I woke in a cold sweat, my long curly red hair glued to my face as I tried to wipe the droplets gliding down my face. I can't believe I had that dream again! Why do I keep dreaming of mа'king love to a man I've never met, at a lake I've never been to? The man is incredibly handsome, I can't complain about that, but who is he? "Freya! You're going to be late! Get up beаch!" My best friend, and roommate, Jessi yelled as she banged on my door. S*it! I slept through my alarm, I have a meeting with the Alpha at the pack house today. Alpha Harland of the Blood Moon Pack, strongest alpha in the area. Known to everyone as a b****s, known to me as Dad. Being the Alpha's daughter has its perks. I learned combat beginning at a young age, I always went to the best schools, everyone knew to respect me, and when I decided to move out of the pack house 2 months ago after I turned 18 he made sure Jessi and I had a great apartment in the safest building in town. Well, besides the pack house anyways. As I showered I couldn't help but wonder why he called this meeting. I mean, I'm his daughter so he can literally call and talk any time he wants to. He said it's important for the pack, so I imagine whatever it is I should probably dress nice. I decided to wear a white button up short sleeve blouse I tucked into dark navy blue slacks that had a built in belt with a gold buckle, matching navy blue heels and wore a thin chain necklace with a medium sized gold ring on it. I don't enjoy wearing makeup, but I figured I should at least put on some mascara and l*p gloss. Looking in the mirror I decided my curly red hair looked fine the way it was. I ran some styling mousse through and sprayed it in place, which I never really understood why I did that. I could empty 20 cans of that cra'ap on my hair and it would still bounce and sway like an uncontrollable fireball. Something about it just made me feel more confident in my appearance, I guess. I drove through the city to the pack house. Hope is a beautiful city. Not huge like New York, but it's not a small town dump either. There are beautiful trees and rose bushes lining the streets, a healthy combination of old rustic looking buildings and newly built modern ones, and nothing is more than 3 stories high, except the pack house which was 5. The city was designed that way so we could have views of the forests all over. Our city was surrounded by the forest. If you didn't know it was there, it would be pretty easy to miss. We're a werewolf city, the occasional human may pass through but we only thrive because of our pack. I pulled up to the pack house and got out of my car. One of the omegas greeted me and took my keys to park it for me. The pack house is large, and beautiful. A large white house with four large pillars in the front meeting in curved archways. The front of the house shows all five stories very clearly with the large windows. The garden out front is littered with many different types of roses. Roses are my mother's favorite so the city is covered in them. I walked through the large white French doors and was immediately greeted by Luke, my father's beta. "He's expecting you ma'am. Right this way." he said as he turned on his heels and quickly began walking up the large open staircase. You'd think he was a butler. I ignored the fact he called me ma'am, I hated being called ma'am but I can't hold him accountable. He's only doing his job after all. He escorted me to my father's office, as if I didn't grow up in this house and know where everything was. Fifth floor second door to the right. When I walked in my mother was sitting on the arm of my father's chair. Her black dress ended just above her knees with red heels that matched her plump red l**s. Her red hair, obviously straightened today, lay just above her shoulders. She had her legs crossed and her hands folded on top, showing off the rock on her finger that made stars look dim in comparison. My father looked like a mob boss, as always. Black suit that was perfectly fitted with a red tie to match mom. His black hair was slicked back and matched his suit perfectly. They both welcomed me without getting up. I took my seat in front of them just like mom but without the giant rock since I'm not mated. "Freya, as you know the Alpha Games are upon us. As a senior alpha I do not have to partake in the games, but I must still be there. Your brother, Keegan, will be joining as he will soon be taking over the pack for me."He always kept a very moderately serious, slightly intimidating look as he spoke. He continued "As the Alpha's only daughter, and being unmated, it is customary that you come to the games as well." Fury rose inside me. The games were just a bunch of alphas, betas, and gammas fighting to determine who was stronger. Why the hll did I need to be there. "Father, with all due respect I decline." I said with a little more disgust than I meant to. "There's no good reason for me to go to this despicable event. Plus, I don't think I can get the time off from the gallery." Not entirely true, but he didn't need to know that. "Freya, sweetheart..." Mom began with her head slightly tilted as she spoke with a very condescending tone "not only is it customary, but your father and I think it might be good for you." "Good for me how?" I scoffed, not believing they'd do this to me. "You might find a mate, Freya." my father said in a scolding manner. "You're 18. You have had your wolf for two years now, lived through three hazes, and it's becoming painfully clear your mate is not among our pack." "Maybe the moon goddess doesn't want me to have a mate then." Okay, now I might be acting like a spoiled brat teenager, but I don't want to leave our pack, my home, my family, the career I've always dreamed of. I always knew it could happen, but frankly if my mate wasn't a Blood Moon wolf, then I didn't want one. "Freya, don't make me use the alpha command on you." He raised his voice as he stood up slamming his fists on his desk. "Dam it, you're my daughter and I love you, but you don't seem to understand the gravity of the situation here! You either find your mate by your next birthday or I have to arrange a marriage for you!"

My heart fell to my stomach, "You'll what?" I yelled as I began to stand. "I have no choice." He said, sounding defeated. He slowly sat back down, straightening his suit jacket and folding his hands together on his desk. "Freya, I've shielded you from rules and obligations an Alpha has to his pack." He took a deep breath before he continued, "My first born son will become Alpha as you already know. But one of my daughters has to marry by 19 years." his eyes burned into me as he judged my reactions, "My only daughter, you just marry to better our pack." I didn't know how to react. Obviously, it's an alpha rule he has no choice. I haven't met my fated mate in our pack, so he will have to marry me off to create an alliance with another pack and make us stronger. One way or another, my life in the Blood Moon Pack was basically over. I could barely find my choice enough to tell him I understood. The Alpha Games were to be held at the Big Sky Pack this year, the most underdeveloped pack in the inland northwest. My father gave me a list of things I cannot bring, as they do not allow technology on pack grounds. My mother already ordered me new clothes for this month long event, apparently they're also fairly particular about how someone must dress in this pack. It's customary that all packs abide by specific pack rules for the games. This makes it so that each pack can be comfortable letting in several other alphas, omegas and gammas. Usually something like this could be dangerous letting everyone come into a pack like that, but the games have been around since the packs began in the inland northwest. I wanted to go home and inspect these clothes I'll be expected to wear, but we leave in a week and I may not be coming back home after this so I need to quit my job at the gallery. I walked in and greeted Chay, the director of the gallery. "Freya! I wasn't expecting to see you today!" She said quite peppy as she pulled me into a light hug and quick k**s on the cheek. "I'm sorry Chay." I said allowing the sadness to fill my tone but not allowing my voice to shake or tears to fall from my eyes. "I need to speak with you." I could tell right away her peppy side was no longer there, with a grim look she already knew, I'm quitting. I explained what my father told me, thankfully she was understanding. "I am so sorry! Finding a mate is wonderful, from my experience anyways. But being married off and not having a choice sounds awful!" geez why don't you sugar coat it for me. "I will be praying to the moon goddess for you, Freya!" she looked up and pleaded "Please give her a good fated mate, with your magic and let her have a happily ever after!" I didn't realize I was crying but I wiped my tears away as I chuckled. "Life will be very dull without you!" The rest of the day I went shopping to try to get things I'm allowed to bring to this pack that I don't already have, like a lantern. After shopping I realized that I really don't think I want to see the outfits mother got me. Pretty sure we stepping into an alternate universe! Jessi took the week off to spend with me before I had to leave. Leaving my job was one thing, I can do art anywhere but leaving my best friend that I grew up with is already starting to feel like I'm ripping part of my heart out! I tried on all the clothes with her. They look good on me, really. I was quite surprised. Not at all my style, but the clothing complimented my curves, and really made my brests look huge! "I'm so jealous of you!" Jessi said as I checked myself out in the mirror. "All those strong, sweaty, powerful men!" she said as she fanned herself and laughed. "I'm just hoping the haze doesn't start while we're there!" I cringed. The haze is our mating season. Our hormones become almost uncontrollable! No one makes it through one haze without f***ing someones brains out! I, however, have made it through three. Everyone assumes I've lost my virginity but Jessi knows I've fought really hard against the haze, I want to save myself for my mate. I mean, I thought my mate was going to be Blood Moon so I didn't think I would need to wait this long. The idea of the haze hitting while I'm surrounded by strong, sweaty, and powerful wolves with very little control of their urges while I'm unmarked frightens me. "Mark and I decided we're going to be haze partners this time around." He's a guy from her work, she's had a new guy every phase since she got her wolf. Might sound sl'utty in a human pack, but for wolves it's more than normal. "At least he's hot." I said as I blushed thinking about how I've had to lock myself away and pleasure myself just to get through my past hazes. What would it be like to have a man take care of those urges for me? "What if your mate is Alpha Colt?" Jessi said, snapping me away from my thoughts. I turned to her with wide eyes "Please don't say that!" Alpha Colt is known as a ruthless man, never mated but takes many different omegas and rumor has it, he's not gentle. He's the alpha of the Big Sky Pack were going to. I've never even seen a picture of him, probably because they don't allow technology there. I've heard he's attractive, but I'm not excited to meet him.

The plane ride was short, but miserable. There's no airport for 100 miles around the Big Sky Pack, apparently they're not even in a city or town! We landed in a dinky little plane on a field that didn't have a runway. I honestly thought we'd crash! Once landed we were met with several large black SUVs to hold us since our beta and gammas came too. They took us about 30 minutes to a dirt parking area. Thank goddess dad decided to bring a handful of omegas with us because we had to carry our luggage about 10 miles to the pack. No roads in or out, just a trail that wasn't even big enough to ride a four wheeler on! It's the beginning of July and the summer heat didn't give a rat's bottom that we had to hike in with all our cra'ap! Finally, we got to a wide open area and were greeted by a beautiful river. I've never seen anything so beautiful in all my life. The water was so crystal clear, you could probably drink from it! Everyone went straight for the water leaving a trail of our stuff as we all dropped it so we could jump in the river. You can hear the water rushing, but where we were it was calm. After I submerged I could see my wolf, Stella, bouncing up and down in my mind's eye. Her bright red fur swayed in the wind. "I can smell him." she said with her emerald eyes, that matched mine, as wide as can be. She looked surprised, and very excited. "Who?" I asked her, feeling very confused. Why would she be excited after smelling someone when we just hiked for hours? Franky, I don't want to smell anyone! Then it hit me, a scent of caramel and sandalwood. Smelt just like my favorite candle in my room back at home. I got out of the water, looking around as I went to grab my stuff. "Mate."  she said as she kept sniffing the air. I looked around, but no one really caught my attention. "You can't play tricks on me Stella! This is ridic..." my thought was cut off as I heard a very deep voice come from behind me, "Mate." I swung around to meet a tattooed chest with more muscles than I've ever seen on a man. He towered me! I'm not especially tall, maybe average height but this man was at least a foot taller than me. No shirt showing off his tattoos and his endless muscles, jeans, and short black hair that waved lightly in the breeze. He was glistening in the sunlight from the sweat as he started daggers into my eyes like he was exploring my soul. My heart raced, all I could do was stare into his fiery golden eyes. I kept wanting to speak but my mouth wouldn't move. After an eternity his l**s formed into a frown as he tore his eyes from mine to look me over. He stepped aside and walked over to my father, "Alpha Harland, thank you for coming." he reached his hand out to shake my father's hand. "Welcome to Big Sky. My warriors will gather your belongings and take them to your huts." He waved his gigantic hand above his shoulder and suddenly about 20 men walked out from the tree line wearing assorted pants and shorts,not one had a shirt on of any kind. All of them had tattoos across their upper body,those with shorts appeared to have some on their legs as well. They were all very large men,not nearly as large as the man I am now realizing is my mate though. "Thank you Alpha Colt. Lead the way." my father said with a light head bow, something he has always done to show respect to other alphas. My heart felt like it completely stopped. No. Not possible! Did Jessi jinx me? Was my mate seriously the big bad Alpha Colt? I felt sick to my stomach. This can't be! I can't be mated to that man. My mate is supposed to be loving and caring, not heartless and rough! I was pulled out of my thoughts as one of the warriors grabbed my suitcase from my hand. I didn't even remember picking it up. As everyone began walking, I followed suit behind them. We walked across a more shallow area of the river, it went up to my knees. Into the trees we continued until we came to another opening where you could see little huts and lanterns outside each one. There were a few people walking around lighting each lantern as the sun was beginning to set. The orange sky seemed to make everything glow around us. We walked through a large group of huts, through an area that looked like maybe their gathering area for meals since there were several fires with meat roasting on all of them, and through another group of huts until we came across a smaller group of huts. Alpha Colt instructed the warriors to set all the luggage down then advised my father that these were our pack's huts for the duration of our stay. There were many groups of huts all around us, I'm assuming those were for the other packs that will be here for the games. Alpha Colt leaned down and whispered something to one of the warriors and then I watched as my mate turned and continued walking away from us with not so much as a single glance my way. Reluctantly, I grabbed my suitcase and the warrior directed me to my hut. It was more secluded than the other huts. Off to the side from the others. Nothing was behind it except the trees, thankfully it was closer to the river than the rest of the huts but it seemed odd to have me further away from my father. "Alpha Colt says you will be residing here." The warrior said as he bowed and turned to walk away. I bowed my head slightly back at him and turned to look at my new home for the next month. It was small, I couldn't imagine I'd be sharing it with anyone else. It was like a tiny cabin, made from wood with a wood door that I couldn't picture any of these men getting through. I was pleasantly surprised that it seemed bigger inside somehow. There's a big bed, a small tub, a counter, a small kitchen area that just had a sink and a box of food, and a little table with 2 chairs. Through a door is probably the smallest bathroom I've ever seen, just a toilet and a stand up shower that you can't even turn around in. How are the other alphas supposed to handle living quarters like this? Thankfully, I packed my necessary belongings because it's pretty clear I am going to have a hard time surviving here. After I unpacked I laid down on my bed. It's been a long day, the rest of the packs are supposed to be here tomorrow and tomorrow night is the big feast to kick off the Alpha Games. I drifted to sleep and began having that dream again. I need to know who this man is! As he passionately mа'de love to me on the grass by the water my dream self made him look at me and then I woke up sweating. It's him! The lake in my dream wasn't a lake, it was the calm of the river! The man in my dreams has been my mate all along. The moon goddess was telling me all this time!

I can't believe I'm expected to wear these kinds of outfits. I stood looking at myself in the mirror trying to figure out how a woman fights in clothing like this. A long army green shirt with 2 large slits that go up to my upper t***h, a white crop top, and sandals that make my legs look like I'm a gladiator. I brought tight shorts to wear under the skirts because my p***y would show the second I lifted my leg to kick with this skirt. I have to admit though, this outfit really did justice for my curves. As I admired the way my body looked in this outfit my mind wondered to Alpha Colt's face. Why did he frown at me when he looked over my body? I'm no twig, but I'm not heavy set. I just have a large chest, h**s and bottom. Maybe he prefers the twigs. The thought made me sad, but then I remembered this isn't the kind of man I want as a mate. I can't reject him though. Since he's an alpha he's the one who has to do the rejecting. I may have alpha blood in me but that doesn't count when it comes to the mate bond. I'm not too thrilled about being rejected though. Being rejected by your fated mate is crippling. It's like ripping your entire being into 2 and half of you just walking away. Often times the rejected will kill themselves to stop feeling the pain. I shook the thought out of my head as I heard a knock at my door. "Sweetie we are headed down for breakfast. Are you coming?" my mom asked through the door. I opened the door and followed behind her. "Is your shower the tiniest thing you've ever seen, or is it just mine?" I said with a hushed giggle. "They gave us an alpha hut so thankfully everything is big enough for your father." mom said fanning her face with a piece of paper. "Luke said his is pretty small though." she whispered as she wrapped her arm around me. "Great news!" father said really excitedly. "Alpha Colt has asked that we eat with him and his beta and gammas so we can be formally introduced!" He looked happy about that. I, on the other hand, am not. Now I have to go and face my mate. As I mentally prepared to be rejected, we walked through the trees to a large cabin. Much larger than any of the huts. Clearly this was the pack house. We walked through large wooden doors into a wide open room with couches, lounge chairs, and a fireplace. there were 2 stair cases that lead to 2 separate loft like areas with doors. Those must have been bedrooms. A large blonde haired man, again with no shirt, wearing shorts and tattoos all over came to greet us. "I'm Beta Levi. Please follow me to where we will be eating this morning." he turned and led us to a door I didn't see off to the side under one of the sets of stairs. Inside was a very large solid oak table with matching chairs. We all took our seats silently. Once seated caramel and sandalwood invaded my nostrils and in he walked. Gosh he was handsome. He didn't look at me though, he went right to his seat. "Welcome Blood Moon to Big Sky." His face looked very serious, like he didn't know how to smile. I began wondering what his smile looked like. "During our breakfast I would like us to introduce ourselves. We will be working closely together from now on and I believe our pack's will greatly benefit from this ma..." Oh no. He felt it. Glancing around at the table, everyone felt it. Everyone stood up and walked out of the room and raced off. It was the haze. I was suddenly overwhelmed with desire. I could smell my own desire as my core began throbbing, begging to be satisfied. I looked up and realized Alpha Colt staring at me with a very hungry look in his eyes. I swung around and ran out the door. I ran as fast as I could back to my hut. Dam, the door doesn't lock! Oh well, I threw myself into my bed and hugged the pillow, squeezing my legs together trying to get some sort of relief but it was too powerful. I've lived through a few hazes at this point but it has never felt this strong. Is it because I'm mated now? I couldn't take it, I could feel the throbbing increase and I knew the only thing that would help me. I ripped the shorts off from under my skirt and found my cl1t with my fingers. The second they touched a m**n escaped my l**s. I could smell him, he was close but I couldn't stop. I inserted my finger in my p***y, another m**n escaped my l**s. I slowly began moving it in and out.It wasn't enough. He opened my door and quickly closed it behind him. You could hear the moans and body claps all over. I'm sure many didn't even make it to their huts. He stood there, covered in sweat. His scent brought me close. I quickly pulled my fingers out before I lost all control and sat up. I whimpered, it physically hurt to not continue pleasuring myself. "Mate." he said in a rough whisper and my body began to shake. I needed him, I wanted him, and here he was. He walked closer. He moved himself between my legs and lowered himself to meet me. He closed the gap between us and kissed me so passionately I almost lost myself in him. Fireworks went off in my mind. My wolf was going crazy with desire. She wanted his wolf, she needed his wolf. Then I remembered the stories about him not being gentle with the many omegas he's taken and suddenly I wanted him off me. But my body fought me. I managed to break the k**s and pleaded my l**s to speak. "You're mine, little wolf. Don't resist me." He said with the sound of desire dripping from his l**s. Finally, my l**s let sound escape them. "I-I can't." My voice cracked and sounded so weak. I saw the corner of his l*p lift into a slight grin as he picked his hand up to my t***h. He began to run it up between my legs and he grazed the l**s. I suddenly found my strength, I grabbed his hand and the smirk he had quickly faded. I can't do this. My first time is supposed to be magical, not fueled by the haze! He searched my eyes and sat back on his knees and growled lightly. "You're a virgin."

It wasn't a question, but he didn't sound angry or upset. He just sounded surprised. He ran his fingers through his hair and looked over me. Every place his eyes touched felt like it was burning. I shifted in my seat, my haze in full effect I needed release, it was so painful. I whimpered, I couldn't take it anymore as tears threatened to break through. "I can't leave you like this." he stood and pushed me back on the bed. I tried to protest but he just shushed me. "I'm not going to f**k you, yet." he said as I swear a smile escaped his l**s. I watched him carefully as he brought his hand to my core. I gasped as he touched me, he must have noticed my hesitance because he shut me up with his mouth. As he kissed me his thumb began circling my cl1t. I m****d into his mouth. Goddess it felt so good. It was so much better than my fingers! He slipped his middle finger inside me. I could feel my walls closing in on his huge finger as he moved it in and out. He picked up his pace, slipping another finger in and I could feel my or'gаsm building. I noticed that he was using his other hand to s****e himself. My goddess he was huge. Oh my, it made me more excited. I was so close. I m****d and began losing control of my body. I climaxed all around his fingers as warm spurts of him shot onto my t***h. My fingers twisted in my hair. My body slowly began to relax and calm down. I noticed he was knelt next to my bed with his head on my knee. His breathing was heavy but began to mellow out. I went to sit up and he jumped back. It startled me but I stood and went to the bathroom to grab a towel and clean myself up from my juices and his. When I came back out he was sitting on my bed. "Thank you." I muttered. I didn't know what else to say but I was thankful that the haze was subdued and he restrained himself more than I thought he would. He looked at me burrowing his brow, looking confused. "For, um, helping me?" that last part came out as more of a question. He stood abruptly, causing me to back up a step. He walked to me leaving a small gap between us. He lowered his head to almost meet mine. I could feel his breath against mine as my heartbeat grew. "Do I scare you, little wolf?" I could see amusement in his eyes. " No." I lied. "I just didn't know if you could control yourself." angry that I let my voice crack as I said it. "Me either." he whispered, then backed away. "You might want to change." he motioned to my skirt where a little of his juices were left. cra'ap. "Are we still doing breakfast?" I asked, walking over to the shelf where I put my clothes stripping out of the skirt to put on another pair of shorts and another skirt. This one is a dark brown color. He turned away, "Yes. Our packs need to meet before the marriage becomes final." I froze. "After all, they'll be working together very closely." "W-what marriage?" I asked, fearing the answer but I already knew. "Ours, little wolf." The words hit me like a truck, I fell to my bed. "That's why you came. Your father and I spoke greatly about this." That angered me. "You what!" I said much louder than I wanted but proud that my voice didn't sound weak. He turned to me and scoffed. "If you hadn't found your mate by the end of this trip you were to be made my wife." He let a light chuckle escape, "But you've found your mate now, so you will marry me, little wolf." I stood up, thankful I managed to get the skirt on before he said any of this. "I have no intentions on marrying a man like you." I said through my teeth with my hands formed into fists. He walked over to me in only a couple quick steps and raised his hand. I flinched waiting for the contact, but it never came. I opened my eyes to look at him slowly as he lightly caressed my face. "You have no choice, little wolf." he said almost kindly but it was sugared with hints of humor. "I have no intentions of rejecting you. Even if you are a city folk." He said that last part with slight disgust. He went to the door and opened it, he stopped and spoke over his shoulder "Are you coming?" I began walking and he closed the door behind us. I can't believe what just happened. I blushed remembering the feeling of his fingers inside me and his giant c**k in his giant hand. I shook the thoughts away. Father was marrying me off to this man? Hadn't he heard the rumors I had about the omegas he took. How could he not at least warn me? I can't reject him, and with this mate bond I can't leave him either. It will slowly kill my wolf if she's taken away from her mate. "Max." she said to me. "His wolf is Max."  I could see her puppyish grin. It made me smile for a moment to see her happy. I reminded myself that I needed to be strong because even though he was nice and gentle back at the hut, it doesn't mean those rumors weren't true. Back at the pack house I could feel the stares as I walked in behind him and found my seat. We were the last ones to come back. I glared at my father and I could tell he knew that I now knew. He turned away from me as Alpha Colt began to speak. "As I was saying, I feel our packs need to get acquainted as we will be working close together when this marriage becomes final." He looked over the room. " Alpha Colt, the arrangement was only if she hadn't found her mate. The other packs haven't even arrived yet. She needs the chance to... " Colt cut him off. " As luck would have it, Alpha Harland, it turns out she's my mate." he said so nonchalantly. Gasps and awes filled the room. His beta stood and patted him on the back " Congrats alpha." with a big smile on his face. I stared up at this man, he couldn't really expect me to marry him, could he? My father stood clapping, "Excellent news! I say we proceed with the plans to hold the wedding the weekend following the games!" He looked at me smiling but I could only look back with hurt. I tried to drowned out the conversations and pushed my food around on my plate. I felt a heart wash over me suddenly. I looked up and realized he was staring daggers at me. No one else seemed to notice. He mouthed eat now to me and I just shrugged and went back to moving the food around on my plate. It looked and smelt amazing but my hunger was no where to be found right now. I could still feel him looking at me but I just ignored him. That is until I felt a hand gently but firmly grab my shoulder. I jumped in my seat and looked, he was standing over me and bent down to whisper in my ear. "You eat now, little wolf, or I will force feed you later in my room." he backed away from my ear, my jaw dropped. "Your choice." and he walked away.

I decided to eat a little bit of the food, I'm not sure what he meant by force feeding me but as much as that turned me on I'm refusing to give into him. There's still hope in me that I'm not going to be stuck with this man forever. I didn't realize how hungry I was, and Dam this food is delicious! Smoked sausage of some kind with cheese and peppers in it, fried eggs, and probably the most amazing toast I've ever had! As if he read my mind he addressed the table, "I hope everyone enjoys the fresh venison sausage made from one of last week's kills. Our chef prepares everything fresh from our kills, our chickens, and our extensive garden. We have harsh winters so this is the time of year everyone prepares." he smirked as I took a bite into the toast. "Oh, she also bakes the bread from scratch daily." His eyes didn't leave me until I was finished eating. As if on que he rose from the table excusing himself, "The other packs are beginning to arrive. Please stay within our marked borders and enjoy your day." With that he turned and left. My mother came up behind me, "Come on let's go look around your new pack!" she said with excitement. A low growl escaped my l**s but I didn't regret it. "I can't believe you! You were just going to marry me off to this man?" I began to stand, "Have you not heard the same stories as me?" My mom smiled and looked around and whispered through her teeth, "Not here Freya. Let's go for a walk." We walked down to the river as many more packs found their way across and were being led to their huts. She sighed. "Yes, we've heard the rumors." she said in a low tone, likely trying to hide our conversation from everyone around us. "Your father says that he's addressed them and they're just that, rumors." "How do you know? Because he didn't admit to the father of his potential bride that he destroys the women he f**ks?" Though I wanted to scream it at her, I managed to keep my voice low, but I did not hide my disgust. "Give him a chance Freya." She said with hope in her voice. "The moon goddess does not make mistakes, you're fated to him and there's a reason." She turned me to hug her. "The games are a month long, after that you're to be married so I would recommend getting to know your fiance." and she walked off before I could speak. I sat at the shore of the river and played with the rocks in my hands as the other packs came in. Very few women came with them, those that did I suspect were their mates. I could feel him watching me, his scent hasn't left me since I sat down. I had no intentions of entertaining this idea of a marriage. I sat there trying to figure out how to get out of this, but the moments we shared in my hut this morning kept finding their way to light. Why was he so gentle with me? He could have easily overpowered me. Maybe it's just because my parents are here. I could hear him walking up but I didn't move. He just stood there behind me, watching me. "Can I help you, Alpha?" I said in a mocking servant kind of tone. "I was hoping you'd accompany me to the feast tonight to kick off the games." he said in a low tone so only I could hear. I turned to him, "I'm obviously going to be attending, Alpha." He squatted down and cleared his throat, "You can call me Colt, Luna." He said with a mild grin. "But I meant if you would go as my date." There almost seemed to be a bit of nerves in his voice, but I must have been mistaken. "Don't call me Luna, Alpha." I spat back, "And do I have a choice on this date?" I wanted to make my disgust rather clear. His eyes almost looked like there was pain in them, but it quickly faded." Well, I was going to let you choose but it seems like you might need to be commanded." he said as he rose, with humor in his voice. He looked straight forward and commanded in a low tone as I looked up at him " You will accompany me tonight at the feast, little wolf." I stood and faced him with as much courage as I could muster, " Fine, but my name is Freya! And just so you know, I will not be enjoying myself!" and I stepped around him and walked off. I didn't need to look back, I could feel his gaze on me. For dinner I wore a white strapless dress. It hugged my curves perfectly, and it made my chest look enormous! I lightly applied my mascara making my lashes feel like butterfly wings, and bright red l*p gloss. I wasn't going to give in to this man, but for some reason I really wanted him to want me. I admired myself in the mirror. "Let's see what he thinks of this city folk now." I giggled to my wolf, Stella. "Why can't we just give him a chance Freya?" She pleaded. "I know you want his wolf, and you need this to work, but I am terrified of this man! I can't be terrified of my mate!" I felt bad, I love my wolf but I can't be with this man. A knock came at the door. I opened to find Alpha Colt standing there. His mouth dropped a little and his eyes shifted to a darker shade of gold, then he quickly gained control of himself. " Are you ready, little -um Freya?" he stumbled ever so slightly over his words. It made me smile. " Thank you." I said as I walked out and closed the door behind me. "Wow, you're actually ready?" I looked and he was actually smiling. My, his smile was amazing! I wished for a minute that he would do it more."Thought you city folk took forever to get ready to go places." He said. We began to walk to wherever this was taking place. "You seem to have a distaste for city folk." I said, my tone remained calm but I think he could tell I took offense to his statement. He opened his mouth to speak but I kept going, cutting him off." The first time you looked at me you frowned, is it because you don't like us?" He stopped walking, making me stop and look up at him. I didn't realize it but I was walking directly behind him so I kind of bumped into him. He brought his hand up to my chin, I expected him to hit or choke me or something so I flinched. I opened my eyes to look at him and his l**s turned to a frown. "Please don't fear me, little wolf." I almost protested the name but he kept going. "City folk don't usually like us, they think we're not a developed community and they've spread a lot of hateful rumors about our pack." He let go of my chin. "Bet you were surprised you had a shower, or that we even had clean running water, didn't you?" he scoffed. He wasn't wrong. I was surprised. Maybe some of the rumors weren't true. I still wasn't interested.

**Trigger Warning** We continued walking to the arena, which was quite a ways away from everything else in the pack. There were tables set up all over the area and hundreds of people were here, and more piling in. They were all laughing and mingling, it looked like a party. Most packs have already met at least one other pack to work on alliances. When I turned to ask Alpha Colt what the stage was for in the front of everything, he was gone. I felt a small sting in my chest like I missed him. I shook it off and started walking through all of the people until I found my pack's table. I found my seat and waited. I really wasn't interested in mingling right now. Some of the omegas were serving drinks to the tables, probably the food too once we begin eating. Thankfully, age doesn't matter here. One of the omegas brought me a drink. It was like beer, maybe wine? "Mead." a husky voice said from beside me. I hadn't realized anyone was there. He was large, definitely an alpha. Sandy blonde hair and a nice full beard. He wore a cut off button up shirt and shorts, walking barefoot just like the Big Sky Pack. "I'm sorry?" I wasn't sure what he was saying. Unfortunately, my tone was a little more on the annoyed side and I didn't mean it. "Mead." he said again as he motioned to his cup which was filled with the same stuff I was drinking."The drink is mead, it's a honey wine kind of drink." " Oh, thank you." I said much nicer. "Did I say something out loud?" I asked suddenly realizing I didn't think I had said anything. "Oh no." he chuckled, "I read your mind." I let out a little giggle. "I just noticed the look you had when you tried it." he said smiling big and bright. Quite a handsome man, bit on the rough side, but he seemed nice and funny. "Thank you, I was wondering what this was." I swirled my cup and took another drink. "I don't think I've met you before. I'm Freya, daughter of Alpha Harland." I extended my hand to shake. He grabbed it but instead of shaking he turned it and kissed the tips of my knuckles, "Aiden, Alpha Aiden." he put emphasis on the alpha part. Que the James Bond kind of moment. "It's nice to meet you Alpha." I said as I retracted my hand when he let go. Very sweet. "What pack?" I asked, sitting back in my seat and taking another drink. He followed suit, "Crescent River." never taking his eyes off me. My mother walked up and stood next to me placing her hands on her h**s. "Aiden." her tone dripping with disgust. It's clear she knew him and wasn't a fan. "Well hello to you too, Misty." He replied to her very sarcastically. "Your daughter here surely took on your beauty." he winked at me and I smiled. My smile was quickly washed away when I started feeling that familiar heat. No, there's no way it's the haze again. The haze is usually a week long period where we get hit about three times, never in the same day. We just went through it this morning, it's too soon! The feeling is unmistakable though. I noticed everyone was feeling it around me. This was not the place to be for an unmarked wolf. I quickly stood and began to run. I ran through people ripping clothes off, some were shifting and going to the woods, and some were running trying to find their mates or haze partners. I was running to get away from everyone as fast as I could. Out of nowhere a large man with black hair down to his shoulders stepped in front of me. His face was unrecognizable as his wolf was starting to pop through. He l****d his chops, "you smell mighty delicious." My body wanted to freeze but I knew I couldn't let it. I dipped to his side and continued running. "I like when they play hard to get!" he yelled after me as he fully shifted to his black wolf and ran after me. When I looked back there were 2 other wolves with him, also black but smaller. Hunger all over their faces. I couldn't get to my hut fast enough, this was impossible. I quickly turned to my right and ran towards the river. The large one caught up to me and tackled me to the ground and quickly shifted to his human form on top of me. He had my arms and legs pinned, I couldn't move. He began kissing and l*****g my n**k. I couldn't stand it, this was not how I was going to lose my virginity. When he lifted his head I quickly head-butted his face. He let go of one of my arms to grab his nose and I used that to push him off me with all my might. When I stood I saw the other two snarling at me. I began running again with them following. When I got to the river I noticed this part was not smooth and calm like the other part, the rapids were strong, the water curled into white heads everywhere. I looked back and all three of them were there again. When they reached me they shifted into their human forms. The man that attacked me earlier had blood dripping from his nose and smeared across his face. "You're going to pay, you b***h!" he growled out. "Good luck with that, low-life bag!" I spat back as I turned and jumped into the roaring rapids of the river and shifted into my wolf, she could get us out of this much better than I ever could. She got us down the river a little ways until those men were out of sight and got out on the other side away from the rest of the wolves. I shifted back and huddled down beneath a tree. My body was inflamed, fighting off those creeps and the cool of the river did not extinguish the burning flame of desire my body felt. Thankfully my clothes ripped off when I shifted so now I'm completely barely covered body. I looked around and didn't see anyone. Quickly, I brought my hand to my core. I began rubbing my cl1t slowly. I bit my bottom l*p to quiet the m**n threatening to escape. The faster I rubbed the more intense my desire, I needed a full release. I quickly curled two fingers up inside me. With my other hand I palmed my chest, gripping down hard. I bent my knees up and spread my feet out so my knees touched. My cl*m*x started climbing with a fire I hadn't felt before, when I smelt him. I opened my eyes I didn't even realize I had closed and quickly removed my fingers so I could try to stand. I was looking directly at a large magnificent grey wolf with eyes glowing a beautiful fiery gold. My mate.