Lola’s pov,

Lola slammed the door of her foster parent’s house and walked into the street. They could never just leave her alone. She had only been with them for 3 months and they thought they could tell her what to do. They thought bible study would be an effective way for her to get in line. Lola knew that they would give up on her eventually anyway, they always did. Luckily, it was not much longer now because in a week she would finally turn twenty-one. Which meant she could finally decide for herself what she wanted to do.

Not that she knew what she was going to do. She had no education or skills because she always had a problem with following rules. For as long as she could remember she tried to fight regimes. At least she was talented at bringing out the worst in people. She drove many workers at the orphanage, foster families, and teachers nuts. But whatever happened at least she would be free. She would rather be homeless than live by other people’s rules. Besides, she could always crash with one of her old hookups. She kept walking until she reached the park which was completely abandoned at this hour. She sat down on a bench and closed her eyes for a second to enjoy the quiet and fresh air.

When she opened them again, she jumped up because a man was suddenly sitting next to her. Which was strange because she had not heard him at all. The man took off his hat and looked at her, “Good evening, Lola.”

“How do you know my name?”

He smiled at her, “We have been studying you for a while to see if you would be the right fit.”

A chill went through her spine when he said they had been studying her, “The right fit for what?”

“For a social experiment with a reward of 1 million dollars for participants.”

He handed her a card with an address, “If you are interested come to this address in a week on your birthday.”

Lola looked at the card and wanted to ask him what kind of experiment but when she looked up the man was gone. She looked left and right but there was no trace of the man. “Mm strange,” she thought.

She stuck the card in her pocket and decided to walk home. There was no way she was going to go there next week. “We have been watching you?” Hell nah, that was just way too creepy.”

The rest of the week Lola tried to focus on her plans for after her birthday but for some reason, she couldn’t get the million dollars reward out of her head. If she did that experiment, she would never have to worry again. She could be free and live her life the way she wanted to. She googled the address and that led her to a science building about an hour away. So, she thought, “It seems that he was not lying about it being a social experiment. Oh, what the hell I should just go. I can at least listen to what the experiment is about and if I don’t like it, I will just leave.”

A week later Lola stepped out of the bus in front of the science building. The doors were locked but at the entrance hung a camera. After a few minutes, the doors automatically opened for her. She walked into some kind of waiting room where 3 other people were already waiting. A tall guy with blond hair and the most symmetrical face she had ever seen. A woman with chocolate-colored skin and fascinating enough bright blue eyes. And a man with dark hair and dark eyes. The blonde guy smiled at her, while the woman seemed shy and looked away quickly.

The man with dark eyes gave her a charming smolder and walked towards her. “They said we were waiting for one more person, but I have to say you are definitely worth waiting for.”

His eyes went over her body with approval, and he kissed her hand, “My name is Dante. Nice to meet you.”

Lola looked at him amused; he was her usual type. Charming, mysterious, and full of red flags, “Lola.”

The blond man also stood up and shook her hand, “I am Elias. Don’t be too impressed by Dante he used the same flirting technique on me.”

Lola laughed and Elias pointed at the other woman, “This is Idalia.”

“Hi,” she said with a shy smile.

Lola sat down and looked at the others, “So anyone know a bit more about this experiment?”

Dante shook his head, “Nope just here for the million-dollar reward. Don’t really care about the experiment.”

Elias looked at the door, “I just hope they don’t let us wait much longer because I want to go celebrate my birthday.”

Lola stared at him, “It is also my birthday.”

“Mine too!“ Dante and Idalia said at the same time.

They all stared at each other because that did not seem like it was a coincidence. No one said anything until an attractive woman in a tight suit walked in. She had beautiful long red hair and full lips. The suit showed off her curvy body and Lola saw both men staring at her with desire. The woman smiled and said, “Hi everyone, my name is Feline. We are ready for you now so if you would please follow me?”

She walked towards one of the doors her hips swaying with every step. Lola quickly walked after her and the rest followed. They went into a room with some chairs and a beamer. They all sat down, and Feline turned off the lights and put the beamer on. On the screen, Lola saw images of wolves, blood, trees, and a witch symbol of a star. She really started to wonder what kind of weird experiment this was going to be.

Feline scraped her throat, “So I am guessing you are all wondering what this experiment is all about. For you to understand I have to tell you some history first. Thousands of years ago humans were not the only species that lived on earth. There were also werewolves, vampires, fae, and witches. These creatures believed themselves to be superior to the human race and wanted to enslave them. Humans learned of their plans and war broke out. Thanks to science the human race was able to survive while the other species went extinct.”

Dante interrupted her, “Sorry but what is this? You want us to know the history of a potential fairytale story or something?”

Feline looked at him dead serious, “No this happened in real life, Dante. Those creatures existed.”

“Why have I never heard of it then if you say it’s only been a few thousand years ago?” Lola asked.

“Because the generation that survived decided it would be better if humankind forgot they ever existed. Humans have always been attracted to any kind of superiority or magic, so it is better if we do not know there is something greater possible than ourselves.”

Lola looked at Dante and she saw in his eyes that he shared the same thoughts as her. That woman belonged in a psychiatric hospital because she was clearly delusional.

Elias put his hand on Lola her shoulder, “Just let her continue. Can’t be any harm in that.”

Feline gave him a grateful look, “Thank you, Elias. I know it all sounds crazy. Anyway, recently there have been a lot of incidents that make us suspect that those species still exist somewhere. What we need from you is to find out if they do. You will look for them for a year and whether you find them or not after that year each of you will receive a million dollars.”

“And how exactly should four people find those magical creatures? You seem to have a lot of money and science at your disposal why do you need us?” Lola asked.

Feline smiled at her again, but Lola saw she saw also balling her fists so that smile was not sincere, “Good question Lola. All four of you have been carefully selected because of your DNA. After the war, we made sure to collect DNA from the creatures we just talked about. Each of you is a perfect match with one of the species. We will insert this DNA into you so that it will be easier for you to find these creatures if they exist.”

Feline walked to the door and opened it, “I will give you some time to think. I will be back in 10 minutes and then I expect an answer.”

She closed the door behind her, and Lola looked at the other 3 in shock.

Lola’s pov,

“You guys can’t really believe this bullshit?” Dante asked the rest.

Idalia looked at the screen dreamy, “I don’t know I always hoped that magic existed.”

Elias replied, “I don’t know if I believe it, but I am always in for an adventure, especially one where I get to travel and get a million dollars as a reward.”

“I do not believe it but what if it is true? Don’t you all think they are being a bit secretive? Like those incidents that indicate that these species still exist. What kind of incidents? Besides that, what happens when you get inserted with the DNA? Will you actually become a vampire or whatever?” Lola blurted out.

Elias stared at her, “You really don’t trust people, do you?”

Dante gave him a warning look, “She is just being smart. It is good to ask questions. Just ask them when she comes back, Lola. As for me, I do not believe it for one bit so I will say yes because sounds like an easy way to earn a million dollars. Just look for something that doesn’t exist and get some placebo injected.”

What if they insert something else like poison? Lola thought but then again how would that benefit the scientists? There probably was not some secret subplot because what would they have to gain from a poor orphan like her? So, either they were insane, and she would have earned a million dollars the easy way, or what they said was actually true.

Before she could say anything, else Feline came back into the room. “I hope you all made up your minds. This will be the only chance we offer. Is there someone who likes to leave?”

They all looked at each other but no one spoke up and said that they did not want to participate. Feline clapped her hands, “Lovely then let’s begin. Follow me.”

They all followed her out of the room into a hall with different colored doors. A bunch of employees approached them and led them all to a different door. “Wait, we are not doing the experiment together?” Lola asked.

“No, you all have separate journeys to take. You will see each other again in a year.”

Lola stared at the others, and she was surprised she actually felt sad to leave the others. She usually did not get attached to people but somehow, she felt connected to the three people she just met. They all exchanged a last glance before they got pushed into separate rooms.

It was a small room with just a chair and a tv. The employee helped her into the chair and started preparing some fluids. “What incidents were they talking about that indicated that these species still exist?” Lola asked.

The employee did not even look at her, “That is classified information.”

He pointed at the screen which showed a map, “So Lola. Your DNA had a unique resemblance to werewolf DNA. The DNA will give you the ability to transform into a werewolf. All we know about werewolves is that they used to live in packs and have a strict hierarchy inside these packs. Basically, Alpha and Luna are the highest, then beta and omega is the lowest. As far as we know they could transform whenever they want, and the status of the moon had no influence. They lived in rural areas far away from civilization, preferably forest areas. We suggest you start looking at the biggest forest right here; the Tongass forest. We will give you money and food for the journey. Lastly, you will get a silver ring that you need to wear. When we want to contact you, this ring will light up. When it does, make sure you find a private place and answer by just stating your name.”

He prepped the syringe and walked to her. Lola her head was spinning, and she wanted to ask so much more but he already stuck the syringe into her arm. She felt a little pinch and a cool liquid enter her arm. The employee put a bandage on, gave her the ring and her backpack.

“Everything you need is in there. When you walk out of the other door you will be outside. It can take a few hours before the serum works. Good luck.”

Lola stared at him with an open mouth and said annoyed, “Wait that’s it?”

He did not even listen anymore and just left the room, so Lola picked up the bag, put the ring on her finger, and walked through the other door. Lola stood still for a moment when she felt the sun shining on her face. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth. She did not feel anything yet, but they said it could take a while. She waited outside for a while hoping she would see Elias, Idalia, or Dante. Unfortunately, she never did so she started to walk to the bus. Her first vehicle on the way to Tongass forest.

It took her a week to get to the forest, then she walked the tourist route for a week before she decided to go off the path. That had been 6 days ago. She was now lost, hungry and still she felt normal. Not even the tiniest sign of turning into a werewolf. She just had a hysterical outburst of laughter because she fell for the delusions of some lunatic organization. Instead of becoming a millionaire, she would die here all alone from starvation looking for something that did not exist.

Lola’s pov,

“So apparently you know who I am. How come I do not know who you are? Where do you come from?”

Lola her mind was racing she had no idea how to answer that. It was probably best to stay as close to the truth as possible.

“My name is Lola; I am an orphan. Grew up in Minnesota, I have had multiple foster families over the years, but I never felt like I belonged. I turned 21 recently which meant I was finally allowed to decide for myself what I wanted to do. So, I decided I wanted to travel. I always loved nature so I thought it would be cool to visit the Tongass forest. It was cool until I got lost and ended up being chased and bitten by a maniac.”

Noah’s eyes narrowed, “Wait you did not know werewolves existed?”

“No, I thought they were just tales from stories.”

He gazed into her eyes deeply like he was looking for something for a few minutes, “You are a werewolf yourself though. I can sense your wolf, but it is buried somehow. You have not transformed yet then?”

Lola shook her head and Noah continued, “I can help you with that, but it is a concern for later. A werewolf growing up amongst humans is unlikely but not impossible. You better not be lying to me because I will find out. I have spies everywhere.”

Lola rolled her eyes, “Whoo considered me warned. I am now trembling with fear.”

“You better work on your attitude Lola. Disrespecting someone in a higher rank is not accepted amongst werewolves.”

He sat down on the bed and said, “Anyway, there is a party tonight to celebrate the new mate bonds. At the party, one of the holy priestesses will ask you if you accept the mate bond but the official decision will be in a month. If you don’t show up it means you have accepted.”

Lola doubted that was true, but she couldn’t take the risk because maybe this fucker was actually telling the truth, “So I can deny this so-called mate bond whatever it is?”

He stood up and looked at her annoyed, “The mate bond is the most sacred union there is. It means the moon goddess has found two souls so perfect for each other that they will be as one. But yes, the law says you can deny it if you want but that never happens because the souls are matched for a reason.”

“Sounds like a very romantic excuse for hunting, claiming, and raping women.”

He growled, “I am not a rapist, and I would never touch you against your will. I just know that you will be begging me too before the month is over.”

Lola laughed, “You really are delusional.”

He just gave her a smug smile, opened his backpack, and threw her a white girly dress, “You will wear this. It matches my outfit so they will know that we are mates.”

Lola threw back the dress in his face, “Ow no I am not.”

He walked to the door and grinned at her, “You either wear the dress or go in your underwear. Your choice. The party starts in an hour.”

He slammed the door and Lola lifted up the blankets realizing she was only wearing a black lace bra and thong. However, she was definitely not going to wear that virgin dress like she was some submissive cunt that loved to be his mate. So, underwear it was!

Noah’s pov,

Noah slammed the door and had to calm down his breathing. My god that woman was a handful. He asked for a mate that would not bore him. Well, that mission was accomplished, she was probably going to drive him crazy. Luckily, he took some herbs from the priestess before visiting her to keep Achak calm. Otherwise, he would not have been able to stay as calm when she went against everything he said. He could not have her talk to him like that at the party though. It would not look good if this small girl did not respect him. If Noah Grey could not even keep his own mate under control, then maybe he wasn’t so scary after all.

He called his beta Dan and told him to look into Lola her back story. He needed to know if his mate was lying to him. Then he took a shower and got ready for the party. He wore a white shirt because only the leading Alpha was allowed to wear white. He arrived early and talked to some other Alphas about the mating hunt. The air was buzzing with excitement and sexual tension because most mates couldn’t wait to be together. Noah was just having some small talk with Tristan one of his smartest pack members when he heard gasps and then ultimate silence. Noah turned around to look at the entrance to see what the commotion was about. His eyes almost fell out of their sockets when he saw it was Lola walking in with confidence wearing nothing more than her underwear.

She looked straight at him when she walked in, and he could not help his eyes devouring her body. Her breasts were bouncing in a lace black bra with every step she took, and her hips swayed from left to right. He had to shake off his urge to lift her from the floor and take her right there and then. The herbs also did not seem to hold Achak down anymore because he was going mental in his head again. “THEY ARE ALL STARING AT OUR MATE. NO ONE SHOULD SEE HER LIKE THIS EXCEPT US. THEY ALL WANT HER.”

Noah rushed towards her and growled in a low voice so only she could hear, “Are you insane?”

She just looked at him innocently, “I just picked one of the 2 options you offered Alpha.”

He did not know whether he wanted to strangle her or kiss her at that moment. He took off his shirt and pulled it over her head. She was much smaller than him, so it covered her up like a dress. Achak seemed to be pleased that his mate was covered up again, but Noah could not stop staring at her. In his shirt, she probably looked even sexier. His thoughts got interrupted by the high priestess coming toward them.

“Ah, Alpha Grey there you are. I must say I am happy to see that you finally found your mate after all these years. It is high time that our leading Alpha got his Luna by his side. The packs could use some women’s guidance and it is high time you produced an heir.”

He saw Lola staring at her probably thinking she met another lunatic. The high priestess looked rather funny he had to admit with twigs in her hair and paint all over her body and robe. The priestess took both their hands, “You know it is just a formality Alpha Grey, but I need to ask you and your mate if you accept the mate bond.”

Noah nodded, “I do. I trust in the moon goddess her judgment.”

The priestess smiled at him and turned her gaze to Lola who pulled back her hand and said, “No I do not accept.”