Sometimes fate just has to mess with a good thing. Hopefully it has a good reason. Hello, my name is Amber Rayne, and this is my story.

As I stood in front of my stove watching the gurgling pot of sauce, I couldnt help but sigh in contentment at how my life was going. Perfect husband, works hards, and loves harder. Jim and I have never had a single fight. As I said, perfect. Beautiful children, 2 in fact. My lovely Dawn and my strong Ben. They are exceptionally close being they are only two years apart. Dawn is 16 and Ben 18. We live in a quiet neighborhood and our home is your typical cottage with a white picket fence. I couldnt ask for more. Most would consider it boring. I say it's serene.

As Ben rushes past, I snag his arm to slow him down. "And where's the fire?" He grins cheekily and kisses my cheek.

"Sorry mom. I'm just heading out for a run".

" Be back before dark"!

"Got it!"

Kids, I laughed.

"Dawn, I'm making a run to the store. I forgot the dressing for the salad. Can you keep an eye on the food?"

"Sure mom."

"Great. I'll be back shortly."

With not a care in the world, I grab my purse and head out the door. A routine I know quite well.

As I stand in the field surrounded by a multitude of bodies and covered in blood, I can't help but think of what brought me here. My mate. Or lack thereof. I have searched to the ends of the earth since the day I turned 18 but to no avail. She doesn't exsist. It's the only reason I can imagine. Why the MoonGoddess feels I do not deserve love is beyond my ability to understand. I am now 36 and more alone than I have ever been. Which leads to the events of today. I stand here before the remains of a rouge encampment and take in what my pack is capable of. For a brief moment I am filled with pride. I am the Alpha of the GreyHorn pack. Now known as the most vicious pack in the southern U.S. We used to be loved. We used to be respected. Until I gave up. Gave up on finding her. Gave up on feeling love. Gave up on my heart.

Now I'm just empty. Destitute of emotion. Atleast any but anger. Anger I have in multitude. Its all I feel. Anger for being given this life.

We make our way back to the pack house to clean ourselves and for the pack to celebrate their victory. They still have hope. But then they have a chance at love.

I walked out of my room, sweatpants and a clean t-shirt, and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. As I run my hand through my hair, lost in thought and needing an escape,

my Beta Taylor walks in dressed to impress. I couldn't help the humorless laugh that escaped my lips. Always the hopeful I thought.

"Hey man, we're heading into town to celebrate our victory. You should come. It's not good to stay in this house all the time." he explains with more enthusiasm than I care to be around.

"No", a simple response. He should really know better than to waste my time by now.

As if reading my thoughts, "I'm not giving up, ya know." And with a smirk on his face, he took off out the door.

I know he means well but its still useless. He has known me since we were just pups and my dad was Alpha. When things were simple. When I get my mind set, no one can make me bend. Without her , I'll never be less than cruel.

Seeing as I have nothing better to do tonight, I head out for a run. I need the release, to feel the rush as my muscles bunch and contract. The power pulsing through my veins. It's the only taste of relief I'm allowed. I'm a monster. And monsters don't deserve luxuries.

********

I get to the store, wasting no time entering. I'm a woman on a mission. The dressing mission.

I can't help but snicker at the silly thought. I skip the aisles I have no interest in, my mind on the only thing I need. I grab the dressing and bee line for checkout. I pay the meager $2.79 and head out to my car.

Upon exiting the store, I can't help but notice the well-built, attractive man jogging out from the border of the woods. 'That's odd', I think to myself. Who in their right mind would want to go in there when there are so many dangers lurking about.

What is wrong with me, I think, as I shake my head to clear it. I'm married for crying out loud. In our time of marriage I have never felt the need to 'check out' other males. Yep, the hunger is definitely getting to me.

As I go to take my eyes off of him, his heads snaps up and our gazes lock. My heart speeds up and my breath catches. I can no longer breathe. I feel caught in his trap. Oh no...

********

I ran. With everything I had. Trees flew by, animals scurried. I put all of my hatred into every sprint, every strain of my muscles. As I neared the edge of town, I slowed to a lazy jog. No need to burst from the woods like a mad man and scare the locals.

As I step out of the shadows and into the light, the unthinkable happens...