A Shifting Love

“He's a married man, Raven! I love you dearly, but you'll never have my blessing with that," I said to my lovesick best friend, Raven, over breakfast that morning. She was secretly dating one of the history professors at the university, Professor Bryce Wicker. Fraternization between students and staff was strictly prohibited, but my biggest issue was that the guy was married. He wasn't just disrespecting his wife but Raven as well. “But he doesn't even love her, Autumn," she whined. “They're not even mates!" “He's not your mate either!" We all were shifters and belonged to the Scarlet Moon Pack. Most of the married shifters had found their mates, but there were several, like Bryce, who had simply married someone. I assumed those shifters did it for procreation to keep their bloodlines going; they also probably wanted to avoid loneliness. I didn't know Bryce's motives, but I wished he would leave Raven alone. “Can't you see I'm happy, though?" she replied, slumping in her chair. “I can't talk to my parents about this, so it's your job as my best friend to support me." “Girl, you have lost your mind," I said, aggressively stabbing the gold fork into my favorite breakfast, steak and eggs. “Do you know what will happen if my dad finds out?" My father, August Blackwell, was not only the president of the university but the Alpha of the Scarlet Moon Pack, and he took both of his high-ranking positions very seriously. Bryce would no longer have a job, and Raven could possibly be expelled and not graduate with me at the end of the month. Raven was like a fourth daughter to my dad, but he was very strict and didn't take having any of his rules broken lightly. Raven would also face the consequences, not just Bryce. Raven eyed me suspiciously, her gray eyes unblinking. “The only way your dad will find out about Bryce and me is if you tell him, Autumn." I pushed my plate aside and stared at the girl who had been my best friend for the twenty-two years I had been alive. For the past month, she had been so devoted to a man who would never feel the same about her. “Look, I may not approve of what you and that despicable man are doing—" I paused for Raven to finish her eye-rolling. “But I would never do anything to hurt you. Your secret is safe with me, Rae, but you know you deserve better than to be someone's late-night booty call or a quickie at the office." She fiddled with the gold spoon that sat in her uneaten bowl of strawberries and yogurt. I had noticed that her diet was much “healthier" since she had been fooling with Bryce. “Our relationship isn't just about s*x. Bryce and I have a real connection." I scoffed. “Yeah. Like what, dictating what you eat?' I questioned, gesturing to the bowl in front of her. Like many male shifters, Bryce was tall, toned, and devoted to maintaining his physique. His wife, Delilah, had recently given birth to their fifth child, and she hadn't lost the baby weight. Raven was a curvy girl, so who knows what kind of twisted mind games he was playing with her. Raven shook her head. “He's not like that at all, Autumn. Bryce likes me the way I am. I wanted to make healthier choices for myself." “We're shifters, Raven!" I exclaimed. “We need protein, not nuts and berries. Besides, all the SINGLE guys around here can't get enough of you and your curves." Raven and I had similar body types; we both were busty, had ample bottoms, and were above average height. Guys seemed to be more captivated with her, though. In addition to her gray eyes, Raven had smooth honey-colored skin and flowy jet-black hair that fell to her waist. I guess my equally smooth caramel skin, hazel eyes, and ruby red waves paled in comparison. “You're so dramatic sometimes," Raven chuckled. “Guys aren't necessarily more interested in me. I'm just more approachable," she added, crossing her arms against her chest smugly. Now it was time for me to do an eye roll. “How so?" “You're the Alpha's baby girl. Do you not realize how intimidating that is?" “Any man so intimidated by my father that he doesn't bother to get to know me is weak and unworthy of my time." I had never even thought of my status being the reason for my inexperience with romance. There had been a few hookups throughout college, but nothing serious, so I focused on my studies. I came from a long line of healers and aspired to join the field. Finishing school was the only thing I was committed to the past four years, and nothing was going to stop me from graduating at the end of the month. “You're never going to find romance if you don't loosen up and stop being so stubborn, Autumn," Raven said as she finally ate a spoonful of yogurt. “I'd rather be alone than settle or be forced to love someone secretly." “Ouch." “The truth hurts, doesn't it?" I snarked, checking the time on my phone. “It's been a pleasure, but I have a meeting with Dr. Blackwell before I start this super long a** day. I agreed to close the bookstore for Stacy tonight," I sighed regretfully. As the Alpha and university president's daughter, I really didn't have to work, but my status didn't define me. The people in my community needed to see me as an equal, not just a superior. “It's so strange that you have to make appointments with your dad." I gathered my dirty dishes and placed them in the sink. “He's a very busy man, and he doesn't play around when it comes to his job duties around here. That's exactly why you and Bryce need to quit while you're ahead." Raven opened her mouth to defend her affair again, but I was already out the door.