Chapter 2: Chapter One

SAVANNAH

I wrestled my suitcase from the taxi’s trunk, setting it down on the cobblestone street. The driver didn’t even wait for me to clear the way before he sped off.

He must have sensed the same sense of foreboding that I did, staring at this place. I brushed my hair from my face and glared at the imposing wrought iron fence.

The building behind it looked like it was ripped straight from a Gothic novel. The sweltering Louisiana heat had already soured my mood, but the sight of the university only made it worse.

There was nothing modern or inviting about it. I half-expected to see fog rolling in, or crows perched on the fence posts. I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a black cat slinking around.

~This is where my parents fell in love? What on earth drew them to this place?~

I couldn’t fathom anyone finding romance in such a setting. Disappearing, maybe, but not falling in love.

I maneuvered my suitcase onto the sidewalk and ventured into the intimidating campus. With each step towards the entrance, my heart grew heavier. A sense of dread gnawed at me from the inside out.

During my taxi ride, Trent had bombarded me with ten texts. He’d already settled into LSU a week earlier, the closest university to mine, though it was still quite a distance away. We’d agreed to make it work, with regular phone calls, FaceTime, and visits.

But I couldn’t shake off my doubts. How many long-distance relationships actually survived? I didn’t have the statistics, but I was willing to bet the odds weren’t in our favor.

The only information I’d received from the university was my room number and my roommate’s name: Jaka Smith.

There were several students stationed at tables near the entrance of the building, each armed with a laptop and sheltered under a canopy. I figured that was my first stop.

As I approached, I could feel their eyes on me, making me cringe.

~Are they sizing up the new girl? Or is there something in my hair?~

I stopped in front of the least intimidating one, a girl with blonde hair and a freckled nose. “Hi. Welcome to Werewolf U. Name?”

“Savannah Harper,” I replied.

She tapped away at her laptop, occasionally glancing at the other students who were whispering amongst themselves. I tightened my grip on my suitcase handle.

“You’re in Hellman Hall. It’s just past this building. Here’s your adviser’s name, your schedule, and everything else you’ll need for your first day.”

I reached for the packet, but she held onto it. I looked into her deep brown eyes and noticed the half-moon necklace around her neck.

“If you need anything, I’m in Moonshine Hall. I’m the RA, Krissy. Just ask around and they’ll direct you to me.”

The others averted their gaze when I looked at them. “Sure thing. Thanks.”

I hurried away, feeling their eyes on my back. If I wasn’t already nervous enough, now I felt like I had a giant ~Loser~ sign stamped on my forehead.

I could only hope my roommate didn’t share their opinion of me.

Hellman Hall was a castle-like structure, built with large bricks and surrounded by the same cobblestone walkway. Several students were gathered outside the entrance with their parents, their faces lit up with smiles and excitement.

A pang of sadness hit me. I wished my parents could be here, and it hurt that Grammy didn’t think it was a good idea for her to come.

She hadn’t even given me a good reason, other than the long car ride would hurt her hips. Who else takes a taxi to their first day of college, other than the orphan girl?

I wheeled my suitcase to the elevator and watched as the numbers climbed to the third floor. I nervously tugged at the end of my braid, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.

Several girls were standing outside their rooms, hugging and chatting animatedly.

I stopped at room 303 and pushed the wide door open.

A girl came barreling towards me like a whirlwind. “Hi!”

I took a step back, startled, and took in my new roommate. She was petite, with delicate features and a button nose. She clasped her hands together under her chin and bounced on her heels.

“I’m Jaka Smith, and you’re Savannah Harper. It’s so nice to meet you. You look just like your Facebook picture.”

I managed a nervous smile. “Nice to meet you too.”

Jaka glanced behind me. “You didn’t bring anyone with you either?”

I shook my head and hoisted my suitcase onto the bare bed. Her side of the room was already decorated in bright pinks and yellows. At least they were cheerful colors.

The university was already gloomy enough.

“No, it’s just me. My Grammy couldn’t make the drive.”

She was silent for a moment, then pulled her strawberry blonde hair into a low ponytail. “Your grandma raised you?”

I sat on my bed and kicked off my shoes. “Yeah, my parents died when I was little. What about you? Your parents didn’t come?”

She leaned against the wooden frame of her bed and shook her head. “No. They were ~busy~. Dad owns a big law firm and Mom was too caught up with my twin sisters.”

“Bummer,” I mumbled, looking around. “So, I guess I’ll unpack and get settled. I haven’t looked at my information yet, but what happens the day before classes?”

She squealed. “The alpha party.”

~Alpha party?~ She looked at me as if I should know what that meant. “What is that?” I asked.

She furrowed her brows slightly. “The biggest party before school starts. Where we meet all of the alphas.”

~Oh, I see. Alphas. Wolves. They really take this stuff seriously.~

I placed a picture of Trent and me on my nightstand. Jaka walked over and looked at it. I watched as confusion crossed her face. “Do you have a brother?”

“Boyfriend.”

Her eyes, a captivating shade of light green, met mine and held. Was she not allowed to date? She tilted her head, as if she wanted to say something different but held back. “That’s brave of you. Are you two trying to make it work?”

~Brave? Since when is dating considered brave?~ “Yeah, he’s heading to LSU this year. We plan to FaceTime and schedule visits.”

She pressed her lips into a thin line, but a reluctant smile emerged. “The boys here won’t like that, you know.”

I glanced at her over my shoulder. “I don’t care what the boys here like.”

Jaka made a face. “~Okay~. Well, when you finish, do you want to head to the cafeteria for some food? I’m starving.”

“Sure,” I said. “I didn’t bring much; I’ll only be a few minutes.”

***

The cafeteria’s food was surprisingly impressive, even more so than the campus. I had never been a picky eater, more of a carnivore than a sweet tooth, and they had plenty of meat to choose from.

After we had our fill, I felt better knowing someone on campus and found Jaka’s personality refreshing.

She insisted I dress up for the party that I ~did not~ want to attend, but I figured I might as well try to fit in sooner rather than later.

I chose a pair of high-waist black pants and a red crop top that flattered my waistline. I didn’t bother with my hair and left it in a braid.

Jaka spent ~forever~ on her makeup, and by the time she was ~finally~ ready to leave, it was well past dark.

I didn’t know much about the campus, but I didn’t want to end up a statistic of campus assault. “Do you know where we’re going?” I asked.

She skipped a bit. “Yes. It’s the Alpha House.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Is it a party? Like alcohol and dancing?”

Jaka eyed me suspiciously, as if she was surprised I didn’t know anything about this. “Yeah, kind of. I can’t wait.”

She looped her arm through mine and pulled me along the darkened sidewalk. The campus looked eerie, but there were tons of students walking in the same direction as us.

The fraternity house didn’t look like what I expected, which was similar to a small suburban home.

This looked more like the rest of the campus. I half expected to see gargoyles perched on the roof. Or a ghostly figure peering out of the top story window.

“Do they all live here?”

“Yeah, silly,” she said. “All the alphas live in the same place. They throw this at the beginning of the semester each year.”

Music blasted from the open door of this medieval-style house, and students lined the stairs and front yard, all laughing and excited.

I followed Jaka through the huge double doors, seeing a grand staircase that circled the front entrance. Their fraternity symbol of a howling wolf with the letter ‘A’ designed around it sat against the front wall.

~Fancy stuff.~

Someone handed Jaka a drink, and she took it without thinking. I snatched it from her hand. “Someone could have spiked that.”

She laughed. “You’re silly. Come on, we’ll go pour you one from the keg.”

I didn’t think being cautious about date rape was silly, but whatever.

The spotless tile floor looked like granite and spelled out ~ALPHAS~ in dark black against the white. I followed Jaka who seemed to know the way into the kitchen.

The spotless appliances sparkled under the low-hanging lights. I couldn’t understand how a group of guys had such a nice and clean place, but I wasn’t complaining. Jaka poured me a beer and I nursed it.

I hated beer.

I’d always grab a cup and sip it the entire night to avoid someone badgering me about it.

Jaka led me toward the living room that was converted into a dancefloor. “You want to dance?”

I shook my head. “No way. I’m more of a ~stand in the corner and watch everyone else~ kind of girl.

Jaka pouted but didn’t leave me alone, which I was thankful for. Everyone seemed so comfortable with each other, and it made me feel out of place. Didn’t my parents’ letter say I’d fit in?

They were wrong.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled out a text from Trent.

Trent

How’s it going? Do you like your roommate?

Savannah

She’s nice. A little goofy, but nice. She dragged me to this party. They take this werewolf stuff seriously. They are the alpha’s. LOL.

Jaka’s head turned toward the staircase and she bounced on her toes. “~Oh. My. God~. Here they come.

I glanced over, seeing no one coming down the stairs, and turned back to my text messages.

Trent

That’s insane. Don’t go find yourself another boyfriend so quick. I miss you.

I hated the burn in my chest. Why did LSU have to be so far?

Jaka squealed and I noticed some of the other girls staring at the empty stairs. She pulled on my arm excitedly, and I gave her a polite smile.

Savannah

I’d never do that, Trent. I love you.

A loud thunder of footsteps, and a chant, came from the second story. All the girls raced over toward the noise. Jaka tried to pull me toward the group of guys descending the stairs, but I shook my head.

She looked at me as if I had two heads. Most of the guys, for obvious reasons, stayed back. Not as interested as the female population.

Their chant sounded like something out of a typical college movie, which I didn’t know was a real thing.

Trent

I love you. I can’t wait until the 15th to see you.

A girl screamed and I craned my neck to see her jump at one of the guys. Must be old friends.

A high-pitched squeal echoed through the room, drawing my attention to a group of girls who were practically throwing themselves at random guys. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. These guys must have egos the size of Texas if they were used to this kind of attention.

Suddenly, a rich, earthy scent wafted through the air, reminding me of a forest after a heavy rain. It was someone’s cologne, and it was absolutely intoxicating.

I looked up from my phone just in time to see the crowd parting. A man, definitely older than me, was making his way through the throng of people. His dark eyes scanned the room, a look of anticipation on his face.

His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and his T-shirt was stretched taut over a muscular build. ~Hello, biceps.~ I thought, my eyes lingering for a moment longer than necessary. But then I remembered Trent, and I quickly averted my gaze.

The man continued his path through the room, heading in my direction. His jawline was sharp and defined, his lips slightly parted as if he was savoring a delicious scent. I wondered if he was the source of the mouthwatering cologne.

My phone buzzed in my hand, pulling my attention away from the mystery man. But as I looked down to check my messages, a shadow fell over my screen. I glanced up, my phone slipping from my grasp and clattering onto the tile floor.

The man was standing right in front of me. His jaw was covered in a layer of dark stubble, and his eyes were so intense they made my heart race. My body felt like it was buzzing from the inside out, a swarm of butterflies taking flight in my stomach.

“Can I help you?” I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

The earthy scent of his cologne filled my lungs, confirming my earlier suspicion. This was the cologne guy.

The corner of his mouth twitched, but I couldn’t tell if it was out of annoyance or amusement. I suddenly became aware of the fact that everyone in the room was staring at us. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I instinctively backed up against the wall.

~What the hell is happening?~ I thought, my mind racing.

But the man followed my movement, stepping closer until his body was just inches from mine. His hand reached up to cradle the back of my neck, pulling me towards him.

“Mine,” he murmured.

A wave of panic washed over me, and I pushed against his chest, trying to put some distance between us. But he didn’t budge.

Jaka, my friend, slowly made her way over to us, peeking around the man’s shoulder to look at me. “Savannah, this is Dax—”

“I don’t care who he is,” I snapped, my voice trembling with anger. “Get off me—”

Whispers spread through the crowd, fueling my frustration.

Jaka’s eyes widened in realization. “She doesn’t know,” she whispered to Dax.

He glanced down at her, then back at me. “Well,” he said, his voice low and husky. My knees went weak at the sound, and I hated myself for it. I had never cheated on Trent before.

~What is wrong with me?~ I thought, my mind a whirlwind of confusion.

“This is going to get interesting, Savannah,” Dax said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

He leaned in closer, his lips just a breath away from mine. His scent sent shivers down my spine. “I’m your mate.”