Veronica's P.O.V.

I walked to my locker, holding my books as I tried to wrap my head around everything that happened. I just wanted to get to my last class and call it a day so I could go home and just get my mind off things.

All this time, the guy I have feelings for wasn't what he seemed. All this time, he was a werewolf. Why didn't he tell me?

Don't get me wrong, I still care about him and all. I don't hate him, nor am I mad at him. I just need time to process all this. I would've accepted him either way, but the fact he didn't tell me face-to-face really hurt.

I was grateful though. If it weren't for him, who knows what Randall would have done to me.

As I got to my locker, I saw Sadie, Bree, and Addison walk up to me.

"Hey, are you okay?" Sadie asked.

I shrugged as I did the combination on my locker.

"You're going to have to talk to him sooner or later. I'm sure he has an explanation." Addison explained.

I opened my locker and I saw a note fly out onto the floor. Cliche, I know, but hey, I wasn't expecting it.

I grabbed it and read it.

'Meet me in the Forbidden Forest next to the stream after school.' ~ Wyatt

I sighed as I put my books in my locker. "What's wrong? What does it say?" Bree asked.

I handed the note to her and they all read it.

"Seems like he wants to talk to you. I don't think you should do this alone." Sadie said.

Why was she so protective when it came to other people than our friends talking to me?

"I don't know if I can. Things have been awkward, even if he did stop Randall form getting near me." I told her as I ran a hand through my hair.

"At least he didn't hurt you like that jerk did." Addison said.

"She has a point. Maybe Wyatt didn't tell you for a reason. Just go and meet up with him and listen to what he has to say. He seems trustworthy." Bree added.

They had a pretty good point. Then again, Willa is the alpha and seems ruthless and Wyatt is her brother, so that would make sense.

I guess if I agree, they'll stop pestering me and I can try and handle this myself.

"Okay, fine! I'll do it."

They smiled as Addison and Bree jumped up and down.

The bell rang and I shut my locker. "Okay, enough fangirling, let's get to class." I said with a chuckle.

"See you around! Hey, Bonzo!" Bree shouted as she made her way to her boyfriend.

I walked with my friends into Biology and thankfully, we had a substitute, so we didn't really do anything other than turn in an assignment the teacher left.

++++++++++++++++++

*After Class*

"Finally!" I said as I put my stuff in my backpack and got up from my seat.

"I gotta go. Zed's waiting for me." Addison said.

"See you, Addi." I told her as I fist-bumped her.

As she left, Sadie looked at me. "My mom is not going to be here for a few days, so can I stay at your house?"

I smiled and nodded. "Sure. I'll meet you there soon, because I have to go find Wyatt."

"Okay. If anything happens, call me and I'll track you down." she told me.

Okay, what now?

"Um, what? Track me down?" I asked with a look of confusion.

"Um...nevermind. Forget it. I'll meet you at the house." she said before we walked out of class.

That was weird.

We went our separate ways and I made sure to not get caught by security guards as I made my way to the Forbidden Forest.

As I looked around, I realized that this was the same forest that Wyatt and I hung out at before.

I continued walking until I ended up at the stream, sitting on a fallen tree trunk, my hands clasped together.

The sound of the water flowing and the animals in the distance made me feel at peace as I waited for Wyatt.

I heard footsteps behind me, followed by a soft growl.

"Hey, Wyatt."

I turned around and saw him there before he took the spot next to me.

"So, I'm guessing you got my note?" he asked.

I nodded my head. "Yeah."

"Can I explain everything?" he asked.

I nodded before he began to speak.

"Veronica, I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth sooner. I wanted to tell you so badly, but I was afraid. Afraid for your safety from the pack and even Willa. The entire time we hung out made me realize that maybe humans weren't as bad as before. I was afraid that the pack would try and prevent us from seeing each other if they found out about us spending time together. These past couple of months have been amazing and I didn't want to spoil it by revealing myself as a monster. A beast of the forest. Nothing between us is a lie. Everything that we have is 100% true. The reason I didn't tell you was because I thought it would keep you safe, but I realized that I had to if I wanted to protect you from any danger such as that tick from the library and be by your side. I'm sorry, Roni, for lying and not revealing anything earlier. Can you forgive me?"

I stared into his brown eyes as he took my hand in his. I knew where he was coming from and I wasn't mad at him. I would never be.

He was a werewolf, yes, but he proved that he had a human side to him and that's the side I grew to love. If I can do that, I might as well learn to love his wolf side.

That wolf side saved me from that jerk and didn't hurt me in any way, even if he was in disguise.

I leaned close to him and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. His arms wrapped themselves securely around my waist as he lay his head in my shoulder.

I breathed in his scent, which was a mix between cinnamon and pine wood. It made me feel relaxed.

"Thank you." he breathed out.

"I can't avoid you for long." I replied.

He stroked my hair before he pulled away.

"Wyatt, I need to know. Why is it that there's a deep connection between us? I know it isn't because of a strong friendship." I said.

He looked down and sighed.

"I'm not supposed to tell you, but considering that I have a good reason, I can. Don't tell anyone else though, because it's a wolf secret." he told me.

"I promise." I said.

Wyatt looked at me before he spoke up. "The reason why we have such a strong bond is because we werewolves have this thing called imprinting. It's basically how werewolves find their soulmates. It's very rare and only happens to a few werewolves every now and then. It's something we can't control and happens out of nowhere when we see the one. Imprinting on someone is like when you see her, everything changes. Suddenly, it's not the earth holding you down, it's her. You would do anything, be anything for her."

Everything hit me like a fray train once he finished explaining.

"So, you imprinted on me." I started.

"Yeah." He nodded.

Wow. I couldn't believe it. The guy who has been my best friend for months now is my....soulmate?

My soulmate happens to be a freakishly handsome werewolf.

I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

Wyatt smiled as he placed his hand on top of mine. I felt the spark through his touch. I placed my hand over his. I think this was an effect that wolves had with their mates.

He slowly started to lean in, nothing but the water running being heard.

Wyatt cupped my face and pressed his lips against mine. I froze for a second, but something came over me, causing me to kiss him back as he pulled me close. As if it was on instinct. His lips felt amazing, moving perfectly in sync with my own.

He wrapped his arms around me. We pulled away after a bit.

I stared into his eyes and saw the love, joy, admiration, possessiveness, and gentleness in them.

"Can I think about the whole soulmate thing? I still need time to process all this." I asked.

He placed a hand on my cheek. "Take all the time you need."

Suddenly, there was a howl and he sighed before getting up.

"It's Willa. I have to go. I'll see you soon, okay?" he asked.

"Yeah." I replied, standing up as well.

He grabbed my waist and kissed my cheek before he ran off.

I smiled before touching my lips.

I chuckled and shook my head before following the trail back to the outskirts of the forest.