o

reluctantly hopped, or rather, stumbled out of bed. My legs felt like lead, my head felt like it was filled with cotton, and my entire body ached. I hadn't slept a wink all night. I'd come

us amounts of alcohol with my friends, laughing, joking, and generally making poor decisions. And now, the inevitable consequences were crashing down on me like a tidal wave. My head throbbed like a drum being hammered relentlessly

hose ambitious, smart-ass wolves who tirelessly chased power, prestige, or glory. Nope. Not me. My life, my entire existence, revolved around the pursuit of fleeting pleasures

s having some semblance of fun-unlike the rest of my serious,

mbition and duty. But me? I wasn't about that life, not even close. I couldn't comprehend their drive, their relentless pursuit of power. To be honest, though, despite my outward appearance of a careles

ently, hopefully waiting for *her*-my destined mate, the elusive love of my life, the one who would complete me. Sure, I hadn't met her yet, hadn't even caught a glimpse of her in the vast se

ances of love either. I was somewhere in between, treading water in the vast ocean of romantic possibilities, patiently waiting for the r

e impatiently coughed and then unceremoniously barged into my room, rudely snapping me back to the harsh, unforgiving realit

the door to find my father standing there, his imposing figure filling the d

night's escapades, a dull, throbbing ache that radiated through my entire body, and I couldn't even begin to remember what had actually happened. Did I sleep with someone? Engage in a drunken brawl and fight with someone? Or did I simp

gaze lingering on my disheveled appearance, the lingering scent of alcohol clinging to me like a shroud. "Why? What? You reek! You absolutely stink! Are you drunk?"

mpt to appear nonchalant. "F-Father, it's just..." I stammered pathetically, my mind racing to come up with a plausible excuse, a b

ohol on me from ten meters away-or more. I silently cursed myself for my stupidity, my lack of foresight, and I desperately avoided his piercing gaze, which felt lik

eard about other pack leaders. He wasn't tyrannical or abusive, but he wasn't exactly kind and compassionate either. He ruled with an iron fist, d

er growled, his voice low and menacing, a rumble that vibrated throug

eluctantly. "Okay... I guess so." I couldn't deny the obvious, not with him stan

dysfunctional family *not* make my life utterly miserable for once? Just one day, one single day, of peace and quiet,

ome semblance of a barrier. My father wouldn't physically kick my ass-probably not. But he was certainly capable of worse, much worse. He'd threatened before, on

rospect that sent shivers down my spine. My friends were the only good thing, the only source of joy and comfort, in my life right now. Without

It's high time you started taking some responsibility for your actions, for your life." My father's tone shifted subtly, becoming

g the room with blinding sunlight. I winced, shielding my eyes with my hands, the sudden brightness

s pronouncement. "What the hell did you just say?" The word

t said that, not seriously. Maybe I still had residual wax clogging my ears, distorting his words, or

he flesh, to check-and yelped in pain. Nope. Def

nwavering. "You're getting mated soon. Very soon. To Tamara." He stated i

t? Father, I don't understand a single word of what you're saying!" I huffed, still shielding my

r dumb? You're getting mated to Tamara," he re

g. Tamara? Who the hell was Tamara?! The name was

ng an eyebrow as if it was the most obvious thing in

met her! I don't even know her!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in protest,

ecially not about something as serious and significant

preparing for the inevitable. After that, we'll begin preparations for the wedding. Is that clear? Crystal clear? I have no time for childis

magnitude of his words. This couldn't be happening. Was this some k

pped, shaking my head vehemently, my anger finally bubbling to the surface. This was my life, my future, and

flashing with anger. "If you refuse, if you dare to defy me, I'll kick you out of the pack. I'll cut

ded to play this smart, to strategize. I'd wait out the storm for now, bide my tim

bulent emotions swirling within me. 'I need a plan. A good plan.' I had one week to ch