“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.

I haven’t seen Damian all week with my own studying, finalizing all projects so I don’t have to go to school next week. I am in all advanced classes and I have a feeling I will not want to go to school next week so I busted my butt with Holly to get it all done.

“Are you excited for our birthdays tomorrow?” Holly squealed

Rolling over in bed I said “Hell yes! I am so excited to meet my wolf! I wonder how big she will be, what color, what her name is”

“Me too! I am so glad your parents let me stay over tonight, I am glad we get to share this together”

“Well we have been busting our asses all week so we didn’t have to go to school today and next week!”

Holly suddenly gets a serious look on her face, “what will you do if Damian is not your mate?” Holly knows of my thoughts and fears. I tell her everything.

Sighing I respond, “I honestly don’t know, lets go to sleep, I have a feeling tomorrow will be a long day”

“Wake up sleepy head!!!!!” I suddenly hear yelling in my head. Maybe I am still dreaming, “I am not a dream girl! WAKE UP!” I snap my eyes open and realize I got my wolf!

“OMG, what is your name, what color are you, I love you already!” I yell, I am trying to lay still so I don’t wake Holly up but I am so excited!

I hear her giggling, “My name is Raven, and you will see what color I am when we shift!”

“Damn, can I shift now?”

“So impatient but yes you can, it will hurt really bad but I will help you through it.” Raven said

Very quietly I got out of bed and tip toed down the hair and went outside. “Okay now what?”

“Go into the woods, you might want to get naked and get comfortable, this will take awhile.”

30 minutes late there is a fire burning through my body. I am biting my tongue to keep from yelling out and making my presence aware. Suddenly I hear my bone start to snap. “RAVEN what happening?”

“Imagine your hands are paws and you are a wolf” Raven instructed. “I know this is going to hurt but it will only last a short time, you can do this!” I am laying on the fetal position hearing my bones breaking and next thing I know I am looking at the earth. I am smelling the wet earth and more scents I didn’t know what they were. Looking down I see a dark brown and reddish paws. Looking around everything is clearer, brighter, louder and more scents than before.

“Wow” that is all I can say right now.

Laughing Raven said, “Lets run!” and we did. We can up to a stream and I looked down. Raven is beautiful. She has my emerald green eyes and dark brown fur with almost a red tint to it. We ended up running for a few hours before we found ourselves back at my parents house.

“You should probably shift and get some sleep, you will need it for today!”

“Um exactly how Raven”

“Imagine yourself as a human again” roller her eyes at me.

I did as she requested and suddenly I felt cold, looking down I saw I was naked and put my clothes back on. Slipping back into bed and I felt drained.

“You will be tired for the rest of the day but also, Happy Birthday!”

“Thank you Raven! Goodnight!”

“OH GOD OH GOD!” I heard screaming and I sat straight up in my bed. Wiping the hair from my face I looked around to see Holly jumping up and down screaming. Clutching my heart and try to get my barings but just as I am about to ask Holly what the hell, my parents bust through the door! Almost taking it off its hinges!

“What happened, What is wrong?” My mom ask us.

“I got my wolf! Omg she is so sarcastic and funny! She is just like me and can’t wait to find our mate!” Holly sings while twirling around and around like a kid after they get ice cream.

“What is her name?” I asked. I can’t wait to tell my parents about Raven. “Is she always this loud” Raven asked, her tone was of annoyance and amusement. “Yeah, that is just Holly. A very large personality in a little body”

“Indy! I can’t wait see shift and see what she looks like!”

“After breakfast Holly! You need your energy for it!” Mom scolded lightly but there was a smile on her face so we knew she wasn’t upset anymore. “This calls for chocolate chip pancakes!”

I hear dad grumbling about how he never gets waffles anymore and my mother’s laugh as she scolds him for trying to be difficult. As rough and stern he is, there will always be a soft spot for myself and my mom.

“My wolf’s name is Raven! She is just like me also and has brown hair with a red tint to it!”

“You already shifted” Holly asked with a fallen sad look to her face. “I thought we would shift together” sighing she sat down on the bed. I wiggled my way over to her and gave her a hug.

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Raven woke up me last night and I just couldn’t wait. I don’t have much energy but I would love to shift again with you and go for a short run! “Oh, yes please! Maybe mate is out there. I could use some sexy time with mate” Raven sang as she twirled in my head “Girl please, control your thoughts.” I rolled my eyes, if her thoughts are as bad as my own….

“Ok yeah that would be okay. I am not mad really, just bummed. I totally get it though. I probably would have done the same” Holly said as she came to terms with the situation. She figured we would do everything as the same time as one another. Find our mates, get pregnant and everything at the same time. I never felt like that was going to happen but I never really put down her dreams. Honestly, I didn’t want to. I would like for us do experience it all together but it never felt right.

“Girls! Breakfast!!!” Mom yelled from the kitchen. Holly shoved me on the bed and darted for the door, Unfortunatly, I have always been quicker and was able to trip her foot and send her flying into the wall. She landed with a thud. I didn’t stop because we have done this so many times and now she has her wolf she will head faster. I made it to the kitchen just seconds before she did.

“Honestly girls, aren’t you a little old for that childish stuff?” Dad scolded us. I have him a peck on the cheek while mom told him to leave us along, it was our birthdays and just eat. We hide our smirks and shoved our mouths full. Mom and cook. I got my skills from her too.

“What are your plans today girls?” Mom asked

“After breakfast we are going to shift and go for a run but then probably just lay around all day, eat junk food and watch movies. I hear shifting for the first time takes it out of you so we are doing that today so we have energy to dance tomorrow!!!” Holly said.

“I know the boys are busy with pack stuff today so it would just be you two today.” Dad said. They are trying to get everything ready so dad and the Alpha can retire and Damian and Trevor take over. Zach has boarder patrol today since he switched so he had tomorrow off so it’s a girls day!

“That’s fine, they wont want to watch our movies anyway!” I said slightly disappointed. I knew Damian said he wouldn’t see me today but I was holding out hope.