I woke up. Not my usual lazy, lie-there-and-stare-at-the-ceiling kind of wake-up either. No, today I shot up like someone lit a fire under me and bolted to the bathroom. The moment my knees hit the floor, everything I chugged last night comes pouring out. 




 Delightful.




 Then, it feels like a punch to the face as it all comes flooding back: the drinks, the running, the "Mine" that sent chills down my spine. And Daphney. I distinctly remember Daphney spilling her drink all over him before yanking me into an all-out sprint. The Alpha was hot on our heels, but somehow we'd lost him in our wild tumbling down that preposterous hill and practically flying into my house. Don't even ask me how I scaled the window. Adrenaline is a scary thing




 I groan, reaching for my head. It feels like someone used it for batting practice. And if I needed more proof that yesterday happened, my fingers caught on the twigs still tangled in my hair.




 Great. I'm officially Daphne's accomplice in mate-escape. How is this my life?



 We're only like, 18! We had plans! To globe-trot, to eat, and to live our best lives with Mia. Mates were definitely not on the menu.




 A knock at my door yanks me out of my pity party. Probably Mom. I freeze, hoping that she will think that I'm still passed out. Daphney, luckier, she's still dead to the world on the bed.




 "I know you're in there, Aria," my mother growls through the door. "I can hear your heartbeat and your scent!"




 Yeah, no. I'm not scared today. Mostly because the dresser-which I somehow dragged in front of the door last night-is heavy enough to buy me some time.




 Two Hours Later.




 I had showered and untangled my hair, lying in the warm cocoon of my bed, when finally Daphney crawled out of my closet, her eyes wide like a toddler who's caught red-handed doing something they shouldn't have done.




 "What were you thinking?" I asked, sitting up just as we locked eyes.



 "I panicked," she whispered, flopping onto my bed beside me.



 "Your mom's gonna freak," I said, rolling my eyes.



 "I kn-" she begins, but we are both silenced by the sound of another knock.



 We ignore it.



 Louder knock. I roll my eyes harder. That can wait.



 The silence thereafter is a balm, before- BANG! My dresser falls over, face first. I leap off the bed, staring in disbelief.



 What the-?




 And there he is, Alpha Eyes-Glow-Mine himself, staring at us like we owe him money. I edge instinctively toward the window, forgetting it's locked. Smooth, Ari. Real smooth.




 He snatches Daphney, all but dragging her from the room. I follow, working hard not to throttle him with my eyes. Rude! Much?




 Downstairs, Mom's already waiting, beaming like a happy mother hen.



 "Well, Alpha," she says sweetly, "this is my daughter Ariana Merriams. Isn't she lovely?"




 Oh no. She's got it wrong.




 "She'll be ready to follow you to your pack in two days," Mom adds, laughing like this whole thing is some cute inside joke.




 Daphney and I exchange looks. Time to set the record straight.



 "Daphney's his mate, not me," I say.



 Mom's face screws up so much, I'm worried she might combust.



 "Oh. Daphney?" she asks, finally noticing her.




 Alpha Eyes-Glow, who goes by Aiden —-like I care-—, demands, "Take me to your house." He says it like he's ready to drag her there by her hair.



 Daphney shrinks back. I don't blame her.




 "Alpha Aiden," my mom jumps in, "Daphney is overwhelmed. Perhaps you could return in a week?"




 "I can't," he says flatly.




 "Five days, then," Mom says matter-of-factly.




 Aiden gets to his feet, all intimidating authority. "I'll be back tomorrow to talk with her parents. Make sure the message gets across." And with that, he storms from the house.




 Ugh, I hate him.




 The moment his car is out of sight, Mom turns around and frowns again securely back on her face.




 "First, Aria, why would you help Daphney run away from her mate? Second, Daphney, why come here instead of going home? And lastly—" she pauses, inhaling deeply like she's ready to unleash hell, "—how dare you go to that after-party!"




 I gulp. I need a good excuse, fast.



 "Mom, I—"



 "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Merriams," Daphney cuts in, bowing her head in submission.



 I prepare for impact. But instead, Mom takes another deep breath and…smiles.




 I'm terrified.




 "Daphney dear, you should head home now," Mom says in her I'm-faking-being-sweet voice. "Aria will see you tomorrow. I'm so happy for you and your mate."




 She practically ushers Daphney out the door. Once it shuts, the smile drops, and her eyes land on me like a hawk.



 "Now, Aria, listen very well," she says as she sits beside me in an unsettling calm. "Your sister, Inana, failed to get an Alpha, but I promised myself that one of my daughters would. Do you understand?"




 I nod slowly, suddenly wanting to disappear.



 "Good. Well, to avoid punishment, here's what we'll do. You'll go support your friend Daphney, accompany her to his pack, and perhaps meet some of his Alpha friends." The smile broadens.




 Is it weird that I like it better when she's angry?




 "O-okay, Mother," I stammered.




 Later, I called Mia. She's over the moon for Daphney, and we both agree to visit her tomorrow to cheer her up.




 What a disaster.