My Fake Alpha Boyfriend: Pretend To Be Your Mate

By Angela Lynn Carver

"I'm not your fucking mate," I hiss under my breath so other people can't hear me.
"Oh-kay, my fake mate then. We are supposed to make it look real, remember?" Ivy pouts.
"There is no 'we.' You are forcing me to play this game," I say grumpily.
"Heck, yes. And you need to be better at your acting job and pretend to be happy to see me," Ivy says, swinging her braid.
Ivy is wolfless, and she feels the weight of her pack's expectations on her shoulders. As a member of the Hidden Valley Pack, she's expected to find her fated mate and settle down. But even as Ivy approaches her twentieth birthday, she still hasn't found her mate, and her pack members are starting to question her, making her feel like a failure. Desperate to save face, she comes up with a plan to ask the handsome and popular college baseball player and pack Alpha, Ryder, to pretend to be her mate.
This is book 1 of the story, book 2 is coming soon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: May 23, 2023

Book preview

CHAPTER 1. Where art thou, Wolf?

Ivy

Hi, my name is Ivy Stonebrook, and my wolf has yet to come out.

That's right, I'm already nineteen years old, and yet I haven't experienced the rite of passage that all members of the Hidden Valley Pack go through.

It's not just that I haven't found my mate yet - my wolf hasn't even made an appearance. It's like a part of me is missing, and I don't know how to find it.

I try not to let it get to me, though! I go through the motions of pack life, attending the gatherings and the hunts, but I always feel like an outsider. Everyone else seems so sure of themselves, so confident in their wolf, and I can't help but envy them.

I've tried everything to awaken my wolf. I've spent hours in the forest, connecting with nature, hoping that it will spark something inside of me. I've even tried talking to the pack's oracle, hoping that she could shed some light on my situation.

But so far, nothing has worked. And the longer I go without finding my wolf, the more I feel like I'm failing myself and my pack.

The other girls in the pack won't stop reminding me of my failure, either.

Like this bitch in front of me, who's snickering with her friends and pointing in my direction. I can feel the heat rising to my face.

Seriously, Mindy? I bark.

Whaaat? Mindy whines and twirls her perfect strand of blonde hair.

You tripped me! I growl.

We're in the training yard, practicing our fighting skills. I may not have a wolf, but I still have to be able to defend myself. And right now, I'm sparring with one of the more aggressive girls in the pack, who seems to take pleasure in trying to knock me down.

I dodge Mindy's attacks as best I can, but suddenly, she lunges at me with a vicious swipe, and I'm forced to leap out of the way to avoid getting hit.

I feel a sharp pain in my ankle, and I know I've twisted it. I try to hide my injury, but the other girl notices and takes advantage of my momentary weakness, landing a blow that knocks me to the ground.

I lay there, dazed and defeated, as she struts away, laughing with her friends. I try to hold back the tears that threaten to spill out, but it's no use. I feel like a failure, like I'll never be able to measure up to the other girls in the pack without my wolf.

Where the fuck are you, you worthless little shithead?

Guh, it's no use. I should just give up already. 

But then a voice interrupts my self-pitying thoughts.

Ivy, are you okay?

It's Jack, one of the pack's elders. He's always been kind to me, treating me with the respect that I don't always get from the other members of the pack.

I'm fine, I say, trying to sound tough.

But Jack knows better. He kneels down beside me and examines my ankle, which is now swollen and tender.

You need to get this looked at, he says. Come on, I'll take you to see the healer. And then I'll take you to see the Alpha. He summoned you.

Well, shit, that's not good. Every time the Alpha calls me in, it's usually to scold me. But I nod in agreement, knowing that I have no choice but to follow Jack's lead.

We make our way to the healer's house, where the kind old woman examines my ankle and gives me medicines to ease the pain. Then Jack leads me to the Alpha's den, where I feel my heart pounding in my chest as I await my fate.

Alpha Maurice is a formidable, towering man with a stern expression and piercing eyes. He looks at me as if he can see right through me, and I feel myself shrinking under his gaze.

Ivy Stonebrook, he says, his voice deep and commanding. Do you know why I have summoned you?

I swallow hard. No, Alpha.

He leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. You have been a member of this pack for nineteen years, and yet you have not found your wolf. You have not fulfilled your duty as a member of this pack, and that is unacceptable.

I feel a lump forming in my throat. I know he's right, but it still hurts to hear it spoken aloud.

What do you have to say for yourself? he demands.

I take a deep breath, trying to gather my courage. I'm sorry, Alpha. I've been trying everything I can think of to awaken my wolf, but so far, I've had no luck. I don't know what else to do.

The Alpha regards me for a long moment, and I feel as if he's sizing me up, trying to determine my worth.

There's one thing you can do to speed up the process, he says grimly.

What's that? I look at him curiously.

You will meet with another wolf your age and consummate with him. Sometimes it helps to bring out the animal.

Eww! I shout.

Alpha Maurice glares at me.

Oops...did I say that out loud.

Pardon me? Did you just say eww? the Alpha roared.

My heart pounds in my chest as I realize my mistake. I can't believe I let my disgust slip out like that. I quickly try to backpedal.

I, um, I'm sorry, Alpha. That was inappropriate of me. I didn't mean to be disrespectful, I stammer, feeling ashamed of myself. It's just that...the idea of having se-...I mean, consummating with someone right now just seems kind of...

You are not a child anymore! Alpha Maurice roared again. 

Alpha Maurice stares at me for a long moment, and I can feel his eyes piercing through me. Finally, he speaks. I understand your hesitation, Ivy. But the fact is, you are already behind in your development as a member of this pack. You must do everything in your power to awaken your wolf, and you are also overdue on finding your fated mate, he says sternly.

I feel a lump form in my throat, knowing that he's right. But the thought of having sex with a rando, fills me with dread.

Please, Alpha, I say, my voice shaking. Is there any other way?

But Alpha Maurice shakes his head. I'm afraid not, Ivy. You have one month. If you don't find your mate within the month, we are going with my plan. I will select a pack member for you.

I swallow hard, feeling a mixture of fear and desperation. Yes, Alpha. I understand, I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alpha Maurice nods, his expression softening a bit more. He must feel sorry for me. I know it's not an easy thing, Ivy. But it's necessary for your growth and the growth of our pack. Trust me, it will be worth it.

I nod, not quite believing him but not wanting to argue, either.

Yes, Alpha. I'll do my best, I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

Good, Alpha Maurice says, standing up. You are dismissed, Ivy. Remember, one month.

I nod again and stand up, wincing as pain shoots up my ankle. I'll have to get that looked at soon. But for now, I have more pressing matters to attend to.

I better produce my mate out of thin air.

CHAPTER 2. How to Find a Mate

Ivy

Ivy, this isn't how you're supposed to find your mate, my best friend Maddy says as she watches me gawk at every guy that walks into the cafeteria.

I know, but I have to try something, Maddy, I reply, feeling frustrated. I don't want the Alpha to choose someone for me.

I get it, Ivy, but you can't force things like this. Your mate will come to you when the time is right, she says.

I only have one month, Maddy.

A lot can happen in a month, Ivy. Maddy smirks.

I roll my eyes at her. Very helpful, Maddy.

I'm serious, Ivy. Just focus on being yourself and doing what you love. Maybe you'll meet your mate while doing something you enjoy, she suggests.

Like what? All I want to do is hang out in the woods and climb trees.

Oh, did I mention I'm an excellent climber?

That's perfect, Ivy! Maddy exclaims. Maybe you'll meet someone while you're out there climbing. You never know who might be in the woods.

I consider her suggestion for a moment but then shake my head. Not a chance. Werewolf boys only hunt in the woods and never stick around there to pass the time.

Maddy puts her hand on my shoulder. Ivy, you have to stop being so negative. Not all werewolves are the same. There could be someone out there who loves climbing trees just as much as you do, she says encouragingly.

Doubt it. Everyone calls me a freak because of it, remember? It's hopeless. One month isn't long enough to meet my real mate. I'll end up with some loser Alpha picks for me and breed more loser babies whose wolves won't come out either.

Ivy, stop talking like that, Maddy scolds me. You're not a loser, and neither are the babies you could have. You just need to have faith in yourself and trust that things will work out the way they're supposed to. And who knows, maybe the guy the Alpha picks for you won't be so bad. You can't judge someone before you even meet them.

Ugh, I'm really starting to get tired of Maddy's positivity. She thinks everything falls perfectly in place.

But maybe she's right. Maybe I need to stop being so negative and give things a chance. I take a deep breath and look at Maddy. Okay, you're right. I'll try to be more open-minded and give the guy the Alpha picks for me a chance. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise me.

Maddy smiles at me. That's the spirit, Ivy. I believe in you.

I nod, feeling a little better. Alpha Maurice is letting me meet the chosen one next week to prepare me for what's to come, I guess. Maybe he is some sexy guy with an eight-pack and big biceps who'd treat me like a queen. And then we will live happily ever after.

Yeah, right.

I look down at my phone and gasp. Oh my god, I'm late for class!

I gotta go, Maddy. Professor Stapler will chew my head off if I'm late again, I say, hurriedly grabbing my backpack and starting to rush towards my classroom.

But as I turn a corner, I collide with someone, causing me to stumble back a few steps. I look up to see a tall, imposing figure glaring down at me. I can smell the Alpha blood in him, and from the looks of it, he's not happy.

Watch where you're going, little girl, he growls, his eyes flashing with anger.

I'm sorry, I was just in a hurry, I reply, trying to sound apologetic. That's no excuse for running into me, he snaps. You should show more respect to your betters.

I nearly say something sarcastic in response but decide it's not worth arguing with him. I quickly mumble another apology and try to walk away. But before I can take a step, he grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

Where do you think you're going? he asks, his grip tightening on my arm. I have to go to class, I say, trying to free myself from his grasp.

Not so fast, he says, his voice low and menacing. You owe me an apology.

I take a deep breath, trying to control my temper. I already apologized Alpha. I'm not sure what more you want from me, I say, trying to keep my voice calm. But if it makes you feel better, I'm sorry for running into you. It was an accident.

He stares at me for a long moment, his grip still tight on my arm. See that it doesn't happen again, he says before finally releasing me.

I rub my arm, trying to get the feeling back into it. Believe me, I have no intention of ever running into you again, I mutter under my breath before quickly walking away.

Hey, stop!

I halt.

What pack do you belong to? he asks.

I turn around to look at him, annoyed. I'm definitely not making it to class on time now. Hidden Valley Pack.

He scoffs and rolls his eyes. Figures. A pack full of weaklings and losers.

I clench my fists, feeling my anger rising. Excuse me?

You heard me. Your pack is a joke. You should be grateful that an Alpha like me even bothered to talk to you, he says, smirking.

I take a step closer to him, getting into his personal space. I don't need your pity, Alpha. My pack may not be the strongest, but we have something your pack will never have – heart, I say, my voice low and fierce.

He narrows his eyes at me, clearly not used to being challenged. You watch your mouth, little girl. You may regret speaking to me like that.

I won't hold my breath, I say, turning on my heel and walking away. I can feel his eyes on me as I leave, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of looking back.

I arrive at class a few minutes late and out of breath.

Look who decided to show up? Professor Stapler quips.

I try to catch my breath and apologize to the professor. I'm sorry, Professor Stapler. I got held up on the way here.

Well, make sure it doesn't happen again, she says sternly before turning back to the whiteboard.

I quickly find a seat and pull out my notebook, trying to focus on the lecture. But all I can think about is the rude Alpha I just encountered.

What an arrogant jerk. I can't believe he insulted my pack like that. Who does he think he is?

But what can I possibly do against him? I am just a Beta wolf. Actually, I'm barely a Beta wolf since my wolf didn't come out yet.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Maybe I don't have to take him on directly. Maybe I can find another way to assert myself and earn his respect. I jot down a few ideas in my notebook and try to refocus on the lecture. But a small voice in my head keeps whispering, telling me that I won't be able to stand up to him.

I need to prove that voice wrong.

CHAPTER 3. Party Girl

Ivy

I rush out of the class as soon as it's over and start making my way back to my pack house. I need to take a break and clear my head.

While I walk, I notice that the campus is buzzing with activity. There are students everywhere, some hurrying to their next class, others hanging out in groups, chatting and laughing.

I look at them with a bitter expression. What are they so happy about?

As I walk past the group of students, I catch a glimpse of someone familiar. It's the Alpha from earlier. He's surrounded by a group of friends, all of them laughing and joking around.

Why does he get to have it all? Looks, strength, and popularity. It's not fair.

He really pisses me off, I think to myself. I want to get back at him for being mean to me for no reason. Just because I look weak, doesn't mean he gets to treat me like garbage!

I start to brainstorm possible ways to get back at the Alpha. I don't even know his name all I know is that he is pretty popular so he will definitely be at the party.

I can challenge him to a fight, but that would be risky since he's much stronger than me. I can't even shift to defend myself!

I can also try embarrassing him in front of his friends, but that requires serious planning