Page 6 of Mine to Claim

“You’re going to regret this, Lila. Get your ass back here!”

Don’t do it.

Don’t do it.

Don’t fucking do it.

I managed to keep walking. Tears poured down my face as he stomped on the gas and the door closed. He left me on the side of the road, but it only cemented the fact I’d made the right choice. The cool air rushed against my face until it felt numb. I was hurt, bruised, and bleeding. I grabbed my phone with trembling fingers and called the only person who was ever on my side.

“Lils?” She sounded worried.

“Dani. Can you pick me up?” My voice cracked as cars zoomed past me.

“What’s wrong?” She was already angry, her voice tight with rage, and I couldn’t stop sobbing.

“Please. I-I need you to p-pick me up,” I cried as headlights blurred. She didn’t even hesitate. The sound of her tires screeching blared through the speaker.

“Okay. Share your location. I’ll be right there.”

Chapter 3

I didn’t know how long or far I’d walked when a black Jeep Rubicon came to a screeching halt. A door slammed and I looked up to see my best friend, her car parked on the sidewalk. Her gray oversize hoodie had neon pink letters spelling ‘FIGHT ME’ on it. I almost laughed as she enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug. All the air whooshed out of me and I’d laugh if I wasn’t so grateful to see her. When we pulled apart, her eyes were wide as she took in my face. She was five feet of fury.

“He’s scum, Lils. A good for nothing piece of shit. We’re getting out of here.” Dani led me to the passenger’s side. When I’d buckled in my seat belt she was already in the driver’s seat.

“Thanks for getting me,” I whispered.

“Always. Here. Wipe your face,” she said as she handed me a pack of baby wipes.

“You just have baby wipes lying around?” I joked. She gave me a look before smiling.

“They come in hand when there’s a mess.” She made a jerking off gesture with her hand and I gasped.

“Why did I even ask?” I groaned as I pulled a couple out.

“Please tell me you two are done. If he’s done it once, he’ll fucking do it again,” she hissed.

“Yes, I know. We’re over.” I could feel the weight of her gaze on the side of my face like she was trying to see if I meant it. She made a turn to get on I5.

“I don’t want to go back to campus. Can I… come with you?” I asked quietly, staring out the window and holding my breath. I’d never gone home with her. After the first time I declined, it never came up again.

“Of course.” She turned left and headed north on the freeway.

“So… I know this probably isn’t the time or place, but I have to tell you something before we get home.” Her tone made me turn because she sounded guilty. She flashed me a smile before focusing on the road.

“Okay. Spill.”We don’t have secrets.I was not only intrigued, but desperate for a distraction. She took a deep breath to steel herself and suddenly I was a little nervous.

“Surprise! I’m a werewolf and I’m taking you home to my pack.” Silence followed her rushed confession.

“Excuse me?” I scoffed in disbelief because that made no sense.I think I’d know if my best friend turned into a wolf during the full moon.She remained quiet as she drove.

“Stop kidding around. What do you really need to tell me?” Gently, I touched the back of my head to feel where it smashed against Parker’s window.

“I’m not messing with you. I’m not human, and I need you to understand that before we arrive.”

“I’ll play along. Why would that matter?”

“Because my dad’s the alpha.”

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