CHAPTER ONE

Lira's POV 

“Happy birthday, Lira,” the guests cheers, their voice echoing through the night. “Live long and prosper,” they add.

Today is my twentieth birthday and my best friends—Luna and Eva—throw me a small surprise party in the dorm hall. 

I don't know how they are able to do everything—the cake, the food, decorations and even inviting the guests, but trust me, I was really surprised when Luna led me in, blindfolded thirty minutes ago.

I smile, waving at them. “Thank you everyone for celebrating.“ My voice is cheerful and loud, cutting through the chatters. “You all are the best, really.“

Luna and Eva join me on stage. Luna raise her glass. “Cheers to growing older and wiser.“

The guests raise their glasses. “Cheers.“

I take a sip of my wine, beaming.

My life is so perfect. So fulfilling. The Moon Goddess has really shown me mercy and bless me abundantly.

My name is Lira Hale. I'm twenty, a sophomore majoring in Healing and Herbalcraft, and part of the Moonfang University cheer squad.

Moonfang isn’t your average college—it’s an elite, ultra-private werewolf school tucked in the misty hills of Oxford, hidden from human eyes and steeped in ancient power. Here, dominance defines worth, bloodlines outrank brilliance, and legacies are carved in silver and bone.

They say knowledge is power, but at Moonfang, rank rules. If your name doesn't open doors, you're just a body filling space—easy to ignore, easier to erase.

Thank goodness, I'm from a Beta family. My mother, Alora Hale is the Beta of the Stormfang pack. But the only problem is, my wolf is extremely weak—I haven't even shifted before in my entire.

I'm still treated fairly though, and my family and friends do not really mind it. Though I still I wish I'm stronger and fierce like my Mother.

I dart my eyes through the crowd, searching for the one man that my heart beats for. One man that stand by me and would kiss my forehead anytime I complain about my weakness.

“You're strong and beautiful the way you are. No one else should make you feel otherwise,” he would always say.

And just like that, his deep masculine voice would soothe the chaos inside me and boost my self confidence.

River Grayson.

My mate.

The prince of the Moonfang Pack. His family owns the school too.

He is handsome and powerful—everything one wants in a man.

When I discovered that he was mine two years ago on my birthday, I thought I found favor in the sight of the Moon Goddess. He was the same boy I had loved since I was ten—anytime mother took me along when she was on her Beta's duties to the Moonfang Pack.

The day I know I wanted to spend the rest of my life with a man as kindhearted as him was the day he climbed a very tall tree in the palace garden to save a stray cat.

But he isn't here tonight.

He had come earlier but excused himself immediately that he had to use my dorm's restroom. It's been over twenty minutes and he's not back yet.

My chest tightens. Is he feeling unwell?

I should go check on him.

Before I can say a word, Luna lean in. “We have to cut the cake now,” she whisper, her breath warm against mine. “We can't keep waiting.“

I was suppose to have cut the cake earlier but I don't want to do it without River being present.

“Don't,” I snap, my voice louder than I intend. “I want River to be here. I'll go get him now.“

Luna manage a small smile, unease clouding her features, but I didn't care.

Luna had always dislike Rivers for reasons I don't know. Last year, she told me to break me with him saying he is not worthy of me. I laughed at her, because if anything I'm the one not worthy of him.

If it wasn't that I'm sure she has a boyfriend, I would have said she was just being jealous of me.

I move through the crowd, clutching my ball dress in both hands. I hate dresses. So uncomfortable and revealing—I hate the way it exposes my cleavage. If it wasn't for Eva and Luna, I'd prefer to just wear my usual—a pair of Jean and a polo.

Increasing my pace, I make my way towards the Beta Wing.

Here at Moonfang Pack, we have the Alpha Wing—an exquisite dormitory strictly for the Alpha borns. The Beta Wing where I stay—less exquisite than the Alpha Wing. It is for the Beta borns and other prominent students. Then the Omega Wing—a shabby place for the Omegas and scholarship students.

I push the door open; the living room was dark and empty. I move gently towards the light switch and press it on.

Where could River be?

I climb the staircase, pass by Luna's bedroom, Eva's, then approach mine which is at the far end of the building.

I reach for the doorknob and I freeze.

Muffle but unmistakable sounds of moans and whispers reach my ears.

That was my prince voice. His scent. His heat. And then another unfamiliar one.

Instantly my body starts trembling, tears forms at the corners of my eyes. 

No…. No… this can't be happening. This shouldn't be happening. I shake my head like that could somehow undo what I'm hearing.

I take a shaky step back, wanting to run away. Away from the moans that has grow louder now. Away fom River's groan that echo through my being and ripping my heart apart. From all of this betrayal from my mate.

But my body? Useless. 

Hot tears stream down my cheeks as I grip the doorknob. I wipe off my tears but it keeps flooding down, then I twist the door open.

The scene happening before me was traumatizing. Terrifying. 

In the center of my room, River stood naked. He wasn't alone. He was with two other people. 

Chloe Black, the Stormfang princess—the college self-proclaimed queen bee, bully and my personal nightmare. She was naked, bent over, gripping the base of his cock and taking it in her mouth. 

While Aiden—his best friend—is thrusting into Chloe from behind.

Two men. One woman.

How is this possible?

Why is she…? No. No. My brain couldn't process what I was seeing. River. His c—God. In her mouth?

“Ahhhhh,” I scream.

My knees buckle and I stumble on the floor.

Their heads snap towards me.

River step back abruptly like he is burned, and turns to face me. Aiden thrust out of her too and quickly grab his briefs.

Chloe collapse on the floor, smirking devilishly with her hands on her breasts and enjoying every second of my devastation.

“What are you doing… here?“ He stammer, reaching for his briefs and slipping it on. “I thought you were suppose to be cutting your cake or something.“

“I was—” my voice break from the weight of my tears. “I was waiting for you to come wish me an happy birthday, sonwe can cut the cake together.“

“Well, happy birthday,” Chloe giggle, licking her lips as she stood and toss her hair back like she was on a stage.

“You….you asshole,” I snap, forcing myself to stand.

“It's not what you think, Lira.“ He step closer, trying to reach out but my hand connect to his face instead. 

Pa!

The sharp sound echo through the room, snapping his head to the side.

He look at me, clutching his cheeks and his eyes bloodshot with anger. “Are you crazy? Who the hell do you think you are to slap me?“ He snap, his expression is dark with rage that I think he is going to hit me back but thankfully he takes a step back.

“Look at you,” he sneer, eyeing me down. “So boring. You can't even compare to Chloe. Always dressing like a boy.“

I open my mouth to talk but close it back. True I have always wear baggy jeans and polos, but how am I suppose to know he didn't like it when he never complains. Instead, he'd tell me my style is unique.

I shift my gaze from him to Ashen—who has been quiet all this while but now fully dress, then Chloe—who is still naked and smiling like the slut that she is.

A tear escape from my eyes. “River—”

“Shut up! How can I be with you when all you ever did was lie there like a frozen doll. I need someone wild! Attractive! Sexy! Not some… “ his face twist with disgust, “weak innocent princess.“

I can't believe my ears. This isn't what he always tells me.

“Re—ally?“ My voice break. “You said you love… my innocence. You said I'm unique despite being weak.“

He exchange glances with Chloe and Aiden, and all of them burst into a sharp, mocking laugh that cut through my soul.

“Don't tell you are so stupid to believe that crap, Lira?“ He reach for his trousers and throw it on. “Besides… I need a strong Luna like Chloe.“ Then Aiden and Chloe stepped closer to him. “We're going to marry Chloe. She is perfect for us.“

“Marry?“ I repeat, the words taste like poison on my lips. “The both of you?“

“Yes,” Aiden replies, and sling his arms around her hips.

River meet my eyes with no remorse, no love in it. Just cruelty. “I, River Grayson of the Moonfang Pack, reject you, Lira Hale, as my mate.”