CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1: Single

Evelyn's Point of View

I'm Evelyn and I identify as a Single. That isn't necessary a thing but I like to think I would start a trend but it really isn't catching on. I have to be the only werewolf who the moon goddess did not predestine a mate for. My father and my brother assure me that I am not the only one but I am the only one in the Hunt pack I'm twenty two and there's no sight of my mate yet. I know I should not give up on finding my true love and my one true mate, in the voice of Mrs. Fayre but at this point, I couldn't care less honestly. It's okay. Not everyone is meant to find someone. I have made peace with this fact. I'm definitely destined to be the rich aunt but that isn't working out though cause I'm still broke and I chose a more fulfilling career than for the money.

I needed to leave the toxicity of the pack. I had my life waiting for me in New York. I had my students and Liam. Liam is my human boyfriend but I know it isn't going anywhere. We re too different. I'm not one of those that believed in love trumping incompatibility. So what happens if one day he mistakenly sees my claws? But either ways, I do think we have a connection. I was at the Huntley pack because my dad summoned me urgently. For now, I hadn't gotten the chance to see him yet. He was busy with the alpha duties. My brother, Landon is shadowing him since dad said he would soon retire. Dad is sick even though he doesn't show it and is probably in denial about it. That is the major reason I'm here instead of with my students. I'm also here to check on him. Finally, after hours, the people who were meeting with my dad walk out of his office. I walk I to the office to find the two overly serious people discussing pack plans.

"Hey, dad. I'm here to take you away from this absolute bore. I know you missed my infectious energy." I announce, going to give them hugs. Of a truth, I missed my family. I just got tired of the constant mocking and side eyes from the pack members. There was nothing that anyone could do to stop it so I left. However, just about right now, I regret my decision to come back. Dad is speaking so seriously.

"I asked you back because I need you to fill in for the pack at a conference." I still can't believe the words coming out of his mouth. He knows I hate those things. Landon is looking at me with an amused expression. He had planned this. The doofus. I turn back to my dad. He actually looked really tired and he had aged a lot since the last time I saw him which was just a few months ago.

"I know you don't like these events. I would have gone but I'm so exhausted as with Landon's coronation coming soon, it has been hectic for both if us." Dad says, unknowingly tugging o my heart strings. I know he wasn't trying to manipulate me into going. He just wasn't like that. I wanted to argue that someone else could go but I couldn't bring myself to stress him further.

"Alright, then. When is this conference?" I ask, surprising both my father and brother. They didn't expect me to agree so easily. Well, even I am surprised about my own decisions sometimes too. Dad is speechless for a few seconds before he realizes that I was still waiting on him to speak.

"Oh. It's this weekend. The pack's private jet would take you and you would stay at the hotel. " Dad finally says. That is so cool. I'm weird but I have always loved hotels. There's no need to clean or cook. You could always order something and bask in lazy nothingness. I go back to my room. I had missed this place. I like how my brother kept it just the way I left it.

Soon, I pack my things and it is time for the conference. The days fly by because I just stay at home. After my workout, the rest of my days are free and I have my meals with dad and then laze around. Now, I throw in a few clothes into a travelling bag. I really don't care so much about what I pack. Whatever I don't have, I'll buy again. I just have the perfect dress for the welcome dinner. It's backless and has a gold clasp holding the top to the bottom at the hip. It's just very classy and I haven't had any occasion to wear it to.

"Evelyn, what on earth are you still doing? The plane is scheduled to leave soon." Landon yells at me. Somehow, I still managed to belated. It kind of is my shtick. I'll be slightly late to everything. I finally board the plane after the long byes. It wasn't as of anyone was getting emotional or something, it was just that Landon was boring me with reminders. I know. I have a Master's for crying out loud, I can definitely handle a boring conference.

The flight is short but I was still cutting it close. The dinner is scheduled for 7pm and I was just landing by 6pm. Well, I'll just make a dramatic entrance. We are a powerful pack after all. Hair and makeup would take a while since I don't want a stylist but I would execute the look I have in my head to perfection. I take out the curling iron I packed and start on my hair. I don't care what anyone says, it's hair then makeup then outfit.

After grueling hours of preparation, I was finally ready. I step out of my room and I could already feel the toxic masculinity from all the alpha males. I make my dramatic entry of course. I walked in in the middle of an announcement and there was a momentary pause. Exactly the reactions I wanted. I give them a second to stare before I start finding my way to my seat Asides from that, however, there was a scent I was picking up. It assaulted my nostrils and it was intoxicating. I had to trace it. I do. I bump into the person with the scent that was calling me.

"Mate."