As the sun slowly makes its way into my room, I look to see Star still in my arms. I carefully move my arm and get out of bed so as not to wake her. I head to the kitchen to make coffee, hoping it will help me start my day. As I wait for the coffee to brew, I think about all the things I want to do with her.

The elders always told us we would know who our mate would be. I've dated dozens of women, and my feelings towards her are unique. I can't explain it, but it's like she completes me in a way that no one else ever has. I have the urge to protect her and keep her away from what happens after midnight. If the elders find out I've connected with a human before turning her, I could be punished severely, but I cannot help the way I feel. She is worth the risk, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe and by my side.

I turn to see Star leaning against the doorway with her hair in a messy bun and only a t-shirt on. "Morning." I smile. I walk toward her and grip her waist, asking, "How did you sleep?"

Star leans into my embrace and replies, "I slept well, thanks. How about you?" as we share a warm hug. The sun shines brightly, casting a warm glow on our faces as we stand there in each other's arms. "I slept great." I grin and hand her a cup of coffee; she thanks me with a kiss on the cheek. We sit down on the couch, and I ask,

"What are your plans for today?"

"Nothing really. Shower and probably just chill at home. You?" She asks as she sips her coffee.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to go for a drive. But I guess you already have plans to chill." I start to laugh.

She swats my arm and giggles, "Gage!" She looks at me and says, "I'd love to hang out with you today, but first I need to shower." She smiles. I lean in and kiss her, and she starts to giggle. "What?" I ask her, confused.

"You know you're a stupid amount of good looking?" She smiles.

"So, I've been told. " I smirk. She rolls her eyes and stands up. "Thank you for the coffee." She heads back to the kitchen and places her mug in the sink. As she makes her way back to my room to grab what she has, the front door opens, and Ace walks in.

"Well, it seems like you had a long night." I laugh.

"Shut up. Where the hell were you?" He asks me.

"Doing my own thing. Did you have fun with Laura?" I smirk. He just laughs, and I finally say, "Seriously, dude, our place, and then you went back to hers?"

"I need to make sure she is worth turning." He tells me. I shake my head, and Star emerges from my bedroom. Star looks at us quizzically and asks what's going on. I tell her it's nothing and ask if she wants to grab some food in a bit.

"Well, well, well." Ace begins, "Doing your own thing, eh?" He nudges my side as he smiles at Star. "I guess the bet is off?" He questions, and we both look away from him.

"I'll see you later." She kisses my cheek and walks out.

"Bye, princess!" Ace yells.

"Bye, jerk." She smiles. She closes the door behind her, and I let out a sigh of relief. Ace turns to me and asks if I'm turning her. I shake my head no. "Why not?" He asks. "We could use some more hot girls in our pack."

"She's off limits." I tell him.

"No one is off limits." He stands up. "The elders want new wolves every year, and you know time is ticking. So turn her or someone else will." He tries to scare me. I stand, and my eyes glow; he backs away.

"I'm the Alpha of this pack; you obey me." I step closer to him. "She's off limits. Understood?" He nods his head in agreement, and I can sense the fear in his eyes as he realises the gravity of my words. I turn around and walk away, knowing that my position as the alpha has been reaffirmed.

I head to my room and slam the door. Ace had better keep his mouth shut about Star. I head to the bathroom, turn on the shower, and look in the mirror. The night she was stranded on the road fills my mind. I knew that night just by her scent that she was my perfect mate. I would have done everything I could to find her, and lucky for me, she turns up in my town. I found my mate; the only problem is that she isn't one of us. I have to decide whether to introduce her to our world and risk everything or let her go and live a normal life. But every time I see her, I know that I cannot resist the pull of destiny that brought us together.

The shower is relaxing, and I let the hot water run over my body. As I close my eyes, I can't help but think about her and the decision that I have to make. It's a choice between my love for her and my loyalty to our kind.

A human mate is rare. If the elders know about her, they will turn her, and keep her for themselves. A human who has mated with a wolf holds a special place in our world, and I cannot risk losing her to the elders' greed. Once turned, they become Zeta's—the equivalent of Alphas who haven't had to kill to get their position. They are strong, fast, and unruly. If that happens to her, she will have no choice but to destroy me, leaving me without a pack and on my own—or worse, dead. The elders will use her for her abilities to take over mankind. If she disobeys, she risks being hunted for the rest of her life.

I step out of the shower and dry myself off. I wrap the towel around my waist and make my way into my bedroom. I search my closet for something to wear. I pull out dark blue jeans and a white polo shirt. I slip them on and grab my runners. I walk back into the bathroom and fix my hair in the mirror. I brush my teeth and spray some cologne on.

☾

Looking at the time, I realise I have a couple hours before grabbing Star. So I grab the keys to my truck, my wallet, and my phone, and head out. As I walk towards my truck, I can feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and hear the birds chirping in the distance. I start the engine and roll down the windows, enjoying the fresh air on my face as I drive towards my destination.

I find myself parked outside the tattoo shop. I cut the engine and head inside. "Gage," the owner of the shop, greets me.

"Hey," I say, walking to the front counter to speak to him. "What can I do for you?" He smirks, knowing I live for the thrill of the pain that surges through me when I get a tattoo.

"I want another tattoo. I was thinking on my forearm. A band that wraps around with a star."

"Sit down." He motions for me to take a seat. I watch as the needle penetrates my skin, leaving a trail of ink behind. As the tattoo artist works on my forearm, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation. I know that this band with a star will be a permanent reminder of a significant moment in my life.

When it's finished, I look at it. It's perfect. I thank him and give him my money. I realise as I return to my truck that I have been gone for three hours. Star will question this as I look down at my arm, and I chuckle to myself. I'll tell her I'm into astrology, and that's why I have the moon's phases tattooed on my chest. I drive home, excited about tonight with her.

As I head into the house, Ace sits there with Laura all over him. "Seriously? Get a room."

"Sorry, Gage," Laura states as she climbs off Ace and sits on the couch. I shake my head and walk to my bedroom. I lift my shirt and take a look at the half crescent moon sitting just above my ribcage on my left side—the mark of the alpha. I take a deep breath and remind myself that being the alpha comes with its own set of responsibilities.

I look at it once more and wonder if Star noticed it. She was interested in the one on my chest, so I highly doubt it. Soon enough, she will get suspicious, especially when school starts up. Everyone knows about the rumours that go around Silver Creek; she will question everything, and I have a feeling she's going to invest her time in this just like the night I found her in the woods behind our homes when Lisa was about to attack her.

I shake my head, making the thoughts disappear. I look at the time and decide to head to Star's. I knock on her door and wait for her to answer. The door opens to show her standing there in white short shorts and a red tank top. Her hair is up in a bun, wrapped with a white bandana.

"You look beautiful," I tell her. As I speak, I feel a warm sense of affection and admiration for her. It's as if all my worries and fears are melting away in the presence of her beauty and charm. I can't help but smile at her, feeling a sense of joy and contentment that I haven't felt in a long time. With her by my side, nothing else seems to matter—not the rumours, not the suspicions, not even the looming threat of the Elder's wrath. In this moment, all that matters is the warmth of her smile and the love in her eyes.

She blushes and finally manages to say, "Thank you." I take her hand and walk to my truck. I open the door and help her in. I walk around and step into the driver's seat. I start the engine and quickly ask her,

"What do you want to eat?"

"Hmm, Dairy Queen?" She smiles.

"Dairy queen it is." I turn on the radio and listen as she sings along to the song. I'm enamoured with her voice because it is so beautiful. I sit at the red light and smile at her; her face turns a bright pink as she blushes. I lean in and kiss her cheek. Her head turns to face me, and she quickly kisses my lips. I smile as I lean back into my seat. The light turns green, and I take her hand into mine as I drive.

☾

I can feel my heart racing as I steal a glance at her. The warmth of her hand in mine is enough to make me forget about everything else around us. The wind blowing through the open windows carries her laughter, and I can't help but smile wider. I know at that moment that I am exactly where I am meant to be, with her by my side. The road ahead may be uncertain, but as long as we are together, I am ready for anything.

We arrive at our destination, and I pull into the parking lot and cut the engine. The line for food is out the door. She laughs and apologises for picking such a busy place. I tell her not to worry, I know something we can do to pass the time. She smiles, and I cup her face. My lips brush against hers, and my tongue parts our mouths. She responds eagerly, her hands sliding up my chest as we deepen the kiss. The noise of the crowded diner fades away as we lose ourselves in each other's embrace. We pull away from each other, and she smiles. "What else do you have in mind?" she asks.

"That's for later." I wink and kiss her once more.

I open the truck door for her and help her step out. I take her hand in mine and head to the line. I wrap my arms around her waist as we wait patiently. I tease her as I kiss her neck; she giggles and turns to face me. Her mouth presses onto mine before she rests her head on my chest. The sound of our hearts beating in unison is the only thing I can hear as we wait. I know at this instance that there's nowhere else I'd rather be than in her arms.