Chapter 1

"The best time in any girl's life, her adolescence, school, friends, first love, that was normal for anyone, but for me, it was just a cliché from a romantic novel. I'm barely 17, and everything annoys me. I don't like being surrounded by people; I only have one friend and one friend (Clara and Henry); I don't need more. My classes are boring to death, and my transformation hasn't come yet; that's the only thing that intrigues me. How will it feel to embrace my inner wolf?

"You're daydreaming again, Anastasia. Remember that nothing good ever happens to you. It's better to come down from that cloud," said none other than my older sister, a frustrated beta due to her gender. She blamed me for everything, from the moment I was born to every breath I took. She was getting on my nerves. Fortunately, I've accepted a scholarship to study abroad after graduation, or else I might end up killing her with her sarcasm. I ignored her and went down to the kitchen where Mom and Dad were waiting for us. "Good morning, Father, Mother."

"How did my princess wake up today?" my father asked.

I smiled at my father; he was the only one who loved me in this house. I don't know where the whole 'princess' thing comes from, but I only accept it when he calls me that. "I woke up tired, Father, let's just say I'm okay, with the spirit to endure the bunch of fools at university."

"You don't have to rub it in your sister's face all the time, Anastasia. Stop being pretentious in front of her."

What did I do now? Better not to ask. I'm leaving, Father, Henry will pick me up.

"It's not right to talk to the girl like that, Belén. You're her mother; you should be happy for her achievements. Naomi is very intelligent; she'll excel in her final year of high school. You shouldn't drive them apart."

"You're always defending her, Nahir, that's why she's so unbearable. Come on, Naomi, I'll prepare your favorite breakfast, my darling. Today will be a spectacular day. Remember, it's the annual pack dance, and we all have to go to the headquarters."

"I had forgotten, Mother. Finally, I'll get to meet the alpha of the pack."

"He will be captivated by you, my dear. You are the most beautiful of them all."

If the most beautiful of them all doesn't hurry, she'll have to run to catch her school bus, waiting at the door of her castle.

"Stop being sarcastic, Anastasia. Run, darling, have a great day."

"Goodbye, Mom."

"So polite, just like you. She didn't even say goodbye to her father. What a wonderful day!"

Don't worry, Father, it will be the best. By the way, I need to ask you something.

"Of course, princess, ask whatever you want."

Is it possible for me not to attend the gathering? You know I hate being surrounded by undesirable people.

"I'm sorry, 'princess,' but it's the obligation of all Silver pack members. No one can be absent, or you'll be punished, and not even your father can save you."

Thanks for the clarification, Mother. I guess I'll have to buy some "decent" clothes, right?

"Don't see it that way, princess. It's for a special occasion. I wouldn't ask you to do it if it weren't important."

I know. I'm leaving now; Henry will be here soon. Have a good day. I kissed my father's forehead and left. This was an abnormal day in my house.

"Hello, beauty, how was your day?"

As always, Henry. There's not a day my mother sees anything good in me. Will you go to the pack gathering?

"Of course, no one can be absent, or they'll be severely punished," Henry replied.

That's what my mother said too. I hate those events. Well, after classes, you'll have to go shopping with Clara and me.

"Why me? What have I done to deserve this in the world?" Henry complained.

"Stop complaining, Henry. It's not so bad to take us to the mall," Clara chimed in.

"Good morning, Clara. Of course, it's not bad to take Anastasia, but you, on the other hand, can empty half the mall with all the sales, and that's tiring," Henry retorted.

"Enough bickering, and drive, or we'll be late for classes. What's wrong, dear? You look... never mind," Clara said, trying to change the subject.

Hello, Clara. It's because I don't want to go to that stupid gathering. I hate hypocritical people and parties.

"I'm sorry, dear, but this time we can't cover for you. Everyone must go to the pack headquarters; it's an order from the alpha," Clara explained.

Stupid alpha, he should let us live our lives in peace. We are no longer mere wild beasts; we are civilized beings.

"You said it for yourself," I replied.

I saw Henry sniffing Clara; they are destined mates, but they decided not to give in to the lust and passion of their inseparable bond. They will wait a bit longer to experience it, provided they are sensitive to others, as they call it, "an open relationship." Being older than me, they should set a better example. Apparently, it's quite the opposite, and I'm the sensible one in this group. "Stop sniffing her, Henry. You'll run out of pheromones if you keep doing that."