Chapter 2

I personally think this mark is nothing but a curse. I’m never going to even find out what this mark means if they never let me leave the pack. 

If by chance, I am meant for some prophecy, I want the opportunity to fulfill it. I know I’m meant for more than just picking up random odd jobs around the pack. I’m meant for something bigger. I can feel it.

I rolled my eyes as I listened to my parents. Maybe I’m just getting my hopes up, and he isn’t going to give in this time. I don’t understand why he thinks I’m so helpless. He has seen the damage I can do.

I looked out my window and smiled as I saw my uncle Gavin, Aunt Violet, and my cousins walking over. I forgot the rest of my family was coming over for dinner tonight.

This could work in my favor. I’m super close to my Aunt Violet. She always takes my side and Uncle Gavin always has a plan. He’s ready for anything. 

Now I just need to get my Uncle Kain and Aunt Siah on my side. Aka Alpha and Luna. They’re a little harder because they analyze everything before they add their input. If they feel like I am in any danger, they will agree with my parents.

As my family all started to arrive, I went downstairs to join everyone in the backyard. I smiled and shook my head as I took in our family dynamics. Some things never change. 

My brother Ryker, and my cousins, Drake and Ezra are all huddled together near the picnic table. Probably bragging to each other about their latest she wolves.

Our parents all claimed each other around the same time, and the three of them were all born the next year. I have no doubt that these 17-year-old morons are the future of our pack. Drake’s the next Alpha, Ezra will be the Beta, and Ryker will be the gamma. 

Then we have the younger crew all playing hide and seek. My twin sisters, Avery and Arie, are 11. I love watching them play. They’re carefree and so full of life, their laughter is so loud it’s contagious. 

My dad and my uncles are all standing around the grill. I’m pretty sure they’re doing more talking than cooking. I found my mom, Aunt Siah, and Aunt Violet sitting at one of the tables.

I went over to join them and gave them my best pouting face.

“What’s wrong baby girl?” Aunt Violet asked as she put her arm around me and pulled me into a hug.

“I got into college, but dad won’t let me go.”

“What do you mean he won’t let you? Going to college is a good thing,” Aunt Violet gave mom a curious look.

“I know, but he’s being stubborn, and he won’t budge.”

“Bella, tell them what college you want to go to,” Mom said as she gave me a smirk.

“Moonlight Academy,” 

“That’s a great school. It’s top-rated, and it’s specifically for supernaturals.” Aunt Violet gave mom another curious look, and I watched her eyes get big as the location dawned on her. “Oh wait, isn’t that in Vermont,”

“Yep, that’s the problem,” Mom said with a smirk.

“Damian’s worried that people will come after her for her powers, and we won’t be able to protect her because she’s so far away.”

“Um yah but she’s 19.”

“Don’t go there, Violet,” We all turned toward the grill when Dad interrupted.

“She’s still too young. I can’t let her go all the way a crossed the country without a pack for protection.”

“It’s not fair. I’ve earned this opportunity. I’m ready. I can take care of myself.”

I watched my dad and my uncles look at each other, and then I followed my dad's eyes as he looked around the yard.

“Stop mind linking. I at least deserve to know what everyone thinks about it.” I stood up and crossed my arms as I stared at them.

Uncle Gavin nodded, “So going without a pack is the problem, right.” We all looked at him, knowing that he had a plan in mind. Aunt Violet smirked. She didn’t need the mind linking ability. She can read him like a book.

“We could send her with some of her pack to protect her,” Uncle Gavin winked at me, and gave me a smirk.

“And who better to protect her than the future ranked members of Green Ridge?”

“It would be a good experience for them, and a good trial,” Uncle Kain added.

“NO NO! NO!” I yelled. “I don’t want them following me around. I thought you were on my side, Beta.” I threw my hands up. My uncles hate it when I call them by their ranks.

“Ryker, Drake and Ezra are ridiculous. They won’t let any man even talk to me without them playing 20 questions or hitting them. They scare everyone away. They are the reason I’ve never even had a date.”

“You’re not helping your case baby girl,” Aunt Violet whispered to me as she patted my back.