Koga was not one to gloat, but god damn, was she beautiful. With a cheesy grin plastered to his face, he glanced at the profile photo once more. Observing the wild onyx hair that matched wolf royalty and piercing blue eyes that seemed to rival his, he officially thanked the gods for such luck.

Well, holy fuck.

His beast mirrored his excitement at such a prize with all too powerful purred.

When they had matched on the suspicious app, he was intrigued. When his beast placed a claim on someone neither had met before, he was both alarmed and reluctant. Hell, he wasn't even sure of how such a thing could be possible. But, when he saw her, the wolf prince knew that he would accept defeat far more gracefully and quicker than he had ever done in his entire life. After all, who was he to decline such a prize?

Then and there, he began the courting process without an ounce of hesitation. Much like the confident wolf prince he was, he ensured that the beauty he matched with had no doubt about his interest in her. After all, he was royalty, and as a prince— or a wolf, he was not one to beat around the bush.

Swiping right already, princess? I just created this profile an hour ago. I'm flattered.

And just like that, their banter began.

With her response to such a comment came his delightful laugh. Was his future mate playing hard to get? With such an intriguing possibility, his eyes lit up and filled with mischief as thoughts of a chase entered his mind.

How long had it been since he had such a thing? Or, more importantly, when was the last time he had actually desired to pursue someone? Oh yes, she would be a delightful chase indeed. One that his body told him that he most definitely needed.

With that final thought, he played with her as a cat and mouse would. Asking his questions, he smirked as both her responses and interest quickened.

So that's you? In the photo?

He had asked, but somehow, he had already known the answer to such a question. Even still, her response was filled with sarcasm and sass. Biting his lip, he let out a slight hum of appreciation for such traits.

She was cheeky.

And fuck if he was not already enjoying it.

Like a good mouse, she tried to fight his advances. The more she pushed away, the more he wanted to pin the beauty in a corner. Even as a groan surfaced at such a thought, the wolf prince continued on with such an enticing game.

Pushing through her defenses with far more enjoyment than he had in centuries, he complimented her on such a cherished trait. Oh, how well they would match.

Her defiance. His persistence.

Her instinct to run. His to chase.

As more discoveries were unearthed regarding the beauty he corresponded with, he couldn't help but wonder what else he would learn. Were there other traits she had that would ensure an even more perfect blend of their personalities?

He hoped so.

I like crazy. Keeps life interesting.

On and on, the chase continued through conversation.

Sitting up in his bed with his tail wagging in the thrill of it all and a grin plastered on his face, Koga stayed glued to the phone. After poking and prodding, he had found his 'in' towards even further advancement into letting her know just how intrigued he already was.

Don't worry princess, I can get you lower.

Closing his eyes, he allowed visions of the raven-haired beauty to enter his mind. The ways he would chase her.

Or tease her.

God, how badly he wanted to see how she would react when cornered and knowing she had nowhere else to go. Would she give up struggling altogether? Or would she try to stand her ground and fight?

Feeling his body warm-up at the thoughts of a successful chase, he knew that they would both be pleased when he succeeded. Hell, he would ensure she would never want for anyone else ever again. Already, his mind has created scenarios of her integrated into their pack and beside him. With such thoughts, his eyes widened at a realization. Maybe, just maybe, the dragon really knew what he was doing.

Allowing himself a moment of calm, he briefly debated on the worlds Ryu had spoken.

Interspecies breeding.

With a curiosity that no wolf should process, he wondered on such a thing— her species. Would his luck be so grand that she was a wolf? After all, their features all but complimented each other. Or maybe, she would be a fox? With intrigue, he decided he could most definitely see her personality belonging to that of a fox. Usually, fox breeds held red or silver hair. Unless they were the rare breed of a grey or a black fox.

Shaking his head at such emotion at identifying her, he focused back on the chat. Even as she told him of the unexpected match, he couldn't help but laugh. It seemed that both had been opposed to such an idea initially. Yet, the universe had still managed to drag them together with full force. With that thought, he had given her the wisdom that his mother always rehearsed back to him.

The beginning isn't as important as the end.

This phrase alone had become a motto in their tribe. If you fucked up, you can fix it. If things aren't as nice as you want them to be, change them. With this motto and mantra alone, the wolf tribe grew to be not only successful but unstoppable. Mistakes were rectified, understandings were resolved, and when there was hesitation, hope for a better future moved them along.

With a sure smile, he puffed his chest out in pride, knowing that she was the first outside of his pack to be offered such knowledge. With heart-pounding and tail still wagging, he debated on how much more he would share with her. He had known her for less than an hour, and already, he wanted to tell her so much.

But, he was also aware that not all breeds were as aggressive or confident as his. Wolves were particular in that regard. The moment they had decided on a mate, there was no stopping them. Yet, if she was not a wolf, then he would need to take his time.

For her, he would be patient.

As their chat continued, she had done the impossible. He had allowed himself half an hour away from their conversation. After all, maybe he was going too fast. He did not want to scare her away. Taking a breather from the beauty that had all but caused him to lose his breath, he beckoned two of his wolves for questioning about a recent matter. He had wanted to test her. He needed to see if she could stay away because, by God, it was becoming clear that he could do no such thing.

Thirty minutes passed, and for the first time in his life, Koga doubted himself. Had this entire thing been one-sided? Was she not as smitten as he was? Or what if she simply wasn't interested? Such a thought caused his eyes to widen.

Wolves mated for life.

What if she was his destined, but she refused such a pact? He had heard such rumors and whispers from centuries ago, but even to this day, it scared the hell out of every single wolf. Even after centuries, such legends and nightmares were whispered about the children. It was enough to scare children and adults alike to want and desire someone only to be denied happiness for the rest of their lives. It was nothing short of hell for a wolf.

That had been why wolves took great pride in not only their courting process but also loving and being attentive to their mates. His kind was known for loyalty, protectiveness, and affection. And with those thoughts, his worry nearing full-on fear and anxiety, Koga panicked.

What if she didn't respond?

Yet, just like that, relief surfaced as a ding notified him that his fears were misplaced and nothing short of irrational.

Is the big bad wolf asleep? Did I bore him?

Big bad wolf? He allowed his fang to graze his bottom lip as he smirked. She really had no idea how perfect such a title was for him. Or maybe, she did? How had she guessed on his breed, but he could not figure hers out? At least with his term of endearment, it had made sense. The moment that his beast had spoken, he had given her such a title. If he was to be successful, she would be a princess in every sense of the word.

His princess.

But big bad wolf? Had she known? Had his aggressive and confident personality allowed her to make sure a guess on his breed? Or was she simply asking that he be such a thing with her? Either way, he would most definitely fulfill both sides of such a request. With clarity, reassurance, and mutual understanding of each other's interests, Koga allowed himself to reprieve from worry and self-doubt. For now, he could rest. After all, today, he had accomplished more in his life than most.

He had found his destined and future mate.

But by God, come morning, he hoped she was prepared for what would follow. Because now, he was invested. Now, he and his beast were on the same page. Thinking back centuries, no battles or wars had been lost when they were of one mind and desire. And this would be no different.

She would be his.

"What are you looking at?" Sango's head shot up, and instinctively, she hid her phone away from the nosey team lead.

"It's nothing!" But her tone said otherwise, and Kagome was already advancing towards her in curiosity .

"Can't a girl have some privacy?"

Kagome snorted.

Sango huffed.

They both knew their friendship had no such thing. Privacy. No, if nothing else, they were both overly curious and nosey. This situation was no different and they both knew it.

"Okay, okay. His names Miroku and he's kind of cute. But also a fuck boy. A cute fuckboy? Oh god." Even as the quiet whine escaped her lips she could hear Kagome quietly giggling at her expense.

"Noted. I'll let you have your privacy—with your fuckboy." With humor in her eyes, the team lead backed away and began documenting the updates in the shift change.

"Anything new?"

"Nope. 4 tickets for the night shift. I got them closed. Just browser and some phone compatibility issues. Nothing crazy."

Sango nodded in understanding as she prepared to take over the shift. Taking a look at her best friend, she rattled her head on how to ask the question she wanted to. For hours she had contemplated on how to approach such a subject. After all, if nothing else, her friend was not overly social. This would require delicate maneuvering. With no time to waste, Sango spoke up.

"Hey, Kagome? Can you do me a favor?" For this one time, she used her puppy dog eyes as she gazed at the petite woman that looked like she was finishing up her last-minute duties.

"Yeah. What's up? Good request, or bad?" Even with the huff, Sango knew her friend wasn't truly inconvenienced. No, Kagome was just being Kagome.

"I have tickets to a water park…" she began, knowing her friend wasn't going to be pleased with any requests that required socializing. Despite her hard work, Sango had yet to convince the woman to do something other than focus on work. But by God, it wasn't from lack of her trying. No, her friend was just that stubborn.

When Kagome's eyes narrowed in incoming rejection, Sango interrupted her. No, she would not allow this request to end like all the others.

"We are literally not going to have the same weekends off for another two weeks—c'mon!" with hearing the annoyance in her tone, Kagome's eyes softened a bit. Then, she seemed to be contemplating such a decision and how to best answer. Biting her lip, she nodded to Sango in agreement.

"Fine."

And just like that, Sango rewarded her friend with a smile of disbelief and happiness. With eyes lit up in excitement, Sango squealed in excitement for the weekend that was now planned.

It was far too early in the morning for his eyes to open, and yet, here he was. His phone vibrating with incoming text messages as well as urgent emails. With a tired yawn, Koga briefly glanced at his phone for something specific. He let out a huff to his hurt ego when he noted that his phone had no notifications from a particular beauty. Instead, it had work emails about business and a damn text from a rather annoying and obnoxious monk.

Rolling his eyes, he groaned in frustration while preparing himself for the day. With it, he unlocked his phone and glanced at the most urgent text.

The wolf tribes want to meet…at a water park.

With the text, the monk had attached the emoji for water droplets that he normally used with thirsty ass comments. Typical, but most definitely not appropriate for discussion regarding tribe and pack duties.

Jesus fuck.

A water park? Were they five? This was what was so important to relay to him at five in the morning?

Wolves or you? It's a business meeting, Miroku—not a hookup. I swear to God, if this is about a woman, I'm going to send you to an early grave.

Typing up the words on his phone, he rolled his eyes at the situation at hand. How had the day barely begun, and already he had to scold a priest AND tribe members all from across the continents? A notification ding interrupted his thoughts, and expecting a message from Miroku, he growled in irritation. Ready to chew him out personally instead of on text, he unlocked his phone to read the message.

You ever been to a water park? Also, good morning. Is that appropriate…or weird? Am I rambling? Sorry.

Blinking once, and then twice, he furrowed his brows in confusion.

The text should have been from Miroku.

But it wasn't.

It belonged to his spitfire.

Now, both curious and alarmed, he shot out of bed needing answers while ensuring his future mate was aware that he would welcome any of her words.

Good morning, beautiful. Definitely not weird, and don't apologize. Did you sleep well?

This early in the morning and asking about waterparks? Are you always so random or simply asking me out on a date before my day gets tied up with chaos?

Hitting send, he hoped she would focus more on his flirtatious behavior than his questioning. Yet, he had to know. It couldn't have been a coincidence. Could it?

Thinking back to such a topic, he debated if waterparks were normal discussions for humans at the ass crack of dawn. Reluctantly, he came to the conclusion that such was not the case. After all, the priest had never referenced such a topic before and, more importantly, never at so early in the morning.

Conquests or bad drunk decisions? Yes. In fact, more often than Koga had desired. Yet, the monk's behavior never changed. So for there to suddenly be two individuals texting him about the same thing and at the same time was nothing short of suspicious.

Good to know. Well, I assure you, Big-Bad-Wolf, I was asking for a friend. They invited me. I've never been.

He read the message again and narrowed his eyes. Now, panic set in once more. Who had invited her? Did she know Miroku? Or, more importantly, did she belong to another of the wolf tribes that he was scheduled to meet?

Fuck.

Trying to calm himself and his beast, he demanded more information.

He needed to know that no one else was attempting to lay a claim on what was his. If they were, he had to remedy the situation immediately. But first, he required information.

Oh, male or female?

For what felt like forever, she didn't respond. In the span of two minutes, Koga went through multiple scenarios and reasons for such a coincidence. Considering all of them, he had come back with two viable options. The first was that they had a shared acquaintance with one pervy and thirsty ass priest. Yet, such an option was, more than likely, not plausible. After all, the monk was never quiet about beautiful women in his life.

And if nothing else, Kagome was stunning.

That had left one other option-the one that he had most dreaded. Was she texting about such a thing because she had belonged to one of the packs that were scheduled to arrive? If that was the case, he would need to ensure to let the proper tribe know immediately and that that he would be requesting oversight of her and to start the courting process.

Then, the notification appeared on the screen. With no patience left, Koga snatched up the phone and read the response demanding answers.

Ohhhhh, stalker vibes. Calm down. It's just a water park.

Stalker vibes? She wasn't wrong. His beast, at this moment, was ready to sniff out every water park and find her. And to be fair, he wasn't much better. Here he was, already thinking of what to offer the pack that she belonged to in trade for her hand. Once more, he and his beast were in agreement with making sure all the proper information was gathered and that they would be able to proceed with starting the mating process.

But still, she hadn't answered his question. With it, he couldn't proceed. Taking a deep breath, he decided he would try the direct approach.

Just making sure you will be alright, Kagome. No need to panic. But, as a Big Bad Wolf I have to be territorial. It's kind of, you know, our thing.

He used her name, and then he played it cool. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off. But were foxes always so easily scared off? Now that he thought of it, he decided that they were known to be skittish. Was that why she was acting all weird? The difference in breeds? After all, if nothing else, wolves were direct.

Letting out a huff and running his fingers through his hair, he cursed himself for not knowing or able to confirm her breed. If he knew such vital information, then he could have adjusted to her behavior. Or at least, understood it.

But then again, this is why many had stuck to their own kind. It caused fewer complications.

My friend is a female. Back to the water park, Koga. Focus, please.

Letting out a sigh of relief, he let out another deep breath while both he and his beast purred with appreciation at the use of his name.

How strange. It was day two of knowing the vixen, and already he was prepared to run across all of Tokyo to see whom she was with. Still, it begged the question of why he had received two people both talking about the same thing and, more importantly, at the same time.

Allowing himself to calm down and consider what information he did know, he ran through his knowledge. For one, he knew the packs that were coming, and none had announced females that were scheduled for arrival. The only pack that had a female listed for attendance was his. Which meant that, more than likely, she could not belong to any of the wolf packs.

So, back to square one.

Was his future mate truly a fox?

With his heart and anxiety calmed, he went back to the conversation.

So you're going? With no prince to lather you with sunscreen? Such a tragedy. You know, princess, I'd volunteer in a heartbeat. Sunscreen, dinner, and forever?

And before he thought better of it, he clicked send. Would the vixen know that he was serious? Surely, she had to. If she could identify his breed so quickly, she would know that his kind was direct, confident, and never backed down from what they desired.

To his pleasant surprise, her response was rather instant.

Flirt.

Laughing, he shook his head. She had to be a fox. Only they could be so skittish, aloof, and afraid of such commitment. Even now, he could envision the beauty skirting around his flirtatious behavior and trying her best to remain aloof. Was that why she wouldn't accept his advances for what they were? Sure, it was day two, but what demon in their right mind approved the courting process but then rejected the advances?

With a huff, he answered his own question.

Foxes.

So, when is the princess scheduled to neglect me for something so dull as a water park?

With it, he attached an annoyed side-eyed emoji.

Not holding anything back, he wanted her to know that despite their relatively quick relationship, he was all invested. With such behavior came the famous trait of wolves.

Jealousy.

Tomorrow. Oh, is that what wolves do? Pout? How unbecoming of the Big Bad Wolf.

For a brief moment, he wanted nothing more than to show her just what it was that wolves did. For one, they lived for the chase, and this was exactly what she was causing his blood to want. Images of such an event and what it would entail made him let out a mix between a moan and growl.

The way this breath would hit her neck as he pinned her down. Her skittish attempts to escape his grasps. Already, he could see her eyes widening in understanding when he would show her just what happened after the chase was concluded.

Fuck.

Did she realize how lucky she was that she wasn't near him? Had she been, he was quite sure he would have already pounced on the feisty woman. He shook his head to try to rid himself of such devious thoughts and once more tried to focus on the chat. For now, he would allow her the distance. But not for long. If he could just get more information about this water park.

Pout? Never, princess. I have no time for such a thing once a chase has begun. But pity about that water park. I would have been far more fun.

He waited. Hell, he couldn't help but hope she would come back with a sassy comment. After all, she had been consistent this entire time.

And sure enough she did.

Hook.

Line.

And sinker.

More fun than a water park? Doubtful.

Grinning with inappropriate thoughts in his head, he let out a dark chuckle. Rather quickly, his mind came together with what a water park and he, the wolf prince, had in common...and with it, he added the raven-haired goddess to the equation.

As his thoughts played in his mind, he responded without hesitation.

Princess, I'd be far better than the water park, and I assure you, you would be far wetter and more satisfied. Also, taking a guess here, but you'd probably scream louder too—Just sayin.

Hitting send and chuckling, he waited.

And waited.

After 5 minutes, she finally managed a text.

With a wolfish grin, Koga wondered what had gone through her mind. More importantly, had she reacted in the way that he had hoped? Did she moan? Squeeze her thighs in anticipation? Or was she like most foxes and simply tried to dash away and run from such confident advances?

Seriously? It's five in the morning. Jesus. A good morning text could have avoided the need for this.

With raised brows, he allowed himself a moment of surprise and yelp of laughter at her response. He had expected her to go completely silent and not respond to the comment. After all, that would have been the behavior he would expect from a shy fox.

Instead, she refused to give in.

Perfect.

Never before had he heard of a fox and wolf mating. After all, they were not known for compatibility. But somehow, deep in his soul, he was confident that they would be nothing short of perfection together.

My apologies, princess. I will ensure my name is the first thing on your mind from here on out.

And from here on out, he would. In fact, he had planned on a good morning text. Yet, the woman had woken up much earlier than he had expected. For now, he would allow her this one victory. Grabbing his phone and with a knowing smile, he informed Miroku that Saturday would be best for the meeting…and that the water park would be more than fine.