Mated by Amnesia

Chapter Two – Rivals & Friends

“I take it you convinced Daddy to let you tag along with the big kids tomorrow?”

My face twists into disgust at the man who appears out of nowhere beside me.

“Puh-lease. Just because you’re an over-sized goon doesn’t mean you’re stronger than me.”

Dylan appears at my side like a shadow, grinning as he rolls up his sleeves and flexes. “No, but these do.”

“Gross!” I shove him away, my stomach twisting with the usual mix of irritation and…ugh. No. Just irritation. Dylan has been a thorn in my side since we were kids. He literally grew up in the same packhouse nursery, always in my space, always smirking.

I was five when I landed my first victory against him. He stole my doll, dangled it over my head, and my dad taught me a little kick that had Dylan crying on the floor in seconds. I forgot all about the doll and begged Dad to teach me more. That was the day Dylan became my rival.

Now we can’t even train together. They claim we are too destructive. (Not my fault he didn’t duck and I broke his nose. Twice.)

Still, I know his every move. He’s slower than me, too predictable. One day, I’ll wipe that smug grin right off his face.

“Well, don’t worry,” Dylan says, slipping into a baby voice. “I’ll keep you safe. Wouldn’t want Alpha Aaron’s precious little girl to get hurt.”

I stop dead, glaring, but he’s already walking away, tossing me a smirk over his shoulder.

My hands curl into fists. That guy is such an-

“Oh no, Jo. Are you two at it again?”

I blink, realizing Izzie is suddenly beside me, her arm hooked through mine.

“Just Dylan being Dylan. Which means he’s an arrogant prick,” I mutter.

Izzie gasps. “Jo! You can’t say that about the Beta’s son!”

“I can say whatever I want. I’m the Alpha’s daughter. And it's the truth.”

She bites her lip, eyes darting after Dylan. Then her expression softens into that ridiculous dreamy look I’ve seen on every girl around him. “But you have to admit…he’s really good-looking.”

“Ew! No. Denied. Forever denied.” I fake a gag, sticking my finger down my throat.

She giggles. “Fine, fine. So, what are we doing tonight, now that we’re official graduates? Clubbing? A couple towns over?”

Her tone is all casual, but I know better. Izzie has been on a mate-hunting mission ever since she turned eighteen. It’s exhausting.

“Can’t,” I say. “I’m leaving in the morning. Heading out with the group to help the Slayer pack.”

She stops so abruptly I nearly stumble. “You’re not serious. You’re not even eighteen yet!”

“In two days I will be.”

Her eyes widen. “Aren’t you scared? You’ve never been in a real fight before.”

I shrug. “If Dylan can do it, I can.”

She narrows her eyes. “So that’s what this is about. Dylan comes back from battle a hero, and you can’t stand it. Jo, he’ll be your mate’s Beta one day. You should be proud.”

“Proud?” I scoff. “He didn’t come back a hero, Izzie. People act like no one’s ever seen a werewolf fight before him.” My chest tightens at the reminder that I’ll never be an Alpha. I’ll just be a Luna. And Dylan, he’ll always be there, center stage, without even trying.

Izzie shakes her head, exasperated. “You just want to prove you’re better—”

“I am better!” My voice echoes down the hallway, sharper than I meant. Heat floods my cheeks.

She stares at me like I’m a tantrum-throwing toddler. “He’s five times your size.”

“Size isn’t everything.”

She laughs softly. “No, but it helps.”

I grunt, refusing to argue more. We walk, her arm looped through mine. She glances sideways at me, then taps my forehead.

“Jo, you’re scowling again.”

“I always scowl.” My voice comes out too defensive, and I wince.

“Yes, but this one’s your Dylan Scowl. It’s different. More teeth.”

I bare them instinctively. More teeth. More fire. More determination.

“Fine,” she sighs. “Since it’s your last night before battle, we’ll spend it together. But don’t you dare die tomorrow, Jo. I’ll never forgive you.”

“Don’t worry.” I lean my head on her shoulder, grinning. “I'll be back before you have time to miss me.”

No one will be talking about Dylan this time, not after I show them what I can do.

No...after tomorrow, everyone will see that I was meant to be an Alpha. The very first female Alpha of the pack.