Her Influenced Choice

Chapter 1: The Party

---------8 Years Later---------

I slammed my fist onto the alarm clock and groaned. Today was the last day of high school and I didn't want to get out of bed. It didn't seem worth it, but I knew that, as the future Luna of this pack, I had to set an example. I sat up and looked at the sleeping Marcus beside me. He graduated last year and also received his alpha title a year ago. I was his-- the pack's-- Luna. No, I was not his mate. People rarely find their mates these days. I didn't really care, honestly about being Luna. It was a privilege... and also, my dad wanted me to. No, there was no arranged marriage. Those don't exist in the 20th century. My dad just thought I was a good idea. I agreed with him, too. Tearing my eyes away from Marcus' beautiful face, I rolled out of bed. Marcus groaned.

"I've gotta go to school, baby," I said. He groaned in response. "You're such a baby." I threw a pillow at him. He reached over and snaked his arm around my waist. I wore only a sports bra and pajama shorts. He pulled me towards him, but I wiggled out of his arms. "Nice try, but I've gotta go."

I hopped out of bed and walked into the bathroom, grabbing clothes on the way there. Twenty minutes later, I had my shoes on and I was walking down the stairs. An empty house greeted me. I didn't like people to see me before my morning coffee, so I didn't mind. After I grabbed the keys to my car, I ran out the door and drove to Starbucks.

"The usual, Caroline," I said to my barista. She smiled and made my drink. By the time I made it to school, I had 2 minutes to spare, a rare occasion. Usually, I was half an hour early. My friends, who all had their own coffee, stood in a circle in the common area, talking away. I approached them smiling.

"Can you believe it, Eve? It's our last day of school!" My friend, Celina, said. I nodded.

"I know, it's insane!" I responded. My friends continued talking and I kind of ignored them. I really didn't care for their mindless babble. I could care less about the latest drama. I, in a way, had to be friends with them. They were the daughters or mates of the higher-ups. Well, they weren't higher than me, but I still had to talk to them... sadly. The bell rang and I went to my first class. The day passed in a blur. There was laughter, talking, friends crying and hugging, but, all-in-all, it was absolutely annoying. I really hated people who cried a lot, and sadly, that was the personality of most of my friends, particularly the higher ranking wolves. I couldn't wait to get home and I practically ran to my car. Unfortunately, my friends beat me to my bright red Chevy Silverado.

"So, where are you going, Eve?" Celina asked.

"Uh, home. Can't hold back on my urge to be with Mark," I said, trying to get into my car.

"Well, that's true. I can barely hold back my feelings for Lucas. Mates are naturally this way," Celina said.-

Okay, to explain this, I have to tell you something. Alphas aren't supposed to make anyone but their mates their Lunas, but Mark can't find his Luna in time for his inauguration. So, that was where I come in. No one would ask questions. Mark and I had been friends longer than I could remember and no one really talked to me to confirm it before I was asked, so, I didn't mind. No one but Alphas and Betas find mates anymore, so I agreed. Besides, Mark and I had been going out for 7 years, since we were kids, not that his dad approved. Mark and I loved each other. There was no point in us not getting married. It was said that if Alphas didn't find their mate in time, their mate had already died. Anyway, Mark and I are getting married and we aren't mates, but we really have no choice. Now, let's go back to our conversation with the lovely Celina.-

"Yep. Gotta go," I said, getting into my car. I loved my car. As soon as I saw it, I bought it. Now, I was thankful for its height. I was taller than Celina up here, just like I was higher in the ranks. "Bye-bye, girlfriend!" I called, driving off. I floored it to home, wanting to go back to sleep. This day had been draining. I just wanted to be with Marcus. Pulling into the driveway, I saw Marcus waiting for me. I jumped out and walked up to embrace him.