Chapter One: The Rejection

DAISY'S POV

I walked through the crowded hallway of Eastwind High, gripping my books tightly. I could feel their eyes on me, watching, judging, whispering. It was always the same.

I kept my head down, focusing on getting to my locker. The moment I opened it, my books were knocked from my hands.

I froze, already knowing who it was before I even turned around.

Mila.

She stood over me, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oops," she said, voice dripping with fake innocence.

I sighed and bent down to pick up my books, but before I could, Mila stepped on one, pressing her heel against it.

"Seriously?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

She gasped dramatically. "Oh? Defect Daisy can talk?" A cruel laugh left her lips as she flipped her hair. "Talk to me again when you can actually shift. I only speak to real wolves."

Her words stung, but I refused to let her see it. I had heard it all before.

Then, a deep voice cut through the tension.

"Be nice, Mila."

My breath hitched. I looked up to see Alpha Scott crouching down, picking up my books.

Mila’s expression changed in an instant. She plastered on a sweet smile. "I'm sorry, Alpha Scott. I promise I'll be a good girl and behave," she said, dragging her fingers across his chest.

I gritted my teeth, feeling invisible all over again.

Scott sighed, clearly unimpressed. "I'm not the Alpha yet. That won't be official until the Winter Solstice celebration tonight."

Mila kept her hand on Scott’s chest a little longer than necessary before finally stepping back. She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and smirked at me.

“I’ll see you tonight then,” she said sweetly, but the mockery in her voice was clear. She gave me one last smug glance before sauntering off with her friends, their laughter ringing through the hallway.

I clenched my jaw, my nails digging into my palms. I hated the way she always looked at me—like I was beneath her, like I was nothing. But I refused to let her see that she got to me.

Scott turned to me, his usual confident expression unreadable. “Happy birthday, Daisy,” he said, his voice softer now. Then, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

I felt my heart flutter despite everything. I had loved Scott for as long as I could remember. Even if Mila tried to worm her way between us, it didn’t matter. He was my mate.

“Thank you,” I murmured, forcing a small smile.

“Year eighteen’s off to a great start, as you can see,” I added, my voice laced with sarcasm.

Scott chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, tonight will be special. That’s a promise from the future Alpha.”

I smiled up at him, hugging him tightly, breathing in his familiar scent. 

As I held onto him, I whispered a silent prayer.

Moon Goddess, if you’re listening, please give me my wolf. And please… let Scott and I finally make things official tonight.

I wanted nothing more than to belong, to him, to the pack, to the life I had always dreamed of.

I stepped into the party, my heart racing with excitement. The hall was packed, filled with the familiar faces of my packmates. As soon as I entered, the chatter died down, and all eyes turned to me. I felt their gazes sweeping over me from head to toe, whispers spreading through the crowd.

For a second, I hesitated. Was there something wrong with my dress? I glanced down at myself, smoothing the fabric nervously. Before I could say anything, a girl stepped forward, a wide grin plastered on her face.

“Hi, birthday girl! We’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she said, her tone too cheerful, too forced.

I frowned slightly. Something felt off.

“Have you guys seen Scott?” I asked, hoping to find him as soon as possible.

Another girl giggled, exchanging a glance with her friends. “Oh, don’t worry, honey. Alpha Scott has a surprise for you. A real special one. But first…”

Before I could react, they grabbed my hand, leading me toward one of the rooms. My instincts screamed at me to pull away, but I didn’t want to cause a scene. I let them guide me inside, the room dark and silent.

Then, the lights flickered on.

“Happy birthday, defect Daisy.”

Laughter exploded around me. Before I could say a word, something cold splashed over my head. The sour, rotten stench filled my nose as spoiled milk drenched my hair, my dress, my skin.

Gasps and snickers filled the room. The flashes of cameras blinded me as they snapped pictures of me, soaking wet and humiliated.

Tears burned my eyes. I could hear them whispering, laughing, and mocking. My hands trembled as I tried to wipe the disgusting liquid off my face.

I couldn’t stay here.

Ignoring their laughter, I turned and ran, shoving past the onlookers. My heart pounded as I stumbled down the hallway, searching for Scott. He had to stop this. He had to make them stop.

I pushed open door after door, my vision blurred by tears. My breath came in ragged gasps as I reached the last door at the end of the hall.

I flung it open.

And my world shattered.

Scott was on the bed. With her.

Mila’s arms were wrapped around his neck, their lips locked in a heated kiss. His hands roamed over her body as she moaned into his mouth.

They didn’t stop.

They didn’t even notice me.

Until Mila pulled away, turning her head with a smirk.

Scott looked up then, his expression unreadable before a slow grin spread across his face.

Then they both laughed.

At me.

Scott sat up, running a hand through his hair, his expression shifting between guilt and annoyance. “Daisy, listen… I, I didn’t mean for you to find out this way.”

My breath caught in my throat, my chest tightening. “Find out what, Scott?”

My voice trembled, but I forced myself to stand tall.