Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 114617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
“Oooh, someone’s finding their claws. I like it, but don’t get too carried away,” I sang. “My wolf fought her instincts to kill my fate. Something tells me she can shake off her sleepiness for you if she’s really motivated.”
Nia scooted back at my smile. “Of course, High— Daze. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
“Yes, you did, but I’m nothing if not forgiving.” I sighed, flipping my hair over my shoulder. “Another one of my loveable traits.”
“—take our mind off of all this.” Ava’s voice broke through the noise. “Party tonight in my dorm. Alphas and epsilons only— Sorry, Packer.”
“It’s Paxton,” Paxton gritted.
Ava waved that away. “Whatever. Like I was saying, alcohol is welcome. Clothing is optional.”
“Yeah, nice,” the guys hooted, clapping and high-fiving each other.
I really, really, didn’t want to be that pathetic fate making moon eyes at her mates from the shadows, but I couldn’t help it. The popular crowd always manages to set itself apart, and somehow, my fates were at the top.
They sat at the head of the table on the dais, surrounded by epsilon girls, each prettier than the last. And by surrounded, I meant they were hanging off their biceps like howler monkeys—caressing their bare chests and giggling in their ears.
I bared my teeth, barely holding back a growl. They were all tall, strong, and gorgeous, so naturally they got attention everywhere they went, but this was ridiculous. They were riding off the infamy of being fated to the mother wolf, being the future fathers of the most powerful generation of shifter wolves ever to be born, and... oh yeah... being fated to a psychopath.
Everyone was latching on to their drama, power, tragedy, and fame like the soul-sucking vampire leeches we all hated.
“You are coming, right?” Ava asked, draping herself across Badr’s lap. My metal knife snapped in my grip. “School just started and it’s already been hell for you. You know, with them letting your brother’s murderer run loose around the school.”
Yes, he knows! You needed to explain it like you need to be on his lap!
“Come,” she purred, snaking her arm around his neck. “It’ll be fun. I promise to take your mind off of everything.”
Badr shrugged, highly unfazed by the beautiful woman on his lap. “We’ll come, but only if Paxton gets the invite.”
Ava’s grin twitched. Either because her blatant flirting was having no effect on Badr, or because she couldn’t stand to have an omega that close to her. “Ugh, fine.”
Paxton perked up. “Thanks, B. I really—”
“Pax, get me a beer,” Badr said, pulling out his phone. “Thanks, man.”
Paxton slunk off to get it without a word.
Okay, so maybe they’re not all at the top of the popularity pyramid.
“So about tonight,” Ava chirped, trying to tip Badr’s chin back up. “I was thinking after the party you and I could go for a run. My wolf is dying for one. And then after, we could take a dip in a beautiful little waterfall—”
“No can do,” Badr dropped. “Volana killed Hall and I won’t rest until I prove it. It’s the only explanation for why she seduced that empty-headed pussy hound for a false alibi.”
A growl leaked through Orion’s teeth. “You’ll have an empty fucking head when I punch through your skull.”
Badr laughed, proving I would never understand male friendships. He also proved that he was much smarter than he looked.
Heaving her up, Badr plopped Ava back on her own seat. “You’re pissing off my wolf,” he said to her confused look, then sat back down—waving away the other girls hovering over him.
One of the staff chose that moment to bring a little present for my fates. Thanking them, I stood up and crossed the room through the rumors, insults, and whispers—heading straight for the dais.
Edric, Orion, Nyx, and Badr snapped up when they scented me on the air.
“No,” Orion blared. “Fuck off.”
“Oooh.” I climbed the dais. “That’s not what you said last night.”
Fury flashed in his eyes as silence in the mess hall dropped like a hammer. Fury... with a little splash of lust mixed in. “Last night was a mistake.”
I hummed. “Would it be a mistake if we played our little get-to-know-you game tonight too?” I swayed my hips side to side, drawing his gaze.
“Y-yes,” he forced out.
“So you’re saying you don’t want me to sneak into your room tonight, strip off all my clothes, and ride your cock until it pops?”
Ava choked on her drink, coughing and hacking up a lung. Her cronies didn’t even notice. They were too busy looking where everyone was looking—at the sweat beading up on Orion’s quivering brow.
“Orion,” Nyx hissed, grabbing his shoulder. “Keep it together, man.”
“I... don’t need to.” Orion rose up, his light pools drowning my reflection. “Go ahead, Volana. Sneak into my room tonight and strip off all your clothes. Then I’ll be perfectly justified when I strangle you with them.