BARRELS OF FOREST FOLIAGE grazed the bottom of my paws. The gentle breeze left my thick, white fur billowing. My pulse raced against my chest, echoing like the fast rhythm of a drum. 

The sun flickered through the canopy of leaves at the top of the forest. Birds sang above, soprano enough to make my ears twitch. In the background, I heard the sound of foliage crunching, and it echoed in a sequence like a choir. 

Then, a chorus of howls scared sent the birds flying out of the forest. I raised my snout to the sky and joined the group. It's the last day of school. 

As the air of early June filled my lungs, relief swelled against every cell inside me. I wanted to howl for joy. When the final bell hollered through every inch of the academy, I would no longer be a student at Howl Falls High. At midnight, we graduates would become full-fledged members of Howl Falls.   

The moment didn't last long. Before I could soak in the joy of the moment, the crunching of foliage drew closer and closer. The sound then disappeared. I could feel the warmth of someone's breath against my neck. A voice gently navigated through every cell of my brain: Happy Mating Day. 

My gaze shifted to the side. There Rylan Castilla, with his sun-stricken eyes, watched me. His tawny-brown fur danced in the air. 

I pried my eyes away as years of upbringing screamed to not let others onto my infraction. According to the Elder Scrolls, romantic affection towards someone who isn't your mate is prohibited. To break the commandments would mean harsh punishment. To break the rules with the future Alpha was a suicide mission.

There was something fearful about having the pack deem you a rogue and banish you out of the pack. No one wanted to end up like Wynne Gayoso. No one. 

Even saying her name could've ended with the bad omen of crows following us with their beady eyes. Before the incident, we all knew her as the perfect schoolgirl. White blouses. Plaid ties. Black pencil skirts. Then, one day she came to school as an unrecognizable person. A white crop top accentuated her bust. A plaid miniskirt sat on her waist, barely concealing her hips. Fishnet leggings painted her legs. 

That night, the Elders, on their late-night patrol of the town, found the wiry beauty entangled with a chalky white stranger against a tree. This happened to violate another rule of the Elder Scrolls: no consorting with the cold ones. They were the enemies. 

So, her father, Seff, slapped both her and her notorious seducer. Then, he scratched the shoulder of the cold one and sent the shame of a daughter outside the protective boundaries of Howl Falls. 

I glanced at the forest floor strewn with foliage. My tail rested between my legs. May the Moon Goddess have mercy on you. 

You, too. When I glanced up, Rylan appeared yards ahead of me, his legs shifting up and down. The leaves crunched under his paws. His long tail swayed in the green hues of the forest. 

He tilted his head back and howled: Follow my lead. 

Like drums, our feet clashed with forest floor in unison as we marched through the paths. The wind traced my fur with each stride forward. Hidden behind the shadows of trees, small houses with square windows warm with light hummed from their community of birds who hid from us. 

Soon, we broke from the vast forest of trees, and into the humming grass that expanded to the pavement. I glanced to the side. Floral curtains concealed the insides of the nearby house. Not awake, I thought with a low growl—what a surprise.

The heat that engulfed me seemed to vanish. The world no longer felt so vivid, so surreal, but human. Bias and greed filled the atmosphere. 

I felt the muscles in my chest squeeze while sinking into the grass. A groan hummed in the back of my throat. An ache seeped through my spine—What a way to start my last day of high school. 

"Are you okay, Triz?" Rylan asked. His words hovered over me with a gentle chime that seemed to swell against my soul. 

I glanced up at him with another groan, the pain knotting in my stomach. At this point, I already knew my last day of school would turn for the worse. And to complicate matters more than before, I felt a burning sensation in my cheeks as our eyes met. 

Stomach flu. Blushing. I wanted to laugh. This didn't even meet the criteria for the worst day ever. However, my first time joining the adolescent sector on a run to school, I didn't wear thin enough clothes, and I reverted to a human on the courtyard in nothing but my bra and underwear. Talk about a nightmare come alive. 

"Yeah," I said and reached for his hand.

The burning in my cheeks disappeared as Rylan helped me to my feet. The feeling of his fingertips against my palm could go on and on for days. 

Meanwhile, his thoughts connected with every cell in my brain: Restroom. Before class.

Okay. I shrugged.

Rylan turned away from me. "May I take a roll call?" 

"Yes," we all chorused. We all seemed to bear smiles that stretched from ear to ear, but we couldn't fool anyone. None of us could match it with an invisible halo.

"Zaina Abila," Rylan called out.

"Here."

"Yahir Amor." 

"Here." 

After a while, I heard my name fill the courtyard. "Beatriz Wilson." 

As Rylan turned to me, expressionless, I answered, "Here," and brushed off my stretchy tee-shirt. Under my breath, I whispered, "I'm here." 

"Keanna Zoido." 

The courtyard fell silent for a moment. The only audible sounds came from the birds in the sky. Eyes flickered in all directions. 

After a moment, Rylan's breath hitched, and he called out once again, "Keanna Zoido." 

A rustle sounded behind me, followed by a sweet voice: "I'm here." 

Over my shoulder, I saw Keanna standing with her hands on her knees in a suede and leather romper. 

"Where were you?" I asked. 

"Business," she said panting. Her tawny skin glistened with sweat. Her eyes seemed wild.

I made my way towards her. "Restroom." Firm words left my lips. "Now." I seized her wrist and elbowed my way through the crowd with the words, "Nothing personal," "Nothing to see here," and "Go about planning our grand goodbye."

I pushed through the double doors, the antiseptic scents filling my nostrils. As I pivoted into the girls' restroom, polished tiles reflected our feet. 

"Okay—" Keanna yanked out of my grasp "—why did you drag me in here?" She folded her arm over her chest. 

"Because," I said and fell from a smile, "did you sleep with him?" 

Keanna turned red in the cheeks. "Ye—" 

All of a sudden, the door creaked open. My heart began to pound. There, I saw Rylan peeking into the girls' restroom. "Is now a good time to talk?" 

"Rylan," I said in firm words, "please—" 

"Yes," Keanna blurted out. "I slept with Athan Solano." 

Rylan stepped inside, closing the door as students began to file in. 

Keanna's eyes went wide. "Why is he here? Is he going to banish me as his father did to ..." her voice fell quiet. "Her." She began trembling. I could see it in her eyes—swirls of fear. 

"Keanna, I'm not going to punish you." His gaze shifted to the ceiling for a second. "The Elder Scrolls are not the way to live." 

Keanna brushed her waves out of her face and narrowed her eyes. "How can I trust you? You're Alpha Llwyd's son." 

"Because Triz is my girlfriend," Rylan said and took my hand. The warmth of his palm over mine felt as if it could guard me against the entire world. We were in this together. "What is life if we can't be free to love who we want?" 

"You're correct about that," Keanna said, leaning against the sink. Her gaze lingered against the marble. 

"Wait a minute," I interjected as it all registered in my brain. "You had sex with the Athan Solano?" 

Athan Solano, better known as the cold one who invaded Howl Falls by seducing our innocent schoolgirl, lived with the Zoidos. It had to with payback for their initial disloyalty to the Elders at the origins of our town. They decided to punish them by making them hosts to the vampire(-werewolf.) 

If a simple schoolgirl could fall for the enemy, I guess then, so could Keanna. 

"Yes." Keanna nodded her head. Silence filled the restroom until she let out a sigh. "My parents will kill me if they find out I lost my virginity before the Moon Goddess showed me who my mate is." 

"Don't worry," Rylan said with hope laced through his words. "We'll protect you. Nothing bad is going to happen." 

Keanna unfolded her arms. The hues of her eyes softened. She glanced at Rylan, and then at me. "Have you two ...?" Her voice trailed off into oblivion. Her gaze flickered between the both of us. 

At the same time, Rylan and I replied, "No." For some reason, it felt weird. It was true but strange. 

"Well," Keanna said. "If you two originally intended to talk, I'll guard the restroom." 

As she strode between us and to the door, my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. "Okay," I muttered, and as the door shut. I gazed at Rylan. "I guess that tonight determines whether we'll have to break up or if we're meant for each other." 

He stroked my cheeks with his thumb. "Have hope," he breathed. "The Moon Goddess wouldn't rip us apart." The heat of his body drew closer and closer until it engulfed me, and soft words traced my lips. "Come to my house tonight. My parents are gone." 

And the bell began to fan out across the school. I pulled away from Rylan and made my way to the door. With my finger on the handle, I glanced over my shoulder at him. 

He stood there with a smile. 

"I'll see you tonight," I said and pushed through the door. 

Outside, Keanna waited for me. "How'd it go?" she asked under her breath. Excitement nearly bursted out of her. She had wide eyes that swelled with anticipation. 

"Let's say," I whispered near her ear, "I need a lookout tonight." 

"I'm your girl." She fixed her posture and flashed a smiled. Then, she added at a reasonable volume, "Let's get to class." 

So, we piled into the mass surge of students at Howl Falls flooding through the halls. Some bubbled with excitement for their temporary break from learning. Others chattered over their plans for life after finishing school. 

The surge of students vanished as the younger students piled into the stairwell. The steel lockers became visible. They tried to hide the glass doors opening into classrooms for the seniors. Outside Mister Sainz's room, the devil leaned against a locker — my locker. 

Athan. Lucifer. Solano.

As this bloodsucking demon noticed us, he nodded his head and winked. 

"Do not show him your finger," Keanna whispered firmly. 

She spoke too late. I already had my finger in the air. 

"Beatrice," Athan said with a smirk. "Nice to see you too." 

Keanna, with a laugh, place a firm palm over my hand. She cleared her throat. "I can assure you that my friend means well." 

I yanked my hand away and went into the class as Keanna and Athan chatted away. 

Go to hell, Athan. 

In the classroom, almost every seat appeared taken. I noticed three open spots in the back of the room. I glanced at Mister Sainz, the stocky teacher who, aside from running homeroom for twenty-six seniors, taught meditation. Howl Falls made the meditation course mandatory. As Mister Sainz explained to me on the first day of senior year, "It helps you find your inner wolf. Without it, you can never fully embrace the wolf you are." 

I passed the class with flying colors. My guardian, Sabia, almost started doing the tango when she saw my final grades. 

"Miss Wilson," Mister Sainz said, "take a seat." Then, as Athan and Keanna entered the classroom, he directed them to the back of the room just as the bell rang, signaling the beginning of the day. 

I sat next to Zaina and Keanna.

The loudspeakers turned on, static filling the school. "Good morning, Howl Falls," Alpha Llwyd announced with a staticky voice. "It's the first day of June, so be sure to say goodbye to the seniors as they enter the mainstream pack." 

Zaina slammed her hands against the desk. "Who rules?" Her voice engulfed the entire classroom. We all had eyes on her. 

"Seniors!" we shouted back. There was a chorus of pounding on the desks. 

"Yes," Alpha Llwyd said, and the class fell silent, "I hear you." And for a moment, not a sound disturbed the peace of the school. "Now, stand for the pledge." 

We all stood and placed our hands on our hearts. 

I am a wolf.

A wolf I will always be. 

I pledge to never stray from the brotherhood. 

I am a servant of the Moon. 

"Thank you," Alpha Llwyd finished. "Have a delightful day." 

The loudspeakers clicked off, and Mister Sainz cleared his throat. "You all may go to the cafeteria." 

We piled out of the classroom, chatter engulfing the hallways as we moved. 

The entire rest of the school day, Rylan remained on my mind. In my head, he always wore a smile. 

☾ ☾ ☾

The moon couldn't seem to arrive fast enough. Upon coming home after school, I locked myself in my room. I couldn't allow Sabia to know how far I'd strayed from the Elder Scrolls. As respectfully as she might've taken the news, her duty to the pack put her between a rock and a hard place. No matter how much she loved me, she would have to report my wrongdoing to the Elders. 

When the moon finally arrived, I pushed my window open and climbed out into thick fields that pooled into the forest. As I inhaled, the strong aroma of pine filled my lungs and pushed the branches out of my way. 

With each step, Keanna's voice grew clearer and clearer: "This way. This way." Her eyes soon came into sight. "You're here." 

"I am," I replied between breathless gasps for air, my lungs expanding for the incoming supply of oxygen. "I'm here." 

Together, we navigated through the paths of foliage crunching under our feet. Meanwhile, the crickets filled the night with their low chirps—songs to rouse their mates and children as a danger passed by. The damn nuisances, natural to the world of non-supernatural creatures, could identify a human-wolf within seconds. It didn't matter what form we came by in — they knew. They always knew. 

"What do you think you two will do?" Keanna asked. A certain slyness laced through her words. 

I shrugged. "One never knows." 

Lights started to appear as silence seeped into the forest. A tall manor with alcoves and turrets came into view. Another yard, I saw Rylan wait for me with a smile. His eyes held the light of the entire galaxy. "Triz," he said in the most beautiful way imaginable. Softly as a bird floating in the wind. 

"Ry," I replied.

Our gaze remained unbroken as the crickets sang in the trees. Long gazes. Tender thoughts. I want to tell you —

"Ke," Keanna interjected before Rylan could finish talking to me. 

Rylan glanced away. "Of course. We can't forget about our lookout." 

"Thank you, Ke," I said with a smile. 

Rylan took my hand, but his gaze remained over my shoulder. "Thank you, Keanna." 

"Any time," Keanna replied. 

Rylan looked into my eyes. "Let's head inside," he said with a tender gaze. 

"Of course," I replied and let out a chuckle. "Let's go inside." 

He led me inside into a warm-hued foyer. I glanced around at the many luxuries the Alpha's family afforded. A mahogany staircase winded up into the second floor, a sight all too rare in Howl Falls. In the middle of the ceiling, light exuded across the room as strings laced with crystals drooped like wrinkled banners at a medieval party. The foyer itself provided space to separate the living room from the kitchen. 

"Wow!" Aww pooled from my veins. "You are lucky." 

Then, another rare feature caught my attention. Shadowed under the mezzanine, I noticed a small door carved into the bottom of the stairwell. 

"You have a basement?" I asked, a gasp nearly escaping my lips. 

I glanced at Rylan, finally realizing the lack of warmth on my hand. With his hands jammed into his pockets, he shrugged. "Yeah." He then cleared his throat and asked, "Did you eat yet?" 

"No." Warmth swelled against my cheeks. Had he expected me to eat before coming? 

"Good." He curled his lips into a smile. "Let me make you something. Do you like patatas bravas?" 

"Like them?" I scoffed. "I love them." 

"Then you are getting a Rylan Castilla specialty," Rylan said. "My patatas bravas are amazing." 

"I'll be the judge of that," I said and snickered. "I hold high standards when it comes to Spanish cuisine." 

"I can assure you that if my signature dish would be the talk of the town if I started selling them," he replied. 

A smile took over my face. "If you're so confident in your culinary skills, let's put some fun into this." I dangled the words over him to catch his attention before he disappeared into the kitchen. 

"A bet?" he asked. 

I nodded my head. "If it's not the right amount of spicy, you have to kiss me." 

Rylan leaned against the doorway of the kitchen. "Hmm. Intriguing." With his fingers, he stroked his chin. "Should I mess up on purpose because I'd get to kiss you, or should I give you the proof of my culinary talent?" 

"Must be a tough decision." My smile tightened. Then, after a moment, it relaxed. "You could concede and kiss me right now." 

He took a step towards me. "I think I might take you up on this deal," he said and drew closer until the heat between our bodies became too much to bear. 

It burned through my soul. I needed him against me. As his lips drew towards mine, I breathed, "I love you."

And we met in a kiss. 

I syncopated to the beat of his heart, which echoed against mine. I knotted my fists with the collar of his shirt, relishing against his lean frame.

 It felt like a love song took over my song. Music rang in my head. 

Ecstacy filled my lungs as he explored me, and our breaths mingled. At the same time, his thoughts caressed every cell in my brain: I love you, too. 

When I became breathless, we pulled away. 

"Let head into the kitchen," Rylan said, touching his fingertips to mine. 

I followed him into the kitchen. A varnished table expanded across half of the room. The light hovering from the ceiling made the room a warm hue. Everything here seemed elegant. 

"Patatas bravas coming up," Rylan sang and started the stove. Steam filled the room. His hips swayed as if doing the salsa while he fried the irregularly-cut strips of potatoes. The scent wafted to my nostrils. 

"Smells good," I said, nearly entranced by the aroma of culture. 

"I knew you would like it!" Rylan remarked. By the sound of his voice, I knew a smile rested on his face. "It smells even better with spicy tomato sauce." 

"Give me as much spice as necessary." I sat down at the table. A grin spread across my face. The spicy aroma carried to my nose. 

When finished, the steam vanished from the kitchen, and Rylan turned to me with a piping plate of patatas bravas in hand. "Dinner is served." He placed the dish in front of me, and warmth engulfed my face. As the spicy flavor seeped against my tongue, he added, "And to make this evening even better, how about some poetry?" 

I finished swallowing. "I would love that." I ignored the scent of the fried potatoes calling my name as sweet words filled the room. 

Nothing compares to the amount of love my heart holds for you.

No stars, no moon, no sun could amount to your beauty. 

I'll admit it: I'm cupid's servant, following my destiny blindly into the shadows of the truth.

But there's no one else who, in this world, makes me feel free.

In this poem, I give you my youth,

In return, I ask this of thee: 

"Beatriz Wilson, will you marry me?" He pulled a ring out from his pocket. 

"Ry," I said while my heart pounded in my chest, "this is a huge thing to ask. If we aren't mates, we could get into some serious trouble with the Elders. Your father, too." 

"I know." Rylan glanced at the floor. "I've thought about this all day. The consequences do not outweigh the benefits. We would be able to decide for ourselves who our mate is, not some deity that weaves us into a life we don't choose. Plus, I know my father: he wouldn't banish me, his only child, his heir." 

"I love you," I said, the words slowly rolling off my tongue, "so I'm going to trust you." I stood up and held out my hand. "I, Beatriz Wilson, promise to love you no matter what happens. I will stand by your side through whichever comes first — hell or high water. With all my heart, I will marry you." 

The ring slid onto my finger. In seconds, Rylan closed the space between us. His arm curled around the back of my waist and drew me to his lean frame. My eyes slowly closed as our noses touched. After adjusting the position, our lips met gently. In sync, our mouths opened, letting our breaths billow; then, they closed with a moan. The thump of his pulse echoed steadily against my chest.

In those breathless moments of complete and utter bliss, not even the Moon Goddess could've prevented our souls from intertwining. The world became simply Rylan and me, and nothing hindered us. At the time, nothing could for no obstacles existed in this haven we created. No Elder Scrolls. No Elders. No Alpha Llwyd. 

The wolf inside us showed with every kiss. Each movement of our lips exuded passion.

Meanwhile, I relished in the exploration of his forearms—such smooth skin he had. Warm skin. It left a moan humming in my throat. 

Out of breath, I pulled away, gasping. "My future husband." The words left my lips as if taken over by the air. 

I then studied his. Moonlight from the window glistened against his slender lips. Pale and glossy, they formed a soft shape. And a thought crossed my mind: those lips were mine. For the rest of my life, I would be the only person who would kiss them. With that thought, an urge to be against his body swelled against my skin.

Slowly, I curled my arm around the back of his neck and drew myself to his lips. The movement of our kiss was slow and gentle. I melted into his frame, and warmth caressed me. God, I relished every moment of it.

Moans. Tender touches.

Once he was clutching my waist, I wrapped my legs around his. With the extra weight of a body against him, he stumbled out of the kitchen and into the shadows smushed between the wall and the stairwell. My heart palpitated. 

Thinking about it left me breathless. He was mine. 

As he fiddled with the doorknob of the door in the staircase, I showered kisses onto his cheek. There was a flame inside me that I wouldn't let extinguish. He had the door ajar when I breathed against his lips, "I want you." 

"I want you too, princess," Rylan said and pecked my lips. He didn't pursue the subject any further as kicked the door open and swept into his arms. We descended into the basement. Warm lights bathed over our skin. 

Concrete walls shaped the room. An intricate network of pipes ran along the beamed ceiling with low hums. I noticed a bed shoved against the walls. Blankets muddled its shape. 

"Is this your room?" I asked as he placed me on top of the comforters. 

"It's not a lot," Rylan admitted, "but it's mine."

"It's perfect." 

He sat on my lap, cradling my face in his hands. "Happy birthday," he whispered and pinned me against the pillow. "Here's to two years of being together." 

The heat of my desires ambushed my sense. Everything felt like the melodious ballad that saturated the room moments before. A lover's caress against a bronze frame. The tango of a cherry kiss. The tepid, pink symphony of billowing breaths. 

Before my mind could lace into the moment, there was a screeching halt. Rylan's breath hovered over my lips. "What torments your ravishing mind?" My words moved gently as to not startle the calm air.

"Nothing can change the way I feel for you." As he paused to purse his lips, my heart was jumping against my chest, bursting anticipation and arousal. I didn't want to wait for the words to leave his lips, to hear him agree. I could already see it. A boner shone through his slacks. I wanted to shout yes. "We're engaged, so there's no reason not to seal the notion." So I did my best to contain my eagerness.

"Yes." It was meant to be a shout, but it came out as a moan. I was ready. With every inch of my heart, I was ready.

In the humid exchange of fervid caresses, my fingers slipped inside his slacks. We adjusted our hot and sweaty bodies so that he was on top of me. I tugged at his slacks once, needing the sensation of skin on skin. The rich material slid from his legs, creating a soft sound when they met the floor. Meanwhile, he yanked my blouse from my torso, filled with that same need. Within seconds, along with the blouse, my tight-fitting jeans went next.

"Shit!" There was a low, needing growl in his voice as he tossed his shirt onto the floor. His eyes focused on my breasts. He stilled and went no further.

"Ry," I whispered with a slight smile. He wouldn't focus on my face. His eyes proved all but my face. "Rylan, look at me." Again, it seemed he didn't hear me. With a groan, I took him by the cheeks. "Rylan Castilla, what's the problem?"

Those cognac eyes flickered before he said in a raspy whisper, "I didn't bring condoms."

As tears began to glisten against those beautiful irises, my fingers left a soft shadow against his cheek. "It doesn't matter." I met his lips briefly with a quiet moan against my throat.

All of the conversations we shared throughout the two years of being together flashed through my mind. I remembered him say, "I would love to raise children," and I knew at this moment, I felt the same.

"I would love to have children too," I whispered and tangled my fingers in his hair. My words breathed against his lips. "I'm ready."

"If you are, so am I."

Our breaths billowed in a fervid kiss. His heartbeat echoed warmly against mine. He now slyly eased my underwear from my legs. This was no longer a ravishing moment, but a new step. He then slid the boxers from his legs. With his hands pinning my shoulders into the depths of the mattress, he heaved and gasped for air. "Are you ready for forever?"

"As long as there's you in it." My warm lips showered across the ropy muscles that tapered off below his waist. Slowly, my legs wrapped around his waist. The steaming warmth of his body left me breathless. "Fuck me."

With a thrust of his waist, he eased inside me. With a gasp, my hands flung over his broad shoulders and grasped his shoulder blade. My nails drew me closer, savoring every shade, every breath. These last few moments of ecstasy, of feeling him inside me, were amazing and full of joy.

When we finished, I rested my head against his heartbeat. I heard the echo against my ear. It was like a drum or a soft drop of a tear from a faucet in the aftermath of drawing a bath. Time could hold still. 

"I love you," I whispered against his chest. 

Rylan combed his fingers through my hair. "I love you, too, my Triz. My beautiful Triz." 

When night came, the basement became a blur. My heart began to pound. What was happening? 

Then a blinding, white void glazed over my sight. Wait, I thought. I gasped for breath. Was this it? Suddenly, the fog evaporated from my brain which registered what was happening. Where was my mate? Where was Rylan?

At the moment, I was trembling on wiry fours. My only comfort was my white fur. I raised my snout into the air, gazing into the heavy glow of the full moon. Before I could emit a howl, a thick accent pierced through my brain. Mate.

I turned to face the direction of the voice. The moonlight spilled over his rich brown fur. It wasn't the accent that gave it away—there were plenty of people in Howl Falls who spoke with an accent—but the deep hue of his eyes. They were as red as the blood that he drank.

No. 

Never. 

You had sex with my friend. 

Athan's ears twitched. Sure. Yeah. Go with that. 

The world began to shake, and I emerged as a voice bellowed from upstairs. "Rylan Galiano Castilla! Beatriz Azul Wilson! Get your asses up here, right now!"

Shit!

— Shay <3