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.”
Lola’s pov,
“No, I do not accept,” Lola said.
She might have to stay here for a while to get her million dollars but that did not mean she had to become some guy’s property. Certainly not to become a breeding machine like this crazy bird lady just said.
“I have no interest in becoming someone’s breeding whore. I am sure this comes as a shock to you because you all seem to be so deep in Noah his ass that you can smell the shit. So please find some other girl to suck on his toes and be his breeding machine because it is not me.”
Lola saw everyone stare at her with shocked faces and the crazy bird lady gave her a distasteful look, “Watch your tongue young lady. Firstly, it is Alpha Grey for you and not Noah. Secondly, you should be on the floor with gratitude because you were blessed with such an outstanding match.”
“Yeah, yeah on my knees on the floor and suck his dick while I am at it right?”
The crazy bird lady became red with anger, but Noah stepped in between them and said loudly, “YOU ALL HAVE TO FORGIVE LOLA. SHE GREW UP WITH HUMANS SO SHE IS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO OUR WAYS YET.”
Crazy bird lady gritted her teeth, “You better teach her some manners quickly Alpha Grey.”
He squeezed her shoulder and said, “Don’t worry I will teach her some manners.”
After that, the crazy bird lady stormed away to go talk to some other matches made in heaven.
Noah towered over Lola, and she had a hard time concentrating with his bare chest so close to her face. She had to admit his shoulders and abs were impressive. He whispered in her ear, “You can keep playing your little game all you want. We both know that by the end of this month the only thing you want is my hands on your body. Tasting your sensitive spots, begging me for more.”
Lola felt annoyed that she could not control her breathing quickening.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she snarled at Noah.
He smiled, “You can barely concentrate as it is.”
Then he stepped away and his smile disappeared, “You need to be educated in werewolf ways and generally appropriate behavior. So, from now on, you will get daily lessons from Deborah.”
Lola saw a head with blond hair enthusiastically storming toward her and all she could think was. Oh god, not her.
Noah walked away and left Lola alone with Deborah who took her hand and guided her outside.
“My god, what were you thinking speaking to the high priestess and Alpha grey like that? You are lucky he did not punish you. If I talked like that to Dan, he would publicly pull my guts out.”
She stared at Lola who was still just wearing Noah his shirt, “We should get you to your house quickly before anyone else sees you looking this indecent. Why did you come to the party wearing only your underwear? Is that normal amongst humans?”
Lola chuckled, “Only at the interesting parties.”
“Well, the fact that you grew up with humans explains your strange behavior but don’t worry we will fix you in no time. I will give you daily lessons on werewolf history, beliefs, traditions, and etiquette. With hard work, we can make you worthy of being the leading Luna.”
Lola sighed, “Look Deborah I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I have no intention of becoming a Luna. I do not need to be fixed. I am fine the way I am and if people cannot accept that then fuck them.”
Deborah just gave her a radiant smile and completely ignored what she just said, “I am truly blessed and honored that Alpha Grey chose me to guide you. I will see you tomorrow at 8.”
She walked Lola to a secluded cabin made of big logs. It looked big enough to house an entire family and there were beautiful symbols carved into the wood. Lola walked inside and admired the huge fireplace, open kitchen, and large windows looking into the woods. She might have ended up in some sort of community with weirdos but at least she had this beautiful cabin all to herself. She jumped up when a voice came from the darkness of the kitchen.
“Satisfied with your new home?”
Lola saw Noah standing over the kitchen island with his big hand in a jar of cookies.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Well, I was hungry,” he said while he put 5 cookies in his mouth at the same time.
“I mean what are you doing in this house?”
He looked at her amused, “Well this is my house so.”
“Wait, we are living together?”
“Yes, it is tradition for the newly matched mates to live together and explore their connection before the official ceremony.”
Lola frowned, “I am not going to sleep in the same bed as you.”
He rolled his eyes, “Don’t worry your highness you can have your own bedroom. I am not a creep.”
Lola just looked at him standing there in the darkness watching her with his mouth covered in cookie crumbs, “Could have fooled me.”
He grinned and she was tempted to smile back because he looked kind of funny standing there like some big puppy. But she did not want him to think that she liked sharing a house with him, so she said, “I better not find you in my room at night staring at me while I sleep. And then when I wake up you just give me some lame excuse that it is a mating tradition to connect on a psycho level.”
He grabbed another cookie and walked past her, “Don’t flatter yourself I am not that desperate. Good night your highness.”
Lola smirked against his back when he walked away, at least he was quick and witty with his responses. Most guys couldn’t handle or appreciate her rude banter. Like her foster parents said, her foul mouth was like listening to the gates of hell. She had to admit Noah Grey was a better roommate than the ones she had before. He certainly was better looking.
She went to her bedroom which was cozy and simple. There was a big wooden bed, a desk, and a closet filled with clothes for her. She took a long hot shower before crawling into bed. She tucked herself in like a caterpillar and sighed happily. It had been a long day and she knew there would be plenty of challenges ahead. But right now, she felt safe and warm which was a luxury for someone who had a childhood like hers. She enjoyed the feeling and not long after sleep caught up with her.
