THE GIRL NO ALPHA COULD CLAIM

The gates of Blackthorn Academy stood higher than Elena had imagined. Black stone walls surrounded the enormous campus, and silver symbols were carved into the entrance pillars. Beyond them stood towers, training grounds, and hundreds of young werewolves wearing the colors of their packs. Elena tightened her grip on the strap of her bag. She had spent her entire life hiding what she was. Today, that became much harder. A bell rang across the academy. Students turned toward the entrance. Then whispers began. “Who is she?” “She doesn't have a pack mark.” “Impossible.” Elena kept walking. She had learned long ago that the safest way to survive was to give people nothing to notice. Unfortunately, Blackthorn Academy wasn't a place where people ignored unusual things. Especially not the two princes standing on the academy steps. Prince Kael. Prince Adrian. They were the most powerful young Alphas in the northern kingdoms—and sworn rivals. Kael's eyes immediately settled on Elena. Adrian noticed. “Don't.” Kael glanced at him. “Don't what?” “Whatever you're thinking.” Kael gave a faint smile. “I haven't thought anything.” “You're staring.” “So are you.” Adrian looked away. “I was wondering why she doesn't have a pack mark.” Kael's expression changed. “So was I.” Elena walked past them. Then Kael suddenly stepped into her path. “Name?” She stopped. “Elena.” “Pack?” She hesitated. “I don't have one.” A few students nearby laughed. Adrian's eyes narrowed. “No pack?” Elena looked directly at him. “No.” Kael studied her. “Then how were you accepted?” “That isn't your concern.” Silence fell. Nobody spoke to Prince Kael like that. Kael smiled. “I think I like her.” Adrian rolled his eyes. “You like everyone who challenges you.” “Not everyone.” Elena walked away before either prince could say anything else. She didn't see the strange look exchanged between them. But someone else did. At the top of the academy tower, the headmaster watched Elena through a window. His face had gone pale. “She came.” The woman beside him frowned. “Are you certain?” The headmaster nodded. “I would recognize that blood anywhere.” “What should we do?” “Nothing.” “But if her power awakens—” “It will.” The headmaster turned away from the window. “And when it does, every kingdom will come looking for her.” --- Elena entered her assigned dormitory. The room was quiet. For the first time that morning, she could breathe. She placed her bag on the bed. Then pain suddenly shot through her chest. Elena gasped. Her knees weakened. A strange warmth spread through her veins. “No…” She pressed a hand against her chest. The mark she'd hidden beneath her clothes began to glow. A silver symbol appeared against her skin. Then another. Elena stared at them in horror. Her mother had warned her about this. Never let anyone see the mark. Never let anyone know what you are. Elena hurriedly covered it. A knock came at the door. She froze. “Who is it?” “Prince Kael.” Her heart sank. “What do you want?” “I wanted to make sure you found your room.” “I did.” A pause. “Can I come in?” “No.” Another voice came from behind him. “Good answer.” Adrian. Elena opened the door slightly. Both princes stood outside. “What do you want?” Adrian looked at Kael. “You first.” Kael ignored him. “I wanted to invite you to the welcome ceremony.” “I'll pass.” “You haven't even heard what it is.” “I don't need to.” Kael smiled. “You're difficult.” “I'm busy.” Adrian laughed quietly. Kael looked annoyed. Then Elena felt it again. The strange heat beneath her skin. Her eyes widened. The mark was glowing again. Kael noticed the sudden change in her expression. “Are you alright?” “Yes.” Adrian stepped closer. “Elena…” She backed away. “Goodnight.” She shut the door. The princes stared at each other. Adrian's smile disappeared. “You saw that?” Kael nodded. “There was something on her skin.” “Not just something.” Adrian looked toward the closed door. “That was an Alpha mark.” Kael frowned. “She said she was only half-Alpha.” Adrian's expression darkened. “Then why does her mark look older than ours?” Inside the room, Elena leaned against the door. Her breathing was uneven. The mark on her chest burned brighter. Then a voice whispered inside her mind. The academy has found you. Elena closed her eyes. “No.” The voice returned. And the kingdoms are coming. Her eyes opened. For the first time, Elena understood the truth. Blackthorn Academy wasn't where she had come to hide. It was where her real story was beginning.