It Could Be Worse

Chapter 1 - Prologue

Waking up this morning I just knew I was going to have a horrible day I just had that gut feeling and for that very reason I almost wanted  to stay in bed all day and call in sick.

Pushing my negative thoughts to the back of my mind I got ready for school slipping on a pair of skinny jeans, a plain shirt and some checkered vans.

Looking in the mirror I realized my hair didn't look too bad seeing as it was naturally wavy and pretty tame for the most part so I gave it a quick brush through and continued on. Throwing my backpack over my shoulder I made my way to the kitchen hoping to get something in my stomach before heading to school.

I was welcomed by the smell of cigarettes and spilled beer. Which I noticed was all over the counter tops.

Scanning the room I saw a hand thrown over the couch. Making my way over I could tell my dad had gone on a bender the previous night and most likely wouldn't be getting his 3 months chip or be attending his next AA meeting.

He has relapsed 3 times this past year already and I knew better than to believe he was ever going to finish his program. I had no more tears or sympathy left for this man but he was all I ever had so what else could I do but accept it.

Ever since my mom had left him when I was little he had never been the same. My mom was human and my dad having a human mate was a rare occurrence in terms of mate bonds  Many pack members were disapproving and many believed any children they had would be weak.

The pack ostracized him and he was subject to constant ridicule which sent my mom into a  depression. Her husband and child were treated as lesser simply for loving a human and being birthed by one. 

So she left.

It was even shocking to many that I was able to shift when it came time for my 16th birthday. I wasn't even allowed to attend the first shift ceremony that all the pack members my age attended in order to receive guidance in their first shift. Seeing as the pack leaders didn't think I'd be able to shift.

The pain was excruciating but my dad comforted me through the entire process and that was the last moment my dad was ever really there for me. 

 Sometimes I'd wonder if my mom leaving had changed anything for the better.

Eyeing the beer soaked counters and cigaret butt littered coffee table I honestly couldn't imagine how it could be any worse . Sighing I walked out front door locking it behind me and began my 6 minute walk to school.

My school was Hudson High a school attended by the two local packs with a mix of local humans. 

I belonged to the North Star pack which was known for their diplomacy. Which made us weaker in comparison to the other attending pack in the area. The Blood Moon pack which was known for their superior warriors that had won many battles back when all the packs were at war way before anyone I know was even born.

Walking through the parking lot to the front entrance I wad abruptly stopped by my cousin Lindsey who was the resident mean girl who was also known to throw herself at any high ranking wolf she'd set her sights on. 

Blocking my way with a glare on her face she spoke to me for the first time in nearly a month to say "Tonight I'm turning 18 and my mom wants you to come to my party so you can socialize and make friends or whatever"

and I must've made a shocked face because she followed it up with an eye roll "don't act like I'm inviting you out of kindness. I'm simply looking forward to rubbing it in that my mate is the next alpha"

Slightly shoving me away she gave me a smile before turning on her heels and leaving with her gaggle of friends in tow.

I felt bad for her future mate. She was as rude and obnoxious as they come all for the sake of being on top. Which is probably why she was aiming to be the future Luna of the pack which she mad obvious with her unrelenting pursing of our future alpha.

Matt Turner

I'd never had a conversation with him seeing as he'd graduated a few years ago but if the rumors were true they were definitely a match made in hell. He was conceded and walked all over everyone because he was the future alpha after all. 

Walking into the school all my current thoughts were pushed aside as an arm draped over my shoulder and I felt a kiss on my temple.

Looking up my eyes meet his beautiful blue ones paired with his boyish grin.

My boyfriend Christian always had a way of making everything else in the world feel so small. I would always worry about if I'd ever find my mate seeing as the pack elders were adamant I would not be blessed by the moon goddess with more than being able to shift.

but if I had Christian I don't think I'd be too upset about not having a mate.

My birthday was in just a few days and as the day grew closer I thought I would  be feeling way more anxious but strangely enough I was feeling as cool as a cucumber.

Poking my side playful he asked "Olivia was that you I saw outside talking to Lindsey the same girl who tripped you in the hall a few weeks ago?"

Groaning I shoved my face into his chest and let out a muffled "maybe" which caused him to form a scowl 

"Olivia if she bothers you again let me know and I'll deal with her"

Shaking my head I pulled away "I need to head to class" I said as I planted another kiss on his cheek as I began walking to class.

----- 7 Hours Later -----

Walking out of school hand in hand with Christian a crowd had formed in the center of the parking lot.

We gave each other puzzled looks and head towards the the crowd.

In the center was a black sports car with a few guys leaning on it with a bunch of girls all seemingly trying to catch their attention by showing cleavage and batting their eyelashes.

Lindsey at the head of the group walked up to what seemed like the owner of the car and wrapped her arms around his neck. Obviously staking her claim.

He gave her a smirk as he yelled into the crowd "PARTY AT MY PLACE FRIDAY STARTING AT 3PM 18 PLUS!"

The crowd erupted into excitement at the announcement of a party. 

Then it hit me. The guy Lindsey just attached herself to must be Matt Turner and they guys with her were most likely his selected betas. 

Getting a good look at him I could understand why all these girls were going gaga over him. His hair was pitch black with a few tattoos trailing up his biceps.

I found my eyes trailing up to his face where I was met with his piercing grey eyes which caused me to gasp in surprise as they seemed to be looking right at..... me?

I must be seeing things right? I mean out of the dozens of people here what are the odds of him looking straight at me right?

I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder which caused me to focus on Christian as he said "let me give you a ride home Liv"

Shaking my head in agreement I let him lead me out of the crowd but as I walked away I could still feel his eyes on me.

----------

Authors Notes

Just starting this story and I'm planning to update it twice a week with the second update this week being Wednesday so look forward to that!

Feel free to comment any questions or if you see any errors or inconsistencies!