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.

After lying there in shock for a few more moments, I mustered the strength to get up and hurried to my room.

Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it, sliding down to the floor.

As the reality of the situation began to sink in, a strange pain in my chest intensified.

Soon, it became unbearable.

It felt as if someone was relentlessly stabbing my chest while I screamed at them to stop.

I tightly shut my eyes, threw my head back, and let out a scream.

Tears welled up and streamed down my face, one after another, until my visage was a complete mess of water and salt.

Suddenly, my entire body grew heavy and weary.

My heart ached to the point where I thought stabbing it would be less painful. I sniffled and whimpered, slumping further onto the floor.

I lay there with my head resting on the cool marble for a considerable while, contemplating the events of the day.

So much for wishing for a mate, right? So much for daring to hope?

I suppose that's how fate operates, then.

Happy birthday to me.

...

The next day was school. Of course.

It feels like this world has some sort of grudge against me.

First, my mate rejects me.

Second, I can't feel my wolf, which makes me question whether I'll even shift in a fortnight or not.

And third, my best friend isn't at school.

Julie Paxton, also known as the energy ball of the school and my closest friend, wasn't going to be here today. She texted me this morning, saying she had to urgently leave for Mexico to visit her grandma. Honestly, the fact that she isn't here is really getting on my nerves.

Yeah, she's Latina. Another reason why she's as energetic as HELL. And absolutely feisty.

Unlike me, she's gorgeous, and her accent is everything!

Her mate will be so lucky to have her. Well, unlike mine...

I shook my head, trying to shake off those thoughts.

I still haven't told her about what happened on my birthday.

And this damn pain in my chest just won't go away.

Letting out a sigh, I slammed my locker shut.

I refuse to think about him. He clearly doesn't care about me, so why should I care about him?

Hugging my books to my chest, I walked with my gaze fixed on the floor.

I didn't want to look up. If I do, I might catch a glimpse of him, and I don't want to see him.

I don't want to see him because I know if I do, I'll break down in tears.

Ugh, why am I so weak? I thought to myself when suddenly someone's arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me into yet another embrace.

Damn, so many unexpected hugs.

I turned around to find my other best friend, Jaxson Hastings, standing there with a grin on his face.

Jaxson, also known as... Wait, he's not known as anything. He's just ordinary like me.

Yay for us!

"Jax!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around his neck and squeezing him tightly.

"Whoa!" He whispered, but he hugged me back nonetheless.

"Where were you this morning? I checked your locker, but you weren't there," I muttered, my voice muffled by his shirt.

He began to respond, but his words were interrupted by a loud growl that emanated from behind me.

Fear sent shivers down my spine. The growl carried authority.

I immediately turned around to see Nicholas, looking furious with his black eyes and clenched fists, watching us.

His gaze focused on Jax's arm around my waist, and he growled again when Jax pulled me closer, as if protecting me.

At his second growl, I quickly untangled myself from Jax's embrace and stood there awkwardly. I didn't want to cause a scene.

Nicholas's expression shifted into one of satisfaction as he noticed the distance between me and Jax. Soon, his eyes returned to their normal color.

With one last menacing glare in our direction, he walked away as if nothing had happened.

My jaw dropped at his behavior, and I gasped.

Okay, what the hell just happened?