Chapter 9

• RALPH
• Standing on the rooftop, smoking, was always the best way for me to relieve stress from my alpha duties. However, I never imagined that I would find myself in this spot, contemplating my thoughts about a human being—my mate. It's hard to believe that I am somehow affected by someone I despise. The more I dislike her, the more she occupies my mind.
• The cool air wrapped around me as I took another drag from my cigarette, the tendrils of smoke swirling around my head. In the silence of the rooftop, I could finally let my guard down and allow my thoughts to roam freely. But tonight, my thoughts were consumed by her— the last words she'd said to me after finding her on the phone. I can't get them out of my mind.