MasukI climbed into the backseat, my heart pounded in my chest.
“Guys wait for me.” A sharp feminine voice echoed. Celeste’s heels clicked against the floor as she hurried over to the SUV. She wore a mini skirt that barely covered her thighs and a very tight red crop top that hugged her like a second skin and showed a lot of cleavage. Her hair was curled to perfection and the scent of expensive perfume followed her like a trail of smoke. “Seriously?” Thorne scoffed. “What? My car is fixing at the mechanic’s.” She smirked. “Besides we used to go to school everyday together.” Thorne ignored her remark and popped his earbud in his ear while Draven scrolled on his phone and Ronan started the car. Her eyes shifted to me. Damn it! “Had no idea we were picking up strays this morning.” She rolled her eyes. No one said anything. The ride was silent. They arrived at school shortly after. Bridgewood High. I trailed behind Thorne and Draven as Celeste went over to her friends. “Look here you wolf-less piece of omega trash, stay the fuck away from us.” Thorne yelled loudly and everyone looked around. I was hurt by their words, the tears stung in my eyes and I quickly scurried away from them. When I was alone I broke down completely. Their words stung and I wondered if it was going to be like this forever. “Are you okay?” A soft feminine voice asked. Looking up, I came face to face with a girl. Her short silver hair framed her face beautifully. “I’m f-fine.” I stuttered and the girl frowned. “You don’t look fine at all.” “It’s not a big deal.” “I’m Nova.” She offered a small smile. “It is a big deal if someone makes you cry.” “You wouldn’t understand,” I wiped her tears, embarrassed by the entire situation. “Try me.” “I’m an omega without a wolf. I’m nobody.” Nova’s expression softened and she placed a hand on my shoulder. “You shouldn’t have to feel like you don’t belong and whoever is telling you that should be kicked in the balls.” She said and I chuckled. “See, I cheered you up a bit. What pack are you from?” She asked, sitting next to me. “I’m from the Bloodmoon pack, I became a member recently.” “Oh that’s the triple threat’s jerks pack.” She rolled her eyes. “They can be jerks.” I sighed. “What about you, what pack are you from?” “I’m from the Crimson pack. Our packs have an alliance.” She explained. “That’s great.” “So tomorrow the school is having an opening event. What are you wearing?” “I didn’t even think about that.” “Girl that’s is unacceptable. You can’t go to the first official school event looking bland. That would set a tone you wouldn’t like.” I shrugged, “I don’t have much to my name. Just some old jeans and tops.” “That’s unacceptable. We should go shopping this evening after school. You have to look hot and confident and those step brother jerks of yours will choke on their words.” “Nova, I don’t have any money. My mom is out of town and besides she doesn’t spend money on me- “Girl stop. It’s on me.” I was surprised by her words. “But you do not even know me.” “Well those people don’t know you and they don’t like you why can’t you receive kindness from someone who wants to help you?” Nova raised a brow. I swallowed the lump in her throat. This felt weird but nice. “I don’t want to be a burden.” “Hey, you’re not a burden. You’re just a girl trying to survive a shitty situation. I’m not going to let you sink. We are going shopping. End of discussion.” A small smile tugged at my lips. “Thank you so much.” “You’ve got a friend now.” The day went by in a blur and before I knew it. It was time to go shopping with Nova. We met outside the school gates. I also realized her step brothers had already left without me. “Are you ready to be transformed Miss Cinderella?” “Well let’s hope I don’t turn back into a pumpkin at midnight.” I laughed as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Nova had an adorable pink Benz that we got into and made our way to town. The car ride was filled with music and laughter as we sang pop songs on the radio. When we reached town Nova didn’t waste any time. She grabbed my hand and pulled me into the first boutique we saw. “We are going full makeover missy.” I tried on every possible outfit. Skinny jeans, cropped sweaters, mini skirts, even a bold red dress that made my eyes pop. Nova hyped up every look. Gushing over how I looked and that boosted my confidence. “You are gorgeous. You have a banging body and all you need is the confidence.” “I don’t know how to thank you enough.” “By owning the damn place girl.” At the end, I had a large bag of clothes and shoes. “I still think you wasted your money.” “Please, if my dad can waste money on his mistress, you can get some cute clothes.” I burst out laughing. “I feel like we have to unpack that.” “Of course I’ll give you the deets but for now let’s focus on you.” “Now, let’s go get some boba and we will talk about accessories.” Nova added. Nova dropped me off after we spent the evening together. Night had already fallen and I hurried inside. After I placed her clothes in my room, I decided to go downstairs for dinner. I took some leftover pasta and salad and sat at the table eating it. Thorne staggered in reeking of alcohol. “Fucking trash.” He spat as he walked past me. “You don’t have to insult me every-time.” I muttered and he stopped in his tracks “Oh I don’t?” He slammed his hands on the table and I stood up, cowering away. “You’re telling me what I can do now?” He sneered. “Shut the fuck up.” “N-No I didn’t mean- He backed me into a corner and my breath hitched. “Thorne s-stop.” “You think batting those pretty eyes is gonna save you. It won’t work not here.” One of his hands slammed against the wall beside me making me flinch. His face was inches from mine. His lips dangerously close. There was a different look in his eyes as he stared at me. His expression was unreadable. “You don’t belong here. You should leave.” He whispered. “I don’t have anywhere to go.” I muttered. The tears were running down my face and a look of guilt flashed on his face. “What the fuck are you doing?” Ronan’s cold clipped tone snapped Thorne out of his trance. Thorne step back and raked his hand through his hair. “It’s nothing.” Ronan’s glare deepened. “That doesn’t look like nothing to me. Get your ass upstairs now and quit drinking.” His eyes flashed to me. Thorne scoffed and brushed past Ronan but not before saying a snide remark. “Picking up for strays now?” “We said we wanted nothing to do with her and besides father would tear you to shreds if he found out what you were doing. Keep your word.” “Of course you would say that.” Thorne walked out of the room slamming the door. “Don’t take this as me defending you omega. I’m not your friend. Thorne could have gotten in trouble for that. Just looking out for my own.” “G-Got it.” I quickly scurried out of the kitchen and into my room. My appetite had disappeared. I texted Nova the details of what happened. ‘They are literally losers. Please hang in there. Stand your ground. You’ll be okay. They can’t hurt you.’ Nova replied and I sighed. I just had to endure it. The next morning I got up early brushed my hair showered and got dressed. A text from Nova came in. ‘You better dress sexy missy and pack extra clothes for the event tonight.’ I playfully rolled my eyes and smiled at the text. I decided to give it a try after all, I had a ton of new clothes and nothing to lose. I wore a black fitted crop top that hugged my figure and paired it with high waisted jeans and boots. My hair framed my face in soft waves making me feel confident. I added some lip gloss and earrings. I didn’t even recognize myself. Grabbing my bag and the change of clothes I made my way downstairs. Ryder and Draven were talking when I approached. Both of their gazes snapped towards me. “Wow. You look beautiful Amara. Very different. It’s a good difference.” Ryder commented and I blushed. A look flashed in Draven’s eyes but it was too quick to call. “Thank you Ryder.” I smiled. We all walked out to the SUV. Thorne and Ronan were already waiting outside. Thorne’s eyes widened when he saw me and Ronan’s jaw clenched. Ryder had his hand around my shoulder as we walked over. “Huh, I didn’t know we were picking up dates this morning.” Thorne commented, his eyes raked over my body causing a shiver to run down my spine. Why am I feeling this way? My stomach did flips and my skin prickled under his gaze. It was a feeling I couldn’t name. I quickly looked away from him. Ryder leaned forward. “Are you okay?” “Yup… just nerves,” I mumbled. Looking at the mirror I caught sight of Ronan staring at me but he quickly looked away when I glanced at him. He started the car and we were off. When they arrived at school I quickly ran to meet Nova. “Fucking sexy.” Nova smiled as she pulled me into a hug. “Thanks. It’s because of you.” We went to our classes and I realized that people were staring at me. A lot of boys even cat called me. “What are they doing?” I muttered and Nova laughed. “Girl you look amazing. I told you that you just needed a little makeover to enhance what was already there.” “This attention is too much.” I blushed. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.” Nova chuckled. “Get over yourself,” Draven said calmly as he walked past me. “If you dress up garbage it will still be garbage.” He laughed and Nova rolled her eyes. “And you’re still a douche.” Nova yelled and he scoffed. “The ugly duckling wants to go the ball? What a joke.” He laughed loudly. I looked around embarrassed. I felt like nothing. Why did I think it would be any different? “Haven’t seen you around before.” A deep smooth voice penetrated my ears cutting off Draven. Looking up, I came face to face with a very sexy blonde. His deep blue eyes stared at me and his lips curled into a smirk. “You must be new here.” “Uh yes I am. First week actually.” “Welcome to Bridgewood. I’m Jace.” He extended a hand. “Amara.” I shook his hand and smiled. “Pretty name.” He stared into my eyes and I looked away. I’m sure my cheeks were flushed. “Are you coming to the event later?” He asked and l nodded. “Yes I am.” “Perfect. I’ll see you around Amara.” He walked off leaving me stunned.Thorne twisted around fully now, his eyes gleaming with that trademark mischief. “So, what’s the plan? Hide out at the cabin? Or confront the prick head-on? I vote confrontation—nothing like a good showdown to clear the air.” “Everything is a showdown for you,” Draven scoffed. Nova managed a weak laugh, wiping at her eyes. “Cabin sounds good for now. I need to process this. The bond… it’s like an itch I can’t scratch, pulling me toward him even as my brain screams run.” “Thanks for being here,” she murmured. “Always,” I replied. The night stretched ahead, full of uncertainties, but with this crew, we could face whatever came. The highway blurred by, leading us toward the guys’ family cabin—a secluded spot in the woods where pack drama felt worlds away. Inside the cabin we lit a fire, the crackle filling the room as we settled on worn couches. Nova curled up with a blanket, her phone silenced now. “What if Dad’s right? What if fighting it hurts the pack?” “Then we make sur
Nova’s voice echoed slightly in the confined space of the car, the speakerphone mode accidentally toggled on in her haste. She quickly switched it off, pressing the phone to her ear, but not before we all caught the gruff, authoritative tone on the other end. “Nova? Where the hell are you? I’ve been calling for the last ten minutes.” I exchanged a glance with Draven, who was crammed next to her in the back seat, his broad shoulders making the space feel even smaller. Thorne, up front with Ronan, smirked but kept his mouth shut for once, though I could see the mischief dancing in his eyes. Ronan focused on the road, the streetlights casting intermittent glows across his face as we cruised through the quiet outskirts of town. The shop Ronan worked at was part of Alpha Lucia’s empire—a sleek car dealership that dealt in everything from luxury sedans to rugged off-roaders. “Dad, I’m out with friends,” Nova replied, her tone aiming for casual but landing somewhere in strained t
“You guys came all the way here for me?” Ronan raised a brow. He was closing up the shop he worked in. Their father owned a chain of car dealerships and other businesses. “Yeah,” I said, stepping out of the car with a smile. “Detour turned into a rescue mission.” Nova waved from the back. “Hey, Ronan. Mind if I tag along? Drama alert.” Ronan locked the shop door, keys jingling. “Drama? With you lot? Shocking.” He said sarcastically but playfully. Thorne leaned against the hood. “Nova’s got mate issues. Michael—the dick from that party.” Draven nodded. “The one who tried to mess with Amara.” Ronan’s eyes darkened. “That fucker? What’s the play?” Nova sighed. “He’s my mate. Bond hit last night. Freaking out.” “That’s unfortunate.” Ronan said as he got into the car. “Tell me about it.” Nova frowned. Her phone started ringing and her frown deepened. “Fuck, it’s my dad.” She whispered to me. “What does he want?” I asked. “Well, he just wants to talk about
Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen her all day. “Amara can I talk to you for a bit?” She asked and I nodded. “Draven, Thorne, I’ll catch up with you both. I’m gonna talk to Nova for a bit.” I said and they nodded. “Jace told me what happened.” She said and I nodded. “I feel like it’s all my fault because I invited you over there and that happened. I’m so sorry.” She frowned and I pulled her into a hug. “It’s not your fault. You thought they weren’t home. It’s not like you knew they were there.” I said and she sighed. “Knowing what he tried to do to you. I didn’t even know what to say to you. I felt like I let you down.” “You didn’t let me down Nova. It’s not your fault.” “That’s for forgiving me.” She smiled. “Oh come on, there’s nothing to forgive.” “Where were you all day though?” I asked. “I skipped most of my classes. I found out something awful Amara.” “What’s wrong?” I asked. I’ve never seen her look this scared. “Michael is my mate.” She admitte
I stepped out of the shower, towel-drying my hair, flashes of last night lingering—Thorne’s arms, Ronan’s whispers, Draven’s kisses. Pushing it aside, I rummaged through my closet. I slipped into a cute sundress—soft pink with floral patterns, hugging my curves just right, hem flirting at mid-thigh. Paired it with white sneakers and a delicate necklace. School could use some sparkle. Heading downstairs, the kitchen buzzed. Thorne flipped pancakes, Ronan sipped coffee, Draven scrolled his phone. “Morning,” I said, voice shy. Thorne glanced up, eyes widening. “Damn, Amara. You look… edible.” Ronan choked on his coffee. “What the hell? That’s our stepsister, idiot. Tone it down before people get suspicious.” Draven smirked, setting his phone down. “She’s glowing. That dress? Perfect. Come here, let me fix your hair.” I blushed, stepping closer. “It’s just something cute. Felt like dressing up.” Thorne plated food, sliding it to me. “Eat. You’ll need energy after last nigh
Thorne’s eyes flashed with dark hunger, but he held back, his stroke slowing to a torturous pace. ““Not yet,” he rasped, voice like gravel. “Beg prettier.”Ronan knelt at the bed’s edge, his rough hands skimming my calves, thumbs pressing into the soft flesh behind my knees—spreading me wider, exposing everything. His breath fanned hot against my inner thigh, close enough to tease but not touch where I ached most.Draven finally moved, shedding his shirt in one fluid motion, his lean muscles coiling as he climbed onto the bed beside me. His fingers ghosted over my arm, tracing up to my neck, tilting my chin to meet his gaze. “Say our names,” he murmured, lips brushing mine without kissing. “Tell us who you need.”“Thorne… Ronan… Draven,” I whimpered, fingers still buried deep, pace faltering under their stares. My body trembled, slick heat dripping down my hand, the air thick with their scents—dominance and desire mingling, pushing me closer to the brink.“Good girl,” Thorne growl







