Chapter 5

• Karin
• Since I’ve never texted someone before, much less a boy, I don’t know how to start. I’m probably about to make a fool out of myself, but I’m actually proud of myself for managing to write something at all.
• Anna: Hello there! I hope you’re having a wonderful day and that your pack meetings aren’t too boring.
• I stare down at the message I sent with my heart racing way too fast in my chest. Did I sound too formal?
• My eyes are kept on the screen and once I see three dots dancing to signal that Killian is writing a reply, I get so nervous I feel the urge to throw away my phone. I know it’s silly, but I keep fantasizing about this unrealistic scenario of him laughing at my message and calling me a nerd.
• I mean…everyone else does.
• My own parents think I’m a weirdo for preferring books to other people, and my sister thinks I’m a slave born to do her assignments and homework for her. I’m also wolfless and seen as trash in most pack member’s eyes. So, in a sense, it makes sense for me to like books more than people and reality. It’s my way of escaping reality.
• Suddenly, the phone vibrates, and I hold my breath.
• Alpha Killian: Currently practicing the art of falling asleep with my eyes open so the council will think I’m listening.
• I giggle at that.
• Anna: The meeting is that bad, huh?
• Alpha Killian: Meetings, Anna. There is more than one, and I’m so done listening to these old geezers. All they ever do is argue about this and that. I would much rather be outside the office on a beautiful day like this.
• I cast my gaze on the window, smiling at the sun before taking up Anna’s phone again. My heart is racing. I’m bubbly and nervous, but since Killian thinks he is texting my sister, I can be bolder than usual.
• Anna: And what would the infamous Alpha Killian do on a sunny day like this if he weren’t working?
• Alpha Killian: Haha!
• Alpha Killian: He would be on a boat with a too-warm beer and a fishing pole in his hand.
• Anna: Oh, are you good at fishing?
• Alpha Killian: The infamous Alpha Killian would like to think he is better than most, but the truth is, the fish are too smart for him.
• I bite my lip as I chuckle to myself. This is going better than I thought. Killian’s responses aren’t just polite—they are engaging and inviting. As I respond, I let a bit of myself seep into the conversation even though I shouldn’t.
• Anna: Well then, maybe one day, you could show me how good you are at fishing.
• There! It’s out there now—a hint of flirtation. My heart races as I wait for his response.
• Alpha Killian: We could go this weekend? The skies are supposed to be clear, so we could hunt under the starlit sky, maybe catch some bunnies?
• My heart clenches, and tears prickle behind my eyelids. I’ve never been invited to hang out with someone before, but the “hunt” part reminds me of this being an invitation meant for my sister since I can’t shape-shift.
• A single tear falls down on the screen, but I smile through it and ignore the burning feeling in my chest.
• Anna: Sounds great!
• I put away the phone and look down at the books my sister and Nikki left behind. I’ve got my work cut out for me, and, let’s be honest—burying my nose in books is a better idea than breaking my heart further by talking to Killian. Because if I keep talking to him, I will probably develop feelings for him, which would be terrible since he is my sister’s future husband and someone I can never have.
• ***
• “Guess what? I have a date with Alpha Killian this weekend!” my sister exclaims in the hallway. She is wearing the biggest smile on her lips and squeals before hugging her phone to her chest. “Yieeee! I can’t believe he finally has a free day to have some fun!”
• I spy on my sister and Nikki from the staircase in silence. It’s been less than five minutes since they returned from their shopping round, and the first thing my sister wanted to check when she came home was her phone.
• “That’s great!” Nikki claps her hands in excitement. “So, where is he taking you?”
• “I don’t know. Probably some expensive restaurant—” my sister trails off, grimacing. “Nevermind the restaurant. He wants to go camping in the woods! Can you believe it? We are both finally free to enjoy the city life, and he wants us to go camping instead!”
• Nikki laughs out loud. “Better bring mosquito spray!”
• Anna pouts. “This isn’t funny, Nikki!” My sister’s eyes travel to the staircase, and once she sees me, her whole face gets this eureka look. “I got it! You—” she points at me. “You will take my place and go camping with Killian.”
• “Huh?” I shriek. “B-but it will be daylight!”
• “We look the same, so who cares if it will be daylight? Alpha Killian won’t notice any difference, and if he does, just say you’re feeling sick or something. It’s not like Alpha Killian would care if you’re acting weird or fall for you during a camping trip anyway since there’s nothing romantic about the wilderness.”
• My heart stutters at her words. “What? No, Anna!” I protest, my palms suddenly sweaty. “I...I can’t!”
• “What is this? Are you seriously saying no to my brilliant plan, you mutt? Let me make this very clear: you will take my spot, or I will make your life a living hell,” Anna threatens.
• My heart races, pounding in my chest like a wild drum. This will be a real date with Alpha Killian and if he notices I’m not my sister, it could lead to some serious consequences. Does my sister even realize that?
• Probably not.
• Anna is grinning triumphantly while Nikki looks between the two of us, her expression flitting between amusement and concern. She opens her mouth to say something but then decides against it.
• “Well, you better start packing then,” Anna smirks, hands on her hips.
• Since I know better than to argue, I nod and begin trudging up the stairs.
• Behind me, Anna shouts, “And remember to fuck him this time, Karin. You need to get pregnant!”
• My heart stops, my hand gripping the banister so tight my knuckles turn white.
• I know it’s expected of me to get pregnant in my sister’s place, but I have a feeling Killian won’t want to have sex with me after spending a whole day by my side. Not when he realizes what a loser I am…