Forbidden Mates

Shifting always came naturally to me. Of course. It was part of me. At any time, anywhere, I would be able to shift into a bear.

Yet on my third birthday, something changed that. My father, a lawyer, accidentally fed me Hurae. Hurae is a very strong poison for us Shifters.

Someone unknown had added it to my cupcake, and I ate it without troubles, but the next day, I was shifting uncontrollably. I was sick for several weeks, staying in my cub form.

Thirteen years later I lost my memory in a battle with the wolves. My life restarted... and this is why I am currently in class, staring blankly at the board.

“Now, we use algebra in everyday life, even if you don’t notice. For instance, you go shopping. A box of cereal is $4.50. You have a coupon for half off, so you divide it by two. Or a more complex problem, A gallon of ice cream is $6.00, and there is a coupon for half off, but also a digital deal of buy one get one free.” Mr. Norris writes on the board as he speaks. I look around the class. Everyone seems to get it. I sigh. Shifting school is so much easier!

“Um,” I raise my hand, my emerald ring sparkling in the light. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t get it. Why pay that much for food? What about people who don’t have money? They will starve!” Everyone stares at me like I grew rabbit ears. “S-sorry…” I sink down in my seat.

Mr. Norris frowns slightly. “Although this isn’t a political class, I suppose we can talk about that. You are very thoughtful, yet the people who can’t support themselves get insurance. It covers food and shelter.” He smiles warmly at me. “Anything else, Ivy?”

I shake my head quietly, looking down at my blank paper. I pick up the pencil and awkwardly hold it, writing ‘Ivy Bear’ at the top.

“Who’s Ivy Bear?” A blonde girl with over-the-top makeup takes the paper and makes a disgusted face. “Your handwriting sucks. Didn’t you go to kindergarten? Is Bear your last name? That’s stupid.”

I open my mouth to answer her questions, but she doesn’t let me talk, instead she rips my ring off and inspects it. “Hey! Give that back!”

“Is it real emerald?” She moves away from me, and I can already feel fur growing on my back.

“Hannah, give the ring back. Leave her alone.” The teacher says. I snatch the ring back, scowling at her. I slip it on and the fur leaves.

“What a bitch. It’s just a stupid ring.” Hannah scoffs and struts back to her seat. A guy sitting in the back of the classroom looks up slightly. He has a black hoodie on, covering his hair and shadowing his face. He always leans on the wall, not talking to anyone.

He meets my eyes and holds them. I gasp quietly. His eyes are different colors, one crystal blue and the other nearly black. He has a set jawline and a beautiful face overall. He keeps my gaze and smiles, his eyes lighting up.

“Ivy?” I snap my gaze back to the teacher. “Do you need to talk outside with Ansel?”

“That would be great, sir.” The boy says. The whole class gapes, and I understand why. Not only has he never spoken before, but his voice is soft, yet holds so much authority even the principal won’t argue.

“Oh, no. It’s fine. No ne-” Ansel sighs and walks out the door. I frown and blink at the closed door. “Um, okay.” I awkwardly stand up and walk to the exit, the whole class staring, and leave.

He is standing by a locker and he looks up. “Hello.”

“Hi?” I look at my shoes. My dark red hair falls like a curtain, blocking him from my view.

“I know you are a Shifter.” He says quietly. I act dumb.

“I don’t even know what that is.”

“Damn right you don’t. Come on, I know you are. But you can trust me.” He takes a step closer.

“Why should I? For all I know, you could be an enemy. What’s your Status?”

“Protector. Ansel Wolf. 17. Rare. And an Alpha.” I stagger backwards and look up.

“Get away from me.” I turn and run. He runs after me, catching up easily. I use all my Strength to arrive at the woods in less than a few seconds. He slams into me, sending us toppling into the river.

I push him out, growling. “I said leave me alone!”

I shift into my bear form, a medium sized copper bear. He stands up and backs up, shifting to his wolf* form. He is a strong white wolf, with a scar running along his shoulder. He has the same eyes, but his ears are black. He snarls and leaps at me, biting into my back. I roar and smack him off, sending him flying into a boulder. He shakes and barks.

Ivy, listen to me! You hear me in your head! It would be impossible unless I’m your Protector.

He dips his head. I raise up on my hind legs and when he doesn’t react, I flop down on the sandy beach.

Sorry.

It’s okay.

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**This is his wolf form:

This is my first book of the series! I’m so excited for it! There will be lots of secrets, love, and fighting. What do you think is Ivy’s secret?? Please stay tuned, I am very busy and will try to update it a few times every week. I apologize in advance for foul language and some 18+ scenes.