I served dinner, moving quick and quiet around the dining room, setting plates in front of the pack members without making a sound. Katrina's glare burned into me the whole time, her eyes like daggers sharp enough to slice through my skin. If looks could kill, I'd be a goner, sprawled out on the floor. I kept my head down, focusing on the plates, the clink of silverware, anything but her. After serving, I stepped to the side, same as always, waiting to clean up their mess when they were done. My spot by the wall felt like a cage, but I stood there, hands clasped, face blank.

The rest of the evening dragged on without any big blowups, thank the Moon Goddess. Katrina kept up her death stare, though, and gave Adrian the cold shoulder for not jumping in to punish me earlier. I could feel her stewing, her anger like a storm cloud hanging over the table. In the back of my mind, I knew she wasn't gonna let this go. Katrina didn't just drop things-she'd keep poking, scheming, waiting for her chance to get back at me. The thought sent a shiver through me, not because I was scared of her, but because I didn't know what her next move would be. Her "vengeance" was always something twisted, and I wasn't looking forward to finding out what she had planned.

Dinner ended, and I got to work cleaning up the dining room, stacking plates and wiping down the table. When that was done, I headed to the kitchen, making sure everything was in order before calling it a night. The packhouse was a modern mansion, built with all the fancy human stuff-running water, working showers, flush toilets, the works. But me? I wasn't allowed to touch any of it. I had to fetch water in a bucket from the outdoor pump, hauling it up to my tiny attic room for a quick bath. No body scrub, no fancy soaps, just a splash of cold water to rinse off the day. I didn't complain, though. I'd been doing it so long it was just part of the routine.

My clothes were another story. All I had were the five outfits and two pairs of shoes Luna Aurora gave me when I turned fifteen. They were worn thin now, frayed at the edges, but they were mine. The stuff I wore as a kid didn't fit anymore, so those five shirts and pants were all I owned. After my bath, I slipped into something to sleep in-one of the softest shirts, faded but comfortable-and crawled into my narrow bed. The room was small, barely enough space for the bed and a rickety dresser, but it was my space, the only place I could breathe without someone watching me.

Before I let my eyes close, I whispered a quiet prayer to the Moon Goddess, same as I did every night. "Please," I murmured, "grant me my wolf when I turn eighteen." It was a hope I clung to, the one thing keeping me going. With that, I let the weight of the day pull me under, sinking into a deep, dreamless sleep.

**Two days later**

The last two days passed without much drama to talk about, it's been same routine wake up, stay on my toes all day running around to please my dearest pack members and their beloved alpha and Luna then go to sleep feeling like I had been attacked and beaten to stupor, yesterday was no difference and I went to bed feeling exhausted after whispering my everyday prayer to the moon goddess, if she's even listening.

Today's my birthday. Eighteen. A big deal for any shifter, but here? Nobody's gonna notice. No one's gonna wish me happy birthday, and I'm not holding my breath for a cake or a party. That's just not how things work in my life. I rolled out of bed, yawning, my muscles aching from yesterday's work. I stretched, trying to shake off the stiffness, and started getting ready to head to the kitchen. Breakfast wasn't gonna make itself, and the pack would be up soon, expecting their food.

But then, out of nowhere, a voice rang in my head, bright and clear. *Happy birthday, Ashley!* I jumped, my heart slamming against my ribs. "Who are you?" I said out loud, my voice shaky in the quiet room. The voice came again, warm and cheerful. *I'm your wolf!* Tears pricked my eyes, and I pressed a hand to my chest, hardly believing it. "Oh, Moon Goddess," I whispered, my voice catching. "You actually remembered me."

*She never forgets,* my wolf said, her tone soft but sure. I didn't know what to say, my head spinning with joy and questions. *I used to be called Alexa,* she went on, *but you can name me something else if you want.* I shook my head, smiling through the tears. Alexa was perfect, but something about *Alexa* felt right, like it fit her voice in my head. I wanted to ask what she meant by "used to be called Alexa"-who named her? When? But the happiness bubbling inside me drowned out everything else. My wolf was here. I wasn't alone anymore.

With Alexa in my head, I felt different-stronger, like a weight had lifted off my shoulders. I could leave now. Really leave. Even if I went rogue, I wouldn't be some helpless kid. My wolf would have my back, and that changed everything. I wiped my face, making sure no tears were left, and pulled myself together. I had to look normal, like it was any other day.

I headed to the kitchen, my steps a little lighter despite the work waiting for me. I tied my hair back, grabbed an apron, and started pulling out what I needed for breakfast. Eggs, bacon, bread for toast-same as always. But as I prepared breakfast, I couldn't help the way my heart bubbled with a newfound happiness, so different from the tired sigh that usually slipped out of me every few minutes. For once, I wasn't constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for someone to snap at me. I felt whole, like a piece of me had finally clicked into place.

With my wolf awake inside me, every move I made was quicker, smoother, like I was gliding through the kitchen. My senses were sharper too-I could hear the low murmur of conversations from the dining hall, not just the usual yells or loud laughter that used to be all I could pick up.

I carried the breakfast trays out, keeping my eyes down as I set plates in front of the pack members. Adrian wasn't there, but I placed his and Katrina's plates anyway, then turned to grab the rest from the kitchen. When I came back, trays balanced carefully in my hands, I saw them coming down the stairs together, hand in hand. My breath caught in my throat, like someone had punched me in the chest. I froze, staring at Adrian as he yanked his hand away from Katrina's, like her touch had burned him.

He started walking toward me, slow and deliberate, the air between us growing heavy, thick with something I couldn't name. For a split second, I saw it-his wolf, rising to the surface, his eyes flashing with something wild. He was fighting it, trying to push it down. Inside my head, Alexa's voice chanted, *Mate, mate, mate*, over and over, her excitement ringing through me. But I couldn't move, couldn't breathe, rooted to the spot as he closed the distance.

He stopped just a few inches away, close enough that I could feel the heat coming off him. His eyes locked onto mine, blazing with a mix of fire and hunger, like he was seeing me for the first time. But then, just as quick, that fire turned to anger, his jaw tightening. I braced myself, expecting a outburst, a cruel word, something to cut me down. Instead, he opened his mouth, then closed it, not saying a single word.

He brushed past me, his shoulder grazing mine, and kept walking, not even glancing at the table where the others were eating. Katrina's head snapped toward me, her eyes shooting daggers as she stormed after him. "What the hell is going on?" she yelled, her voice sharp enough to slice through the room, her glare accusing me of something I hadn't even said out loud.

I stood there, heart pounding, Alexa whimpering in my head. *He's going to reject us,* I said to her, my stomach twisting at the thought. Her soft whines echoed my own hurt, the way he'd just walked out without a word stinging more than I wanted to admit. I forced myself to move, setting the rest of the plates down and retreating to the kitchen, my hands shaking as I gripped the edge of the counter.

The rest of the day dragged by, and I didn't see Adrian again. Not once. But Katrina showed up, of course. She planted herself in the kitchen doorway, just standing there, staring at me for what felt like forever. Her eyes were cold, calculating, like she was piecing together some kind of plan in her head. Had he told her? I wondered, my mind racing.

Did she know what Alexa had sensed, what I was too afraid to say out loud? I didn't speak to her-what was there to say? Start explaining that I didn't plan this, that I didn't want her man? No way. Besides, every part of me burned at the thought of her near Adrian, my mate. I wanted to tear her away from him, to claim what was mine. But then the question hit me, loud and heavy: Was he really my mate? Was he worth fighting for if he could look at me like that, with anger instead of anything else, and then walk away without a word?

I kept my head down, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, anything to keep my hands busy while my thoughts spun. Truth was, I didn't know if Adrian was worth it. If he found out I was his mate and his first reaction anger and then stormed off without a word, what did that say about him? About us? I wasn't stupid enough to think he'd pick me over Katrina, his chosen Luna, the one he'd been with for years. The one who fit into his world, his pack, his life. While i was just the orphan, the servant, the girl they all looked down on.

Night came fast, and I was still wrestling with the plan I'd had for so long-to run the second I turned eighteen. That was the deal, right? Get my wolf, get out, leave Iron Fang and all its poison behind. But now, with Alexa in my head, it wasn't so simple. She was quiet all day, her usual spark dimmed, and I knew this was hitting her harder than it was hitting me. My wolf was tied to Adrian and the idea of leaving him behind was tearing her up. I could feel it, like an ache deep in my bones.

*We should wait till tomorrow,* Alexa finally said, her voice soft, breaking the silence that had settled between us. *He might accept us.* I didn't know how to respond. Part of me wanted to believe her, to hold onto that tiny shred of hope. But another part-the part that had spent years being pushed around, ignored, and humiliated-wanted to tell her she was wrong. That Adrian wasn't going to come around, that he'd made his choice long before I got my wolf. Still, I couldn't bring myself to argue with her.

I hauled my bucket of water up to my attic room, same as every night, and took a quick bath, splashing cold water over my skin. No fancy soaps, no long soak-just enough to wash off the day. I slipped into one of my worn t-shirts the fabric soft from too many washes. Then I crawled into my narrow bed, pulling the thin blanket over me. I stared at the ceiling, willing sleep to come, but my mind wouldn't quit. Adrian's face kept flashing in my head-those burning eyes, the way he'd stopped himself from speaking, the anger that had taken over. And Katrina's glare, like she already knew something I was too scared to admit.

I wanted to run. To hell with all of them-Adrian, Katrina, the whole pack. I could leave, start over somewhere new, just me and Alexa. But my wolf wasn't making it easy. She was holding on, clinging to the idea of our mate, and I didn't know how to fight that. So I lay there, eyes heavy, heart heavier, waiting for sleep to pull me under.

I must have eventually drifted to sleep because next I woke up, it was almost morning, and I could hear the distant howl of wolves and birds chirping outside. I envied them-their freedom, their ease, the way they didn't carry the weight of a pack's expectations or a heart full of questions. Today was Iron Fang's big anniversary ceremony, the ninety-sixth, and I had no time to lie around. I dragged myself out of bed, my chest still heavy with thoughts of Adrian, Alexa, and what might happen next. I hurried to the kitchen, my feet moving faster than my mind could keep up.

The kitchen was already buzzing when I got there. For once, the other cooks and omegas were pitching in, everyone rushing around, decorating tables, arranging trays, making sure every detail was perfect for the big day. Katrina, of course, was playing her role as the loud, bossy inspector, strutting around yelling orders at everyone. But not at me. Not a single word came my way, which set my nerves on edge. Katrina didn't just ignore people-she always had a plan, and her silence made me worry about what she was cooking up this time.

Guests from other packs started arriving, and soon the packhouse was packed with strangers, their voices and laughter filling every corner. I barely had time to think as we started serving, my arms aching from carrying tray after tray, weaving through tables, dropping off plates of food to pack members and visitors alike. I ran back and forth, fetching drinks, clearing dishes, making sure everyone had what they needed.

By the time evening rolled around, I was beyond tired-exhausted down to my bones, like I'd been wrung out and left to dry. Back in the kitchen, the other omegas were complaining about how worn out they were, how they couldn't wait to crash. I didn't say anything, but I knew better than to even think about sleep. If I left the kitchen or the packhouse this messy, I'd be in serious trouble tomorrow. So I dragged my tired body around, scrubbing plates, wiping down surfaces, making sure everything was spotless.

I was in the kitchen, elbow-deep in soapy water, when Katrina walked in, a wicked grin plastered across her face. I tried to ignore her, keeping my eyes on the dishes, but she wasn't having it. "Well, well," she started, her voice dripping with mockery. "Will you finally accept your place, slave? While we're out there having fun, dancing, meeting new people, you're stuck here cleaning up after us. Oh, Ashley, it's like the Moon Goddess made you just to be everyone's plaything. Look at you-worthless, orphaned, and now even your mate doesn't want you."

Her words hit like a slap, and Alexa whimpered inside my head, the sound soft and pained. I bit my lip hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of seeing me cry. She kept going, stepping closer, her voice low and cruel. "Poor little orphan. Even the Moon Goddess thinks you're nothing. Why else would she pair you with someone who'd rather walk away than look at you?"

I stayed quiet, scrubbing a plate so hard my knuckles turned white. But Katrina wasn't done. Her tone shifted, turning sickly sweet, like honey laced with poison. "You know, I'm nice, Ashley. Really nice. So nice, I'd even consider sharing my man with you."

I spun around, my eyes fixed on her feet, refusing to meet her gaze. "I don't want your man," I snapped, my voice low but firm, the anger bubbling up before I could stop it.

"Oh, don't you?" she said, her smile widening, all fake sweetness. "Come on, I know how this mate thing works. You're dying inside, aren't you? Torn up because he's yours but not really. The only way to fix that torment is to reject each other. You and Adrian-you need to cut the bond."

I froze, her words sinking in. Reject him? The thought made my stomach twist, and Alexa let out another soft whimper. Katrina kept talking, like she was enjoying every second of this. "Speaking of Adrian, he actually sent me to get you."

My head snapped up, and I met her eyes this time, searching for the lie. "What?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You think I'm lying?" she exclaimed, her hands on her hips, like she was offended I'd even question her. "I know it's a big deal, getting called by the alpha himself. Trust me, I get it. But yeah, he's waiting for you. Right now."

She looked me up and down, her nose wrinkling like I was something she'd scraped off her shoe. "You might want to change into something... less embarrassing," she said, her voice full of pity she didn't mean. Before I could say anything, she tossed a small bag at me, the contents rustling as it landed in my hands. "I'm feeling generous today, so I'll let you borrow something of mine. Don't say I never did anything for you."

I opened my mouth to argue, to ask who was going to finish cleaning up if I left-because I *knew* I'd be the one in trouble if the kitchen was a mess tomorrow. But she cut me off, already turning to leave. "Third door on the right, top floor," she called over her shoulder, her voice light and casual, like she hadn't just turned my world upside down. And with that, she was gone.

I stood there, clutching the bag, my mind racing. Was she serious? Was Adrian really waiting for me? Or was this just another one of her games, some twisted setup to humiliate me in front of everyone? Alexa was quiet, but I could feel her stirring, her hope battling my doubt. I wanted to believe Adrian had sent for me, that maybe-just maybe-he was ready to face whatever this mate bond was. But the memory of his angry eyes, the way he'd walked away without a word, made my chest ache. What if I went up there and he rejected me? What if Katrina was setting me up to fall?

I glanced at the bag in my hands, tempted to open it but not sure I wanted to play along with her plan. The kitchen was still a mess, plates piled high, counters cluttered with leftovers. If I left now, I'd pay for it later. But if Adrian was really waiting... I shook my head, trying to clear the fog. I didn't know what to do, but standing here wasn't going to answer any questions.

I set the bag down on the counter, my hands trembling as I tried to focus. Part of me wanted to run-out of the kitchen, out of the packhouse, out of Iron Fang altogether. That was the plan, wasn't it? Get my wolf and go. But Alexa's quiet hope held me back, her voice from last night echoing in my head: *He might accept us.* I didn't know if I believed her, but I couldn't ignore her either.