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.

"Wake up, please. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please wake up..."

Ryker?

Does he regret it? Is he taking me back?

"No," the voice said, quieter now. "I'm not Ryker. I should've woken up sooner. I should've protected you. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

I opened my eyes.

There was nothing around me but darkness.

"Who are you?" I asked. "Why are you crying?"

"I'm your wolf. My name is Lilith. I saw everything. I'm sorry, Sophia. I'm so sorry."

"You're... my wolf? I thought...I...I don't have one." My voice became almost a whisper.

"You have me..." It's voice broke. "I was just asleep. I was dormant inside you and just woke up when you smelled our mate."

"So you were inside me all along?"

"I'm sorry, " it begged again, its voice filled with guilt.

"It's okay. You're forgiven," I said with a small smile. "However, our mate... Ryker... he rejected us."

"I know," Lilith said. "And now..."

Suddenly, agony stabbed through my chest and stomach.

I screamed.

"What's happening?" I cried.

"He's with someone else," Lilith growled. "He's having sex. I can feel it. I can't forgive him."

Tears streamed down my face. "He rejected us... and just moved on?"

"Pack what you need," Lilith said. "But before that, we need to dull the pain."

"Where are we going? If we leave the pack, we'll be rogues."

"We'll go to our brother," he said faintly.

"I don't have a brother," I whispered. "I'm an only child."

"Just hurry. If they don't want us, we'll give them what they want."

I stuffed money, clothes into a bag. "Do you even know where our brother is?"

"Take a breath. We'll think this through."

I did what he said.

"Alright," I decided. "We leave. I have enough money to survive for a while. No turning back."

"Good. Now go to Ryker's room."

I didn't know why, but I followed.

When I opened his door, I saw him... with Jessica, our pack's biggest flirt.

They both stared, startled.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Ryker roared. "Get the hell out!"

"Maybe he wants to watch," Jessica sneered. "Let's give him a show."

And that's when the pain turned into rage.

"I, Sophia Martin accept your rejection. From now on you're no longer my mate."

"Shit, dude! She's your mate?" A person spoke from behind me. It was Connor along with his other friends.

"Not anymore I rejected her already. Oh, by the way you can have him do whatever you want. But don't kill her. I'm gonna play with her a little and then get rid of her." Ryker said with an evil smile. "Now get the hell out of here!" he looked at me one last time as Connor close the door, I saw his eyes flickering, it might have been his wolf, but I can't say for sure.

"Now what do we do with you, little freak." Connor muttered tauntingly.

"I haven't done anything to you. Can't you just let me go." I said, but he just laughed at me.

"I can't do that. But don't worry. We'll gonna play an exciting game." He stalked towards me while I backed away.

"I'm gonna count to ten, and you better pray I don't catch you. Alright, little freak?"

I looked at him in fear, and the he started counting.

"One..."

I began running as fast as I could while him and his friends all laughed as I dashed my way out.

"Two..."

I don't know how long I've been running but soon I heard footsteps behind me as I sprinted to the woods.

I called out my wolf, and I could feel it through our link that she was weakening.

"Lilith?"

I called again but she didn't answer.

I soon stumbled down the ground and their laughter got nearer and nearer, and they were soon standing in front of me, taunting me as they circled around me.

"Please, just leave me alone." I pleaded to them, but they treated my words like air.

"Now...what do we do with you?" Connor crouched down and grabbed my ankles, yanking me to him.

"Your skin is quite soft. Have you ever been touched before?" His question made me tremble in fear.

"Please...let me go." I cried, trying to get away from him. But his grip on me was firm.

"Connor, dude, what are you doing? Don't tell me you like that freak?!" One of his friends asked, snickering.

"Well, just look at her skin, they are soft and nice to the touch. I'm just curious how it would feel." Connor said, and his friends laughed at him.

But then he suddenly towered me while pinning my hand above me with his one hand. While his other hand started crawling underneath my shirt.

"Connor what are you doing?!" His friends tried to pull him away but he just pushed them and looked at me lustfullly.

"Please, don't do this..." I begged.

"Shut up! Shut up!" He got angry and punched my stomach making me close my eyes in pain.

His friends were now looking worried as they looked around the place making sure no one was around.

He slowly pulled my jeans down and when he struggled with it, he ripped it apart and I couldn't do anything to stop him.

I cried and cried, and when he got annoyed at me again he punched my side and screamed for me to stay still.

"Connor, that's enough!" His friend yelled this time, and then he looked me in the eyes, and as if he finally realized what he was doing, he stopped, and hastily let go of my hands.

"Fuck this! If you ever tell anyone about this freak, you're dead! Or better yet, it's better if you just die here!" He said, standing up, kicking my side and walking away.

I could only cry as his friends slowly turned to leave as well, one of them muttered an apology but didn't bother helping me, afraid that they will anger Connor.

I couldn't move, my whole body was in pain. My heartbeat was also slowing down. Is this it? Am I going to die?

"Sophia," I heard Lilith's voice in my head, it was faint and small.

"Lilith, I'm sorry. I'm too weak. I don't deserve you."

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. If it wasn't for me laying dormant all these years, you wouldn't have suffered so much." Her voice got quieter and quieter with each word. "I'm weak from the rejection. But don't worry, I will do everything I can to make sure you're well." With that last sentence, I felt something inside me snapped.

Our connection was slowly breaking.

What is happening?

"Lilith?" I tried to call her but she was no longer responding.

I close my eyes in pain. I tried to get up but it was in vain as I crashed to the ground my strength leaving me.

As I tried one last time, my whole body gave out as I fainted, my surroundings slowly turning darker and darker, until the void completely engulfed me.

...

I don't know how long I've been out, but I slowly stirred awake when I heard someone shake me.

"Selene...Selene please wake up."

Who's Selene?

"Oh thank Goddess you're alive." The man hugged me.

Who was he?

I was then lifted from the ground, and I could feel the breeze brushing past my body as he ran through the woods.

"Who are you? Where are you taking me?" I asked him. His eyes, looking back at me tenderly. A warmth I rarely see from other people.

"I'm your brother. And I'm taking you home."

It was the last thing I heard before I fell unconscious once again.