Chapter 1

When Elena Michaels had successfully been turned, the news had spread quickly among the world of wolves. She was the only female to have survived being bitten; that was true. She was not, however, the only female werewolf as was popular belief. Annie Argenteiri had been kept hidden from the werewolf world. The first female werewolf to have been born, not bitten.

Her father, Adriano Argenteri, had been a Mutt, her mother a human who had died during childbirth. Adriano, fearing what might happen should anyone discover Annie, fled the country to his homeland, Italy. There he raised Annie as best he could, as both a human and wolf. Her first transformation was at the age of eleven, early for a wolf but there was no normal transition time for a female as there had never been a female werewolf before. Annie was kept out of the public eye as much as possible. Andriano homeschooled Annie as the two moved around Italy, never staying in one place for too long. Her scent was disguised with perfume and body spray, which she often complained about being too strong.

Annie was forced to return to America at the age of 15. She returned from running errands to the tiny shack that sufficed as their home to find her father slaughtered and the place ransacked. The smell of a foreign wolf was mixed with her father's. It was hard to control her wolf as it clawed about insider her begging her to avenge her father's death. Instead she spent the night mourning her father's death, burying him in an abandoned field in the early hours of the morning so that no one would discover his body. She did not know much of the wolf world, but there were rules that even her father, a mutt, had followed. Firstly, no one must ever discover what she was for she was unique and would be coveted among the wolf world. Secondly, no human must ever discover that there were werewolves.

She knew what to do. Her father had explained to her many times what she must do if something like that happened. Annie was to go to America, to Stonehaven in Bear Valley, New York where there was a pack. Only then and there, to the pack Alpha Jeremy Sanders, was she allowed to break the first rule and ask to become pack. It was her best chance at protection. So with a knapsack that carried her few possessions, her passport, and a wad of cash Annie got on a plane leaving Italy and tried not to look back.

Needless to say Jeremy as well as the other pack members had been more than a little shocked when she showed up on their doorstep. There had been a pack meeting held while Annie sat in the kitchen terrified to hear the result, whether they would accept her into the pack or shun her. Lucky for her, the pack accepted her with open arms. Annie had lost her father mere hours before, but he had made sure to provide her with a new family. Now she had more brothers than she knew what to do with, and all were intent on teasing her endlessly as brothers were supposed to do. At least, that was their excuse. They were older than she was, the closest to her age being Logan and even he had four years on her.

Logan was closest in age to her, but when it came to who she felt closest to it was Clayton. For some reason, unknown to the rest of the pack, Clayton developed a soft spot for the girl. Though he did his fair share of teasing Annie, he was also one of the few that stuck up for her when the others teasing went a bit too far. In truth, Clayton's overprotectiveness oftentimes annoyed Annie. The only time she was truly thankful for it was whenever Daniel Santos had been around. For some reason, he had always given Annie the creeps. It wasn't that he was a flirt, because lord knew Nick was the biggest flirt of them all, but more the way he would simply look at Annie as though she was a prize he was determined to win. She was never more relieved than the day he turned Mutt after his older brother had unsuccessfully attempted to go behind Jeremy's back and usurp him as Alpha.

Annie was seventeen when Clayton brought home Elena Michaels. She was curious about the guest, but Jeremy wouldn't allow her to meet her. It wasn't until after Elena made the transformation that Annie finally got introduced to her. She remembered Elena's first words to her. 'The bastard told me I was the only female to survive being bitten.' The rocky start soon solidified the longer Elena stayed, the two girls became attached to one another rather quickly, neither ever having a sister before. It was Elena who started filling Annie's head with ideas of college and a career other than in the pack. Clayton had been furious when he found out Elena was behind Annie's applications, and the resulting acceptances, into college. His reaction wasn't a surprise to Annie. Nick's, however, was. Both Nick and Clayton presented every excuse to Jeremy to keep Annie from going. Most of them dealing with how she wouldn't be safe.

Thankfully, she had Elena and Logan on her side. In the end Annie ended up attending the University at Upstate New York, but only under certain stipulations. She had to call home every Sunday, keep her scent hidden with perfume, and come home during every school Holiday. Agreeing to the terms were worth it, and nothing less than she probably would have done anyways.

At first it was scary, being alone in a big city, and Annie relished Sunday when she knew someone from the pack would make the time to talk to her—per Jeremy's first stipulation. More often than not it would be Nick who answered when she called, always starting the conversation with some flirtatious comment Annie knew he didn't really mean.

Annie took the train home during the Holidays and Clayton, Elena, and Nick were always waiting for her on the platform. Until one summer when Elena wasn't there. She had moved to Toronto for an indefinite period. Just like Logan had. It killed Clayton, Annie could see it. Probably one of the many reasons why nobody discussed what had happened to Annie. Not even Elena, who would call Annie only when she was at school. Annie suspected that was mostly so none of the pack could eavesdrop on their conversations. Elena had made Annie swear their conversations would remain between the two of them. The pack wasn't entirely happy about it, but Jeremy wouldn't dare to order Annie to betray Elena's confidence. It would isolate the only connection any of them had to Elena.

It was after Elena left that Clay ended up taking a part-time teaching job at Annie's University. She didn't mine, in fact it was nice to have a slice of home every once in a while. The two would meet up for lunch or dinner whenever Clay lectured on campus on Wednesdays and Fridays. The train was oftentimes replaced by Clay driving her home to Bear Valley on Holidays if he ended up teaching the day before break.

The fall Annie turned 21 Elena invited her to visit during her Thanksgiving break. She wanted to share in celebrating Annie's maturity—meaning she wanted to take Annie partying now that she was legally able to drink. The Sunday following Elena's invitation had not been the best phone call home. Nick had answered enthusiastically, asking her how she wanted to celebrate her biggest birthday in the history of birthdays. When she mentioned how she needed to talk to Jeremy about that he had pressed as to why and she ended up admitting Elena's invitation. There was silence on Nick's end until he handed the phone to Jeremy. Annie could hear Nick's voice in the background filling someone in before Clayton's voice clearly rang over Jeremy's calm tone.

"Hell no! She is not going to Toronto. If Elena wants to celebrate with Annie she'll have to come to Bear Valley." Despite Clayton's obvious disapproval Jeremy relented once Annie promised she'd call every night she was in Toronto.

Elena was both surprised and elated when Annie told her the good news. The first night there was uneventful as Elena simply picked Annie up at the Airport and they ordered pizza in while watching romantic comedies. Annie met Philip for the first time the next day. He was cute, and nice, and so obviously in love with Elena. Annie was happy for Elena, but she couldn't help but wonder how long the relationship could last. He was human after all and not permitted to know what Elena was. Of course, she made no mention of that to Elena, not wanting to pop her happy little bubble.

Thanksgiving was spent with Philip and his family, which was admittedly awkward. They were nice enough, but they weren't family and Annie couldn't help but feel a little homesick. She put on a happy face though and Philip's sister as well as Elena's new BFF, Diane, seemed to take to Annie immediately. She dragged Elena and Annie Black Friday shopping—something Annie spent most of Friday night complaining to Nick about as he had been the one to answer her call. Diane also tagged along with Elena and Annie when they hit the bars Saturday night. To be honest, it was probably mostly Diane's fault that Annie ended up drinking enough to make her more than a little tipsy as she kept buying her more and more drinks.

When Annie hadn't called home to Stonehaven by 11, Nick ended up calling her with Clayton standing nearby. Both didn't know whether to be angry or worried—Annie never missed a call. The first time they got her voicemail. Nick immediately hung up without leaving a message and redialed. That time Annie answered, finally able to dig her phone out of her purse.

"Shit" She murmured when she saw the number calling. In truth, Annie hadn't realized it was so late. Fighting her way off the dance floor and to the quietest corner she could find at the bar she finally answered. "I'm so sorry I haven't called. I lost track of time." That didn't seem to pacify Nick.

"You lost track of time? Annie it's midnight. You never miss a call." He sounded equal parts relieved and angry.

"We went out, and there's no clock in here anywhere." Nick said something in response, but even in the quietest corner it still wasn't very quiet. Not to mention some random dude had plunked himself on the barstool next to her and was asking her if she wanted a drink at the same time Nick was trying to speak.

"Hang on, I can't hear you." The random guy repeated his question, obviously unaware she had not been talking to him, just as Nick began to repeat himself. "Not you. I heard you. No I don't want a drink, or to dance. Can't you see I'm on the phone?" She muttered irritated. Sliding off her own stool Annie moved away from the annoying drunk guy who didn't seem to understand the words no or leave me alone.

"Are you at a bar?" Nick shouted louder so Annie would hear him. He hadn't known that Annie had reached the ladies room and could easily hear him as well as Clayton shouting angrily in the background 'She's in a bar?'

"What did you think Elena and I would do for my 21st birthday?" Both men answered with similarly innocent suggestions such as cake and ice cream and movies. "We did all that earlier in the week. Tonight, as Diane would say, was all about drinking, dancing, and hook-ups." Only after Annie mentioned the last part did she realize it probably wasn't the best idea. In her defense she had been quoting Diane. A fact that Nick and Clayton seemed to miss.

"Hooking up?!" Clayton bellowed, seeming to have commandeered the phone from Nick as he sounded a lot closer than a minute ago. "This is why you shouldn't have gone to Toronto. Jesus Annie, Nick and I aren't even there to intimidate the perverts hitting on you."

"Okay, obviously I was joking about hooking up. I'm not that drunk." Annie quickly clarified. Clayton only murmured something that sounded like 'that makes me feel so much better.' Annie chose to ignore his sarcasm. "Besides, I have plenty of experience with perverts at school. I know how to take care of myself." Once again Annie realized her mistake too late as Clayton went off once more. After listening to his overprotective rant for several more minutes she insisted he put Nick—the reasonable one—back on the phone. It turned out Nick wasn't more reasonable. Not that time. Not when it came to Annie and perverts, and possible hook-ups.

"You know what, you are all hypocrites. You're allowed to hook up with girls anytime you want, and Logan can live with his girlfriend, yet I can't even talk with a guy without you guys freaking out. Screw that." Hanging up without bothering to hear either man's response, Annie returned to the dance floor to find Elena. All she wanted was to go home. Clayton and Nick had ruined her fun mood.

For the rest of her visit Annie called Jeremy's cell phone to check in, still angry at the way Clayton and Nick had overreacted. Elena fully supported her, saying the less the guys knew about her personal life the easier it would be. Annie couldn't help but agree when she thought of Elena's personal life and how much easier it was that the pack didn't know about Philip.

It took another week before Annie conceded to talking with Nick. She was just more careful to avoid mentioning anything boy related to him or Clayton. During winter break Clayton and Nick made a point of taking her out with them as a sort of apology. Though they mostly stuck to the bar, sending glares at any guy who approached whenever Annie wasn't looking.

Much to Annie's surprise Nick turned down several women who had either asked him if he wanted to dance or wanted a drink. They were attractive, and obviously looking for a good time which was normally exactly Nick's type. Was he trying to make a point to not be a hypocrite? Perhaps Annie should have mentioned she was completely over her little outburst from last month, but a part of her was slightly happy when Nick chose her and Clayton over the women.

Nick ordered another round of shots, downing both his and Annie's once he realized she wasn't going to drink it. Annie had lost her taste for tequila after that weekend partying with Diana and Elena where she spent the night hugging the toilet and swearing off alcohol for good. As soon as Nick had finished Annie's shot he abruptly rose to his feet, pulling Annie up with him.

"Let's dance," Were his only words as he dragged Annie towards the dance floor. She followed without resistance, slightly confused at his request seeing as he had turned down the other women. The dance floor was crowded, but Nick found a spot for them by elbowing several people out of the way. Unsure of what exactly to do, Annie stood frozen in hesitation for a moment before Nick pulled her towards him. With hands on her hips he began swaying his own hips to the beat, smiling when Annie began swaying along with him.

Annie didn't know what to think. Dancing with Nick was fun, she'd be lying if she said she didn't enjoy it. It was also a little awkward. The way they were dancing, and his hands on her hips, didn't feel very brotherly. In fact it felt distinctively not brotherly at all. Wanting to disrupt the awkwardness Annie turned to face Nick, planning on telling him she needed some water. That's when he kissed her. His lips were soft and warm and tasted of tequila. Admittedly, Annie kissed him back, but only for a couple minutes. She pulled away as soon as she realized what she was doing.

Nick was her pack mate and her friend. He was like a brother to her. An older brother at that. He was twenty-seven for Christ's sake. And did she mention he was like her brother. Before he could say anything Annie fled the dance floor, finding Clay where they had left him at the bar. He was downing another beer, obviously having paid zero attention to her and Nick, when she reached him.

"I want to go home." She demanded, causing Clay to glance up at her in confusion. "Please." She added, just as Nick joined them. She could feel his presence behind her, his familiar scent surrounding her, causing her to flush. Clayton glanced between her and Nick, as if sensing something had happened. Thankfully he didn't say anything. He simply nodded, placing enough money on the bar to cover their drinks. She led the way outside, taking the front passenger seat without asking and avoiding looking anywhere near Nick's direction. In fact, she ignored him the whole way home.

Unfortunately she couldn't avoid him for the whole rest of her break, though she did her best to never find herself alone with him. Every night Nick had knocked on her bedroom door, wanting to talk. She simply pretended to be asleep, though Annie doubted if Nick actually bought it. He could hear her heartbeat just as she could hear his, and her heartbeat sped up whenever he knocked on her door. Eventually he managed to get her alone, catching her as she was leaving the bathroom after showering.

"Annie please, just talk with me." He pleaded, blocking her path to her room. A part of Annie wanted to brush past him without a word, but he sounded so desperate and forlorn it made her pause.

"Meet me out back in ten minutes," she finally consented. She'd be damned if they'd have this conversation anywhere in hearing distance of the pack. As soon as she had agreed he let her pass. In the safety of her bedroom Annie took a moment to lean against her closed door, trying to calm her nerves. Knowing she could only stall but so long she quickly towel dried her dark hair, pulling it up in a ponytail before slipping on jeans, a red sweater, and her brown leather boots.

Nick was waiting for her on the porch, but before he could say a word she shook her head, continuing past him to the edge of the yard. They weren't far enough away for her comfort. She heard him sigh in frustration, but felt him follow her anyways. Once she felt they were at a decent distance she turned around, not realizing just how close Nick had been following her until then. Taking a step back for comfort Annie looked up at him.

"You were drunk Nick, and I was tipsy. It was an accident. Can't we just leave it at that?" Annie glanced away when she started talking, unable to hold eye contact. In truth, she wasn't completely sure if she wanted to just leave it. She just kept telling herself she did because it made things easier.

"No," Nick stated so insistent that it resulted in Annie forgetting her determination to avoid eye contact. "I wasn't drunk, and it wasn't an accident." The intensity in his eyes caused a blush to rise in Annie's cheeks.

"Nick, you had just taken two tequila shots before that." Annie replied, sticking to her guns on the whole him being drunk thing.

"I'm a big guy Annie, I can handle my liquor. I wasn't drunk. I took the shots as a little liquid courage." He ground out, his intense brown eyes boring into her, daring her to contradict him again.

"Fine, you weren't drunk." Annie shot out in frustration. "But everyone knows you're a flirt Nicky." It was a harsh statement to throw at him now, Annie knew that, but it was also true. Even if Nick wasn't drunk, Annie was smart enough not to think he meant much by the kiss. He had never taken any relationship seriously. He was the pack's resident playboy.

"When's the last time you've seen me flirt with another woman Annie?" Nick challenged gruffly. All Annie could do was shrug in response. She was at school most of the time, so she couldn't say when the last time was. "It's been years Annie. I haven't since you left for school." Annie was tempted not to believe Nicky. She knew his track record with women. But there was a fierce sincerity in his eyes that forced her to believe him.

"You're my pack brother," Annie threw up another reason, another barrier between Nick and her. After her last two had been shut down she was quickly running out of them.

"I haven't seen you as a sister in some time." Nick responded candidly, causing Annie to blush again. This wouldn't work. She had to remind herself of that.

"You're six years older than me," She murmured softly, eyes on her feet.

"Clay's eight years older than Elena." Nick countered just as softly, taking a step closer. He smiled at his small victory when Annie didn't counter it with a step back.

"Look how great that turned out." Annie's sarcastic response actually caused Nick to chuckle. He could tell when people were running out of excuses and Annie was starting to grasp at straws. "Besides, what will Jeremy say? Or Clay?"

"You know they would be fine with it." Placing his right hand beneath her chin, Nick lightly lifted her gaze up to meet his. Annie couldn't offer up any more excuses, she knew as well as Nick did that Jeremy really wouldn't mind at all. And Clay would be downright happy, especially since it would offer him new grounds to tease Nick on.

When Annie didn't pull away from Nick's touch he felt a bubble of hope rise in his chest. Closing the space between them he pressed his lips against Annie's for the second time. He smiled into the kiss when he felt Annie returning it. Moving his hands to the back of her neck, he pulled her closer to him, as her hands found their way to his chest. This was how it was supposed to be. That was, until he realized she was pulling away, her hands restraining him and preventing him from following.

"Nick wait. I'm going back to school. This is my last semester and I want to graduate." Frustration flooded over Nick at yet another excuse. His wolf agreed, egging him to ignore Annie's newest argument and pull her back to them. Before they could act however Annie moved her right hand to cover Nick's mouth as if sensing his intentions. "It's not forever Nick. I'm not running like Elena. I'll be back for good at the beginning of May. Not to mention there's still spring and Easter break. And I'll still talk to you every Sunday like we've been doing for the past three and a half years. I just can't promise anything more until then. Graduating on time sort of entails focus and studying."

Nick wanted to argue more than anything else. He wanted to keep Annie with him. But he recognized how selfish that would be, and although he normally had no problem going the selfish route, he didn't want to upset Annie. Finishing nursing school was everything to her, he knew that. He also knew how much the pack could use someone knowledgeable about medicine. It had been one of the reasons Jeremy had let her go in the first place; because Annie's chosen career would benefit the pack.

"Alright. Maybe I'll travel some with dad while you're off finishing your degree." Nick attempted to sound upbeat and positive. It must have worked because Annie's face lit up with a huge smile and she moved her arms up to hug him.

"Thank you," she exclaimed in happiness and relief that Nick wouldn't fight her on returning to school. Nick murmured 'welcome' as he returned the hug, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her neck. She ended up slapping him halfheartedly on the back of the head before pulling away and rolling her eyes at his behavior.

Clayton ended up being Annie's ride back to campus as he had a lecture set for Monday that week. The good part about that was Annie got to say goodbye to everyone at the house, offering more privacy than the train station. The bad part was Clayton sensed something different in her goodbye with Nick.

"So, what's going on between you and Nick?" Clay breached the subject not ten minutes into their road trip.

"Nothing," Annie quickly answered, keeping her gaze on the windshield. Clay tsked at her response.

"I saw that goodbye hug. No one else got a goodbye hug like that. So I repeat, what's going on?" Annie could feel his gaze on her, the intense enforcer one he used during interrogations. He wasn't backing down until he got a straight answer.

"We kissed." Annie finally admitted, to which Clay let out a long whistle. "Twice."

"It's about Damn time that pup grew some and made a move." Whipping her head to look at Clay in disbelief she found him smiling widely back at her. "Nick's harbored a thing for you since you turned seventeen."

"Yes, well, he'll be harboring it for at least another five months. I told him nothing's happening while I'm still at school." Clay shook his head, muttering something that sounded a lot like 'poor nick.' Silence stretched on for the rest of the ride until Annie grew tired of it and turned on the radio. At least there would be no more awkward conversation about her and Nick.

AN: so I love the show Bitten, but have never read the books. Therefore this will be roughly be based off of the show with some obvious changes. This is my second or third attempt at third person writing so forgive me if it is a bit choppy. Hope you enjoy!

Rach

xoxo