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.

Adeline POV

I sat as still as I could in the packhouse living room, but I was a total nervous wreck.

Like magic, I’d actually managed to sink that basketball. And per our deal, Oliver had to get me a meeting with his dad. So here we go. I’m officially in the Blue Moon Packhouse living room.

“Your dad is doing just fine with me, Adeline,” Alpha Caleb said.

He sounded so calm, like there was nothing to worry about.

“If that’s the case, then let me see him, Alpha.”

He grunted. He glanced over at Oliver, who was sitting in a chair to the west, looking way too elegant for his own good while he watched us talk.

“Sure. You can see your dad, but not just yet.”

I held my breath, trying to wrap my head around this. “Why did you have to take my dad in the first place, Alpha?”

“You’ve got it all wrong, Adeline,” Oliver cut in suddenly. “My dad didn't take him. We welcomed him and gave him a privilege.”

“A privilege?” I was getting even more confused. “What kind of privilege?”

“I know what’s going on.”

Alpha Caleb smiled at me, but it totally gave me the creeps.

“I know why you and your dad keep moving around. I’m offering protection, and as it turns out, your father agreed,” he said.

I looked at Oliver, trying my best not to fall for whatever this trap was.

“But you and your father have to stay here. Your dad is in a safe place. He even agreed to let you become my son’s Beta.”

“Beta for your son?” I am so fucking shocked.

Oliver smirked at me. Then he pulled up a video showing my dad in a super fancy, comfortable room. He actually looked like he was enjoying himself. We’ve never had luxury like that before. Seeing him look so relaxed made me feel a weird mix of guilt and relief.

“My son is going to be Alpha one day. I haven't found anyone worthy of being his Beta yet. You’re the perfect fit.”

“Me? Why? I mean, I literally just got to this pack.”

“Your blood. This pack needs it. You won’t have to run anymore, and your dad will be safe. I know he needs medical attention because of his health.”

In all our time on the move, I’d never told a soul about my dad’s condition. His health had been pretty shaky, but I couldn't do anything about it. We were moving too much to ever get him real help. This was a real chance, but can I actually trust these guys?

“I can also guarantee no one will bully you at school anymore,” Oliver added.

Which was rich coming from him, considering he’s the one who’s always starting drama with me.

“Oliver, take Adeline to see her father. She clearly needs to see him. I’ll be waiting for your answer after you talk to your dad, Adeline.”

Oliver stood up, but I was still totally torn on what to do.

“Come on.”

Oliver looked at me. Even though I was freaking out, I didn't have a choice. I had to see my dad. I got up.

He just cruised out of the room without waiting. Alpha Caleb gestured for me to follow him, so I hurried to catch up.

“Wait up!”

His legs are so long, his stride was basically a sprint for me. We walked through this massive hallway. Even just the hallway furniture and the architecture were completely insane.

“Where are you hiding my dad, Oliver?”

“Shut up and just follow me.”

I huffed. Even in a situation like this, he’s still such a jerk. And what? I’m supposed to be his Beta? I have to serve this empathetic-less, annoying, total idiot? Oh, fucking no.

“Get in,” Oliver said, opening a door to one of the rooms.

I froze. He just stood there, expressionless.

“Move it!”

His bark made me jump, and I walked into the room. But as soon as I turned around, Oliver stepped in too and locked the door behind him.

“Oliver, what are you doing?”

I tried to get to the door, but he blocked me. He actually grabbed me and pulled me back. He’s like twice my size, so I had zero chance of breaking free.

“Oliver, let me go!”

He didn't budge. He just stared at me, his chest heaving as his breathing got all ragged.

“Your scent is driving me crazy, Hybrid.”

“What are you even talking about? Let me go, Oliver. You’re supposed to take me to my dad.”

He smirked. “You think it’s that easy? You were stupid to just trust my dad like that.”

My jaw dropped. Why would Oliver say that? Was I being set up?

“Your dad is hiding something about you, Adeline. And my dad knows exactly what it is.”

“Oliver...” I was totally speechless.

“And this damn mate bond.” He closed his eyes, and I could feel the frustration coming off him in waves.

His hands slid around my waist. I could feel his touch everywhere. Even though I still didn't feel the bond on my end, my body was definitely reacting to the way he was looking at me and touching me.

“Let me go, Oliver. I don't know what you’re talking about. My dad isn't hiding anything.”

I tried to fight him off with everything I had, but that just made him go feral. He shoved me onto the bed and pinned me down.

“Help!”

“You’re calling for help? Who’s gonna help you, Hybrid? No one’s gonna stop me. I’m the Alpha’s son. You just need to listen to me.”

“In your dreams,” I snapped back.

His eyes bled into red. His jaw tightened. He looked at me like I’d just committed a crime.

“Why can’t you be like other girls?”

“Why? Is your ego bruised because I’m not obsessed with you? You’re using your power to hold me captive. You kidnapped my dad and used him as bait. You’re a total coward, Oliver.”

“You need to learn who I am, Hybrid.”

Oliver pinned my wrists above my head so I couldn't move, locking my body down with his legs. He looked at me like he was about to hunt me down.

“Damn it!”

He kissed me so hard, with this burning passion. I felt this crazy sensation shoot through my whole body. My lips were totally his target, and since I couldn't move, I was just stuck there. Part of me was pissed that he was stealing a kiss, but another part.

“Stop, Oliver. Please.”

He pulled back for a split second, then dove back in, devouring my lips again. What was happening? He’d totally lost control. I was burning up.

At first, I tried to resist, but after a few seconds, I couldn't stop myself. Oliver let go of my hands, giving me a chance to escape, but instead of pushing him away, I wrapped my arms around his back and let myself drown in that brutal, desperate kiss.

I was completely breathless as I stared into Oliver’s eyes. I felt something inside me I’d never felt before.