Why Me?

01 The Pack Run

"Wake up princess!" My dad calls up to me from the kitchen.

I jump up quickly. Yes I am a morning person. I shower, dress, apply makeup, do my hair and run downstairs.

"Morning Daddy!" I kiss his cheek as he reads the paper.

I grab an apple and head out the door.

"I'm going for a run. Be back later!" I yell as I open the door.

"Pack run tonight so don't wear yourself out." Dad says and I give him a nod heading out the door.

With the pack run later I decide to just run in my human form. I take off into the woods full speed jumping logs and ducking under branches. If someone were to see me they would think I was running for my life. Eventually I make it to the lake and sit in the sand.

"Katie!" My friend, Zoey, yells landing next to me.

"Hey Zo, about time you showed up!" I respond nudging her.

"Sooo pack run tonight! Were finally 18, adults! That means we can go!" I turned 18 last month and Zoey did last week. This is the first big run since. The pack usually runs every other month. Our Alpha is kinda strict and stand off-ish so he's not around us common wolves much. It will be interesting to finally see the frightening man.

"I'm excited. It should be fun." I tell her as we watch the water.

"The entire pack will be there! All those hunky warriors running around in wolf form! Mmmmmm... I think I'm gonna find my mate." Zoey growls happily at the thought.

"Calm down woman!" I chuckle at her.

"No way! Their will be over a hundred unmated males there! We could both find our men! Don't tell me to calm down! You need to amp up!" She yells and I roll my eyes.

"It will happen when it happens." I say standing up.

"You need to be more excited! Tonight could change our lives and you're just shrugging your shoulders! You should be jumping with me!" She says bouncing around.

"I just don't want to get my hopes up. There's no guarantee I will find my mate and I don't want to get upset when he doesn't show." I explain.

"He will... I've got a good feeling." Zoey assures me and I smile.

"What ever you say, Zo." I sigh. "We should really head back. We've been out here for hours."

"Yes! And we need to get all made up and in our best sundresses. We need to look perfect!" She squeals grabbing my hand and running off back home.

This girl is nuts! We are going on a RUN! Why do we need to get all dolled up? We will be in wolf form anyway. She's been at it for over an hour!

"Girls, it's time!" My mom calls up to us and I stand up from the chair Zoey has been torturing me on.

"Let's go!" I say running down the stairs.

We make our way to the field where we meet. Most of the pack is already here. My family are warriors. Not the best but not the worst. We are the epitome of average. With that we simply filter in with the other average wolves not standing out in any way. As the sun sets people begin to stir and the pack leaders join us.

"Let's Run!" A booming voice echoes through the clearing making my heart jump.

What was that? Why did that voice make me feel so... so... mmmm... I want to hear that voice again!

"Hurry up, Katie! Time to shift." Zoey pushes me snapping me out of my daze.

I quickly strip and shift shaking out my auburn fur.

A dominant howl rings over us and we all join in the chorus. Alpha Carson takes off running followed closely by Beta James. The rest of the pack quickly joins them running past each other jumping around. A lot of adults acting like pups. I love it!

My wolf is getting antsy. She wants me to take off full speed. She is howling for control. I concede to her desire somewhat and we take off dodging under the larger wolves. I am exceptionally small allowing me to slip between the massive warriors. Before I know it I am nearly in the front. Everyone knows never to pass out the Alpha... but apparently my wolf forgot this rule as she forces us ahead. Soon we are in the lead and pulling away from the pack.

In an instant I feel hot breath on my back. Before I can register what is happening I am pinned under a large male wolf... the Alpha.