Rejected by the Pack, Claimed by the Alpha

Chapter 2

Damien

“I still don’t understand how finishing highschool in another territory helps me.” I said, ignoring the growing ache in my head.

I really should have gotten some rest before the journey.

Sebastian, my beta, fell into step with me in the hallway, weaving through a sea of students. Different scents hung low in the air. Excitement. Anxiety. Boredom.

A typical highschool experience… and my father’s last attempt to get me a normal life before I assume my role as alpha of my pack. A waste of time if you asked me. There were still rogues appearing more often around the northern borders. I didn’t have the time to play delinquent.

“Alpha Damien,” Sebastian’s voice tugged me out of my own head. “You may not know this, but your father is convinced it is your responsibility to solidify the relationship between the packs. It’s politics.”

Right.

My jaw ticked once as I pushed the administration office open.

Elder Yuri’s gaze turned to me as he pushed his glasses up. “Alpha Damien, it is a pleasure to have you here in the Redmoon pack.”

He shuffled through the paperwork stacked on his desk while Sebastian’s gaze drifted around like an excited cub.

With the amount of whining I had to endure on the way here for separating him from his mate, he sure was having a good time.

“Second period is already over,” he handed our schedule to Sebastian. “The next class is in the east wing. Calculus.”

I nodded once and left before he could start his habit of reminiscing about the good old days. I wouldn’t know. I was barely a cub.

Sebastian’s steps followed behind me, our heavy footsteps thudding in the hallway. I could feel the stares. Some with pure curiosity. Some with admiration.

All smiles until you make a mistake. See how quickly those gazes turn with rage.

“East wing,” I muttered to myself, taking a turn.

I froze when a scent hit me. Sebastian crashed into my back, cursing under his breath as he stumbled back.

My wolf perked up instantly.

Lavender. Earthy.

A low rumble vibrated through my chest before I could stop it. And then it was gone. My spine straightened, my senses instinctively narrowing to that one scent.

“Damien?”

I ignored him. My wolf pushed against my control. Find her. Then my feet moved. I didn’t fight against the pull, a part of me was curious to see the face behind it.

I could still hear Sebastian behind me but it didn’t matter. Eventually, i stopped in front of a class door. My gaze flicked to the tag on it.

Calculus.

My pulse skipped. I frowned. Then hesitated before pushing the door open and the moment I stepped inside, all eyes turned to me.

The prodigy.

Future Alpha.

Damien Blackwood.

But my eyes were locked on the source of that scent, my senses zeroing on her.

Her eyes weren’t on me. They were buried under her desk but the steady rise and fall of her small frame told me she was awake. And yet she didn’t bother moving an inch.

Intrigue sparked in my chest.

“How did you find the class so fast?” Sebastian said out of breath behind me.

I glanced to his sweaty face, now realizing I must have basically sprinted through the hallways. And for the first time in my life, I felt self aware.

I straightened, walking past the students with wide eyes and sat right next to her. She didn’t turn. My chest tightened.

Sebastian threw me a confused look but took the empty seat right in front of her. That was when she slowly dragged her head upright, facing Sebastian.

And completely ignoring me. My wolf didn’t seem pleased.

She dragged the sleeve of her oversized hoodie, shuffling on her feet. Her shoulders were rigid and I was tempted to leaned in to see her face. Right now, most of it was still swallowed by the thick hoodie.

“Uhmm-“

Her voice was low, hesitant.

“That seat is-“

The loud crack made every student’s head turn straight to us. Sebastian let out a pained howl as he crashed to the ground. The hind leg of the chair had snapped off like it was finally tired of carrying the weight of others.

She flinched. “Sorry. I- that’s what I was trying to tell you.”

Sebastian winced, pulling himself up while flashing his winner smile to the crowd. A few girls blushed at his antics, whispering under their breath.

“Thank you got the warning.” He said, dusting himself. Then stretched out his hand. “I’m Sebastian.”

She stared at his hand like it was something foreign and when it was certain she wouldn’t take it, he jerked his head to me.

I froze.

“The charmer over there is-“

“Damien.” I cut in before he could call me alpha.

Judging by her reaction, she probably didn’t know who I was. I wanted to see who she really was without the influence of status.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes at me. I ignored him, unconsciously leaning in.

Slowly, she turned.

My breath stalled the minute her eyes met mine. Deep green eyes. Freckles sprinkled across her pale skin. Strands of her fiery hair hung over her face.

She was beautiful, even with that guarded look in her eyes.

My wolf now pranced around in my chest, wagging his tail like a domesticated animal.

“Hi,” she whispered softly. “I’m Veronica.”

My wolf repeated the name like it already belonged to him.