I really hate school. I know I should study hard but studying real isn't for me. I'm good at cooking though. Why can't I just do that instead of studying science and math?

I'm only here because of my uncles and our Alpha. They think going to school will help improve my social skills. Yeah, right. If they only knew what's really happening in my life right now. 

My uncle Sebastian would go on a rampage if he knew how they're treating me. He already threatened the pack to report them to the High Council if the bullying doesn't stop. Uncle Sebastian is fiercely protective, and his mate, Auntie Reyna wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who would hurt me.

Sadly, they don't know how they treat me behind closed doors and when they're away for work. When my uncles are present they would always make me live in their house and everyone wouldn't dare hurt or maltreat me. But the second they're gone, the others would always kick me and throw me to my old rugged room saying that I belonged there. 

I can't tell the Alpha because I'm sure it will get worse for me. So I can only endure. Or else, my uncles might get in trouble if they get involved. Especially since my perpetrators are high ranking in this pack.

As I walk toward the entrance, I spot Ryker, Gabriel, Connor, Liam, and our pack's number one slut, Jessica, with her army of followers. Ryker sees me and Connor whispers something to him. Ryker laughs loudly, then looks at me and sneers making me freeze on the spot.

"Hey, freak! Excited to suck someone off in the janitor's closet or the restroom?" The crowd bursts into laughter and cheers.

Connor adds, "Better lock your pants, people-you never know when that freak might attack." More laughter follows. Most of the students glare at me with disgust, but some look on with sympathy. Gabriel gives me a tight-lipped smile and glares at the bullies.

He's probably the only one who treats me nicely in the pack, along with some of the helpers there who are also omegas like me.

I wonder why they think I'm a slut. Wouldn't that also indirectly hurt Jessica since between the two of us. She's more fit to be described by that word?

"Hey, freak, aren't you going to say something? Looking for your next victim?" Connor taunts again, sneering.

I ignore them, head down, fixing my hood as I walk to my locker. I sigh, grab my books and notes for this period, and pack my bag. Just as I close my locker, someone jumps on my back, startling me. I groan, already knowing what was coming.

"Move aside! The freak is here-she might contaminate you!" someone yells as I walk down the hall.

"Can you stop being a jerk?" A stranger stepped in, making me look up. This was the first time in a long time that someone stood up for me. He was probably a newcomer since I practically know every person in this school.

When I saw the guy was about to walk to the person who just insulted me, I intervened, "Stop, it's not worth it," I pull him back. He huffs but calmed down.

"Next time I hear that again, you're dead," he warns the poor guy and turned to me.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

I sigh. "Yes, and thank you for helping me. You shouldn't have done that. You'll get in trouble."

"Why are people here such jerks?" He groans, disappointed.

"I'm Allan by the way." He offered his hand, smiling charmingly at me.

"Sophia," I introduced and shook his hand. We compared our schedules and it turns out we have the same classes.

When we reached our room, he swings open the classroom door with a loud bang, startling everyone.

"Oops," he smiles sweetly, ignoring the annoyed looks. We take our seats in the far corner.

"You know, I think you should learn some basic self defense. People nowadays are rotten to the core. It's better to be prepared." He suggested. Then I showed him my arms that are as thin as a twig and he chuckled and looked up to think of something else.

"How about you get yourself a boyfriend who's strong and tough? That way, you won't be so easily targeted." He said, and I grimaced at him.

I think No way I'm doing that. I'm waiting for my mate-the one the goddess chose for me to love. I know the chances are slim since eI don't have my wolf, but I'm still hoping, praying that there really is someone out there for me.

After some time, the teacher walks in, and our boring school day begins.

After three dull subjects, lunch break bell rings. Allan stretches and pokes my shoulder then rubbed his stomach telling me that he was hungry as hell. We head to the noisy cafeteria where my tormentors wait. The room falls silent when we enter, then they resume their chatter. I know they have plans to humiliate me. But probably because of Allan that they start to think otherwise.

As we pass Ryker's table, cold juice suddenly gets poured over my head. And I can't help but clench my fist. This always happens. When are they actually gonna stop?

"Sophia, are you okay?" Allan asks. And I looked at Ryker who was looking at me with an amused and unsympathetic look. Is he really satisfied seeing me getting treated this way?

I nod at Allan, brushing it off, and head for the restroom while Allan stayed behind, and I heard his loud voice as he argued at Ryker's friends.

As I step into the restroom to clean myself, I can't help but look in the mirror. Seeing my reflection, all damp and dirty. I couldn't control the tears anymore.

Just when I thought that was already the tip of the iceberg today. Connor and his friends suddenly showed up inside the restroom and closed the door locking it.

My heart pounded so loudly that I can't even breathe.

"Hello, freak. Did you enjoy our little treat?" Connor sneers.

I try to back away but they grab me tight and pushed me to the door making me wince when my side hit the door knob.

"Wh-what are you going to do?" I stammer, shaking with fear.

"Nothing much, just some fun. Ryker didn't like the way you looked at him earlier." Ryker? Did he put them up to this?

"He told us to put you in your place." They surrounded me and without thinking twice they slapped and kicked me relentlessly. I double over, hitting my head on the wall. Tears pooling in my eyes.

"Please stop," I whimper, clutching my aching stomach, but they don't listen.

I try to hold back the tears, but they fall anyway.

Finally, seeing me bleeding and crying, they stopped. One by one, they walked away, laughing, leaving me alone in the dark.

I could only stare at the ground, unmoving. When will this stop? Mom...dad, why didn't you just take me with you?

After a few minutes of laying in the ground, I suddenly heard the door creak slightly and hasty footsteps nearing me.

"Sophia! What happened? Who did this to you?!" I fluttered my eyes open to see who was calling my name, then I saw Gabriel, his face twisted in worry as he stared at me.

He knelt down beside me, but just as he was about to help me I swatted his hand away. "Gabi, you shouldn't be here." I called him by the silly nickname I gave him, forcing out a smile. "You'll only get in trouble if you get yourself involved with me." I said.

"I don't care if I get in trouble. Are the other members giving you a hard time? Is someone hurting you?! I should tell this to the Alpha." He said. My heart jumped at that and I quickly caught his wrist, shaking my head.

"Please don't. I'm really okay. This is nothing."

"How exactly is this okay?" He hissed.

"I've been dealing with this kind of treatment almost all my life. No one dared to help. So please, spare me the trouble and just stay away from me." I said, smiling dryly at him, forcing myself to stand up.

"Thank you for your concern. But if Ryker hears that you're helping me. You'll only gonna get dragged down with me." I said. Walking away, clutching my stomach as I head to the infirmary.

I know his intentions are good. But I'm not that naive to not realize he can really help me. 

No one can help me. I can only endure all of this alone. I have to be strong.

I woke up feeling a little bit better. And...well...it's finally my birthday. Not that I feel anything about it anyway.

I glance at the clock on the bedside table-it was still 5:17 a.m.

I sigh, sitting up, and begin my morning routine like I always do. When I finish, I quietly step out of my room and head to the kitchen to help Cassie since she's always wakes up early from everyone else. There was even a time that I thought I woke up earlier than her, it was probably around 3:am that time, and I was excited to tell it on her face, but the moment I stepped in the kitchen she was already sipping her coffee. So my plan backfired.

I slowly walked to the kitchen expecting her, but to my surprise, it was empty.

The room is still dark and oddly quiet. I frown and walk deeper inside, reaching for the switch on the wall. That's when I hear a faint sound from the corner of the kitchen.

"Hello?" I call out softly, but there was no answer.

I take another cautious step, then suddenly, the lights flicker on and a loud chorus of "Happy Birthday!" bursts through the silence.

I yelp in surprise, stumbling back a little. My eyes were adjusting to the light, and I see three people in front of me. Cassie, her mate Mark, and...Gabriel? They're all laughing, clearly amused by how startled I look.

"Happy Birthday again!" Cassie says warmly, walking toward me with a bright smile.

Chase and Mark hand me their presents, which instantly made me grin. Cassie gives me a new set of clothes, and I hug her tightly. While Chase and Mark gave me shoes and new clothes.

She cooks my favorite food and even bakes a small cake. We celebrate quietly in the kitchen so we don't wake the rest of the pack. It's a small celebration, but it means the world to me. I thank them all, truly grateful for the moment. I didn't expect that Gab would also celebrate with us. It's been years since we last celebrated together.

Later that morning, I sit in front of my laptop, chatting with my Uncle over webcam. We've been talking for two hours now.

He's been asking if I made friends lately, and I said I met one guy on the first day and he sighs on the other end, troubled, but I guess knowing how I'm like, he's thankful that I was able to make one friend.

What he doesn't know is that things haven't really changed. The bullying never stopped. But I can't bring myself to tell him. If anyone in the pack finds out I spoke up, the cruelty will only double. They'll make sure of it. Uncle Seb and Auntie Reyna are rarely here-they have important work-and I don't want to be a burden. I can survive this.

If I still find my mate here. I'm leaving this pack. I'll explore the world, find my place, maybe even find someone who truly sees me. But I won't tell my uncle and aunt that-not yet.

"Sophia," Uncle Seb says softly, his brow furrowed with worry, "are you eating properly? You've lost weight, and you look pale."

"I'm okay, Uncle. Just tired from school and... everything else."

He doesn't look convinced. "I'm really worried about you. We leave you alone so often. We barely have time together. If we could come home right now, we would."

"I'm fine here, really," I say with a soft smile. "You both have responsibilities, Uncle. I understand."

He stares at me through the screen for a long moment, then finally sighs.

"Sophia, if you ever need anything-anything at all-you tell me, okay? Don't be scared."

I nod.

"How was your birthday?" he asks, trying to lighten the mood.

I hesitate. "You know I don't really like celebrating my birthday..." I begin, my voice low. "Especially not without Mom and Dad. I didn't even tell anyone here, I only celebrated it with Cassie, Mark and, umm...Gab."

Uncle Seb's face crumples.

Tears escape before he can hide them, and he quickly turns away. Aunt Reyna appears on the screen, walking over to comfort him.

"Hey, don't cry," I whisper. "I'm okay. Really."

"I'm sorry," Uncle Seb says, wiping his face. "I wish I could turn back time and be there with you. I should've come home..."

"But you will, right?" I say, forcing a hopeful smile. "When your work's done, you'll come back. And we'll celebrate together."

"Yes," Aunt Reyna adds, wrapping an arm around Uncle. "Next weekend. We're coming home. One whole month. We'll go somewhere nice for your birthday."

My heart lifts. "Really? I'll wait for you guys then."

Uncle Seb perks up slightly. "We actually bought you a gift. It'll be delivered tomorrow."

"You didn't have to," I groan. "You guys always get me expensive stuff I don't even use."

Like the necklace last year. Still in the box. Then came the iPad, camera, and latest laptop. I told them to stop, but they never listened.

"This time, it's not expensive. Promise," Uncle Sebastian insists.

I narrow my eyes. "You're lying. I know that smile."

He laughs, caught. "Okay, okay. It's less expensive. But I swear you'll like it."

We shift topics. "Ryker's birthday is in two days," Uncle Seb says. "He's turning eighteen. He'll be Alpha soon. I heard Alpha Robert's inviting other packs-so Ryker can meet his mate."

I didn't know that.

Suddenly, someone knocks on my door.

"I have to go," I say quickly, my heart skipping. "Someone's here. I'll see you guys next weekend. Love you both!"

"Love you, Sophia. Take care."

I end the call, my hands trembling slightly. I take a deep breath and open the door.

Alpha Grey was stands there, smiling gently. I instantly relax when I saw it was him.

"Hello, Sophia," he says. "Come with me, we need to talk in my office."

I freeze for a second. Did I do something wrong?

"Are you okay?" he asks, turning back when I didn't follow him.

"Y-yes, sir," I stammer, then trail after him.

Inside his office, he gestures for me to sit. I was turning my brain upside down to think of possible mistakes I have committed. But I couldn't think of any.

"W-what can I do for you, Alpha Robert?"

"Relax, Sophia," he says kindly. "You didn't do anything wrong. I just wanted to ask, are you still having problems? Is anyone bullying you?"

Every couple of weeks, he checks on me. He's one of the few who knows what I went through.

"I'm fine, Alpha," I lie. "Nothing bad happened recently."

He nods slowly, not pushing it. But I can tell he wasn't entirely convinced. "If anything does happen, tell me. Or tell Ryker."

Never. I'd rather die than go to Ryker. Instead of helping me, he'll probably end up causing me more pain.

"It's your birthday, right?" he continues, smiling now. "Happy Birthday. I got you something."

He walks over to a cabinet and pulls out a small box.

"My gift. Your uncles told me you'd like it. And... this is something I wish I'd given you a long time ago."

"Thank you, Alpha," I say sincerely. "Your greetings are already more than enough though, you don't have to give me presents."

"Nonsense. Open it."

I carefully unwrap the gift. I always save the wrappers, ribbons, and cards. Weird habit, maybe, but they mean something to me. I always store them in a box and tuck them underneath my bead.

When I lift the lid of the box, my breath catches.

It's a framed photo, of...of my family.

My father and mother were in their wolf form. I was resting my head on my mother's stomach, laughing while trying to listen on something. My father was nudging my head with his nose.

Tears sting my eyes, each passing second as I looked at the photo.

I remember this day. I was six. It was the day they told me I was going to be a big sister. One of the happiest moments of my life.

But that happiness... didn't last.

Not only did the rogues took my parents and other members in our pack. They also took my little brother away from me. They said they were gonna name him Timothy, and I was laughing at the thought of calling my little brother Timmy. But...that hope crashed. I wasn't able to do anything.

"T-thank you, Alpha." I choked on my tears.

"Don't cry, dear. I'm sure, your parents would love to see you smile instead on your birthday. Their little princess." He muttered, gazing softly at me.

I nodded my head and wiped the tears away. Smiling gratefully at him. Even though others said that I was the cause of our Luna's death, he never once showed me hate.

We were soon interrupted when a knock came to the door and Ryker barged in without a care.

The moment his eyes landed on me, his expression quickly turned black. I immediately lowered my head and excused myself and got out.

I went directly to my room, and jumped to my bed, burying my head under my pillows as I reminisced the past.

I miss them so much. Mom, dad. I'm eighteen now. Don't worry, I promise to live my life from now on. Once I find my mate, I will explore the world and be your eyes on earth while you watch in heaven.

It was finally Ryker's birthday, our future Alpha, and today, he's expected to find his Luna. I hope whoever she is, she has a kind heart and listens to her pack members.

Meanwhile, here I am, helping Cassie in the kitchen with the other omegas. I don't plan to stay for the party. Once we're done, I'll head back to my room and sleep. Cassie already knows my plan. She tried to convince me to stay and enjoy the celebration, but I only raised an eyebrow at her. She knows this pack doesn't treat me like family, or even like a real member, except for her, her mate, Alpha Grey, and Gab. So, why should I stay? To celebrate the birthday of the person who hates my guts?

After preparing the food and finishing my dinner, I bid Cassie goodnight. Before I could leave, she kissed me on the temple and whispered a gentle "Goodnight" to me.

I rushed upstairs, avoiding everyone. Once in my room, I took a quick bath and lay in bed, but no matter how hard I tried, my eyes wouldn't close. My mind kept spinning. Exhausted as I was, but sleep refused to come.

Eventually, I gave up. Maybe some fresh air would help. I changed clothes and carefully checked the hallway before sneaking out using the back entrance. I thought I'd gotten away unnoticed, but luck wasn't on my side.

"Sophia, where are you going?" Alpha Grey's voice made me freeze.

"Good evening, Alpha Grey," I said quickly. "Just getting some fresh air."

"Alright," he replied. "But don't stay out too long. Stay within the territory. There might be rogues lurking nearby."

"Yes, Alpha. Thank you," I said and left.

I ran toward my secret place, a peaceful spot by the water. Slipping off my shoes, I dipped my feet into the cool stream and checked my watch. It was already midnight. Ryker has probably already found his Luna. I wonder what she looks like. All I wish is that she will be a kind Luna.

My thoughts drifted to my wolf. Uncle Seb told me she was probably sleeping inside me, which was why I hadn't shifted yet. Most wolves shift by the age of ten, but I turned eighteen three days ago and still hadn't felt anything. Is there something wrong with me? Aside from being weak, I mean. Maybe my wolf thinks I don't deserve her?

My feet were starting to prune, so I pulled them from the water and laid down on the grass. My eyes grew heavy, and I let them close.

When I opened them again, it was morning. I panicked. My watch confirmed I'd slept through the night. I put my shoes on and ran back to the pack house, sneaking in through the back.

In the kitchen, Cassie had already finished cooking.

"Where have you been?" she asked, clearly worried. "I checked your room last night, and again this morning. Alpha asked about you, too. I told him you got up early and went for a walk."

I ran to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"I'm sorry. I fell asleep in my secret place. Thank you for covering for me. I didn't mean to make you worry."

She chuckled softly and rubbed my back. "Okay, okay. You're forgiven," she said, tapping my nose. "Now go take a bath and come back for breakfast."

I smiled and rushed upstairs. The house was quiet. Probably everyone was still asleep from the party.

As I climbed the stairs, a sharp scent hit me-sandalwood and lemon. My head suddenly ached, and pain coursed through my body. I stopped, trying to breathe through it. The world around me blurred.

Then, just as suddenly, the pain vanished. Everything returned to normal.

What the hell was that? Weird.

I ran to my room to check for injuries or maybe a snake bite I hadn't noticed. I was lifting the hem of my shirt to inspect myself when the door burst open.

Ryker stood there, his eyes full of fury.

"It's you!" he spat. "I can't believe it. YOU!" What does he mean "me"?

He marched forward and grabbed my face tightly, his grip bruising my cheeks. Sparks shot through my skin where he touched me, sending a shiver down my spine.

"W-w-what are you t-talking about?" I stuttered, trying to pry his hand away. "I-I'm sorry if I did something..."

That scent again-sandalwood and lemon. It was coming from him.

Then the headache hit again, much worse this time.

Am I... shifting?

"You!" he growled. "I cannot accept you. You will NOT be my mate. I hate you! You're the one who killed my mother!"

His words froze me.

"M-mate...?"

Realization crashed into me. Ryker-he was my mate?

He tightened his grip, and my face throbbed.

"I, Ryker Knight, future Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack, reject you Sophia Martin as my mate," he declared. Then he shoved me violently into the wall.

"May you burn in hell, freak," he hissed, spat at me, and walked out.

He rejected me.

The one thing I'd silently hoped for-the chance to be wanted, to belong-he threw it away like trash. I couldn't breathe. I didn't even realize I was crying until I saw the tears on my hands.

He said that I killed his mother.

But I didn't. I never did.

Black spots clouded my vision. I tried to stay awake, but I collapsed. Unable to take his rejection.