Marked As Theirs

Marked As Theirs Chapter 1 Veronica's POV **IN ARCADIA, GEORGIA** “Stay away from Alpha Adnam,” Uncle Liam said as he sat across from me. “Dear, don't scare her,” Aunt IndiGo scolded her husband, a plate of soup in her hand. “You’ve got it wrong, IndiGo,” he replied, his brows furrowing as he stared at the food on the table. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” I sighed as I watched them banter about me like I wasn't there, my lips twitching in a smile. My uncle was the Alpha of Northland Pack and my aunt, Luna. Even though they held important roles in the pack, they never let us feel alone. It was something I lacked back at home in North Dakota. “Maybe that was why I got—” Seth, my cousin interrupted my thoughts from getting drowned like they always did, as he slapped my back. “Good morning, Veronica,” he beamed and plunked into the seat next to me. “Dad, don't tell me you were talking about Adnam?” Uncle Liam's expression darkened. “Yes, I was.” Seth groaned, dramatically resting his head on the table. “Not this again.” Aunt IndiGo placed the bowl of soup in front of Uncle Liam and patted Seth’s back. “Your father is just worried.” I shifted uncomfortably, tracing the edge of my cup with my fingers. “Is Alpha Adnam really that dangerous?” Uncle Liam sighed, his gaze softening as he looked at me. “He’s ruthless, Veronica. Playful and unpredictable. You're new to Arcadia College and I don't want you anywhere near him.” I took a sip of my green tea and numbled on lower lips. I hadn't been in Georgia long, but I had heard the name Alpha Adnam more times than I could count. Some of the pack members often whispered about how young and powerful he was. I saw it as a dangerous combination. Seth sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Veronica’s not reckless, Dad. She won’t go looking for trouble.” He turned to me. “Right?” I met his gaze and forced a smile. “Right.” But deep down, I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t reckless, but I also wasn’t the same girl I had been a year ago. I lowered my gaze to the glass cup in my hands, gripping it tighter. That girl had been sent out of her own home in disgrace. I wasn’t that girl anymore. But I wasn’t sure who I was now, either. “Veronica?” Aunt IndiGo’s voice was soft, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked up to find her watching me with concern. She was my mother's younger sister, but they were so different. Was it because of the man they each married? I cleared my throat. “I’ll be careful.” Uncle Liam still didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Good.” Seth breathed out in relief. “Alright,” he clapped his hands together. “We should get going. We'll be late for class.” I stood up, adjusting my bag over my shoulder. “I’ll go check on Zayn first.” Aunt IndiGo smiled. “He’s still asleep. I’ll watch him while you’re at school.” My heart ached at the thought of leaving my son, even for a few hours, but I knew he was safe. I walked over to his room and kissed his forehead. “I’ll protect you, baby,” I whispered, brushing his dark curls with my fingers. “I'll do what my parents didn't do, even if it means protecting you from myself.” That girl had believed in mates, in love, in fate. That girl had been shattered when her mate looked her in the eyes and rejected her without hesitation. That girl had tried to escape the pain, had gone out with Bellarosa for just one night—to feel normal again. That girl had woken up the next morning in a stranger’s bed. And a few weeks later, she had discovered she was carrying his child. Seth and I stepped out of the house, the morning air brushing against my skin. I rubbed my hands on my skirt, trying to calm my nerves. Today was my first day at Arcadia College, and no matter how much I told myself I didn’t care what people thought, I was still nervous. Damnit. “You’ll be fine,” Seth said beside me, as if reading my mind. I gave him a sideways glance. “You sure about that?” Before he could answer, Beau's Jeep approached behind us, making me turn. It stopped beside us and he stepped out, ruffling his already-messy copper hair. His green eyes flickered between me and Seth before he fixed them on me. “Look who's finally stepping out of the house,” he drawled. I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start, Beau.” He chuckled and crossed his arms. “I’m just saying, I was starting to think you were some kind of beautiful—” “Shut up, Beau,” Seth shook his head and walked to the passenger side, opening the door for me. I had kept to myself. No hunting, no late night pack runs. Just me, them, my son, and training. “You nervous?” I exhaled slowly and shrugged. “A little.” He studied me for a second. “You’ll be fine. Just stick with us.” It was a simple statement, but something about it settled my nerves, at least a little. ************************************************* The Jeep rolled to a stop in front of Arcadia College. It looked grand with beautiful stones. Students moved in groups and I swallowed. Seth and Beau hopped out first before I did. This was familiar territory for them. “Oohhh,” I heard some students whisper as they stole glances at us. “Oh my God, Seth is here.” “Beau’s hair looks even better messy.” “I swear, they get hotter every semester.” I rolled my eyes. It was ridiculous. Maybe it was because they were my brothers. Beau smirked and ran a hand through his hair, making a few girls sigh dreamily. Seth, on the other hand, remained unfazed. His gray eyes were cold. Seth had the type of presence that made people crave his attention even more because he never gave it freely. I scoffed. “You two have fan clubs, you know that?” Beau grinned, his arm on my shoulder. “We’re a gift to this college, Veronica. It’d be rude not to appreciate us.” A brunette with flushed cheeks stepped closer, flipping her hair as she addressed Seth directly. “Hey, Seth. Are you coming to Jason’s party this weekend?” Seth didn’t even spare her a glance. “No.” Seth slung an arm around my shoulders, shifting Beau's away. “Common, we’ll walk you to your class.” I nodded, grateful for their presence. But as soon as we stepped in, Seth's phone buzzed. He pulled it out, and his expression changed. “Damn, I forgot we have a meeting with Coach before class,” he muttered to Beau. Beau checked his watch. “s**t! We should go.” They both turned to me. “You’ll be okay, right?” Seth asked. I nodded “Yeah, of course.” Beau grinned, “Try not to get lost.” With that, they disappeared down the hall, leaving me alone. I exhaled and scanned the hallway. My classroom was supposed to be in the west wing. I started walking, trying not to look like a new student when— Thud. I collided with something hard…someone. Large hands gripped my waist, keeping me from falling as a mint scent filled my nose. I blinked and looked up to meet a pair of almond eyes. My eyes revelled his face, his lips, his sharp jaw… Those thoughts vanished when I suddenly met the ground, pain shooting up my tailbone. I looked up for the second time and my breath hitched. Adnam Sergio. The Alpha everyone kept warning me about.