All werewolves have mates. So what happens when you fall for someone before you're 18... "Hopefully hes my mate" is all Markie can think as she waits for her 18th. This is a short story that takes place in the middle of "Orphan Wolf". It can be read independently but will have spoilers if you intend to read "Orphan Wolf"... I of course would suggest you read it and pause at the point I marked to read "Markie" but the choice is yours. Story excerpt "Come on Ryan leave me alone!" A boy yells. "You started it Francis... come on pup don't start that with me... I don't have time for this! GO HOME!" I felt the command. I see the little 8 year old boy from last night run away crying, one of Ruby's cousins. When I turn the corner I see a boy about 20 and am hit with an overpowering smell something like fresh cut wood and autumn leaves. It is amazing. I see the guy turn towards me and duck behind the house I am standing by before he sees me. Nope! Not him! Not happening! I hear footsteps coming towards me and run. Into the woods I find a pine tree. Perfect! Pine trees are great hiding places. The branches hide you visually and the smell masks your scent. I climb up as quickly as I can and watch the guy approaching. He circles my tree looking around but eventually gives up and goes back towards the houses. "Mate!" My wolf happily purs. "Not him!" I respond. "Denial." She says. "Refusal." I counter and she growls at me. "You will NOT reject him!" She orders. "He is a bully!" "He is mate!" "He commanded that kid when he could have just talked to him! He is a bully with no patience!" "He is an Alpha!" She purrs with pride at his rank. I don't care! "I don't want him!" "The one you want isn't mate. He isn't yours. He isn't interested... I want mate!" "No." I block her out and climb down the tree.