Chapter 1

Maeve pov

I’m late. Again!

Fuck why can I ever be on time!

"Maeve!" My mom calls from downstairs"Breakfast is getting cold!"

"Coming!" I throw on whatever clothes I can find and grab my bag. I have maybe ten minutes before I miss the bus. I rush downstairs, almost tripping over my own feet. Typical.

As soon as I hit the kitchen, the smell of bacon fills my nose.My dad’s already at the table, reading the paper like it’s still 1995. My mom, in her apron, is serving up breakfast with that same smile she gives every morning. They’re at it again — looking at each other like they’re the only ones in the world.

I groan, sliding into my seat. "Can you two not do that in front of me and Lyle?"

My brother, who’s sitting across from me, makes a face. "Yeah, it’s gross." But I know he secretly likes it. So do I, kinda. Just… not before coffee.

My parents have that special love,the fated mates type,the kind every wolf hopes for. It’s like they’re each other’s whole world, and it’s been that way since the day they met. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever have that... but let’s be real, probably not. I’m an omega. Omegas don’t get fairytale endings. They get forgotten.

"Maeve, you should eat properly," Mom says, dropping a plate in front of me. “It’s important to start the day with a good breakfast.”

I nod, but my thoughts are elsewhere. The mating ball is coming up, and everyone’s making a huge deal about it. It’s supposed to be this magical moment where you find your mate, your perfect other half. But what if no one picks me? What if I’m left standing there like an idiot?

I’m an omega, after all. It’s not like anyone expects me to get the perfect mate or anything. People assume I'll settle for whoever will have me. i want to believe I deserve better, but omegas are at the bottom of the pack expected to be thankful for any alpha's attention. Even the unwanted attention.

Fortunately, my pack largely ignores me, which is a blessing in disguise. I've heard horror stories from other packs, where omegas face constant bullying.

Their experiences make me count my blessings. At least I'm left alone, free from the constant fear of harassment.

"Big day at school?"my mom says,

“Not really.” I take another bite, pretending not to care. School’s the same as always—alphas walking around like they own the place, omegas like me trying to stay invisible.

The only difference is today everyone’s talking about the mating ball. I could honestly care less. I just want to get through the day without running into Jaxon or hearing about who might end up with who.

Lyle eyes me over his cereal bowl, probably wondering what’s going on in my head. He’s never said it, but I know he worries about me. He was born an alpha but still He blends in, makes friends easily, doesn’t let the whole rank thing get to him. Me? I feel like I’m always trying to catch up.

"I’ll be fine," I mutter, more to myself than anyone else.

Mom pats my shoulder before I rush out the door. "Just remember, Maeve—Stay true to your heart ."

I give her a weak smile, but the words don’t really sink in. If only it were that easy.

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At my locker, I’m focused on getting my books out when, of course, Ava jumps at me like she does every other day.

“BOO!” she shouts, grabbing my shoulders.

I nearly scream, slamming my locker shut in a panic. “Ava!” I spin around, glaring at her. She’s laughing, not the slightest bit sorry.

Ava is the daughter of the Luna and alpha of my pack. She and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. She's the only who doesn't treat me like i don't exist and I love the way she's always ready to brighten a room with her laugh. I envy her carefree spirit; it’s like nothing can touch her.

Ava was pretty, the kind of pretty that turns heads without trying – glowing skin, cute face and piercing emerald eyes. Her long, curly blonde hair heddown her back like a golden waterfall. She was like a fairy tale character.

“Got you good, didn’t I?” She laughs

I roll my eyes. “You’re too much, you know that?”

“Oh, come on! You love it.” She wraps me in one of her bear hugs, then pulls back, eyes bright with excitement. “You’re never going to guess what happened.”

“I’m going to guess anyway,” I say, raising an eyebrow. “Does it involve the transfer student?”

Her jaw drops. “How did you know?!”

I laugh. “Because that’s literally all anyone’s talking about. Plus, you’re predictable.”

“Okay, fair.” She sighs but then leans in, whispering, “But seriously, he’s so hot. Like, too hot. And mysterious. Everyone is talking about him”

I snort. “Yeah, that sounds safe. Let’s all fall over the guy we barely know.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Maeve! He’s probably fine. You should totally meet him.” Ava says.

“I’ll pass. I’ve got enough going on, especially with the mating ball coming up.”

Ava’s face lights up. “Ooooh, the ball! Maybe we will both find our mate!”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, because that’s the dream, right? Let’s be real, Ava. I’m an omega. No one cares who I end up with, least of all me.”

She holds my shoulder. “Maeve, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re going to find someone amazing, I know it.”

“Talking about me?”Before I can respond, Jaxon’s smug voice cuts through the conversation.

For some reason, Ava's twin brother seemed to despise me. He made sure to always remind what a lowly omega I was. I hated talking to him,he always made sure to ruin my mood.

Great. Just what I needed.

“No one was talking about you, Jaxon,” I say flatly, not even bothering to turn around.

Actually,” Ava cuts "we were having a private conversation, so… go away?”

Jaxon ignores her, of course. He always does when it comes to me. “Funny, though,” he says, coming to stand right in front of me, arms crossed.

Unlike Ava, Jason had a athletic build with a strong jawline, piercing blue eyes, and messy, sandy-blond hair that always looked like he'd just rolled out of bed. Despite being twins, Jason and Ava seemed nothing alike.

And that was true for their personalities, Jason was a rude jerk.

“I can’t imagine you finding a mate, Maeve. You’re… what’s the word I’m looking for? Oh, right. Pathetic.” Jason said