Chapter Two: The Alpha’s Denial

Chapter Two: The Alpha’s Refusal

Ryan had survived the beating, but he had no idea that the real danger was waiting for him inside a packhouse he had never even entered. His wounds healed far faster than any ordinary person’s should have, but he kept that secret carefully hidden from everyone except Betty. Within days, the bruises disappeared completely, leaving his skin untouched as though Bryan had never laid a hand on him. Life gradually returned to its usual routine, but something had changed between Ryan and Betty. What began as simple concern after the bullying incident slowly blossomed into an inseparable friendship. They studied together after school, shared lunch almost every afternoon, and often walked home side by side, talking about everything and nothing until the sun disappeared behind the hills.

Betty was unlike anyone Ryan had ever met. She possessed a rare beauty that never depended on expensive clothes or makeup, and her warm brown eyes seemed to sparkle whenever she smiled. Her cheerful personality had a way of brightening even Ryan’s darkest days, while her intelligence, compassion, and fierce loyalty made him trust her in a way he hadn’t trusted anyone in years. There was only one thing that made their friendship even more unusual. Betty was a werewolf, just like him.

Unlike Ryan, however, Betty belonged to one of the strongest packs in the region. She had grown up surrounded by people who protected and cared for one another, never knowing what it felt like to wander through life without a pack. She also had no idea that Jackson, the Alpha of Moon Shadow Pack, had quietly admired her for years. He had never confessed his feelings, but the possessiveness in his gaze whenever another male came close to her was becoming increasingly difficult to hide. Ryan knew nothing about Jackson’s feelings. All he knew was that Betty made him feel normal.

One afternoon, after classes ended, Ryan and Betty sat beneath the enormous oak tree behind the school. A gentle breeze moved through the branches while distant voices drifted across the field. Betty had barely spoken since lunch, and Ryan noticed the way she repeatedly traced circles in the dirt with the tip of her shoe. You’ve been thinking about something all day, he finally observed. Betty looked up and forced a small smile. Am I that obvious? You’ve hardly spoken since lunch, Ryan replied, studying her carefully. Betty sighed, then turned toward him completely. Ryan… can I ask you something? A faint smile touched his lips. You already are. She laughed softly before growing serious again. Would you consider joining my pack?

Ryan went completely still. Your pack? he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. Betty nodded eagerly. You don’t have anyone to protect you, Ryan. Ever since what happened at school, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. If you belonged to a pack, nobody would dare treat you that way again. You’d have people beside you, people who would fight for you, protect you, and treat you like family. The word family settled heavily in Ryan’s chest. It had been years since anyone had offered him something that simple. He lowered his gaze, trying to hide the emotion flickering across his face. Do you really think your Alpha would accept someone like me? he asked. I’ll convince him, Betty replied without hesitation. Jackson listens to me. Ryan remained silent for several seconds before finally releasing a slow breath. If your Alpha agrees… I’d like to join.

Betty’s face immediately lit up. Really? Before Ryan could respond, she threw her arms around him, making him stiffen in surprise. He wasn’t used to affection, and the warmth of her embrace made something unfamiliar stir inside him. I said if he agrees, Ryan reminded her with a small laugh. He will, Betty insisted as she stepped back, her excitement impossible to hide. Leave everything to me. Ryan watched her hurry toward the packhouse later that afternoon, and for the first time in years, he allowed himself to believe that perhaps he wouldn’t have to be alone forever. He didn’t know that the hope he had just discovered was already being threatened.

Jackson was reviewing patrol reports inside the Alpha’s office when Betty burst through the door without knocking. He looked up immediately, and the sternness in his expression softened when he saw her. You seem happy, he observed, leaning back in his chair. What’s the occasion? I need a favor, Betty replied. Jackson smiled faintly. For you? Anything. Betty stepped farther into the room and took a deep breath, completely unaware that her next words would change the atmosphere between them. I want Ryan to join our pack.

The smile disappeared from Jackson’s face.

His fingers tightened around the report in his hand until the paper crumpled beneath his grip. Ryan? he repeated, his voice suddenly colder. The first-year student I’ve been spending time with, Betty explained. He’s alone, Jackson. He doesn’t have a pack, and after everything he’s been through, I thought— No. The single word stopped her immediately. Betty blinked in disbelief. What? I said no. Jackson rose from his chair and walked toward the window, his shoulders rigid. You haven’t even met him, Betty argued. I don’t need to. Her eyebrows drew together. How can you judge someone you’ve never even spoken to? Jackson stared through the glass, his jaw tight. He’s a rogue. He’s alone, Betty corrected firmly. There’s a difference. I won’t bring a stranger into Moon Shadow Pack. Betty studied him for several seconds before realization crossed her face. That’s not the real reason.

Jackson slowly turned toward her. Then tell me the real one.

The silence between them grew heavier.

Betty searched his expression and suddenly understood. You’re jealous.

Jackson’s jaw flexed.

You really are jealous, she whispered, disbelief spreading across her face.

Watch your words, Betty, Jackson warned, his voice low.

No. She folded her arms, refusing to back down. I’ve known you for years, Jackson. I know when you’re hiding something from me. Ryan hasn’t done anything to you. You don’t even know him.

I know enough, Jackson replied. He’s a rogue with no pack, no family, and no one willing to claim him. Bringing someone like that into Moon Shadow Pack would be a mistake.

Betty’s eyes flashed with anger. So that’s how you see him? As some stray animal?

I see him as a risk.

You see him as competition.

Jackson looked away, and that small gesture told her everything.

Betty’s disappointment was immediate. I can’t believe this. I always thought you became Alpha because you wanted to protect people, but you’re rejecting someone who desperately needs help because you can’t stand seeing me spend time with him.

Enough, Jackson warned.

No, it’s not enough! Betty stepped closer, her hands trembling at her sides. Ryan has spent his entire life alone. He finally has a chance to belong somewhere, and you’re taking that away from him because you’re too proud to admit you’re jealous.

Jackson’s control snapped. He slammed both hands onto the desk, making the picture frames against the wall tremble. I said enough!

The room fell silent.

Betty stared at him, disappointment written across her face. For the first time, the Alpha standing before her looked like a stranger. If this is the kind of Alpha you’ve become, she whispered, then maybe I don’t know you anymore.

She turned toward the door.

Jackson’s chest tightened. Betty.

She stopped but didn’t look back.

Please don’t do this.

Her fingers tightened around the doorknob. You already did.

Then she walked out, closing the door behind her.

Jackson remained alone in the office, staring at the place where she had been standing. His breathing was heavy, and his hands were still clenched against the desk. He had expected anger, perhaps an argument, but he hadn’t expected her words to cut so deeply.

Then a low growl rolled through the room.

Jackson’s head lifted.

His wolf stirred inside him.

Something is coming.

Jackson frowned. What?

The growl came again, deeper this time.

The rogue.

Jackson’s expression hardened as he walked toward the window. He looked across the pack grounds, but everything appeared normal. The warriors continued with their duties, members moved between the houses, and the forest beyond the boundary remained still beneath the fading evening light.

Then he sensed it.

A presence.

His entire body went rigid.

Someone was standing at the edge of the forest.

Jackson narrowed his eyes, but the figure was too far away to identify. A sudden gust of wind swept through the trees, and for one brief second, Jackson caught a strange scent that made his wolf recoil.

It wasn’t the scent of an ordinary rogue.

It was something older.

Something powerful.

Something that made the Alpha’s instincts scream danger.

The figure disappeared between the trees before Jackson could get a better look.

He remained at the window, his heartbeat pounding against his ribs.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, one thought refused to leave his mind.

Who exactly was Ryan?