Chapter 2

Vera waved a stack of forms in the air, tapping the edge against a tree trunk. "These are opt-out forms. Sign them, and you don't have to show up to the Council's prep training camp. Just come straight for the Trials when it's time."

Silas Morris was the first to rush up and snatch one, signing without a second thought. "Whatever Vera says goes. Anyone who doesn't sign is an idiot."

Rowan White hesitated for two seconds, then signed too. With someone taking the lead, everyone else crowded in, scrambling for the forms.

"Sign it fast. Let's go home and hunt. See you in the new pack!"

Only one form was left. Vera turned to look at me, still standing there, and held it out. "Seraphina, aren't you signing?"

I stared back at her, expressionless. Didn't reach for it.

Vera's smile flickered for a split second, a flush creeping up her face. "Don't tell me you're scared? Everyone else signed. What's there to be afraid of?"

Silas chimed in from the side, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "She's always been the strongest fighter among us. Of course she can't relate to us taking shortcuts."

"Two years of busting her ass, only to find out we can waltz into a new pack with just a few words. All that work for nothing. That's gotta sting."

Muffled laughter rippled through the crowd.

Vera's voice took on a pitying edge. "Seraphina, I get it—it sucks. But even if you give it everything you've got, your own abilities alone won't get you into a new pack."

She sighed, looking at me like I was an idiot. "There's an easy way up right in front of you. Why won't you take it?"

My fated mate, Jasper Thorne, looked down at me, clearly losing patience. "You're the only one who hasn't signed. What's your deal?"

He lifted his chin, contempt plain in his eyes. "A golden opportunity's staring you in the face, and you're just going to fight yourself over it?"

Vera tugged at his sleeve, then turned back to me, putting on a concerned face. "You're really not signing? You're the only one in the whole pack who hasn't. Doesn't that feel weird to you?"

Jasper let out a cold laugh, his gaze mocking. "She can't stand seeing us get ahead easy. She suffered for two years, and we get in with a single phrase—of course she's bitter."

Silas butted in, his tone snide. "The whole pack signed except her, and she's playing the wise one. What's the point?"

Vera waved the form in front of my face. "Seraphina, last chance. Are you signing or not? Don't say I didn't give you an opportunity."

When I didn't react, she let out a dramatic, regretful sigh. "When we're all in the new pack and you're the only one left out, don't come crying to me."

I slowly looked around at all of them, then finally spoke: "Not signing."

Vera's smile froze. Her eyes turned a little red. "Seraphina, be honest with me. If you're not signing—are you planning to report us?"

The whole pack went dead silent. She bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly. "If you have a problem with me, just take it out on me. But this is about everyone's future. Don't make the whole pack pay for your grudge."

Her words lit a fuse. Everyone's expression shifted instantly.

"No wonder she won't sign! She's been plotting against us this whole time!"

Vera quickly waved her hands, trying to calm things down. "Everyone, relax. I'm just asking. Maybe Seraphina didn't mean it like that."

Jasper slammed his fist into the dirt right in front of me, making the nearby tree shudder. He leaned down, his face inches from mine, disgust burning in his eyes. "Seraphina. Are you going to snitch? What the hell is wrong with you? How can you be so selfish?"

His chest heaved as he ground out the words through clenched teeth. "If you don't sign today—we're done. No discussion."