You’ve known Laurel Walker since you were six years old. Her family moved into the house next to yours, and your mothers introduced you. Her parents scowled, believing you would be a bad influence because you had two moms. Despite this, Laurel was drawn to you immediately. From the moment you locked eyes, you were inseparable. Her parents' disapproval never kept her away.

You would have been annoyed by her clinginess if it were anyone else. Laurel always wanted to be around you and followed you everywhere. Although she was a year younger and your other friends thought it was uncool, it didn’t matter to you. You never wanted to be without her. Your folks used to joke that you were like fated mates because of how sudden and strong your bond was.

For years, you and Laurel have been best friends. You became her protector when she presented as an omega in seventh grade. You didn’t like any alphas or beta boys bothering her. Everyone made fun of you since then because you were big and expected to become an alpha, but you were dubbed a beta since you never presented. Betas aren’t supposed to stand up for omegas, and nobody cares what a beta does. But that didn’t matter to you; Laurel was yours to protect.

When you woke up this morning, you didn't realize you'd end up bonded to your best friend, but you were happy about it. You just wanted to check on her since her parents said she had the flu and missed a few days. As soon as you opened the door, a sickly sweet smell hit you. It smelled like cherry blossoms and milk, like Laurel, but much stronger. Something clicked in your head: Laurel was in heat.

When you got to her room, you saw her burying herself in a nest of soft things, making noises that sounded like she was in pain. In that moment, something happened to you. Your mind exploded with a sensory blast, and you felt something inside you shift. The only word that came to mind when you looked at Laurel was, "Mine." You jumped back, realizing what had happened. You had just presented as an alpha.