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.”

Adeline POV

“Where’s your necklace, Adeline?”

My heart literally stopped when my dad noticed I wasn’t wearing Mom’s necklace.

“ I just took it off for a bit, Dad,” I lied smoothly.

I glanced at him, waiting for his reaction. He just scoffed, lips pressed into a thin line.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Adeline? You never take that thing off.” His voice was laced with disappointment.

“Dad, relax. I’m just keeping it safe. I’ll put it back on. Besides, there’s no one else here. Nobody’s gonna know.”

Suddenly, loud banging echoed from the front door. My dad shot up from his seat immediately, and I started to follow him.

“Stay right there,” he ordered sharply.

I didn’t argue and sat back down. As he went outside to check who it was, I could faintly hear the voices of multiple men talking.

“Who is that?” I mumbled, picking at my food.

I waited for what felt like forever, but he didn’t come back. So, I did what any curious person would do, I peeked outside. Two men were talking seriously with my dad, but what caught my attention was the look of pure fear on his face.

Worried sick, I walked out towards them.

“Dad, what’s going on?” I asked.

“Adeline, stay back!” His shout froze me in my tracks.

The two men turned their eyes on me.

“Who are you guys?” I questioned.

“We work for Alpha Caleb. He requests the presence of you and your father at the packhouse since you’re new residents here.”

“Not her. Just me. I’ll go meet Alpha Caleb,” my dad cut in immediately.

Why? Why did Alpha Caleb want to see us? Was it because he saw me with Oliver earlier at school? Was he going to warn my dad to keep me away from his son?

“Dad, I’m coming with you,” I said firmly.

“No. You stay here, Adeline. I’ll be back soon.”

The men opened the car doors parked right in front of our house. Without hesitation, my dad got inside. Wait. What? Was it that easy? Why wasn’t he fighting this?

Without another word, they drove off, leaving me completely alone in the house.

“Why did they take my dad?”

***

I was running around like crazy looking for someone. He wasn’t in class, not in the courtyard, and finally, I spotted him on the basketball court. Oliver and a bunch of guys were in the middle of a game. I marched straight onto the court, right in front of him just as he was about to take a shot.

“Are you insane, Hybrid? Get out of my way,” Oliver spat coldly.

“I need to see your dad,” I blurted out.

“My dad?” He looked me up and down like I was crazy, then burst out laughing. “Why? You trying to flirt with him now?”

My chest was heaving up and down, my breathing heavy with anxiety.

“Just tell me how to find him.”

“You think I’m your personal servant? Why the hell would I listen to you, Hybrid?”

My dad hasn’t come home since those men picked him up last night. I knew this had to be connected to Oliver’s father.

Oliver stepped closer, forcing me to walk backward until I had nowhere else to go.

“Oliver, don’t you dare come any closer!”

“Why? Aren’t you the one begging for my help?”

“I just need to talk to your dad!”

“He’s not here,” he replied bluntly.

The way he looked at me made me freeze. I know we aren’t mates or anything, but damn. How is a girl supposed to ignore that? The top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving me a perfect view of his toned chest.

“What are you staring at, Hybrid?”

“Stop calling me a hybrid! I need to see your dad, Oliver.”

“Hybrid, hybrid, hybrid.” He repeated it over and over, laughing at my frustration.

He was doing this on purpose, pushing every single button I had. I was so furious that without thinking, I slapped him right across the face in front of everyone.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he yelled, touching his cheek.

“I’m not playing games here, Oliver. Your dad sent two goons to pick up my father last night and he hasn’t come back. I need to see him now.”

“What?” His reaction was totally unexpected. He looked genuinely confused.

“My dad sent people to get your dad? Come on, mutt, don’t lie to me.”

“Do you think I’d make this up? I need to see Alpha Caleb, Oliver. Now!”

We’ve moved around so many times before, and we never had issues, just weird stares, but this pack is different. Something is very wrong here.

“I’m busy,” Oliver said dismissively.

He caught a basketball coming his way and started dribbling, acting like my panic was nothing but a nuisance.

“Hey, Hybrid,” Oliver called out again.

“Beat me,” he challenged.

“Really?” I wasn’t in the mood for his stupid games.

“One-on-one. You just need to score one basket. If you do, I’ll take you to my dad.”

Are you kidding me? Play basketball? This has got to be the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I hate sports. I literally make up excuses every time Dad asks me to go to the gym. But I had no choice. I had to find my dad.

“Fine,” I agreed, even though I already regretted it. How stupid me?

He smirked. The students surrounding us started snickering.

“That girl is crazy. How’s she gonna beat Oliver? He’s the best player in the pack.”

“Figures, that hybrid girl always causes trouble with him.”

Damn it. Why did I agree to this?

“But,” Oliver added, his voice dropping an octave. “If you lose, you do whatever I say.”

I wasn’t going to let him win that easily.

“Okay. Deal.”

***

We stood face-to-face at center court. The ref held the ball, ready to tip-off. This is insane. I don’t even know the rules properly.

“Ready?” the ref called out.

Oliver’s eyes locked onto mine. That arrogant smile told me exactly what he thought, he thought I was nothing.

“Go!”

The ball went up. I jumped, but Oliver snatched it in a split second. He didn’t rush straight to the hoop. Instead, he circled me, taunting me. He didn’t even bother getting close; he just launched it from half-court.

“Three points for Oliver!”

The game just started and he was already dominating. I was pissed, but I refused to quit. I tried stealing the ball, but he was too fast, too strong. He toyed with me, embarrassing me in front of the whole school. The score was 10-0, and I still hadn't touched the ball properly.

“Giving up yet, Hybrid?” He dribbled slowly, grinning like a devil.

Sweat was soaking through my uniform. If I failed here, I’d never know where my dad was.

“Never!” I shouted.

I ripped off my blazer and threw it aside, tying my hair up tightly into a ponytail. For just a second, Oliver stopped moving. He just stared at me, eyes wide like he’d seen a ghost.

“I’m not stopping until I win.”

He was stunned into silence. That was my opening. I used that split second to swipe the ball right out of his hands. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me toward the hoop.

I jumped as high as I possibly could and released the ball. This was it. My only chance.

“Point for Adaline!”

My eyes went wide as I watched the ball go through the net. I did it. I actually scored.