Chapter 1

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the girl looking back at me. The black lace dress hugged my curves in all the right places, but it felt more like a cage than an outfit. Every breath I took reminded me of how constricting it was, how it pinched and pulled at my skin. The choker around my neck felt tight, almost suffocating, and my feet were already aching from these ridiculous heels. Why did I have to dress up like this again? Oh right, the stupid ceremony.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I wasn't sure if it was from the room's coolness against my bare shoulders or the dread pooling in my stomach. Who was I kidding? No wolf in their right mind would want me as a mate. I'm just Thalia, the pathetic Omega who can't even transform. The shame of it burned in my chest, threatening to overwhelm me.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. The pack's rules echoed in my head, each one feeling like another nail in my coffin:

Omegas are the lowest rank.

The Alpha pair choose mates.

An Omega without a mate by their 21st birthday will be exiled.

Mating without seeing your wolf is punishable by death.

My palms grew sweaty as I recited these rules to myself. Each one felt like it was designed specifically to make my life miserable. I wiped my hands on my dress, then immediately regretted it. Great, now I've probably ruined the fabric.

I twirled once, watching the dress sway around me. The lace scratched lightly against my skin, and my earrings tinkled softly with the movement. My hair, for once, decided to behave, cascading down my back in smooth waves. At least something was going right.

My hand unconsciously went to the necklace resting against my collarbone. Mom's necklace. The weight of it was comforting and crushing at the same time. I could almost hear her voice, smell her scent, feel her warmth...

"Knock knock! You decent in there, princess?"

Axel's voice snapped me out of my reverie. I smiled despite myself, feeling a wave of relief wash over me at the sound of his playful tone.

"Come in, you dork," I called back, my voice sounding shaky even to my own ears.

Axel's tall frame filled the doorway, his presence immediately warming the room. His blue eyes sparkled with humor as he looked me up and down.

"Well, well, well," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Look at you, all dolled up. You clean up nice, Thalia."

I felt my cheeks heat up, and I nervously tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Is it too much?" I asked, hating how insecure I sounded.

Axel's expression softened. "Not at all. You look stunning."

I giggled, but inside, doubt gnawed at me. If only I could believe him. All I saw in the mirror was a weak Omega, unworthy of love or a mate. My stomach churned with anxiety as I thought about the Ceremony ahead.

"You don't look so bad yourself," I said, trying to deflect attention from myself. "I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a mate tonight."

Something flashed in Axel's eyes, an emotion I couldn't quite place. He stepped closer, placing a warm hand on my shoulder.

"You know," he said, his voice low, "if I wasn't a Delta, I'd want you as my mate in a heartbeat."

My heart skipped a beat, and I tensed under his touch. Hope and fear warred within me, but I quickly squashed them both. It was just a hypothetical, after all. Nothing but a dream that could never come true.

"Don't tease me like that, AX," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "We both know that's not how it works."

He squeezed my shoulder gently. "I know, I know. But a guy can dream, right?"

I swallowed hard, fighting back tears. "What if..." I started, my voice trembling. "What if you get mated to someone from another pack? What if I never see you again?"

The thought of losing Axel, the one person who had always been there for me, was unbearable. I felt like I was drowning, the weight of my fear threatening to pull me under.

Axel's arms were around me in an instant, pulling me into a tight hug. I leaned into him, breathing in his familiar scent, feeling the softness of his suit under my fingertips.

"Hey, none of that," he murmured into my hair. "No matter what happens tonight, you're not getting rid of me that easily. I'll always be here for you, Thalia. Always."

I pressed my face into his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was comforting, but also a painful reminder that soon, this closeness might be gone forever.

"Promise?" I whispered, hating how small and scared I sounded.

"Cross my heart," Axel said, pulling back just enough to look me in the eye. "Besides, think of it this way – we're basically going to our own wedding tonight. Might as well enjoy it, right?"

I couldn't help but laugh at that, even as my heart clenched at the thought. "Some wedding," I said, rolling my eyes. "I don't think most brides are terrified of being rejected by every single guest."

Axel's expression turned serious. "Anyone who rejects you is an idiot, Thalia. You're amazing, wolf or no wolf. And if they can't see that, it's their loss."

I wanted to believe him, I did. But years of being the pack's black sheep had left their mark. Still, I managed a small smile for Axel's sake.

"Thanks, AX," I said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

He grinned, ruffling my hair and ignoring my indignant squawk. "Probably crash and burn," he teased. "Good thing you'll never have to find out."

I smoothed my hair back down, glaring at him playfully. "You're lucky I like you, or I'd kick your butt for messing up my hair."

"As if you could reach my butt, short stack," he retorted, dancing out of reach as I swatted at him.

For a moment, it felt like any other day – just me and Axel, joking around. But reality crashed back in as I caught sight of myself in the mirror again, all dressed up for a ceremony that could change everything.

Axel must have sensed my mood shift, because he sobered up, stepping close again to give me one last hug.

"It's going to be okay, Thalia," he said softly. "No matter what happens tonight, I've got your back. Always."

I hugged him back fiercely, trying to memorize everything about this moment – his warmth, his scent, the feeling of safety I always had when he was around.

"Happy Wedding, Thalia," Axel said as he pulled away, his tone light but his eyes suspiciously bright.

I felt a lump form in my throat, but I forced a smile. "Happy Wedding, Axel," I whispered back.

As he left the room, I turned back to the mirror, taking a deep breath. This was it. No more hiding, no more pretending. Whatever happened tonight, my life was about to change forever. I just hoped I was ready for it.

With one last glance at my reflection, I squared my shoulders and headed for the door. It was time to face my fate.