It's hard to be different when you are part of a pack. I'm sure it's hard to be different anywhere but being a pack member… it comes with certain expectations. Especially if you have parents like mine. Reputation is everything, Wes.

They expected me to find a nice female for my mate, but I could have told you that wouldn't happen even before I found him at that Halloween party. My mate. Jeremy.

An alpha from a neighboring pack, he's everything I could have wanted and more. It's true what they say about the mate bond – it's like nothing you've ever experienced. The moment that bond clicked into place, I was invested. He was mine.

Trouble is, he's not ready. He can't accept me as his mate. He's also engaged – to a female. We were bonded for a reason, so eventually he will come to see that… right?

Tensions flare, but I'm not the only one struggling. When my old friend Danny needs my help, I jump right in without a moment's hesitation. Amidst the rejection and the pain, we can both find new life… even if it doesn't look the way I expected.