Chapter 1 - Leaving the Pack
Edited.
Chapter One — Leaving the Pack
My name is Hope Amelia White, youngest warrior of the Silver Moon Pack. Today, at seventeen, I leave for college — Whether Mort College in Washington, D.C. Freshman year.
I’m short — just 5′1 — with long dark brown hair that falls to my hips and blue-green eyes that always give away more than I’d like.
I wake up to my older brother bouncing on my bed. Twenty-four years old, and he still acts like a kid. His wolf must be restless again; it means his mate is near. I shove him off, groaning, but there’s a smile on my face.
“Get up, squirt,” he teases.
“Get out, child,” I grumble back.
He laughs and finally leaves me in peace.
A hot shower with strawberry-lime soap clears my head. By the time I’m out, I’ve chosen my outfit: Nike Pro shorts, a blue top, and the matching jacket. Packing is the hard part. Three suitcases: one for workout clothes, one for shoes, one for dresses and everyday wear. Two bags for makeup and bath stuff.
Food? I’ll buy it when I get there.
Downstairs, the house is quiet. Dad’s already out training warriors, Mom’s at the clinic, and my brother’s gone to practice. Busy family, but they always make time when it matters. Mom left me breakfast in the fridge, and I warm it up before mind-linking them all: I’m leaving now.
I grab my keys. My blue 2018 Jeep waits in the driveway, loaded and ready. My heart squeezes as I start the engine — excitement and nerves battling.
Washington, D.C.
Whether Mort College is buzzing with life, a strange balance between humans and wolves. Registration is crowded, but I finally get my schedule and room assignment. Lily, my wolf, paces restlessly in my head.
What’s wrong? I ask.
Nothing, she mutters, then falls silent.
Her unease makes my skin prickle.
With my key and a cart of luggage, I make my way down the dorm hall. That’s when the scents hit me: strawberries, coconut, pinewood, and ocean air. Two distinct scents, yet they swirl together until I feel dizzy.
Before I even knock, the door swings open. Two pairs of eyes lock onto me.
I freeze, the smell overwhelming. “Um… hi. Can I get through?”
They step aside.
The dorm looks more like a small apartment — a cozy kitchen, a soft-lit living room. They lead me to my door, second-to-last down the hall. My bed and boxes are already here, waiting.
I set my things down but glance back at them.
The first girl has bright blue eyes, blond hair, and an easy smile. She’s in shorts and a white top. The second has sharp green eyes, brown hair pulled into a messy bun, joggers and a white tee. Both of them are smirking at me like they already know a secret.
Heat rises to my cheeks.
“Hi… my name’s Hope,” I say softly.
The blond tilts her head. “Lizzie.”
The brunette crosses her arms. “Josie.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you,” I manage. “I guess we’re roommates.”
They share a look — and then both grin. That scent only grows stronger. Lily stirs in my head, whispering one word.
Mates.
My heart skips a beat.
