitting in her usual spot, drinking her coffee and reading the paper. With Damon gone for the summer, we have most of our meals together. Most days, the Alpha is too busy without him around. I know Luna Olivia misses her son, but I would be lying if I didn't say I am relieved by his absence. My summer vacation is officially ending tomorrow, and once Damon returns, along with Andrew and Matt, my regularly scheduled hell will resume. So, I am determined to make this day magical, spending my time reading by the pool, binging Bridgerton on N****x, and eating Helena's homemade cinnamon roll ice cream. "Good morning, dear," Luna Olivia says to me as she looks up from her paper. "Good Morning, Luna," I say, flashing her a warm smile as I sit in my usual spot. Suddenly the dining room door opens, and the Beta Female and Gamma Female walk in and take the seats they usually sit at when they dine at the packhouse. "Good morning, Luna and Elle," they say in unison. They are sitting down to join us for breakfast, which happens occasionally, but more often now that their boys are away at Alpha training with Damon. I know these women-only visit more because they miss their sons, but I am not missing the devil and his dancing demons. I'd never admit it to anyone else in this pack, but the entire summer without them and school have been Goddess-sent. The worst part is that I have had such a transformative time and will have nothing to show when school starts again. "Elle, are you excited to start school tomorrow?" the Gamma Female, Sam, asks me with a sweet smile on her lips. I never understood how all of these lovely women raised such horrible sons. Seriously, it's mind-boggling, and I still can't figure it out. "Hmmm, honestly, I am not too excited for school to start tomorrow." I look at her when a brilliant idea pops into my head. Maybe, I could use Damon's absence to finish the summer with a bang. "Oh, why not?" the Beta Female asks me as she slathers her scone with jelly. "I was too busy enjoying my summer; I never took a second to realize I am no longer the tomboy who moved here five years ago. I should have focused on updating my wardrobe instead of thinking about it the day before classes start." A bashful expression plasters my face while I look at the table, ashamed, while we sit in silence. Finally, Luna giggles, "Oh, thank the Goddess, I have been dying to throw away your clothes since your freshman year of high school." "What?" I ask, completely perplexed. That sneaky little bastard has played Luna and me against each other without us knowing. I thought she had agreed with Damon's stupid rules. "Elle, I love you like my daughter, but I have hated your wardrobe. You're a gorgeous girl who hides underneath these baggy clothes." Luna says, giving me a small smile while pointing to the outfit I am currently wearing. "Why didn't you say anything before?" I ask her, my voice sounding annoyed, but it wasn't directed towards her, instead of myself for believing anything that jackass says. "Well, I never wanted to give you complex body images at such a young age. Your comfort is more important than you having my same taste in clothes," Luna Olivia says, wrapping me in her arms for a classic bear hug. "Plus, I figured you would ask for one when you wanted a wardrobe update," Luna finishes, giving me a final squeeze and sitting back in her chair. "Well, then I am officially asking you for a fashion makeover," I say, flashing my brightest smile to the three women sitting around me, causing them to squeal with hysteria. I already know these two will tag along because I asked Luna to take me shopping. They are best friends who do everything together and love to shop; their husbands have the wear in their black cards to prove it. "It's decided then; we are going shopping tomorrow!" the Luna exclaims while the others clap their hands, trying to talk over each other to make plans. Their excitement is rubbing off on me until I realize the first day of class is tomorrow. "But Luna, school starts tomorrow," I try to explain. "Pish posh darling, you're a straight-A student, and that's in the AP classes. Your attendance is perfect. You can afford to take this one day off. Trust me; I am more than willing to let you skip school so I can finally shop with you." "Yeah, Elle," Gamma Sam adds, "You're practically a kid genius. Who else could design the security code for the pack? You're going to get into any college you want, and skipping the first day of school once isn't going to impact that. Remember, it's okay to live, too, and have fun. You're only this age once." "Okay," I say excitedly. "But I get final veto power, and the clothes have to fit my personality." I need to set boundaries early with these women, or they'll roll right over me. I want new clothes to better express who I am as a person, not completely reinvent myself. "So, what's the plan? When should we leave for the mall tomorrow?" I ask Luna and the others so that I could formulate a plan for the best possible way to avoid Damon. He'll be back sometime tonight. Probably late is what I overheard from the Alpha as I walked into the dining room this morning. "We are NOT going to the local mall for our first shopping trip together. No, we will do this right and go to the city. It's a little over a 3.5-hour drive from here, and we should leave early to beat traffic. Plus, we want to get there early to have the whole day to shop and get back here at a decent enough time to see the boys, Luna Olivia says with conviction. "We can have lunch in the city! I have read about some of the new restaurants that opened up in the city, receiving rave reviews. Three are wolf-owned, and the owner of one is from my old pack, so I'll try calling them to see if they'll squeeze us in." Beta Ashley says, pulling her phone out to make the phone call. "No, please make reservations at Gramercy tavern," Luna Olivia says to Beta Ashley with a look that says not to question it. Ashley doesn't as she walks away to make the reservations at the restaurant requested. But the look on Ashley's told me she'd rather have dinner elsewhere. Why? "We should get pedicures and manicures while we're in the city," Gamma Sam chimes in, trying to distract me from the strangeness of that interaction between Olivia and Ashley, "doesn't that sound fun?" I respond with a simple yes, my mind distracted by the moment between Ashley and our Luna. ******************** UNKNOWN POV In an oak office, with bookshelves lining the back wall, a middle-aged man with greying black hair sits at a large desk filling out paperwork, soft jazz playing on the record player behind him when the phone starts ringing. "Hello," the man says, in a hard, gruff voice like the man smoked a pack a day, "how may I help you?" Feeling no need to introduce himself. If the person made it this far up the chain, they knew who they were talking to. Call it his arrogance, but he feels no need to introduce himself. "Sir, it's Angela," says a woman he knew to work at the Gramercy Tavern because he put her there; as an Omega, it's her duty to do what he says regardless of what she wishes for herself. "There is something that you'll want to know.""Get to it," He says, growing bored that she's beating around the bush, "I don't have all fucking day bitch!" His snarls make her flinch, and his wolf finds pleasure in her weakness. "Not until you promise to let me go with my mate. We want to leave the pack," She says in return showing a little backbone for the first time in years. "Why would I do that?" The middle-aged man asks, unconvinced to grant her wishes. "Because I know where the thing you want most in the world is. If you don't agree, I'll slit my own throat," Angela's voice comes out hard and unrelenting. "Fine," he agrees begrudgingly. "Tell me. Now." Angela wastes no time telling him the Luna of New Moon had come for lunch at the tavern with her top females and a teenage girl. The man couldn't care less about that, and it was common knowledge that Luna Olivia is a shopaholic, useless woman. It wasn't until Angela described the young teenage girl that he started leaning back in his chair, interested in what was being said. "This girl, how old would you say she is?" The man asks. "No older than eighteen," Angela replies. "And she will be at Alpha Damon's birthday ball.""And she looks like Cynthia?" The man asks. "The spitting image of our Lu-" but the growl from the man causes her to stop in her tracks, realizing how she messed up. "That bitch isn't your Luna anymore. Remember that. Be outside the territory. Tomorrow morning at dawn, you can get your mate then." The man snarls before slamming the phone down. Calling his Beta and the Beta heir into the office, he looks at them, a joyful sneer on his face, giddy at the news he just received. "Take the Omega Edward Fisher to the border at dawn when you see his Mate Angela appear to take him away, kill him in front of her and then kill her,""Yes, Alpha," Both men reply, their faces expressionless and unsurprised at the request. "Then call my favorite son-in-law back," The man says, pouring himself a glass of whisky, not bothering to pour more than one for himself. "I have a new place for him to visit." The man finishes taking a large gulp of his drink. The thing he covets the most is within reach, and it won't be long before he has everything that once belonged to his biggest enemy.

Chapter 4 Chapter Three

Damon Pov I cannot believe this is my last day here at the Alpha training camp, and I can't deny the excitement I feel to get back to our lands, and Slade agrees with me. If it were up to Slade, we would have left after three days of being here. He has been agitated, not knowing what Elle had been up to in our absence. When we were at home, keeping track of her movements was easier, but being here with all my men meant I had no one on the land to monitor her for me. It's not like I could ask my father's men to do it. Instead, I had to rely on the small tidbits Mom would give me when she called to talk to me, but she never gave the information willingly. Constantly forcing me to ask. I tried to resist the temptation; I did not want my mom to think I cared about the silly little orphan. I want nothing to do with that red-haired, green-eyed vixen. It's Slade who is obsessed. I try my hardest to avoid her like the plague he just makes it impossible. Stupid wolf. I don't get his hype; she isn't even that pretty. 'I am not the one who forced you to steal her shirts. You did that all on your own,' Slade gloats from the corner of my mind, retreating before I can utter my response. Stupid mutt. My phone starts ringing, pulling my thoughts from Elle. Looking at the caller ID, I see it's my mom calling me. "Hey, Mom," I answer, knowing if I ignore it, she will call Andrew or Matt if she can't get ahold of me on the first try. I get her apprehension. I understand that it is nerve-racking for an Alpha and Luna to send their successor, especially when there is only one heir. It doesn't help that these young Alphas warriors and right-hand men come along. While Alpha training is relatively safe and well-guarded, things could always happen. "Hi, honey, your father and I are just wondering if you and your men have left yet?" she asks with a hint of excitement. I know that she and her females are ready for their sons to get home. "Not yet. I am finishing packing up now, and we will grab lunch then head to the airport." I say, telling her the plan for the fifteenth time. "Our plane leaves the Denver airport at 5:30 pm. We will land in Ohio around 9:30, and then we will board the 10 o'clock plane to NYC. We pick up the rental car from there and drive the 3.5 hours home. We won't make it back to the pack territory till 1 am.""Oh shoot, that means the girls and I won't get to see you, boys, until late tomorrow night," she says, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Why? Where are you guys going?" I ask, not caring when they will see us. While I missed my mom, I am no longer a pup, so I could handle not seeing her for an extra day. "The girls and I are doing a last-minute trip to NYC to find dresses for your birthday ball," she says, reminding me of the ball they will be throwing for me five weeks after returning home. It was supposed to happen this summer, but I was here the entire time, required to stay on campus until the session was complete. "Mom, don't you have enough formal dresses appropriate for the occasion?" I ask, knowing she, the Beta female, and the Gamma female have enough clothes to fill a medium-sized house with every square inch overrun with clothes, shoes, and accessories. "A woman can never have enough dresses, Damon. Plus, this is an extraordinary occasion for our pack. Alpha and Luna's will be coming from all over the country. All four of us must look like divinity." she explains with an exasperated voice. "Four?" I ask, confused. Did mom make a new friend over the summer? I don't remember her mentioning someone. "Yes, Elle will be accompanying us this year. Your father and I put off debuting her, and we need to do it eventually," my mom says in a small voice, and I can tell she isn't too fond of this either. For what reason, I cannot figure it out yet. "I know she usually avoids these things, but unfortunately, she is turning seventeen soon, and we can no longer prevent her introductions to other packs.""That's Bullshit," I spew, Slade and I's anger rising quickly. My mom is talking like she is trying to set Elle up with any loser Alpha present at my party. "Elle is an Omega; what could she possibly offer an Alpha, Beta, or Gamma?" I snort, hoping my mom doesn't read through the facade. "Elle is a gorgeous young woman and gets more beautiful each day. You haven't seen her in months, but I am sure many Alpha's would be happy to look past her rank to claim her as their own, " my mom says. "But that's not the point, Damon; we need to do this now." Her response has Slade raging in my head, pissed that my mom would even suggest Elle take a chosen mate. It sounds like they are hoping this Ball doubles as a way to introduce Elle to eligible young Alpha's and other high-ranking wolves. Could they be any more transparent? Taking a calming breath, I control Slade enough to ask my mom what they think. "You can't seriously suggest we hand Elle off to some Alpha who isn't her mate!" I growl out. "Or do you think you and father know more than the Goddess?""Never. But there are things about a mate bond you do not understand yet because you haven't found your own," she replies, telling me she will not discuss the subject further. After a slight pause, my mother asks me the question I dread answering when it comes to Elle. "Why do you care?""I don't care about Elle." I quickly cough out, trying to cover the shakiness in my voice. "I was just shocked for a second. You and Dad are fated mates, and you have always pushed that belief on me growing up. I don't like Elle, but even she deserves her mate." I add, hoping that satisfies her curiosity. "Mmhmm. Well, I better run, dear. I will see you in a few days. I love you, and sweet travels." mom says, hanging up before I have the chance to respond to her. I could tell by the sound of her voice that Taping up the last box, I glance at the clock and see that I have enough time to take a run and shower before meeting the guys at the front of the building to leave. ***************************** After letting Slade run free for almost three hours, and a forty-minute shower, I was finally dressed and standing in the dorm lobby, waiting for my men to meet me there so we could get lunch before taking the shuttle to the airport. Buzz. Buzz. Buzzz. Buzzzz. Buzzz. "You gonna grab that Alpha?" asked Trent, my lead warrior and the Gamma's second in command. "No," I say dryly. I didn't need to look at the screen to know who was calling me. The same person has called me over twenty times in the last 30 hours. Melanie Matt's twin sister. Thankfully, Matt stays away from our "relationship," or he might have to kill me. Part of me knows he disapproves, I know he doesn't think we are mates, and neither does Andrew. My Beta is not shy of his disdain for Melanie and doesn't know why I am wasting my time with her if she might not be my mate. Andrew and Matt aren't virgins, but they do not sleep with she-wolves; instead, they have one-time encounters with humans who live near the territory. But I have been in a relationship with Melanie since middle school, we have only had sex with each other, but we can be toxic. On again and off again rollercoaster. I like Melanie, but ever since we both turned eighteen this summer, she has become extra clingy. Calling fifteen times in one day, and when she is not calling, she is texting. I know she is hoping we are mates, but somewhere deep down, I am praying we aren't. "She better not be our mate, or I might have to kill us. I have no idea how you handle her shrill voice. I know the sex isn't that good...Elle would be better." Slade adds from the corner of my mind while he flashes Elle in my mind. The buzz buzz buzz of my phone going off again interrupts me from responding to the devious wolf. Taking the phone out of my pocket, I turn it off and turn to Trent to ask where the others are because they're late. "They're coming down now, Alpha," Trent says, nodding towards the see-through elevator that is jam-packed with my men as it makes its way down to the lobby floor. "Finally, I am fucking starved," I say as the group walks towards us, and we all head to the exit. **************************** As soon as the doors of my Bronco slam shut, Matt and Andrew are talking over each other, firing off a hundred different questions expecting me to answer. I stay silent, focusing on driving us away from long-term parking, giving them time to calm down before I bother responding. "Seriously, dude, what's going on with you?" asks Andrew. "Ever since we got to training camp, you've been more of a dick than usual.""Yeah, man, you became a different person in the past few months. Angrier, edgier, and scary as hell. Did you notice how the other Alpha's acted around you? It was almost like they were scared of you." Matt adds in from the back seat. "Good. They should fear me," I snarled, especially with my parents trying to pawn Elle off on one of those mutts. "The whole point of training is to make and keep alliances; Matt and I spent most of the summer covering for your shit attitude," Andrew informs me from the passenger seat, "towards the end, it started to improve. Now today, you're acting like a complete jackass. What happened?""My mom and dad are using my eighteenth birthday to introduce Elle to the neighboring pack Alpha's and their high-ranking wolves." I figure I'll tell them. I know they won't let it go if I don't say anything. I won't tell them about Slade's obsession with Elle, but I need to tell them about this. "My mom told me today when she called." Andrew says nothing; he watches me from the passenger side as I navigate us out of the city. "What would an Alpha want with an omega?" Matt asks from the back seat after he settles from laughing. "I don't know," Andrew glances in the back seat at Matt before he turns back to look at my face before answering, "but my mom says she has gotten hot over the summer" Andrew's eyes never leave my face, so I know he sees the way my jaw clenches and my grip on the steering wheel tightens. "Dude, I don't care what your mom says; there is no way that nerd magically got hot in 3 months," Matt argues from the back seat. "But why are you so angry about it, Damon? I thought you hated the orphan?" he asks. While Matt is not as logical as Andrew, he is still perceptive. "I am pissed that my parents decided to use my birthday to find a chosen mate for Elle when It should be spent on me finding mine," I respond to Matt. I know this response makes me sound like a petulant child, but I cannot tell them the truth. That the thought of another wolf marking Elle wants to send Slade into a killing frenzy, they wouldn't understand. I can still feel Andrew's eyes on me, and I know he doesn't fully believe my answers, but he doesn't say a word about it. Instead, he says something much worse. "I guess you should be happy about it. If they find Elle's mate or a chosen you can finally get rid of her. You have wanted her gone since she stepped foot in the pack five years ago.""NEVER!" Slade takes over and growls out, my eyes flashing black, so they know he is just behind the surface. I can see Andrew's reaction from the corner of my eye, knowing he won't say another word. If he is smart, he will mindlink the dumbass in the back and tell him not to say a damn thing. Thankfully both of them are smart enough not to say a word the rest of the way home. Just another hour before we reach the pack borders, where I can finally smell the cinnamon swirl that haunts my dreams and every waking hour.

Chapter 5 Chapter Four

Damon Pov An hour later, having dropped off Andrew and Matt at their houses, I am finally pulling up to the pack mansion. I park the bronco in front of the house, grab my phone, and race into the house like my life depends on it. As soon as the door opens, Slade and I can smell the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls. For the first time in months, Slade relaxed in my mind, and without thinking, I let my nose lead the way. Before I realized where my feet were taking me, I found myself outside Elle's door, breathing heavily. Not ready to leave, I sank to the floor, leaning against the door and letting my nostrils fill with her sweet scent. My body is relaxing for the first time in weeks that I don't realize when the rest of the world falls away... "Damon, wake up, son," my father's voice startles me awake, my eyes wide, confused about where I am. The last thing I remember is sitting outside Elle's room. I can't still be there, can I? "Dad! Wha-?" I ask, my voice still groggy from sleep. My hands tried to wipe the slumber from my eyes. It took me a few more seconds to realize I must have fallen asleep outside Elle's room. Fuck. "I found you sleeping. What are you doing sleeping outside Elle's room?" he asks, his voice filled with curiosity, but the worst is how his eyes feel like they're peering into my soul. "I...uh...I don't know...I must have sleepwalked or something..." I try to explain, but guessing by the looks on his face he doesn't believe my lies, and I am ready for him to call me on it. "Well, you should probably get back to your room. It would help if you had some sleep before you come to my office at 9 am to catch up on the business you missed while at training. I know it's the first day of senior year, but you missed a lot of important things while away," he says as he offers me his hand to help me from the ground and pull me into a hug. My father wasn't an overly emotional man, especially in front of other pack members. But in private, when it's just him, mom, and me, he opens up. "It's good to have you home, son. Your mother and I have missed you.""I have missed you too. What time is it?" I ask him, wondering how long I have been outside Elle's door and who else might have seen me slumped over like a lovesick puppy. "It's about 3 am. What time did you get home?" he asks as we start walking to the stairway to the upper levels of our rooms. "We crossed the borders around one a.m, I think," I reply anxiously, wishing to be done with this conversation and the embarrassment I feel being found sleeping outside Elle's room like some lovesick pup begging for a chance to go to the school dance. I am not that kind of loser. "Oh well, go get some sleep, son," he says as we get to the level my room is on. "Oh, and Damon?" he asks as I put my handle on my door handle, causing me to turn and look back at him standing on the stairs. "Yeah?" I ask, turning to look at him one last time before walking into the bedroom I haven't seen in weeks. "Let's not sleepwalk outside Elle's room anymore. Understood?" he asks, but the edge in his voice could sharpen knives which unsettles my possessive Alpha wolf, who is pissed at being told what to do. "Got it," I say before walking into my room and slamming my door with more force than necessary. Shrugging off my shoes and tearing off all my clothes until I'm only in my boxers, I crawl into bed, hoping to get some sleep before I have to meet my father in his office. ********************** LUNA OLIVIA POV The annoying beep of my alarm clock rouses me from a profound sleep. Reaching over to touch my mate before leaving him for an entire day but finding sheets between my fingers jolts me awake quicker than the sex. Where could he be at three a.m? At this godless hour? I am only up because I am going to New York City with the girls and Elle. Now that her wolf is about to surface, things will change around here quickly. I want this last experience with her before the truth of her purpose here becomes known. I Reach out through the bond to feel for my mate, Charles, only to smell him coming in the door. He may be older than when we first met, but he is still the most breathtaking man I have ever met. He has a knowing smile as he starts undressing, unaware of my eyes on him. Feeling mischievous, I ask him, "where have you been?" Just for the chance to startle him since it's such a rarity. "I was thirsty, but I ran into Damon sleeping outside Elle's room again," he says, and I don't need a light on to see the smirk on his lips. Unfortunately, he responds utterly unphased by my question, damn Alpha genes. "Remember when you could carry him back to his room?" I ask with a chuckle, "I guess things have changed since then and will continue to do so, won't they?" I ask him, the worry evident in my voice. "They will," Charles said with a sigh, "but we made a promise we cannot break, and we know what needs to be done. We promised, Liv." His face holds compassion and understanding, but something in his tone has a reminder. A reminder of what will happen if we don't hold up our end of the agreement, and there is no way I could handle the consequences, so I continue with the responsibilities given to me even when I doubt my abilities. "We love Elle like she is our own," Charles says, feeling my reservations through the bond. He knows how hard I struggled with the decisions we made long ago. "We owe it to her and Damon to do this. We can't back down now; we already agreed." "I know; what's done is done," I say with a sigh, watching as Charles approaches me with a sly smile. Crawling on top of me, Charles nibbles on my marking spot, sending tantalizing shivers down my spine and a moan from my lips. "Are you trying to distract me, Alpha?" I ask, giggling like a teenage girl making out with her football star boyfriend. "That depends on if it's working?" he asks in whispers as his lips barely brush against the skin of my neck, causing my eyes to roll back in pleasure. "Oh, definitely," I say, grabbing his face and looking into his blue eyes before smashing my lips against his in need, wrapping my arms and legs around him. Forgetting about our promises, troubles, and impending doom, I lose myself in my mate, knowing we can worry about the rest later. Together. ********************************* DAMON POV After tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep from Slade's incessant grumbling about our father, I glance at the clock seeing it's only 7:00 am. I can shower and still run into Elle before she leaves for the first day of class. I know that seeing her would help Slade calm down; this is the longest either of us has gone without seeing her face. I'd be lying if I disagreed that it affects me as much as him. Running to the closet, I pulled out some clothes with a towel and headed through the doorway to the connected bathroom. Stripping out of the boxers, I stride to the corners where the rainfall showerhead sits and turn it to as hot as it goes. I sit underneath, enjoying the warmth for a minute before I get to work, washing off the stink of my travels. After fifteen minutes, I am standing in front of a foggy mirror with the towel wrapped around my waist. I quickly dry myself and put on the clothes I picked out before heading to the kitchen, hoping to see Elle's fiery red hair sitting at the counter eating her breakfast. Instead, I walk into the kitchen without her presence but am greeted with the smell of Helena cooking pancakes, eggs, toast, bacon, and potatoes. The Alpha training mess hall could not compare to her cooking, and I have missed it. "Good morning Alpha Damon. We are happy to have you back home," Helena says as she comes over to hug me before returning her eyes to the fluffy pancakes sitting on the grill. "Sit down. Let me get you a plate.""Don't have to tell me twice, Helena. I think your cooking was one of the things I missed the most while away. "Good, I would be offended if it wasn't," she cackles while placing a plate piled high with food in front of me. We caught up while I ate my food and waited for Elle to come down for her breakfast. But as the clock neared eight, I looked at the stairs expecting her to walk down any second. "Are you waiting on someone, Alpha?" Helena asks as she watches me look at the clock on the wall for the millionth time. "Oh well, I just thought that Elle would already be down here for class to eat; she is going to be late for the first day of her Junior year if she doesn't hurry," I say to Helena, not looking her in the eye as I shove more pancake into my mouth. "Oh, Elle went with the Luna and other women to New York City for a girl's day. Knowing how those women like to shop, I doubt they'll be home until late at night." Helena chuckles at my mom's shopping addiction. Now I feel a little sheepish, having forgotten that my mom told me about these plans yesterday, and I forgot too excited at the chance of seeing Elle after so long apart. "Oh, right. Mom told me I just forgot, I guess," I say, but Slade isn't happy that my mother took Elle with her to the city; he didn't like the idea of her being in the big city without protection. Plus, why would my mother bother taking Elle to the city? It's not like she needs clothes. I ensured she had plenty of sweatpants and sweatshirts to wear throughout the year. "She probably took her so they could buy a dress for your birthday ball," Slade grumbles from the corner of my mind "you know the ball where they are going to arrange her mating with another Alpha." he finishes before returning to where he came from within my mind. I say nothing as I head to my father's office, my mind too occupied with Slade's comments. I try my hardest to keep Slade's remarks out of my head, but they keep me distracted throughout the day, even when meeting new pack transfers. I tried my hardest to push it to the side, but I think my dad picked up that my mind was elsewhere. Even now, laying in bed, I am too consumed with the thoughts of Elle finding another Alpha that I don't even notice when I drift off to sleep.

Chapter 6 Chapter Five

ALPHA CHARLES POV I am sitting at the large oak desk, the leather of my office chair cool against my shirt, calming the nerves raging throughout my body. When the door opens, I feel the heat of aquamarine eyes on I didn't need to look at Olivia to know the wheels are grinding inside her head, the bond telling me everything. "Ask what you want," I say, my voice dry, the mental exhaustion thinks in my voice. "Did you set up the meeting between Elle and Theo?" My mate's voice rings out, her nerves firing rapidly through our connection. "Of course," I reply, closing my eyes and letting my fingers drag across my brows and temples, trying to calm the storm behind my eyes. "I guess it's too late to back out of our commitments now," she sighs, but I can feel her coming up behind me; tingles spread throughout my body as she runs her fingers through my hair, relaxing my tense muscles. A chuckle bubbles past my lips, my hand grabbing her wrist to plant a kiss before allowing my blue-gray eyes to gaze into hers, "that ship sailed years ago, sweetheart.""I guess our only option is to follow through with the plan," Olivia says with a sad whisper; I know she secretly hoped we could find a way out of the whole thing, but it's not happening. I tried devouring every spare minute to the cause, even asking my Beta for help, but nothing can be done. I already checked. "That's always been the only option.""Then we better hope the odds are in our favor," Liv sighs, sparks flying wildly when her lips crash onto mine, erasing the negative thoughts from my mind as I grip her waist and pull her to my lap, the stress caused by past decisions washing away as I lose myself in my mate. ****************** ELLE POV Even though we didn't get back to the house until 1 a.m. this morning, I can't sleep, and the anxiousness of a new school year is starting to get to me. So I spent the whole night organizing my new clothes, shoes, and makeup on my vanity. Changing quickly, I head to my gym to meet the Beta for training. "Hey, Elle, we will have to cancel our training today; the Alpha needs my help with something. Do what you usually do when we cancel sessions, and we will resume our normal schedule tomorrow. Alright, kid?" he asks as if I have any room to tell him he cannot help our Alpha. "Yeah, that's not a problem, Beta Jake," I reply to him and focus on the punching bag I have been bashing for the last five minutes. After another forty-five minutes of circuit training. It's almost 5 a.m., and I need a shower before school. Going into my spacious bathroom, I cross over the cold time floors to the shower, with its large rainfall showerhead and tile backsplash, turning the water to the hottest temperature I can. As I am washing my hair, it hits me that I may be able to avoid Damon a little longer if I hurry up and get out of there before he leaves for school. He usually waits till the last possible second before leaving, and it's only 5:15 a.m. If I hurry, I can get ready and be out the door before he comes out of his room. His parents used to make him drive me to school, but I got a jeep this summer, and I could drive myself now. At least this time, I won't be forced to get out a third of the way to Timberlake High, home of the Timber Wolves. Shutting off the shower, I wrap myself in a towel before stepping out to get dressed and do my makeup the way Luna Olivia taught me. I get all my stuff to work from the library on some coding before class. By 6:15 a.m, I was completely ready, with my outfit, hair, and makeup is done. Grabbing my stuff, I sneak down to the kitchen, being as quiet as possible, only to find Helena already starting breakfast. "Good morning, Helena," I greet her as I grab an apple from the basket, a protein bar, some peanuts, and bottled juice from the fridge. "Morning, dearie," she says as she follows my actions with her eyes, "well, look at how grown-up you look. It looks like you had fun shopping with the Luna yesterday. I am so glad to see you out of those sweatpants finally. A body as beautiful as yours is wasted in those clothes." she says as she pinches my cheek gingerly. I don't remember my grandparents, but I have always considered Helena a surrogate grandmother. "Thanks, Helena," I chuckle, "I don't know. I was just ready for a change this year. It's time I start putting effort into myself, you know?"  I ask, giving her a tight hug before slinging the backpack I put on the counter chair onto my shoulder. "I will see you after school. Bye, Helena." I stride out the door and climb into the green Jeep Wrangler I got this summer. I drive out of the garage and head to the high school, where I will hide until the first period starts. I smile at Danny, the custodian, wishing him a good day while I head to the library down the hall from the main doors on the right. I open the door to find the wall-to-wall windows I have become accustomed to throughout the years—tables littered throughout the aisles of bookcases. I always pick the one closest to the back exit. No one goes back that far, so it's been a trusty hideout through the years. I pull out my laptop and get my notebook and pen set out when I get a mindlink from Alpha Charles. 'Where are you?' he asks, interrupting the focus I have on the project currently in the works. 'Library, I had some maintenance I need to take care of,' I reply, my fingers still flying across the keyboard. 'Everything okay?' I ask. 'Well, a new student starts today. His name is Theo Campbell. He is a junior like you and in the majority of your classes. Would you mind showing him around?' Why he was asking me is the real question. A task Damon would typically take care of as the Alpha's son and heir. 'Are you sure, Alpha? Isn't this a task normally reserved for Damon?' I ask tentatively, knowing how Damon will act if he thinks I am trying to take his responsibilities from him. While simultaneously trying not to piss off Alpha Charles for being disrespectful. Thankfully, the emotions of mated males are much easier to manage. 'Yes, it is,' he replies without a hint of anger.'However, he is a junior, and you two have a very similar class schedule. Plus, Damon already showed him around the pack yesterday. Although he seemed somewhat distracted. I doubt that was fun for Theo,' Alpha Charles continues, unusually chatty this morning. 'Uhhh...Yeah, of course; however, I can help Alpha,' I say, knowing I don't have a choice. "Plus, he is an attractive boy; maybe you can try dating like all the other she-wolves your age." he chuckles heartily. 'Oh, I don't think about boys much, Alpha,' I respond to him, which is true. I am too busy thinking about what Damon might do next that I can't focus on another guy. Plus, any guy that showed interest in the beginning quickly lost interest. I can't prove it, but I swear Damon has something to do with it. 'Well, maybe just a friend then,' he responds, which I cannot argue. "Perhaps; when is Theo supposed to get here?" I ask; glancing at the clock, I notice it's almost 7:30 a.m. Homeroom attendance is taken every morning at 7:50 a.m. "He should be there in a minute. He came here first," Alpha Charles replies, "You can meet him outside at the front doors.""Okay, I'll pack up and head out front," I say, a little annoyed that this became my responsibility, but I will do whatever the Alpha and Luna ask of me. They have cared for me like one of their second kid. Honestly, I think they even talked about adopting me, but Damon, through such a fit at the suggestion, no one brought it up again. Grabbing my bag, I head for the exit, but I am distracted by something I don't notice when my body slams into a muscled chest. Before I can stumble backward, strong hands grab my shoulders to steady me. "Woah, there, sorry about that," a deep voice says from above my head. I am tall for a female wolf, but males were giant—especially those of Alpha, Beta, or Gamma descent. Looking at the handsome face of the teenage boy standing before me, I would say that he has a Beta or Gamma bloodline. The guy standing before me has a nice tan, brown curly hair, and the most hypnotic hazel eyes I have ever seen. I would have noticed those eyes. I may not be popular here, but I pay attention enough to know I have never seen him walk the hallways before. The weirdest part is that while I am openly gawking at the man standing in front of me, my mind is still replaying pictures of Damon. I need to get a fucking grip. "No, it's not your fault. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going," I say, flashing him a bright smile. "Do you know an Elle Davidson? The Alpha told me she was here so she can show me around the campus,". He says, showing me his pearly white smile. Seeing his smile put me at ease, and the nerves I had all morning seemed less rampant now. "Hi, I am Elle," I say, extending my hand for a shake. "Nice to meet you, Elle." The boy, I am assuming, is Theo Campbell, puts his hand in mine. As soon as he does, I cannot shake the feeling of familiarity I have. As if deep within my consciousness, I have met him somewhere in my past. I can't pinpoint from where. "I am Theo. Theo Campbell. Have we met before?" he asks me the question I have been wondering myself.

Chapter 7 Chapter SIx

Elle Pov "I was thinking the same thing, but I don't believe so; maybe we just look like other people we know?" I say, trying to explain the feeling in my gut telling me to trust this guy I don't even know. "Yeah, maybe." is Theo's response, but I can tell he isn't convinced. "So where should we start this tour?" he asks, going along with my plan to talk about anything else, and I am grateful for it. I hate trying to remember the time before living with the Ledgers. "Have you gotten your school schedule yet?" I ask. That way, I can see what areas of the school to show him and the best routes. "Yeah, I met with the principal, the Alpha, and the guidance counselor yesterday, where they went over my schedule," he says as he hands over a folded-up piece of paper. Opening it, I see we have every class together except training, which I am not allowed to participate in. "Well, oddly, we have every class together, so it looks like you'll be sticking next to me all day," I say, handing the paper back to him. "That doesn't sound like a bad place to be," Theo says, giving a heartwarming smile, causing my cheeks to flush instantly. While it's nice to have such a cute guy flirting with me, I couldn't help but wonder how Damon would respond to this if he heard. I should be more interested in this cute guy standing next to me than Damon would think. He is singlehandedly destroying my life. "Um, well, let's head to our homeroom. Follow me this way," I say, turning away from further embarrassment and walking back to the main foyer. I walk up the stairs to the second floor, turning left to go down the hallway filled with yellow and blue lockers till I reach the last door on the left. "This is Mrs. Baisden's room; you'll come here for homeroom and fifth-period AP English. She is pretty cool, although she is a stickler on tardiness,  so don't be late if you can help. Were you able to read the summer reading?" I ask him as I lead us to the seats in the far back by the windows. "Yeah, I read most of these books in ninth grade. My dad moves around a lot because of his job, so making friends has always been difficult. So I read a lot. I own so many we need a separate truck to move them," Theo chuckles, and I feel at ease knowing I am around a fellow nerd. "Oh really? What's your dad's job?" I ask. It's rare for werewolves to move between packs frequently. "Oh, my dad is a council representative." I already see myself getting along with his easygoing nature. "He goes to different packs on the council's behalf. I don't understand what he does at each pack as it's confidential, but his job has allowed me to see the beauty in the world, so I am not mad at constantly moving." Theo answers, shrugging his shoulders, signaling he doesn't mind routinely packing up his life for a new adventure. When the door opened, I was about to ask him another question, and Mrs. Baisden walked in with a rolling bag behind her. "Good Morning, Mrs. Baisden," I greet her with a warm smile, and she looks at me, confused for a few seconds before realizing who I dawn on her face. "Oh, Elle, is that you? I didn't recognize you! You look so different than last year!" she says, looking me up and down. How she looks at me, you would think I'm an alien. "Yeah, Luna Olivia took me shopping for new clothes yesterday. She demanded I update my wardrobe." I chuckle; it's not a secret in the pack that Luna Olivia loves shopping, always the most fashionable woman in the room. Turing my attention to Theo, I introduce him to Mrs. Baisden. "Welcome to Timberlake High, Theo. I hope you enjoy living here. The Alpha informed me that you moved into the pack on Saturday. Do you need time to complete the summer reading list?" Mrs. Baisden asks Theo. "No, I have already read the books on this list a few years back," he responds warmly. Mrs. Baisden is about to say more when students start trickling in, and she directs them to find their seats. I can see the looks the students are giving me. The other girls look threatened or envious as I sit next to Theo, the jaw-dropping new kid. The guys are looking at me with lust while shooting daggers at Theo. I wonder how long it will be before one of the kids run to tell Damon about my outfit and that I am sitting next to Theo. They won't say anything if they're smart, missing Damon's wrath. Damon is a "kill the messenger" type of Alpha. ***************** After twenty minutes of classmates finding my new look more interesting than the new kid or the class news, I was desperate for the bell to ring. As soon as it did, I was out of my seat with Theo hot on my heels. Theo doesn't say anything as he follows beside me silently, not asking about the kids in homeroom. Luckily it's a free period, so I can exit this hellscape for forty minutes before running into Damon. Walking across the courtyard to the forest, Theo grabs my arm to make me face him. "Elle, are you okay? Your classmates were staring at you the whole time, like your the crazy pack murderer or something," Theo says to me, his thumb running over my arm as he tries to comfort me. "It's complicated," I say, and that is when my nose is invaded with Damon's scent-- eucalyptus and sandalwood. It reminds me of a library filled with old books, oversized leather chairs, and laundry. As much as I deny it, his smell is comforting, and I have missed it in his absence. I turn from Theo, looking for Damon, hoping he hasn't noticed me yet and we can get away before he does. I look towards the other end of the courtyard to see him throwing a football with Matt and Andrew. His back is turned; as I am about to turn around, a gust of wind blows past me, carrying my scent right to him. Then I hear Matt practically yelling, "Holy Shit! Is that Elle?!" Fuck. There is no getting away from him now. While I hate to admit it, I have always found Damon attractive, but something changed during his time at camp. He has gotten taller, probably 6'7" now, which is tall even by Alpha standards. He is still lean, but his muscles have filled out, becoming more defined, and he has a sleeve tattoo on his right arm going up the side of his neck. I can see him stiffen and then turn, searching for me; as if our eyes are magnets, his blue orbs find green ones almost instantly, and I feel the air leave my lungs. He looks almost relieved to see me, but then his eyes scan my body, and he finally notices Theo's hand still resting on my arm. Double Fuck. His eyes shift to full black as he wastes no time striding over to us. I can see his eyes shooting daggers at Theo, who still hasn't released my arm, adding to Damon's anger. Damon's eyes of death never leave Theo, who surprisingly doesn't seem to be afraid like most kids around us, who can feel the Alpha aura pouring from the pissed-off Damon. It doesn't seem to affect Theo or me, but even Andrew and Matt look uncomfortable standing close to him. "Elle, why are you showing him around? That has always been my job with new students," Damon says, his eyes still boring into Theo's, who doesn't blink or turn away. With Damon's attention still on Theo, he doesn't notice me roll my eyes at him. "Talk to Alpha Charles. I understand he is trying to be nice, but he is making things worse for himself and me. He is the one that told her to give me a tour," Theo answers. "I don't recall my father introducing you as Elle when we met yesterday," Damon snaps at Theo, "Do you? No, then keep your fucking mouth shut. Elle can speak for herself." Damon finally shifts his eyes for the first time since talking to us, and I swear butterflies are having a dance party in my stomach. Why am I so attracted to this man? I hate him. "Elle, is that true?" Damon asks me, still looking in at me, and I can barely catch my breath. "Yes." This is the only response I can croak out. "And you must dress like a slut to show this mutt around the school?" Damon demands as he stares at me. "No, I didn't even know I was going to do this until this morning," I fire back, starting to get fed up with his controlling bullshit. "Oh, so you decided to dress like a slut for any male wolf that looks your way, then?" he steps closer, forcing me to look up at him. "Maybe I did, Damon; what will you do about it?" I shoot back at him, crossing my arms over my chest in defiance. It is disrespectful to call an Alpha by only his name, regardless of his age. I know calling him by his name will set him off; I heard the sucks of air coming from my classmates, watching our interaction with interest. Damon leans closer to my face, his lips right near my ear, and I swear I can't breathe from his closeness. His presence and scent have me completely frozen, terrified, and excited about what he might do to me. What the fuck is wrong with me? Growling lowly, Damon responds, "It's Alpha to you, biscuit, and don't make me show you what I would do to you." His answer sends shivers down my stomach. I stay completely still as his head tilts, and I see him take a giant breath like he is smelling my hair. What the hell is happening right now? My stomach is in knots of confusion; what the hell is happening? As I am about to give him some snarky response, despite the butterflies ruling my stomach when the bell rings in the distance letting all the students in the courtyard know it's time to move on to the next class. I feel like I can breathe again as Damon releases my arm to step back and look me in the face before saying, "Better run along to class, Elle. We all know a nerd like you cannot tolerate being late." Throwing one last murderous look at Theo, he strides past him. Damon shoulder-checks Theo on his way back to the school doors. Matt and Andrew, who have watched the entire interaction without saying a word, follow behind Damon. Theo and I are left speechless as we watch the backs of Damon, Andrew, and Matt disappear into the building before following ourselves.

Chapter 8 Chapter Seven

Damon POV "Why are you walking away? We should kill him for thinking he can touch Elle," Slade growls from my mind. If I let Slade have control out in the courtyard, the mutt would have been killed instantly. "You know I can't do that. Do you know who Theo's father is?" I ask the pissed-off wolf pacing in my mind, and I can feel his frustration at being trapped here while another man is around what he considers his. "I don't care if he is a saint. He needs to die for touching Elle," Slade fumes again, refusing to look at the bigger picture. "Theo's father is a council member; we have to be cautious about our interactions with him," I tell the furious wolf, who practically foams at the mouth. "So he has daddy protecting him?" asks Slade, who is finally starting to see the reason behind my calmness. "For now," is all I say back to Slade. He has his father's protection now, but I will find my way around it. I need to figure out how, but I will find a way. Slade seems satisfied with my answer to retreat until he hears the end of Matt and Andrew's conversation and becomes pissed all over again. "Alright, Andrew, your mom was right Elle has gotten hot while we were gone; she even got herself a little boyfriend." Like that day under the Willow tree many years ago, Slade had taken control of my body. My hand grabs Matt by the neck before slamming him into the lockers knocking the breath out of his lungs. "Do not call that mutt Elle's boyfriend, understood?" Slade snarls, my pitch-black eyes locked onto his grey ones filled with fear. My hands tighten around his throat, letting him breathe just enough to choke out the words "Yes, Alpha." Before I drop him to the ground and step away, not paying attention to the concerned looks on Andrew's face as I walk away from them. I need to find a quiet place to hide. A place to calm down before Slade breaks out and kills every unmated male in this building. I saw the way the other guys reacted toward Elle's new style. While I wanted to rip out their lustful eyes, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty they were staring at. Elle is just as beautiful as I remember, with her eyes bewitching me repeatedly. The thought of another man possessing them drives Slade crazy with jealousy. "We could always mark her..." Slade offers, letting the idea sink in. After a few minutes of sitting in the janitor's closet, I pondered the ramifications of marking Elle. I decide that it is ethically wrong and not worth the complications. "We can't do that to her. She might not belong to us," my voice sounds defeated, replying to him. As much as I have tried to blame Slade for my obsession with Elle, it wasn't only him feeling that way. In reality, I was wrapped around her pinky since that first talk in my father's office. "No shit, sherlock," Slade growls in response, "we were both hers from that first meeting, like she is ours now. I am telling you, Elle is ours." His voice holds such a finality to it, as if he is so sure that she is our mate when she isn't even eighteen yet. "I am a hundred percent sure," Slade says in an attempt to argue his case for marking Elle without her knowledge. "NO, that's final," I yell at him, hoping it'll end this conversation and shut down any ideas he has about marking Elle. "Stupid human," he mutters, slinking back to the far corners in my grumbling the whole way. With Slade hiding, I can finally thank the Goddess for some peace. ***************** I don't know how long I have been sitting in this closet, Andrew has tried reaching out to me through the mindlink, but I block him out. I don't want to deal with his silent judgment right now. Instead, I'd rather think of how much Elle has changed over the summer; there is something different about her. Almost carefree, like she was when she first moved to New Moon. Did I have something to do with her new looks and attitude? What happened while I was gone? As if my thoughts called her to me, I could smell the cinnamon of her scent and the sound of her converse coming down the hall. I could recognize that sound anywhere. Before I know what I am doing, I throw the door to the janitor's closet open, pulling Elle inside the dark room with me. I slam her into the wall with one hand resting on her hip while the other keeps her caged between me and the wall. "What the hell?" Elle asked, her voice a little shaky from being startled. "Damon, what the fuck are you doing? Let me go!""No," is all I say until I smell that mutt clinging to her skin, causing me to bristle. Slade isn't even bothered by Theo's smell on his precious Elle. He is panting like a puppy having her this close to us with my hand on her hip. "Why do I smell that fucking mutt on you?""Seriously, Damon, what's the big deal?" she deflects my question by asking one of her own. "That's the second time you have called me, Damon. Don't let there be a third-time biscuit," I say to her as I get my face closer to hers, my eyes never leaving her. Her scent swirls around me, pushing me to kiss her lips bruisingly hard, but I don't. "I'll stop calling you Damon when you stop calling me a biscuit," she says, crossing her arms over her chest and plastering a bored look on her face. When I bring my lips to her ear, I can hear her heartbeat start speeding up and see how shallow her breaths are becoming. Slade is preening, knowing Elle is as affected by our presence as we are by her. "I'll never stop calling you biscuit.""Then it seems we are at an impasse. Can you let me go now?" she asks, looking at the exit of this confined closet. "No," is all I say, not feeling the need to explain myself further. I rarely need to explain myself to others. I am the next Alpha, after all. "What do you want?" She demands while tapping her foot, and her arms are still crossed. "Answer my question. Why do you smell like Theo?""Maybe he and I made out in the broom closet down the hall," Elle says with a shrug and a smirk on her lips. Her response brings Slade to the front without warning as he grabs her chin to make her look him in the eye. "No more fucking with my patience, biscuit, and just tell me what I want to know," he growls at her, but she doesn't seem to fear Slade like the other wolves in the pack. For being an Omega, she sure hasn't been acting like one lately. "We have every class together, and we ate lunch together," she says matter-of-factly. So now she will be around this asshole all day, every day? There is no way in hell I would let that happen. "Then change your schedule. I don't want you around, Theo. We know nothing about him, and I don't trust him," I say with an edge to my voice, hoping my Alpha aura gets her to comply. "You no longer get to make those decisions for me, Damon," she says, putting her hands on my chest to distance us. The feeling of her hands on me is distracting; I barely listen to what she is saying. However, Slade does and isn't happy she won't do what I am telling her. "Elle, I will not tell you again. Drop your classes and take others," I say, grabbing her hands off my chest and holding them above her head and against the wall, my lips only an inch from hers. "I won't do that, Damon; I need those classes, or else I won't graduate at the end of the year. Getting out of here a whole year early is more precious to me than your Alpha ego." She says. As I press against her body, I am sure she can feel how hard I am, but I don't care. "What do you mean you're leaving early?" I ask; Slade and I are both anxious about her leaving the pack. "I just talked to the principal and guidance counselor. I have more than enough credits to graduate early. I have enough to graduate right now if I want. I have that many credits." she said with a shrug, seeming unbothered with the thought of leaving New Moon or me. "We'll see about that." is all I say to her. I storm out of the closet before I do something I regret; leaving her in the darkroom by herself. "Marking her doesn't seem so bad, now, does it?" Slade gloated before returning to the corner of my mind. It doesn't sound bad at all.