Once Bitten by Preston Walker

WILL
With as many secrets as I have, the last place I want to be right now is Wheaton: birthplace of small town gossip and my many emotional issues.But dear old Dad never did anything when it was convenient for me, so why should dying be any different? Think that sounds harsh – it took leaving home and getting bitten by a freaking werewolf for me to find my first taste of acceptance. Of family.I just wish my pack hadn’t cost me my connection with the one true friend I ever had. Ryder Jackson.The only person to ever see skinny little me as worth something just the way I am. Time may have pulled us apart, but that spark we’ve always had, it’s still there. But it’s damped, muted. It used to be so easy with him, but now it’s like everything I say is wrong. Even when that spark flares bright for one night of intense passion…reality returns to slap me in the face.Because now I’m pregnant. My best friend is going to be the father of a werewolf child.Too bad his child’s other father still hasn’t even told him werewolves exist.

RYDER
The only thing that sucks more than being friendless and alone, is knowing you deserve to be.Small town gossip can be vicious. I should know. I used to feed the beast. It’s different when the shoe’s on the other foot. When everyone shuns you because your vindictive ex spread the lie you gave someone HIV. When the only companion you have is your dying mother, who you hate yourself for resenting, for being the reason you can’t leave.Then Will Haverty returns to town and I jump at the chance to rekindle our friendship. Not gonna lie, I hoped the rumors might not reach his ears – he’s never been Mr. Popular. Harsh, but true. And we’ve always been honest with each other.It’s why it stings so much when Will gives me crap about leaving, not using my mom as an excuse. And it’s why it hurts so much when I realize just how much he’s not being honest with me about. But I can’t waste time feeling hurt right now. Not when Will’s in danger because of his secrets.

And I’m the one who put him in the crosshairs.