Chapter 1

Serena's POV.

"Pig!"

That was the only word I heard before a hand slammed me to the floor.

I frowned, my head pounding as I pushed myself up. Penny stood before me, her eyes burning with rage.

"How dare you block my way, pig?" she shouted.

I stared up at her, my chest heaving as I fought to catch my breath. I didn't dare speak—I knew better than to provoke her.

Penny was the most popular girl in class, but I had no idea why she hated me. No matter how hard I tried to stay out of her way, I always ran into her.

Suddenly, she grabbed my hair and yanked me back. I screamed as pain shot through my scalp, her grip so tight I could barely move.

"How dare you ignore me?" she yelled, echoing off the walls.

I struggled, trying to break free. My eyes stung, but I refused to cry.

"When I ask a question, you fucking answer!"

"It... it was a mistake," I stammered, my voice shaking.

Penny's grip tightened, her fingers twisting deeper into my hair. My vision started to blur.

I hated my life. I hated being an omega, hated being weak. If I had a strong wolf like Penny, I wouldn't be on the floor right now.

Then she shoved me, and I lurched forward.

But before I hit the ground, a strong hand grabbed me and pulled me up.

"Are you okay?" Richard asked.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. His hazel eyes were the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. I could feel the warmth from his hands spreading across my skin.

He smelled good—so good that I had to stop myself from leaning closer to him.

"Are you okay?" Richard asked again.

"I'm fine," I mumbled, my face burning with embarrassment.

Penny grabbed my arms and pulled me away from Richard. Her voice was full of fake concern.

"Serena, are you okay? I didn't mean to push you that way, oh my!"

I held back the urge to roll my eyes at her dramatic act. It was all for Richard, and we both knew it.

Her grip on my arms tightened as she leaned in, her voice lowering to a whisper.

"Smile, or you'll regret it."

Then she stepped on my foot, making me flinch.

I forced a smile as the teacher walked in. I let out a sigh of relief and said thank you to Richard, but he just shrugged in response.

I slunk into my seat, alone as usual. The other students kept their distance, and I didn't blame them.

Who would want to be friends with someone like me? The pain of rejection never eases. I thought I'd be used to it by now, but the truth was—no one ever gets used to it.

I placed my books on the desk.

My eyes drifted to Richard, the noble son of our pack, surrounded by a group of giggling girls.

Penny was glued to his side, her eyes full of possessiveness. He was the guy every girl wanted.

But I didn't waste my time fawning over him. What was the point? I knew I didn't stand a chance.

Just then, the teacher's voice rang out, and I felt a heat on my face.

"Serena, if you're done staring at Richard, maybe try focusing on your books," he said with a mocking smile.

The class burst into laughter, and my face burned. I swallowed hard, staring at the floor as if I could find a way out.

Then I met Penny's glare—cold and full of warning. I quickly looked away.

Richard's eyes met mine, and I wanted to disappear. My heart pounded as I quickly looked away, heat crawling up my neck.

But then Richard spoke up, his voice low and steady.

"Hey, that's not fair. Serena is a great student."

I raised my head, staring at him in shock. For a moment, our eyes met, and I was too stunned to speak.

Richard gave a warm smile, his tone playful but kind.

"I wouldn't mind her staring. At least then she wouldn't have time to be the top student again," he said with a wink.

I flushed but couldn't help but smile.

The teacher, however, wasn't amused. "That's enough," he snapped.

I was relieved as the class calmed down, glad Richard had taken the attention off me.

But when I glanced at him, I couldn't help but wonder—was he being nice, or was this part of his usual act?

Deep down, I knew. Richard was always polite and charming. This was just how he was with everyone.

Still, my heart skipped a beat when he caught my eye and grinned.

I quickly looked away, forcing myself to focus on the teacher.

But the words on the page blurred together, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't concentrate. When the teacher finally dismissed us, I packed my things quickly and couldn't wait to leave.

Penny and her friends cut me off before I could take another step, their fake smiles making me sick.

"You were looking at my man, weren't you?" Penny said, her voice full of disdain.

My chest tightened. I quickly shook my head, but that only seemed to entertain her more.

"You think you stand a chance, pig?" she sneered, her friends laughing behind her.

Then, she threw her books at my feet.

"Do my assignment. And don't even think about getting a better grade than me, or you'll regret it," she muttered, eyes narrowing.

I nodded, my hands shaking as I took the books from her. Penny's fingers grazed my cheek, sending a cold shiver down my spine.

"Remember, I'm watching you," she murmured before strutting off with her friends.

I sighed, stuffing the books into my bag. But despite everything, a flicker of hope stirred in me—tomorrow was the mating ceremony. I would finally meet my mate, someone strong enough to keep me safe from Penny's bullying.

I would finally meet my mate. I hope he will be strong enough to protect me from Penny's bullying.

But a voice in my head whispered, "What if he rejects you?"

The thought made my stomach churn. I clenched my hands together and tried to push it away.

"Moon Goddess, please give me a strong mate," I murmured, closing my eyes. "Please… don't let him reject me."