2. Joshua Quinn

Naomi's POV:

When the werewolf delivery man handed me the acceptance letter, I was so stunned that I couldn't speak.

Even the restaurant manager, who had been berating me non-stop, fell silent and stared at the envelope in disbelief.

"You actually got accepted to Werewolf Ivy League University?"

All the werewolf coworkers and customers who had been mocking me now watched curiously, urging me to open the letter.

I wiped my hands on my apron several times before carefully tearing it open with my trembling hands.

Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw the bold words "Werewolf Ivy League University Admission Letter."

I was no longer the worthless failure my father had always called me. I had worked hard and earned my way into Werewolf Ivy League University!

"Gosh! She actually got into Werewolf Ivy League University! That's the top werewolf academy in North Merstone!"

"She's the first from the Bluemoon Pack to be accepted, right? Wow, who would've thought she was a genius!"

"As expected from the Alpha's daughter! She's amazing."

The same werewolves who once looked down on me now changed their tone the moment they saw the acceptance letter. They were congratulating me with respect now.

This was how everything worked in the werewolf world.

You would be respected if you were strong and you would be treated like a sinner if you were weak.

I read the letter over and over, making sure I wasn't dreaming. The moment I confirmed it was real, I couldn't wait to get home and share the news with my father.

I had endured all the scorn, all the mistreatment, because I wanted him to see my efforts, to finally give me even the smallest amount of fatherly love.

Now, I could proudly tell him-

His eldest daughter wasn't worthless. I wasn't his shame. I could be his pride!

"Manager, I'd like to take some time off to go home ... "

"Of course, Darling! Go home and tell Alpha the good news. And give him my regards while you're at it."

The manager's eyes no longer held any contempt for me. All I could see was pure respect.

After thanking the manager, I quickly took off my apron and ran all the way home while clutching the acceptance letter tightly.

My heart was pounding with excitement and joy like never before.

'Faster, run faster! Dad will be so happy when he hears the news!'

I ran with all my strength, and in just ten minutes, I saw the familiar sight of our family's villa in the distance.

Even though I was still around three thousand feet away, I could already hear voices coming from inside.

I hadn't awakened my wolf yet, but my hearing was sharp enough to pick up the conversation.

It was my Alpha father, Tyler Northcutt, and he seemed to be on the phone.

"Honorable Beta of the Snowmoon Pack, tomorrow is your 60th birthday

'Snowmoon Pack's Beta? Was Dad talking to Joshua?'

I instinctively slowed my steps.

Snowmoon Pack was our neighboring pack, and their beta was Joshua Quinn.

My father always treated Joshua with great respect as the Snowmoon Pack was much larger and stronger than the Bluemoon Pack.

And Joshua, as their Beta, was possibly just as powerful as my father.

Though Joshua was strong, he had a terrible reputation among female werewolves.

After his fated mate died, not only was he unbothered, but he quickly mated with six young female werewolves in succession.

He was known to be unfaithful and had cruel kinks. Rumor had it that each of his mates had died under his torture.

Now his seventh mate had just died, and he was on the hunt for his eighth.

I wondered why my father would associate with someone so immoral.

As I frowned, I heard his next words loud and clear.

"I know you're looking for a new mate.

My daughter, Naomi, just turned 18.

She's unmated, and she's a virgin. I'll give her to you as your new mate, a gift from Bluemoon Pack to honor your birthday ... "

Boom-

I was so stunned that I couldn't move upon hearing that.

Dad was going to give me to Joshua as his mate?

That was no different from a death sentence!

The joy I had felt moments ago now seemed like a cruel joke.

I stood there gripping the acceptance letter in my hand, unable to move, as I listened to my father continue flattering Joshua.

"Naomi may be a weakling who hasn't even awakened her wolf, but she'd be honored to be your mate. Just don't find her unworthy ...

"Don't worry, even if she refuses, I'll tie her up and deliver her to you. She won't ruin your mating ceremony tomorrow.

"Alright, I'll send her over tonight so you can bond. The alliance between Bluemoon Pack and Snowmoon Pack will rest in your hands ... "

My father hung up the phone with a satisfied chuckle, pleased with the deal he had just struck. He had offered me up as a bargaining chip to secure an alliance between our packs.

It was suffocating.

Even though I hadn't yet awakened my wolf, and I had disappointed my Alpha father, I was still his daughter! How could he do this to me?

I didn't have time to process the shock before I heard my father sending people to the restaurant to fetch me, planning to deliver me to Joshua tonight.

My heart raced in panic, and only one thought filled my mind.

Run. I had to run!

I was only 18 and I had just received my acceptance letter to Werewolf Ivy League University. My life was only beginning.

I couldn't let my father hand me over to a monster like Joshua. I had to live!