Angel's POVToday was my birthday. Every child grows up wishing and waiting for the day they turn eighteen, but the last week only made me dread it. I spent the last three days telling myself that I couldn't just sleep until this significant change that would potentially ruin my life happened, but the more I said it, the more depressed I felt. I didn't understand how I could sleep so much and still feel like shit. Glancing from my bed, I spotted the stack of granola bars piled near my door. The notion of eating didn't exactly excite me, but my stomach's growls were relentless. Summoning the will to get up, I plopped down on the floor and reluctantly unwrapped one of the bars. With a hesitant bite, I couldn't help but emit a quiet moan of satisfaction. Either I was starving, or this was the best fucking thing I had ever tasted!In no time, a pile of wrappers had accumulated on the floor beside me. I marveled at the fact that I had devoured over ten granola bars in a matter of minutes.

Angel's POVThe sun had finally set, signaling that I only had a few hours before my first shift. Seated at the kitchen table with Dad and Jasmine, I contemplated the burnt French toast in front of me. Dad side-eyed me, waiting for me to take the first bite. My lack of interest in eating went beyond the inedible food; the look on Jasmine's face mirrored my reluctance. Dante's inexplicable reaction lingered in my mind, leaving my heart shattered and Kira mysteriously absent. I knew it wasn't a good idea to ask Jasmine about it, she was probably upset that we were mates, so I just drowned in my inner turmoil alone. Dad cleared his throat, his gaze curious and expectant. "So, honey, what are you doing for your birthday?"I couldn't suppress a wry grin. "You mean besides transforming into a giant animal?" I replied, a touch of sarcasm coloring my words."We're actually going to a club tonight," Jasmine blurted out. My head snapped in her direction. "We are?" I asked, my brow furrowing

Dante's POV After completing our patrol with no noteworthy incidents, Rashaad and I returned to the packhouse to get ready. Despite lacking any desire to go out tonight, I knew if I didn't, I would spend all night resisting the urge to run to Angelique and claim her as mine. I shifted back into my human form and quickly pulled on a pair of gray sweatpants. As we strolled through the backdoor into the house, my head snapped in the direction of her captivating scent. It felt like she was nearby—wait, she was here! Was she coming to confront me about what happened earlier? Quinn perked up inside my head. Do you think mate has forgiven us? I don't know Quinn, but I'm begging you...try to control yourself this time. The soft footsteps of Angelique and Jasmine echoed as they descended the stairs. We stood at the bottom, awaiting their arrival. As Angelique came into view, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. The outfit she wore mirrored the one from the mall a few days ago, but she s

Angel's POVHe's here! Kira exclaimed in my head.I was starting to get used to welcoming his scent. It was becoming a comforting familiarity, a sense of home. I knew that was crazy saying that about a guy I just met a week ago, but the mate bond was corrupting my mind. After our encounter in the packhouse, it was his turn to make a move. Even though he was holding back, I knew he wanted me just as badly.I hoped that he would come talk to me tonight. There was obviously a lot we needed to discuss if we wanted to make this thing between us work. Jasmine and I were sitting at our booth when Peach and Mya joined us. All of us were wearing the new outfits we got from the mall the other day. "Sorry we're late, it's packed in here tonight," Mya yelled, quickly sitting down next to me. I could feel Peach's gaze as she scooched in beside Jasmine, but I avoided looking her way. Jasmine enthusiastically applauded, exclaiming, "We all look so fucking hot tonight! We definitely need to take a

Dante's POVAngel trailed behind me into the woods. Running in her wolf form proved challenging; she occasionally stumbled over her own paws yet managed to keep up with me. Quinn was happy to finally run alongside our mate. The air carried the scent of fresh earth and pine, and the nocturnal creatures began to stir. Sticks and leaves crunched beneath our paws as we raced through the trees, the moonlight casting a gentle glow on our thick fur.W-Where are we going? She panted through the mind-link.You'll see when we get there. Try to keep up, little wolf. I sped up a little bit, looking back to make sure she could keep up. This was nowhere near my usual Alpha speed, but since this was her first run, I would take it easy on her. We ran for a while until I found the area I was looking for; the place where I came to clear my head. The trees gradually vanished, giving way to smooth, solid rock. I brought myself to a stop as we reached my favorite cliff. Here, the moon seemed to shine the