“Where have you girls been?” As soon as our bikes pulled up to the pack house, my mother was already jumping down my throat. For a Luna, she was especially over bearing and always nagging on me about something I did wrong. I was never good enough in her eyes.

She was a tiny thing a just under 5’5” and not an ounce of fat on her. Luna Ann was a force to be wrecked with if she has her mind made up. Usually, she always believes I am wrong without even hearing my side. Thankfully, Colt can see through her. She is technically our step-mother as our mother died giving birth to us. Dad mated with her not even a year later. Colt was a spinning image of our dad. Even though we looked similar, I looked more like my mother growing up.

“Just finished up at the shop. We are going to go for a run and meet some friends for supper.” I said stopping in front of her.

“I don’t think so! You haven’t finished any of the work that I put on the list for you!” A little vein threatened to burst in her forehead.

“I did it this morning! Before school! Did you even check before you accuse me of something?” I yelled, instantly pissed.

“What is going on here?” Dad, Colt and the boys walked out of the pack house.

“Once again, she is ignoring her duties I gave her and being disrespectful! This is the last time!” She raised her hand to slap me across the face. Fortunately, Colt stepped in and caught her hand before she do it.

“You will not hit her.” Colt said with narrow eyes.

“You little brat!”

“Ann, enough. Kris, did you do your chores?” Dad asked as he folded his hands over his chest.

“Yes, sir. I did them this morning before school.”

“She is lying!” Luna Ann shrieked.

“No, I’m not!” I yelled back as I grabbed my phone. “See?” I held up my email to show my dad. Intentionally, walking around Ann as I didn’t want to show her.

“Looks like she did it.” Dad nodded. “What are you doing this evening?”

“Emmy and I were going to go for a run and then meet the guys at the pizza parlor.”

“That is what I told you.” Colt stood up for me.

“Okay. Have a good run.” Dad said handing me back my phone.

“I also emailed you the report from today. I should let you know that Alpha Marc’s son came in and asked for a full back tattoo. I gave him the papers and he is coming in tomorrow to get it started.”

Dad looked at me for a minute. “What time?”

“4pm, sir.”

“Okay, I will swing by sometime.” Dad nodded and turned to leave.

“That’s it? No punishment for being disrespectful?” Ann chased after Dad.

“What did you do to get her fired up like that?” Colt asked.

“We literally just pulled up. She was waiting here when we got here. I can’t wait to get out of this fucking place. Come our 18th birthday, I am gone.” I said to Colt as Emmy and I headed to our rooms to change.

“Running away isn’t the answer.”

“What is going to change? You won’t be Alpha for another seven years. Dad already said you will get it once you are 25 and not sooner. I’m not waiting around for seven more years of this.”

“What if your mate is here?” Colt asked. We were at my bedroom and all three guys looked like I punched them in the face.

“I hope he will like to travel, I will be traveling the world for seven years.” Going into my closet, I changed into a of black spandex shorts, a neon pink sports bra that popped out of the black sport razer back tank I put on.

When I got out, I grabbed a hair tie and loosely tied it back into a pony tail. “Look, I know you don’t like it but what else do you want me to do? A girl can only handle so much with no one in her corner.”

“I’m in your corner.” Colt said.

“And I love you for it but you know you can only do so much. You aren’t there to stop the physical hits.”

“I hate that.” Colt looked down at his shoes.

“It’s fine. You have hit me harder than that.” I joked as I grabbed my phone and ear buds.

“Not that same thing.” Colt’s eyes narrowed.

“I love you, bro but I don’t have any options.” Finally, grabbing my black and pink tennis shoes, I put them on. “I need to go run.” I debated if I wanted to put on another sports bra as my watermelons occasionally hurt when running.

“Ready?” Emmy bounced in my room.

“Yes!” I was happy she was here.

“See you boys!”

“We will be at the pizza parlor in an hour!” Jacob yelled after us.

“Got it!” As we ran out of the packhouse, I could still hear Ann going off to my dad about me when we passed his office. His door wasn’t fully shut but I didn’t want to risk getting into trouble, so we kept going.

“What path?” Emmy asked as she fixed her air-pods.

“Let’s run down town today. We can take the long way to the parlor.” Center was the name of the town that all of the packs used. It wasn’t part of anyone’s territory and it’s where our school is located.

“Sounds good.”

We took off running at the same speed. Our long legs stride out. With each step, my worries and anxiety fade away. Everything that was stressing me out was gone. Just the sound of my feet pounding on the hard Earth. Even the music playing in my ear drifted to the background.

It was a total of ten miles until we hit the town. Once our feet hit the old brick road, we stopped running to catch our breath. “That felt like it lasted forever.” Emmy was really winded.

I was winded but not near as bad. “Eating too much candy?” I teased. The pizza parlor was only three blocks in town. It was a popular hangout for high school age kids. Even the humans gathered around. So it was no surprise when we got there that it was packed.

Looking around, I saw Jacob with his arm around a girl in the far corner. Weaving between people, we made our way over to our group. “About time you girls show up!” The girl on Jacob’s arm looked us up and down. She was human and already annoyed me.

“Gotta keep this figure up. Where is my drink?” I looked around and didn’t see anything.

“Colt hasn’t gotten here yet.” Ace was sitting across from Jacob. There was a girl trying to get his attention. I smirked at him and lifted an eyebrow. He shook his head at me, telling me he wasn’t feeling it.

“I think there is a seat over there, why don’t you girls go over there?” The human girl under Jacob’s arm bravely said.

Jacob and Ace shared a look. “Excuse me?” I said like I didn’t hear her.

“Whoa! Just go get some drinks and order three large pizzas for us. I’ll handle it.” Jacob answered quickly.

“Yes, please do.” I said before turning around. Emmy stayed behind as I walked up to the counter. I wasn’t paying attention to who was in front of me when when they stepped back and landed on my foot. I wasn’t happy.

“The fu-”

The green eyes looked back and looked down at me holding my toe before looking at my body. I felt butterflies in my stomach. “My apolog-”

“Watch where you are walking!” A girl came up to us and wrapped her arm around Alec’s waist.

What is with these bitches? “He stepped on me!” I said standing up. She was a wolf and I had no problem putting her in her place.

“Angela, this is Alpha Brian’s daughter, Kris.”

Her voice changed but not her attitude or the hatred in her eyes. “Nice to meet you.” She said through her teeth. Not even sticking her hand out.

“Yeah.” I said. The counter was clear so I walked around them.

“Hey, Kris! Usual?” The cashier was from our pack and in my grade. Her name is Wendy.

“Yes, please!”

“Alpha Colt’s tab?”

“That would be great.”

“Stupid bitch thinks she owns the place.” I heard whispered behind me. Wendy’s eyes got wide as I turned around.

“Let’s try this again.” I pushed my aura out on her. I kept it light since there are humans around. “My name is Kris and as the daughter of Alpha Brian, I would expect some respect. If that is too hard for you, feel free to step outside and we can handle it.”

“No need for that. I will handle her disrespect. Please accept my apologizes on her behalf.” Alec looked murderous as he held her upper arm like a child. She was still bending her neck in submission.

Pulling back my aura, I stepped back so the audience we had gained, looked away. “I don’t give second changes.” I said looking directly in Alec’s eyes.

“Noted.”

“Um, Kris?” Wendy softly called behind me.

I heard Alec drag the bitch with him outside. “Thank you for the glasses.” I said with a smile. Taking them, I went to fill them up. Most people know me and know of my reputation so it’s not often I am messed with.

“Need help?” Turning, I saw Colt walking up behind me with his girlfriend, Kara.

“Please.” I said as I handed them the glasses.

“What is up with Alpha Alec?” Colt asked.

“His bitch was being disrespectful. I told her to step outside and he said he would handle it so I let him handle it.” We were walking back to the table. The round table that Jacob picked was a little tight so we were sitting shoulder to shoulder. Somehow, I got pushed against Ace. He lifted his arm and rested on the boot behind me. It wasn’t a romantic gesture but more of a necessity so we could eat.

“How was your run?” The girl on Jacob’s arm asked me, shyly.

“It was good. Helps me clear my head.” I said, making nice. I could clearly see Jacob relax at my tone.

“I wish I enjoyed running but it’s never been for me.” She took a sip of her drink.

“So, Kris, hows business?” Kara asked me. We aren’t super close since I don’t think she will last either. Colt gets bored and honestly, until he finds his mate or tells me he actually loves them, I don’t get too attached.

“Great. Already ahead of last year.” The pizza arrived then.

“I said three larges!” Jacob said looking at it all.

“You three men will eat a large to yourself.” Colt usually orders five larges and they will always get ate fully. Not sure why Jacob only wanted three.

The gang started chatting and I stared off into space. It wasn’t until my eyes landed on a set of green ones that I mentally came back to it. He signaled for me to follow him outside as he was standing by the front door.

“I need to get out for a second.” I said. Colt, Kara and Emmy slide out so I could get out too.

“Do you need me to go?” Ace asked in my mind-link.

“No. Probably wants to make sure I don’t kill his girlfriend.”

I felt this disapproval from him. We weren’t together but occasionally when we got drunk, we would make out. It never went past that but he always had a slight jealousy when it came to me.

Walking out, I spotted Alec sitting on his bike. “Wasn’t sure if you were going to come out or not.” He said. The hairs on my arms were instantly raised.

I chose to ignore that comment. “What can I do for you?”

“Angela can be a hot head but she is transferring too and I don’t want there to be problems at school.” I almost felt disappointed...almost.

“As long as she knows her place. If not, I’m sure she will find it soon enough.” It wasnt a threat but a promise.

Alex nodded his head in understanding. “Why did your brother call you Ice?”

“That name is reserved for close friends.”

“That didn’t answer my question.”

“I’m not exactly the warm and fuzzy type.” I kept it vague.

“Ice?” I guess Ace was done waiting. Alex didn’t bristle up, merely glanced over and studied his body language.

“Your boyfriend?”

“No. See you tomorrow.” I said before turning back around. Ace held the door open for me. Alec’s bike peeled out as Ace shut the door.

“What was that about?” Colt asked, clearly unhappy.

“His bitch is transferring to and he doesn’t want a scene.” I shrugged.

“What did you tell him?” Jacob asked in a not so friendly tone.

“As long as she knows her place, we are good. That I would hate to remind her of it.”

“Hate...shit.” Ace shook his head in disbelief.

“Your reputation should be enough to keep her away.” Emmy laughed.

“One little fight and I am the school bad girl.” I sighed.

“It wasn’t one fight and you put her into a coma.” Colt smirked.

“Bitch needed to know her place.” I wasnt hungry but I didnt want to go home.

“Lets head out.” Jacob drank the last of his soda.

“You girls need a ride?” Colt offered.

“No, I want to walk home.”

“Its getting dark out..” Ace looked out the window.

“Thanks, dad. I wasn’t aware.” Annoyed, I got up and started out the door. Emmy was quick to follow me.

“You know you will be in trouble if you are late.” Emmy frowned.

She was right but I hated Ann. “I’ll be in trouble even if I am early.” I hear the boy’s bikes come up behind us.

“Come on, sis. Get on.” Colt held out a hand for me. Sighing, I gave in and got on. Emmy got on Ace’s bike and we took off for the pack house.

The ride only lasted five minutes and I was back to my hell. Colt dropped us off at the front and he went around to the garage. As soon as we walked in the front door, something moved from the side.

SLAP!

The sting of a hand slapping across my face caused my head to whip to the right. I was caught so off guard that I staggered a little.

“Stupid girl! How dare you disrespect me!” Luna Ann shrieked.

Pure hatred filled my eyes as I looked at her. I wasnt sure what came over me as I walked up to her and returned the slap. However, mine was more powerful and she fell to the floor crying.

“WHAT IS GOING IN HERE?” dad roared. I knew I was in trouble but I didnt regret it.

“I literally walked in the door and she slapped me! I can’t take this anymore dad! I am done being disrespected by someone who isn’t even my mother! I hate it here! Come my birthday, I am gone and you won’t ever see me again. So punish me as you want but I don’t care anymore!” The boys came in the room as I ranted. Tears ran down my face with the blood from the split lip she gave me. Not even waiting for a response, I ran up to my room, slamming the door shut.

My body was buzzing and I needed to hit something. Thankfully, Colt installed a punching bag to help me focus my anger on it. My mind went black as I punched it over and over again.

It wasn’t until two massive arms wrapped around me and pinned me against him that I came back. My knuckles were bloody and my arms ached.

“Ice! Calm down!” Colt had me tight against his chest. “I’m so sorry, sis.”

My breathing leveled out and my eye sight focused. Jacob and Ace where here too. “Emmy went home.” Ace read my mind.

“Take a shower and go to bed.” Colt said, letting me go. Ace came up and took my chin in his hand. He moved it to look at my lip.

“It’s nothing.” I said, jerking my head out of his hand.

“I convinced dad to let you cool down. You need to see him in the morning.”

“Okay.” I was grateful for that. “Thanks.”

The boys nodded as they left my room. My phone dinged. Not even looking at it, I tossed it on the bed and went to take a shower.

The hot water burned against my knuckles but I welcomed the pain. The water eventually ran cold and I got out. Drying off, and putting jammies on, I got into bed. My phone dinged again. This time, I looked at it.

Emmy: You okay?

Me: Yeah, I’m okay.

Emmy: don’t believe you but we can talk tomorrow. Maybe Ace can ease your mind?!

Me: goodnight....

She did get me to smile as I fell asleep instantly.

The next morning, I woke up early to get ready. Ann slept in so I knew dad would be alone in his office. Braiding my hair to the side, I applied a light layer of makeup to try to hide the light bruise on my chin. Finally, I put in flowy shorts with a black bodysuit. Grabbing a pair of sandals, I made my way to his office

Knock!

Knock!

Knock!

“Come in” dad’s voice boomed

“Hi dad.” I said as I walked in and took a seat. Since it was just him and I, I didn’t have to show all the respectful practices.

“Kris, what’s going on?”

“She makes my life a living hell. Just because I look like mom. All I did was walk in the door and she attacked me. I know I shouldn’t have hit her but I’m done being a doormat for her abuse.” My voice cracked but I held firm.

“Colt said you are leaving when you turned 18.”

“Yes. I can’t live with her anymore.”

“You know you can’t go around and hit Ann.” Dad started.

“For once, can you just be my dad? Actually hear me and listen to me?” I interrupted.

“Kris, you know I love you.”

Standing up, “Alpha, can you please just give me my punishment and let me get to school?” If he wasnt going to be the dad I needed, I wasnt going to address him as such.

“Don’t do that.” He shook his head in disappointment.

A knock saved me from answering. The door opened without dad answering. It was Beta Andrew. “Sorry, I can come back...”

“I need to get to school.” I said looking at dad.

“We aren’t done talking.” He said as I turned to leave.

“Yes, sir.”

Rushing out of the office, I went straight to the garage. Getting on my bike, I took off. Not waiting for anyone else.

I felt free with the wind in my hair. In my hast to leave, I forgot my helmet. Not like I dont heal quickly. My knuckled were scabbed over but still looked angry.

Since I left so early, there werent many cars in the school parking lot. Parking my bike, I got off and went to the picnic table and sat down. Plugging my ear phones in, I blasted some old rock songs and got lost in my drawings. Since I was a tattoo artist, I liked to have a bunch of my own work available for people to chose from.

This one was of a Phoenix. The wings were spread wide with fire around him. I was so lost in the shadowing that I didn’t see or feel Ace approaching.

“SHIT!” I yelled as he tapped my shoulder, causing me to jump.

He sat down across from me. I saw his eyes examine my lip and my knuckles. It made me slightly uncomfortable but loved as well. “You okay?”

“Always am.” I said as I out my music away.

“Kristen.” Anytime someone uses my full name, I know they are serious.

Setting my pencil down, I looked at him in the eyes. “What do you want me to say? I’m lovely? Couldnt be better? I’m flat out miserable? Is it too much to ask to ask for a dad who will take my side for once?” I was starting to get worked up again. Ace reached over and took my hand.

“It’s okay. I wish I could take your pain away.”

It sounded so intimate. “Seven more years till Colt takes over.” I sighed, steering the conversation away from us.

“Your birthday is coming up. What if your mate is in this pack?” We had talked about us being mates but it didnt feel right.

“School will be over in a few months. Maybe he will want a vacation.”

“What if he can’t take one?” He was talking about himself and he was right. Once Colt turned 18, his alpha training would sore and I’d barely see him. That meant Jacob and Ace too.

“I’ll send postcards.”

I hadn’t realized the school yard was filling up. The first bell rang, telling us we had five minutes before class started.

Ace frowned as we stood up and made our way in. I felt eyes on me, as I looked back and saw Alec looking at me. Angela was clinging to him. I wanted to punch her in the face but instead, I turned around and went to class.

The morning went by slowly. The teachers lectures were boring. I’m in all the advanced classes so I really needed to pay attention but I couldn’t.

My last class, Advanced Calculus, was all I had left before lunch. The door opened and Alec walked in with another guy I didn’t recognize. Alec looked around and saw me before taking a seat on the other side of the room. His sexy friend sat beside him. I sat towards the back as I had a hard time focusing in the front. It bothered me not knowing what was happening behind me so I would sit in the back.

Occasionally, I would feel his eyes in me but I tried to focus. The teacher was going over last semesters progress so I pulled out my sketch pad and kept working on the Phoenix. Most people didnt know my IQ was that of a genius. Three years ago, I tested out of high school but I didnt want to be a freak so I chose to stay and go year by year.

All the teachers knew that so they didn’t call on me and didn’t worry when I skipped class. Not to mention they were all wolves and knew who I was. Dad and the other alphas commanded them to not tell a soul about my IQ. It wasn’t something I wanted to share.

When the bell finally rang, the teacher called on me. “Miss Kris. Can you come see me for a second?”

Everyone but Alec and his friend left. “Hello, Miss Simpson. I am Alec and this is Jasper. I wanted to introduce myself to you.”

“That’s right. Alpha Marc’s son?” She looked at him

“Yes, ma’am”

“Nice to meet you. I will say that being the Alphas son doesn’t excuse missed homework.” She glared at him. I stood awkwardly off to the side.

“Understood.” He was clearly annoyed but didn’t push it.

“Miss Kris. Can I count of you again this year?”

I had to smirk, “Yes, ma’am. Looking forward to it.”

“Perfect. I’ll send you an email with details.”

“Sounds good!” I said and left.

“Wait!” Alec jogged to catch up with me. “Kris, this is Jasper. He will be my beta. Jasper, this is Alpha Brian’s daughter.”

“Nice to meet you.” He said politely.

I raised my eyebrow at his level of professionalism. “You too. If you would excuse me...” I turned to leave. My stomach was rumbling.

“Still in for this afternoon?” Alec called out.

“Yes, sir.” I said without looking back. I knew they were following me but I didnt care. I wanted food.