Madilynne

Madilynne’s P.O.V

1 Year later.

After finally graduating without any problems popping up. Or should I say Miles. No attacks, nothing. My 19th birthday was coming up, and so was open enrollment for college.

“Guys I think I’ve decided what I want to go to college for.” Both Kole and Mason groaned as I walked into Koles office. “No offense but you’ve been saying that all summer. First, it was ‘I want to open my own business but I don’t know what’ then it was ‘I want to pursue my art talent’ then baking.” Walking over to Mason, I smiled tightly and slapped the back of his head. “Change the ’tude Carter, and really I’ve finally figured it out.”

“Alright, I’m listening.” Kole sat up, flickering his lashes sarcastically. Rolling my eyes “You guys suck. I need new friends.”

Both guys started laughing “You love us Mads. And you scare everyone else so you’re stuck with us.” Mason spoke through his fit of laughter. “Okay seriously though. I want to get an Associates degree in criminal justice.”

Both of them fell silent as I looked over them.

“Why though?” Kole asked with a serious expression.

“Because, maybe if we had real investigators throughout the packs we would have caught Miles years ago. Katie wouldn’t have had to die the way she did.”

“Wow. Didn’t see that coming. That’s a great idea Mads, Our little girl is growing up.” Mason said, fake wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. Kole reached over and smacked him, making me giggle.

“Ouch! Why is everyone always hitting me?” Mason yelled out as he rubbed at the back of his head.

“Because you’re annoying. Seriously though, Madi that’s a dangerous line of work. You’d be risking your life every day.” Kole spoke seriously.

Lifting up my shirt I showed the scar Miles left on me, “Can’t be any more dangerous than him. I owe this to Katie.”

Kole snarled at the scar, after a few deep breaths, “I’m just concerned. It’s a great idea, really. But just be careful okay?”

“Don’t worry big guy, I can take care of myself.” I said as I walked over and hugged Kole, he was like a big teddy bear when you got to know him more.

“Speaking of, the last thing on training is you have to fight me.” Kole said with a serious expression.

Laughing I said “You’re joking right? I’m not fighting you Kole.” My laughs sobered when no one was laughing at what Kole announced.

“Sorry Madi girl, it’s part of training to be Alpha. You have to be tough, tough enough to lead a pack in every aspect, and strong enough to protect every member in your pack.”

Rubbing at my eyes in annoyance until dots danced behind my closed lids. “Kole I’m not fighting you. That’s bullshit. I’ll never beat you and you know it.”

“Well, good thing you have until your 25th birthday.” Kole said in a teasing tone.

DING.

Message received 12:26 P.M : Hey, haven’t heard from you in a while. How are things? - Kade

Message saved as Draft 12:30 P.M : Things are good, sorry been busy with training. How are you? I miss y../

Closing out the screen I decided not to send the message. He wasn’t mine anymore. It isn’t fair to either of us. He had her now. That night I saw the ceremony invite, broke me. That whole year I spent it believing maybe we could have another chance. We could’ve chosen each other. I think Kole was angrier than I was, He hasn’t spoken to Kade since we got the invite.

“Hey, everything okay Mads?” Mason asked with his eyebrows drawn as he walked closer. “Uh, yeah. All good.” I said, clearing my throat, clearing the emotion from my voice.

“I’m going to go for a run, I’ll catch you guys later.” I said shoving my phone in my pocket and walking out of the office.

Lately, I spent more time in wolf form than I did in my own skin. Letting Willow take over for hours allowed time for me to forget everything going on around me. At least I had control of that.

Slipping to the back seat of my mind I watched as Willow jumped and played through the field where the lone Oak tree sat. We had peace here.

Willows movements stilled, ‘Someone is here’ She whispered in our shared mind.

Willow relinquished control to me, For some odd reason, I enjoyed the chase and hunt more than she did. Willow was more of a lover than a fighter.

Getting into a crouching position, I faced the direction the movement was coming from. Waiting for them to attack.

The wind picked up and carried their scent to me, ruffling throughout my fur. Scenting I knew exactly who and where they were. Kole.

Letting out a yip I broke into a sprint from my spot, Kole howling, signaling a chase.

Mason howled in another direction, My ears picking up where he was running.

′ last one to the border takes the night patrol! ′ Kole shouted into our minds. Last month I finally became a Dark Moon pack member. I had a pack now, One to call home.

′ Sorry Mason, Looks like you’re on Nights again! ′ I said through our shared pack bond.

Kole’s and Mason’s laughter filled my head as I pushed myself faster.

10 feet from the border and Kole barreled into me, taking us both down in the process.

10 Feet.

′ Kole get off of me you big oaf! You’re cheating! ′

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Mason sprinting closer to the border. Groaning I knew exactly what they were doing. ′ You guys really teamed up against me, I’ll remember that!′ I shouted as Kole rolled off of me laughing and ran where Mason stood, Now shifted back in his birthday suit.

Shifting back I stomped my way over to the guys “Next time you won’t catch me.” I said to Kole poking him in his chest.

“I’ll always catch you, Madi girl.” He said grabbing my hand and holding it to his chest. For a moment our gazes locked, I watched as his deep green eyes flashed a little brighter.

From beside us, Mason cleared his throat, Kole released my hand immediately.