Claimed by the Twin Alphas and Human Mate

Chapter 2:Shadows in the Hall

The Blue Moon Pack High School stood nestled among the pine-covered hills, its old stone walls etched with time and tradition. Inside, the school hall buzzed with teenage voices and echoing footsteps. Anya Anderson sat cross-legged on the polished floor beside her two closest friends—Ashton, lanky and sharp-witted, and Lucy, sweet and soft-spoken with a hidden temper.

“…and then Elder Mavis made me rearrange all the herbal jars,” Anya said, laughing softly. “She said I had the smallest hands and wouldn’t knock things over.”

Lucy giggled. “You’re the only person I know who volunteers for elder chores before class. You’re like… a saint or something.”

Ashton leaned back on his elbows, flashing his usual lazy grin. “Well, she’d better get a crown soon before the cheer squad finds her. And there they are—speak of the devils.”

The doors at the far end of the hall banged open. Damon and Ethan Rogan strolled in, tall and broad for fourteen, their confident strides drawing immediate attention. Around them fluttered the glittering hurricane known as the cheerleaders. High-pitched laughter rang out as their perfectly brushed hair and matching uniforms sailed by.

Anya instinctively lowered her gaze.

“Oh look,” one of the girls said with exaggerated sweetness."If it isn’t the little Omega bookworm. Still playing helper for the old wolves, Anya?”

Damon chuckled under his breath but didn’t say anything. Ethan wasn’t so reserved.

“She doesn’t have time for training, remember?” he sneered. “Too busy organizing herbs and sweeping elder porches.”

Lucy tensed beside her. “Ignore them,” she whispered.

But Anya stayed quiet, eyes fixed on a scuff mark on the floor.

Damon stepped closer, dropping a paper onto her lap. “You’ll finish my English essay by tomorrow. And Ethan’s, too. Don’t mess it up.”

Ashton stood up halfway, but Anya tugged his sleeve.

“It’s fine,” she said softly. “I’ll do it.”

Ethan smirked. “Of course you will. It’s your place.”

The cheerleaders laughed and turned away, following the boys out with an airy wave of perfume.

Anya exhaled slowly, her fingers trembling slightly around the paper.

“You don’t have to take this, Anya,” Ashton said, voice tight. “You’re not weak.”

Anya met his gaze gently. “No. But I’m not like them, either. Fighting back won’t change their minds. I just want peace.”

“You’re a wolf,” Lucy reminded her. “We’re born to protect ourselves.”

“I know,” Anya whispered. “That’s why Papa trains me in secret. But strength doesn’t always have to be loud.”

Ashton grumbled. “Maybe. But one day they’ll push too far.”

Anya folded the paper and stood, brushing off her skirt. “Then I’ll still choose to be kind.”

~

That night, back at their small cottage near the edge of the pack lands, Anya stood barefoot on the dewy grass behind the house. Alex moved like a shadow across from her, teaching her how to balance her weight, breathe through her center, and fall without fear.

“Again,” Alex said, his voice calm but firm.

Anya dropped into a stance, copying his movement. They circled each other, silent except for the night wind through the trees.

“You’re improving,” Alex noted.

“I still don’t like it.”

“I know,” he said, stepping in to correct her posture. “But loving peace doesn’t mean surrendering. Wolves must survive. You’re no different.”

“I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“Neither do I,” he said quietly. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be ready.”

Anya looked up at her father, the moonlight touching her features with silver.

“Do you think the other wolves will ever see me as more than just an omega?”

Alex’s eyes softened. “One day, Anya… they’ll see the strength you carry. The kind that doesn't need to roar.”