1 chapter 1.

My life before I turned eighteen had been complicated. It had been something that I didn't hesitate to escape from when I got the chance. My mother had died when I was ten, and my father became extremely abusive. I ran after I graduated high school. I barely contacted my family. I had managed to make two good friends. I've lived with Steph since our sophomore year here. She was a bit of a party girl. Where I was innocent, she was very free spirited and brought home guys all the time.

    I stretched and decided it was time to get out of bed and get ready for the day. I wrapped my robe around myself and left my room to go make something to eat. I put on some music and sang along quietly, not wanting to wake Steph and whoever she drug home from the bar last night. I had heard them come in and hit a few walls on their way to her room. Her door suddenly flew open and out walked Steph and a random shirtless blond. I ignored him and kept singing with the song. Steph tapped my shoulder and giggled.

"Good morning, Blair."

"Morning, Steph. And your guest?"

"Oh.... This.... He's..... My mate. His name is Jackson."

    She blushed. I knew about wolves because Steph had told me. She had reluctantly told me, but had after we had been attacked by a few males. I nodded and smiled at the blond named Jackson. He grinned and wrappes his arms around Steph, kissing her neck. Someone started banging on the door, I rushed to answer it. I knew it was Charlie. Only he knocked like that. My heart was racing as I remembered the last time I hadn't gotten the door quick enough. Steph opened the door and growled.

"Leave Charlie. You two are done. She isn't your mate. She is allowed to leave you."

   Jackson tensed at her tone and stood by Steph, protectively. I clutched a knife in my hand. Humans to wolves were often expendable. I knew that, Charlie made sure I knew that. Jackson growled at Charlie in warning when he took a step inside our small apartment.

"Really, Steph, a beta? Thought you hated authority."

    Charlie snarled and my breath caught in my throat, panic evident on my face. Jackson glared at Charlie, obviously angry.

"If you don't leave this place, and leave these two alone, I will tell Alpha Lachlan. You are visiting our territory pup. You will show respect."

     Jackson snarled and Charlie left. The knife clattered against the counter when it fell from my hand. I began sobbing and Steph ran from Jackson to me. She pulled me close and ran her hands through my hair. Jackson watched curiously, his eyes held worry and anger.

"What did that boy do to you, Blair?"

"He.....he.... Steph.... I can't."

   Stephanie sighed and hugged me tightly.

"Jack..... Hes abusive. She's human and her body could only handle so much. I.... I had to.... She would have died..."

    At first he looked confused, then his eyes widened when he noticed the bite mark on my arm.

"Have you shifted yet?"

"No. Were not even sure if I will.... She doesn't have the..."

"Ah. Okay. Good. If you have a wolf mate, he'll be the one that will want to change you. Females generally don't have to power though her bite probably did keep you alive. We must take you to meet Alpha Lachlan."

     Steph trembled slightly and glared at her mate. She was clearly unnerved by the idea. I was too. I had worked with the other humans in the Alphas house and as instructed made sure he never knew I was there, cooking and cleaning his messes. I yelped, a bit started when I noticed I was bleeding. I guess I gripped the knife a bit too hard. Jackson walked over calmly and grabbed a towel, pressing on my palm to stop the bleeding.

"Steph. Get me my aid kit."

    She left and I blew hair out of my face.

"Jacks... What is Alpha Lachlan like? I've been told to avoid him and never let him see me... I am human and invisible."

"Blair..... He won't hurt you. Hes actually been searching for his mate, which is why hes away so much. If he stayed, he would see how others treat the humans."

     Stephanie came back and handed Jackson his aid kit. He had her hold pressure on my hand while rummaging around in it for something. I was beginning to feel dizzy, as I watched him grab gauze and some ointment. He set to work on my palm expertly. It was no secret him and Alpha Lachlan were doctors. They often helped the healers deal with injuries and illnesses. Once Jackson was done, I was told to go to my room to change. Jack would be phoning Alpha Lachlan to come here.

     I had protested and panicked when Steph had said we were leaving the house, and Jackson came up with the plan to get Alpha Lachlan here. I showered and brushed my hair, singing to myself. My door was open while I sat at my vanity, slowly combing my red curls. Ears stinging when I heard Jackson's phone start to ring after he dialed Alphas number. Three rings and his call was answered.

"Lachlan. I need your help. I have an injured human, deep laceration to the right palm. My aid kit didn't contain any suture kits or anesethic of any kind. She's beginning to feel quite dizzy and faint from blood loss."

"Fucking hell, Jacks. WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

"Nothing, my alpha. I found her like this when coming from my mates room. She needs help, Lachlan."

"Fuck. Alright. I'll be there in ten."

     The phone went dead as Alpha Lachlan hung up the phone, obviously frustrated and annoyed with his beta. I stood and left my room, sitting on the couch. Jackson examined the bandage on my hand, gently.