Opening it in a frenzied panic, I sprinted out of the pack house, my heart pounding in my chest. Seeking refuge, I locked myself inside the safety of my garage, collapsing to the ground as tears continued to flow uncontrollably.

Why? Why was my life plagued by such torment? What had I done to deserve this? Why did the moon seem to punish me at every turn?

Hours passed, and I found myself perched upon the roof of the pack house, where I had sought solace since 10:45 pm. Gazing up at the full moon, its radiant glow enveloping the night sky, I couldn't help but feel a peculiar connection. It seemed to beckon me, calling out to a part of me that yearned for understanding and solace in this chaotic world.

I glanced at my wristwatch. It read 11:59 pm. Just one more minute remained.

What if it didn't happen? The mere thought tugged at my heart, causing it to ache. It had been five years since that fateful day, the day I sat here, watching the moon on every birthday, waiting for the shift that never came. Today was no exception, my fifteenth birthday, and my only wish was to experience the transformation.

But deep down, I knew no one would celebrate this day with me. There would be no more surprise parties like the ones from five years ago. Everything had changed. Everything.

As the Alpha's daughter, I was considered a disgrace to the pack, a constant reminder of their perceived weakness. However, I refused to let that define me any longer. Not anymore. At least, I hoped.

Glancing at the time again, I saw there were only ten seconds left. Anxiety swelled within me, and I closed my eyes, nerves tingling throughout my body. Fear and anticipation intermingled, intertwining my emotions.

Slowly, I counted the seconds.

Nine...eight...seven...six...five...

My heart quickened its pace.

Four...three...two...

My breath grew shallow.

...one.

I waited, expecting my bones to break, my body to undergo the transformation I had longed for. But...nothing happened. No bone-breaking agony, no transformation. It was then, in that moment, that I realized there was no hope. I truly was a disgrace. The pack would never stop hating me.

Fueled by a newfound determination, I opened my eyes, narrowing them with resolve. This was for me and me alone. I would liberate myself. No one would have control over me. I refused to be a pawn in anyone's game.

With unwavering determination, I leaped off the roof, landing firmly on the ground. Making my way to the garage, I packed my clothes, took the box my grandmother had given me and put on both necklaces. The onyx one was shorter than the moonstone pendant.

Tearing a page from my notebook, I grabbed a pen and wrote just one word on the paper: 'goodbye.' There was nothing more to say, no words that could capture the weight of my decision. I doubted the pack would mourn my departure.

My parents and siblings would likely throw a celebration, marking today as their "Independence Day: the Disgrace has finally left."

With the duffle bag slung over my shoulder, I stood tall, ready to embark on this new chapter of my life. I exited the garage and ran towards the woods, propelled by fierce determination.

I sprinted until I reached the pack border, where warriors and guards dutifully stood watch. Without hesitation, I dashed towards the other side, where there were no sentinels or protectors. How did I know? I have known each other since I was a child, a mere three years old.

Finally, I arrived at the clearing.

I glanced back at what used to be my home, the White Ray Pack. Sadly, it was no longer my home. In truth, it hadn't been since my tenth birthday, the day everything changed. This was where my parents resided, where my siblings lived, and where my mate trained to become a better Alpha. This place holds the memories of my childhood.

Yet, it was here, at this very spot, where I would bury my past. This was where I would leave behind the pathetic excuse of a life I had endured. I turned towards the border, knowing that once I crossed it, I would shed that old identity. I would become someone else, someone stronger. The fact that I lacked a wolf no longer mattered. I held onto hope, believing in myself and my ability to carve out a new path. If I had made it this far, then surely I could continue.

With each step I took closer to the border, I inched towards freedom. It was one step towards a new life, a step that would bury the girl I had been. It was a step away from my parents, my siblings, and my mate.

But then there was my grandmother. Should I really leave her behind? She was the only person who had truly cared about me, who had shown me love.

"You can. You have to," a voice echoed, though I couldn't identify its source. I looked around, finding no one in sight. "You have to, Aerowyn. This is for the better. This is for your future," the voice repeated. Who was speaking to me?

My future? Did I truly have one? Yes, I did. I had to believe that. I would build my own future, one that belonged to me alone. With renewed determination, I faced the border once more, sighing deeply. This was the right decision.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, allowing the moment to wash over me. Without opening my eyes, I summoned the courage to take that significant step forward. It was the step that would forever change my life, altering my path in ways I couldn't yet fathom.

Aerowyn's POV

"Ouch," I winced, feeling the pain in my foot from all the walking. Thanks to my human speed, it seemed to be taking a toll on me. The sun was high in the sky now, intensifying the heat. Being in the woods only made it worse. I had changed into a black tank top, hoping it would provide some relief.

My hair was a mess, and I bore small cuts on my face, arms, and legs from navigating through the undergrowth.

By now, I was certain the pack was aware of my escape. They were probably celebrating my departure. But honestly, I didn't care. Their opinions held no weight for me anymore.

Deciding it was best to find a secluded area, a no man's land, where no packs would come hunting for me, I finally took a much-needed break. Exhaustion washed over me, accompanied by the gnawing hunger in my stomach. I found respite beneath the shade of a towering oak tree. It was time to rest.

As I drifted into a dreamless sleep, a rare sense of peace washed over me. For the first time in five years, I experienced tranquil slumber.

But soon, voices disrupted the serenity. They were whispering, their words muffled and indistinguishable.

"Why is she in a wolf pack?" one voice, feminine, questioned.

"I don't know. She's human. Humans shouldn't be here," another voice responded.

In a jolt, I awoke, panic coursing through my veins. I flinched and instinctively jumped away from them, not fond of being touched. I looked at the two girls who had approached me. One appeared to be around my age or younger, while the other seemed about eighteen.

Both of them possessed striking green eyes. The younger girl had dark blonde hair, while the older one had a softer shade of blonde. Their facial features were similar, suggesting they were likely siblings.

The older girl wore a jam-colored jacket over a moss green top and ripped jeans below the knee. The younger girl donned a white t-shirt with dirt stains and black sweatpants.

"Hey, calm down," the younger girl reassured me.

"You're a wolf," I uttered, my eyes fixated on her.

Great, just my luck—I had stumbled upon a werewolf.

Life seemed to bid me farewell, and the shadow of death loomed ever closer.

What more could I say? I stood on the precipice of demise.

"How do you know about our kind?" The younger girl asked, curiosity etched across her face.

"I was born into a werewolf family too, but I didn't receive a wolf. It doesn't matter anyway. I'm going to die," I replied, my fear hidden beneath a façade of strength. "You're a werewolf without a wolf?!" she exclaimed, her shock evident.

"What do you mean you're going to die?" The older girl chimed in, concerned knitting her brows.

"I trespassed into your territory," I admitted, hoping they would show mercy. It was worth a shot. "I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I was passing by, exhausted and seeking respite. Please, don't kill me," I pleaded, my eyes filled with desperation.

The older girl burst into laughter, causing the younger one to slap her back firmly. "Don't mind her. She's just scaring you," the younger girl reassured me, and I nodded, swallowing hard.

Once the laughter subsided, the older girl spoke again. "Don't worry, girl! We aren't part of this pack. My little sister and I are rogues too."

"Oh, I see. But, how... I mean, how did you end up in a pack if you're rogues?" I asked, confusion marring my features.

"Oh, honey, that's just how we live. We move from one pack to another. As soon as the alphas or betas start suspecting rogues in their midst, we move on to the next pack. Currently, we're with the 'Greenwood Pack'," the younger girl explained.

"By the way, I'm Alessia Bree Quinn. I'm seventeen," the older girl introduced herself. "And I'm Esmeralda Andrea Quinn. I'm fourteen. It's a pleasure to meet you," the younger girl added, grinning as she bowed. I couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm Aerowyn Aurélie Beau. I just turned fifteen. It's nice to meet you too," I said, returning their smiles.

"Beau? Wait a minute. Are you Beau as in Beau from the White Ray Pack?!" Alessia's eyes widened in realization. "Yes, I am," I replied, averting my gaze as a pang of pain shot through my chest.

"You're of Alpha bloodline?! Oh my God!" Esmeralda exclaimed. "But why aren't you with your pack? Why are you a rogue?" Alessia inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"It's a long story," I sighed, feeling a sense of shame wash over me. Why weren't they repulsed by me? I had already told them I didn't have a wolf.

"We have all day," Alessia reassured me. "If you share your story, maybe we'll share ours," Esmeralda added, a flicker of sadness lingering in her eyes.

With a heavy heart, I began to recount my tale.

"I'm the youngest in my family. My father is the Alpha, and my mother is the Luna. I had three siblings—a loving sister, a brother, and my twin. My family was the epitome of perfection. Everyone adored me, including the entire pack. From what I recall, I was known for my sarcasm, witty comments, and sass. I loved making people laugh," I reminisced, a smile forming a fond memory.

"Everything seemed perfect. Nothing was out of place. Then came my tenth birthday. As you probably know, every Alpha child undergoes their first shift on their tenth birthday. I was ecstatic. The idea of having a wolf companion thrilled me. The whole pack shared in my excitement.

"I still vividly remember the moment. As the clock approached 11:59, the anticipation built. I was practically shouting in excitement, jumping up and down. However, there was an underlying uneasiness in the pit of my stomach. I brushed it aside, determined to remain positive.

"When there were only five seconds left, the feeling intensified. And finally, as the clock struck midnight, I closed my eyes, prepared for the anticipated pain. I waited for my princess dress to tear, for the searing sensation others had described. I waited for the bones to break.

"But it never happened. Instead, I was met with the sound of my twin brother's voice. Ervin screamed out in pain, clutching his chest. I watched as his shirt ripped, bones breaking and arms contorting. Black fur emerged, and before my eyes, he transformed into his wolf form.

"I witnessed it all, my twin brother shifting before my very eyes. But I remained unchanged. That's when my parents realized I couldn't shift. They took me to the pack doctor, who confirmed that I lacked a wolf. I was informed that I possessed human genes. And that's when everything changed.

"I became the pack's disgrace, burdened with the title of an omega. I was treated horribly, subjected to mistreatment by my own mother, father, brother, sister, and even my twin. Even at school, I faced relentless bullying. My best friend remained by my side throughout it all, until my brother asked her out. She had harbored feelings for him for a long time, and she betrayed me, becoming one of my tormentors.

"The only person who truly loved and cared for me was my grandma..." I trailed off, a mix of sadness and nostalgia washing over me.

"What the heck?! That's unfair! Just wait until I meet them. They should be praying we don't cross paths. If I do, I'll give them a taste of their own medicine," Alessia gritted out angrily.

"They're fools! Just because she doesn't have a wolf doesn't mean she isn't part of their pack! Who knows, she might be a late bloomer," Esmeralda yelled, her voice filled with frustration.

"Hey, calm down. I'm not going back to them," I mumbled, feeling overwhelmed by their passion and protectiveness.

"Great, then you're coming with us!" Alessia declared.

"But, I... I don't want to be a burden," I hesitated, not wanting to impose on them.

"Nonsense!" Esmeralda interrupted. "You are not going to be a burden. You are like us. You may not have a wolf, but you are one of us."

"You don't have a choice. You're coming with us!" Alessia smirked, her determination shining through.

"You're not alone, Ari," Esmeralda smiled warmly, using the new nickname they had given me.

"Ari?" I asked, surprised.

"Yep, a nickname for you!" Esmeralda grinned. "Oh, my siblings used to call me that," I mumbled, touched by the familiarity.

"Then we'll come up with a new nickname for you, babe!" Alessia chimed in with excitement.

"Huh?" I asked, curious.

"We are your new team, your new family. We want to have our own special nickname for you," Alessia giggled.

Oh.

"Hey, you have necklaces like ours," Esmeralda pointed out, noticing the onyx and moonstone necklace I wore.

"My grandma gave it to me," I explained.

"Here are ours," Esmeralda said, showing me her stone necklace. Alessia displayed hers as well.

"A labradorite stone," I said, observing Esmeralda's necklace.

"An alexandrite," I noted, studying Alessia's necklace.

"Beautiful," I commented sincerely.

"You know the names? We never knew," Alessia said with surprise.

"My pack has a rich history of stones, crystals, and diamonds, among others. My grandma taught me the names," I shared with them.

"This black one is onyx, and this one is moonstone," I informed them.

"Our necklaces have the same design, except for the onyx. But the moonstone, labradorite, and alexandrite ones are identical," Alessia noticed.

She was right. They all shared the same design, with only the stones differing.

"We were from Blood Moon Pack. We used to live so happily," Alessia began their story.

"Wasn't Blood Moon Pack attacked by rogues three months ago?" I asked, recalling the news.

"Yes," Esmeralda confirmed sadly.

"We had a tight-knit family—me, Esmi, Aaron, Mom, and Dad. Ron was our little brother. We were happy. Everything was perfect. A month before the attack, I found my mate, Daniel. He seemed like a sweetheart. Little did we know that he was pure evil," Alessia frowned, her gaze fixed on the night sky.

It was nighttime, and we found ourselves in Flower Wind Pack's territory.

"It was the day we were attacked. It was the day of our cousin David's Alpha ceremony. We were all so happy that he was finally going to become our Alpha," Alessia continued, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and anger.