The Girl Without a Wolf
“Coming from a mysterious origin, the Timber wolves were the most powerful, notorious, and well feared because of their ruthlessness and extraordinary abilities,” Mrs. Wolfman began, her voice steady and instructional. “They were also known for their uncaring nature.”
“It was said that they derived from Lycans, hence why they stood on their hind legs instead of all fours, except for the Alpha,” she went on. “Unfortunately, their entire pack was wiped out. We don’t know what the reasons were, and that is all we know about them.”
Hayley Blackwater folded her arms and turned her gaze toward the window, staring blankly outside as sunlight filtered through the glass. She was not interested in the lesson, because none of it ever mattered to her. History, packs, wolves. She usually zoned out during classes like this, letting the words pass over her without meaning.
She was different from everyone around her; she had no wolf. And no matter how often people told her she would get her wolf soon, she did not believe them. Everyone her age had already gotten their wolves and their abilities.
The bell finally rang, loud and sharp, sending a stream of students rushing out of the classroom in a blur of voices and movement. Hayley stayed seated, waiting patiently until everyone had existed before gathering her things and standing.
When she stepped into the hallway, someone suddenly bumped into her, her books scattered across the floor.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you,” Zoe’s voice came, her tone light and soft as she gave a nervous laugh.
“It’s fine,” Hayley said quietly as she crouched down and began picking up her books.
“Here, let me help you,” Zoe offered, her voice tentative as she reached down.
But Hayley, being Hayley, ignored her completely. She gathered her own belongings and straightened.
“You are Hayley, right?” Zoe asked, sounding unsure.
Hayley blinked at her, caught off guard by the question. They had been going to the same school and sitting in many of the same classes since they were six years old, so there was no way Zoe did not already know who she was.
"It depends on who's asking,'' Hayley said, that got a laugh from Zoe.
"Everything ok out here?'' a teacher asked.
Hayley nodded. “Yes sir. Just a wolf less girl trying to make her way through high school.”
Mr. Boothe nodded in response.
Zoe suddenly grabbed Hayley’s hand before she could walk away. “Why did you say you are wolf less?”
Hayley shrugged, her expression indifferent. “Because I am. I’m not a wolf like you, Zoe.”
“That’s a load of bullshit. You are not wolf less, just... taking longer than others.”
Hayley scoffed softly. “Yeah, sure.”
Zoe’s friend called after her, and Zoe turned, offering Hayley a small smile before stepping back.
Hayley adjusted the strap of her bag, hugged her books to her chest, and stepped outside into the cool evening air, following the familiar path home.
Her shoes made a soft clicking sound against the pavement, which was still damp from the rain earlier that morning. With the rain came a chill that drifted down from the snowy mountains surrounding their territory, slipping through her jacket and raising goosebumps along her arms.
Hayley looked around, feeling as if she was being watched.
Even though Hayley did not live far from the school, she was sometimes scared to walk home alone. She did not trust the forest she had to pass through, especially knowing other were kind lurked nearby, and not many of them were friendly toward wolves.
A sudden crunching sound echoed behind her. Hayley glanced over her shoulder, but when she looked forward again, Zoe was standing there with her friends.
“Hey, Hayley,” Zoe said, her hazel eyes glowing faintly beneath the shade of the trees.
“Zoe, Kora, Grace,” Hayley said, nodding at them.
“Would you like to walk back with us? It is getting late, and we know the forest could get… you know,” Zoe said, trailing off as she glanced toward the trees.
Hayley nodded. “Sure,” she replied, genuinely grateful for the offer. She was glad for the company, and truthfully, this was the first time anyone her age had shown real concern for her safety. It felt strange, almost unfamiliar, but not unwelcome.
They walked together at an easy pace, the path narrowing as the school faded behind them. The conversation flowed naturally between the girls. Well, mostly between them. Hayley listened more than she spoke. She did not have many friends, and the topics they talked about were not things she usually cared about.
Grace was talking about a couple from school who had been caught sneaking behind the gym during lunch. Kora chimed in, laughing as she added how one of them had shifted halfway by accident when they were startled by a teacher. Zoe followed with gossip about a girl from their class who claimed she would be chosen as the Beta’s mate, even though no one believed her. Hayley kept quiet, nodding occasionally, letting their voices wash over her as the forest grew thicker around them.
Grace suddenly changed the subject, her tone lowering slightly. “Did you guys hear about the rogue that was lurking close by?”
Hayley’s attention snapped to her immediately. This was something she actually cared about. “Did they catch it?” she asked, her voice sharper with interest.
“Of course, the Alpha did,” Grace said confidently.
The girls laughed at the mention of the Alpha, and even Hayley found herself smiling a little.
“I heard my father telling my mother what happened,” Grace went on eagerly. “Someone saw the rogue and told it to get away from the pack, but it wouldn’t listen. So, they called the Alpha, and… my gods, I wish I was there to see him.”
“Do you think he was shirtless?” Kora asked.
The girls burst into giggles, their laughter echoing softly between the trees.
They talked some more as they walked.
Kora wondered out loud what it would be like to be chosen by him, while Grace swore, she had once seen him shift and that it was the most powerful thing she had ever witnessed.
“Good evening,” Alpha Diox’s voice came smooth and gruff at the same time, sending a shiver through the group.
“Alpha, sir… hello,” Zoe stammered, clearly nervous as she dipped her head slightly in respect.
“How are you today, Hayley?” Alpha Diox asked, his attention shifting to her. He folded his arms over his muscular chest as he waited for her answer.
“I’m okay,” Hayley said, avoiding his gaze as she spoke. “Just heading home like I usually do after school.”
He nodded once. “Why don’t you girls head on home,” he said, turning briefly to Zoe, Kora, and Grace. “I will walk Hayley the rest of the way. Better yet,” he added, looking back at Hayley, “why don’t you come to my office?”
Kora shot Hayley a look, clearly wishing she were the one receiving the Alpha’s attention instead.
“See you at school,” Zoe said to Hayley, her voice soft as she glanced back at Alpha Diox with longing, wishing it was her walking away with him instead.
“What the hell was that?” Kora muttered as they left. She turned just in time, only to gasp when she saw Hayley climbing onto the Alpha’s back, a grin spreading across her face as he carried her away with ease.
“Diox,” Hayley said quietly after a moment, gripping his shoulders. “What if I am not a wolf? What would happen to me then?”
Diox scoffed softly. “You do have a wolf. You are just a late bloomer.”
This time, it was Hayley’s turn to scoff. “If every time I heard that bullshit it could get me one step closer to shifting, I would be a wolf by now.”
“Maybe when you are finally eighteen, it will happen, in tw months, right?” he said, his tone calm but firm.
“Or never,” Hayley shot back. “When will you see that I am human? I am not cut out for this life, and maybe my real family is out there just waiting for me to come back. I mean, you did find me in a forest after all.”
“So, you want to leave me?” Diox asked, his voice lower now.
Hayley stayed silent for a long moment, her fingers tightening slightly where they rested against him as he carried her. The forest path stretched on ahead of them, quiet and heavy.
“We both know that this has to stop soon,” she said at last. “I mean, you will find your mate soon.”
Diox did not respond. He continued walking until they reached the packhouse, the large structure looming ahead of them. Even then, he did not put Hayley down until they were inside his office. Only then did he set her gently on his desk, his hands lingering for just a second too long.
“Listen, Hayley,” he began.
“No, Alpha, you listen,” she interrupted, lifting her chin. “Because when your mate comes around, I will be left in the dust.”
Diox lifted a hand and brushed his thumb along Hayley’s cheek, his touch slow and careful. “I care for you more than you ever know,” he said quietly. “Why do you think I always I treat you differently from the rest?”
Hayley turned her face away from his impassive golden eyes. As much as she liked him, she could not bring herself to fall for him too deeply. And yet, how could she not? Diox made it impossible to ignore him. Everything about him pulled her in, from the strong jawline that looked sharp enough to cut concrete, to the straight nose that flared whenever he was upset. Down to his undeniable good looks that put Henry Cavill to shame.
Diox kissed Hayley on the forehead, that's all he ever allowed himself to do, because she was still underage and not his mate. So, any other interaction would be breaking the rules.
“You know how much I need you,” Diox said.
“You don’t need me, Diox. You only want me until your mate comes.”
“No,” he said hoarsely. “I wish I could take you right now and leave my mark on you.”
“We both know that is impossible in so many ways,” Hayley said firmly. “I have to be twenty-one to bear the mark of my mate, and only my mate. Which can only be attained after sex, and only my true mate can break that seal. So until then, not even kissing.”
