My birthday came and went in the blink of an eye, but the weight of turning nineteen without shifting was beginning to take its toll.

  I could tell Maron was worried too, though we never talked about it. Or rather, I always avoided the conversation. I couldn't let her worry about me-I just couldn't.

  I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice Maron approaching until Ria, my wolf, alerted me.

  Ria had been my companion for the past year, growing closer to me even though my shift never came. I often asked her why I hadn't shifted yet, but her answer was always the same:

  "A shift isn't the only way to realize or achieve your potential, Rex."

  She had said it so many times that I started to believe it. But it still didn't stop me from wishing I was normal.

  Maron's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

  "My dear, I think we should go hunting tonight. It's been months since we had a good old-fashioned hunt, hasn't it?"

  I sighed. "Ma, I'm not really in the mood tonight. How about we go tomorrow?" I tried to sound convincing.

  But she wasn't having it.

  "I've noticed you've been distracted lately. This should help clear your mind," she said, crossing her arms.

  I huffed. "Alright, alright, I'll come. Before you start playing the 'I'm not a good daughter' card." A tiny smile played on my lips.

  Her face lit up at my agreement, and she left to prepare.

  Two hours later, we were deep in the forest.

  "What do you think we'll find tonight?" Maron asked from behind me. "The forest is unusually quiet."

  I grinned. "Worst case, we settle for squirrels. At least it's meat."

  She didn't laugh. That's when I noticed her focus had shifted to something ahead.

  I crept closer and whispered, "What are you looking at, Ma?"

  She pointed toward an antelope hidden behind some bushes, and I nodded in realization.

  But before we could act, an uneasy feeling crept over me.

  We're not alone.

  Ria's voice was sharp in my mind, her presence suddenly tense.

  I followed her senses, shifting my focus to a different part of the bushes. There. I could feel them-two, maybe three men watching us.

  Were they waiting for us?

  I didn't have time to process the thought because, in the next instant, one of them stepped out of hiding.

  "Wolves roaming this part of the forest? Now, that's a rare sight," the man mused, his smirk casual but his posture anything but relaxed.

  He looked human. Smelled human too.

  Maron instantly stepped in front of me, shielding me from his gaze. Then, so softly I almost missed it, she whispered, "On my count, you run, Rex."

  Two more men emerged, joining the first. One of them grinned, drawing a gun from his side.

  My stomach dropped. Silver.

  The same thing that had killed Maron's mate.

  The man twirled the weapon idly. "Silver bullets. Deadly to your kind." He smirked. "So, I'd suggest you choose your next move wisely."

  I felt Maron stiffen beside me.

  I clenched my fists. No one was going to hurt her. Not while I was here.

  A surge of power rushed through me, the same overwhelming force I had felt during my failed shift a year ago. Ria channeled it straight into me, fueling my resolve.

  I stepped forward, moving Maron gently behind me.

  "I don't know what you want, but I suggest you leave. We aren't looking for trouble."

  One of the men chuckled and muttered to the others, "Kill the old lady. But leave the girl for me-she's just my type."

  Laughter followed.

  And then, something inside me snapped.

  How dare he?

  Before I even realized it, I was moving.

  Maron tried to grab me, but I was already gone, walking toward them with a fury I didn't know I possessed.

  Nobody-nobody-threatens me and my family and gets away with it.

  The man in the middle raised his gun, but before he could aim, I instinctively stretched out my hand

  And all that power inside me exploded.

  A blinding green light sparked from my fingertips, sending the three men flying. They hit the ground hard, their bodies motionless, blood pooling beneath their heads.

  "Dead," Ria whispered before retreating into the back of my mind, leaving me in stunned silence.

  Maron rushed toward me, but the moment our eyes met, she froze.

  "Ma?" I called, trying to mask my fear.

  Her eyes widened slightly before she whispered, "Your eyes, Rex."

  "What about them?" My voice was barely a whisper.

  "They're green."

  I blinked. "What? That's not possible. My eyes have always been blue."

  Maron seemed to shake off her initial shock. "Forget about that for now. We need to go. They might not have been alone."

  I didn't argue. My legs felt shaky as we rushed home.

  Back at the cabin, Maron sat me down, her expression unreadable.

  "Rex," she said carefully, "what happened out there?"

  I swallowed hard. "I... I don't know. I felt a surge of energy, and then-" I stopped, remembering the bodies on the ground. "It just happened."

  As I spoke, the power flared up again. I could feel it surging back.

  Maron stood abruptly, murmuring something under her breath, but I couldn't focus. My vision blurred as the energy built inside me-

  And then, it exploded again.

  Green light pulsed from my body, flinging everything around me into the air. Furniture crashed, walls trembled.

  Maron had managed to move away just in time.

  I collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath.

  Maron rushed to me, pulling me into a hug. "It's okay, love. You're fine."

  Her voice was calm, but I could feel her heart racing.

  After what felt like forever, she pulled back.

  "I think I know what's happening," she said, her expression shifting from worry to determination.

  I looked at her desperately. "What am I, Ma?"

  "You're special, Rex. A special wolf." Her voice was filled with pride.

  Tears burned in my eyes. "I almost killed you."

  "No, my dear," she soothed. "This happened because you don't know how to control your power yet. But I don't blame you, and you shouldn't blame yourself."

  I exhaled shakily. "How do I fix this?"

  Maron hesitated before speaking. "I've heard of a book-a special book. It contains the history of all supernatural creatures that have ever existed. If we can find it, we might learn what you truly are."

  I sat up, hope flickering inside me. "Where is it?"

  Maron met my gaze.

  "The Blue Crescent Pack."

  Leaving the safety of the forest wasn't an easy choice. Maron had been my only family, and the forest had been my sanctuary.

  But I knew I couldn't stay hidden forever.

  I had to find out who I was. I had to learn to control this power.

  Maron gave me her blessing, and with a tearful goodbye, I packed my things and left.

  My search for the book led me through dangerous forests and unfamiliar territories. The Blue Crescent Pack was the most powerful in California, and their library held the answers I needed.

  But entering pack territory as a rogue? That was a death sentence.

  Still, I had no choice.

  I crossed the border, knowing I might not make it out alive.

  My plan was simple: get in, find the book, and get out.

  But before I could even begin my search, exhaustion overtook me, and I let myself rest for just a moment. And that's when it happened.

  A scent so intoxicating, so overwhelming, hit me like a bolt of lightning.

  My breath caught in my throat.

  Mate.

  Alpha Ron Jaxon, leader of the Blue Crescent Pack-the strongest in California-was growing desperate to find his mate. Without a Luna, his position as Alpha became more precarious by the day.

  His father never missed an opportunity to remind him.

  "What do you want, Dad?" I sighed, barely looking up from my desk.

  "You know exactly what I want."

  I clenched my jaw. "If I haven't found my mate yet, then it's not time." My voice was edged with frustration-I'd said the same thing a hundred times.

  This time, my father didn't argue. He just studied me for a moment before walking out, leaving behind the weight of unspoken expectations.

  What was the point of leading the strongest pack if all anyone ever asked was whether I'd found my Luna?

  Yes, I wanted to find her too. She would be the one person to love me unconditionally, and there wasn't a wolf alive who wouldn't want that. But I couldn't force fate.

  Even my pack was getting restless. Without a Luna, they felt incomplete. But none of them were as anxious as I was.

  A mind-link from my Beta, Turner, pulled me from my thoughts. Alpha, patrol is ready to begin.

  "I'll be there."

  I didn't need to join the patrols, not as Alpha. But I welcomed the distraction.

  By the time I reached the border, Turner was already waiting. He nodded in respect before speaking.

  "Knew I'd find you here."

  I smirked. "You know me too well."

  "I heard your father stopped by. Still on the same topic?" he asked, concern in his voice.

  I let out a low growl. "What else? It's like he doesn't have anything to say to me unless it involves my mate."

  Turner chuckled. "He just wants the best for you. And the pack believes a Luna completes us."

  "They can believe whatever the hell they want. That won't make her magically appear in front of me, now will it?"

  Turner gave me a knowing look but didn't push further. A mind-link interrupted us, calling him back to the pack house.

  "I'll check in later," he said before shifting into his wolf and taking off.

  I continued toward the border, letting my thoughts drift-until suddenly, everything changed.

  A scent hit me like a bolt of lightning.

  Vanilla. Soft, sweet, and utterly unique. It was intoxicating. My wolf, who had been restless for months, howled in pure joy.

  Mate.

  I froze.

  Just ahead, standing at the edge of my territory, was a figure with her back turned to me.

  I took a step forward, heart pounding in my chest. But then, beneath her alluring scent, I caught something else-faint, but unmistakable.

  A rogue.

  I clenched my fists. My mate is a rogue?

  The thought made no sense. Rogues were dangerous, unpredictable, and usually exiled for a reason. But my wolf didn't care. He wanted to claim her.

  Cautiously, I approached.

  She must have sensed me, because she turned-and when our eyes met, my world shifted.

  Her blue eyes were the color of the ocean, striking and deep. I had never seen anyone like her. She was breathtaking.

  My mate.

  Mine.

  I could see the realization dawn in her eyes as well. She stared at me, unsure, hesitant.

  Slowly, I reached out, my hand brushing against her cheek.

  "What's your name?"

  She blinked, as if unsure I was speaking to her. Then, barely above a whisper, she said, "Rexxona."

  I repeated her name, savoring the sound. My wolf basked in the moment, reveling in the connection.

  "Finally," I murmured under my breath.

  She opened her mouth to say something, but I interrupted.

  "Save it for when we get back to the pack house, dear."

  She stiffened slightly, but I didn't let go of her. Instead, I mind-linked my pack.

  Our Luna has arrived.

  The response was instant-pure, unrestrained joy rippling through the bond.

  Rexxona POV:

  Finding my mate wasn't part of my plan.

  And finding him here? That sure as hell wasn't expected.

  I had come to the Blue Crescent Pack for one reason-to find the book that could tell me what I was. And now, instead of sneaking around, I was being led straight to their pack house like a lovestruck girl following her crush.

  Way to go, Rex, I muttered under my breath.

  Yes, I was happy to have found my mate. Maron would be ecstatic.

  But this was the worst timing ever.

  You need to gain his trust, Rex, my wolf, Ria, whispered in my mind. The book is here. And the pack elders may know more about your powers. If you play this right, he will help you.

  I swallowed hard.

  For once, I agreed with her.

  I just prayed everything would go well.

  The grand pack house loomed over me, its sheer size making me feel small. The moment we stepped inside, I could feel dozens of eyes on me. Whispers filled the air, wolves murmuring to each other about their Alpha's newly found mate.

  Ron kept a firm hand on my lower back, guiding me through the main hall, his touch both protective and possessive. I could feel his tension-he had questions.

  As soon as we reached the staircase leading to the upper floors, he finally spoke.

  "You're a rogue." It wasn't a question.

  I stiffened but met his gaze. "Yes."

  His jaw clenched. "Why?"

  I exhaled, gripping the stair's railing. "I'll tell you in due time."

  His expression darkened, but he didn't push. "I'll hold you to that, mate."

  The way he said mate sent a shiver through me. His wolf was close to the surface, restless.

  We continued up the stairs, the silence stretching between us. When we reached the highest floor, he led me into a spacious room. It smelled like him-earthy, masculine, with a hint of something uniquely Ron.

  "This is my room." His voice was softer now, almost hesitant.

  I glanced around. The room was massive, decorated in dark tones with a king-sized bed against the far wall. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the pack's training grounds.

  "You'll stay here," he said, watching for my reaction.

  My lips parted in surprise. "With you?"

  His golden eyes flashed. "Of course. You're my mate."

  I swallowed hard. This was happening too fast. I had come here for a book, for answers-not to be pulled into some whirlwind romance with the Alpha of the strongest pack in California.

  Sensing my hesitation, Ron took a step back. "Get some rest. I have things to take care of."

  And just like that, he was gone.

  The moment I was alone, I couldn't sit still. There was too much at stake.

  I slipped out of the room, moving quietly down the hall. If I was lucky, I could find the library before Ron returned.

  The pack house was enormous, but instinct led me where I needed to go. At the end of a long corridor, I found a heavy wooden door.

  I pushed it open.

  Rows upon rows of books lined the walls, stretching toward the ceiling. It smelled of parchment and ink-old knowledge.

  I scanned the titles, searching desperately. Then, finally, I saw it.

  The Book of the Ancients.

  My hands trembled as I pulled it from the shelf. Maron had been right-it existed. The answers to my past, to my power, were in my grasp.

  I pressed the book against my chest, ready to leave. But the moment I stepped into the hallway, I sensed them.

  A group of warriors stood at the pack grounds below, their eyes narrowing the second they spotted me.

  "Intruder!" one barked.

  I tucked the book behind me, heart pounding.

  "Identify yourself!"

  I didn't respond. I couldn't. If they found out I had taken something from their sacred library, I wouldn't make it out of here.

  Their hesitation lasted only a second before they moved in, forming a tight circle around me.

  "Mind-link the Alpha," one growled.

  Panic clawed at my throat. This was bad. Really bad.

  Within moments, I felt his presence.

  Ron.

  He stormed into the clearing, golden eyes glowing with raw authority. The warriors stepped aside, bowing their heads in deference.

  "What the hell is going on?" his voice was sharp, commanding.

  "She refused to identify herself, Alpha," one of them explained. "And she was sneaking around."

  Ron's gaze snapped to me. His eyes darted to the way I clutched something behind my back.

  "Rexxona," he said slowly. "What did you do?"

  I opened my mouth to explain-to lie-but before I could, one of the warriors lunged.

  I never got the chance to think.

  The surge of power came without warning, rushing through my veins like fire. A violent pulse of energy exploded from my body, sending two warriors flying backward.

  They hit the ground hard. And didn't get up.

  Dead.

  The scent of blood filled the air.

  Silence.

  I looked at my hands in horror, the green energy still flickering at my fingertips.

  The warriors around me recoiled, eyes wide with terror.

  Ron... didn't move.

  I turned to him, my voice shaking. "I didn't mean to-"

  "Enough."

  His voice was like ice.

  Then, in front of his entire pack, he uttered the words that shattered me.

  "I, Alpha Ron Jaxon, reject you as my mate."

  The world tilted.

  Pain, raw and unforgiving, tore through my chest.

  I gasped, clutching at my heart as the mate bond severed.

  And I collapsed to the floor.

The moment the words left my mouth, Rexxona collapsed to her knees. Her pain was visceral, slamming into me like a blade straight to the chest. Rejection could destroy a she-wolf-I knew that. But what I didn't expect was for Rexxona to lift her head, her eyes burning with a mix of heartbreak and defiance.

  She didn't scream. She didn't plead.

  She just ran.

i

  Shock rooted me in place for half a second before instinct kicked in. "Don't let her escape!" I barked at my warriors.

  Even as my wolf howled in protest, I chased after her. I told myself it was for the pack-that her powers were unpredictable, that we needed answers. But deep down, I knew the truth. I couldn't bear to let her go. The rejection had been a moment of desperation, a way to calm my pack.

  At least, that's what I told myself as I ran after her.

  Rexxona POV:

  My heart felt like it was shattering with every step, but I didn't stop. The pack I had fought to survive in now hunted me like a fugitive. The mate I was destined for-the one person who was supposed to love and protect me-had cast me aside as if I meant nothing.

  The words echoed in my mind, relentless and unforgiving:

  "I, Alpha Ron Jaxon, reject you as my mate and Luna."

  Ria whimpered inside me, our bond throbbing like an open wound, her pain as raw as my own.

  I clenched my teeth, pushing my body harder. My chest burned, my legs screamed in protest, but I wouldn't stop. I couldn't. My powers had flared to life back at the pack house, proving just how uncontrollable they were.

  I tightened my grip on the book I had risked everything for. It was my only hope-my only chance at understanding who I was and why I was born with these cursed abilities. I refused to let it go.

  The air shifted.

  A new scent filled my lungs. My instincts screamed in warning. Another pack's territory.

  I skidded to a stop, my breath ragged, my body trembling from exertion. A twig snapped somewhere to my left. My pulse spiked.

  I spun, ready for an attack.

  A cat.

  A damn cat, lazily padding across the forest floor as if I wasn't standing there, barely holding myself together.

  The tension in my limbs gave way, and my knees buckled. Relief, exhaustion, and heartbreak crashed over me at once. My hands clutched the book to my chest, its weight grounding me against the storm raging inside me.

  The rejection still clung to me like a sickness. It hadn't killed me, but it lingered like a festering wound. I hated that I could still feel the pull toward him. That Ria still whined for him.

  "Seems like someone's still sore," I muttered, my voice thick with bitterness.

  Forcing myself to my feet, I shoved the pain aside. I had bigger problems.

  The pack's territory was eerily silent. The houses stood still and empty, their quietness gnawing at my nerves.

  Where is everyone?

  Then, I heard it-muffled voices, the hum of music drifting through the air.

  I crept toward the noise, keeping low, and hid behind a cluster of trees. My breath hitched at what I saw.

  A party.

  The pack was gathered in celebration, music blaring, wolves laughing and dancing as if the world hadn't just shattered around me.

  My stomach twisted, both with hunger and something deeper, something raw.

  "Way to go, Rex. You still have the luxury to be hungry in a situation like this."

  I shook my head. The distraction was a gift. It gave me a chance to slip inside one of the empty houses, to find food, safety-something.

  Then I felt it.

  A presence.

  A chill ran down my spine.

  "Damn it. I've been caught."

  I spun, dropping into a defensive stance, my heart hammering.

  A girl stood before me, dressed head to toe in bright pink, her smile wide, her energy almost painfully cheerful.

  She tilted her head, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I don't think I've seen you before. Who are you?"

  I froze. Running wasn't an option-not now. Not with the entire pack nearby. I had to be smart. As I studied the girl, an idea formed.

  She was my best shot at survival.

  Taking a shaky breath, I let exhaustion and pain seep into my expression. Not a difficult task, given my current state. My tangled hair, dirt-smeared face, and tear-streaked cheeks only added to the effect.

  My voice trembled as I spoke.

  "I... I need help."