CHAPTER 1

Amelia (MIA) Woods POV

As I walked across the football field of my university, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It was here that I first met my boyfriend and at that moment it felt like fate had brought us together. I felt so drawn to him but I wasn’t sure if Tony was my mate or not because I was born without my sense of smell. Because of this I was always sort of an outcast in my pack. That is why I was so elated that I got accepted into university to further my study in psychology to further in my career as a journalist.

I had always been focused on my studies and still am. I never really considering dating or getting into relationships, but there was something about Tony that drew me in. Maybe it was his charming smile or his charismatic personality, but whatever it was, I found myself swept up in a whirlwind romance.

But despite our strong connection, I had always been hesitant to take our relationship to the next level. I didn’t want to rush into anything I wasn't ready for and Tony has been so patient with me, respecting my boundaries and never pressuring me.

I make it to my dorm room, slip inside and head to my room. A burst of giggles and nervousness escape my throat. "I can't believe it's finally here.” Today was my 18th birthday. A day I've been both dreading and anticipating for what feels like an eternity. I was going to be shifting for the first time and lose my virginity.

I slip on my lace lingerie, the soft fabric caressing my skin. I've chosen my outfit carefully, wanting to feel like a goddess tonight. My dress hugs my curves, showcasing my vulnerability and desire. I take a deep breath, smoothing out my dress for what feels like the hundredth time as I stared at myself in the mirror. I've chosen a red one which symbolized the transformation I was about to undergo tonight. My heart races as I think about what's to come. Tony, my boyfriend, has promised to make tonight special, to help me embrace my true nature.

I apply a subtle layer of makeup, accentuating my features without hiding behind it. My hair cascades down my back in rich brown curls as my green eyes roam for the last time over my outfit. Slipping on my heels and standing back up straight, I take a deep breath, my heart racing with anticipation. Tonight's the night I'll give myself to Tony, the night I'll surrender to our love. I've dreamed of this moment for what feels like an eternity.

I left my dorm and headed to Tony’s place. He lived a few blocks away from the university and could walk there easily. I breathed in the crisp night air as it carried the sweet scent of summer flowers as the night critters chirped. I feel a sense of excitement and nervousness, my senses heightened like a wild animal sensing freedom, but as I approached Tony's house, a strange feeling settles in the pit of my stomach.

My feet come to a stop in front of Tony’s house. The lights are on, and I can hear muffled laughter and soft music coming from inside. My heart begins to race, a sense of unease creeping up my spine. Tony didn’t mention that he was having people over tonight… Tonight was supposed to be our night.

I walk up to his door, pushing it open and then I suddenly wished I hadn’t…

Tony's sitting on the couch, his arms wrapped around a blonde. They were both kissing passionately, very naked and sweaty as she rode his lap. I couldn’t see her face as her hair was whipping around her head in stark contrast to my own dark locks.

My eyes widen in horror as shock and betrayal pierce at my heart. Something must have alerted them to my presence because Tony's eyes snapped open before his head snapped in my direction. Shock registered on his face before he suddenly pushed the blond of his lap. The bimbo landed on the floor with a thud, that was when I could finally see her face and I was not at all shocked to see that it was one of the cheerleaders of the university. They were always swooning over Tony, trying to get his attention, but I was so sure of my relationship with him that I didn’t see them as a threat… until now, that is.

Tony jumped up from the couch. This was the first time in my life that I saw what a man looked like in real life but at the moment I was more enraged to care for the sight of him while he fumbled at his pants that was pooled at his ankles. I turned on my heel and was about to storm out when I felt Tony grab my arm and I snapped. Maybe it was because my transformation that was close, I wasn’t sure, but I turned back around to face Tony and I pushed him away from me so hard that he stumbled back and managed to just catch his footing to not fall over.

“MIA! What the hell?” Tony scolds me but I didn’t care. “How could you do this to me? Tonight, of all nights?” I asked as angry tears welled up in my eyes and threatened to fall. “Look Mia, it is not what it looks like.” He says as he waves his hands in front of him in denial and I snorted in disbelief. Did he really think me so stupid that I was just going to ignore the naked girl getting up off the floor. Tony tried to make another excuse but I cut him off again, my voice trembling with rage and hurt. “Don't even try, Tony. I saw everything and don’t try to hide it again.”

A dark look crosses Tony’s face before he puts his hands onto his hips. He shrugs. “Fine.” He says with a smug face. “I have been sleeping around for a while now.” He says and my mouth drops open in shock. Tony smirks at me before continuing. “You're not giving me what I need, Mia. You're holding out on me.” My eyes widen in disbelief. “You're blaming me for this? You're cheating on me because I won't sleep with you?” I asked incredulously.

Tony sneers. “You're so uptight, Mia. You're not satisfying my needs. I have desires, too.” He says as he grabs the blond around the waist. She didn’t even care that she was naked. No shame whatsoever. I feel a wave of nausea wash over me. “Desires? You call this a desire? Cheating on me with some shallow cheerleading bimbo?'

Tony's face twists in anger. “She's not some shallow bimbo, Mia. She's willing to give me what you won't.” I shake my head, tears streaming down my face. 'You're pathetic, Tony. That only makes her a cheap whore!” I spit out at them. Not waiting for their reply, I turn on my heel and leave but as I did, my eyes landed on a photo on Tony's table. It was an old picture, but one face stood out to me. A man with piercing eyes and a strong jawline, he looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place him.

I didn't have time to dwell on it, as I hurriedly put distance between me and just when I was about to go off the path and into the woods that surrounded the area, my phone buzzed in my dress pocket.

Angry, I pulled it out and was about to throw it against a tree when I saw that it was from my teacher.

The phone rang in my hand for another second and I took a breath before answering. “Hello.”

"Hey, I’m sorry to bother you on your birthday but I thought this would be as good as time as ever to tell you the good news.” My teacher spoke over the line and I silently doubted it, especially in the mood I was in. “I've assigned you a special project for your internship. You'll be conducting a psychological test on the city's mafia kingpin. Alpha Dominic Romano. Good luck!" The teacher said before the line went dead and I stood there on the path, broken hearted, facing the woods as the first pull of my transformation gnawed at my bones.