I clench my fists, staring up at him. “Says the guy who spends all his time picking on someone ‘pathetic.’ Must make you feel really big, huh?”
"It’s not hard to feel big around you.”His smirk widens, eyes cold. I laugh, but it’s sharp, bitter. “Wow, real original, Jaxon. You been practicing that line? Gotta admit, the whole ‘alpha’s son bullying the omega’ routine? It’s getting old.” “Careful, Maeve. You’re already on thin ice as it is. You think just because my sister likes you, you matter around here? Think again.”His expression darkens, taking a step closer, almost towering. over me now. My blood boils. “And you think because you’re the alpha’s son, you can say whatever you want? Must be nice to walk around like your shit doesn’t stink.” “Okay, let’s all calm down. Jaxon, stop being an ass.” Ava steps in, looking between us like she’s trying to stop a bomb from going off. But Jaxon isn’t done. “I’m not the one who needs to calm down,” he says, his gaze fixed on me like I’m some kind of bug he’s waiting to squash. “The omega should know her place. You’re not special, Maeve. No one cares what you think or want. Maybe at the ball, you’ll finally understand how low you really are.” I feel the anger bubbling up, but I don’t back down. “You know what, Jaxon? You can throw around all the insults you want, but at the end of the day, it says more about you than me.” “You get off on tearing people down, but that doesn’t make you strong. It just makes you a coward hiding behind your attitude.” Jaxon’s jaw tightens, and I know I’ve struck a nerve. “Maybe instead of focusing on me, you should take a good look at yourself. Just a thought.” Jaxon’s eyes flash with anger, and for a second, I think he might snap. But instead, he just steps back, smirking again like he’s already won. “You’re going to regret that.” He walks away, leaving me standing there, leaving me in anger. “ I am sorry about my brother,He’s such a jerk. Don’t let him get to you, Maeve.”Ava sighs, shaking her head. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down “He always gets to me,” I mutter, watching Jaxon disappear down the hall. Ava puts her arm through mine. “Yeah, well, he’s an idiot. You know that, right?” I nod, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Jaxon’s words always dig deeper than I want to admit. “I just don’t get why he has to be like that. It’s not like I’ve ever done anything to him.” Ava shrugs, pulling me toward our first class. “ Maybe he’s secretly intimidated by how awesome you are.” I snort. “Yeah, sure. That’s it.” “I’m serious! He’s just too dumb to realize it. But I do. You’re amazing, and if he can’t see that, screw him.” Ava’s bright smile makes me feel a little lighter, even if only for a moment. “Thanks, Ava. You always know what to say.” “Of course! Someone has to keep you from drowning all day.” She bumps her shoulder into mine. “Now, let’s gets to class" -----lunch time-------- Lunch time is always the worstAva has her club meeting. And I am always left sitting alone in the cafeteria alone,with everyone's attention on me "the pathetic omega". But today I decide to escape the chaos of the cafeteria and find a hidden spot for lunch. The mating ball buzz has everyone talking and I’m not interested in hearing about who’s pairing up with whom. I make my way to a secluded area behind the science wing, surrounded by tall bushes—a perfect place to enjoy some alone time. Settling on a picnic table, I pull out my sandwich and take a moment to breathe. Just as I’m about to take a bite, I catch the faint scent of smoke. Frowning, I look up to see a guy leaning against the wall, casually smoking a cigarette. He’s got messy dark hair and a confident stance ,dressed in a leather jacket that gives off a arrogant vibe. I’ve never seen him around the pack, and I am guessing he is the new transfer student “Nice spot you’ve got here,” he says, taking a long drag from his cigarette. “Mind if I crash your party?” “Yeah, actually, I do. I was enjoying some alone time before you decided to invade.”I shoot him a look, my expression flat. “Didn’t mean to interrupt. Just looking for a place to chill. Didn’t realize I’d stumble upon someone interesting .”He chuckles. “Congratulations, you found me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get back to my sandwich without a distraction" He raises an eyebrow, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Feisty, huh? I like it." He takes another drag, his eyes locked on mine, before extinguishing the cigarette on the ground. "Name's Carter, by the way. New transfer student." He walks over. "Maeve."I eye Carter warily, wondering what the hell he wants. Carter drops onto the bench opposite me, his leather jacket creaking. "So, Maeve, what's a lovely girl like you doing in a place like this?" I shrug, trying to appear like I don't care"Just grabbing lunch." Carter's gaze lingers on me, his eyes crinkling. "You're not very good at sharing, are you?" I take a bite of my sandwich, eyes still on Carter as he casually leans back, arms stretched out across the bench behind him. "So, what’s your deal? You crash people’s lunch just to make small talk, or is there more to it?" He smirks, the corner of his mouth tugging upward. "Not a fan of small talk, huh? Fair enough. I’m not much for it either." "I prefer peace and quiet. Something tells me you don’t."I shrug, taking another bite. He glances around the secluded spot, the chatter of the pack barely reaching us. "Quiet’s not so bad. You just seemed like someone who wouldn't throw themselves at me" I pause mid-bite, glancing at him. He’s not wrong, but I’m not about to agree out loud. Instead, I chew slowly, keeping my thoughts to myself. "The ball's tomorrow, right? Let me guess—you’re not going."Carter shifts slightly, watching me. "Definitely not. Why, you thinking of making an appearance?" I roll my eyes. “Nah, I don’t do the whole ‘mate’ thing,” Carter says, his voice a little quieter. “Not anymore, anyway.” I glance at him, my curiosity awakened. “Not anymore? What happened to change that?” “Life. You figure out some things just aren’t worth the hype.” He smirks but I can see that he just made up the answer. I turn my head, studying him. "That's funny. So, what—are you just here for the scenery?" "Let’s just say I’ve got my reasons."His smirk fades slightly, and for the first time, I see something flicker behind those dark eyes. "Secretive much?" "Maybe. But we all have our secrets, don’t we?" he smirks I don’t respond, taking another bite to avoid the sudden tension in the conversation. Carter stands up abruptly, dusting off his jacket. "Anyway," he says, his tone lighter again, "I’ll let you get back to being alone.But if you change your mind about ditching the ball, let me know. I know a few spots that are even better than this." I blink, caught off guard. "Why would I hang out with you?" He chuckles, walking backward as he steps away. "Because you’re curious. Later, Maeve."I wanted to scream. Not from the pain in my ankle or the ache in my chest, but from the sheer frustration of the moment—of him. The way he looked at me like I was made of glass, like I hadn’t just laid my heart bare in a grocery aisle filled with crushed pads and cheap candy bars. “You know everything you touch—” I started, my voice shaking as I leaned on the counter for balance. “You keep telling me I’m pathetic. That I’d never be a good Luna. You’ve said that crap a hundred times like it’s gospel.” He flinched. Good. “And yet—” I sucked in a breath, swiping furiously at the tears dripping down my cheeks. “Yet you beat the hell out of Trevor when he said stuff about me. You glared holes into Carter when he flirted with me. What the hell do you want, Jaxon? Why can’t you just let me be?” I didn’t mean to cry. I hated crying in front of him. Maybe it was the hormones, or the bond, or the fact that my ankle throbbed like it was trying to detach itself from my body. But mostly—i
I was a mess. Not metaphorically—well, that too—but physically. Hoodie two sizes too big, hair pulled back in a lopsided bun, and sneakers I hadn’t washed in weeks. I looked like a storm cloud in human form. And honestly? I felt worse.The past two months had drained me to the core. Between Jaxon and Carter and everything spiraling out of control, I barely recognized myself. The aching cramps in my lower stomach were just the cherry on top of this crap sundae.My parents and Kyle were out of town for some family emergency, and of course, my period decided this was the perfect moment to show up uninvited. So here I was, marching toward the corner convenience store like a zombie on a mission—for pads, chips, and enough sugar to temporarily shut my brain down.I just wanted to be alone. Netflix, junk food, a heating pad, and absolutely zero contact with anyone. I still missed Ava. Every day. But she still wasn’t talking to me, and I couldn’t blame her.I reached the store and gave a tir
Maeve pov The murmurs of the pack quieted as Alpha Marcus stepped forward, Beside him, Luna Selene stood with her hands clasped in front of her, with a warm expression on her face. She met the eyes of those gathered, nodding to familiar faces.Then, Alpha Marcus spoke.“The Lunar Convergence,” he began, “is not just a celebration. It is a reminder of who we are, of what binds us together. The moon grants us strength, fuels our spirits, She is our guide, our guardian, the source of our instincts and strength. And we, in turn, honor it. This night marks the shift in the lunar cycle—a renewal of power for the pack.”Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. I felt it too—that weird feeling was stirring in my blood."The moon has watched over us for generations," the continued, her voice gentler but no less powerful. " And tonight, as she reaches her peak, we honor her, as we have always done.""Our ancestors honored today as a time of renewal,” the Luna continued. “It is a reminde
Maeve’s POVThe Luna’s voice rang through the gathering hall, effortlessly cutting through conversations.“Ava, darling, come greet our guests.your friend is here”I felt my stomach tighten.Friend. The word settled uneasily in my chest.Kyle, standing beside me, became tense but his face remained unreadable. My mother, who had been making small talk with the Luna just moments before, glanced at me with concern. She knew something was off—she always did.There was a pause—one that stretched just a little too long. I knew Ava well enough to recognize what it meant. She didn’t want to come. And I knew why.When she finally emerged from the crowd, it was with the same effortless grace she carried everywhere. She was dressed in a deep green gown that hugged her frame perfectly, the rich color making her eyes stand out even more. She looked like she belonged here, while I still felt like an imposter.Ava’s emerald eyes swept over me, but for the briefest moment, I thought I saw something
Maeve's pov The dress itched.It clung to my skin in all the wrong places, too tight around my waist and too loose at my shoulders, making me feel like I was drowning in fabric. My mother had insisted I wear something "respectable" for the Lunar Convergence, something that wouldn’t make us look like we had just rolled out of the woods. Apparently, my usual oversized sweaters and worn-out jeans weren’t appropriate for sacred traditions.I adjusted the dress, fighting the urge to scowl. I would have rather stayed in bed.Instead I stood before the Luna’s estate, a grand stone house that was covered in the soft glow of its windows. The warm scent of bread and roasted meat floated through the air, but I could only focus on the tightness in my chest.My mother carried two large baskets filled with freshly baked bread, pies, and spiced meats wrapped in cloth. Kyle and I each held a smaller tray—his stacked with sweet rolls, mine arranged with an assortment of pastries. The warmth of the
Maeve's pov "Maeve! Get up this instant!”I groaned, rolling over and burying my face in the pillow, my muscles were sore from the stress of the day before. Every movement I made felt sluggish, as if my body had been drained of energy."Maeve!” My mother’s voice was sharper this time, it seemed to me she was running out of patience. “If you don’t get out of that bed right now, so help me—”I flung my arm over my eyes, squeezing them shut. “Five more minutes.” My voice was cracked from sleep.“Five more minutes, my ass,” she snapped. “Get up now, or I’m dragging you out myself!”I clenched my jaw, frustration curling in my stomach. “Fine! I’m up!” I shouted back. A shiver ran through me, though I wasn’t cold. Something inside me still felt...off.Everything from the night before came crashing back. Evelyn. The things she’d told me. The truth I had spent my whole life unaware of.A Fiora omega. That’s what she had called me.I couldn’t shift, couldn’t fight. I was nothing like those A