lis

ngalows and small cottages. There are a handful of shops, a hospital, and schools in the center. It's a small community, and I constantly dream about living somewhere more cosmopolitan like the places I see on TV. I hear a lot

meant the Lycan King himself had handed the said land over a long time ago to whatever Alpha rules the pa

if he was not? It would hardly be my fault, because we did not choose our mates. What was I supposed to be if he wasn't my mate? I hate it

about myself after it occurs. Ruelle didn't tell me anything about her ceremony last year, and I know no one else

into a new place with Farris, my boyfriend. Oh, Farris, one of the best things in my

as t

n the pack. Powerful enough to not heed the word of my parents. It means that I can leave my unkind adoptive parents - he's talke

devil, I re

ing. How are you

e. When I'm with him, every minute feels blessed, and I am

ched for it. Can't wait to f

ty. It keeps my parents somewhat off my back, and I have good prospects in the future. But I'm not interested in status or money or even being Luna... I just want

down the school steps

p." I turn with a

e you at all today,

a genius and takes more pleasure in showing off her knowledge than anyone else I know, smiles contentedly. We're best fri

ou have

nd to me. She was cute, with her freckled cheeks always hiked in a smile, her auburn hair curling ar

ted for tonight?" she ask

wolf already. The wolf was a russet-colored beauty, with white paws as if she was wearing socks. I was a bit peeved that my bi

r her when a snide voic

well, if it isn't the gir

f course, there had to be so

she doesn't exist

ld just spread an

f Dana's favorite rumors to spread about people who she does not like. If they were girls, they had gotten pregnant afte

native girl,

hiny. I never thought anyone other than Ruelle could sound

re her

rsaken reason." My mother is itching to find a reason to tear me a

"Yeah, let's ge

a smile. "Did you get lost, you poor dear? Hell is that-

the Alpha laugh at your 'jokes' too,

count as decoration. Secondly, at least I'm there. I

your business to know what other people d

taking the opening Esther had given her. The only way to deal with her

gearing u

thing, "The Luna needs to be strong enough to handle a storm with the grace of a swan, modest and selfless,

ing to get his attention all the time. But Farris did not care for it. When he'd asked me out for

usly needs to

ou are not." I don't have to talk about my love for Farris all the time ju

she can cut you with two or three words. She's a real snake wh

u wait. One day your true colors will show. It's not to

leaves with a sm

nd when I look at Esther, I se

u think tha

evious one and stole someone else's p

ow if I prefer slut-shaming Da

Esther smiles. "As soon as you find out that Farris

ve. Mother's words ring in my head. "What i

u're going to have someone to love you either way, Callista. You're going to be fine, I just know it. You'r

don't show it at all, but the insults really get to me sometimes

s. What am I going to do, if