Chapter one

Miranda POV

“Holy crap, it’s already 9:00 AM!”

Why do I keep using my phone all night when I know I’ll be late the next day?

All night I was awake. Scrolling.

And now I’m paying for it.

When my mum was alive, she’d wake me up if I didn’t get up myself.

But she’s gone now.

And nothing has been the same since.

I’m trying to do everything she used to do for me.

It’s hard.

But I’m getting used to it.

I rushed to the bathroom.

Quick shower.

Then downstairs for breakfast.

I was late, so I just grabbed some snacks.

Before leaving, I glanced at the dining table.

The table that used to be so lively.

Now, even with people sitting there,

I feel like an outsider.

Ever since mum died, I barely eat there.

Seeing the faces of the "royal family" just triggers my anger.

These days it’s snacks or takeout.

I walked out without caring who was home or not.

---

When I got to school, first period was almost over.

I rushed in.

Sat at my seat.

Was arranging my things when someone nudged me.

“Hi Miranda. What’s up?”

That mischievous voice.

Jerry.

My best friend.

We met at a birthday party and we’ve been inseparable since.

He’s annoying sometimes.

But he’s the only one who’s been there for me through all of this.

“Hi Jerry,” I said.

He raised an eyebrow. “Why are you late again?”

I’ve been late a lot lately.

He’s trying to get used to it.

I shrugged. “Woke up late.”

I pulled out my books.

Took his notebook and started copying yesterday’s assignment.

I was too busy on my phone to do it.

That’s why I love Jerry.

I don’t have to waste brain cells.

Jerry sighed. “Miranda, I can’t remember the last time you did your assignment yourself.

You’re getting lazy. Always depending on me.

The Miranda I knew focused on her studies.

Did her homework.

Came to school early every day.

You’re not that girl anymore.”

I just nodded.

He was right.

But I couldn’t help it.

Mum was the one who reminded me to do homework.

Now she’s gone.

And no one else cares.

So I do whatever I feel like.

Jerry grinned. “With all this copying, you owe me a meal.”

I rolled my eyes. “Jerry, you’re distracting me. Let me finish!”

He scoffed. “Don’t forget. You owe me a meal.”

“Fine,” I muttered. “Bills on me later.”

I’m the Alpha’s daughter.

Most students in school respect me.

Except Jerry.

To him, I’m just Miranda.

Not the princess of the Golden Wolf Pack.

Unlike those pack members who act like I’m their goddess to my face,

Then gossip about me behind my back.

Ever since mum died, they look down on me.

And it’s not their fault.

It’s my father’s fault.

Ever since he had a son,

He forgot he had a daughter.

I used to think he was loving and caring.

Until he had a son.

I used to pray to the Moon Goddess for a mate like my dad.

Now?

I don’t want anyone like him.

People change.

And my father is proof of that.

I feel suffocated in my own pack.

The other royal packs aren’t better.

They’re always trying to get on my nerves.

One day I’ll give them what they deserve.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m still the same girl from three months ago.

Life is so complicated now.

I don’t even feel comfortable in the place I’m supposed to call home.

And to make it worse,

The Alpha is pushing me to accept his unknown son as my brother.

Knowing full well that boy’s arrival triggered my mum’s sickness.

Caused her to die early.

How am I supposed to be close to someone

Who indirectly caused my mum’s death?

I hate them all.