Possibilities

Chapter 1 - Possibilities

*Four months ago*

Penelope

I stared at the target, loaded gun firmly clasped in my hand. My forefinger lightly pressed the trigger. I took a deep breath in through my nose, slowly letting it out through my mouth. I pulled the trigger, the bullet leaving the chamber shaking my hand as I shot at the target. I did it repeatedly until my gun clicked, and the chamber rang empty.

I pushed the red button, moving the target towards me as I took off my goggles and earmuffs. The paper target stopped in front of me. A low whistle sounded behind me, and I smirked as I turned to find Devon Owens standing behind me.

He gave me an approved look before his dark brown eyes filled with that cocky look he always gave everyone. His black hair was cropped short and pushed back.

"Almost a perfect shot. Too bad, it's a one-off." I scoffed.

"As if Owens. You know I'm going to graduate at the top of our class. So don't project your insecurities on me." The corner of his mouth tipped up. God, he was good-looking, and the bastard knew it too. But I knew he wasn't the one for me; I had a mate out there, and soon enough, I would meet them. I just hoped they didn't prick and would support ny dreams of becoming a detective like my cousin's mate.

I had a fascination for crime and gore for as long as I can remember. Maybe it was because I was a werewolf and was related to the bloodstone family. Or that my cousins and their parents were from a different world with magic and were related to the fae, too, making the whole savage way of life a reality for me.

But I decided when I was twelve that I wanted to be a detective, solve crimes and live in the thick of crime and when one of my cousins ended up being mated to one of the top detectives in southern Canada, I knew it was fate.

As soon as I graduated high school, I moved out west with my cousin Balor and his mate Reyna and started at the police academy. Reyna got me in, and thanks to my crazy ass cousin owning most of the higher-ups in all of Canada, through magic and most likely blackmail, he helped get me the best trainers to make sure I aced my physicals.

I wasn't a freeloader, though, and I didn't take a free ride. I had to work for my place here; I was damn good too. I spent hours studying and training. Missing holidays, celebrations, and family gatherings. But it was worth it because, in a few months, I would be graduating from the academy and finally becoming a rookie in Reyna's precinct.

I fast-tracked my courses, and since I graduated early from high school, I was going to be one of the youngest recruits in the city. I was proud of myself and how far I had come. It was why I decided to ditch the books tonight and go out and visit my family for once. Balor had a meeting with his family, and I hadn't been to Gardenia or the realm of fae since I was a little girl.

"Keep thinking that, Hawkins and I'll have to beat your ass in the ring to prove whos top dog." Owens teased, shooting me a wink. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. Humans were always so cocky; if he knew who and what I really was, he would eat his words.

"You two done flirting, or can I talk to my best friend?" Hilary cut in, she was two years older than me, but we clicked immediately. She is a hard ass with a no-bullshit attitude that just resonated with me. Maybe it's because I lived in a household full of cocky werewolves, but she reminded me of home.

I fake gagged as I turned away from Owens, who seemed a little offended that I wasn't one of the girls drooling over him in our class.

"Seriously, Hilary, not cool. I wouldn't touch Devon with a ten-foot pole. The guy is a walking poster boy for bad decisions." I sneered, picking up my handgun and target to turn into to the counter for holding.

Hilary scoffed, following behind me. Her long brown hair was pulled up into a high ponytail loke mine. She rolled her hazel eyes, shaking her head.

"I mean, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to fuck him, Poppy. You're young experiment a little. I know I do." She said, giving me a wink. I feel bad keeping the truth of what I am from her, and I mean, not all werewolves are the same. So many of them slept around before finding their mate, but I wasn't one of them.

I shook my head, wrinkling my nose.

"Nah, he isn't my type. He's too full of himself." She barked out a laugh.

"You say that about everyone. I'm interested to see what your type is, kid, 'cause it sure as shit isn't anyone here." I shrugged my shoulders. I handed in my stuff to the attendant behind the desk before heading for the exit.

"Maybe you'll find them tonight at this exclusive party you're going to with your cousin tonight. I still can't believe you're related to the Bloodstones. You must meet all kinds of handsome bachelors because of him, like calls to like and damn, that man is sex on legs" My heart jumped a little at the thought of that. I could really meet my mate tonight; now that I was nineteen and could shift into my wolf, I was able to scent them if they were around. I let out an airy laugh.

"First off, ew. I don't ever talk like that about my cousin ever again. He is like a brother to me. I do not need those images in my head. Second, this is not a normal business party. It's going to be full of family members and potential clients. So the chances of me meeting anyone who isn't already married is slim to none." Hilary laughed again, intertwining her arm with mine. 

"It's always when you least expect it that someone walks into your life. Remember that."