Christopher.

Ugh! Why did it have to be him? Ranked wolves need strong mates so that they can be strong. Quinn's mind raced as she approached her bedroom door. She entered closing it quietly behind her.

What if he comes here?! The thought crossed her mind sending her into a panic. I need to pack. I need to get out of here tonight.

She ran into her closet stuffing as much of her clothes as she could into her two small suitcases. She placed her toiletries and essentials, as well as her phone, wallet, and the money her mother had gifted her into a backpack she threw over her shoulder.

She sat on edge of her bed for a moment, glaring at the small black gift box she had placed on her bed. She carefully studied the red velvet ribbon ribbon tied around it with her finger. Quinn smiled softly at herself, impressed with the care and detail her mate put into the packaging. Quinn sighed, placing the box in her backpack and throwing it back over her shoulder.

She scribbled her goodbyes to everyone on a sheet a paper, making sure to leave a special note for her mom and Alivia.

She slipped through the door unnoticed. Her mom was already asleep and everyone else was still at the party so there'd be no chance of getting caught. I can make it into town in an hour. From there, I'm sure I can find a way to the airport.. at least now he can pick a chosen mate her woof whimpered sadly at the thought.

*********************************************

Christopher was at his party talking to Evan, disappointed he hadn't yet found his mate.

"Hey, cheer up, man. You'll find her" Evan said trying to reassure his friend "she might still be in the pack. It's not like everyone is here. Maybe you just haven't run into her yet."

"I know" he said disheartened. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Did you ever get the feeling that Sarah was your mate, you know, before you turned 18? Like did you feel a certain way around her before then?"

"You know I never really thought about it" Evan said scratching his chin "but yes, I did. It was like my wolf could sense something I wasn't yet aware of. I always wanted to make sure she was okay."

"Uh Huh.."

"Why do you ask? Do you know who your mate is?"

"I've had this feeling for a couple of months that..."

Suddenly, it hit him. The sweet aroma of peaches and cream with subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla filled his nose. "I'll be right back, Evan" he said leaving him in the middle of the conversation.

He followed the scent just past the tree line until he saw her.

His wolf yipped and howled. It was all he could do to contain the beast within. Mate they both whispered, looking each other directly in the eyes.

Christoper smiled at the revelation but after a moment, her eyes went wide in shock and she ran, leaving the young beta and his wolf devastated and confused.

We knew it was her! Everything I've been feeling, it all makes perfect sense. Christopher's wolf urged him to go after her but he resisted. We need to give her space. You heard her at the party. She doesn't want a mate.

His wolf growled loudly at the thought then whimpered sadly for his mate knowing Christopher was right. We'll let her sleep on it and go to her tomorrow. Once we tell her how we feel, she'll come around. We just have to reassure her that we want her and we love her. It will all work out, you'll see.

He wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure himself or his wolf at that point, but he needed to try.

Christopher made his way back to the clearing. He spotted his friends and made his way towards them.

"What was that about?"

Christopher approached Evan shaking his head "It was nothing, I was saying hello to someone I hadn't seen all night."

"Okay..." Evan said with an eyebrow raised.

At that moment, Alivia ran up slightly out of breath, Ruben trailing behind "have you guys seen Quinn?"

Christopher spoke up, trying to hide the disappointment on his face "I saw her heading home just a little bit ago. So, she's probably already in bed."

"I'll go see if she's okay" said Alivia starting to walk in that direction.

"No! Wait.. I mean.. let her rest. You can check up on her tomorrow" said Christopher hoping she wouldn't press further.

"Okay.." said Alivia "I'll just text her then."

"Come on babe, just let her be. I'm sure she's fine. She gets up early to make the pack breakfast. So, she probably wanted to get some sleep" assured Ruben.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll leave her be" Alivia said unsure. Something is off she thought unable to shake the feeling that she should go to her friend.