Chapter 1

Daisy Louise Harmony Thompson POV (Name given as part of Witness Protection program)

"Hi, welcome to Sneakz Burger Emporium. I'm Daisy. How can I help you today?" I spoke through the mic of the drive-through headset.

"Ah yeah, can I please have one of your Sneakz Classic Sizzle Steak Burgers?" A woman's voice came back through the headset's earpiece.

"Sure can. Which sauce would you like on your Sneakz Classic Steak Burger?" I replied.

"Ah, now that's tough, as I've never been here before. What would you recommend?" The woman spoke again.

"Although it does depend on your personal preferences, if it were for myself, I would most likely go for Uncle Mateo's Secret Sauce. However, this sauce has three versions: light and tangy, mild, and hot. Any of these can make the burger taste different. Since it's your first time here, I recommend you try the light and tangy." I reply.

That's when a male voice chimes in through the mic, "What's the Volcanic Sauce like?"

I had groaned internally, knowing all too well where this was heading because it was hardly ever sold to anyone. Besides, it's more suited to were-beast over humans, not to say that can't handle it. It's just that they are more likely to end up hospitalised from the Volcanic Sauce and then try to blame us for selling it to them, even though we go out of our way to warn customers against it beforehand.

This is also because, in some rare cases, the sauce can be fatal to humans, and a family tried to sue the company over it. However, all of our drive-through conversations are recorded for training and customer quality purposes, and the warning is written on the top right-hand corner of the drive-through menu to cover us in those moments.

I had to do my best to compose myself for the very conversation that was about to happen. I knew I had to explain why I hadn't suggested the Volcanic Sauce as a potential option; I was ready to face-palm, knowing how this would go.

"Sir, the Volcanic Sauce option wouldn't be a choice that I would generally suggest to anyone…" I paused to what humans would call to take a breath, but I used the second to sniff the air, and I looked back at Uncle Mateo, who was doing the same thing; as I looked at him, I could tell he couldn't smell anything that suggested that the male voice had come from a were-creature of any species. Still, some use masking sprays to hide their scent for one reason: it is common for wolves on the run or who have to be hidden, like me. As I began again, "… as it isn't for the faint of heart and has been known to hospitalise and even can be fatal to people in rare cases. Reasons vary from case to case, but most range from being too spicy for the person's digestive system to having an allergic reaction due to one or more of the ingredients that make up the sauce. I would advise against trying that one, but if you were to go for it, I would have to advise the kitchen to only put a small amount of the Volcanic Sauce on the burger for your safety. Or the other option is that we could put it into a container on the side so that you can test your tolerance first. Then, you can add it to the burger as you see fit. This is only a recommendation at the end of the day, as I don't know how well you tolerate spicy foods normally, so at the end of the day, it's your call." I replied softly and tried to let out the breath I was holding, knowing it wouldn't come out until I knew his answer.

I wasn't sure if it would be my lucky day, but the woman's voice made a weird noise and said, "Ah, give us a moment, deary. We need to think about what sauce to use for a second."

"No worries at all. Let me know when you're ready to finish making your order," I said once more before turning off the mic on the end of my headset. The breath that I was holding only half came out, as it seemed to know that this wasn't the end of the conversation regarding the Volcanic Sauce; however, for the moment, there was at least a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel—well, I can only hope there was.

For some unknown reason, our warning about the sauce was like some weird dare to try it and disregard the warnings completely, like the cartoons I had seen growing up in the human world, where there is a warning label not to push the red button. Still, the cartoon character feels compelled to push it to discover what will happen if they do, which usually means 99% doom to everything around them.

I could have sworn I heard a growl from a were-beast coming from the other end of the headset. I know the growl didn't come from the woman in the car, as it wasn't a female growl. Also, humans don't growl, and I could smell her as a human, so it was easy to rule her out.

'Nah, can't be. Come on, you're just hearing things. You are still on edge after that rogue wolf came into the diner three weeks ago and said weird things about your late father's old pack and something regarding a rogue Alpha, rogue king, or something along those lines.' I tried to swallow my thoughts and feelings, but I subconsciously took my wolf pendant between my thumb and index fingers. Something I was told never to do, as someone might work out who I am and what the pendant meant.

Luckily, that rogue wolf was high on ice, so once Uncle Mateo's security restrained him and removed him from prying eyes, Alpha Logan Steel's men came and took him. He went to Alpha Logan's pack, as it was the closest pack to the human territory where this Burger joint stands, which rogues should know better if they were hunters, let alone go near unless they were clean and on their best manners. Especially one that borders on another pack's territory.

I had to breathe, calm, and compose myself, but when I looked at Uncle Mateo's face, I knew I wasn't hearing things. His wolf, Sneakz, was trying to get out and deal with the situation; after all, he had been my protector for as long as I could remember. I also had to hand over the headset to another female staff member and head into the stockroom, which hid a special safe room in case the wolf was there for me.

But now, other members of Uncle Mateo's security had also been quick to move, and one of them was a female trained to work as a staff member who was the one to take my place in these situations.

Her name is Millie. She looks and sounds similar to me, so most people hardly notice, but she knows just what to say if, by some chance, they do realise the difference. However, a were-beast most likely will, but the differences are barely noticeable to a human.

That's when the front doorbell went off; as customers entered the door, it was none other than Alpha Maison without his twin brother, Alpha Jackson and their Alpha unit. Great, that's one more problem we don't need right now. Alpha Maison is the eldest of Alpha Logan's sons, and since both Maison and Jackson are twins, they are the heirs of the pack that I happen to have to live in with my adoptive human parents and Uncle Mateo. Which is meant to be for my protection, so I have been told by just about everyone. I wondered if my day could worsen when I noticed Maison watching me. His unit must have seen it because they began to make fun of him. This allowed me to get to my safe room in the diner, where I was closely followed by one of Uncle Mateo's guards.

"GROWL," roared from outside the diner.

'What the hell is going on? Has someone found me?' The thought that ran through me, along with fear, seemed to get Maison's attention. I have no idea why, though he hated me for some reason. 'No, it's nothing. He probably also heard growls from outside, which got his attention.'

My safe room also had cameras and an alarm, so I knew what was happening outside. This was so my guard, and I knew if and when it was safe to come out, and if the shit hit the fan, we were to take the hidden passage back to Alpha Logan's pack from a panel only I knew about besides Alpha Logan and Uncle Mateo.

Although Uncle Mateo trusted his guards, he knew he could only trust them to a point. Each of them had been a rogue at some point in their lives, either exiled, on the run or even just liked living independently from pack life for one reason or another.

Also, Uncle Mateo knew that those who had been a rogue from one point in their life were easier to turn for the right price if it meant they could live another day. Like most humans, rogues could be easily swayed by money, or for some rogues, being offered a chance to join a pack after exile would be more than enough to get them to do something they normally wouldn't do.

That is not to say that rogues aren't nice people. Most generally are nice people; they have had a hard life, either growing up or after being kicked out of their old pack. And for many of them, it isn't their fault. However, that's all hearsay, as we rarely get the whole story from either party for varying reasons.

Alpha Maison and his Alpha unit took their seats, pretending nothing was happening. However, it wasn't unusual to hear growls this close to the Moon Diamond pack; regardless, this was considered human territory.

I stood at the main counter as Mille had taken the drive-thru headset just in case. Alpha Maison watched me from his seat at the diner. His Beta Dean noticed, giving me a smirk that could only mean one thing: I was going to get yet another round of the stray is in town comments.

Delta Carter and Gamma Tristan seemed to be up for their usual banter.

Beta Dean noticed Maison watching me as usual. "Dude, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you were attracted to that weirdo," he teased.

That's when Jackson strolled into the diner. His face looked grim, but he was otherwise uninterested in the situation going on outside. That wasn't a big surprise. He walked over to the counter to be served.

"Alpha Jackson, what can I get for you today?" I asked, just trying to do my job, not that it made a difference, I won't be fired. As Uncle Mateo owned the burger joint, I could have just gone upstairs to our apartment; he wouldn't have cared.

I stood there waiting for the usual smirk of disgust to appear on Jackson's face at the sight of me, but to my surprise, it wasn't there today.

"I'll have my usual, the Smokehouse Burger. Make it double today, and add grilled onions, tomato, and double bacon. In the combo with the curly fries and my usual coffee, black, two sugars, thank you, Daisy."Jackson said in a way quite different from how any of them ever spoke to me.

"Sure, no problem eating in today with your brother and your unit?"I asked.

"Yeah, usual table," he stated flatly.

"Oh, no problem at all, that will be $25 today, Alpha Jackson. Are the others eating in as well? I can have their usuals sent to the table as well? They can pay when they're ready to leave."I said, wondering if I was going to be stared at all day for no reason.

Jackson nodded, his usual sharp gaze softening slightly. "Yeah, they'll all have their usuals." He glanced over his shoulder at his brother's table and leaned closer to the counter. " And Daisy? Be careful today."

My heart skipped a beat. Be careful? Since when did Jackson Steel care about my well-being? I kept my expression neutral while processing the cash payment, but my mind raced.

"Our order will be ready shortly," I said, avoiding his eyes. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

He shook his head and moved away from the counter, joining his brother's table with a casual ease I could never master. I punched in the rest of the pack's usual orders, trying not to look as unsettled as I felt.

Uncle Mateo appeared beside me, wiping his hands on his apron. His smile was easy, but I could see the tension in his eyes. "Everything alright, Daisy?"

"Fine," I murmured. "But something's off today. Jackson just told me to be careful."

Uncle MMateo'sexpression ddidn'tchange, but his nostrils flared slightly as he took in a deep breath. Interesting. I'll have the team stay alert." He glanced toward the drive-thru window. "Any update on our volcanic sauce enthusiasts?"

I shook my head. " Millie's handling it. I haven't heard anything explode yet, so I assume it's going okay."

Millie appeared from the drive-thru station as if on cue, her face composed. She handed me back my headset with a subtle nod. "Hey, ordered the mild sauce after all," she said, her voice low. But the male passenger kept staring at the building. He took pictures with his phone."

A cold feeling settled in my stomach. "Security cameras catch his face?"

"Clear view," Uncle Mateo confirmed. "I've already sent the footage to Logan's security team."

I glanced over at Maison's table. The Alpha was still watching me, his dark eyes unreadable. When our gazes met, he didn't look away like usual. Instead, he held my stare, his expression shifting into something I couldn't quite interpret.

I broke the contact first, turning to prepare their drinks. The routine motions helped steady my nerves, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The pendant against my chest felt heavier than usual, a constant reminder of secrets I carried.

"Order up for the Alphas," called the cook from the kitchen window.

I gathered their food onto trays, arranging everything with practised precision. As I approached their table, the conversation abruptly stopped. Five pairs of eyes turned to me, calculating and wary.

"Your orders, gentlemen," I said, distributing the food. "Anything else I can get for you?"

Maison's hand brushed mine as I set down his burger. The brief contact sent a jolt up my arm that I struggled to hide. His fingers lingered a second too long, and I caught a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"That's all," he said, his voice low and controlled. "For now."

I retreated to the counter, hyper-aware of their hushed conversation resuming behind me. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, anxious and alert despite years of suppression training. Something about Maison's touch had triggered a response I hadn't felt in years.

"You okay?""Uncle Mateo appeared at my side, his voice barely audible. "Your scent just spiked."

I nodded tightly. ""ine. Just... on edge."

The bell above the door chimed again, and I looked up to see two unfamiliar men enter. They wore casual clothes, but nothing was casual about how they moved—predatory, calculated, scanning the room with practised efficiency. I recognised not only pack members but definitely wolves.

Uncle Mateo's posture shifted subtly. "Able four needs clearing," he said loudly enough for our security to hear the code.

I busied myself wiping down the counter, keeping the strangers in my peripheral vision. They approached the register, but their attention was clearly elsewhere, specifically, on the Alphas ' table.

"Welcome to Sneakz," I said with practised cheerfulness. "What can I get for you today?"

The taller one smiled, revealing too-sharp canines. "Just browsing the menu for now. Heard this place has some... special sauces."

My stomach tightened at his emphasis. The Volcanic Sauce wasn't just a novelty item—it contained trace elements that could reveal a werewolf's presence. In the wrong hands, it could be weaponised against our kind.

"Your sauce selection is right there on the menu board," I replied evenly. "Let me know if you have any questions."

I saw Maison and Jackson exchange a look from the corner of my eye. Their unit had shifted positions, subtly boxing in the Alphas—a protective formation.

The shorter stranger leaned against the counter, too close for comfort. "We're looking for someone. Thought you might be able to help." He pulled out his phone, displaying a photo that made my blood freeze.

It was me, but not as Daisy Thompson. It was a photo from before, when I still wore my family crest openly and was acknowledged as my father's daughter.

I maintained my neutral expression through sheer force of will. "Sorry, don't recognise her. Is she missing or something?"

"You could say that," the taller one replied, watching my reaction too closely. "She disappeared a few years back. Her pack's been searching ever since."

My pack. The words hit like a physical blow. I hadn't belonged to a pack in years—not really. The Steel Fangs pack offered protection, but I wasn't one of them. I was a ghost, existing after my true Uncle Dominick exiled me after killing my parents. Uncle Mateo was my father's Beta.

"That's unfortunate," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I hope you find her."

Before the stranger could respond, I felt a presence beside me. Maison Steel stood there, radiating authority, his shoulder nearly touching mine.

"Is there a problem here?" His voice was deceptively calm, but I could feel the power rippling beneath his words.

The taller stranger's eyes narrowed slightly. "No problem. Just asking some questions."

"In my territory," Maison stated flatly. It wasn't a question.

Jackson appeared on my other side, creating a barrier between me and the strangers. Despite their usual friction, the twins ' coordination was flawless.

"We didn't realise this establishment fell under Steel protection," the shorter man said carefully, tucking the phone away. "Our apologies, Alpha."

"Now you know," Jackson replied. "Your business here is concluded."

The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on. I kept my eyes down, focusing on repeatedly wiping the same spot on the counter, trying to look like a confused human employee caught in werewolf politics she didn't understand.

The strangers retreated, but the taller one paused at the door. "If you do happen to see her," he called back, "tell her the Graystone Pack misses their princess."

The door closed behind them with a cheerful jingle that felt obscenely out of place.

For several heartbeats, no one moved. Then Uncle Mateo was beside me, his hand on my shoulder. "Take your break now, Daisy."

I nodded mutely, untying my apron with trembling fingers. The Alphas said nothing as I slipped past them toward the back room, but I felt Maison's eyes tracking my every move.

Once inside the safe room, I collapsed into a chair, my carefully constructed composure crumbling. They had found me. After all these years, they had tracked me down. The Graystone Pack—my uncle's pack, now, not my father's, was looking for me.

The door opened, and I tensed, only to relax marginally when Uncle Mateo entered, followed by—to my surprise—both Steel brothers.

"They're gone," Jackson said without preamble. "We had them followed. They're heading north."

I looked up, meeting his eyes directly for perhaps the first time. "Why are you helping me?"

Maison crossed his arms. "We protect what's ours."

"I'm not yours," replied automatically.

"You're under Steel Fangs ' protection," Jackson clarified. "Have been since the day Mateo brought you to our father."

Uncle Mateo sighed heavily, looking older than I'd ever seen him. "It was bound to happen eventually. Your uncle has never stopped looking for you."

"He's not my uncle," I said bitterly. ""ot anymore. Not after what he did."

MMaison'seyes narrowed. "What do you mean, not your uncle anymore?"

"Please just leave me alone, Uncle Mateo. I will clock off for the day and head up to my room, if that's ok? Alpha Maison and Jackson, thank you, but I think you should get back to your friends. I wouldn't want them to think I have enchanted you in any way. After all, I'm just a stray." I said, rising to my feet to head to my room, it felt like I had already completed a six-hour shift and had only done an hour. "I 'd better get back to my Uni assessments anyway, right, Uncle?"

Uncle Mateo looked at me with concern but nodded. "Of course, sweetheart. Take all the time you need."

I tried to move past the Steel twins, but Maison blocked my path, his broad shoulders creating an impassable barrier. His scent—pine and something distinctly wild—filled my senses.

"You're not just some stray," he said, his voice low enough that only those of us in the room could hear. "nd you didn't answer my question."

I stared at the floor, fighting the urge to touch my pendant again. "It's complicated."

"Uncomplicate it," Jackson said, his tone softer than his brother's but no less insistent.

I looked at Uncle Mateo, silently pleading. He sighed, rubbing his beard—a nervous habit he'd had since I was a child.

"The boys deserve to know, Daisy," he said gently. "If they're going to protect you, they need the full story."

My laugh was bitter. "The full story? Even I don't know the full story." I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warm kitchen. "All I know is that Dominick Graystone murdered my parents and took over the pack. He would have killed me, too, if Uncle Mateo hadn't got me out."

Maison's eyes flashed golden for a split second. "Your uncle killed his own brother? The Alpha?"

"Younger brother," I corrected automatically. "And yes. A power grab disguised as justice for some imagined slight." The words tasted like ash in my mouth. "He claimed my father was unfit to lead, that he was weakening the bloodline by marrying my mother."

Jackson'sbrow furrowed. "What was wrong with your mother?"

I hesitated, the truth hovering dangerously on my lips. Some secrets weren't mine alone to keep.

"Nothing was wrong with her," Uncle Mateo interjected. "She was extraordinary. But she wasn't from an old bloodline, and that was enough for Dominick to label her unworthy."

It wasn't the whole truth, but it wasn't a lie either. I shot Uncle Mateo a grateful look.

"And now they've tracked you here," Maison said, his voice thoughtful. "After all these years."

I nodded, exhaustion settling into my bones. "I need to leave. Tonight. Before they come back."

"No." The word came simultaneously from three throats—Mateo and both Alphas.

"You're not running again," Maison continued. "This is Steel territory. They have no right to hunt here."

"You don't understand," I whispered. "Dominick won't stop. He can't afford to let me live."

"Because you're the rightful heir," Jackson said, understanding dawning in his eyes. " You are the last of your father's line."

I swallowed hard. "I'll open the escape tunnel to the Steel Fangs pack house. I'm not looking forward to what your father says about this, but I was to stay as far away from both of you as possible. Done a great job of that one, haven't I? Not like it matters now, right? Even better the rest of the asshats are here Beta Dean, Delta Carter and Gamma Tristan always a pleasure."

I turned to find the rest of Maison's unit standing in the doorway, their expressions ranging from confusion to suspicion. Beta Dean looked particularly smug, as if he'd just discovered a juicy secret.

"Well, well," Dean drawled, leaning against the doorframe. "The, the weird drive-thru girl, is actually someone important. Who would've thought?"

"Shut up, Dean," Maison growled without looking back at his Beta.

I straightened my shoulders, refusing to appear weak in front of them. "I'm nobody important. Just a complication you don't need."

Tristan stepped forward, his usual joking demeanour absent. "Those guys who came in—they're Graystone scouts. I recognised the taller one from the Northern Territory summit last year."

Carter nodded. "They've been expanding their reach, pushing boundaries with several packs. Logan's been tracking their movements for months."

The revelation that Alpha Logan was already monitoring my uncle's pack sent a chill down my spine. How much did he know? How much had he kept from me?

"This changes nothing," I said firmly. "I need to disappear before they connect me to you. The last thing the Steel pack needs is a blood feud with the Graystones."

MMaison'sjaw tightened. "It's already too late for that. They saw us intervene."

"Then say I'm just an employee you were protecting," I countered. "It's the truth, isn't it?"

Something flickered in Maison's eyes—hurt, maybe? It disappeared so quickly, I might have imagined it.

"We're not abandoning you," Jackson said with surprising gentleness. "That's not how our pack operates."

Dean scoffed. "Since when is she pack?"

"Fuck you too Dean feel free to fuck off at any time asshole." I spat back.

Dean's eyes flashed gold, his lips curling into a snarl. "Watch your tongue, stray. You forget your place."

"That's enough," Maison snapped, stepping between us. The authority in his voice made even Dean back down immediately. "We don't have time for this."

Uncle Mateo moved to the back wall, pressing his palm against what appeared to be an ordinary section of tile. A soft beep sounded, and a hidden panel slid open, revealing a narrow corridor illuminated by soft blue lights.

"The tunnel is ready," he said. " I've already alerted Logan. He's expecting us."

I hesitated, looking around at the faces watching me. These people—these wolves—had been part of my carefully constructed fake life for years now. Uncle Mateo was the only constant, the only one who knew the full truth. And now everything was crumbling because two strangers had walked into the diner with a photograph.

"Fine," I said finally. "But I'm not making any decisions until I've spoken with Alpha Logan."

Maison nodded. "Fair enough. We'll take point." He glanced at his brother. "Jackson, you and Carter bring up the rear. Dean, Tristan, secure the diner before following."