Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

Alexa's Pov

My name is Alexa Blackwood, daughter to alpha Lincoln Blackwood,I'm 17 and a member of the crescent moon pack.

I've always been bullied,in school and at the pack because of my stepbrother. He blames me for the death of his mom and has made it his personal mission to make my life miserable.

I got enrolled at the crescent moon high school and there I thought the bully will stop but who am I kidding,my stepbrother will always find a way to make my life hell and his name is Xavier Blackwood 

It's 6a.m and the first day of school and I know you might think that as the Alpha's only daughter I should be given princess treatment but nope I'm being treated more or less like a servant,now I'm in the kitchen attending to my chores

The smell of cinnamon and baked bread fills the kitchen, warm and inviting.

I hate it.

It smells like a home I don’t belong in.

The clock on the wall ticks louder than it should.

5:58 a.m.

Two minutes until six

My hands sting from scrubbing dishes in cold water. Steam clings to the windows while the rest of the Blackwood estate sleeps peacefully in silk sheets and oversized beds.

I glance down at the black apron tied around my waist.

Every servant wears one.

Including me.

Alpha Lincoln Blackwood’s daughter.

Reduced to a glorified maid in my own house.

“Alexa!”

My shoulders stiffen immediately.

Mrs. Hawthorne.

Of course.

Her heels click sharply against the marble as she storms into the kitchen, her thin lips pressed into a permanent frown.

“Why are you moving so slowly?” she snaps. “The royalties will be awake any minute.”

Royalties.

I swallow.

That means my father.

And Xavier.

“I’m finishing the tea,” I replied quietly, keeping my eyes lowered.

She scoffs. “You should have finished ten minutes ago. Do you think being the Alpha’s daughter excuses you from your duties?”

Alpha’s daughter.

The title feels like a joke.

“No, ma’am.”

“Then move!”

The kettle shrieks, and I quickly pour the tea into porcelain cups marked with the Blackwood crest — a crescent moon wrapped around a wolf.

I know everyone’s preference by heart.

Father likes his coffee black. No sugar.

Xavier wants high-protein. Extra meat. Always complains if it’s not hot enough.

I arrange everything carefully on the silver tray.

Poached eggs.

Buttered toast.

Fresh fruit.

Protein plate.

Coffee.

Tea.

Perfect.

Mrs. Hawthorne leans closer, lowering her voice.

“And fix your expression. If the young master sees you looking miserable, he’ll find a reason to complain again.”

Again.

Like he needs a reason.

I grip the tray tighter.

I didn’t kill his mother.

But in his eyes, I might as well have.

I lift the tray. It’s heavier than it looks. Or maybe I’m just tired.

The kitchen doors swing open, revealing the grand hallway.

High ceilings.

Crystal chandeliers.

Portraits of proud Alphas lining the walls.

My ancestors.

None of whom would recognize the girl walking beneath them now.

From upstairs, a deep voice echoes.

“Where is my breakfast?”

My father.

Alpha Lincoln Blackwood.

Mrs. Hawthorne hisses behind me, “Go. Now.”

I inhale slowly.

Six a.m.

First day at Crescent Moon High.

And I’m already late.

I start climbing the staircase carefully, balancing the tray, my heart pounding harder with each step.

Somewhere upstairs…

Xavier is waiting.

And I already know—

He’ll make sure this morning is just the beginning of my hell.

I walk into the dining hall,my father and of course Xavier are seated at their place while I serve breakfast making sure everyone is served,I move to get ready for school but my father calls out

“ Why aren't you at school it's the first day of resumption,you can't be slacking off already?”

“Seems she forgot the holidays are over” Xavier said smirking, knowing fully well he's the reason I slept in later than usual with his unnecessary demand

“I was busy at the kitchen” I said 

“Then you should have woken up on time anyways make sure you have breakfast before leaving, you look skinny, don't want people thinking your not taking care of” he said 

I nodded and sprinted towards my little chamber,hurriedly took my bath and wore my black leggings paired with my black pleated skirt,a white shirt, black tie and the school blazers.

I wore my Air Jordans,a gift from my dad,yes I know he can be nice when he wants to be and so I hurried off to school not before giving my brother the middle finger. 

I got to school all sweaty cause I had to run to school,I don't have my wolf else it would have been a piece of cake. 

I make it to school just before the first bell

The hallway at Crescent Moon High felt like a storm I couldn’t escape, it buzzed with the usual noise of students swapping gossip and laughter, but Alexa felt like she was invisible—only when the whispers turned sharp and cold did she realize they were all about her.I tried to walk to my locker without drawing attention, but the moment I stepped forward, they were there—blocking my way, smirking like they owned the place.

“Well, if it isn’t the Alpha’s little servant,” one of the girls sneered, shoving my books out of my hands. My heart slammed in my chest, but I didn’t say a word.

I heard a boy laugh, “Maybe she’s just jealous of Xavier. Heard he’s the real star around here.” The words stung worse than I expected.

Whispers spread, eyes locked on me with nothing but hate. I wanted to disappear, to shrink away, but I kept my head down and held onto my books like they were a lifeline.

“Why don’t you just go back home and clean, Alexa? This isn’t your place,” someone hissed. The laughter around me grew louder, and I felt smaller, more alone than ever—just like I do at home.

Suddenly someone from the crowd stood up for me,she was beautiful,tall,long legs,brown hair and hazel eyes 

“Stay away from her, aren't you scared the alpha would punish you” she said 

“Xavier doesn't give a damn about her,what makes you think her father would besides she's the reason why his mom, theAlpha's mate died so we'd 

be doing him a huge favor, don't you think?” one of the bullies said

“Why are you even sticking up for her,you're the beta's daughter?” another said 

“So because I'm the beta's daughter,I should become inhuman,I'm sorry I can't do that” she said 

“Whatever” they said and left

“Hi I'm Chloe and you must be Alexa, you have quite a reputation around but it's alright,I won't let anyone bully you” she said 

“Why are you helping me, aren't you scared they'd bully you too?” I said to her

“No one can bully me my dear” she said with so much confidence. 

I envied her but I was thankful to her for saving me from the clutches of those bullies but I knew it was far from over.

My brother had his minions dedicated to fulfilling his wishes

Classes were amazing,the bell rang and everyone flooded the hallway finding their way to the cafeteria.

I went to my locker to keep my notebook

“Aren't having lunch?” Chloe said, walking up to me. “Don't worry you can sit with me”.

She drags me towards the cafeteria. It's filled with a lot of people, everyone with their clique/squad.

The cafeteria buzzes with noise, but the moment I step in, it shifts—eyes flicker, whispers trail behind me like shadows. A group of my stepbrother’s minions blocks my path, smirking.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the little princess,” one sneers, shoving a tray toward me. “Lost your silver spoon, Alexa?”

I swallow the lump in my throat, trying to keep steady, but their laughter tightens around me like a noose. Just as one reaches to snatch my lunch, a firm voice cuts through the din.

“Back off.”

Jake, my brother’s beta, steps forward, his presence commanding enough to silence the crowd. Beside him, my friend moves closer, standing as a shield.

“You think you can mess with her?” Jake’s eyes flash with warning. The minions hesitate, then slowly back away, their smirks fading.

Relief floods me, but I know this is far from over.

“Are you okay?” Jake asked

I nod, “she will be only if your best friend stopped making people bully her. I mean what's his problem just because he's soon to be alpha.” Chloe said 

“Watch your tongue pumpkin,you don't wanna be on his bad side” Jake said 

“Hmmph,he's already on my bad side”,she retorted looking at me 

“Seriously Alexa are you okay?”

“I'm fine Chloe, thanks for saving me again,thank you Jake”. 

Jake nods and heads back to his table 

Jake was a senior, he is kind, gentle, smart, fierce when need be,did I mention how handsome he is, chiseled jawline,blonde hair compared to his sister's, tall, the moon goddess knew what she was doing when she made him,his mate would be so happy to have him.

He might be Xavier's best friend but he hates bullies,he can't stand them.

Classes were fun and interesting. The bell rang signalling the end of class for the day

“Don't forget to drop your assessment on your way out”  the teacher said as everyone packed their bags

I went to my locker to drop my books and start heading back home 

“Hey, are you done? Let's go home together”  Chloe said 

You want to go home together with me? I asked 

“Yes of course, we'll chat and get to know ourselves and we can become best friends” 

Best friends? I shouted,she jumped due to my outburst 

“ Okay friends let's start with that, what do you think?” I nodded,she smiled and said “ I know we're definitely going to be best friends” 

I smiled,I now have a friend,I'm no longer alone,I now have someone to talk to other than myself, it seems the moon goddess is finally on my side.

We walked home together, laughing and chatting about everything and nothing,and it seemed like we had known each other forever.

Her house is before mine, a beautiful house befitting of the beta. We said our goodbyes and I hurried off the mansion to begin my duties.

I stood by the grand staircase, clutching my books tightly as Xavier smirked, stepping closer.

"You really think you belong here?" he sneered, shoving my shoulder hard. I stumbled but caught myself, glaring back.

"Leave me alone, Xavier." He laughed, grabbing a book from my hands and tossing it across the room. I lunged forward, trying to grab it, but he was too quick, holding it just out of reach. 

"You're weak," he said coldly. 

I swallowed my frustration, realizing this fight wasn’t one I could win today. Defeated, I stepped back,my eyes burning with silent determination.

Xavier’s smirk deepened as he stepped closer, his voice low and taunting. 

“You think you can stand up to me?”

I clenched my fists, trying to hold back tears but also refusing to show weakness. 

“I’m not scared of you” I whispered, but my voice cracked. 

He grabbed my wrist roughly, twisting it just enough to make me wince. 

“You’ll never be strong enough” he said, then released me, watching me stumble back. 

I steadied myself against the wall, breath shaky but my mind racing— I knew this wasn’t the end, and next time, I’d have to find a way to fight back smarter, not harder.

I wiped a tear from my cheek, my jaw tightening with resolve.

Xavier turned to leave, but I called out, voice steadier now

“This isn’t over.” 

He paused, glancing back with a sneer, then disappeared down the hallway. Alone in the quiet mansion, I took a deep breath, knowing I had to find strength somewhere—whether from new friends, hidden talents, or something deep inside me. 

The battle with Xavier was just beginning.

The head maid appeared at the doorway, her voice sharp and no-nonsense.

“You’re late,the gardens need tending, and the silver must be polished before dinner. No time to waste.” She said and moved briskly, already gathering cleaning clothes and gloves. 

“Hurry up, or you’ll be behind on every chore today.” I nodded reluctantly, dropping my books and following quickly, my mind still tangled with thoughts of Xavier but knowing I had no choice but to obey.

I collapsed onto my bed, every muscle aching, eyelids heavy with exhaustion. Just as I began to drift into sleep, the door creaked open, and a maid stepped in quietly. 

“Master Xavier says he needs work done. He left this list for you,” the maid said, placing a thick stack of papers on the bedside table. 

She glanced at my pale face and tired eyes, I could see the worry in her eyes,but her voice was firm- Xavier's orders came first, 

“He said it must be done tonight.”

Hunger gnawed at my stomach, and my body begged for rest, but the weight of the chores and Xavier’s demands crushed any hope of relief. I sighed deeply, knowing I had no choice but to push through, no matter how hard it felt.

I worked through the night, moving from one chore to the next without a break.

Every task felt heavier than the last, but I forced myself to keep going. By the time the house was finally quiet, I realized I’d missed dinner. I heard my dad ask about me, and Xavier just said I was busy with schoolwork. It stung a little, knowing they thought I was just studying when I was drowning in chores.

Later, one of the maids who seemed to like me quietly brought me a small tray of food. She gave me a soft smile and said, 

“You need to eat.” 

I nodded, grateful for the kindness in the middle of the chaos.

When I finally finished everything, it was way too late. 

Remembering I had an assessment to submit the next day, I began doing my homework. Going through the internet on my tablet, trying to get it done before sleep overcame me. 

I sighed a breath of relief when I was done,my eyes begging to close, I crawled into bed, exhausted beyond words. 

But morning came too fast, and I woke up late for school, heart pounding as I scrambled to get ready. I quickly took my bath,wore my uniform, this time I wore a black trousers and a white tank top tying my hair up in a messy bun grabbing my jacket and backpack. I run into the kitchen,grab an apple and cookies and hurry off to school, about dashing out the head maid calls handing me a lunch pack with a smile,I smile back.

This was just the start—something told me things weren’t going to get easier anytime soon.