CHAPTER 2. How to Find a Mate

Ivy

"Ivy, this isn't how you're supposed to find your mate," my best friend Maddy says as she watches me gawk at every guy that walks into the cafeteria.

"I know, but I have to try something, Maddy," I reply, feeling frustrated. "I don't want the Alpha to choose someone for me."

"I get it, Ivy, but you can't force things like this. Your mate will come to you when the time is right," she says.

"I only have one month, Maddy."

"A lot can happen in a month, Ivy." Maddy smirks.

I roll my eyes at her. "Very helpful, Maddy."

"I'm serious, Ivy. Just focus on being yourself and doing what you love. Maybe you'll meet your mate while doing something you enjoy," she suggests.

"Like what? All I want to do is hang out in the woods and climb trees."

Oh, did I mention I'm an excellent climber?

"That's perfect, Ivy!" Maddy exclaims. "Maybe you'll meet someone while you're out there climbing. You never know who might be in the woods."

I consider her suggestion for a moment but then shake my head. "Not a chance. Werewolf boys only hunt in the woods and never stick around there to pass the time."

Maddy puts her hand on my shoulder. "Ivy, you have to stop being so negative. Not all werewolves are the same. There could be someone out there who loves climbing trees just as much as you do," she says encouragingly.

"Doubt it. Everyone calls me a freak because of it, remember? It's hopeless. One month isn't long enough to meet my real mate. I'll end up with some loser Alpha picks for me and breed more loser babies whose wolves won't come out either."

"Ivy, stop talking like that," Maddy scolds me. "You're not a loser, and neither are the babies you could have. You just need to have faith in yourself and trust that things will work out the way they're supposed to. And who knows, maybe the guy the Alpha picks for you won't be so bad. You can't judge someone before you even meet them."

Ugh, I'm really starting to get tired of Maddy's positivity. She thinks everything falls perfectly in place.

But maybe she's right. Maybe I need to stop being so negative and give things a chance. I take a deep breath and look at Maddy. "Okay, you're right. I'll try to be more open-minded and give the guy the Alpha picks for me a chance. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise me."

Maddy smiles at me. "That's the spirit, Ivy. I believe in you."

I nod, feeling a little better. Alpha Maurice is letting me meet the chosen one next week to prepare me for what's to come, I guess. Maybe he is some sexy guy with an eight-pack and big biceps who'd treat me like a queen. And then we will live happily ever after.

Yeah, right.

I look down at my phone and gasp. Oh my god, I'm late for class!

"I gotta go, Maddy. Professor Stapler will chew my head off if I'm late again," I say, hurriedly grabbing my backpack and starting to rush towards my classroom.

But as I turn a corner, I collide with someone, causing me to stumble back a few steps. I look up to see a tall, imposing figure glaring down at me. I can smell the Alpha blood in him, and from the looks of it, he's not happy.

"Watch where you're going, little girl," he growls, his eyes flashing with anger.

"I'm sorry, I was just in a hurry," I reply, trying to sound apologetic. "That's no excuse for running into me," he snaps. "You should show more respect to your betters."

I nearly say something sarcastic in response but decide it's not worth arguing with him. I quickly mumble another apology and try to walk away. But before I can take a step, he grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asks, his grip tightening on my arm. "I have to go to class," I say, trying to free myself from his grasp.

"Not so fast," he says, his voice low and menacing. "You owe me an apology."

I take a deep breath, trying to control my temper. "I already apologized Alpha. I'm not sure what more you want from me," I say, trying to keep my voice calm. "But if it makes you feel better, I'm sorry for running into you. It was an accident."

He stares at me for a long moment, his grip still tight on my arm. "See that it doesn't happen again," he says before finally releasing me.

I rub my arm, trying to get the feeling back into it. "Believe me, I have no intention of ever running into you again," I mutter under my breath before quickly walking away.

"Hey, stop!"

I halt.

"What pack do you belong to?" he asks.

I turn around to look at him, annoyed. I'm definitely not making it to class on time now. "Hidden Valley Pack."

He scoffs and rolls his eyes. "Figures. A pack full of weaklings and losers."

I clench my fists, feeling my anger rising. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Your pack is a joke. You should be grateful that an Alpha like me even bothered to talk to you," he says, smirking.

I take a step closer to him, getting into his personal space. "I don't need your pity, Alpha. My pack may not be the strongest, but we have something your pack will never have – heart," I say, my voice low and fierce.

He narrows his eyes at me, clearly not used to being challenged. "You watch your mouth, little girl. You may regret speaking to me like that."

"I won't hold my breath," I say, turning on my heel and walking away. I can feel his eyes on me as I leave, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of looking back.

I arrive at class a few minutes late and out of breath.

"Look who decided to show up?" Professor Stapler quips.

I try to catch my breath and apologize to the professor. "I'm sorry, Professor Stapler. I got held up on the way here."

"Well, make sure it doesn't happen again," she says sternly before turning back to the whiteboard.

I quickly find a seat and pull out my notebook, trying to focus on the lecture. But all I can think about is the rude Alpha I just encountered.

What an arrogant jerk. I can't believe he insulted my pack like that. Who does he think he is?

But what can I possibly do against him? I am just a Beta wolf. Actually, I'm barely a Beta wolf since my wolf didn't come out yet.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Maybe I don't have to take him on directly. Maybe I can find another way to assert myself and earn his respect. I jot down a few ideas in my notebook and try to refocus on the lecture. But a small voice in my head keeps whispering, telling me that I won't be able to stand up to him.

I need to prove that voice wrong.