I used a towel to dry my hair a bit as I stood in front of the mirror after my shower. Football was my love, my passion. But sweaty jerseys were something I just couldn't handle, and I had to take a shower after every game. I was a clean freak like that.

I gelled my hair into the perfect spike, sprayed on some cologne that drove all the girls crazy, and pulled on a simple v-neck shirt that showed off my toned chest. I was getting ready to head out when my phone pinged with a message. Initially, I ignored it, assuming it was some girl I had been with before, asking to come over. But this time, I decided to check, just in case she had sent nudes.

To my surprise, it wasn't from a girl. It was my best friend Thiago, informing me about a party.

I sighed and slipped my phone into my pocket. Despite the exchange with Thiago, I couldn't shake off the feeling that this party was going to be a drag. But hey, a party was a party, and there was always a chance of meeting new people. Maybe there would be some attractive girls there, even if I wasn't planning on hooking up with them again.

I grabbed my keys and headed out the door, leaving behind my thoughts of one-night stands and focusing on the evening ahead. Deep down, beneath my carefree and promiscuous exterior, there was a part of me that craved genuine connections. Maybe this party would surprise me and offer something more than just another conquest.

I playfully sent him an insult and shook my head in amusement. That's what best friends do—insult and tease each other mercilessly. But when someone else tried to say anything negative to either of us, we would go all ballistic and defensive. It was a dynamic we had perfected over the years.

Thiago had been my best friend for as long as I could remember. We were inseparable even as kids, always causing mischief and pushing each other's limits. We were like the Alpha and Beta, working together to run the pack in the best way possible.

I opened my bedside drawer and grabbed a few condoms, tucking them securely into my jeans. Picking up my phone, I grinned at myself. I had a party to attend, and who knows what the night had in store for me.

°•°•°•°

"So, are you officially turning into a nun now?" Thiago, the witty bastard, said as he slid onto a chair next to mine.

I rolled my eyes and playfully flipped him off. "Just because I haven't found a cute butt to grind into yet doesn't mean I won't."

"Yeah, right. All you've done since you got here is drink and stare into space," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.

I took a sip of my third beer, contemplating his words. He had a point. I hadn't even made an effort to flirt with anyone yet.

When I arrived at the party, my intentions were clear—get laid. But now I found myself brooding in a corner, as if my favorite bitch had died or something.

"I don't know, man. My wolf is feeling off tonight," I confessed honestly. My wolf, Carson, was never thrilled at the idea of me hooking up with random people. To him, it felt like infidelity to a future mate and all that sentimental stuff, but I didn't care.

Today, however, something was different. Instead of incessantly whining about not having a mate, Carson seemed restless and eager, searching for something.

God knows what was wrong with him. It was as if he sensed something in the air, some hidden scent that piqued his curiosity. But what it was, I couldn't say.

I shrugged off the peculiar feeling and took another sip of my beer. Tonight was about letting loose, enjoying the party, and who knows, maybe even finding someone worth breaking my one-night stand rule for.

Thiago had a momentary concerned expression on his face, which quickly transformed into a teasing one. But before he could say anything, his name was called from behind, and he turned to look.

A girl wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering something seductive into his ear. Thiago immediately smirked and gave me a triumphant look.

I rolled my eyes. This was definitely the girl he was going to hook up with tonight. She fit his usual type perfectly—curved ass and perky boobs.

We often went for the same kind of girls, but the difference was that I preferred tall girls while he preferred shorter ones.

Virgin girls were not my thing, though. Not at all. I had been with a few before, and they were nothing but high maintenance. "Taking care" of a girl whom I wouldn't see after the night was not my idea of a good time.

Call me a jerk if you want. I don't care.

"Okay, seriously, Carson, what the hell is wrong with you?" I asked my wolf, who had started howling inside my head.

"Mate," Carson replied, panting.

I mentally rolled my eyes. "Can you stop obsessing over your imaginary mate for a while, Carson? We don't have one. So chill out."

I had turned 18 just last month, and my dad threw a massive party to celebrate the fact that the new beta had come of age. The purpose of the party was simple—just like every other parent out there, my dad wanted me to find my mate. He invited the entire pack and some important people from neighboring packs as well. Everyone expected me to find my mate that night.

But I didn't.

No big deal, though. I was actually kind of glad about it. Mates meant commitment, and I wasn't looking for that right now.

Commitment scared me. And as someone who had never been in a relationship, I didn't want to start now.

I was too young, anyway. I wanted to enjoy my life as it was right now. My mate could wait.

"You disgust me!" Carson scoffed in my brain.

"I don't care about what you think," I replied, dismissing his opinion. "I can kind of sense her here. Get your lazy ass up from this spot and get moving. Let's explore this place and try to catch a whiff of her scent."

I rolled my eyes at my wolf's persistence but obliged anyway. I didn't want him whining about it later. He would learn his lesson when we returned mateless, anyway.

As I walked around the house, something surprising happened—I didn't look at or flirt with other girls. Maybe I was intrigued too.

Could my mate really be here? The possibility lingered in my mind as I continued to explore, eager to uncover any signs that might lead me to her.

I was nearing the dance area when suddenly everything went dark. The room filled with groans of annoyance as the power went out. A power cut was unusual, but not unheard of. I knew the generators would kick in soon and restore the light.

As I sighed, anticipating the return of the lights, I felt a sudden collision with another body. "Owwww!" I hissed, rubbing my arm where the impact had landed.

"Watch out!" I cursed at the person, but my annoyance was met with a soft apology.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry-" she began, but her voice trailed off as her skin brushed against mine. In that instant, I felt a surge of electricity, as if sparks were igniting in my arm.

My eyes widened, and a sense of recognition and excitement coursed through me. Could it be? Had I found my mate?

Holy mother of Jesus...

In the darkness, her hand reached out, tenderly touching my face. I inhaled sharply, feeling the tingles spread from my face to my toes. I couldn't deny the pleasure I felt from her touch.

But just as I was about to speak, the lights flickered back on, illuminating her face.

"YOU?" I bellowed angrily, pushing her away from me.

She gasped, falling to the ground in shock, clearly not expecting my reaction.

Regret was absent from my emotions. She deserved my anger.

"KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF ME, YOU BITCH!" I spat at her, my voice dripping with disgust.

She remained stunned, her gaze fixed on the ground as I cast her a final disgusted glance and walked away.

To hell with being mates.

Quinnie

As cliché as it may sound, I despise parties, especially the ones involving my parents and relatives. Because I know exactly what's going to happen when relatives are present.

But turning down a party offer on your own birthday isn't really an option...

Fuck my life.

"Oh my god! Quinnie! Is that you, honey? Holly Molly! It's been so long!" Aunt Hannah exclaimed, enveloping me in one of her bone-crushing hugs.

Awww, here we go, the affectionate displays.

"You've grown up so much!" She gushed once again.

What the hell are you talking about, woman? You literally saw me just last week. The only things that have grown in that time are my armpit hair and a slight mustache.

You see, I'm a brunette. So, my facial hair doesn't naturally blend with my skin. And being a werewolf, I have the delightful ability to grow body hair at an accelerated rate, which annoys me to no end.

Sometimes I wonder if my wolf ever gets jealous of the amount of hair on my skin...

"So, where is your mate?" She asked, scanning the room.

She knows I haven't found my mate, but she still likes to ask every time. Just to rub it in.

This little B for Bitch.

"Haven't found one yet," I whispered softly, the disappointment and sadness evident in my tone.

I've always longed to find my mate. After hearing those dreamy stories about mates, witnessing the unbreakable bond between my parents, and seeing my school friends fall in love so effortlessly, it's hard not to hope.

And I was hopeful.

I know my mate will love me, and I will love him. That's what mates are supposed to be like, right?

Right?

...

I excused myself to get a drink, needing a momentary escape from Aunt Hannah's irritating questions.

Don't get me wrong, she's not a terrible person. But she's far too proud of herself and her family.

Her son holds a prominent position in the pack army, and her daughter has ventured out of state for her studies.

Perfect, isn't it?

Well, at least that's what she believes.

In reality, her son is running an underground gang within the pack, and her daughter is too caught up in the streets of New York, getting high.

Anyway...

As I approached the drinks table, I opted for a simple glass of lemonade today, even though it's my 18th birthday.

While most people would get wasted on this day, I couldn't be less interested.

I'd rather stay sober and cherish the memories than get drunk and pass out.

Not that I anticipate anything memorable happening anyway.

Just a few steps away from the bar, the lights suddenly went out. I heard groans and shook my head, trying to find my way out.

Unintentionally, I bumped into someone, and they let out a hiss. Judging by their strength, it was clearly a man.

Also, when I collided with "the person," I felt a solid, iron chest instead of, you know, uh... breasts.

So, it's a guy.

Well, unless the girl is as flat-chested as me, then perfect! I've found my soul sister!

He hissed at me, and embarrassment immediately painted my cheeks crimson.

"Oh my god! I'm so sor—" I gasped as our hands touched, leaving me at a loss for words.

Sparks.

Sparks like never before erupted throughout my body, and I felt my wolf stirring within me.

I've just turned 18, so my wolf hasn't come to me yet. I haven't even shifted.

But within a fortnight of turning 18, you experience your first shift.

I shook my head, dismissing these unnecessary thoughts, and decided to savor this moment.

I've found my mate! Finally!

Instinctively, my hand reached out to touch his face. I was already yearning to feel those tingles once more.

When our skin made contact again, he inhaled sharply.

And so did I.

My fingers gently caressed his cheek, relishing the sensation of his rough stubble. I yearned to see his face so desperately. Why did the lights have to go off at this moment?

As I leaned in, attempting to make out his features, the lights suddenly flickered back on, and a part of me felt relieved.

I raised my gaze to meet the warm eyes of my mate, hoping to find love reflected in them. I longed for the same affectionate look I had witnessed my father give my mother throughout their lives.

But did I receive it?

No.

Instead, all I encountered was an icy glare and a disdainful snark from someone I had known my entire life.

"YOU?" he bellowed in anger, his Beta voice echoing through the hall.

I yearned to say something, to inquire what was wrong. I wanted to declare that I was his mate and that I would love him eternally.

Yet, he never allowed me the opportunity to do so.

With a forceful push, he sent me tumbling backward. I landed on the ground, sitting on my rear, my eyes fixed on him in a state of shock and bewilderment.

His hands curled into fists as he continued to glare at me. "KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF ME, BITCH!" he spat before storming away.

The flicker of connection I had felt with my wolf in the beginning had vanished entirely, replaced by an overwhelming sense of agony and loss.