Adeline POV

I kept my head down as I walked through the halls of my new school. Without a word, I turned toward my classroom, only to be jolted to a halt when I accidentally slammed into someone.

“Fuck!”

The blonde girl’s sneer cut through the air as she glared at me.

“Watch where you're going!” she snapped.

“Sorry.” I looked up for a split second before deciding to just ignore her.

The people in the classroom stared at me like I was some kind of rare specimen. Honestly, it wasn't surprising. This was the latest in a long line of schools I’d moved to, and the reaction was always the same.

I picked a random seat and set my bag down. To shake off the awkwardness, I pulled a comic book out of my bag and started reading.

It didn't take long for the blonde girl to march over.

“What even are you?” she asked, her voice dripping with attitude.

I huffed. Could she just leave me alone?

“Hey, I’m talking to you,” she barked. “Do you have any idea who I am? How dare you ignore me!”

Ever since I was a kid, my dad has constantly moved us around. He never explained why, and it was beyond frustrating. I had zero friends. Everyone always thought I was ‘weird,’ but I never knew why. We went from one pack to another, over and over. I finally begged my dad to let us stay put until I graduated from this werewolf high school. I just wanted a normal life like any other wolf, or at least to find my mate, even if that felt like a pipe dream.

“I already said sorry,” I replied. “What else do you want?”

“You’re not like us,” the blonde said.

I knitted my brows.

“You don't have a scent. You’re wolfless. How did you even get into this school?”

This wasn't the first time. They always told me I was different, and I had no clue why I stood out so much. My dad always said I was special,but he never told me why people looked at me like I was some alien creature.

“Please, just leave me be,” I said. “I’m trying to read.”

I went back to my comic. Not even a second later, the girl snatched it out of my hands and ripped it up. I started to stand, but a few other girls shoved me back down by my shoulders.

“You don't talk back to Selena Rodriguez, nerd. Do you have any idea who she is?”

A girl with curly hair barked at me, her eyes cold.

“What did I even do? Why are you doing this?”

I was so sick of being treated like a freak just because I was different.

“You’re a hybrid, aren't you?”

My eyes widened. That word always popped up. That label always made my skin crawl.

“That’s none of your business.”

“Of course it’s my business. You shouldn't even be in a school for werewolves.”

“I am a werewolf,” I said firmly.

“Look at you!” The blonde scanned me from head to toe. “You’re nothing like us.”

“But I don’t smell a human on her,” the curly-haired girl said, sniffing the air. “Her scent is just… weird.”

“I bet she’s a curse sent by the Moon Goddess to this pack. Damn it. Why did she have to come to the Blue Moon Pack?”

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. It felt like a total lifesaver. The girls dispersed, but the blonde–Selena, gave me one last threatening look.

“We’re not done, Hybrid. I don't like your attitude in my territory,” she grumbled.

I just stared at her, baffled by why she hated me so much just for being different. Even though I was used to the stares, I still didn't get why I didn't fit in.

A woman in glasses with a formal outfit and a cold gaze walked into the room. The class went dead silent. As she set her books on the desk, she scanned the room until her eyes landed on me.

“You’re the new student, right?” she asked sternly.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Mrs. Rowan,” she corrected. “I teach Basic Werewolf Ethics. Please, introduce yourself.”

Every eye in the room was on me. I took a deep breath. I’d done this a million times because of how often I moved. I could already hear the whispering.

“Hi everyone, I’m Adeline Smith. I’m new here and I’ll be here until graduation. I’m just hoping to get through the year in peace.”

A guy at the back of the room snickered. He had brown hair and was clearly mocking my introduction.

“Are you a hybrid?” Selena blurted out.

“I’m a werewolf,” I answered. “Just like you guys.”

My answer triggered a wave of whispers and commotion. My chest felt tight, and my skin felt like it was on fire. I just wanted to bolt out of there. What was wrong with me? Why did everyone think I was a hybrid? I didn't know, and no one would ever tell me.

Suddenly, someone walked into the room. A guy in a messy school uniform with slightly wavy, ash-colored hair. His eyes were a bright, piercing brown. I noticed the girls' eyes light up the moment he walked in. He was clearly the school heartthrob.

He walked straight toward me without hesitating, pinning me with an intimidating stare. I didn't know what to do. He leaned over, almost like he was sizing me up.

“Who told you that you could sit here?” he asked with his cold voice.

I was speechless. I’d almost never seen a guy who looked as perfect as him. For a second, I was just stuck, totally blanking on how to respond.

“Why can’t I sit here?” I finally managed to snap back.

The room got even louder, like I’d just committed some huge crime. I was so confused. Who was this guy? Why did he seem so important?

“Oliver, don't start trouble. Just sit anywhere,” Mrs. Rowan warned. Her tone was calm but firm.

Oliver? So that was his name. Such a beautiful name.

“Move.” Oliver ignored her. His gaze was still bore into mine, full of command.

“What if I don’t want to?”

A smirk spread across Oliver’s face, but it wasn't a friendly one. It sent shivers down my spine.

“What an idiot. How can she stand up to Oliver? He’s Alpha Caleb Ludwig’s son—the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack and the owner of this elite school.”

The whispers hit my ears, and it finally clicked. I’d messed up big time. He was the Alpha’s son? The owner’s kid?

“Oliver?” I murmured.

“Move.” Oliver dropped his voice, his tone laced with a heavy alpha command.

My heart hammered against my ribs. Oliver wasn't playing around. He was literally just standing there, waiting for me to get up. I looked around. The other students were laughing at me. I looked like a total fool getting bullied in front of everyone.

I didn't want to cause a bigger scene, so I decided to just get up. Oliver immediately took over the seat. He even shoved my bag off the desk. I grabbed my bag, glaring at him.

“Asshole,” I muttered under my breath.

Adeline POV

I was the first one out the door as soon as class ended. Everyone was calling me hybrid. It was so annoying. I decided to head out of the school building, but unfortunately, I had some paperwork to finish up, so I couldn't just head home yet.

“Hi.”

A girl with a friendly smile greeted me. She had straight black hair and almond-shaped eyes. She sat down next to me without even asking.

“Michelle,” she said, holding out her hand. “I’m in your class.”

I shook her hand and smiled back.

“You definitely look different, Adeline.”

I shook my head. “What do you mean?”

“I don't know. Your scent... it feels special, not like a typical wolf.”

“You’re not the first person to say that.”

“Do you have some kind of special ability or something?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m not eighteen yet. I have no idea what’s going on with me. Everyone just thinks I’m a freak.”

“No,” Michelle said, putting an arm around me. “You’re unique and brave.”

“Brave?” I chuckled.

From a distance, I felt someone watching me. Those cold brown eyes were tracking my every move.

“Don’t look at him, Adeline.” she warned me.

“Why?” I genuinely didn't get it.

“You already messed up on your first day. Oliver has a lot of pull at this school. No one dares to cross him. He can literally get students expelled because of his influence.”

I took a long, shaky breath. I wasn't looking for trouble. I just wanted to survive until graduation before my dad changed his mind and moved us again.

“And stay away from Selena and her crew. Selena is Oliver’s fiancée. She’s Gamma Patrick Silverstone’s daughter. Her family is a big deal in the pack. She doesn’t play when it comes to anyone getting close to Oliver.”

I shivered. “As if I’d want to get close to a jerk like him. He’s weird and has zero empathy.”

“But Oliver is the most wanted guy in this pack. He’s super private and charismatic, totally different from his cousin, Justine.”

I saw a guy approach Oliver in the distance. They started talking. That guy was definitely more high-energy, while Oliver was like a block of ice, standing there with a gaze that cut like a knife.

“That’s Justine,” Michelle pointed out.

“You’ve gotta be careful with him because he’s a total player. Hardly any girl can resist his charm. I don’t want to see you ending up in bed with him.”

I smiled and shook my head, but I kept an eye on them for a second. Well, I had to admit. They were attractive. Both of them were way above average in the looks department. No wonder all the girls were obsessed.

I finally finished up the paperwork and headed down the stairs to go home. My phone started ringing, so I had to dig it out of my bag. I wasn't looking where I was going until I suddenly slammed into someone.

“Watch it!”

The voice was unmistakable,arrogant and cold.

I looked up, but right then, my phone slipped and hit the ground. When I went to grab it, he stepped right on it.

“What are you doing, Oliver?”

He just stared at me, saying nothing. His eyes were trying to tell me something, but I couldn't quite read them.

“Just pick it up,” he said snidely.

“You’re standing on my phone.”

“And then?”

When we first met in class, I thought I’d just made a mistake and that’s why he was being mean, but now? It felt like he was intentionally picking a fight.

I crouched down to pull my phone away, but Oliver wouldn't budge.

“Hey!” I snapped at him. I was trying to make sure he didn't break the thing. I hadn't even answered my dad’s call yet.

“I’ve never seen someone like you before.”

“Same here.” I swiped at his leg, but he didn't move an inch. He was incredibly strong. What was I supposed to do?

“If you do what I say, I’ll let go of your phone.”

“I’m not your servant. Why should I listen to you?”

“You know who I am, don't you?”

I looked up. “So what? You think I’m scared?”

His brow furrowed, like he was hearing those words for the first time in his life.

“Hey, Hybrid. You should be thanking me. Other girls would kill just for a chance to talk to me.”

“I’m not interested in talking to you. I want my phone, and then I’m going home.”

“Who do you think you are? You think you’re more important than me?”

I was still struggling to get my phone, but he kept his foot planted. Finally, I ran out of options. There was only one thing left to do.

I leaned my head down toward his calf.

“What are you doing?” Oliver asked, confused.

“Don’t blame me. You asked for this.”

I bit down on Oliver’s calf as hard as I could. Even through his black cotton pants, I made sure he felt it.

“Fuck!” Oliver barked, lifting his leg and grabbing his calf. I immediately snatched my phone.

As I stood up, a strange scent suddenly hit me, but it was so faint.

“You’re insane!” Oliver yelled.

I didn't care. I just wanted to get out of there. My dad would be worried if I didn't get home soon. He’s so possessive.

I started walking toward the school gate, but suddenly someone grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

“Hey!”

Oliver dragged me away from the gate, pulling me behind the school where it was deserted. He pinned me against the wall, glaring at me with so much rage it was like I’d committed some unforgivable sin.

“Oliver, let me go.”

His fangs slipped out as his eyes shifted colors. His wolf was taking control.

“How dare you ignore me? I am the future Alpha.” he growled.

His voice sounded feral. My heart was racing.

“What did I do? Why are you so mad at me, Oliver?”

It was weird. I felt this heat spreading through my body, and I had no idea why. The necklace I was wearing suddenly started to glow, like it was sending out a signal. I’d never seen a reaction like that from my mom’s old necklace before.

“Who are you?” he asked, looking completely bewildered. “Why does it have to be you?”

He wasn't the only one confused. I had no idea what he was talking about. He gripped my arms tight, and when I tried to pull away, he pulled me into a hug instead.

“What the hell are you doing?” I shrieked.

His body felt boiling hot, which only made my necklace glow even brighter.

“There’s no way you’re my mate, Hybrid. You can't be my mate.”

What? Mate? Why wasn't I feeling anything at all?

Oliver POV

“What do you mean, Oliver? Mate?”

Adeline shook her head. “That’s impossible. I’m not even eighteen yet, and I don't feel a thing.”

I knit my brows, scanning her from head to toe. I was absolutely certain I felt the mate bond. It was a connection that had suddenly sparked after all my searching, but a hybrid? It didn't make any sense.

“You don't feel any bond at all?”

Adeline nodded.

“How come?”

She just shrugged and shook her head again.

I could still feel it, though. This magnetic pull drew me toward her. I caught a whiff of her scent, and it was so strong it actually made my head spin.

“I reject you,” I blurted out, trying to change the subject.

“I don’t get it. How can you reject me if I don’t even feel the bond?”

“Just accept the rejection. I don’t want a hybrid for a mate.”

“Fine, reject me. I don’t want to deal with that blonde girl anyway. She’s obsessed with you, and I just want to go to school in peace.”

Without even thinking, my hand reached out and grabbed her waist. It was awkward, but I felt like I needed the contact. This mate bond was incredibly hard to fight.

“I, Oliver Ludwig, reject you as my mate. From here on out, we have no connection.”

I looked into her blue eyes. She just stood there, blinking as if nothing had happened.

“Accept my rejection!” I snapped, losing patience with her lack of reaction.

“Oh, right.” She paused for a second. “I accept your rejection, Oliver.”

I braced myself for the wave of pain other wolves always talked about when a rejection happens, but something felt off.

“What the hell?” I muttered, completely confused.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, looking just as lost as I was.

It failed. I didn't feel any pain at all. The whole situation was bizarre. If anything, my urge to dominate her only got stronger.

Suddenly, Adeline let out a cry, clutching the necklace she was wearing. It started glowing.

“What is that?” I reached for it.

“Don’t touch my necklace!”

I ignored her warning and snatched it right out of her hand.

“What the hell are you doing, Oliver? Give it back!”

Adeline was fuming, her face turning red, but strangely, watching her get worked up only made me more obsessed. A ridiculous idea popped into my head, and I shoved the necklace into my pocket.

“Oliver, that necklace is really important to me. Please, I’m begging you, give it back.”

There was something weirdly entertaining about seeing her this mad. What kind of bond was this?

At first, I was annoyed by her attitude, nobody talked back to me. Especially not a hybrid.

“I’m keeping this,” I said.

“Why?”

“Because I want to know why we have this bond and why my rejection didn't work.”

“I don’t give a shit, Oliver. If you don’t want me, fine. I’ll act like the bond doesn't exist, but give me my necklace back.”

“When’s your birthday?”

“Why do you even care?” she yelled, her wide eyes glaring at me.

“Because I’m going to redo the rejection. Maybe it failed because you’re not eighteen yet.”

Damn it. Her eyes were like a drug, totally addictive. But at the same time, I hated the fact that I was stuck with this weird girl, a hybrid who clearly wouldn't be accepted by the pack, especially my parents.

“Whatever.” Adeline lunged for my pocket. “I just want my necklace!”

I dodged and backed away, but she was relentless. As I was about to slip away, I didn't notice a plastic bottle behind me. I stepped on it, lost my balance, and instinctively grabbed Adeline’s hand. We went down together, and then it happened.

Her lips hit mine. For a split second, I felt a surge of energy rush through my entire body. My eyes went wide. I looked into her eyes, her body pinned right on top of mine, our lips still locked.

For a fraction of a second, I saw a vision of a breathtakingly beautiful woman, but it vanished just as quickly.

“Oliver.”

A sharp, authoritative male voice boomed, making me jump up immediately. I ended up pushing Adeline away so hard she tumbled to the ground.

Adeline let out a loud yelp.

I looked up at the man standing there, staring at me with a cold, commanding gaze. He was wearing a suit with the Red Moon Pack crest pinned to his chest.

“Dad.” I immediately lowered my head.

“Who is this girl?” His voice was enough to make anyone cower.

I glanced at Adeline as she got up. Her messy behavior was making me cringe. She should at least show some respect in front of my father.

“Dad?” Adeline processed it, and a moment later, her eyes went wide. “Alpha?” She gave a quick bow.

I closed my eyes. What planet is this girl from? How does she not know how to act around an Alpha?

“Who are you, young lady?” My dad sniffed the air, his eyes locked on her. “You aren't from my pack.”

“My dad and I just moved here three days ago, Alpha,” she answered

“Which pack were you with before?”

“I’m packless.”

Packless? I turned to her, stunned. I’d never heard of that before.

“A rogue?”

“No. My dad came from a pack that doesn't exist anymore. We’ve been moving from pack to pack until we ended up here.”

My dad’s ears perked up. His calm expression suddenly turned tense. What was going on? Was being packless that big of a deal?

“Oliver,” my dad called out. “Go home. You have training. Don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter.”

Adeline didn't say anything, but she clearly noticed my dad’s shift in mood.

“Yes, Dad.”

I couldn't defy his orders, even though I was dying of curiosity. My dad walked off without another word, which only made me more suspicious. I started to walk away while Adeline just stood there looking totally confused.

I’d just finished training with my dad. He puts me through physical drills every day to keep a close eye on my progress.

I felt something bulky in my pocket. When I pulled it out, I saw Adeline’s necklace.

“Where did you get that?” my dad asked, noticing the piece.

“It belongs to Adeline,” I answered shortly.

He sighed and snatched the necklace from me. His eyes practically lit up when he saw it.

“What’s the matter, Dad?” I asked.

“Don’t tell me she’s your mate, Oliver.”

I swallowed hard. My dad always has a crazy intuition; there was no point in lying to him.

“Dad, she’s just…”

“That girl is a curse. You are not allowed to claim her.”

“How do you know that, Dad?”

“This necklace?” My dad held it up. “This is the symbol of the Moon Goddess. It’s a necklace given to werewolf infants who carry a curse. No matter what happens, you cannot have a relationship with her.”

“I know.”

Suddenly, my dad smirked. It was a devious look that gave me the creeps he definitely had something up his sleeve.

“But, this pack might just have a use for that girl.”

“Dad,” I said, shaking my head and frowning. “What are you planning? I thought you said I couldn't be with that hybrid?”

“I’m not going to let her ruin your future, Oliver. But I know exactly what she’s hiding, and why she’s been running all the way here.”