Chapter 1

Things were about to change, and I wasn’t ready for it.

For the past few minutes, someone had been relentlessly knocking on my door.

I would have opened it if it weren’t for the fact that I knew the moment I did, the normality I had tried to create would cease to exist.

In truth, it would be easier to slip back into sleep, where I could lounge beneath the Bahamian sun, a piña colada in hand, and not a single worry in sight.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that running away from your problems never works.

And so, my current predicament.

With a sigh of resignation, I got out of bed, put on my robe, and reluctantly headed toward the door to open it.

As soon as the door was opened, a pair of ocean-blue eyes met mine.

“Do you realize how worried I was about you?” Alec said with a mixture of relief and frustration.

“Hello, dear brother, it’s also nice to see you,” I said, my gaze wavering slightly from the intensity of his stare.

Alec narrowed his eyes, his brows furrowing as he stared intently at me. He looked upset, which was a strange sight because he didn’t seem like the kind of person who could hurt a fly.

The girls in my pack often called him a pretty boy, with his dark raven hair, piercing blue eyes, and long lashes. They were traits clearly inherited from our mother. He could have easily stepped out of a Korean drama, and no one would have questioned it.

On the other hand, I was average at best. I had inherited my father’s dark brown eyes and hair, along with my mother’s heart-shaped face and warm, tanned skin. My wish had always been to have beautiful blue eyes like our mother, but of course Alec had hogged all the good genes.

Unfortunately, the only thing Alec and I had in common was a birthmark on the back of our wrists, a mark he always insisted I keep hidden.

“Do you know the trouble I went through to find you?” Alec asked, his tone sharp.

I pressed my lips together, knowing he was right to be angry. Deep down, I knew he didn’t mean to scold me. It was just his way of showing he was concerned.

“I’m sorry, Alec, I just couldn’t stand that place anymore,” I said, clenching my fists at my sides as the memory of why I left came to mind.

A month ago, I had fled my pack because of how harsh the environment could be. Felix, our Alpha, was a cruel son of a bitch who often painted a target on the weakest werewolves.

As an Omega, I knew all too well what that meant. I was at the very bottom of the hierarchy, after all.

“Michelle,” Alec started, his voice softer now as he took in my words. “I understand you, believe me, I do, but what you did could get you killed. I can’t protect you from Felix, no matter how much I want to. He’s...” Alec stopped, a bitter expression crossing his features, “our Alpha.”

I dug my nails into my palm, attempting to maintain control of my emotions. He was right; what I had done was against pack law. My foolish self had thought I could run away. I thought I could finally break free from the oppression I had constantly lived under. However, if Alec could track me down, Felix could too.

“Go and pack your things. We’re returning to the pack before it’s too late and someone tells him you’re gone,” Alec said, entering the apartment, walking past me and scanning the small space.

“Alec, I hate that place,” I said, crossing my arms. “Maybe if you help me, I can escape for good.”

Alec walked over to my couch and grabbed a small glass bear that decorated the coffee table. “No, it’s too risky,” he said, inspecting the bear. “I’ve been telling everyone you’re sick. It’s the only reason no one has informed Felix. But people are starting to get suspicious.”

I sighed.

Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy. Even though the pack was large, there were still prying eyes everywhere.

“There’s no way out of this, is there?” I said, defeated.

Alec shook his head. “I’m sorry, Michelle, there isn’t... but don’t worry, I will protect you from the rest of the pack as I’ve always done.”

I smiled weakly at that. Alec had always protected me, even as kids. He shielded me from the Kappas, Iotas, Zetas, and Epsilons who were intent on making my life a living hell. Don’t get me wrong, I could hold my own with words, but once they realized they couldn’t outwit me, they’d resort to physical fights.

Unfortunately for me, that was my weakness. And so, Alec would step in, beating the crap out of anyone who dared to lay a hand on me.

But again, I was no pushover. I had a sharp tongue that could assassinate someone in their sleep. Many despised me for it, but I couldn’t help it. Speaking my mind has always been my way of fighting back.

The only people I spared from my wits were Alec and a few close friends. Everyone else?

They could suck it.

“I’ll be waiting for you in the car,” Alec said, making his way to my door.

I watched him leave, a heavy sigh escaping my lips.

“Fine,” I muttered, turning toward my room to pack.

It seemed that things were indeed about to change. I just hoped it was for the better.