Eighteen Mates.

Hungry Wolves.

But the hunger in the red eyes of those wolves scared the living daylights out of me.

They were terrifying.

That night, I stayed in Elandor’s room and couldn’t sleep. I don't know if I should cry or fear what is going to happen to me and my family.

Everything inside me died.

By morning, I stood outside the school building and forced myself to breathe. As I stepped inside, I felt my driver pull away, the sound fading too quickly.

Warm hands landed on my shoulders.

“Elandor.” I muttered.

“We thought you might need help.” Elandor smiled, stepping forward and removing his hand. “Relax. Your pheromones are everywhere.”

Nero let out a quiet chuckle.

I turned toward him. Nero's eyes are blue. He wore contacts.

“Stay calm,” Elandor said.

“Look at that. The pack slut didn’t even stay hidden.”

My stomach sank. This was why I didn't want to attend school. My father forced me anyway.

“It’s certainly impressive, though. Walking as if she owns the place after being claimed like that.”

I was too afraid to turn around and see who was speaking. Elandor moved to my back and stood behind me.

“Watch your tongue, Fang. You have no business here.”

I felt the stares of everyone around us. They stood, pointing fingers.

I felt a restless stir in my wolf, but she refused to surface. Even if I tried to shift, she wouldn’t answer. I needed to get out of here. I clenched my fist.

So why wouldn’t my legs move?

Why am I shaking? I feel like a hostage. Has the discovery about my mates spread that fast?

“I have no business, Elandor. Seriously?” He scoffs. “Are you kidding me? I belong to the Alpha family. I can do anything I want. You can’t stop me. Have you forgotten who I am?!”

“We are in front of everyone. I would advise you not to disgrace yourself here. Your actions will displease the pack. Don’t embarrass our clan’s name.”

“Embarrass, you say.” I heard his footsteps moving closer to Elandor. “The Alpha wouldn’t give ten cents about what I do here. As long as I please him. You are the piece of s**t in his eyes, Elandor. Not me.” I heard him sneer. “I can’t wait to see the plans he has for that whore.” He laughed hysterically. “She belongs to a lot of alphas. Why didn’t she just take everyone then? That would be nice.”

“That’s enough, Fang.” Nero patted my shoulder and strolled past me. “Elandor, let’s go. It’s almost time for class.”

Fang kept laughing.

Nero grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him. We stopped as soon as we entered. Elandor followed behind.

“Don’t take any words he says seriously. He’s nothing but a jerk.” Nero sighed and ruffled through his hair.

“What do you think the Alpha is going to do to me?” My heart was beating so fast. I didn’t want to think of the worst possible way.

“I told you not to worry about it.” Nero urged.

“How is that helping me?” I snapped, then noticed the stares and lowered my voice. “I’m scared, okay? Just… talk to the Alpha for me. I didn’t see all my mates last night. Don’t know who they are. I could get attacked from anywhere.”

I don't know what else to do. I folded my arms across my chest. I am nervous like s**t.

Elandor rested a steady hand on my shoulder, his expression calm. “I’ll speak to Rhydian after school. Don’t spiral over it.”

“I’ll go with him,” Nero added easily. “We’ll find him ourselves and let you know as soon as we can. Relax.”

Some of the tightness in my chest eased. I answered with a nod.

Elandor adjusted his backpack, smoothed his dark blue suit, and straightened his multicolored tie before running a hand through his silver curls. I wore the same uniform, my dark skirt swaying with each step, black stockings and shoes grounding me as much as they could. I slipped the rubber band from my hair, letting my strands fall freely down my back. The pounding in my head finally faded.

Nero tugged his tie loose and shoved it into his pocket. He hated wearing it. The second a teacher looked away, it was gone.

Elandor stood nearly as tall as Nero. They were the same age, though Nero was older by a few months. Both Alphas, but in battle, they were opposites.

Light and shadow.

Elandor carried the weight of an old soul despite his youth. Gentle. Principled. His silky silver hair moved easily in the breeze. His silver-blue eyes were like moonlight reflecting off still water. Pale skin. Soft features that made him look almost fragile.

I narrowed my eyes. “How did you know I’d be here this early?”

Now that I think about it.

Elandor glanced at Nero.

Nero only shrugged.

“Nero told me you come to school early when you’re worried,” Elandor said. “So I woke up early, too.”

I looked down at my shoes and sighed, holding back.

Then I turned to Nero. “Why didn’t you tell me you were a Kaelith?” My voice cracked. “You’re my best friend. How could you hide that from me?”

Tears spilled before I could stop them. I covered my face, sobbing so hard it felt like my chest might split open. Can I stop acting so dramatic for once?

“Hey—” Nero stepped closer. “You know I couldn’t tell you. We swore an oath. I had no choice.”

His arms wrapped around me, warm and steady. My forehead pressed against his chest as I cried. I knew I shouldn’t fall apart like this, but I couldn’t stop. I was terrified of what would come next, of what people saw last night, of the Alphas chasing after me.

Of the names they’d whisper. It just…feels like everything is moving so fast. I don't know how to explain it.

A sudden chill ran down my spine. I pulled away, wrapping my arms around myself. My teeth chatter.

Why am I so cold?

“Soraya,” Elandor called.

My heart sank as fear washed over me.

“Soraya.” Nero reached for me.

I turned and saw students arriving, walking past us. Just like that, the cold vanished.

“Are you okay?” Elandor asked again.

“Yes,” I nodded, looking around.

What was that just now?

“Let’s attend class. We are almost late.” Nero reminded Elandor, since they were in the same class.

The school placed me in Class B, while Nero and Elandor joined Class A.

“Yeah… you’re right,” I murmured.

Nero studied me for a moment. “If you sense anything off, tell me immediately,” he said firmly. “I don’t care if you think you can fight them.”

“Or me,” Elandor added gently. “I’ll help. Anytime.”

“Thanks, you guys.” My arms held both of them in a hug. I smiled as we both parted ways.

I reached my classroom door and took a long breath before opening it. The classroom fell silent the moment I stepped inside.