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She finds my dress in a heap on the floor and I wince. Could have at least hung that up, it’s too beautiful to be on the floor. She pulls the dress up into the air in front of her, running her hands down both sides, like something might pop out.

Rushing over to my bed, she throws it down on the bed and one side falls faster than the other.

“Bingo,” she whispers as she quickly searches that side of it.

Her eyes light up when she finds whatever it is. A leather thong is pulled from the right pocket of my dress and I don’t ever remember something going into that pocket.When did he have time to do that?

She flips it over and there is a compass on the other side. She rushes over to me.

“There’s something written on the back,” she whispers in excitement.

Grabbing it from between her fingers, my hands tremble as I bring it closer to me. There’s a stunning antique compass on the front, the spindle moving as I shift it around. Fumbling to flip it over, I read the words engraved on the back of the leather.

You know where to find me.

The infinity symbol is engraved above the words with the maker's stamp on the bottom.

I recognize the symbol…a bear in front of mountains.

The same bear that was next to me yesterday…Thorne.

My eyes widen as I look up at Odessa. Her face is scrunched in confusion.

“I know who made this,” I whisper. Thorne, the black bear shifter next to me during the vendor show. I know this is his maker stamp, surely he would know who bought it right?

Chapter 12

Selene

Sunday, June 22nd – Sunday Pack Breakfast

Another Sunday, another pack breakfast. Another day of people pretending to be interested in my photography. And by people, I mean stupid boys. If I can say there is one more reason to look forward to my 18th birthday, it would be finally, hopefully, finding my mate so I no longer have to be subjected to this.

That feeling of being watched moves down my exposed back, almost like they are running their finger down as they move. I suck in a breath when the shiver rocks my body. Slowly, I glance to the right, hoping to look as though I’m only looking at the guy next to me, not that I’m looking for the person watching me.

The stupid boy in front of me lights up, like he is winning, but in reality I don’t even remember his name or what he’s said the whole time he’s been standing here. People are mingling everywhere, none of them standing out as the one staring.

It’s almost like I can feel the person smirking, even though that’s not possible, right?

Shifting my feet, I face forward, pretending to now engage with the dirty blond haired one in front of me, Jack…Jason…I don’t know. They aren’t the ones I want to talk to…nor are they the ones who danced with me at Bestiare.

My shoulders drop when my eyes flick behind the blond, still not seeing anyone staring at me. A feeling of amusement rushes through me. Mother fucker. Pushing air past my lips, I blow out a raspberry, my frustration growing.

Either these three guys are dumber than a box of rocks or they really aren’t interested in my thoughts. I’ve not said a word this entire time, yet they chat away as if I have.

I roll my head to the left, my hair shifting around my shoulder as I cross my arms over my chest. Is it time to eat yet?

As if I brought them out, Nova and Silas walk in with the twins. Each hanging off one of the parents with their matching aqua blue eyes and dark ringlet curls.

Knowing it’s time to eat, everyone shifts through the room to grab plates and move to the buffet. Walking behind one of the elders, the sweet smell of cedar fills me, closing my eyes. I feel as though I’m standing in the forest after a summer rainstorm when the smell fades as quickly as it came. My eyes open, glancing all around trying to find the one I’ve smelled before.

I know it’s him…the one who’s been following me. Haunting my every thought. Who danced with me until the first light of day. The one who leaves all the presents for me to find. Yet, every time I search for him, it’s like I’ve conjured this all up in my mind.

Like the smoke coming from a fire, I follow where the scent goes, and come to the back door of the hall. Odd. Did he go outside?

Pushing open the door, I poke my head out. Surely he didn’t get that far. The scent was strong enough for me to follow, he had to be right here. Not seeing anyone in the backyard, I step fully outside. The idea of food is long gone as I wander to find the mystery wolf.

The urge to go to my hidden valley is strong. I want to see Shadow and tell him all about the mystery wolf wearing a mask that looked like him. Sounds far better than spending any more time with hopeless boys.