Chapter 1

Olivia sat in her last class of the day, her eyes flicking to the clock every few minutes. She could hear the faint buzz of excitement that filled the school. The upcoming Moon Festival and Mating Ball were all anyone could talk about.

Finally, the bell rang, and Olivia swiftly gathered her books and slung her bag over her shoulder. As she stepped into the hallway, she was immediately joined by her best friend, Juliette.

"Hey, Olivia!" Juliette chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can you believe it's almost time for the Moon Festival and the Mating Ball? I'm so excited!"

Olivia smiled, but there was a hint of hesitation in her expression. "Yeah, it's definitely the talk of the school. I'm just... I'm not sure how I feel about it."

Juliette gave her a playful nudge. "Come on, aren't you even a little excited about finding your mate?"

Olivia shrugged. "I guess. It's just a lot of pressure, you know? What if my mate isn't who I expect? Or worse, what if I don't find him at all?"

Juliette laughed. "You're overthinking it, as usual. Besides, it can't be any worse than listening to Thelia go on and on about how she's going to bag Alpha Asher as her mate."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Oh, God, don't remind me. She's been insufferable lately."

"Can you blame her?" Juliette teased. "I mean, Alpha Asher of the Silverclaw Pack is apparently the hottest and richest Alpha around. Every unattached female wolf is drooling over him."

Olivia laughed. "What if he is a total jerk ?"

Juliette grinned. "That would be a match made in heaven for Thelia !"

Olivia burst into laughter. Although she didn't admit to anyone but in her heart she yearned for her mate. After her parent's death she had been very lonely, she wished to find her mate and finally have a family of her own. She had been disappointed when she didn't imprint on anyone in her school, or pack after turning 18, which meant her mate was somewhere out in the world. And these pack balls were the only way to find her mate.

The two friends laughed and chatted as they made their way to the football field. The sound of cheering and the thud of feet against the ground grew louder as they approached.

"Let's go check out Marcus's practice," Juliette suggested. "You know he'll be happy to see us."

Olivia nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Marcus, the son of the current Beta, was not only popular with the girls but also a genuinely good friend to Olivia. They'd known each other since they were kids, and he was one of the few people who could always make her laugh.

As they reached the field, they spotted Marcus in the midst of practice, his athletic form cutting through the air with precision and power. He caught sight of them and waved, a broad grin spreading across his face.

The air was filled with the sounds of cheering and the rhythmic thud of feet against the ground. Marcus was in top form, as usual, leading his team with precision and energy.

"Go Marcus!" Juliette shouted, clapping her hands. Olivia joined in, a smile on her face as she watched her friend dominate the field.

Their moment of camaraderie was interrupted by the arrival of a group of girls led by Thelia. Thelia, the Alpha's daughter, was the head cheerleader. She strutted to the front of the bleachers, her cheer squad following closely behind.

"Look who's here," Juliette muttered under her breath. Olivia sighed, knowing trouble was imminent.

Thelia took her place in the centre of the bleachers, her friends flanking her. She wasted no time in continuing her favourite topic of conversation.

"So, as I was saying, Asher is practically mine already," Thelia bragged loudly, ensuring everyone could hear. "It's only a matter of time before we're officially mated. I mean, who else could be worthy of him?"

Juliette rolled her eyes. "She never shuts up about it, does she?"

Olivia shrugged, trying to ignore the comments. "Just let it go, Juliette."

Thelia's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Olivia. Her eyes narrowed, and a malicious smile crept across her face.

"Olivia!" she called out, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "Could you be a dear and get me some juice? It's so hot out here."

Olivia stood up without a word, nodding obediently. "Of course, Thelia."

Juliette frowned and got up to follow her. "I don't know why you let her treat you like this, Olivia. It's not right."

As they walked to the concession stand, Olivia sighed. "It's my duty as an omega, Juliette. Besides, it's easier to just do what she says."

Juliette huffed. "That's nonsense. You're a beta by blood. Your father was the beta, for crying out loud. Thelia is just jealous because you're prettier and more talented than she'll ever be."

Olivia laughed softly. "Thanks for the flattery."

"No, I am not flattering you; it's true; you are the most beautiful one in the pack. Haven't you noticed how boys check you out?"

Olivia pushed back a few tendrils of her blond hair, which had escaped from her long plait. Her green eyes were sparkling with amusement. "Well, I guess I'll have to start paying more attention," she said with a grin.

Olivia was indeed beautiful, with her flawless complexion, slim, tall figure, and graceful movements that seemed to captivate everyone around her. But her crowning glory was her long hair, which gave her the appearance of a wood nymph.

They reached the concession stand, and Olivia ordered a juice for Thelia. As they waited, Juliette continued her tirade.

"I'm serious, Olivia. You shouldn't let her push you around. Just because she's the Alpha's daughter doesn't mean she can treat you like dirt. You have every right to stand up for yourself."

Olivia smiled at her friend's fiery spirit. "I appreciate it, Juliette. Really, I do. But sometimes it's just easier to avoid conflict."

Juliette shook her head, clearly frustrated.

Olivia handed the juice to Juliette, and they started walking back to the bleachers.

They returned to the bleachers, and Olivia handed the juice to Thelia, who took it without a word of thanks. Olivia resumed her seat next to Juliette, trying to focus on the game once more.

After practice, Olivia, Juliette, and Marcus walked down the tree-lined path leading away from the school. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Juliette, as usual, was venting her frustrations.

"I swear, Thelia is unbearable," Juliette complained. "If I hear one more word about how she's going to be mated to Alpha Asher, I might scream."

Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "Did she trouble you again, Olivia?"

Olivia sighed but smiled. "Not really. She was too busy dreaming about her future with Asher to bother with me today."

Marcus laughed with a deep, hearty sound. "Asher, huh? Well, she's got high hopes. He's not just an Alpha, you know."

Olivia tilted her head curiously. "What do you mean?"

Marcus's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Asher is the Alpha Prince. When he takes over the Silverclaw pack, he'll be the Alpha of all Alphas. The Silverclaw Pack is the most powerful pack there is."

Juliette's eyes widened. "Alpha of all Alphas? That sounds...intense. What makes the Silverclaw pack so powerful?"

Marcus grinned, clearly enjoying his role as the storyteller. "Well, it's a long story. The Silverclaw Pack has been around for centuries. They're the largest pack, with the most territory and the strongest warriors. Their Alpha line has always been exceptionally powerful, both in terms of physical strength and leadership. And I have heard he is also very good looking. He has just finished college and is now looking for a mate."

Juliette nodded, impressed. "No wonder all the girls are after Asher. It's not just about his looks or wealth. He's got serious status."

"So, if Asher is the Alpha prince, does that mean he's already super powerful?"

Marcus nodded. "Yep. Even though he hasn't taken over as the main Alpha yet, he's already got a lot of influence. Everyone knows he's next in line, and from what I've heard, he's more than ready for the role."

"Do you think we'll meet him at the Mating Ball, Olivia?"

Olivia shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Maybe, but I doubt it. The Alphas have their own separate party. We're not invited to that."

Juliette pouted. "That's so unfair! Why do they get their own party?"

Marcus grinned mischievously. "Well, if you really want to go, I might be able to sneak you in."

Juliette's eyes widened. "Really? You'd do that for us?"

Olivia laughed, shaking her head. "I appreciate the offer, Marcus, but I don't think it's a good idea. Getting caught would be a disaster."

Marcus shrugged, his grin widening. "It wouldn't be the first time we've gotten into trouble together. Remember that time we snuck into the Alpha's meeting to eavesdrop?"

Olivia chuckled at the memory. "How could I forget? We were grounded for a month."

Juliette giggled. "Yeah, but it was worth it. We learned so much gossip that night. Think of all the juicy details we could find out at the Alpha party."

Olivia rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. "Fine, but if we get caught again, it's on you," Olivia warned playfully.

Marcus winked. "Deal.”