Chapter 2: Graduation.

I think there was a special kind of torture designed specifically for unmated wolves. It wasn’t silver or wolfsbane, or other superstitious shit humans were made to believe.

It was sitting in the backseat of your best friends’ car while they acted like they were the only two creatures on earth.

Annie and Drake were in the front seats, and I was in the back, pressed against the window like an unwanted third wheel in a romantic comedy I never auditioned for.

The early morning sun filtered through the windshield, turning Annie’s golden blond hair into something almost angelic. Drake reached over at a red light and tucked a strand behind her ear, his thumb brushing her cheek in a way that made my stomach twist.

The button hit a green light, but Drake made no move to ride on. He just kept straing Annie. "Stop staring at me and drive. We are going to be late.” Annie teased him with a blush on her cheek.

“I can’t help it,” Drake replied softly. “My mate is so fucking perfect. Its unreal”

Mate. That word again. It floated in the car like perfume, sweet and suffocating.

I turned my face toward the window and pretended to be fascinated by the passing trees. I told myself I wasn’t jealous. I told myself I was happy for them, and I was. I really was. But beneath that happiness was something sharp and ugly, it was envy.

I didn't want to feel this way, but I have no choice.

My friends had chose each other during the last full moon. Since then I've had to endure being the third wheel and question the reason why the goddess didn't give me a mate as well.

Annie and I have been friends since our freshmen. Drake joined into our friend group during sophomore year, and he has been inseparable from Annie since then. I expected them to become mates, but I didn't expect to be affected this much.

Drake reached for Annie’s hand again, kissing her knuckles dramatically. She giggled, which made me roll my eyes.

Before I could stop myself, I blurted. "Do you two ever take a break?” I muttered.

Annie glanced at me through the rearview mirror, her lips curving in a teasing manner. “Someone sounds grumpy.”

“I’m not grumpy.” I tried not to snap. Its not my fault that they were annoyingly cute.

“You’re jealous,” Drake said bluntly, not even turning around to look at me. I could see the smirk on his face even through the rare view mirror.

“I am not!” I am, but what's the use admitting it? That would only make them tease me more.

They both laughed like they found me funny, and I glared at them in annoyance. Why can't I just have normal friends who won't oppress me with my situation at every chance they get.

They're just as worse as James!

Of course I knew they were mates and couldn't control how affectionate they are towards each other. Even though I don't have a mate, I understood the pull. I've read about them in books and studied them in reality too. But sitting there watching them… it made something heavy settle in my chest.

Because deep down, I was terrified I would never have that.

No one had chosen me at Blackwood High. Not even by accident.

I was intelligent, but I wasn’t beautiful. I wasn’t strong and I certainly wasn’t special.

The thought made my stomach tighten. Before I could spiral further, Annie suddenly straightened in her seat. "Oh!” she exclaimed. “Jane, I forgot to tell you.”

I blinked. Shifting my attention to her.  “Tell me what?”

She exchanged a look with Drake, her grin widening. "Rumors are spreading,” she said dramatically. "And do you know who its about?"

"Who?" I asked barely interested.

"Jayden Blackwood.”

My breath caught at the mention of his name. The Alpha's son and my long time crush. What rumors could there possibly be about him? He was the sweetest guy I've ever met and he's super cute and respectful. With his golden locks and blue eyes, girls drool over him, but he remained nice, unlike those stupid pricks who feel like the world revolves around them just because they got the looks.

“What about him?” I tried to sound casual, but I failed miserably.

“He passed!" Annie exclaimed. “He's going to Moonlight University!"

I smiled in delight even though I expected it to happen. Jayden is the smartest guy at school. There was no one as intelligent as him. Well, except me. I do try my best not to steal his shine.

"Im so happy for Jayden." Annie said, "Everyone’s saying he’ll probably come out on top.”

Drake scoffed lightly. “Of course he will. It’s Jayden Blackwood and hes top of the class. Who would dare surpass him?”

Jayden Blackwood. Even his name leaves tingles all over my skin. Strong, brilliant and calm under pressure. He had always carried himself like he knew exactly who he was and where he was going. While the rest of us stumbled through life, Jayden walked.

He had been my crush since we were kids. I could proudly say I have been in love with him since we were in kindergarten. But Jayden had never once noticed me. The girls he dated were stunning. Tall, perfect hair and perfect bodies. Wolves who looked like they belonged on magazine covers. Real life barbie dolls.

I couldn’t hold a candle to them. So I stayed in my place and I admired him from afar, but surprisingly, Jayden still hasn’t chosen a mate. That fact was something I pretended didn’t matter. But it did. It left this tiny, ridiculous spark of hope inside me.

I smiled faintly at the thought of him passing the exam. "I’m proud of him,” I murmured before I could stop myself.

Anni’s grin turned mischievous and she wriggled her brows at me. “Oh, we know how proud you are.” She twisted in her seat slightly to stare at me. “So how does it feel knowing you’ll be attending the same university as your crush?”

My stomach flipped violently, but I struggled to remain calm. "We're not sure my name will be among those going so..."

Annie rolled her eyes. "Oh don't be so modest Jane. We all know how super smart you are. You are only second to Jayden, and more over, this is the chance to confess your undying love for him. You can sweep him off his feet and become Mrs. Blackwood. Our future Luna.”

Drake laughed and I felt my face burn. Her very words were a joke. Jayden doesn't even like me. "I'm not confessing my love to anyone."

“Not to anyone. To Jayden! Jayden fucking Blackwood!” Annie teased.

"Im not doing that ever!"

"Why not?" She pressed.

Because the thought of standing in front of Jayden Blackwood and telling him I’ve been in love with him since childhood made me want to crawl into a hole and die.

What if he laughed? What if he rejects me? What if he looked at me the way he looked at those other girls—with polite indifference?

“I don’t know,” I muttered.

Annie’s voice softened. “Jane… this might be your only chance.”

She was right.

Moonlight University wasn’t just any school. It was a place where futures were decided. If I don’t take my chance there… I might never get another one.

My hands curled into fists in my lap. "I'll try,” I whispered. Drake glanced back at me, surprised by my determination and I gulped hard. "I'll try my best and hopes he at least acknowledge my feelings."

"That's my girl." Annie grinned just as we pulled into the school parking lot. Students were rushing toward the auditorium. The energy in the air was electric—buzzing with anticipation.

Today was the announcement. We are going to know who made it and who didn't.

We hurried inside, the halls packed with wolves whispering and speculating. We pass by some girls who were busy gossiping about the entrance exam. "Definitely Jayden is gonna pass."  She said with confidence.

“Of course he will. He aced the exam, definitely.”

“No one else stands a chance.” added another.

I sank into my seat between Annie and Drake as the auditorium filled. My palms were sweating. The exam had been difficult for most students. But it was really easy for me. Considering it's all what I've learnt mostly on my own. Which is exactly why I hadn’t thought much about it. I’d assumed I’d misunderstood half the questions.

The principal stepped onto the stage, looking like he’d just won the lottery.He adjusted his glasses and beamed at us. "Good morning, students!” the room quieted instantly and he continued. "I am thrilled to announce that from our school, ten students have made it into Moonlight University!”

Gasps and cheers erupted and my  heart skipped.

Ten! That's the largest number in years.

“That is not all,” he continued, practically glowing. “For the first time in years… the top student worldwide is from our school.” The auditorium exploded into murmurs.

Top student worldwide? That meant first place out of millions of students!

My eyes immediately flicked to Jayden across the room. He looked calm. Of course he did. Everyone was already whispering his name.

“It’s Jayden.”

“Obviously.”

Drake leaned toward Annie and whispered. “Told you.”

I nodded slightly trying to contain a smile. Of course it's Jayden. The questions had been easy for me, but that didn’t mean I had scored high. I hadn’t double-checked anything. I didn't overanalyzed. I just wrote what I thought was correct. Meanwhile, Jayden probably dissected every question like the genius he was.

The principal began calling names. He started from the lowest ranking among the ten. Each name was met with applause.

When he reached fifth place in our school, he called, “at 700th place worldwide and fifth place in Blackwood High,  please welcome Annie Rivers!” Annie gasped standing up in shock. Drake immediately grabbed her face and kissed her.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said, grinning.

"Good job Annie!" I said giving her a high five. At least I'll have my best friend with me.

Im really proud of her. She scored 600 points, ranked 700th worldwide. One hundred points above the minimum required to enter Moonlight University.

She went up the stage glowing as she joined the others. She definitely deserves it.

Then it came down to the final two. Second and first. The entire auditorium held its breath, and the principal cleared his throat dramatically.

“In second place…” silence. "...ranked at 5th place world wide and second place in Blackwood high, lets welcome on stage... Jayden Blackwood!”

The room erupted, but not the way it had earlier. There was shock mixed with applause.

Second? Jayden came second place?

He came fifth in the entrance exam ranking overall, that's still extraordinary. But its still not first.

Jayden stood smoothly and walked to the stage, composed as always. If he was surprised, he didn’t show it.

My mind was spinning. If Jayden wasn’t first…

Then who was?

I replayed the list of top students in my head.

It couldn’t be—

My stomach dropped.

No!

No, it can't be me. That's ridiculous.

I hadn’t even tried that hard.

The principal’s voice rang out again. "And in first place… not only in our school but worldwide…” my hands started trembling, and he paused dramatically which only heightened my anxiety.

I wanted to disappear.

“Lets welcome. Jane Holloway!”

The world stopped. For a second, I was certain I had imagined it.

First place, not just in school but worldwide. That meant I surpassed thousands of wolves. Alphas. Prodigies. Geniuses.

Woah, I wanted to get into Moonlight University, but not at first place, because I hated the attention. So, what the hell is this?

Fuck my life!