Chapter 1

Lily's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking. Just letting you all know that we have now arrived at Portland Oregon. Please remain in your seats till we've come to a full stop. Thank you for flying with us at Delta Airlines and have a good day."

The pilot announces to everyone in the plane. I put my earbuds back in my ears to continue my playlist while I readjust myself in my seat after siting still in a four hour flight from Idaho. I was beyond tired, and my lower half was sore from the lack of leg space and little room to rest comfortably.

Planes aren't the most comfortable places to sleep in when it's filled with people of all shapes and sizes. And don't get me started with all the whiney toddlers that kept some of us from napping to make the time go by quicker.

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Lily Stephens and I'm twenty one years old. I recently graduated from University of Idaho with a degree in marketing and culture. I have been away from home for almost 4 years. It's a long time, but it'll all be worth it in the end. My dream is to be a successful businesswoman travelling from place to place. And now that school is finally over for me, my dream will finally come true.

I hadn't seen my family in a long time, except for the holidays. I couldn't wait to see them again. They were the main reason I've studied hard to get to where I am today. We weren't a rich family; we've struggled financially throughout my whole childhood. But now, I was ready to help provide for them and ease their struggles.

The second the plane came to a complete stop and the sweet brunette flight attendant gave us the 'okay' to move, everyone jumps out of their seats and race to get their luggage out from the top compartments and leave the tiny plane. Luckily thought I was seated next to the window. So I don't have to deal with people pushing and shoving me around or be forced to stand in the crowd, getting squished in the process. Knowing firsthand on how long it actually takes for people to get off a flight, I had a good fifteen minutes before I would get up and grab my things, so I just remain seated.

Meanwhile to pass the time I pull out my phone to pick the right song before opening W*****d. I scroll and pick at my phone until I reach the novel where I had left off. The story of a classic and cliche werewolf romance novel.

Yes I know, out of all the types of genres to read it had to be this. But hey, nothing interests me more than the supernatural, especially werewolves. It's just so amusing with how writers like to get creative with the story plots and their main characters. But in the end, it's all the same scenarios. Girl meets boy. Boy is a werewolf and discovers that she's his mate. Then there's the kidnapping, arguing, sexual tension, then the blossoming romance after girl comes to terms with him. There are some great novels that stand out from the rest, but you would know what is to be expected in the plot. Plus, werewolves are hot.

After the fifteen minutes were up and the plane nearly empty, I hop out of my seat, grab my things. I say my goodbye to the sweet brunette flight attendant that made my flight a bit more bearable and step off the plane with my suitcase and bag.

I felt relieved to be back home after so long. But I was more thrilled to see my family again after being away for so long.

Now all that's left is to wait for my brother Cesar to pick me up from the airport, take me home, and it's a five-hour nap for me because sleeping on a plane is not great for your neck or your butt.

I send him a message that I was already here, and I sit down waiting near the entrance. Not even a minute goes by, and he calls me. I answer with delight to hear my big brother's voice after some time.

"Hey brother." I vocalize joyfully.

"Hey sis." He replies in slight disarray.

"Hi Lily!" I hear Cesar's girlfriend Megan chime in from the other side of the line.

"Oh hi Megan. I didn't know you were coming to pick me up too." 

"I wanted to come keep you guys company on the ride back."

I smile at her caring nature.

"Aww, you're so sweet Megan."

"How was your flight?" Asks Cesar.

"It was alright. I'm just glad to be home soon." I let out a long sigh of exhaustion. I honestly was tired of being surrounded by so many people in a cramped plane, I was just through with the whole day. "Where are you? You sound a bit frustrated, is everything alright?"

"I wish. There was a car accident on the freeway that's on the way to the airport. So Megan and I have been stuck in traffic for like half an hour." He groans.

"Oh damn." 

"It looks like we're gonna be for another half hour or so. I don't know when traffic is gonna let up. So in the meantime, hang tight sis. I'll call you when I'm close by."

"Okay Cesar. Do you want me to get you guys anything while I'm here? Snacks or maybe a soda?" I politely offer. I felt bad for him and his pregnant girlfriend being stuck in traffic to come for me. But that was the usual life of city traffic, you get trapped no matter what.

"No thanks Lily. We'll be okay. I'll see you later okay?"

"Alright, drive safe. Love you guys."

I hang up.

"Well, that's just great." I grumble to myself and think. 'What else am I to do in the meantime?'

I pick up my phone again, and I scroll through social media. I post out that I had arrived home to all my friends and to my boyfriend Liam. He and I have been in a relationship since high school, he is the sweetest guy I have ever met. I was happy that I was going to see him again after being away for so long.

Even though I haven't been in social media for a while, so I was thrilled to see what everyone's been up to lately. And the first thing I did was send him a message, meanwhile I looked look up Liam's I*******m with a smile on my face. Eager to see what my love has been up to since I last spoke with him three days ago since I was preoccupied packing up to go home. He had a few new posts, but there was his most recent that caught my eye.

I open it up and my eyes slowly widen as the smile slowly fades away, changing to a look of shock. A silent gasp was the only noise to escape my mouth.

The post was a video of him with another girl. They were taking a walk in the park holding hands, and the video ended with them kissing.

I sit there staring at the post as it kept replaying automatically since it was a short video, trying to process everything in my head.

She was a breathtakingly gorgeous blond with blue eyes, golden tan skin, and  she looked like a model compared to me. I'm not saying I'm ugly with an unappealing body, but I'm average looking with an average body.

I couldn't believe it, I didn't want to believe it. But realization had hit me; I knew what this obviously meant. And boy did it hurt like a bitch.

But why didn't he tell me himself? That was a pretty dick move to pull. So many emotions circled through my head. Anger, confusion, sadness, I didn't know what to do.

Without thinking I call his cell, only to be greeted with his voicemail after the second dial.

"The fuck?-!" The silent rage was growing up to my boiling point. I wanted him to answer so that I could yell at him for stabbing me in the back, but I hold off. The last thing I want is to bring attention to myself with my outburst and disrupt the peace of others minding their business.

So after taking a moment to calm my anger with slow breathing, I send him a text.

Me: Liam! How could you cheat on me? Why the fuck didn't you tell me that you're with another girl?!

He soon replies with the most pathetic excuse known to man.

Liam: I didn't know how else to tell you. I'm sorry Lily.

Me: So it's over, just like that? After everything we've been through? AFTER EVERYTHING I DID FOR US?!! I can't believe you!

Liam: It's complicated Lily. I didn't expect for this to happen.

Me: I can't believe that you would do this. And you didn't have the balls to tell me yourself or even answer the phone you coward! How long was this going on for?

Liam: Just drop it Lily. It's hard for me to explain, but I know that you wouldn't understand. It's better for us this way. I'm so sorry Lily, I really am. I hope you find someone better for you who'll treat you better than I ever could. Goodbye.

"That son of a-!"

I was violently shaking in my seat with my phone firmly gripped in my hands. Coldly staring at the final message he sent me.

I send him a message, but the message would not send. Saying that this number was blocked.

I couldn't believe this was really happening. I just got dumped and blocked on the day I come home. This topped it all off, I could feel my eyes fill with hot tears. But I fight back and hold them in. So instead of sitting there looking like a crybaby, I do the only thing that people do when they're heartbroken and filled with anger.

"I need a drink."

I grab my things and make my way to the mini bar and grill that I passed by earlier.

I was so caught up in my thoughts of anger and betrayal that I didn't look where I was going. After turning the corner, I bump into a guy in a small group. Without looking up, I quickly apologize to the guy and continue. My heart races from embarrassment and I feel my face burn so quickly.

I was so frustrated I wanted to scream my lungs out, but I was almost at the mini bar. Good thing I recently turned 21, now I was going to see how well I handle my alcohol and how much could numb out this awful feeling.

I walk in and sit down on the stool and ask the bartender for a few of shots of tequila and a Lemon Drop martini to balance out the bitter flavor. And I have the man put it on my tab.

As soon as the man handed me my martini and shots, I immediately down the first one. Having trouble swallowing, I take a lime with salt to ease the strength of the alcohol. My face twists from the bitter strong taste and take the second one.

Normally in breakup situations like this, alcohol is never the answer to solve your problems. But who even follows that advise? I didn't want to just sit back there and think about all the memories Liam and I have made for ourselves. It was too much to bear, the wound was too fresh for me to handle sober.

After my third shot, I was beginning to feel the familiar weird and numb sensation. And I knew at that moment that this was going to be a ride.

But I was instantly starting to regret my decision on this, because I couldn't help but think about Liam and mine's relationship, and where we could have gone wrong to make him cheat on me.

Not only did I do this for my family, but I also did it for us. When I would get home, we were going to make plans to travel the world and work together, and maybe start a family sometime in the future.

Tears fall down my cheeks. I sigh as I give in to my emotions. I look down at the table as I cry silently, letting the tears fall down like a leaking faucet drop by drop.

'Who knew breakups would hurt this bad? I never thought that something like this would ever happen to me. What did I do to deserve this? Maybe Liam was tired of the long-distance relationship? Or maybe he fell out of love for me, which could be why he went out with that girl?'

Many questions clouded my mind, filling me with dread and negativity so much that I was drowning in them. I gulp down another shot. At this point, I was already feeling numb to the point that I had stopped crying. But the pain was still there. But something else was there. A strange feeling that I could not explain. Like a weird rush of adrenaline was surging through my body, making me feel as light as a feather. And this was making me feel oddly at ease and comfortable.

"I would ease up on those drinks if I were you sweetheart. We wouldn't want you to walk out of this bar drunk, would we?"

I freeze at the voice of a man beside me spoke out of nowhere. His voice was an instant attraction, a sexy and clear tone sounding so warm and captivating. I see him sit down on the stool beside me from the corner of my eye. I groan at the thought of a weird creep trying to make a move on a semi drunk lonely young woman, let alone who's upset.

"Mind your own business dude. It's none of your concern to know how many shots I take." I spat out words like venom so that he'd get the hint to piss off, because I wasn't having any of it. I down another shot.

I wait for the guy to give up and leave, but he doesn't move. Which was just great, note the sarcasm.

"Well, that's a pretty hurtful thing to say to the guy you so rudely bumped into earlier."

I stop and look up to the stranger. The moment I looked at his face, I was instantly blown away at how smoking hot this guy was. He looked like he was in his twenties, almost my age.

He had brown voluminous hair with strands sticking out everywhere, but nicely styled. Not to sound too exaggerated and cheesy, but his face looked like it was made by God with the perfect amount of ingredients to make the perfect guy. Clean and smooth like tan skin with eyes a gorgeous shade of brown and a strongly defined jawline along with dark hair in a  messy style. He has strong broad shoulders with an amazingly toned body I could see his the form of his muscles through his white dress shirt. This attractive man was built like a Greek God. He was dressed for power in his white dress shirt with no tie and grey dress pants and black leather shoes like he was a businessman or something. He could be anything in the world, and that wouldn't change how I view him right now, this man is hot as hell.

"Hello, Miss?"

I snap out of my thought and was back to my senses.

"Huh!?" I blurt in panicked confusion, to which he chuckles, showing his strong white teeth. Even his smile was gorgeous.

My face heats up as my heart races for this handsome stranger with butterflies in my stomach.

"I-I'm sorry, what did you say?" I felt flustered having to ask him again, I wanted to throw myself in a ditch to end the embarrassment.

"I said my name is Jackson Woods. What's your name babe?"

'Oh my gosh, he just called me "babe"!!!' The way my mind was going crazy for his words was perplexing to say the least. I'm not the type to fall head over heels over first impression of some man I just met.

"Uh- Lily Stephens." I quickly grab my composure and shake his hand as a friendly gesture.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance Lily." Jackson smoothly talks and plants a kiss on my hand.

Emotions stir within me that I felt like I was going to faint right then and there, everything Jackson did was too much.

'Why is this guy being so nice to me? Is he trying to hit me up or something? Dear God, I don't feel worthy to be in his presence!' My thoughts blab on, freaking out like this was the first guy to ever flirt with me. I was acting completely ridiculous.

I try to play it cool, but I ruin that by lettting out a weird awkward laugh. I mentally slap myself in the head, not wanting to believe that I had actually done that. I think the shots are to blame, well at least I had my martini to finish before stopping. I don't act this weird towards others, especially to good-looking strangers.

"So, tell me Lily, why were you in such a rush that you had to tackle me down just to get to the bar?"

I sheepishly scratch the back of my head with a bashful chuckle.

"I'm really sorry about that, I didn't look where I was going on the way. And saying that I 'tackled you' is a bit of a stretch."

We both laugh.

Time goes by and we spent it talking and drinking, getting to know more about each other. We made each other laugh and talked about where we were coming from. Even though I was a little tipsy, I haven't felt this good in a while.

Something about Jackson made me feel safe with him. I felt a strong attraction to him, it was strange to feel something like this out of the blue.

Jackson had told me that he recently came back from a business trip in Seattle and that Oregon was his home like me. But I was cautious enough to not tell him everything about myself. I didn't want to tell him too much about my life, I had just met the guy.

"So what kind of business do you do?" I curiously ask while I prop my head up with my hand.

Jackson takes a shot down with ease before answering. 

"I'm in a trading business with some allies in the West coast. It's nothing much really, but I handle the chain in some parts of Oregon such as my home a few hours away."

"Wow that's really cool." I was impressed by his success. "And you're how old?"

"I'm twenty-five sweetheart." He answers with a charming side smile.

"Oh wow! You're sound like you've been at this for some time."

"I took over the business a few years ago so my folks could retire early."

"That's so sweet Jackson."

"What about you? What are you working as?" He brings his full attention to my, not like he hasn't had his eyes off me the whole time we've talked.

"Well, I'm looking into the marketing business as well. Since I have a degree in marketing now, I'm going to start applying to the one I originally had planned once I get settled back at home."

"Oh really?" His asks surprised and intrigued. "If it's work that you're looking for, I would be more than happy to have you work with me at my hometown. I can even provide you a comfortable place to stay along with a starting bonus to get you settled in immediately."

I was taken by surprise at his offer, I hadn't expected something like this from someone I just met. I was thrilled that Jackson was generous enough to give me work, but I still wanted to go with my first choice. Plus, this offer seems too good to be true.

"That's very kind and generous of you Jackson, but I'm going to have to politely decline your offer for now. I'm only going to start off here in Portland and slowly make my way up. I just got back after being away for so long, I want to spend time with my family again." I give him a polite smile to assure him of my decision.

Jackson however was shocked of my answer, it was like he didn't expect for me to say no.

Suddenly my phone rings, breaking the awkward stares. I check and see that it was Cesar. I answer his call.

"Hello?"

"Hey sis, we're finally out of traffic. Wait for us outside the airport we'll be there in about five minutes."

"Okay I'll be right there."

I hang up and turn to Jackson.

"Well I got to get going now. This has been really fun Jackson. Thank you talking with me, I really appreciate you keeping me company and for the job offer." I say as I grab my things and pay for my drinks.

"Do you have to go already? We were just getting started." Jackson looks pretty bummed that I cut our time short.

"Sorry Jackson, but I really have to go. My brother will be picking me up any minute." I give him a sweet smile, sliding a piece of paper with my number on it. "But for what it's worth, I'm glad that we ran into each other. Something about you just makes me feel like you have good intentions and that I can trust you. Goodbye for now Jackson. Until we meet again, that is if you'd like." With that I leave the bar, heading for the exit.

I have to admit, it was pretty bold of me to make the first move on a guy. Especially after just being through a breakup. But something about Jackson felt right to me. He made me feel elated and optimistic. Although this could be the last time I could see him, a part of me didn't want to go.

"Wait." Jackson calls to me.

A small part of me was overjoyed that he stopped me. I turn to see him holding two shot glasses in his hands.

"Goodbye shots? Last ones I promise." He glances at me with a small pleading look in his eyes.

I wasn't sure if I should, I had to hurry to meet by brother outside. But I didn't want to be rude. Plus, he was looking at me with those cute puppy dog eyes. So, I reluctantly give in and take the shot glass from him.

"Okay. Last one and that's it."

"Bottoms up. May we see each other again soon." He says and we both take the shots.

That last one tasted kind of strange but didn't think twice about it and I down it with lime and salt then set the glass cup down.

"Thanks. I'll see you around Jackson." I say one last goodbye and excuse myself. 

I quickly make it outside and wait for my brother to arrive. As I stand there at the sidewalk looking around for his car, my vision suddenly gets blurry. I shake my head, placing my hand on it. Thinking that it was just the alcohol, I ignore it. But everything around me starts to spin and the people and sounds of cars sound distorted and was slowly fading. I felt my stomach drop and a cold sweat on my forehead.

I was having trouble keeping my balance even though I was leaning onto my suitcase. I felt like I was about to blackout. But then I feel someone behind me, placing both hands on my shoulders and allowing me to lean against them so I wouldn't fall back.

I look over my shoulder to see who it was. To my surprise, it was Jackson.

"J-Jackson?" I could barely talk loud enough.

"Don't worry, I got you." He says with concern, holding onto me like I was fragile.

And before I had the chance to say or do anything else, everything goes black.

*Earlier that day*

Jackson's POV

We had just arrived at the airport. Thank goodness for that, I was already restless. Even though we have our own private plane, I'm not a big fan of planes. but what other choice did I have? I was called in for an emergency meeting in Seattle at the last minute to deal with some issues our allies, The Blue Crescent pack, were having. Now all that's left is a three-hour drive back to my home.

My name is Jackson Woods. I am the Alpha of the Blood Stone pack. It's one of the three strongest packs in Oregon.

I finish drinking the leftover whiskey in my cup right when the plane comes to a full stop. My best friend and loyal Beta Sean comes up to me and shakes my shoulder.

"Alright, we made it. You can now untuck you tail from between your legs Jackson." He tauntingly jokes and laughs as he puts on his backpack.

"Shut up Sean." I roll my eyes as I get up from my seat.

But I was certainly glad that this nightmare flight was over. If I hadn't been for the emergency meeting, I would have preferred driving all the way there. I'm not saying that I'm terrified of planes, I'm just afraid of heights. And I can say that with confidence because everyone's afraid of something.

Esteban who is my third in command comes up from behind him. "Well, it's about time. I was this close to falling asleep on that uncomfortable chair." He says as he shows us how close he was with his fingers. "Let's get going."

The three of us along with the rest of the three, Alex, Chris, and Taylor, all get off the plane.

Not only were they all my best friends, but they're one of the best hunters in our pack. Together, we were the most powerful wolf group in all of Oregon.

We enter the airport with our bags in hand, and we make out way to the exit to get to our ride. And right on cue, people start to stare at us. It would mostly be women who don't look away after a first glance, but who could blame them. We were six very attractive guys. Heck, we could even pass for models or a band group from just one look.

They would look at us all from top to bottom, lust and desire clearly visible in their eyes. And they wanted us to know that. But neither of these thirsty ladies have a chance on any of us for one reason. Everyone was already taken, except for me of course. 

As usual, we all kindly reject them when they approach us and ask for our numbers or social media names. Thank Gods none of the guy's mates were here to see this every time we head out by ourselves. It would send them on a killing spree. And I'm dead serious about that. Female wolves are a species to not be taken lightly, they have made that point very clear to their mates.

After our usual rejecting fest, we all continue. Meanwhile Sean starts blabbing on to the others about how he couldn't wait to get back to his mate. And they all do the same. I love the guys to death, but they need to shut up. It's not that I don't like it when their happy that they have someone to look forward to seeing when we get home, but it's just a constant reminder that I don't even have a mate yet. I'm twenty-five years old now, and I still haven't found the one. My woman, my soulmate, the love of my life, my mate.

'Ugh! Can they ever shut up?! It's pissing me the hell off.' My inner wolf complains inside my head.

Every wolf has an inner wolf, which we also call our "Dominance." It's like your conscience but literally with its own personality, like having two opposites in one body. Usually, they are our most dominant and stubborn side of us that stays inside our heads and only comes out when they either feel threatened or disrespected. And in this case, mine was feeling agitated.

"Hey guys." I grab their attention. "I know you're all looking forward to seeing your mates again, but it's really irritating my Dominance right now."

"Sorry man." Apologizes Chris. "I guess we got a bit carried away with excitement."

The others humbly apologize. I couldn't stay mad at them; I knew they meant well. We've been friends since we were kids. We knew each other very well, which was why I chose them to be a part of my closest advisors and pack trainers. 

'How much longer can we wait for our mate to appear?' My Dominance lightly whines for the millionth time. It was frustrating having to keep assuring your Dominance when our mates aren't found as soon as possible. As the days turned to months which turned to years, it's become harder to be convincing anymore.

'I'm not sure.' I inexpressively reply. 'But all we can do is keep moving on and patiently wait. The right time will come-'

Suddenly, I start to feel something strange in my chest. It couldn't have been that whiskey or that chicken wrap I had in the plane. This didn't feel like heart burn or a stomachache. The feeling in my chest suddenly went to my stomach and head. Whatever it is, it was moving around my body fast like a voltage of electricity.

'What the hell is happening?' My Dominance asks. He was feeling exactly what I was feeling, and it was making him restless.

A pleasant smell hits my nose. It wasn't food, but this aroma was more natural. Like a field of flowers mixed with milk and honey. It was so sweet and calming, but at the same time it was exciting me. The smell was slowly getting stronger, it was making my inner wolf crazy.

"Where is that smell coming from?" I ask aloud.

All my thoughts were cut short when someone crashes into me, almost making me nearly lose my balance. I look down at some girl. I didn't see her face because she was looking down, and without looking up she simply apologizes quickly and continues on.

At that moment, my inner wolf suddenly goes berserk. He was going crazy almost like he was jumping around inside. Then I finally realized why...

'Mate!!!'

I quickly turn around to find the girl who bumped into me. In a second, I spot her walking into a mini bar. My inner wolf was going crazy, growling for me to go in after her. The boys look at me in question.

"What is it man?" Asks Alex with a look of puzzlement.

I look to them with the biggest grin of relief on my face. "Guys, I think I may have finally found my mate."

They all look to each other in shock, some changing to excitement, then congratulating me with high fives and side hugs. They were finally going to get the Luna they have been waiting, and I was finally going to get my mate.

"Where is she? Which one is it?" Chris asks as they all look around for her.

"She just walked into that bar." I pointed.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get her." Sean suggests, but I decide against it.

"Now hold on. We can't just go in there all at once to her or she and the humans will get suspicious thinking that were trying to kidnap her. We have to think of a different approach."

We all begin to think. Then Taylor gets an idea.

"How about this, you go in and approach her yourself since she's your mate. You make small talk with her and convince her enough that you'll walk out together. Meanwhile we are going to wait outside in the car."

"That's not a bad idea. Do you think that'll work?" I question.

"You're the Alpha, there's nothing that you can't do." Sean encourages me, which works.

I was ready to go until Sean places a hand on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

"But just in case if things go south," He puts something in my hand. I look at it, and it was a small plastic droplet bottle with clear liquid inside. "Try putting that in her drink when no one is looking and just casually escort her outside and into the car." He leans in quietly speaking as to make sure no one passing by could hear him.

I look at him in question and slightly disturbed of the fact that he was actually carrying this with him.

"How and where did you get this?" I whisper to him in shock.

"One of the council members in Seattle that I spoke with gave it to me before we left. He said this is a liquid sedative that would disorient any rogue enemy sneaking their way into their territory. It's odorless so they wouldn't suspect it. All you would have to do is sneak one drop into their drink when their back is turned, and they're instantly knocked out for a few hours. He wanted me to try it for myself in case any rogues sneak in."

"And you're suggesting that we use this to drug our Luna." Taylor quietly questions with unease.

"I'm not saying that this is encouraged, but with where we're at right now there are too many witnesses if we just grab her and go. This could be a way to not raise suspicion towards us when we bring her along. I guess to be safe, adding one drop should be enough for her. I'm not saying to use it right away. Just go in there and do your thing, and only use that when you absolutely need it." He placed the bottle into my hand gives me a thumbs up.

'We won't know how she'll react if we ask her to come with us just like that. It could be useful.' My Dominance speaks up.

'I can't believe you're agreeing to this.' I argue.

I let out a sigh of frustration.

"Okay fine. But I won't use it."

"Fair enough." Sean raises his arms. "Remember, one drop." He instructs.

"Okay, got it." I nod

"Now go in there and get your Luna dude." Chris cheers me on along with the rest before we move on with the plan.

I look down at the bottle in my hand and shake my head before putting it in my pocket. Before I entered, I adjust my hair and shirt. I was thrilled, but overall nervous to see my mate. I couldn't wait to see her and her beauty.

Looking around, I spot her sitting at one of the stools downing some shots.

I couldn't believe it; my mate is a human. But I don't care, she's perfect. And I couldn't be more excited to meet her.

I approach the stool beside her and take a seat. But before I could even speak, I hear her sniffling with her head down.

'Is she crying?' I thought to myself.

'Who made her cry?!' My Dominance rages on inside. I for one wanted to know why she was crying, while my inner wolf wanted to find out who made her cry and beat them to a pulp.

She had her head lowered, looking down as she sniffs and hides her face behind her beautiful silky hair. She had her head rested on her hand as she continued to silently cry and downs another shot.

I was feeling her sadness, so was my inner wolf. I wanted to embrace her tightly and never let her go. I wanted to give her all of my love and affection. I wanted to tell her and show her how much I love her and how important she is. But I had to control myself.

I didn't want to scare her on first impression. I have to approach this delicately, smoothly. It was time for my devilish charms to work.

"I would ease up on those drinks if I were you sweetheart. We wouldn't want you to walk out of this bar drunk, would we?"

Without looking up at me, she just coldly says, "Mind your own business dude. It's none of your concern to know how many shots I take." Then takes another.

I was taken back at the sudden comeback. It was harsh, and it made my inner wolf kind of angry.

'How dare she disrespect us like that? We're the Alpha!'

I try calming him down and play it off. "Well, that's a pretty hurtful thing to say to the guy you so rudely bumped into earlier."

She finally looks up to me, and I was immediately blown away. She was absolutely beautiful.

She was gorgeous, breathtaking, enchanting. She was everything in the thesaurus that would be another word for 'beautiful'. Even through her puffy red eyes, she looked like a goddess.

As much as I wanted to know why she was crying in the first place, I debate against it. Figuring I would ease her into that later on. So, I just introduce myself to her. But she doesn't say anything back, she looks so lost in thought as she stares at me.

"Hello, Miss?" I catch her attention; she snaps out of it. She looks at me embarrassed and I softly chuckle and repeat myself.

"I said my name is Jackson Woods. What's your name babe?"

"Uh- Lily Stephens."

Oh my god, her name is as beautiful as she is. It's perfect.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance Lily." I say and kiss the back of her hand.

Time flies by, and we spend it chatting and laughing. Her laugh was the cutest thing I have ever heard in my life. I could never ever get tired of it. And her smile, her smile was like the definition of happiness for me, it brightened up my world. Her appearance, her personality, her presence. Everything about Lily was just perfect.

I had the chance to invite her back with me using a job offer that would peak her interest in the marketing business, but I was surprised that she turned it down.

Everything else was going smoothly up until her phone rings. I wasn't sure who it was, but it made my inner wolf jealous. She takes a moment and answers. After hanging up, she turns to me.

"That was my ride, I got to get going now. This has been really fun Jackson. Thank you talking with me, I feel so much better." She says as she grabs her things.

I was panicking; I didn't want her to leave just yet. "Do you have to go? We were just getting started." Was all I could say.

"Sorry Jackson, but I really have to go. My brother will be picking me up any minute." She says as she slides a piece of paper with her number on it with that gorgeous smile of hers. "But for what it's worth, I'm glad that we ran into each other. Something about you just makes me feel like you have good intentions and that I can trust you. Goodbye for now Jackson. Until we meet again, that is if you'd like." She starts making her way towards the exit.

Now I was freaking out, I wanted to grab her arm to stop her. But I feared that I would just scare her away. Plus cause a scene that would end up having me kicked out. But then I remembered the drug that Sean gave me.

I pull it out of my pocket and stare at it. I said that I didn't want to use it no matter what. But at this point, I couldn't think of any other ideas.

'She's about to get away. Do something fast or else I will!' My Dominance demands.

His emotions were clouding my thoughts, I forgot how much of this bottle Sean told me to use. But I was running out of time.

Quickly, I grab the remaining two shot glasses and sneakily put it in one of them when no one was looking. Then I quickly call out to her.

"Wait." She turns to me, and I raise the two glasses up to her. "Goodbye shots? Last ones I promise." That was all I could think of. And to add something a little extra, I look at her with my signature puppy dog eyes.

Lily looked hesitant at first, but she agrees to my request. I hand her the drugged glass.

"Bottoms up. May we see each other soon." I watch her as we both take the shot.

I felt so guilty that I was doing this to her. We were making great conversation and I believe that we really connected. But what was killing me was when she said that she trusts me. After this, I know for damn sure that she will hate me so much. But I have to do this for all our sake.

Then she thanks me with another goodbye and leaves again.

She kept walking away till I couldn't see her anymore.

'Don't lose her!' My inner wolf growls.

I quickly pay the bartender and I go after her. She didn't look fazed at all. Did I not put enough in her drink? I practically emptied the little thing. Maybe it just didn't work.

I call up Sean to bring the car to the entrance while I follow closely behind and keep an eye on her. Lily makes it out of the airport. I see the boys not too far ahead of us. I try to think of something to get her to the car. I didn't care if anyone saw anymore, I wanted my mate to come home with me. And I wanted her now.

I was about ready to rush up behind her and pick her up until she starts wobbling a bit. I watch her as she shakes her head, trying to keep her balance as she looks around in confusion. Lily looked like she was about to collapse, so I come up behind her, and hold her steady. Lily leans her head back on my shoulder and looks at me with heavy eyes. My heart began to race a hundred miles an hour. She was so tiny against me; it was so cute.

"J-Jackson?" She faintly calls out.

The way she said my name like that, I wanted to take her right then and there. I wanted to kiss her so bad and embrace her tightly.

"Don't worry, I got you." I calmly reassure her.

After that, she finally passes out. Her body goes limp, and I wrap my arm around her waist to keep her up.

People were looking at us, I had to play this off carefully if I didn't want to draw more attention to us.

"Really cousin? You have me waiting for half an hour and I find you walking out of here drunk off your ass? Unbelievable! Just wait till Aunt Stacy sees you like this."

I pick her up and carry her to the car with the others. At this point, people shrug and go on their way like normal. My cover up sound and looked believable enough. Thank God.

Sean helps me carefully place Lily inside while Chris and Alex put her suitcase and bags in the back.

I sit in the back, holding my precious Lily close in my arms as we drove away. She looks even more beautiful when she's asleep. I couldn't wait to bring her to the others. Our new Luna is finally coming home.