I can’t entirely blame Stacey and her minions for tripping over themselves around the future Alphas and their crew. Leo, Aaron, Ryan, Ethan, and Devin are a year ahead of us in school, and they just came back from their summer training. These guys aren’t just any students—they’re next in line to take over the highest ranks in the pack, and their training with the Alpha King is serious business. Every summer for the past two years, they’ve spent a month at the Alpha King’s compound, honing their skills. They’ll continue this until graduation, each summer bringing them closer to becoming leaders.

The program isn’t just about keeping them out of trouble—it’s meant to prepare them for the real responsibilities they’ll soon face. They’re learning how to lead, strategize, and manage packs. The Alpha's job, for example, is more than just brute strength—it’s about maintaining the pack’s finances, mediating disputes, and leading during times of war. The Beta, like my brother Leo, takes on tasks that don’t need the Alpha’s direct attention, acting as second-in-command. The Gamma is the Luna’s right hand and protector, while the Delta leads the warriors, ensuring the pack’s safety.

Honestly, the Alpha King’s training is probably the smartest idea. It pulls these ranked kids out of their high school bubble and throws them into a situation that’s more like the real world. Plus, I think the Alpha King likes keeping an eye on them—knowing who becomes friends and who can’t stand each other before they take power. It’s like setting a bunch of high-ranking teenage wolves loose and seeing who survives the pissing matches.

When the boys came back this year, they looked almost unrecognizable. Every single one of them shot up over six feet tall and packed on muscle like it was a requirement. They were already attractive before, even my brother, but now they looked like grown men—very attractive grown men. With their auras starting to develop, it’s impossible not to notice them.

A wolf’s aura isn’t just about status—it signals strength. It helps command lower-ranking wolves and attracts potential mates. And from the way the girls in the pack are behaving, it’s like these guys are walking, talking magnets. Even Leo, who I used to think was immune to the drama, seems to have a different girl on his arm every night. Sometimes I hear... things from his room. Let’s just say, the walls aren’t thick enough, and I’m pretty sure some of those girls don’t go home until the morning. It’s gross, honestly, but apparently, being a “manwh*re” is part of the job description now.

It’s sad, though. Every one of us has a fated mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess. I can’t imagine giving my heart—or body—to someone, only to have the mate bond kick in later with someone else. I’ve seen it happen. It’s brutal. There’s always the option of taking a chosen mate, but I believe the Moon Goddess knows what she’s doing. I plan on waiting for my mate, no matter how long it takes.

“Are you even f*cking listening to me?”

Stacey’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I blink, refocusing on her angry face.

“Not really,” I say with a shrug. “Just leave the little kids alone. They don’t care about your overpriced shoes, and your friends can’t walk in theirs anyway. Give them a break.” I keep my voice flat—any hint of emotion will only fuel her. “Besides, your clumsy friend tripped that pup in the first place. Maybe pick on someone your own size next time.”

The retort earns me another slap. I taste blood as it trickles from my lip. Great—something else to hide when I get home. At least now that I have my wolf, healing is faster. Last year, hiding the bruises and cuts from Stacey’s attacks was a nightmare. My father doesn’t pay me much attention, but he did notice the bruises once, right before a public event with the Alpha.

He didn’t care about the injuries themselves—only the embarrassment. I’ll never forget how furious he was. Not at Stacey, but at me, for being weak enough to get hurt in the first place. He kept me home from school until the bruises faded and didn’t even ask what had happened. His only concern was how it made him look, as if my pain was nothing more than a stain on his reputation.

It’s not that my father hates me… at least, I don’t think he does. But he blames me for my mother’s death. She died giving birth to me, and even though he’s never said it outright, I’ve heard the whispers—heard him make comments to others. I remind him of her too much. I look just like her, and I think that’s part of the problem.

Leo used to be better with me. We were close when we were kids—barely a year apart. But once he started training to become the next Beta, everything changed. Now, he barely acknowledges me, even when we’re at school. His focus is on the future Alphas, the pack, and his duty. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. In our world, duty always comes first.

It doesn’t help that Stacey and her friends have made me a target. She’s warned everyone that if they talk to me—even in a friendly way—there will be consequences. No one dares cross her. So, my last year of middle school was lonely, and high school isn’t shaping up to be much better. I’ve got two goals: keep my head down and get through the next few years without attracting too much attention. If I can survive long enough to graduate, I’ll get into warrior training and finally leave this pack behind.

This wasn’t my first run-in with Stacey since the school year started—and it definitely won’t be the last. We’ve only been back for two weeks, but something tells me things are going to get worse before they get better.

I wipe the blood from my lip, take a deep breath, and push down the knot of emotions tightening in my chest. Crying won’t help. I just need to stay focused—train harder, study more, and avoid Stacey’s path as much as possible.

A few more years. I just have to make it a few more years. Then I’ll finally be free.