Nina had the perfect life. She had a caring boyfriend and friends that never left her side until one night when her world came crashing down. Deciding to embark on a new journey, she is met with more questions than answers. After countless rouge attacks she finds herself in a sticky situation and her savior is someone she least expected. Nina now has to figure out if she can fulfill her destiny.

Every girl dreams of their high-school prom and I was no exception. My friends are I were getting ready to go dress shopping but my parents were just not understanding how important this was to me! They believe I should refrain from doing anything that could affect my imagine and cause any negative attention to our family name. Apparently, being the beta’s daughter puts a leash on you having fun. Of course, I take every opportunity to enjoy my life and live MY life to its fullest. My mom said I remind her of who she was before she found her mate and tends to give me some leeway but dad is a huge stickler for the rules. My mom, Sarah, is 5’ 6” tall with a toned frame and light brown hair that is chest length. She is a warrior in our pack and has tought me to fight since I was 5. My dad, Ben, is 6’ 7” football build body that could bench a car. Tattoos covered him from head to toe with slick black hair. He has never gone easy on me and was upset I was not a boy, but that did not stop him from raising me as such. I competed in all the boy competitions but I have yet to get the best from him. He thinks I am just as good and should get the beta position when he retires if I can shape up and not cause him more headaches. I started laughing thinking about all the lectures he has giving me over the years. “What mate will want a girl who parties and is fast and loose with the rules, let alone an Alpha who would want you as a beta!” I laughed because I grew up with the future alpha, Damian.

He is my best friend and occasionally we have kissed but I am keeping my virginity for my mate. Damian is 6’ 8” of solid muscle, short black hair, a tribal tattoo from his chest to his shoulder around his neck and arm and across this back. He is a walking sex on a stick with piercing bright blue eyes. His temper does match his bad boy look but has always had a sweet spot for me. I know I have always caught his eye. Being 5’ 7” slender and toned body with waist dark wavy hair and emerald green eyes, I tend to catch a few guys eyes. However I think most of them think they will get the position of beta so I tend to ignore them.

“Hurry up Nina!” shouts my best friend Holly. She is beautiful with her creamy mocha skin, shoulder length black hair. She might only be 5’ 5” but her attitude is that of an 8-foot-tall person. I jump off my vanity and ran to the front door before she starts to climb the stairs. I kept her waiting once and she almost broke my door down!

“I am coming! I had to finish my makeup” I said slightly out of breath

“Zach, Damian and Trevor are in the car waiting for us.” Zach is another warrior’s son. He is 6’ 6” with pale skin complexion, hazel eyes and shoulder length blonde hair. He is cute in his own way but has softer expression to him. He has always had eyes for Holly, not that she pays attention. Being the gamma’s daughter, she has also gotten the lectures I have gotten. Trevor is her brother and Damian’s right had man since they were only born few days apart. He is 6’ 6” darker complected than Holly with jet black hair and the same matching dark brown eyes with a gold flake in them that Holly has. Apparently, it is a family trait of theirs.

“Bye mom and dad!”

“Bye honey, remember to behave and mind-link me if you have any troubles! Do not get into a fight this time!” Dad yelled from the kitchen. It was one time and I won the fight, not my fault a guy couldn’t understand no. Dad is not too worried this time since I promised the boys were going along this time and could “protect us”. Like it need a guy to protect me. I just rolled my eyes and walked out the door with my arm on Holly’s shoulders.

“Hurry up girls! I don’t have all day” yelled Trevor.

“Oh shut up Trevor, you got nothing but time today” Holly mouthed off sliding into the back seat of Damian’s Cadillac Escalade. I of course hopped right into the front seat next to Damian. Some people thought I was Damian’s mate, we didn’t believe we were but we weren’t against it either. I was treated at such though and never minded.

“I should be able to sit up front, my legs are a lot longer than yours Nina, and if we needed to get out quickly and fight, I would need better access than the 3rd row.” Grumbled Zach

“Oh really, do you want another rematch Zach?” I arched my eye brow at him. Last time he questioned me, I laid him out more times than he can count but he still said he “let me win”.

Everyone laughed out loud except Damian who just cocked an eye brow at Zach. Zach was a great warrior but when you have beta blood running through your veins and been trained since you were 5, not a lot of people can compare.

“I am just trying to be a gentleman here Nina, I would like to treat you as the princess you are” Zach joked with me. He just earned a snort and an eye roll from me and a chest growl from Damian.

“Anyway” Holly smirked “What kind of dress are you wanting to get today?”

“Hmm” I mused, “Maybe a skin tight one that stopped right below my ass with a deep V-neck line that is sheer”

“The fuck you are!” growled Damian.

I busted out laughing, “I am just joking, jeez, I don’t really know. I want a floor length one though!”

“Well I want a short one that will make my legs look longer and that will hug my curves”

“Holls, mom and dad will kill you, you know that right?” asked Trevor as he rubbed his hand down his face. “You will be what gets me killed” he whispered but with our wolf hearing, we all heard him.

“I am their princess, they won't! Plus, if I find my mate, they can’t say anything!” Holly said with a determined look in her eyes. I knew that look, there was no changing her mind. Our “prom” was a prom per say. It did start out as a traditional prom but over the years, all the 18 year-olds that were unmated crashed other packs “prom” night in hopes to find their mate, or get a quick lay if not. My birthday was the day before prom, one week away and I was so excited. I will finally get to see if Damian is my mate or not. I get weird feeling in my stomach every time I think about this. What if he isn’t my mate and he finds another girl. Would I be okay with that? Deep down I have always liked him being protective of me but he did it in a way that I was still able to smack a guy around and he would be there watching making sure I didn’t get hurt in the process.

“You okay there kitten?” Damian asked quietly. I was in deep thought and didn’t realize the conversation drifted off in the back and he noticed I did not have my usual sarcastic remark back to them. Kitten was a nickname he called me when we were little because apparently, I have a temper and feisty personality that did not quite match my size. I didn’t hit my growth spurt till I was 14 so the nickname stuck.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I sighed

“It will be okay, not matter what happens, I will never forget you” he mind-linked me not wanting everyone else to overhear. I turned my head and gave him a sad smile. He has always said that but I know when he finds his mate, she will be all he will think about and she will not want us to be as close as we are. I will understand, but doesn’t mean it won't hurt like a bitch. You don’t know who your mate is until you both are 18 so even though Damian is 19, we won't know till next Friday.

“YYYYEEAAAHHH, we are here” Holly sceamed snapping Damian and I out of our conversation. I quickly got excited again.

Six stores later I emerged in a stunning silk deep red gown. It was a sweet heart next line with a corset top that hugged my hips and ass and cascaded downward. It had a high slit that showed off my toned thigh perfectly.

Hearing gasps, I looked up and everyone was staring with their mouths on the ground. I am not stupid; I know how good I look and how to make a statement. This dress was all statement. Damian recovered first and let out a low growl, everyone immediately shut their mouths and turned their heads.

“OMG Nina, that dress what made for you” Holly said after finally emerging herself. She was wearing a short thigh length satin royal blue dress. It looked like a goddess dress the way it wrapped around her over and over, giving her curves and legs for days with the silver peep-toed heels.

“Thanks” I beamed, “that looks amazing on you too!”

“Well, that does cover more than I was expecting” Trevor grumbled still not pleased with how short it was.

“Okay boys, time to check out and find you all tuxes!” I said.

Suddenly I hear Damian’s voice in my head as I am stripping, “Kitten, I hope you’re not too fond of that dress because even if I am not your mate, I will be ripping it off you come Saturday night” I smirked, my cheeks got red and my panties instantly got wet. “And who said I will let you?” I teased back. “I will come up behind you, pin you to a wall and take you right here women” he teased right back. “The whole store is about to smell my arousal, you want that?” I whispered trying to get ahold of myself. I didn’t heard anything back but him chuckle.

“Come on boys, lets get a head start on those tuxes” Damian said out loud, “Hurry up girls, we will be on the other side of the store!”

“Ass” I mind-linked him with no effort in it.

After we changed out, Holly and I find the boy and they have already finished so we head home. Zach, Holly and Trevor are in the back arguing about who is the better dance and I find myself looking out the window spacing out. I feel like my life is going to change in a week and I just don’t know why. I just have this bad feeling. I have always had this knack for knowing things. Like if something bad was going to happen or if someone was lying. Maybe I am just in tune with nature or whatever but I feel more at piece when I can run or be in the woods. Maybe that’s why I feel am ominous feeling. I need to go for a walk in the woods around our pack. We finally get home and I quickly tell people I am tired and I am going to call it a night.

Thankfully my parents were not home yet so I hid my dress and went for a walk. It was starting to get dark out and I loved this time of day. Dusk was so beautiful with the reds and oranges painting the sky. It is late April and it is starting to get warm out but I still wanted to bring a jacket. I hate being cold and dusk in April is still a bit chilly. There is a small meadow about a half of a mile from my house that I love. I like to lay there and look up at the stars. There is a small opening in the canopy that allows the sun or the moon rays to peak down. Even though the stars are not quite out yet, I still lay there and let my mind wonder. That is still I hear a stick snap and the smell of coconut and rain water to fill my nose. Damian.

“I knew there was something wrong with you”

“I have no idea what you are talking about”

“Oh really, this is where you run off too when your stressed about something so talk to me kitten”

I sighed, he knows me too well. “I just have this feeling like something bad is going to happen next Saturday. There will be like 500 kids from all over here for the prom, things are going to change, I just don’t know if it is for the better”

Damian knows of my “feeling” I get. Multiple times my instincts have never been wrong and have saved us a time or two. He laid down beside me and was quiet for awhile. The stars are out now and they are beautiful.

“I have always liked you and admired you. You would be a perfect Luna and I would be proud to be your mate. Even if we aren’t mates, we will find a good balance. I will be jealous of any mate of yours that is not me but as long as you are happy.”

“If only it was that simple” I said quietly. I know we have talked about this multiple times and we have fooled around too but I will be heartbroken if we aren’t mates. I have secretly wanted him as a mate since we were little.

“Do you feel like it’s something else that is going to happen?”

“I just don’t know”

“Kitten….

Just then I feel my mom trying to get through via mind-link, “Honey where are you? We just got home.”

“I went for a walk, I will be right there!” and shut the mind-link down. I turned to face Damian and he can already tell I needed to leave.

“It’s okay, we will finish this talk later, okay?”

“Okay” I gave him a small smile and I headed home.

“Nina! Get up, you’re going to be late for school!” my mom shouted from down the stairs. Shit, its Monday, this weekend went by quick. My senior year is almost over. I have senior prom this Saturday and graduation next Saturday. Rolling over and sliding out of bed is the hardest part. I have a very loving relationship with my bed. I quickly take a shower, and get dressed. I always wear comfy clothes but since I have to go to training today, I let my hair air dry with leggings and a sports bra with a crop top.

“NINA!!! Your friends are waiting outside!” mom shouted right as I hear an impatient horn honking. As long as I can remember, Holly and Trevor always pick me up and drive us to school. It is only a 10-minute walk but it’s nice to not have to walk when its cold out. With a granola bar in hand my mom is standing at the door and gives me a big smile and hug goodbye.

Jogging down the steps from my wrap around porch I hear them already arguing.

“Trevor, I told you, I am old enough to make my own choices!” Shouted Holly angerly As long as I can remember Trevor has always been overly protective of Holly. He does not like her training, flirting, dating and anything he said that it would give a guy the wrong impression. He wants to her to a princess and not lift a finger. Unfortunatly for him, she has a passion for fighting and an attitude to match it. We are twins in that aspect.

“Already arguing? Why now?

“Trevor thinks I should stay home and learn to cook or work at the daycare instead of going to the field after school to train. Apparently it gives guys a chance to look at what isn’t theirs and isn’t lady like. It doesn’t matter if I know how to defend myself or that I am one of the top female warriors” Holly lashed out

“Trevor, you know you wont and have yet to win this argument. She is going to do what she wants and you need to love her for who she is not try to make her into being a submissive trophy wife” standing up for my friend. Mainly before I love her but also, I don’t want to be put into that category either.

“Whatever” Trevor commented under his breath as he floors his Dodge Charger.

Finally school is over and I can let out some of my frustration on someone’s face. Running to the field, I see my dad walking out to the field to start training, giving me a head bob he yells at everyone to start with ten laps for a warm up and then pair off and work on offense and defense. On my second lap I suddenly feel a presence behind me.

“Hey there good looking” Coconut and rain rushing into my senses. I didn’t need to turn around to feel Damian’s eyes on my ass as I run. Rolling my eyes I suddenly swerve to the right and kick my foot out and send him flying forward. However since Damian is over 18 and has gotten his wolf, he is able to nail the landing and glance back at me with a wink. Slowing his pace he looks at me and this time I almost fall. The look he is giving me is filled with so much love, desire, and longing. My mouth goes dry and I can’t seem to find the words to snap back at him.

“Something got your tongue?”

“Oh, just this cocking future alpha that thinks he is hot stuff”

Faking hurt and a hand over his heart and a pained look on his face he asked “Well then I guess you might want to be my partner and show me how cocky I am?”

“Sure, I would like to knock you down a peg or two mister”

Finishing our laps we all break off into groups of two and start to spar, Damian knows I need to let out some frustration so he takes defense first. I get in a few good punches but I seem to be in more pain. Although I am the top female warrior, I am no match for a future alpha. I do feel better though and I was able to get my pent up energy out. All these feeling for this Saturday seem to be getting stronger each day.

“Feeling any better kitten?”

“No, It only seems to be getting worse. The feelings are getting stronger each day”

Damian looks at me worried, he glances behind me and dips his head.

“Nina! We need to go over your birthday party Friday as well as Holly’s” Since We share the same birthday we always have a party together. We are both looking forward to it since we get our wolves and get to possibly meet our mates!

“Yes Luna! I was thinking since prom is the next day, why don’t we just do a little party before prom and then we can all head over to the dance after?”

“That sounds perfect dear, I will organize it for you!”

“Thanks mom!” Damian said to him mom, The Luna is the sweetest person you will ever meet. Just standing over 5’ 4” with a petite frame, long blonde hair she was a beauty. She is where Damian got his blue eyes from. I don’t think she knows how to raise her voice at all. I watched Stephanie walk away, the Alpha is the scarest person I know. He is like barely taller than Damian of solid muscle and is bald, he has this look at makes you squirm without even using his aura on you. How they every got paired together is beyond me.

“So will you go to prom with me Nina?” Damian asked pulling me out of my train of thought.

“Took you long enough to ask, what if I already found a date?”

“Please, everyone knows you belong to me, no one would dare ask you without running it by me first”

“Oh really, and what makes you think I belong to you?” I challenged

“Don’t make me laugh kitten, I claimed you when you were 5”

“Yeah well we will see Friday wont we?”

“About that” Damian suddenly takes a step back and rubs his neck

“What?”

“Dad has me going to a few meeting with alphas who have teens coming to the prom so I will be busy Friday. I wont get to see you till Saturday at your party.”

“What the fuck? Seriously? That’s perfect, how long have you known about this and didn’t tell me?” I feel my eyes burning with tears. I am beyond mad. That is the biggest thing I hate about myself. I cry when I am mad.

“I just found out I swear! I am so sorry Nina, I really wished we would have been able to figure how if we were mates before the party so we could decide on what was going to happen. I didn’t plan for this” Damian looked at me pleading, begging for me to understand. The only thing I could think as I turned and walking away was this is the beginning of a very bad week.