Page 1 of Piper's Perfect Mate

Chapter One

~ Piper ~

“Is he still here?”

I brought the beer to my lips and took a sip, glancing around the woods where most of the pack lingered after our run. I’d pulled on my clothes as soon as I’d shifted from fur to skin.

“I’ll never understand how a wolf can be as bashful as you are,” Arwen teased.

“Private,” I corrected, sighing internally.

This was an ongoing disagreement between us. I wasn’t bashful. I stripped and ran with the group. I just chose not to get naked in front of anyone and everyone. I liked some privacy.

“Whatever.”

She waved away my words.

“If the he you’re speaking of is Michael, then he’s still in the woods. I swear, only you would crush on a wolf even more reserved than you are.”

“I’m not crushing on him!”

“Please, girl. You salivate every time you see him. It’s embarrassing.”

I quickly reached up to wipe my mouth then growled when Arwen laughed like a loon.

“You’re such a bitch.”

There was no heat behind my words. Arwen Jacobs and I had been best friends for a long time—even before we’d both joined the James Pack. She was the older sibling I’d always wanted. The family I’d needed. The one who’d taken one look at a scrawny teenager and taken me under her wing. We’d been inseparable ever since.

“Look, you noticed Michael Sandler the day we joined the James Pack,” Arwen reminded me.

I nodded. It wasn’t as if I could lie to her. Not believably anyway.

“We’ve been part of this pack for three years now, Piper. What the hell are you waiting for?”

“I was nineteen when we joined. I doubt he looked at me then. I’m not sure he even knows who I am now.”

“Trust me,” Arwen replied. “He does. You two drive me insane. You both throw looks at each other when you think no one is watching. For three years. Take a chance already. Tell him you want him. If nothing else, maybe, he’ll take your virginity.”

Heat filled my face as I looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to us and our conversation. Anthony Rossi glanced my way and smiled. Complete mortification. He’d obviously heard. I mean, we were surrounded by a pack of wolves. Anyone paying attention had heard. Not that I was ashamed I was still a virgin at twenty-two. But anyone listening would now know I wanted Michael to be my first. He’d probably make a point of avoiding me after this. Not that he’d sought me out to begin with.

“I’m heading out,” I muttered. “I’ll see you when you get home.”

“Piper, wait,” Arwen called as I turned. “I’m sorry.”

I simply waved my hand and kept walking. She didn’t mean to embarrass me. She never did. She was outgoing and had no filter. It was wild that we were best friends yet exact opposites. She’d rather be out with a crowd and often became the life of the party. I’d seen her hook up with multiple wolves, at the same time. No judgement. In fact, I was envious of how comfortable she was with her sexuality. She did what made her happy, what felt good. I pined for Michael from a distance. Hell, she was right. At this rate, I’d still be pining for him three years from now. Or even longer.

I groaned, stopping and dropping my head toward my chest. I’d ridden here with Arwen. How the hell would I get home?

“Need a ride?”

I glanced over as Anthony made his way out of the trees I’d just left.

“I…”

I trailed off when Michael and Donovan Mitchell stepped out behind him.

“Piper?” Anthony prompted, but my gaze was glued to Michael.

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