Lacey I sat in my chair, staring as the second hand ticked around the clock. Most of my day since training blurred past. I took notes and listened, trying my best to retain information. It was too close to graduation to mess up my grades, especially after I worked so hard to maintain excellent ones. Adding the fact that I would become alpha soon made it even more important. I needed the pack to respect my intelligence, not doubt it. The bell shrieked, breaking my train of thought and letting everyone know that the school day had ended. I made my way out to my father’s truck, more than ready to go meet my mother and see my plants. I never expected it, but my mother was right—when I connected with them, the bond changed. I still never thought this was possible, but I miss them. It’s a str

