Tango with the Alpha's Heart

Emily's POV

"Ple-e-e-a-se, Emily!" Mila, my best friend, begged over the link. "I really want to go!"

"I'm not standing in your way, Mila. You are welcome to go and attend the pack dance," I linked back. "Go and have some fun with Jax."

Jax was Mila's mate, and even though we got along just fine, I always felt like a third wheel, tangling long.

"But you know it wouldn't be the same if you weren't there!" Mila sulked, her voice quivering. "And you owe me one!"

I sighed, I knew she would draw the "you owe me one card" sooner rather than later to force me to go.

The only reason I owed her was that I needed to copy her homework when my shift ended late. I was exhausted that night and had even skipped dinner.

"So you are cashing in on a favor I owe you?" I growled, frustrated.

"Is it working?" She asked, giggling.

I pinched the top of my nose, shaking my head—this friend of mine! She knew exactly how to manipulate me into saying yes!

Mila and I have been friends since kindergarten, but we only became best friends recently. She was the only friend I had left after my birthday.

I internally sighed as tears welled up in my eyes.

I had lost all of my friends and the respect of the pack in one night.

"You are the world's worst best friend," I growled. "You know that!"

"Does that mean you consider going?" She chirped, hopeful.

"Yeah," I replied sourly. "But I'm not staying out late. I have training in the morning!"

Mila squealed out of joy over the link.

"Deal!" She said, letting out another high-pitched squeal. "I'll see you in a bit!"

"Whatever!" I said, closing the link and plopping down on my bed.

It wasn't that I didn't want to go to the pack dance—I love dancing—it was just that I felt kind of strange, as if something was about to happen.

I knew it couldn't be my wolf; I didn't have one, and my parents, including Alpha Cole, believed that I was just a late bloomer.

I, on the other hand, believed that I was punished by the goddess and would not get one.

I sighed, closing my eyes.

I wish I had shifted on my birthday. I wish I had a wolf like the rest of the pack members.

I could just imagine how beautiful she would be—big and strong, and her fur silver under the full moon. She would have a no-nonsense attitude and wouldn't submit to anyone, including Alphas.

But that was just a dream, not my reality.

My mind drifted off to all the possibilities of having a wolf.

Maybe then the pack wouldn't see me as more than just a misfit or a liability.

Maybe then I could claim my rank as Beta.

A knock sounded at my door, and my eyes flew open. I didn’t remember falling back to sleep.

I turned