Chapter 1

After my 18th birthday party ended, my first heat as an adult werewolf hit me hard. I longed for a man to help ease the relentless pull of my mating desire.

Stumbling out of the banquet hall, I frantically searched for my boyfriend, Morgan Flint. My thoughts kept circling back to what my grandmother, Talia Whitlock, had told me the night before.

"Remember, Addie, you're a werewolf—not a human. Once you reach adulthood, you'll go through your first mating cycle. To survive it, you must find a strong mate to bond with immediately. Otherwise, you could die."

At the time, I thought she was exaggerating. But now, the uncontrollable desire coursing through my body left me no choice but to believe her.

When I stumbled upon Morgan, he was wrapped around a stunning influencer, their lips locked in a fierce, passionate kiss. Even after I caught them in the act, he didn't so much as flinch. He said, "Addie, let's call it quits for the time being."

"What?" I was stunned, unable to believe what I'd just heard.

Morgan casually pinched the woman's waist and smiled like it was no big deal. "I like you, but you don't come across as very feminine. With a flat chest like that, your figure doesn't stand a chance. How about this? Give it a couple of years. Once you've matured, I'll come back for you. Does that sound good?"

Though a chill crept through my heart, my blood was on fire.

"And who says I'll agree to be with you years later?"

I was already an adult. It wouldn't take long before my figure turned heads. Sadly, Morgan would never be there to see that transformation.

He was the one person I had hoped to bond with during my mating cycle. But to my shock, he wanted to break up with me. How was I supposed to survive my heat alone?

Before I could even think of a plan, a wave of desire swept over me. With bloodshot eyes, I sank to the floor, struggling to hold myself together.

Morgan's expression flickered with impatience as he saw my tears.

"Grow up, Addie. Stop trying to manipulate me with your crying," he snapped, shooting me a cold glance.

After a quick look around, he forcefully pushed me forward. "Tucker! You showed up just in time. Do me a favor and calm her down."

The man Morgan called was none other than his older brother, Tucker Flint. I was adopted by the Flint family as a child, so Tucker was technically my older brother. He put his glass down, his deep-set eyes locking on mine.

I curled up on the floor, staring at him with a pitiful look.

Morgan anxiously pulled Tucker aside and whispered, "Addie's drunk and acting crazy. Can you help me take her home? I've got plans with some friends, so I'm heading out now."

Tucker glanced at me and nodded.

Morgan let out a relieved sigh and patted Tucker on the shoulder. "Thanks for having my back. Anyway, once Addie's had time to mature, I'll come back for her. I know you've never been interested in women, which is why I feel comfortable entrusting her to you. Please keep an eye on her and make sure no other men get close."

After saying his piece, Morgan pulled the woman close and walked off without a backward glance. His final words had pierced my heart like a blade.

Tucker stepped forward and met my gaze. Still dazed, I lifted my head and really took him in for the first time. He towered over Morgan in both height and strength, his tailored suit outlining every muscle. His scent was a blend of cedar and raw, masculine pheromones.

With every breath, his presence eased the restless heat simmering deep within me.

There was something in his scent that spoke of a kindred spirit and a powerful presence. My newly awakened wolf insisted he was the most suitable person to help me through my mating season.

Tucker bent down and asked, "Addison, do you need me to call a doctor?"

His words held a soothing power, momentarily silencing the whirlwind of confusion in my mind.

But almost immediately, an even stronger wave of desire swept over me. I knew I couldn't hold on much longer; my werewolf ears and tail were on the verge of appearing.

"…No, just take me home quickly," I blurted out.