Chapter 4
Ana
The car journey home is hazy. My heart hurts, and my mind is wandering. I'm despondent, lonely, and empty. I believed I had discovered my soul mate. Prior to the age of 21, we cannot smell our mate, but that our wolf loves someone is a powerful sign that we might be compatible. Since Alex is a human, it would be more difficult if people knew he was my partner. But it doesn't matter anymore. We're done now.
Courtney and Dylan, both give me sidelong glances, but neither of them says anything. Most likely, it's for the best. I have consented to return home and begin the voyage to become a pack leader, as evidenced because we are traveling back to our pack in Miami. I know I must inform my father about Alex and my perception that he is my soul partner. But before I do that, I must tell him about his treachery. That will place Alex's life in danger, but despite my broken heart, I don't want Alex to suffer.
Alex
Despite bombarding Anas's phone and social media, I have received no answer. She appears to have disappeared. I inquire around, but nobody has any information. My 'friends' played a role in my fight with Ana, and I'm seething. I don't recall ever sleeping with Shauna. Someone probably drugged me. I must track down Ana and inform her of the truth. I must tell her she is the only person I adore.Fuck.I decide to visit her home, but as soon as I get there, my heart breaks. Someone placed a for sale sign on the front yard and her vehicle was gone. She's gone. She left me, and I do not know where she might be. I lost her. The love of my life left me.I choose to approach Brad about what happened at the party the following day. He cannot look me in the eye, and I feel like crap.
"Just explain to me why you would treat me in such a terrible way. Man, I figured I could rely on you. What the hell."
He says nothing for a while and instead keeps staring at the floor. He keeps stroking his hair, making him look lost in thought before he finally answers.
“Your dad told us about Ana's hidden agenda, that she’s a gold digger and only wants to be with you for money.”
“That's not true, and you know it, man. Why the hell would you listen to anything he says about my relationship?”
“Look, Alex, he only wants the best for you. He needs you to focus on your future and not some girl.”
“I love her, man. I fucking love her.”
I can tell my words confuse Brad, and I realize he did not know how serious I was about her.
“I’m sorry, Alex. I didn’t realize it was so serious between you.”
“It is. I mean, I guess it was.” I sigh and cover my face with my hands and feel tears running down my cheeks. I think nothing can make me happy ever again. Only Ana. The love of my life.
I will do anything to find her again, even if it means giving up my career.
“Pack your stuff Alex. We're going to find her. To help us out, I will phone my mother's uncle, who works in the police force. I'm so sorry. I will fix this,” he tells me and pats my back.
Chapter 5 Ana Hours of hours of driving with almost no stop except for gas and snacks took us back to Miami in no time. I could smell the ocean as we came closer and closer, and my inner wolf became happy with joy at returning to packland. Even though they can’t talk to us before we turn 21, they can express their feelings. That’s how we know if they like someone or not. Star is heartbroken, but returning home will help us heal. Miami is the central hub of all werewolf packs in the US. Most of us don't live here, though. We're assigned to different states depending on where we find our mates. It's strictly forbidden to shift before a human unless they are your mate. So, until I turn 21 and locate my mate, I can remain in Miami or anywhere else in Florida until it's time for me to leave. But the thing is, I'm sure Alex is my mate. That means I'll get assigned to a pack unless I accept him. The rules differ completely from humans, unlike werewolves where you have no say in the matter.
Chapter 6 Alex Taking a ride in the car and hoping I'd find my way to Ana didn't seem very successful. I just knew she was from somewhere near the ocean; we never discussed her hometown much, only our dreams and fantasies of leading a life without many expectations. I wish I had asked her more questions about it now. I'm so lost without her. I feel like a part of me has been taken away, leaving behind only memories of the time we had together. She's missed terribly by me. My beloved girl is gone. I watch Brad, who is driving my new red Porsche, and it looks like he's deep in thought. Guilty thoughts, most likely. I was so shocked when they told me about the authentic story of what happened last weekend that I literally shattered inside. Even though it wasn't my fault, I felt horrible. Like such a jerk. I mean, yeah, I cheated on Ana, but not intentionally — or at least, not purposely. Damn! "Alex, man, I'm really sorry," Brad spoke up. "Your dad convinced us that Ana was trouble!"
Chapter 7 Ana It wasn't easy lying to my dad, who was the alpha of all alphas. Brett Dex Donovan had a strong intuition and remarkable hearing and sensing abilities. Courtney and Dylan tried their best to convince him, but my father still refused to believe why I had returned. He knew I was proud of going to college and having some independence before pack business took over. "I don't believe you Ana." He inquired with a questioning voice. Even though he didn't use his alpha voice, I could tell I was pushing his patience. "Tell me why you came back. You love school, being independent—it makes little sense. If you don't answer me, I will use my Alpha voice." His tone changed from angry to concerned in an instant, and I couldn’t take it anymore; I collapsed on the floor, screaming in agony and crying uncontrollably. In a flash, he scooped me up in his arms and brought me to the sofa, holding me as I continued to sob. “Honey, what happened? Didn't Courtney and Dylan take care of you
Chapter 8 Alex My father's expectations made me livid. He believed he had the right to decide whom I could or could not date, even whom I could love. That was so incredibly wrong. It was my life, and my choice of partners. That I played college football in Georgia did not make me only a jock. I had goals and desires beyond just playing sports, but above all else, what I wanted most in life was a happy future with my family and my significant other. I pushed Shauna away from me and roughly set her on the couch beside us. My blood boiled with anger towards both her and my father; who were they to dictate our romantic lives? They had no right! I loved Ana. “Dad, what the hell is your problem? Why are you trying to push me into marrying Shauna? What reason do you have?” As usual, he did not respond. Instead, he gave me a blank expression and proceeded talking about how Shauna and I would get married and build our future together as a couple. “My son, scouts are on the lookout for foo
Chapter 9 Ana The darkness has been my closest companion for the past few days, and I have not left my bedroom or even gotten out of bed. I feel like Alex ripped my heart from my chest, a reminder of our relationship. That meant so much to me and so little to him. There is no will inside me to breathe. The silence in the room speaks volumes, as if Star is grieving with me. The blinds remain closed over the windows, while trays full of food sit untouched on my nightstand. I hear a faint knock at the door before it opens slowly, revealing Courtney. Dad hasn't come back into my room since he found out about something related to Mr. Sullivan–something about him being 'no human'. What did he mean? The latest gossip is that Shauna and Alex are expecting a baby, meaning that he had been cheating on me all these months. How could he fool me so easily and deceive me so cruelly? Tears streamed down my face nonstop. I felt like I was going insane; I hadn’t showered in days and would only leav
Chapter 10 Ana I could not locate my father. It appeared he was avoiding me, like he held important answers that I desired yet refused to give up. After Courtney's disclosure, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands to gain closure. Did Alex need to be informed of Shauna's alleged deception? Was it possible for a werewolf to sense something like this without being told? These unresolved questions needed attention. I turned on my phone, which had been deactivated for the past week, and discovered many missed calls and voicemails from Alex, Gills, Brad, and even some other acquaintances. Though I felt betrayed, I went through all of them before deleting everyone and blocking their numbers. I would get a new phone shortly and then alter my number again. Before I could do that, however, there was an urgent call that I needed to make.I tapped Gill's contact information and dialed her number. She answered almost immediately. “Ana! Is that you?” she asked, sounding worried. I sudde
Chapter 11 Alex “Wait, Ana called you?” I can't believe what I'm hearing. Of all the people she could have called, she chose Gills instead of me. Instinctively, I should be relieved that she's okay and still alive, but all I feel is resentment. “What did she say? Is she all right? Is she coming back?” My mind is spinning with questions, and I am getting impatient. Gills looks troubled, almost regretful. “Listen, Alex. I spoke to her, but it wasn't for very long. She clarified she has no intention of forgiving either of us.” With those words, my last bit of hope vanishes, and I have to sit down. Gills stands before me, wearing a face filled with pity and worry. It seems like there's something else on her mind—something more than she's letting on. Taking a deep breath, I signal to her I'm ready to listen. I know Gills for a long time. She is my cousin Brad’s girlfriend, but we have been friends for at least 10 years, and she has a good heart. Whatever she is telling me is not good
Chapter 12 Ana “You want to go to Montana for Alpha training?” my father questioned me with surprise. “Why not pick a place closer to us?” he continued, asking. I felt guilty for not telling him the truth, but I promised Courtney I'd keep the secret for a little while longer to learn more about Alex and his family. I gulped nervously as my dad kept staring me down. “Is there something you're not telling me?” I almost choked on my words. Lies were never my strong suit, and I did not know how to respond. Thankfully, Courtney entered the room at that moment. “She needs a challenge, Alpha. Montana has the toughest training camp out there - college life has made us all too lazy!” she laughed, and somehow my dad bought it. “So, when are you leaving? You'll be home for a few weeks, right, Ana? I miss you when you're away,” he mumbled. His words tugged at my heartstrings knowing that he was the only family I have left, but I knew I deserved some closure and hopefully that would lead to
Chapter 40 Ana The wolf that stood before me was a sight to behold. Max, my chosen mate, was beautiful in his own right, but this animal was breathtaking. His fur was silver grey, and his eyes were crystal blue. He towered over me, his aura nearly bringing me to my knees. It was apparent he was an alpha, the leader of a pack. Alex's family history had always been shrouded in mystery. When I met his father for the first time, I could tell he was a high-ranking wolf despite being a rogue. Perhaps he once belonged to a pack before leaving and setting out on his own. Then again, maybe Alex's mother had something to do with it all. When Alex returned to Montana and reunited with me. Something shifted within him. The final straw broke Blade free from whatever held him back was when I flirted with Mr. Giovanni––it set Blade free to be with me instead. Blade approached me carefully, almost like he didn't want to startle me. It made me smile; after all, I was an Alpha just like him, althoug
Chapter 39 Alex Ana's kindness and selflessness astounded me; she was offering something so amazing. No matter what happened, I knew there was no way I'd leave her. Afterwards, I called my dad, and it was an unhappy conversation. He was yelling, demanding and threatening me to return right away - or else. Or else what? Would he disown me? There were no limits for him; whatever he wanted, he did. It boggled my mind that my mother ever found him attractive. He was wild, delusional, and fanatical in his beliefs: that he was invincible. I shared everything with Ana. No more secrets for us. We committed to spending the rest of our lives together, and though I wasn't thrilled about sharing her with Max, that was an issue for another day. We spent the rest of my first shift preparing, and Blade said we were fortunate to have each other accompanying us. When she told me the timing of her shift, something within me ached. She shifted early, not only because my father threatened to harm her,
Chapter 38 AnaAlex's words were clipped and concise. As soon as Shauna answered the phone, he informed her that their engagement was off - a fact which didn't sit well with her. She shouted curses and threats at him, me and everyone he cared about. It was difficult to listen to, though she had it coming. She ranted about a supposed baby she was expecting; pure fiction. I knew for certain she wasn't pregnant, having smelled her scent again at the club with Courtney. Alex promised me he had never slept with Shauna. He recalled only one instance two years prior but said maybe he confused her for me on the night of the party when they hooked up. According to him, someone may have drugged him that evening. I believe him. People have been trying to keep us apart for some dumb reasons. Alex seemed relieved yet worried when he hung up the phone, but I still felt insecure about the way he hurt me. I was a mess and put on a face of being okay, though I hadn't been since that night when every
Chapter 37 AlexI sensed her presence and smelled her perfume even before she tapped on the door. Somehow, I was aware of her entrance as soon as she stepped into the building. My dormant werewolf characteristics came to life—my suppressed feelings and instincts rose, giving me a sense of strength, but also making me uncertain about many things. One thing I was certain of, it was Ana. My love; my soulmate. From the moment I met Ana, I felt an overwhelming connection to her that surpassed anything I had ever encountered before. It all made sense now, knowing what I know. She belonged to me. When I heard her footfalls in the hallway, I swiftly checked myself in the mirror and made sure my appearance didn't disappoint. I wanted her to feel for me as intensely as I did for her. But if there was something I could sense from Ana, it was that she was unsure. I was sure that I wanted to be with Ana, either alone or sharing her with Max. I made the most of our time together and learn as mu
Chapter 36 Ana Max was instantly furious when I explained my plan and promise to Alex. He must have thought I was going to leave him, but after I reassured him, he became more concerned about my health. Everyone knew the danger of taking in another mate—except for Alex. After talking to both men, I went back home to take a few moments for myself. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that there was no other way: I wanted them both, and the full moon - just a couple of days away - would be the deadline. Time was quickly slipping away. As I made my way to the apartment, I had plenty of other things on my mind; Shauna and, as well as Mr. Giovanni and his mob. Of course, Alex's father would be a problem for later. By now I was about to start alpha training, something I was quite eager to do. To be a good pack leader, I had to know how to lead, fight and use tactical strength. I believed it was the mob which caused the infiltration in our pack and our business. I daydreamed
Chapter 35 Ana I’m in a trance-like state when Alex is near me. I lose all sorts of judgment and rationality. He has complete control over me. What have I done? Have I really asked him to be my second mate? It happens occasionally, but usually it’s only between siblings. I haven’t even talked to Max about this. But I’m serious about this. I love Max with all my being. This won't change that. Not being with my fated mate will kill me if I do nothing soon.Yet what I just did was totally irrational. I should have spoken with Max first, but the look of relief on Alex's face, combined with the peace in my heart when I said those words, comforts me somehow. It seems there are no other solutions to resolving this dilemma; it’s that or utter mayhem. I choose my words carefully as I explain to Alex the steps I'll have to take in order to make this work. I need to seek Max's approval first, and that will be difficult given his animosity towards Alex. Even with all the new information that h
Chapter 34 Alex I had begged Ana to talk to me, and she eventually agreed. I was worried when I saw her sitting in another guy’s lap. It filled my veins with rage. But a single glance into her tender eyes calmed me down instantly. When we held hands, Blade’s anger dissipated, and I felt like I was back in control. My mind raced in all directions, questioning my history and my family, trying to figure out who could have done this to me. Was it really just my father? I wasn’t sure. It all felt too much for me to process. But a glance at Ana made everything seem easier. I suddenly felt connected to my body and soul, as though she were the missing piece that bound me together–providing happiness, security, and comfort from all my worries. She is the only one who kept me from losing control. I was drawn to her as I intertwined my fingers with hers and looked into her eyes. That she lets me hold her gives me a spark of hope. But as soon as my gaze catches sight of the mark on her neck,
Chapter 33 Ana Oh, no. This is not how I wanted Alex to find out the truth. Dylan's warlock friend had used some kind of spell to subdue Alex's wolf, Blade, so he wouldn't go feral. It wasn't ideal, but it was the only way to keep him from going wild. This is where we stand now: Alex clinging onto his composure with an iron grip. His jaw is clenched tight, his eyes narrowed in distress, and lips pressed together in a thin line. He wants to fight Max, but Blade has stepped away from him after hearing my Alpha command. We are left in this strange place between honesty and deceit. All I know is they have bound Blade inside of Alex and the recent event with Shauna's father has set him free. But he's still angry and hurt, and so is Alex. He looks so pitiable and remorseful that I can't help but feel guilty, though it's not like I'm the one who betrayed him or anything like that. After getting involved with Shauna, he deceived me, lied to me, and pushed me away. And yet I understand why h
Chapter 32 Alex I'm in a state of numbness, yet something deep inside of me is compelling me to find Ana. Everyone around me appears to be avoiding my questions and giving me half-hearted answers. I haven't seen her since this morning, and I need her desperately. Mr. Jackson, the club owner, has clarified that I can’t leave the room because of the risk posed by my wolf form. Even though I can't actively feel Blade at this moment, Dylan Maverick explained why — there must be some kind of spell keeping him quiet. But now, his emotional outcries demand that we find Ana immediately. Could she be in trouble? I get dressed in black jeans, combat boots, and a simple tee. They gave me these clothes. I normally dress a bit more casual, sporty kind of way, but don’t really mind what they have given to me. I throw open the door, unwilling to tiptoe out of my room like some awkward teenager. I'm all grown up, searching for the girl of my dreams. Instinctively, I run in Ana’s direction. The do