Chapter 1: A New Pack

Calla’s POV

I stood at the wrought-iron gates of my future stepfather’s castle, momentarily frozen, my breath caught somewhere between awe and disbelief.

Wealth had a presence. I’d always known that in theory, but standing here, staring at marble columns that kissed the sky and glass walls that reflected the afternoon sun like polished mirrors, I felt it. This wasn’t just a house. It was a statement. Power carved into stone and steel.

I had never imagined beauty like this could exist outside of magazines or whispered fairy tales. The villa castle was enormous, sprawling across manicured land that seemed to stretch endlessly, every blade of grass trimmed with obsessive precision.

Ten years ago, my parents’ divorce had stripped life down to its bare essentials.

My mother had raised me alone, juggling long shifts and exhausted smiles, doing everything she could to make sure I never felt the weight she carried on her shoulders. We’d lived modestly. Warm, but simple. Love-rich, money-poor.

So this… this felt unreal.

A month ago, when she told me she’d found her true mate, she’d hesitated like she was bracing for impact.

A divorced single father, she’d said carefully. She wanted to accept his proposal.

She’d been afraid of what it would mean for me. Leaving our old pack. Transferring schools. Starting over in unfamiliar territory.

But how could I deny her this?

I had never seen my mother glow the way she did when she spoke about him. Happiness softened the sharp lines exhaustion had carved into her face over the years. For the first time, she looked… chosen.

“Congratulations, Mom. I’m so happy for you,” I’d said then, and I meant every word.

Her reaction had been instant. Shock flickered across her face before melting into relief. She’d exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for weeks and pulled me into a tight embrace.

“Thank you,” she murmured into my hair, her voice thick with emotion.

I hadn’t known until today that the man she was marrying was the Alpha of one of the richest packs in the country, Crystal Lake.

A soft click of heels against stone pulled me from my thoughts, as we stood in front of the giant front doors.

A woman approached us, dressed in a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into brown trousers. Her posture was impeccable, her movements precise. She stopped a few steps away and bowed deeply.

“Welcome, Your Highness,” she said respectfully.

I blinked.

Before I could process the title, she straightened and smiled politely. “My name is Nina. I’ll be taking care of your luggage.”

My mother returned a small, composed smile, though I noticed the tension in her shoulders. This world was new to both of us.

Nina clapped her hands twice.

Almost immediately, several others appeared, dressed similarly in white shirts and brown skirts. They bowed in unison before moving efficiently toward our bags, lifting them.

As they disappeared into the castle, a deep voice called out my mother’s name from behind us.

“Sara, dear.”

She turned instantly, her face lighting up in a way I rarely saw, and I followed her gaze.

I knew without being told. He was the Alpha.

His presence filled the space effortlessly, like the air itself had shifted to make room for him. He was tall, broad-shouldered, built like a man who had never known weakness.

Silver threaded through his beard, sculpting his strong jaw, and his hair was mostly grey, yet it only added to his appeal. Age had sharpened him, not dulled him. There was something reassuring and dangerous wrapped together in the way he carried himself.

I couldn’t blame my mother for falling for him.

After pulling her into a warm embrace, he turned his attention to me.

“You must be Calla,” he said.

Before I could answer, he stepped forward and drew me into a brief hug. His arms were solid, protective, and his scent carried authority and calm in equal measure.

“You’re just as beautiful as your mother,” he added, cupping my face gently.

A small smile curved my lips. “Thank you.”

“Come,” he said, straightening. “Let me show you around.”

My mother nodded, her fingers lacing with his naturally, as if they’d always belonged there.

I followed behind them as he guided us through the vast estate. The swimming pool alone was larger than anything I’d ever seen, its surface shimmering beneath the sun.

He showed us the expansive parking area, the perfectly manicured gardens bursting with color, and pointed out the staff quarters tucked neatly away yet still immaculate.

Everything was deliberate, controlled and powerful.

My mother had mentioned that he had children, but I hadn’t seen them yet. The thought sent a flicker of excitement through me. I’d grown up as an only child, and the idea of siblings felt strangely thrilling.

When we finished the tour outside, we moved indoors. The interior was even more breathtaking, marble floors gleaming beneath towering ceilings, the space echoing with quiet luxury.

“You must be exhausted,” the Alpha said, turning to me. “Let me take you to your room. We can continue the tour after you’ve rested.”

I nodded, suddenly aware of how overwhelming everything felt.

“Alright,” I said softly.

He led me up to the third floor and pushed open a set of tall double doors. I stepped inside and gasped.

The room was immaculate. Vast. Almost unreal.

It was nearly the size of our entire old house, everything arranged with deliberate care. Soft light spilled across elegant furniture dressed in shades of baby pink and white.

My favorite colors.

The bed alone looked like it belonged in a dream, oversized and dressed in expensive silk that shimmered faintly as I brushed my fingers over it. Everything smelled clean, new, untouched.

“I believe this suits your taste?” the Alpha asked.

I glanced at my mother, then back at him. “I love it,” I admitted.

A satisfied smile touched his lips. “Good. I want you to be comfortable here. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask me or anyone in this house.”

“Thank you,” I said, still smiling, still dazzled.

They stepped away, leaving me alone.

I walked further into the room, turning in a slow circle, my mouth parted in pure disbelief. Opulence wrapped around me like a soft spell. I could feel the excitement of my wolf, Sue.

For a fleeting moment, I thought perhaps money could buy happiness. But I’d reached that conclusion far too quickly.

Voices drifted down the corridor, male voices. Deep. Overlapping. Familiar in a way that sent an unexpected chill along my spine.

My mother and the Alpha were still just outside my door.

“And these,” the Alpha said warmly to my mother, “are my sons.”

Curiosity tugged at me before caution could intervene. I moved quietly toward the door and peered out into the hallway.

I froze. My breath caught painfully in my throat.

Three identical faces stared back at me. Recognition struck like a blade.

In an instant, the excitement evaporated. The beauty of the room, the luxury, the wonder, all of it dissolved into nothing.

Because I knew those faces.