By Shadowlight Lake

The ride home was a blur. The rhythmic hum of the car’s engine did little to soothe the chaos in my mind. The car felt suffocating as I sat in the back, my parents chatting casually about the party. Their voices, light and unconcerned, seemed miles away, like they were coming from another world, a place where I wasn’t broken, where I wasn’t questioning everything I thought I knew. My father’s steady grip on the wheel, the sound of my mother humming softly in the front seat—it all felt so distant. The only sound in my ears was the agonizing thrum of my heart, the deafening emptiness that Grant’s rejection had left in its wake.“How was the party, sweetie?” My mother’s voice cut through my fog of pain.I opened my mouth to respond but couldn’t find the words. The truth was, I didn’t know how to explain what had happened. How could I tell them about the cruel words Grant had spoken? How could I admit that I’d been rejected in front of an entire pack? How could I explain that my heart was

The evening sun cast long shadows across the wolfsbane garden as I finally gathered my thoughts and headed back to the apartment. The day's explorations had given me a better sense of my new territory, but it had also stirred up emotions I wasn't quite ready to face.Back in the apartment, I found Freya had left a note on the kitchen counter: "Made extra coffee this morning – it's in the blue thermos. Told you it was life-changing! Class until 6, but Chinese takeout after?"The thoughtfulness of the gesture brought a small smile to my face. I put the thermos in the fridge for tomorrow and turned to my room, ready to truly make it my space.Unpacking the last of my boxes, I carefully arranged my belongings. My environmental science textbooks lined the desk, along with the leather-bound territory mapping journal my father had given me – a traditional gift for Beta training. I hesitated before placing it on the shelf. It represented everything I'd lost, but also everything I'd learned. Kn

Professor Kane's Environmental Science classroom was already half-full when we arrived. Odette, who had somehow managed to escape both her brother and the Council meeting, guided us to seats near the middle – "Not too eager in the front, not too hidden in the back," she explained with a wink.The classroom design was clearly made with both wolves and humans in mind. The windows were positioned to allow natural light without creating harsh glares that might irritate sensitive wolf eyes, and the ventilation system kept the air fresh despite the mix of pack scents."Best spot for both acoustics and quick exits," she whispered as we settled in. "Plus, perfect view of—" She stopped abruptly, violet eyes widening as she looked toward the door.The wave of Alpha power hit me before I turned to look. Carson Thorne stood in the doorway, his dark hair slightly dishevelled, golden eyes scanning the room with detached authority. The intensity of his presence

The wolfsbane garden was exactly where Odette had promised, tucked behind the science building. The diluted strain created a gentle haze that helped calm my still-unsettled wolf after the intensity of the administration office."Okay, spill everything," Odette demanded, settling onto one of the stone benches. "And don't you dare say 'it was nothing' because I literally watched you and Carson scent each other.""We did not—Aren't we suppose to do our study session— " I started to protest, but she cut me off with a knowing look."Pshh, forget about that, honey, I have eyes. And a nose. And twenty-one years of experience reading Carson's broody Alpha signals. He never handles university paperwork personally."I sank onto the bench beside her, letting the wolfsbane's calming effect soothe my racing thoughts. "It was just territory registration.""Right," Odette drawled. "Because all territory registrations involve that much eye contact. Or

The wolfsbane cider's pleasant haze evaporated instantly at that voice. Even Odette stopped humming, her violet eyes suddenly sharp despite her intoxication. Through the glow of our ridiculous fairy lights, I watched Carson's expression darken, his Alpha power surging protectively around our group.Grant stepped out of the shadows, his cold blue eyes taking in the scene with calculated amusement. He looked exactly as I remembered – classically handsome, perfectly polished, and completely cold."Isn't it a bit early for tomorrow's meeting?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar edge of mockery. "Though I suppose some of us are more... prepared than others." His gaze swept over our green outfits and fairy lights with obvious disdain.Carson moved slightly, positioning himself between our group and Grant. The air crackled with tension as two Alpha energies collided."I wasn't aware Rivermoon Pack had any business in this territory," Carson's voice