Chapter 1

Ryland and I were headed out on another date. We had been together for three years now, and I couldn't be happier. He wasn't my mate, but I loved him more than anything. My life was no fairytale, and he had been my protector since he came into my life five years ago.

My mother and father had passed away, and my uncle wasn't the best caretaker. My aunt tried to do what she could in order to make me feel welcomed, but no matter how much she tried my uncle always hate me.

My mother was his sister, and she died giving birth to me. My Dad loved me but a year later he died of a broken heart. My uncle blamed me because my mother knew she was at high risk giving birth to me, but she refused to abort me. My uncle hated me even more when my Dad died. They had been really close, and in my Uncle's humble opinion, I killed them both.

Throughout high school, I was tormented and ridiculed because I was small for a shewolf and didn't like confrontation. I would rather sit in the safety of my room with a good book. I always kept my head down and avoided crowds.

One day some kids were making fun of me and I was on the verge of tears when Ryland came and scared them away like a knight in shining armor. He held me close, and I let out all the emotions I had been holding in. He wiped my tears, and then we left the school together, spending the whole time talking and enjoying one another's company. It was one of the best days of my life.

Now I was in my second year of college, and we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend. He had never met his mate and lost the hope to even find her. It hurt me to think of losing him, and he practically shifted at the thought of me not belonging to him, so we steered clear of the topic. To us, it was better to live in the here and now and not worry about tomorrow. I know it sounds silly, but we both just wanted to be happy and that's what we were. He was my first everything. My first kiss, my first lover, my first boyfriend, you name it.

When he came into the pack five years ago after his old pack disbanded, he was already one of the strongest fighters anyone had ever seen. For that reason alone, Alpha Marcus decided to make him Gamma. I was so proud of him the day of the ceremony, and he was so happy to be chosen for such an honor.

"Ry, where are we heading to ?” I asked, snapping out of my thoughts.

“You have to wait and see, beautiful. Haven't you learned that by now?” he said playfully. I rolled my eyes and smiled. He knew I hated surprises, but that didn't stop him.

We pulled up to the nicest restaurant in town and he gave the valet the keys to his black charger.

"Wow, Ry, this place is gorgeous, and really expensive. Are you sure?"

"Of course. Anything for you"

"But you don’t have to"

"But I want to. We've been together for a while and I won’t forget this is our three-year anniversary. I also know you haven't been here since this place is new. So just let me spoil you for one night. No arguments okay?"

"Okay." He grinned and kissed my lips. I couldn't help but smile his lips were so soft.

We walked inside and he had already made a reservation. A waiter showed us to our table and he pulled out my chair. A waitress came and took our orders. We ate and talked. I felt so lucky to be with him. I didn't want the night to end, but sadly we had to head home. I had a dorm room on campus, but I spent most of my time with him at the packhouse. We eventually planned on getting our own place, maybe after college.

We headed upstairs to our room, and I can hear the soft music in the background/ he already prepared some soft music for us. The night suddenly felt more romantic than it already was. Ryland pulled me close and brought his lips to mine. He closed the door with his foot and carried me to the bed, where we did what all couples in love do.