I jumped the fence just in time to brush my teeth and pull on the gray uniform. Life couldn't get any more boring. Then the yells began. I grinned and gave Kara a quick wink.

We got breakfast and took our usual seats. Sienna was there, scratching at her blisters until her skin looked raw.

I dumped my tray and walked past her table. I stopped, then turned around.

"Try me again, and you won't wake up." I flashed teeth. "Sweet dreams."

Anger burned under my skin, hot and restless. I had nowhere to put it.

Kara smirked as she watched Sienna scratch herself.

Good. She deserved it, especially with that pretty face of hers.

Only six more months and I'd be free. But then what?

"Victoria," Kara cut in, "where the hell have you been?"

I listed off the day's crap, classes, drills, and all the academy's boring routines.

"Victoria?" Kara's tone lowered. "You kissed him?"

"Yeah. And..."

"You like him?" She sounded almost wounded.

"Kara, we've talked about this." I sighed. "I like guys. What we have is fun, but it's not forever." The words came across as bitter the moment I said them. We fooled around, but Kara cared more. "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"No, you're right." She shrugged, acting excessively casual. "You were clear from the start."

"It's not about choices," I said, snorting. "I'm still a virgin. Maybe it's time to change that."

"Victoria, don't," Kara's eyes narrowed. "You're pissed."

"You have no idea."

Weapons class.

Perfect. I could finally let out some frustration, I thought.

Then Balthazar walked in. He was the academy lead, always stern, probably in his mid-forties, and looked like he hadn't smiled in years. He brought in a cart full of wooden sticks, thankfully not sharp.

I glanced at Kara. What was going on?

"You," he pointed to some woman, "and you," to Kara. Then his look fell on me. We stared each other down for a solid second.

"It's all in the posture and core," Balthazar barked. "Pay attention." He threw a stick to each of them.

"Read your opponent, predict their next move. That's the goal," he continued.

It looked brutal and probably hurt. But I already knew how to use a stick, thanks to Drystan. I'd bugged him until he finally taught me. I smiled at the memory.

"Victoria, you're up," Balthazar said, tossing a stick my way.

I glanced at my partner. He grabbed a stick. "You, sir?" I asked.

Balthazar smiled. First time. "Let's see what you've got."

He charged, and I blocked. Watch him, I told myself, look for his weakness. He attacked again, and I blocked most of it, but one hit caught my shoulder. Pain shot through my heart, and anger flared up. Drystan always said anger messes with your focus.

I moved back and noticed his left leg was always in front; he was lefty. Perfect. I lunged and hit his right ribs with my stick.

"You've got quick hands, Victoria," Balthazar said, eyeing me. "But this isn't your first rodeo with a stick, is it?"

"No, sir," I replied flatly.

"You," he pointed to Sylvia, "pair up with her." He came closer to me, softening his voice. "Tighten your core, Victoria. You've got this."

Sylvia was tough; I'd seen her fight before. But even a five-foot stick could take down someone twice your size. Maybe I was exaggerating, but it felt true.

I watched her movements, zeroing in on her right knee. One hard strike and she was down; my stick aimed at her face.

Balthazar appeared behind me. "Hit her," he ordered. "You've got to show strength, or they'll tear you apart."

I wavered, then turned to him. "It's just practice, sir. I'm not going to hurt her."

He looked at my neck, his face turning confused. He'd seen my birthmark, a perfect circle, almost like a brand.

"Alright, that's enough for today," he said sharply. "Dismissed." He left the room before I could react.

"Kara," I said, grabbing her arm. "Cover for me. I've got to go."

I climbed the fence and ran into the forest.

Thane was waiting for me, still limping but looking better. He smiled when I got close.

"Victoria," he said, extending out to touch my face. "How am I ever going to repay you?"

"You don't owe me anything, Thane. Sit down and eat. I need to change your bandage. Take your pants off."

He laughed, low and rough. "Taking orders from a woman..."

"Got a problem with that?" I answered, smiling.

"First time for everything," he said, pulling me closer. His lips touched mine, soft at first, then deeper. I kissed him back, wanting that rush of feeling alive. But then guilt turned in my stomach, like I was double-crossing Drystan.

"You're feeling guilty," Thane murmured, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes.

"I shouldn't," I said, focusing on unwrapping his old bandage.

"Who took your heart and broke it?" he asked, his speech quiet.

"I'm not weak," I told myself, but the tears still came. I wiped them away, angry at myself.

"Thane, I don't want to talk about it. He left me. He's not worth my tears." I looked at his stitches. "Hey," I said, forcing a smile, "they look good."

"You're something else," he said, his hand stroking my cheek. "People see you and think fragile, but you're a force not to be messed with.

My face grew warm as I finished wrapping the new bandage. When I was done, he put his arm around me and pulled me close. His lips touched my neck, his breath warm on my skin. He breathed in deeply, like he was trying to remember my scent.

"Ever done this before?" he uttered, his voice husky.

"Yeah," I lied, then added, "Well, with a girl."

He paused and pulled back a little. "With a girl," he repeated, lifting an eyebrow. "Should I keep going?"

I didn't answer.

"Your body," he said as his hand slid under my shirt, "is telling me yes."

"Thane," I spoke quietly as his hand moved lower, "don't stop."

His kisses turned desperate, hungry. He lay me down, wincing as he shifted to get on top of me. "Fuck," he mumbled under his breath.

His lips moved down my body, stopping just above my navel. He took off my pants. My mind races. Did I really want this, or am I just mad at Drystan?

"I won't," Thane said, as if he could read my mind. His mouth moved to my thigh, finding the spot that made me gasp. I could feel his arousal lying against my leg. He moved on me, his lips caressing my nipple while he touched me. My body shivered as I gave in, my hand stretching for him, helping him lose control.

"Victoria," he said, breath heated against me

After a while, he said, "Come with me. Leave this place.

"Thane," I spoke softly, my hand on his face, "I want to, but I can't."

"You still think he'll come back for you?"

"No," I owe up. "Four years, not a word. I'm done hoping."

"Come here," he said, wincing as he sat up. I straddled his good leg. He held me close, his hand tracing gently along my back.

Why did it feel so right to be in his arms?

"You did what?" Kara's eyes locked onto me, wide with disbelief.

"Come on, Kara, you knew I would," I shot back. I held his penis in my hand.

We both burst out laughing.

"Well, go on then, how does it feel?" she asked, grinning.

"Big. Like, how the hell is that supposed to fit in my..."

Kara just stared, deadpan. "Seriously, are you actually going to do it?"

"I'm torn. Stay loyal to Drystan, or give in to this mysterious guy who's, you know, ridiculously hot."

We were sitting at the dining table when the girl at the next table started telling her story.

"He's ruthless, took down our pack in an hour. Sent some of us to the academy. He's the king of four packs, and he's not stopping there. But damn, he's hot. And strong. Alpha Drystan's powerful, though, already a force not to reckon with."

"Did she just say Drystan?" I nearly spit out my juice. I strode over and dropped into the chair across from her. She flinched.

"Tell me where this Alpha lives," I demanded.

"Behind the twin mountains," she whispered, eyes darting around.

My stomach was clenched. The twin mountains, where we'd grown up together. While I'd spent four years pathetically waiting for any sign from him, he'd been building himself an empire.

"Victoria," Kara's voice was low behind me. "I can see your face. Don't do something you'll regret."

I whirled around. "Regret? He's conquered four packs while I've been sitting here waiting like an idiot. Trust me, he's the one who'll regret this."

The door swung open. Balthasar entered, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on me. One finger beckoned. I followed him into his office.

"Victoria," he said, shuffling papers on his desk. "We're updating student exit files. Your mother's name is missing."

"Not missing. I left it blank intentionally." I crossed my arms. "She's dead. So is my stepfather. I have no one."

"Your stepbrother?"

"Apparently, I don't qualify as family to him."

"After graduation, wolf community or human world?"

I laughed bitterly. "Funny timing. Five minutes ago, I'd have said wolf. Now? I'll take my chances with humans."

His eyes narrowed. "I sense considerable anger."

"You think?" Another harsh laugh escaped. "Don't worry, I'll try not to take it out on anyone... undeserving."

"Your mother's name, Victoria?"

"Sylvia," I answered flatly.

Something flickered in his eyes; gone so quickly I almost missed it.

"Very well," he said. "You may go."

I hopped the fence again and ran back to Thane.

His leg had healed enough that he was able to stand when I entered. He opened his arms. "What happened?"

I fell against his chest, tears spilling despite myself. "I'm not weak."

"Crying doesn't make you weak, Victoria." His voice rumbled against my ear. "Tell me what's wrong."

"While I've been stuck in this stupid school, Drystan's been building an empire," I choked out.

"Maybe he had reasons for keeping you here..."

I pulled away from his embrace. "Whose side are you on?"

Thane laughed softly. "I'm just thinking like him. If you were mine, I'd want to hide you too, keep you safe from enemies. You're his weakness."

I wiped my tears, studying his face. "You could've lied. Taken advantage of how vulnerable I am. Instead, you're defending him."

"Why does that surprise you?" He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You can't build something real on lies. As much as I want you for myself, you're still caught in the past." His thumb traced my cheekbone. "What are you planning to do?"

"I came here to lose my virginity, and you..."

He cut me off with a kiss that felt so right I melted against him.

"Here? "Now?" he murmured against my lips.

"You didn't seem to mind undressing me last night," I shot back.

His arms tightened around me. "I want you, Victoria," he whispered, "but not like this. Not for revenge. Even though revenge sex is hot. I want a chance."

"A chance for what?"

His laugh was gentle. "You really are innocent. A chance for us. To win your heart."

"Is this pity because I saved you? What's your angle?"

He sighed. "You trust no one. He taught you well." Thane stepped back. "Talk to him before you decide anything. I'm leaving, but if you need me for anything, call me. I'll be there.

I settled into his lap, my head leaning against his shoulder. He tilted my chin up, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss. "Fuck, I'm going to miss this," he murmured. "Miss you. Your scent.

"I'll miss you too, Thane," I admitted. "Where's your pack?"

"Black Mountains, Croatia," he replied. "But I'm never in one place for long. Did you memorize the number?"

"Yeah, I got it." Saying goodbye felt like trying to swallow a rock. Neither of us wanted to pull away.

We kissed again, his hands tracing my back like he was trying to memorize the feeling of me. "Victoria," he said, my name sounding like something sacred on his tongue, "you know where to find me. I'll be waiting. Whatever you decide."

I hesitated, my hand brushing his cheek. "Thane, I do like you," I said, my face heating up. He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch.

"I'm torn," I whispered against his lips, tears slipping down my cheeks. He pressed his forehead to mine, his breath warm.

"I'll miss you begging me to take my pants off," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I laughed despite the tears. "You're funny," I said as he wiped my face.

Thane's eyes met mine, pleading. "Come with me, Victoria. No questions, no demands, just freedom."

"You make it sound so simple," I whispered, my voice catching.

He leaned in, lips brushing mine between words. "Isn't it?"

I answered with a kiss, melting as his arm circled my waist, pulling me against him. His woodsy scent wrapped around me like a blanket, steadying my racing heart.

Golden light faded behind the trees. Time had run out. "Goodbye, Thane," I managed, then tore myself away before I could change my mind. I sprinted through the forest, vision blurring, and vaulted over the academy fence, landing directly at Balthazar's feet.

Shit.

Thane's POV

Gas station near the border with Poland

A car finally stopped and gave me a ride to the nearest gas station. I took the phone from the clerk and made the call. "Get your ass here and pick me up. Now."

As I waited for them to show up, I kept thinking about Victoria. I shouldn't have left her. Her scent continued to linger on me. I wanted her. I'd fallen for her, but I couldn't say it out loud. Her lips, her caress, what was wrong with me?

I didn't care. I'd never met anyone like her. She was pure fire, but she couldn't let go of the past. An SUV pulled up in front of me.

"Alpha Thane, we've been searching everywhere for you."

"Oh, really?" I said, climbing in. "Cadmus, my brother, I was being hunted by a pack of killers. Where the hell were you looking?"

"Thane, I thought you were hurt," Cadmus said.

"I was. Nearly died. But my angel saved me," I replied.

"An angel? Okay..."

"You got a change of clothes for me?" I asked.

"Yeah. Called the doc?"

"Already did," he said as we pulled up to the five-star hotel.

Cadmus kept staring at me in the elevator.

"What?" I snapped.

"You look... different. What happened with this angel of yours?"

"I fell in love with her," I admitted, finally saying it out loud.

He gave a shaky laugh. "Playboy Alpha Thane? Fell for a girl?"

"Yeah, I did. What can I say?"

"Because she saved you?" Cadmus asked.

"Funny, she asked the same thing. No, brother, I fell for her because she's different from anyone I've ever met. Anyone."

"This is insane. Never thought I'd see the day..."

I dropped my clothes on the way to the bathroom. Under the hot shower, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I ran my finger over the stitches she'd made, then hit the tile wall with my fist. Damn it. I needed her, her scent, her feel.

When I walked back into the living area dressed, the doctor was already talking with Cadmus.

"Allow me to examine you, Alpha Thane," the doctor said. I dropped the pants without hesitation, smiling to myself as I remembered how Victoria had asked the same thing each time she changed my bandages.

The doctor nodded affirmatively. "Excellent work. The scar will be minimal. Who treated you?"

"My angel," I said simply. "She saved my life."

"This was a serious wound. You must have lost a lot of blood."

"I did. As I said, she's an angel." I turned to Cadmus. "I gave her your number. Check your messages and then get a new phone."

Two photos appeared when I opened the messages. The first showed Victoria by a fence, confronted by a man. The caption read: "She got busted saving your ass."

In the second, Victoria gazed at someone, unaware she was being photographed. I outlined her face on the screen.

Cadmus peered over my shoulder and whistled. "She's fire, brother."

"All done," the doctor announced. "Keep the area clean. Did you take antibiotics?"

"Yeah, she kept me full of them," I laughed. "Thanks, Doc."

Back in the bedroom, I called a number. After several rings, she answered.

"Kara, what punishment did Victoria get?"

"Confinement for a day and kitchen duty," she spoke quietly.

"Take care of her," I ordered. "And don't touch her again, Kara. She's mine."

I hung up and saw that room service had arrived. My stomach growled. After days of eating only protein bars and the bread Victoria found for me, real food looked like heaven.

Cadmus watched me devour my meal with an odd expression.

"What?" I snapped between bites. "Instead of staring, tell me why our plan went to hell, and I ended up being hunted by psychopaths."

"We have a mole," Cadmus said quietly.

"No shit. Find them now. I nearly died out there." I banged my fork down. "Attempted murder of an Alpha? Where are the stolen goods?"

"We're tracking them as we speak."

"Good." I rolled my shoulders. "I could use some adrenaline rush after all this. But first, I need sleep. Wake me tomorrow unless it's life or death." I snatched my phone from his hands. "This stays with me. Get yourself a new one, seriously, what were you thinking?"

"Whatever you say, brother," he mumbled

I stripped down to my boxers and collapsed onto the bed. As consciousness slipped away, one face filled my mind: Victoria.

My phone rang relentlessly, yanking me out of sleep. I groped for it, my voice laden with exhaustion. " What?"

"Drystan is here," Kara's urgent whisper came through. I bolted upright, suddenly wide awake.

"Where's Victoria?" I demanded.

"Standing there watching him. He's selecting rogues for his bedroom."

"That motherfucker," I growled. "Kara, don't you dare hang up..."

"He didn't even glance at her," Kara continued. "Choose one of her rivals and three others. Victoria's face is stone, but this will destroy her. I can barely watch."

I hit my fist into the mattress. Why would Drystan do this? Then it hit me, he was protecting her the only way he knew how. Pushing her away. Making sure she wouldn't return to the pack. A tactical move in his ongoing war.

"I have to go," Kara hissed. "She's heading my way, and Thane? She's furious. Beyond furious."

After she hung up, I exhaled slowly. What a mess. What would I have done in Drystan's position? Sacrifice our connection to keep her safe? Never. I'd rather keep her beside me, protected, always.

I couldn't stop looking at her picture, tracing my finger across her face on the screen like some lovesick teenager. The sharp knock at the door broke my trance.

Cadmus stood there with a wolfish grin. "We found the goods, brother. Time to have some fun."

"Now we're talking," I said, adrenaline already running through me. "My bike ready?"

He threw me the helmet. "Waiting downstairs."

I glanced down at my boxers and laughed. "Might need to put some clothes on first."

As I got dressed, I thought about the score, merchandise worth millions, all owned by the man who tried to have me killed. Taking it would hit him where it hurt. The idea of revenge felt good, but then Victoria's face came to mind, and I had to stop and take a deep breath.

Kara followed her into the forest. When she left the cave, Kara went in. I convinced her to keep in touch with me in exchange for a place in the pack. I memorized her number, and she retained mine. Nothing will stop me. She'll be in my arms again.