Avenging Nina (hiatus)

Ryan POV Becoming alpha is a big deal, a role full of responsibility and power. Ryan was 18 the day he took the title, passed down by his father. "You're young, but I have faith in you," Alpha Thomas said to his son. Ryan's smile beamed, "I will make you proud, Father." After the ceremony to make it official, Ryan met with his father and mother. "We have a gift for you," they said, smiling ear to ear. Ryan was surprised. They had already gifted him a house, a car, and a motorcycle. What more could they give him? "You're 18 and in charge now. You're only missing one thing, one person I should say," his mother, Nicole, giggled. His father picked up where his mother had stopped. They looked at one another lovingly as he said, "Your mate, who will one day be your Luna." Ryan stared at them. He had been told about the mate bond and the significance of finding his Luna but he had never given it much thought. He was 18, barely an adult. He didn't feel ready for a mate or the responsibility of love. He was still learning how to be responsible for himself. "Here," they said, presenting a small velvet box to him. He hesitated but took it to be polite. He opened the box to find a diamond ring. "It's tradition," his father said, indicating the gift of the ring. "My father gave me that ring the day I became alpha and since I already had met your mother I proposed that same night." Ryan thanked them and put the box into his pocket. He told himself to put it somewhere safe and ignore it. He had other priorities. His mind would be changed a year and a half later when he came across his mate for the first time. Her scent reminded him of his favorite cookies, cinnamon and sugar. Her fur was white like snow and she was the most beautiful wolf he had ever seen. *** Nina POV Running alone amongst the flowers was Nina's favorite activity. She liked to run, jump, and roll around until her white fur was covered in pollen. She'd sneeze and then laugh. Nothing made her happier. She liked being outside, enjoying her freedom. She had friends but never needed to be with others to be entertained. She was good at keeping herself amused. She was 17 years old and out by herself that beautiful Summer day when her nostrils picked up the scent of lavender and mint. She was standing in a mound of dirt so the smell caught her off guard. Her inner wolf screamed something incoherent a moment before another scent rushed past her in a flurry. It would prove to not be as pleasant.