CHAPTER 001

Everyone thought I hated him—but hate doesn’t make you drop to your knees and swallow his cock like it’s the only thing keeping you alive.

Let's go back when it all began.

The sun is barely up in the sky but Kieran is already making his entrance in Ashborne Pack’s school like he has the world at the palm of his hands.

His lips twitch into a smile as his golden hair catches the morning light almost as if it's been kissed by the gods themselves, his green eyes bright and confident, holding a glint of slight amusement.

With his hands tucked into the pockets of his pants and his bag hanging across his chest, he sweeps down the hallway like he's already the Alpha. Tsk. It's only a matter of time anyway.

People notice. Of course they do, he might not have shifted into his wolf yet but his alpha pheromones envelopes him thickly like a second skin, it demands attention and respect.

"Hey, Kieran!"

"Looking good today, future Alpha!"

"Did you bulk up again? Damn!"

Kieran smirks, walking with his shoulders high, he's tall, broad-shouldered and effortlessly charming, he doesn't even have to try as girls blushes when they look at him while guys try to be like him. They wish.

“Hey golden boy,”

Kieran nods at the greeting as he enters the cafeteria, a usual spot he gathers with friends—the school’s elite—before the beginning of class.

"Morning, future alpha," he's clapped on the back by Jasper who makes space for him to sit on the bench.

"You look like you ate three wolves for breakfast," Damon adds, laughing, giving the others high fives.

Kieran shrugs, the smug smirk on his face never fading and his green eyes glimmer as he retorts. "What can I say? When you're an alpha, strength comes naturally."

“Looks who's here,” Jasper motions his chin and Kieran looks to the entrance and instantly, his smiles brighten and his eyes morph into those of a puppy in love as Lena, his girlfriend and future mate approaches.

Her long black hair bouncing as she walks, and he can't help but trail his eyes over her figure, noting the way her hips sway from side to side. Perfect.

“Hey babe,” she purrs as she places a kiss on his cheek, then slides onto the bench beside him, Kieran immediately wraps his arms around her like it belongs there.

"Three more days," Kieran whispers close to her ear, his voice full of pride as he smirks. "Three more days and when I finally shift into my wolf, then we’ll know for sure what we already do—you’re mine."

Lena giggles. "You are just my boyfriend, you already sound like my mate, careful there, big boy," she playfully pushes him on the chest.

"I am your mate," Kieran responds confidently. "I feel it in my bones. You’re perfect. I’m perfect. It’s written in the stars."

“Wow, you are so cringe, Kieran. It's almost disgustingly sweet,” Damon fakes a gag, earning a glare from Kieran. “Come on, the whole pack knows Lena is going to be your mate, don't have to rub it in our faces. We are the unlucky ones who have no idea who we are going to end up with,” he sighs dramatically and shakes his head.

"Tell us again how strong you're gonna be after your first shift," Rune places his elbow on the table and gives Kieran a dreamy look.

Kieran leans back, pushing out his chest with pride. "Stronger than anyone. I’ve trained for this. My dad said when he shifted, he nearly cracked the ground. I’ll do more. I’ll be faster, stronger and I’ll finally put the weak ones in their place."

Damon laughs. "Speaking of weak..." He nods toward the corner of the cafeteria.

Kieran follows his gaze and there sitting alone at a table is a lone figure, a hoodie over his head and his head down, food untouched on the tray in front of him. He looks like a shadow, quiet but always present. Kieran tsks in contempt and looks away.

Seth Thorn. The pack outcast.

“What about him?”

"Why don’t they just kick him out already?" Jasper mutters. “He's passed the age of shifting and has stayed wolf-less nor a scent to indicate he's even a werewolf,”

"Maybe he’s a pet project," Damon adds with a mocking chuckle. "Everyone one knows the Alpha likes to feel charitable."

Suddenly, a thought crosses Kieran’s mind and he stands to his feet, cracking his neck. "Let’s say good morning."

Lena giggles and follows, and so does the others.

They walk across the cafeteria, and the laughter around them immediately dies down as everyone watches with keen interest.

"Hey," Kieran calls out loudly, expecting a reaction but the lone figure doesn't move a muscle, his head still lowered. Kieran clicks his tongue in annoyance. "Didn’t your mama teach you to greet your betters?"

“But he doesn't have a mama, Kieran,” Damon verbalizes and everyone laughs.

Kieran pokes his inner cheek in anger. “Still won't speak huh?” Forcefully, he grabs him by the front of his sweater and yanks him closer, the hood falling off his head to reveal a lock of silver hair and striking, yet dead crimson eyes that slightly catches Kieran off guard and the beautifully sculpted features that welcomes him.

Kieran catches himself before he roams his eyes over the flawlessness. That's gross. “As your future alpha, I demand you answer when I speak to you or perhaps, you are simply too weak to try?” He roughly lets go of his sweater.

Damon chuckles. "He’s probably just a human the alpha picked from the woods. What kind of freak doesn’t shift by eighteen?"

"Not the kind of wolf I’ll want in my pack," Kieran says, his eyes narrowed.

Jasper reaches out and flips the tray of food, spilling all over his body and they chuckles yet Seth doesn't move.

"Look at that," Kieran tsks and shakes his head in disappointment. "Can’t even defend himself. What a disgrace."

"Maybe he’s a rat, not even a lowly human," Damon heckles, holding his nose like something stinks.

Lena laughs, and Kieran wraps an arm around her. "Come on, we have classes to attend," he says to the others. "Let’s not waste time on garbage."

Then they finally walk away while the cafeteria explodes into whispers and more cruel laughter but no one helps, no one comes close. Seth finally rises to his feet and takes a second exit.

~

Kieran finds himself standing in a field, bathed in the warmth of a setting sun yet the wind is cold and the trees are dead silent as if anticipating something he doesn't know yet.

Then a voice calls out.

"Kieran..."

He turns and a familiar figure stands there, familiar sweater, familiar silver hair and familiar crimson eyes that glows with something dark and unreadable.

"Kieran," he calls again, reaching toward him. “Mine,” he growls and the moment his fingers tips brushes against his, Kieran jolts awake, finding himself on his bed, heart racing and sweat clinging to his skin

"What the hell?" he whispers as he brushes a hand over his face. His breathing comes fast as he looks around his quiet and dark room with only the moonlight peeking through the window.

"Kieran..."

Shit! He can still hear it.

He wipes his face again, this time with a shaky hand as goosebumps marries his skin. "It was just a dream. Just a fucking nightmare.”