FIVE

'The alpha now has a kid, and he has gone rogue for a long time nobody knows what he is doing or where he is doing it. My parents told me that their source told them that the Alpha was forced to return. Apparently, his throne is on the line. If he doesn't find a mate by the next moon cycle, the elders will strip him of his title and pass it on to one of the hungry beta sharks circling.'

I frowned. 'Harsh.'

'Well, yeah. But, you disappear into the mafia for years and return wearing black leather and growling at people? The council's not going to be thrilled.'

'So, he's coming back to find a mate?' I asked.

'Yeah, that's what my parents told me. After his mate died giving birth, and then he went full rage mode, left the pack, joined the mafia, and became like the underworld's nightmare.'

I blinked again. 'You say that like you're reciting a thriller movie trailer.'

'I am. Because this man is legendary, Isabel. My mom said even his shadow walks with a limp from all the damage he's done.'

I snorted. 'That doesn't even make sense. How can his shadow walk with a limp from what he has done? That's funny'

Jasmine waved me off impatiently. 'Focus. He's back…tonight, actually. And guess what? There's going to be an event. A big, glittery, mysterious masked... Mate Gala.'

I groaned. 'Please tell me that's not what they're actually calling it.'

'Well no, but it sounds way better than Mate Selection Ceremony, don't you think? Ugh. Sounds like a breeding program. Gross.'

'So, let me get this straight,' I said slowly. 'The terrifying mafia alpha is coming back to pick a mate? Like... shopping for shoes?'

Jasmine grinned. 'Exactly! But fancier. With masks and maybe hors d'oeuvres.'

'And why do I need to know this?'

'Because...'

A long pause.

'I need you to go in my place.' Jasmine said quickly.

I blinked. 'I'm sorry, what?'

'Look,' Jasmine said, scooting closer, 'My parents are forcing me to go, but I already have Nathan…..shhh, don't gasp….I know, I'm reckless and full of secrets. But, I love him, and I have a date with him tonight that I can't miss. If my parents find out I skipped the mate event, they'll ground me until I'm forty.'

'Jas…..I' I started but she interrupted me immediately cause, she already knew that I was about to say no and give her a thousand and one reasons why I couldn't go.

'It's a masked event. No one will know it's not me. You'll wear my dress, my mask, do a little flirty wave or two, stand in a corner, then poof! Leave. I'll even pay you. Please, I need you to take my place tonight.'

I didn't say anything, Jasmine knows how much I detested social gatherings at the pack. She wasn't giving up though, she was hell-bent on convincing me to go.

'It's not like he's going to pick me….I mean, you-as-me. Besides, you hate this whole mate drama more than I do.'

'Exactly' I muttered.

'Pretty please?' Jasmine begged, folding her hands dramatically. 'With chocolate chips and debt relief on top?'

'Jasmine NO!!'

'Okay, fine.' Jasmine leaned back again. 'Guess I'll have to text my boyfriend and tell him I can't come because my best friend won't pretend to be me for one night and save my romantic life.'

'Manipulation noted,' I said, fighting a smile.

Jasmine smirked. 'So... yes?'

A long pause.

'Fine,' I muttered. 'I'll go.'

'Yes!' she shrieked, pumping a fist. 'You're the best friend ever! You know that, right? Like, ever-ever.'

'Uh-huh. I'm happy you know that' I replied showing my teeth.

We both laughed and for a moment, the heavy world lifted.

Then, I remembered Mark and my smile faltered. Jasmine noticed the change in my mood immediately.

'Hey, what's wrong with you?' she asked pulling me close.

'It's Mark he..ermm….he dumped me, he lied to me. I was never his mate, he used me' The words rolled out of my mouth so painfully. I couldn't cry, there were no more tears left in my eyes cause, I wept a lot yesterday.

Jasmine was so angry 'That piece of shit dumped you! That…..that piece of fur-brained garbage with a superiority complex dumped you? I knew he was up to no good. I knew he was trash. I called it. He had 'heartbreaker' written all over his brooding cheekbones.'

'I feel like such a fool for allowing him to use me in this way'

Jasmine pulled me to herself and gave me a hug 'Baby girl, you are not a fool, you simply opened your heart for the first time to love but, you fell for the wrong person. It's not your fault, do not let that shapeless fool of a man make you feel worthless. Okay?'

I nodded and smiled at her 'Thanks Jas although, we both know he's not shapeless.'

'Well, he's shapeless to me' Jasmine huffed and we both laughed at her words. The laughter really made me feel at ease and soon I started telling her about my ordeal with Josh.

And all she could say was 'Phew, girl my day was a whole lot better than yours. How do you even get some of these imbeciles you call men?'

I was still standing with Jas in the hall laughing at the jokes she was making. Jasmine was such a happy soul, her parents were respected members of the pack. She was the only girl from a rich home that I knew wasn't stupid, selfish, or too proud.

Jas gasped as she checked the time 'Okay, I need to rush home and get the dress and every other thing we need to make you look good. Now listen, do not move okay? I won't be long at all.'

I nodded at her and on her way out she said 'And please, try not to get emotionally assassinated while I'm gone!!'

'Funny Jas, you seem to forget that I'm very capable of taking care of myself' I answered her as she ran out of the hall.

'Okay, let me see what I can do before the dogs find me' I said to myself.

I turned to tidy the last of the flower mess, but as soon I turned my back and took a deep breath, a sharp, condescending voice rang out behind me.

'Well, well. If it isn't the wolf-less wonder pretending she belongs.'

I turned slowly, already biting down a groan. Of course, the voice belonged to Dana the reigning queen of mean and the only girl in the entire pack who could turn a compliment into an insult. Dana was pretty but, she was a very mean girl. She always moved with her pack of loyal subjects who were too scared to stand up to her. I wasn't scared of her, not anymore, I used to be though until Jas came to my rescue one day when Dana was abusing me.