The moment I stepped into the academy, the air shifted. Everyone was already packed into the grand hall like they owned the place—draped in power, born in privilege, oozing confidence. Daughters and sons of the highest-ranking werewolf clans in the country. All glitter and dominance. And me?
The outlier. The ghost they wish wasn’t invited.
Alpha Callum said it himself: everyone here’s elite-blooded royalty. I’m the glitch in their perfect little system.
“You’re late,” the Elder snapped the moment our eyes met, his voice colder than ice.
I swallowed hard. “Well, I only walked—”
“Find your class,” he cut me off like I was a glitch in his program. Behind him, snickers rippled through the crowd.
I flicked my eyes toward Cyrus and Cain. They didn’t even flinch. Not a single glance. Pretending like I didn’t exist—probably to save their own image. Cowards.
Whatever.
I moved to the back of the hall, where the lowest-ranked students stood. Someone whistled low.
“Is she the new girl? Damn.”
“Yeah, which pack is she from?”
“Ten bucks says she’s just like the rest of the rejects—”
“Silence!” the Elder’s voice boomed. “I don’t do introductions. If you’re worth remembering, I’ll remember you. If not—don’t waste my time.”
Classy.
A girl in front of me turned and gave me a kind smile. “I’m Jennie.”
“Saoirse,” I smiled back. “But you can call me Risey.”
“I was gonna ask, what’s your pack—”
BAM.
Something slammed into my back and nearly made me eat floor.
I turned sharply. Cain. Of course. Him and his hockey bros, laughing while jogging past like this was their private kingdom.
“What the hell was that?” I muttered.
Jennie’s cheeks went red as she tried to sneak another look at them. “That’s just… normal. They’re the academy’s hockey gods. Especially Cain. Ridiculously talented, stupidly good-looking.”
She bit her lip like she was embarrassed. “But watch your back. Cain hates us ‘weaklings.’” She did air quotes and rolled her eyes.
I clenched my jaw. “Is that so?” I said coolly. Like I didn’t already know Cain was Satan in a varsity jacket. Right next to his devil twin brother.
Jennie sighed. “He’s everyone’s favorite. Top of the food chain. And apparently, very selective when it comes to girls.”
I raised a brow.
Selective?
Oh honey, if only she knew that just last week, that “selective” man had an Omega moaning in my bed.
“Really…” I muttered, half-distracted.
“Yeah. But the real showstopper? Cyrus—Cain’s brother. He’s literally slept with half the elite girls on campus,” Jennie snorted, flipping her hair like it didn’t still sting. “He asked for my number once. Plot twist? He just wanted my sister’s.”
She pointed toward a stunning girl standing with the highest-ranked students, oozing alpha energy like it was perfume.
I blinked. “Damn. Then why are you here?”
Jennie sighed dramatically. “Don’t ask. That’s just how the game works. We’re pawns until we learn how to play dirtier.”
She suddenly grabbed my hand. “C’mon. They’re playing today.”
“Playing what?”
“Hockey. But this match? It’s not just a game—it’s war. The strongest packs are going head-to-head.”
I raised a brow. “Let me guess. Cain and Cyrus?”
She smirked like I passed her secret test. “Yup. Rival brothers. Classic testosterone-fueled drama. Now move your cute little legs.”
Before I could protest, she yanked me toward the stadium. “Jennie, I—”
“I’m your first friend here. This is non-negotiable,” she beamed.
Ugh. Fine.
The crowd was feral. Everyone screaming, cheering, practically losing their minds. And me? I was zoned out, biting my lip, twirling a strand of hair, and wondering how this counted as “bonding.” All I heard were the same names echoing around me:
“Cain!”
“Cyrus!”
“Omg he’s so hot!”
“That shot! Did you see that?!”
I tuned them all out… until a sharp whistle split the air.
“Rhaziel. OUT!”
“What the actual f—? That wasn’t even a foul!” someone barked.
“You do what I said!” the ref shouted.
A helmet flew across the ice. I looked up—and damn near forgot how to breathe.
Tall. Built. Dark curls that looked like they were sculpted to be messy on purpose. And those icy blue eyes?
He stormed off the rink, muttering curses under his breath. My jaw nearly dropped when he stopped—right. in. front. of. me.
“Bullshit game,” he growled.
I let the words slip out, barely audible. “Chill…”
His head snapped toward me. “What did you just say?”
I froze. “Sorry! I just meant… it was unfair,” I managed, forcing a smile.
His glare melted just a little. “You new?”
“Saoirse,” I said softly. “You can call me Risey.”
“Rhaziel,” he offered, holding out his hand.
I took it, a spark zipping up my arm like it was scripted. “Nice to meet you…”
“You too.” He flashed a grin—and damn, dimples. God really said, “Let’s make one girl suffer today.”
Around us, I caught the eye-rolls. Whispering. Glares.
“Oh she’s flirting with him? Chloe’s gonna skin her alive.”
Great.
I quickly dropped his hand and took a step back. “Uh—thanks, but I should—”
“Don’t mind them,” Rhaziel said, voice lower, more intimate.
My heart did a weird somersault.
“What took you so long to get here anyway?” he asked, eyes trailing to my neck like it was painted in secrets.
I looked down, flustered. “Just… personal stuff. A lot of it.”
He nodded, like he somehow got it. “I’m throwing a party in like next week. Wanna come?”
My jaw? On the floor.
“What—seriously?”
“Yeah.” He pulled out his phone. “Can I get your number?”
Oh my god. This is not a drill.
I hesitated. “You do know I haven’t even awakened my wolf yet, right? And… I’m not exactly ranked.”
“So?” He shrugged. “Cute is cute. Do you mind?”
“No…” I laughed nervously, then took his phone and typed my number.
He winked. “I’ll text you the address.”
I watched him walk away like he owned the damn earth, butterflies throwing a rave in my chest.
But of course, because my life is a joke, I spun around straight into—
Cain.
We locked eyes.
“Move,” I said coldly. “We wouldn’t want people knowing we’re step-siblings, would we?”
His eyes narrowed. “You shut up, bitch.”
Charming.
“Why the hell were you talking to Rhaziel?”
I rolled my eyes. “Making friends? Being human? You should try it sometime.”
Cain stepped in closer, his words like venom. “You really think someone like you gets to hang out with us?”
His voice cracked something in me. I stiffened, my smile gone.
“You didn’t have to be a jerk about it.”
He leaned in, eyes burning. “Go to that party, and I swear—you’ll regret it.”
He shoved my shoulder as he passed, storming off like he hadn’t just shattered me with one sentence.
I stood there, swallowing hard. Refusing to cry. Not here. Not now.
But god… it hurt.
***
Cain’s POV
I refuse to accept it.
“She’s our mate, Cain.”
Vaik’s voice echoed in my head again—calm, relentless, infuriating.
“Shut the hell up, Vaik,” I snapped, jaw tightening. “I don’t want her. I’ll reject her. End of story.”
But it wasn’t the end. Not when the Moon Goddess decided to curse me with her.
Saoirse. The walking reminder that everything in my life is unraveling. The girl who shouldn’t be here—shouldn’t be mine. A parasite wrapped in pretty skin, stealing attention like she belonged.
And now? Everyone’s preparing for her birthday like she’s some kind of celestial gift. It's pathetic.
No. It’s time to destroy this little fantasy.
I stormed down the hallway and stopped at her door—only to freeze.
Voices.
His voice.
“What are you even doing in my room?” she snapped.
“Trying to surprise the birthday girl,” Cyrus chuckled.
My chest burned. My fists clenched.
Of course it’s him. The golden boy with no boundaries. My own damn brother. He flirts with everything that breathes, but the thought of his hands anywhere near her made my blood boil. I care about my brother, he better not touch that dirty Omega or else he will be infected with whatever she has.
“I don’t need your surprise,” she hissed.
“Too bad,” he laughed. “Thought you might enjoy the view of my abs—”
I slammed the door open, and there he was. Shirtless. Holding up her dresses like this was a damn runway show.
“Brother,” he smirked, like this was a game.
“We need to talk.” My voice was steel.
“Sure,” he said, brushing past her. “Catch you later, princess.”
I shot her a glare that could shatter glass before yanking Cyrus outside.
“The hell was that?”
“What?” He shrugged. “I was just messing around.”
“With her?”
“She’s hot.”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I saw the look in your eyes. You’re into her.”
“So what if I am?”
“I swear to god—if you touch her—”
Cyrus laughed like it was a joke. “Relax. I know your little mutt is all yours.”
“She’s not—”
“Please.” He rolled his eyes. “You can lie to yourself, but not to me. Your scent’s all over her, Cain. You’re already territorial and you haven’t even marked her. Yet.”
I stayed silent.
He grinned. “Besides… she's not really your sister. So if I wanted her, I could take her.”
My fists balled.
“You’re disgusting,” I growled. “If you wanna f**k her, at least use a condom.”
He patted my shoulder like he didn’t just stomp all over my sanity. “Don’t worry, bro. I’m not trying to fall in love. Just wanna make her birthday… unforgettable.”
And with that, he walked away.
Unforgivable.
I turned back, rage burning a hole in my chest. My body moved before my mind caught up. I kicked her door open without warning.
“Jesus!” she yelped, yanking a shirt to cover her chest. A mini skirt and nothing else. Bad timing—or maybe divine punishment.
Her scent hit me like a truck.
Too sweet. Too dangerous.
And worst of all—she didn’t even know what she was doing to me.
“Get out of my room, creep!” she shouted.
“I’m not looking at your pathetic excuse of a body, mutt.” I lied.
I stalked toward her, fury in every step. “Just came to remind you—stay the hell away from my brother.”
“What?” Her brows furrowed. “He’s the one who barged in here. Not me.”
“Don’t play innocent,” I snapped. “I know your type.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And I know yours. Your brother’s got more humanity in his pinky than you ever will.”
That did it.
I shoved her against the wall, not too hard, just enough to rattle her.
“You think I don’t see through you? You want attention. You love that he wants you.”
“I don’t even—” Her voice cracked, but she stood her ground. “You think this is about you? You’re delusional.”
And then suddenly my eyes are stuck in hers. Her lips and everything. And the heat and I kissed her…
Out of nowhere. Mouth on mine. Soft and furious.
And I should’ve pushed her away. Should’ve walked out. Should’ve remembered everything I claimed to hate about her.
But I didn’t.
I kissed her passionately and she does kill me back like I needed to breathe her in. My hands found her waist. Her neck. Her scent clouded every rational thought I had left.
My lips drifted to her throat, and Vaik stirred—pushing to mark. My fangs grazed her skin. She moaned.
And then she kicked me.
“f**k!” I stumbled back.
“Get out.” Her voice was sharp. Commanding.
She had no idea.
She didn’t know I marked her.