Hailey May Collins is the school's cool girl; Smart, confident, mysterious, and intimidating. Everything that she does is admired by everybody, even by the way she walks or talks. Everybody worships her. But her cool-girl personality is nothing but a mask to hide her true self - a nervous and paranoid teen who's constantly worried about her social status. But even though she's having a hard time putting on her mask, she would gladly play along until after her senior year. That is until she discovered the secret of the Student Council students, whose real identities are The Pandorgriffs. The most popular girl and boy band of the year. Now, everywhere she goes, they follow her like a stalker. But what’s worse than having famous stalkers? It's when they find out about her secret as well.
View MoreLYRIC
"You used me!" I sobbed, crying to my mate who just rejected me. "Mating with me was your ladder to power, Roderick! Your Pack climbed the ranks because of me! Now that you've achieved your ambition, you don't need the ugly girl anymore, is that it? But you were willing to mate with me a year ago!"
"Oh, spare me!" Roderick rolled his eyes. "Don't act like you didn't know I'd have left you at some point. Hold on, did you really think I'd have made you the Luna of my Pack? I can barely stand the sight of you, Lyric. How do you expect me to take you to Alpha meetings and present you to others? You are disgusting!"
"But I did not give this scar to myself!" I cried bitterly. "And you promised you'd take me to the best doctors. You didn't do any of that, Roderick! It'd have helped!"
"What? Even your own family doesn't care enough to take you to doctors, and you think I would? Quit, dreaming, Lyric and get out of my Pack!"
Tears blurred my vision. It wasn't the first time I was being called ugly, but it hurt more each time it came from Roderick.
I knew Roderick had no love for me when my family paired me with him a year ago. For a year, we lived like strangers despite being mated. I was still a virgin as he could not even bring himself to touch me.
It wasn't my fault I was ugly. I was burnt with a silver-base branding iron when I was a kid, leaving a huge scar by the side of my face. I still didn't know who was responsible for it, but I've had to grow up with this sting of rejection. Even my own family hated me and were embarrassed by my appearance.
But I thought Roderick would be different. I thought he'd love me. Apparently, in a world where ranks mattered the most to Pack Leaders, deceit was bound to happen.
I glared at him. I'd truly loved this man and wished he'd love me back. But now, I wish he'd suffer for what he did to me.
"You are a monster," I gritted the words. "And I hope you pay for this someday."
He threw back his head and laughed, a hollow sound. "Cursed Lyric, how exactly is that going to happen? I am currently the third most powerful Alpha now. My Pack is up the ranks while your family is beneath me! There is nothing you can do to me anymore. You have always been and will always be worthless!
"Listen, I have rejected you already, and you have accepted. Although, there is one final formality left, but as far as I'm concerned, you're not longer anything to me. So, get your disgusting face out of my pack! This instant, before I have the guards throw you out!" His glare was icy, and before I could respond, he walked out.
.........
After I managed to pull myself together, I left Roderick's Pack and decided to head home—to my father's Pack. I hadn't been home since I moved into Roderick's Pack, and I hoped they'd be willing to take me in.
My family had never really liked me. Everything started falling apart after my mother left—abandoning me when I was four. My father chose a new mate and suddenly didn't have enough time for me. Then, I got my scar and he became even more distant.
The guards let me through the gate, but when I rang the bell of the lounge, my stepsister and her mother opened up. To my surprise, they wouldn't let me in.
"Go back to Roderick and beg him some more, Lyric. There is no room for you here," Nora said after I explained everything to them.
Despite my attempt to get them to to pity me, letting them understand I had nowhere else to go, they ordered the guards to see me out.
They've always taken me to be a disgrace to the family and were happy when I left to Roderick's Pack. Now, they didn't want me back.
.........
By evening, I was seated in a bar, my favorite bar—Faceless Drunk. Over here, they mixed portions strong enough to get a wolf drunk, and you didn't have to worry about being recognized and judged as every customer made use of masks.
It had been my favorite bar for years. If people had to see my face, they'd think I was getting drunk because I was ugly.
"You're too ugly." I'd heard those words too many times, I could recite them in my sleep without missing a beat.
But above all, it was Roderick's betrayal that cut deep. It was even more painful that I could not do anything to him. His Pack was very powerful now, and I was an ugly, rejected girl who didn't even have a family to return to. Nobody could ever want me. What was the point of living?
I emptied the last of my drink and was trying to stand when someone spoke from nowhere: "A refill for the lady, please."
I turned in surprise to find a man taking the seat beside me. The bartender nodded and proceeded to get a refill.
I furrowed my brows in surprise as I looked at the newcomer. I couldn't see his face as he was wearing a mask just like me, but something about the way he appeared told me he was sophisticated.
His suit was a Mason Étoile brand, and his watch was an Aristo Tempus watch. An average Wolf couldn't afford these things.
"You've been coming here to drink alone for some time now," he said, surprising me.
His voice... It was soothing and impossible to ignore.
I lowered my eyes, feeling a little ashamed. How can he even tell? "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Your mask." He tipped his chin toward me. "You've never changed it."
Oh. "That means you also come here a lot."
"I do. It's not quite up to my standard, but it's my favorite place. I like it when I don't get judged by anyone."
The barman returned with my drink. I thanked the newcomer before drinking from my glass.
"From the look of things, you must be troubled. I am, too. So, why don't we make a deal, Miss? Have fun for the night and go our separate ways by morning?"
I looked at him in shock. He was offering a one-night affiar!
"But y—you don't even know me," I muttered shyly.
"I do not need to. It is simply for fun."
There was something about the way he spoke. I could tell he was a man that didn't care about the feelings of others and was only out to get what he wanted.
"Although, I must warn you," he tsked. "It will be a long night. I have... problems finishing on a woman. I never finish. So, like I said, it is simply for the fun of it."
Huh? He could not climax during intimacy? But I heard that was the best part of it. How could he enjoy intimacy if he has never finished on a woman before? The thought of it was sad.
Despite how absurd it sounded, a part of me was tempted. I'd always been curious about intimacy. No one has ever liked me because of my scar, not even my mate—ex-mate.
After much conviction from the newcomer, I gave it a thought.
"Can we keep our masks on?" You'll hate me just like the others if you see how ugly I am.
"Sure." He shrugged. "Your wish is my command, Princess."
Princess? My stomach churned.
Oh, no. He didn't know I looked like a monster. If he knew, he'd run off like the others.
I was tempted to cry. Sometimes, I really did wish I was treated like a 'Princess.'
My first instinct is to run away with Xander. My second instinct is to run towards Vanessa and tackle her. That girl deserves whatever body pain I am planning on inflicting on her. I guess it was not enough for her to ruin me. Now, she wants to drag Xander along too. She obviously needed some much needed drama to put her on the spot again. To what extent is she willing to ruin people’s lives just so she can stay in the spotlight? I have never been so angry at anyone before, but I will deal with my emotions later. My priority right now is Xander. Looking at Xander, I was surprised to see him standing so calmly in front of me. Well, he wasn’t entirely calm. He was shaking, but it wasn’t from fear or anxiety. He looks like he is about to burst out laughing. What is he so excited about? “Xander?” I grab his hand. “Xander, come on. Let’s get you out of here. I will call my dad to pick us up.” Xander’s gaze softens when he turns to me. “Thanks, Hailey.” He kisses my forehead, which
The big day has arrived, and even though I have complete faith in my mother's design abilities, I can not help but feel nervous. I have seen the design before, but when I look in the mirror, I cannot help but admire the dress. It’s a light lavender dress with a sweetheart neckline and a thin laced strap to keep it in place—my mom knows I was never gifted in the frontal area. The skirt is a flare shape, with the hemline ending perfectly a few centimeters from the floor. Most of the beadwork is at the neckline and waist since the material used for the skirt is chromatic. It shines perfectly on its own. My mother didn’t want me to look too mature so my hair is left in a side loose braid. “Perfect!” My mother enters the dressing room just as I finish clasping dangling earrings in my ears. I shy away from the mirror at how my mother is continuously gushing at me and my outfit. “Darling, you look wonderful! Of course, I expect no less from my daughter, who carries my perfect genes!” “N
Preparation for the dance has been going smoothly. Our efforts have come to fruition when everything is finally coming together. I hate every second of the work, but getting to see the final outcome feels somehow rewarding. Speaking of which, while we were still preparing the venue, the others figured out that Xander and I were already dating. I’m pretty sure that was the case when we told them, because their reaction was a robotic surprise, like they hadn’t tried practicing it. “Wow. We totally had no idea.” “Really? We hadn’t noticed.” “Congratulations!” Only Leo had a really genuine reaction from the group, even lightly clapping his hands in celebration. This world needs a lot more Leo—so pure and innocent. The rest of us can just die (I'm kidding!). “See? I told you they’d know.” Xander crosses his arms and pointedly looks toward Sandy. “I bet you already have proofs and created a group chat where only you, Sheen, and Leo are in it to show the photos.” Leo and Sheen exch
Taking a photoshoot with The Pandorgriffs always feels like bliss for me, despite the number of times that we’ve done this before. It seems that I will always be their fan, no matter what. Actually, that’s not the only thing that makes me excited to work with them. It’s also the fact that I get to work with Xander too. It’s only been a day since we started dating, but it seems like I can’t help but feel light and happy whenever we see each other. He keeps meeting my gaze during our turn and giving me secret grins and a wink. If Xander could be an animal, he would definitely be a fox. Sandy, the ever so reigning queen of gossip, managed to catch that Xander and I have been looking at each other all throughout work. This hellhound of a girl literally has been giving us both a look of suspicion and, I swear, I think her nostrils are flaring like she caught the scent of a hot topic. Xander and I haven’t told the others about our relationship yet. We’re not trying to hide it from them
As the school’s cool girl, I have numerous people confessing to me on a daily basis, but having someone that I know confess to me, especially one that I like, is just embarrassing—in a good way. You’d thought that I would jump in glee and throw sparkles and rainbows at everyone’s face out of joy, but nope. Before I could even give my answer, Leo and the others came back. The next day, I was so tired. I could not even sleep just thinking about it. We’re supposed to head to the mall today to buy the materials needed to make the design. Of course, Xander is going to be there. Unexpectedly, I arrived at the meeting place earlier than planned. I’ve got nothing better to do because if I continue to stay at home, I might just keep staring at my reflection and recalling the confession. It was a confession, right? I mean, I am almost certain that it was. Before we parted ways, Xander assured me that he doesn’t need an answer right away and is willing to wait. Actually, I really wanted t
I rarely get into serious situations that I give a damn about. Right now, I badly wish that I was in one of those situations so I could just laugh and ignore it. I guess I have not gotten my luck as Hailey May Collins working yet because the situation in question involves Xander and the others. “You guys are going to disband?” My tongue felt heavy when I said it. I knew what I heard, but I still could not believe it. “Can you tell me why?” “It’s not exactly a secret, but I assure you that it was a mutual agreement on everyone’s part.” Xander looks uncomfortable, making me wish that I hadn’t asked the question in the first place. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer my question if you are feeling uncomfortable.” I hastily added and avoided his gaze. As much as I am dying to know their reasons, I should still respect their privacy. Xander’s chortle comes as a surprise to me. I stare at him, wondering what it is that he finds so amusing. Currently, I feel a little conflicted about
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments