I was dodging trees left and right, the scent of pine and Oakwood drifted into my senses, I was pushing my legs to go faster, not caring that I was near the edge of my land. Today was off to a crappy start. I jumped over a fallen tree, my feet slapped against the dirt as I landed, it flew up as I broke out into another sprint. I threw myself into the lake headfirst. The water surrounded me, blurring my vision as I submerged myself into the coolness of the lake; the heat radiating from me dispersed into the lake. Once I resurfaced, I took a drink before letting myself relax. I floated on my back as I stared at the trees above; they shielded most of the blue abyss that was the sky. The light wind caused the trees to sway their tall spears littering the forest floor with their multi-coloured productions that we call leaves. I inhaled deeply. The scents of the world around drifted into focus. There was a deer about six miles east. I was debating whether to go on a hunt when a new but horrid smell drifted into my senses. I quickly swam to the bank of the river and shifted. I shook out my red fur and lifted my snout into the air where I took a long sniff.

Rogue!

Anger immediately pulsated through me, I could feel the hatred pouring out as if a visible line of flame connected me to my prey. "Get down to the eastern border, Brent. There is a rogue on our land." I barked through our link, a black hatred in my tone. In less than six minutes he was here beside me, his tanned fur brushed against mine as we got into our attack stances. We followed the scent, moving silently as we perused this threat. In the bushes in front of us reeked of the creature, I saw a flash of dark brown and I immediately attacked, I lunged at it and slammed my paws into it pushing them to the ground roughly I bared my teeth and as I was about to sink them into the creatures disgusting flesh Brent tackled me to the ground. I saw it jump up and back behind a tree.

"Brent what the hell do you think you are doing; I am your Alpha never disrespect me like that again friend or not I'll-"

"He's a kid Bridget." Brent snapped cutting me off, I recoiled in shock. I glanced towards the rogue, he was crouched low towards the ground; his ears were pinned back, and his lip was raised into a scared snarl. His eyes were a deep blue, and they were filled with terror. I walked behind a tree and shifted, throwing on some spare clothes I stashed around. Slowly I walked towards him he barked a warning, I held out my hands signalising I would not hurt him I held out my hand he etched towards me slowly, he lifted his head and sniffed me, I slowly knelt to the ground, he was watching my moves intently, hanging onto every movement. His eyes were calculating the scene in front of him. As if sensing I wasn't a risk, he snuggled his wolf's head into my hand and I ran my hand through his matted fur. I felt a wetness on my hand and when I pulled back to see what it was, I gasped, he was wounded.

"Did I do that?" I asked Brent. He looked the boy over and shook his head no.

"You didn't but see this." Brent said, concern lacing his tone. I looked the boy over. His fur was a deep brown, almost black colour, but it was covered in harsh scars and most of his fur was matted with blood. I felt as if my breath had solidified and lodged itself in my throat. Who would do this to a child?

"Can you shift back for me, please?" I asked, my voice gentle. The boy looked at me and shook his head.

"Maybe he doesn't know how?" Brent suggested and I nodded, "Is that true little one?" Brent asked, and the boy shied away looking towards me I nodded. He pawed at the ground, upset with himself.

"Don't feel bad, it's okay. All you must do is think about your human self, your hands, fingers, arms, toes, legs, etcetera. Can you do that for me?" I said, the cub nodded and after a few tries his human self was crouching in front of me. Brent placed a blanket around him, and I picked him up. I studied him; he couldn't have been older than ten. Meaning he was too young to be shifting, doing it could kill him I wonder why he chanced it, disregarding that thought for a moment I noticed something his whole body was covered in old scars, cuts in various stages of healing, burn marks littered his skin. His eyes were now more of a green colour, his hair was a dark brown much like his wolf and it too was mixed with blood. He wrapped his arms around my neck and sobbed.

"Help... m-me p-p-please." He said between the deep uncontrollable sobs that racked his body, I glanced towards Brent, he nodded. I held onto him tightly as we began running to the hospital. Finding this boy transported me back to the time Tony, and I found each other. Just the rush of protectiveness made me believe it was fate, like he stumbled onto my land because it was meant to be.

Once I had arrived at the clearing where we all were what I saw made my heart swell. All my friends had decorated the bank with bunting, tables and music. Happy birthday! The large sign said that was hung up between two oak trees. I dropped the deer, catching their attention.

"You know how to make an entrance, that's for sure." Said Kayla, she tossed me a bag of what I presumed was clothing, so I left to go change. In the bag, there was a red dress that finished mid thigh, with a questionably modest v line. The dress was tight showing off my curves and it hugged me in all the right places. I grinned. There were also red heels in the bag I quickly slipped into the beautiful outfit. And walked over to my friends. Kayla was the first to hug me. "How do you like the dress?" she whispered.

"I love it, thank you."

We pulled back, and I hugged everyone else.

"I have a present for you, Bree." I turned to see Jake. He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and no, it's not the typical "I'm in love with my boy best friend" scenario. We are like family to each other. I turned to him. His smile was bright and very contagious. I grinned at him as he produced a bag from behind his back, I took it and was eager to open it so I did. I pulled the little string away and opened the bag. Inside was a long black box. I dropped the bag on the floor and opened the box. When I saw what was inside, I gasped it was a gold necklace with a section cut out leaving the outline of a wolf howling.

Picture up top (^^^)

I looked up at him and hugged him.

"Thank you, but you didn't have to do that. This must-have cost you a fortune." I half thanked him, and half scolded him for spending so much on me.

"I knew you'd say that, but I didn't buy it." He laughed I pulled back with wide eyes.

"You stole it?" I asked, and he burst out laughing as he shook his head at me.

"No, you moron, I made it." He said, still laughing. I held the necklace up into the light, on the back at to bottom was an engraving "to Bree, love Jake x". I kissed his cheek in a friendly thanks. "Here." He said taking the necklace I turned so he could place it around my neck. He did so, and then I sighed.

"It's been fun, but I have to get to the alpha's dinner party. You know what my dad's like." I said, and they all pitched their agreements. After bidding my goodbyes, I left.

I arrived just in time to greet everyone as they all bid their congratulations. Many were here to see the Alpha's daughter come of age and hopefully watch me find my mate. I walked over to my dad and hugged him. "Thanks for this," I mumbled in his ear he responded by kissing my temple. I pulled back and hugged my mom. "Is there anyone else coming?" I questioned. Dad nodded.

"Alpha Lucas and his son Tony." He said, and I nodded I remembered them from previous gatherings. Tony was only three years older than me. He's about to take the Alpha position from his father as soon as he finds his mate, it was all exciting business, whenever there is a new alpha there is always a wicked celebration. They walked in a few moments later. Talk of the devil and he shall appear. As soon as they stepped into the room, my wolf perked up. She was the most excited I'd ever seen her then she said it.

Mate!

His eyes locked onto mine, his blue orbs stared directly into my own with a deep lustful intensity. I felt my cheeks heat up. He strode confidently towards me; I felt tiny under his gaze. Once he was less than three feet in front of me.

"Alpha Sage, it appears that your lovely daughter is my mate." He announced briefly turning his attention to my father who looked shocked. But he stuck out his hand for Tony to shake he did so.

"I hope I don't have to show you what happens if you hurt my baby girl." My dad warned, and I looked away in embarrassment.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of it. May I have this dance?" he asked as he held out his hand for me to take I did so –

"Bridget?!" Brent yelled as he shook me out of my thoughts. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry... I- it doesn't matter what were you saying?"

"He's in terrible shape. Whoever did that to him is sick. He will be taken into surgery soon." The doctor informed me I smiled my thanks before flipping to Alpha mode.

"Nobody but me, him and you are allowed into that room. Do not let him get hurt or I'll have all of your heads." I ordered Brent and Drake nodded.

I said nothing as I walked into his room. He was awake, that's an excellent sign.

"Hey, little one... do you mind me calling you that? What is your name?" I asked softly. He thought for a moment.

"Six. They all called me six sometimes when they were angry, they'd call me other names. Mean names." He said, his voice wavering at the end.

I was shocked at the sudden rage I felt, and the urge to protect this little bit in front of me was growing by the second.

"How about you pick your name, anything you want?" I said as I took his hand in mine. He nodded and scratched his head in a thinking motion.

"Theo?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Sounds lovely. Now you get some rest, I'll be back later with some things for you. Okay?"

"Thank you, Alpha." I shook my head

"Call me Bridget." I said as I made my way to the door. I waved goodbye to which he returned along with a gleeful smile, though I could still see the fear in his eyes.