Chapter 1

Adeline’s POV

I trudged through the school gates, my feet heavy with dread. Another day, another dose of bullying and torture. I hated this school, and I especially hated him - Alan, the king of mean. He took great pleasure in making my life miserable, and the other students seemed to enjoy joining in on the fun.

It's just my first year in College, and I'm already weary. Occasionally I wondered if it was because he had always been mean since high school, but no, he became worse after we got into College. You might ask why no one has called him out on his shenanigans. Heck like anyone would. He was the Alpha's son and obviously, everybody's sweetheart. He was an Angel to everybody but a devil to me; a sickening thorn in my flesh.

As I walked down the hallway, I felt like an outcast, a target for everyone's cruelty. I kept my head down, trying to avoid eye contact, but it was no use. They still found ways to taunt me, to make me feel small. And all because I had no wolf and a mate obviously.

And then, disaster struck. I tripped on someone's leg and felt myself falling, my books and papers scattering everywhere. I closed my eyes, preparing for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt a strong hand grab my arm, steadying me.

I looked up, expecting to see a teacher or maybe even a random student, but my heart sank when I saw his face. Alan. The last person I wanted to see, the last person I wanted to be touched by.

“Look where you're going, clumsy,” he sneered, his grey orbs glinting with mischief as it bore into mine.

I didn't want to fall and had to do something I never expected that I would do. “Please, Alan, don't let me go!”

But he just smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “So cute of you to beg, but I'm disobedient, remember?” he said, releasing his grip on my arm.

I felt myself falling, and screamed as my butt hit the floor with a thud. I winced in pain and glared up at him, furious. “You're a jerk, Alan!”

He laughed out loud and the students joined him, pointing fingers at me. He placed his hands on his knees and blinked at me. “That's what you love about me, Princess. You love me being a jerk.” he said, his voice low and flirtatious.

I stood to my feet, glaring hard at him as he stood to face me as well. “I love nothing about you, Alan! You're the worst person I've ever met! And stop calling me Princess, I hate you so much and never want to have anything to do with you.”

He shrugged, his smile never wavering. “Maybe, but you're still stuck with me,” he poked my forehead. “Your attitude is the reason you never got a mate. Who'd want a mate like you anyway? Even the moon goddess did us a favor by not making you find your wolf.”

My heart ached as I'm reminded of that dreadful night again. My eighteenth birthday celebration was the day I was supposed to get my wolf and then find my mate, but nothing happened. I thought it was all a joke, but night turned to days, days turned into weeks and here I am; no wolf, no mate and Alan uses that to shut me up and hurt me every time.

I wasn't going to let him get to me today. I hid the pain I was feeling and looked up at him. “You’re one to talk,” I scoffed. “Don’t forget you are almost twenty and have no mate too, annoying devil.”

He chuckled, tucking his hand into his pocket. “Mine is by choice. If I wanted to find my mate today, I could, but you? You’re just so unlucky!” he snapped and before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me to pick up my scattered belongings.

I watched him go, my heart burning with resentment. Why did he have to be so cruel? I could feel tears gathering in my eyes as I bent down to pick my books and papers. Students walked by, stepping on my hands and the papers I tried to gather. I bit my lip, trying to hold back my tears, but it was no use. I felt like I was at my breaking point.

Just as I was about to give up, I saw someone bending down to help me pick up my papers. I looked up, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Tyler, Alan's best friend and the beta's son. He was the guy I had crushed on since high school; the one person I had hoped to get mated to, the one person who seemed different from Alan.

He was the only person who didn't treat me like trash. He comforted me when I didn't get my wolf and tried to cheer me up. He was also good-looking and I wondered why Alan couldn't be just like him for once.

Tyler's eyes met mine, and he smiled warmly. “Hey, Adeline, need some help?” he asked, his voice gentle. I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat.

Tyler helped me gather my papers, his hands touching mine as we both reached for the same sheet. I quickly pulled my hand away, my heart beat accelerating. I looked at him and he just smiled without saying a word. When we were done, he stood up and handed over my books to me.

“Thanks,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tyler smiled. “Anytime, Adeline. See you later.” he waved at me and walked away while I stood there, watching his back.

I sighed and sniffed in my tears as I looked around. I would just have to get through today like I have always done in the previous days and get enough rest before another round of pain tomorrow.

****

“Mother, I'm home!” I exclaimed as I walked through the door, physically and emotionally drained from all I had to endure in school today. Flora not being in school today even made me more lonely. She was my childhood friend and with her, I get to forget how bad my day is.

“Addie come here, dear!” Mother yelled from the kitchen and I forced a smile.

I walked into the kitchen, dropping my bag on the floor. Mother was preparing lunch, and the aroma of cooking food filled the air. She turned around, a warm smile on her face. “Hey, sweetie, how was your day?” she asked, concern etched on her face.

I shrugged. “It was as usual, Mother.” I answered and sighed.

My mother's expression softened, and she handed me a glass of water. “Here, drink this. You look like you could use it.” I took the glass, and gave her a small smile. She put down the spatula she was using and walked over to me. “Everything will be fine, Adeline. You're strong, and you can get through this.” I nodded, trying to believe her words. It was easy for her to say; she wasn't the one being bullied and belittled every day.

But I knew she was trying to help, so I forced a smile. “Thanks, Mother. I'll try.”

She nodded and smiled at me. “Now cheer up because I have good news!” she exclaimed, and I smiled at her.

“What good news?” I asked and she beamed. I haven't seen my mother this happy since my father's death two years ago, and it made me all the more curious to hear what she had to say.

“Remember that man I told you I was seeing?” she asked, and I raised an eyebrow.

“The one you said was a prominent person and I would be shocked if you told me who he was?” I asked and she nodded.

“We're getting married!” she squealed in excitement and my eyes widened.

“Marriage?” I asked and she nodded. “How did that happen? You haven't even told me who he is yet.” I blinked at her.

I recalled how I had pestered her when she told me about him last month, and she would always ask me to be patient and that she would tell me who he was in due time. She hadn’t said anything and they're getting married? How can I call someone I don’t even know “my stepfather”?

“I didn't want to tell you who he was until we'd pulled through our plans, sweetie. But now that everything is working out, I will tell you who my Fiancè is.”

“Great! Tell me then.” I took another sip from the water, looking up at her.

“It's Alpha King Ryker!” she dropped the bomb and I spat out the water from my mouth.

“What!” I exclaimed. “Alpha King Ryker?” I exclaimed and she nodded, her face beaming with smiles.

“Our pack's Alpha or someone else?” I asked, hoping this was a prank or maybe a coincidence.

Mother rolled her eyes. “Who else bears the name Alpha King Ryker in the Red Flames Pack?” she asked with creased brows and my eyes widened the more. Alpha King Ryker is Alan’s father. He is that annoying devil’s father!

No! This can't be happening! There is no freaking way this is happening.

If Mother gets married to Alpha King Ryker, Alan will automatically become my Stepbrother.

I gasped and exclaimed in horror. “No!”