Walking down the gravel path, I throw my duffel bags over my shoulder. I'm mentally exhausted, and my head feels numb. Everything that's happened is beyond insane and not what I pictured. As scared as I am, I can't help but be excited. This is so new, and maybe it will be a good thing.

After tonight, I will no longer be apart of the pack i grew up in with everyone I love. I'll be thrown into a whole new environment with brand new people. When this happens to someone, they say that when they step into the new pack house, then they're apart of it. Personally, I think it happens when they decide to make the move and inform everyone of the change because mentally everyone is preparing for it. For me, I already don't feel apart of my pack anymore.

I know my family will always love me and they're just adjusting to the situation, but I feel like every aspect will change. To be honest, they may never accept Mason and I, but we'll have to figure that out. After today, Mason will be my alpha and my mate. Justin won't be my alpha anymore, he'll just be my brother. I never saw myself having an alpha as a mate, but I guess the universe works in weird ways.

I'm barely 18, so things are definitely happening a bit quick and my mind is a mess. Opening my trunk, I toss my duffel bags into the car and shut it. Taking a deep breath, I pull out my phone and text Madison.

Me: I'm going on a quick run

Making sure my doors are locked, I walk up the gravel and around the house until I'm closer to the woods. The hair swirls around me as a gust of wind glows by, and I walk into the trees until I'm out of sight from the pack house. Scanning the trees, I make sure no one is around before peeling my clothes off and hanging them on a tree branch as a marker.

Taking in a deep breath, I shut my eyes before shifting. For some reason, I start thinking about the first time I ever shifted and how painful it was. It was a painful process for years because every bone in your body and piece of skin breaks and contorts into an animal. After years of doing it, the pain disappeared and the sound of my bones breaking became something I'm used to. Now, it's feels like a relief to shift and get out of my skin.

Shaking out my fur, I dig my paws deeper into the ground before taking off on a sprint. The wind moving through my hair feels so good as I'm running towards nothing. When you shift, everything becomes heightened and beautiful. The trees are vibrant and the smell of nature is amazing.

I slow my pace to a stop as I see a deer that was munching on leaves, now staring at me. I sit, just staring at it. The look on its face shows that it is scared and it starts running away. I turn my head to watch it, waiting for it to disappear and then I start running again.

I run deeper into the woods for maybe ten minutes before I get to my favorite spot. I come up to the waterfall and just lay on the rocky area, staring at it. The sound of the water fills my ears and I take in the view. I've been coming here for a long time and my love for the view hasn't changed. Even though those closest to me know about this place, this still just feels like my safe place. The rock feels cool under my skin, and I sigh as I close my eyes. For the first time in a week, I feel relaxed.

After laying there for a while, I get up, taking in the view again before turning around and running. The air has gotten a bit cooler than what it was earlier.

It's not long before I arrive to the tree with my clothes, and I look around. I don't see or hear anything out of the ordinary so I shift back, stretching my fingers and body before throwing my clothes on.

I take my time walking back to the pack house, running my fingers through my hair and picking pieces of leaves out of it. As the pack house comes into view, I look at the few people standing outside before walking through the door. I say hi to a few people walking by me and climb the stairs to head toward Madison's room. Once I'm in front of her door, I knock three times to see if she's in the room.

A few seconds pass before she opens the door. "Hey, look who decided to stop by." She says, opening the door wide. I glance in and see Evan sitting in her computer chair.

My breath hitches in my throat before I say, "Oh, hey Evan."

He smiles at me, saying, "Hey. How was your run?"

I slowly walk into her room and reply, "It was really nice. The weather was actually really great today so it wasn't too hot to be outside." He smiles, and I look towards Madison. I still can't help but find him attractive, and I know that years of feelings aren't just going to go away in heartbeat. It just feels wrong. I can't help but wonder if he knows. "How are you though, Evan?"

He shifts in the chair before saying, "I've been good. Works been kicking my ass but other than that, nothings been new. How about you?" He asks as Madison and I sit on her bed.

I stare at the light blue rug and tilt my head, wondering how much I want to tell him. "Um, there really isn't anything new. Just been trying to finish up school." I bite the inside of my lip as I take in a deep breath.

No one says anything for a moment before he breaks the silence. His tone is quiet as he says, "I heard you found your mate. Congratulations."

I look at him and see he has a small smile on his face, and then I glance at Madison who is staring ahead with wide eyes. "Uh thanks." I say, forcing a smile. Shit. I know that Madison has a hard time keeping things to herself, but I thought she knew that I wanted to be the one to tell him. After last summer, our moment on top of a roof as we were both intoxicated and expressing everything, I wanted to be the one to break the news about Mason.

I really feel like Evan was my first love, and this hurts. I've felt so strongly about him since we were kids, and the feelings grew stronger as we got older. What's worse is I didn't know he felt the same way until a year ago. About a week after we both found out how we felt, things between us progressed and turned into something physical. It only happened a few times, but it was the best time of my life. We ended up stopping because we didn't want things to get awkward or bad between us. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss those nights.

I finally look up at Evan and we lock eyes. His eyes are low and the smile dropped into a sad one. I'm sure that's not what he wanted to show but, I can tell. He's never been good at hiding his emotions. "Can I ask who is it?" He questions, staring at me.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I continue to stare at him. Taking in a deep breath, I mutter, "It's Mason Wood."

The look on his face fills with shock, as he slowly nods and just says, "Oh."

~ (unedited)

"What do you want James?" I ask, nibbling on my french fry.

"I want to know one thing and be 100 percent honest. I want to know if you're moving because you want to, not because some jerk is forcing you. Do you want to?"

Shocked at the question, I feel my cheeks heat.

"I wouldn't be leaving if I didn't want to. Mason does not control me, this is my decision, hee just gave me the option." I said, convincing myself more than him.

Dissapointment and and annoyance flashes across his face as he looks down, nodding.

I eat quickly, trying to get away from that awkward situation. Cafeteria food is disgusting but tolerable.

Making my way out of the lunch room, I stop by my locker to grab an English textbook. About to step into my class, I hear my name being called. I step back and look around, trying to see who called my name. Masons beta, Jeffery steps in front of me with a cunning smile.

"Yo Allie. Would you mind lending me your keys? I have to make a quick trip to the," He pauses, staring down at me, "store."

I already know that a are-you-stupid look crossed my face. Plainly, I reply with a simple, "No."

"Come on. I have to get something really important." He begged.

Rolling my eyes, I reply irritated, "What the hell could you possi-" befoer I could finish my question, I felt movement behind me. Turning around, I see my keys dangling in Masons hand. I reach for my keys trying to grab them but it was useless. Mason was taller than me and he used that to his advantage. A devishly, breathtaking grin is plastered on his face as he threw my keys to Jeffery. He caught them with ease and runs off before I have the chance to stop him. "What the hell?" I snap at Mason.

"What?" He asks innocently, wrapping an arm around my waist in the process.

"Why the fuck did you give Jeff my keys?" I mutter, looking around. Stares are directed at us- mostly by girls- and I feel a blush creeping up my neck and onto my cheeks.

He leans closer, ignoring the stares as he whispers in my ear, "I wanted to drive you to your new home today." He plants a long but tender kiss on my lips whuch causes me to blush even more.

~

The bell finally rings and I don't waste any time to leave class. I grab a book from my locker and stiffen when I feel lips pressed against my ear. "Hey love." His smooth voice purred into my ear. A shutter runs down my spine and I come face to face with Mason. "You ready?"

The only response I give him is a simple nod. When we got outside I spotted his car before he did and I start walking towards it.

"Where are you going?" He asked, gently grabbing my arm.

"To your car." I said in a 'duh' tone.

Mason laughs and I arch an eyebrow at him. "What's so funny?" I question, staring at him.

"My car is that way." He points in the opposite direction.

"No it's-" I was cut off by the unlocking of a car.

Looking back, I see two students get into the car I thought was Masons.

"Oh." I mutter, looking down at my feet.

Mason puts his hand on my lower back and leads me in the direction of his car.

He held the car door open for me just like a gentlemen would. I slowly got in the passenger side and sigh. Today, I am leaving my old pack. Not just my pack, but my family. My heart ached at the thought of it.

Mason happily climbed into the drivers seat and drives away from this hellhole. I take in my surroundings. It's actually beutiful over here. Green and beautifully colored plants surround the houses in delicate patterns. I should probably start getting to know this area from now on. For awhile, the car ride was silent until Mason broke the silence.

"Why so quiet?" He questions, reaching for my hand.

Shrugging, I decide not to talk but let him hold my hand. I slip back into my thoughts. How come every other house has beautifully designed yards and nice pastel walls but Masons pack house is boring ash color. Flowers can't even be seen. The appearance is kinda sad.

Stepping out of the car, I take a deep breath. I'm about to step into my new home with new people and my mate. I'm going to be with the person I was destined to be with. This is actually really scary.

~~~~~