“Wait, what? I am not hot, and what exactly do you plan to find out from these boys?” I ask, panic creeping into my voice. Kylie’s grin is predatory, like a cat that just cornered a mouse.

“I saw how those boys looked at you today—at training and after school. You’re not as invisible as you think, and I’m going to prove it. Even your brother was impressed.”

I snort. “Yeah, right. Leo’s too focused on his future Beta title to notice anything that doesn’t directly impact his job. Trust me, I don’t register on his radar.”

“You’re cute for thinking that,” she teases, undeterred. “But I’m still dressing you up tonight, and there’s no getting out of it.”

I roll my eyes. “How hot can you look in a coat and hat? You’re being ridiculous.” I giggle as she drags me deeper into her closet.

Two hours later, we’re walking down our U-shaped block toward the pack house. I’m wearing the outfit Kylie insisted on—a bright blue coat, a simple t-shirt, dark-wash jeans, and black combat boots. She also tied my brown hair into a high ponytail and forced me to wear light makeup, including pale pink lip gloss. I felt strange, but… not terrible. Maybe even a little good.

The ranked families’ homes surround the pack house in a neat arc, each with sprawling backyards that merge into the forest beyond. It’s great for sneaking off for a quick run—one of the few perks that’s allowed me to keep my wolf a secret from Leo and Dad. The pack house, where Alpha Lucas, Luna Ava, Aaron, and Ryan live, sits in the center. To its right is our Beta house, where Dad, Leo, and I live. On the left side is the Gamma house, where Ethan and Gamma Brett stay. Next to the Gamma house is the Delta house with Delta Kyle, Gwen, and Devin. Two elite warriors also live nearby, one of whom turns out to be Kylie’s uncle.

I know everyone here by sight, but I’ve avoided getting too close. Stacey made it clear long ago that anyone seen with me would pay the price. And if I fight back, Stacey targets the pack’s younger pups. I refuse to let innocent kids get hurt because she has a problem with me.

Last spring, before I got my wolf, Stacey wanted answers for a history test she couldn’t be bothered to study for. When I refused, she told me I’d regret it. I don’t know if it was deliberate or random, but she and her lackeys went after Andrew’s little daughter. They grabbed the poor girl, covered her head with a bag, and broke her leg.

They sent me a video of it with a message: Next time, choose better.

I took it to my dad, but by the time he checked my phone, the message and video were gone. He didn’t believe me, of course. Said I was jealous of the popular girls and warned me to stay out of “high school drama.”

That’s the day I stopped going to him for advice. It was clear he wouldn’t help me—not then, not ever. I’d always eaten separately from Leo and Dad anyway, usually with my old nanny, Mary. After she was let go in seventh grade, I started eating with the cook in the kitchen, helping with cleanup just for the company. The cook never said anything, but I could see the pity in her eyes, and I hated it. Being pitied hurts worse than being ignored.

A nudge from Kylie pulls me out of my thoughts. “Hey, where’d you go? You’ve been zoned out for ten minutes.”

I blink, trying to shake off the memories. “I don’t know if I can do this.” I blurt the words out, panic rising. “I meant it when I said I don’t have friends. No one at that bonfire wants me there, and you’ll have a better time without me. I should just go home.” I start to turn around.

Kylie grabs my arm. “Not happening. And for the record, you do have a friend—me.” She places a hand dramatically over her chest, grinning. “Besides, I’ll need you to keep me sane if Stacey pulls anything. You deserve to see that b*tch knocked off her pedestal, even if it’s just from the sidelines.”

I stare at her, stunned. “How do you know Stacey’s my problem?” I whisper. Not even Delta Kyle has figured that out.

“Oh, come on,” Kylie says with a knowing smirk. “You don’t have to confirm it, but I told you—I’m good at reading people. Stacey’s a wannabe queen who couldn’t fight her way out of a paper bag if you gave her a map and GPS. I’m not scared of her or her fake status.” She gives me a mischievous grin. “Besides, I’m only here for a year. What’s she going to do—get me expelled? I’d love to see her try.” She tosses her hair with a laugh. “Technically, I outrank her anyway. My parents work for the Alpha King. She can kiss my ass.”

I stare at her, speechless. How do you even respond to something like that?

“Okay,” I manage to say. “But her dad’s on the school board. She’s gotten kids suspended just for being near me. People have been hurt because of her hatred for me. I can’t let you get involved. I don’t want anyone else caught in the crossfire.” I meet her gaze, trying to make sure she understands how serious I am. “I can handle Stacey. If her anger is focused on me, she leaves the rest of the pack alone. That’s what matters most.”

Kylie grabs my shoulders, locking eyes with me. “You are worth it, Selene. I don’t know where you got the idea that you aren’t, but that’s the dumbest thing you’ve said all day.” She grins. “Now, let’s go. We’ve got hot boys to flirt with and a b*tch to annoy.”

I let out a long breath, already regretting everything. “Fine,” I mutter. “But you can’t let me make a fool of myself. This is not my scene. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Don’t worry,” she says with a wink. “I’ve got you. And from the way your brother’s friends were looking at you, I don’t think you can make a fool of yourself.”

I groan. “You’re insane.”

“Yup.” She grins, completely unbothered. “Now let’s go. The sun’s setting, and I am not missing a bunch of boys playing with fire, all manly and shirtless.”

I roll my eyes but lead her around the pack house toward the back. Luna Ava’s garden is breathtaking, as always. I sneak over here sometimes just to read in one of the secluded nooks. She even keeps wildflowers in the planters for me and set up a hammock in my favorite spot. It’s one of the only places that feels like a true escape from my house, which is cold and empty most days.

As we approach the path leading into the woods, the sound of voices and laughter drifts toward us. My heart pounds in my chest, nerves kicking in.

What the hell am I getting myself into?