ALEXEI'S POV

Today was the day that father announced me as his successor. The heir apparent of Ash moon pack.

In my past life, I had be overjoyed by father's announcement. Naive and ignorant about the enemies I had made as a result.

Freida had squealed in false cheer, hugging me tightly. Luna Mya had smiled at me, giving me a soft pat on the back.

How had I not been able to see their loathing, shimmering right beneath the surface of their fake smiles?

How could I have been so blind to it?

It was a good thing that I knew better. It was almost as if I could see everyone in a new light. It made it so much easier to sift out false reactions from the fake ones.

The throne room was packed full of pack members and elders. Father sat on his custom high backed seat, observing the assembled crowd with an air of polite rigidity.

From my place next to his seat, I studied my step mother and sister closely.

They looked normal enough. Calm and collected in their pristine designer outfits.

Freida had an easy smile on her heart shaped face.

Honestly, if I hadn't witnessed her shoving that vial of wolfsbane down my throat, and overhearing what she had said about Luna Mya having a hand in father's death, I could easily have believed that all of it had been nothing more than a bad nightmare.

How could I not, when she had such a sweet smile on her face?

Luna Mya was no better. She was seated next to father at the top of the room and kept shooting him little adoring looks.

I felt bile rise in my throat and clenched my fists to keep it at bay.

Just then, Freida looked in my direction. She locked eyes with me.

Her lips twitched in amusement as she raised her fingers to me in a small wave.

I swallowed the thickness in my throat and looked away from her.

I had to find a way to get through this. No matter how much I wanted to lash out at these selfish, two-faced monsters, I needed to reel it in.

If I caused a scene right now, there was no way to prove any accusations I threw at Freida and the Luna.

Frankly, there was a high chance that it could come back to bite me in the ass.

A few more minutes passed by, characterized by numbing chatter. Finally, father got down to it- addressing the business for which everyone had gathered.

It was just like the last time.

He gave a small speech about how he'd built Ash moon from the ground, right alongside my mother. Then, he acknowledged the pack's numerous wins over the years. The booming businesses. Our vast lands. Our numbers.

He also highlighted our weaknesses when it came to military numbers and defense mechanisms.

"Ash moon needs a leader backed by the light and approval of the moon goddess. The goddess searches all of our hearts and understands our capabilities more than we could ever imagine."

Father's tone carried through the room with the force of one that longed to lift a heavy burden off his chest.

My heart clenched with nerves as he finally announced my name.

The silence that filled the room was quiet and reverberating. It stretched, filling my ear with white noise.

It was just like last time. Everyone was shocked by father's announcement.

It was quite apparent that they had been counting on Freida being announced as heir.

She was the popular choice, afterall.

She was stronger than me.

She had a wolf and encompassed an aura I was only beginning to realize was fake.

Watching her poison me in the gardens convinced me that her so-called aura was nothing to be fascinated by. It was nothing more than an empty shell etched in darkness.

The silence that had met father's announcement was soon followed by an uncoordinated round of applause.

I remembered things going this way. Any moment now, Freida would come running in my direction.

She would throw her arms around me in a hug and congratulate me in front of everyone.

And then, Luna Mya could pay shoulder in a fake show of maternal love and support.

The first time they had done it, I had been greatly moved and highly emotional.

Now, the thought of their presence, surrounding me, made my skin crawl.

I needed to find a way to avoid it.

Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea if I ran away?

I wondered how much such a small glitch in my predesigned story would change my fate.

Without thinking, I withdrew from the crowd, taking a few steps backwards.

Father's eyebrows drew together by my sudden movements backwards. He gave me a questioning look, unsure of how to interpret my abrupt reaction.

I ignored his look and spurn around on my feet. Without a care for what anyone had to say, I did the first thing that came to mind.

I made my escape from the throne room.

I shot past the double doors and burst into the hallway. I had merely made it a few steps when I slammed face first into a hard wall.

Only it wasn't a wall.

It was a broad, strong chest.

Equally strong arms reached out to wrap around my waist, halting my fall.

I inhaled a sharp breath as I was brought flush against the full length of my rescuer.

I locked gazes with a pair of eyes that were almost identical to mine, and instantly, my face drained of colour.

My blood ran cold, causing a shiver of sheer terror to course down the length of my spine.

Brandon gave me the brightest smile he could muster, oblivious to my negative reaction to his touch- to his closeness.

"Careful darling," he snickered, bringing his face close to mine. "You could easily have hurt yourself. I guess it's a good thing you've got me to look after you."

He shot me a conspiratorial wink.

I didn't realize I was still holding my breath until I felt my head swim with a heavy wave of dizziness.

Alexei's POV

"Careful darling," he snickered, bringing his face close to mine. "You could easily have hurt yourself. I guess it's a good thing you've got me to look after you."

He shot me a conspiratorial wink.

I didn't realize I was still holding my breath until I felt my head swim with a heavy wave of dizziness.

"Congratulation my love." He said flashing his charming smile,that smile which made my heart skip a beat now disgusted the very essence of my soul.

"We should go on a date today, to celebrate your new role in the pack. I have something special planned out. Why don't you go upstairs, something nice is waiting up for you." Brandon stated, trying to reach for my hair but I tilted my head, pretending to tuck my hair, whilst forcing a smile.

Oh of course I remembered this moment,the so called surprise gift was a really horrible looking dress,one I had with a heart filled with love ignored how terrible it looked and wore it to the date.

I decided to accept the date proposal, but would surely strive to turn things around this time.

"Alright, I'll dress up soon enough and join you." I replied,it was plain filled with no joy.

He smiled broadly and watched as I left for my room. I climbed the stairs and soon reached my doorway. My heart throbbed as I pushed the door open. This night had been one of the happiest moments of my life,I had expected Brandon to pop the question,but I was met with the greatest disappointment.

As expected, the dress was right on my bed.

I stared at it, with disgust. " Now that I think of it, this might be the most ugliest dress I have seen in a long time." I retorted, biting my lips to suppress my anger.

Angrily, I grabbed the dress and tossed it in a bin ,if only I could burn it right there. I walked over to my wardrobe and picked out a black gem stone dress. I picked out my luxurious black heels and I applied a light makeup and styled my hair to match, looking the best I could.

"Alright, this should do." I said to myself and headed downstairs to meet Brandon waiting.

His reaction was unreadable, but I could tell he was shocked to see me looking stunning instead of what he initially hoped to see.

"Bad news my love,I split the dress while trying to put it on. I feel so bad." I whined, faking my tears as I came downstairs.

Brandon jaws were literary on the floor "You..look, fabulous." He muttered,as if breathless. "i." he trailed off.

"You like this right? I couldn't wear the dress,I am so sorry."

"Oh it's okay babe." He smiled,the fastest I have seen since I returned. "This will do,just on the really bright side,but it's fine."

"Thank you my love.

I smiled and headed out the door, leaving him behind. He soon came out and left for the Restaurant.

The drive was silent and I caught Brandon stealing glances at me, we soon arrived at the restaurant, we were offered a private space as higher ranks. There were others present but it wasn't as rowdy or packed as the main restaurant. This was the Vip.

The table was set with the best meals and I couldn't wait to dig in. I sat there, eating whilst Brandon stared at me continuously.

"You really look fabulous, But you would have looked better in the dress I sent to you. I really thought it was your perfect fit." He said , tapping the table lightly.

I shook my head slightly, " I just felt this one looks slightly better." I replied, curtly.

He sighed and continued eating. Soon enough, he initiated new conversations, trying to make me say things but I remained cold and curt, which was surely making him burn in the inside.

My mind was focused on Freida's arrival. She arrived in my past life and ruined the night for me stealing the spotlight in a very exquisite dress I am sure Brandon git for her. I cant wait to see her reaction this time.

Soon enough, she arrived at the restaurant and found her way to the table. "Freida, What are you doing here this fine evening?" Brandon was quick to question her..

Freida feigned a surprising look too,and so did i. " you two happen to be here this night, quite funny." She said and laughed..

"Wow Freida,of all places." my words sounded like a snort,but i had to sound polite.

Her eyes glared at my dress, that was when she realized their plan was already sinking.

"Wow Alexia,you look stunning.", she trailed off, obviously having no words.

"Thank you Freida,who are you here with? Abd most importantly,why are you here?" I asked, relaxing on my seat.

"Oh I came to have dinner with a friend,but he doesn't seem to be here yet. I hope I am not ruining your date?" she asked, looking around,i knew what she wanted to do at the moment. Grab a chair and join us,just like she did the first time.

"You seem to want the space to yourself, but we came here first. I will prefer that I and Brandon have the place to ourselves. Would you find a different restaurant or we should?" I asked her. "This night is really special to me." I added with a pout.

"No, no. It's fine if you stay and enjoy yourself. I will take my leave now." Freida replied.

I smiled and watched as she slowly left the restaurant, surely she felt completely embarrassed.

"That wasn't necessary,you could have let her join us. Seems like she's been stood up."

"Excuse me?" I raised a brow.

Brandon shook his head, "Never mind."

We soon finished and I returned to my room. My first step was to tear the dres, so everything would be believable if my stepsister comes to confirm my claim.

I finished and sat down, feeling so relieved. Everything might have gone well today and I have finally taken a step towards changing my initial future, but I might need to be more careful now, as they will catch on to my secret if I get carried away.

Now that I think of it, I remember everything that happened in my past life and will continue to avoid them, possibly revealing my secret accidentally.

Brandon might be a quick witted type. He will study me and definitely realize things with time.

My only choice here is to pretend that I don't know what has happened. With that, I will avoid leaving any suspicions.

" Yes, this should do it. I will have no problem reaching my goals now." I Said to myself.

I will pretend not to know most of the occurrences, or even let some happen, just so they'll never suspect me. And then, secretly train to change my weak status.

Landing a defeating blow on them is my only goal now, and I'll make sure this comes to pass.

I headed back to my room and started researching about potential Academies I could train in. If I'm to join them, I'll need to approach them as an ordinary person and not the Alpha heir.

My search took a lot of time but I finally did see one online. They were admitting new students and taking exams and I took use of this opportunity, registering as an ordinary person..

Few hours later, I received a notification and checked to see I could now take the exam. I took a deep breath and started

Surprisingly, it was just easy and basic questions and I aced it with ease.

Finishing the exam, I submitted and eagerly awaited the results.

"This should definitely go well, I could not have done any better even if I had a whole year or preparation time." I blurted.

Alexei's POV

The next day, I woke up and the first thing I did as to check my computer. There was a notification, as I had hoped.

I didn't expect the exam results to come in this early, but Perhaps that's better. Waiting for a long time to get rejected is not something I look forward to doing.

"Now, you better accept me. They cannot ruin my whole plan by refusing to let me train in their academy now."

My heart beat hard against my chest as I opener it. "Yes! I finally got accepted!" I said, with joy.

I was enlisted as a student in the academy and could go there to finish my paperwork now.

Without wasting time, I got ready and left the pack, heading for the academy.

Adding thick layers of makeup and changing my hair color was the first thing I did, to conceal my identity. Hopefully, they will not recognize until it's too late. I reached the academy and walked in, covering my face.

I made my way to the manager's office and requested to finish my paperwork. He requested me to register and I did, with the fake identity.

This was to conceal who I truly am, whilst I still get to train myself.

"Welcome to the academy, you're Free to begin training with us from now."

The words overjoyed my soul and I left the office, feeling fulfilled. Once again, I had taken a step to changing my certain future.

A worker took me to the room I was privately train in. I stared around carefully, it was a spacious and well lit room, with enough gadgets.

He took me around too, showing me many gadgets they had and introducing me to few of their teachers. I was so uninterested in seeing this but just had to pretend I was.

After we had seen enough people, I was taken back to the room I requested for.

My heart throbbed against my chest, as I was finally alone in the room. " Alright, I am mentally ready for this, but perhaps not physically ready." I muttered.

Moments in, I was training already. I geared up and threw few punches at the hanging punching bag. My hits were quite weak and light, But it was excepted too.

Slowly, I started gaining strength by training myself secretively.

I would spend my day researching fighting styles and helpful topics and at nights, Execute them at the training facility.

Today, I was at the training Academy as usual, pretty much carried away and Indulged in my fault I routine that I didn't notice when someone walked in on me.

I was turning and kicking the bag when I suddenly caught a face staring at me. I jolted in fear and moved back from him.

Finally, I recognized the face. It was Nikolai, the son of a wealthy alpha and also an heir to his father's pack. I quickly looked away, to prevent him from recognizing me.

He pouted and walked away afterwards, saying nothing. "What in the world was that about? I hope he doesn't recognize me and stays out of my business.." I muttered.

"How did I even let someone see me here, I should be more careful from here on."

I quickly rounded up things there and left, so he won't meet me there once again.

Reaching my room, I freshened up and was soon invited by my stepsister to the dinning room. A maid delivered the message and I could tell she is just trying to inspect the dress.

Just so everything goes their way for now, I accepted to go meet her.

I reached the dining table to meet her sitting with a bright smile. Her smile had never looked so fake to me, everything has truly changed now that I have a second chance at life.

"Good evening, Sister. You look so good this fine evening." Freida stated.

"Thank you.." I said, with a faint smile.

I took my seat, staring around carefully. Since this did not happen in my previous life, I could not tell if there was a trap here.

She could have just invited me over so one of her maids would inspect my dress, or she has a different motive.

"This can only be because of the Dress, I should stay calm and avoid unnecessary drama." I thought to myself.

Freida urged me to eat up and I slowly did. She started saying random things and trying to keep up a conference but I gently avoided her questions.

She could tell how uninterested I was with her conversation and resorted to staying quiet. I soon finished eating and stood up to leave,

"Thanks for inviting me. I should head back to my room now, There is so much to do." I stated.

" You're welcome. Congratulations too, I can't wait to see what you have in store for the pack's development." Freida replied.

I nodded and walked away afterwards. As I expected, I met one of her maids coming down the stairs as I headed up.

She reached me and bowed slightly, before swiftly walking away afterwards. "I was right, they were suspecting that something went wrong."

I reached my room and inspected the dress, it was definitely checked.

"Well, they're in for a fun ride, I will make sure everything works in my favour this time."

Few days passed and I was slowly growing in strength, each day, I worked harder to learn more about growing my strength. The results were not satisfactory yet, but I could see the significant difference already.

The next day, I went to the academy and finished my training as usual. I was heading out of the room and was going down the hallway when I accidentally brushed shoulders against someone.

I immediately recognized Nikolai again, but he surely cannot see through my heavy makeup and Hair. I scoffed and walked away, leaving him confused.

" He is here at the academy, quite a suspicious thing to begin with." I said as I walked out the door.