Chapter 1 : Dream Dashed

I couldn't believe it. My letter from Moonlight College, one of the most famous colleges in the wolf world, arrived in the mail, and they had accepted me!

I read it repeatedly. Was it really true?

'Dear Juliana Anderson,

We are happy to say that your application to Moonlight College has been accepted! Congratulations. Here is a list of your next steps to prepare for orientation, enroll in your courses, and get to know where you'll be living.

As if it wasn't already amazing to be one of the newly accepted, my happiness was two-fold. I'd finally get a chance to leave my family and live with my lifelong chosen mate, Carl.

We could behave as boyfriend and girlfriend without the watchful eye of our parents. It would be great to make our own decisions, not to mention, have some private time.

It wasn't as if I didn't like my family; in fact, we were very close, but things were tense between us ever since my stepsister Arlene became a member.

Everyone, including my boyfriend Carl, tended to pay much attention to Arlene. It always bothered me, and even though I tried to tell myself it was in my head, there were too many overt displays to chock it up to that.

I didn't want to seem ungrateful. My life as the daughter of Alpha Anderson, Alpha of Gold Valley–one of the most famous, well-off packs around–had been wonderfully warm and loving, but things had changed ever since Mom died. Her death was due to too many wagging tongues, and increased aggression mounted until things became violent.

Once the fight broke out against the aggressors, not only had my mother been killed, but my father was also seriously injured. He almost lost his life, and that was saying something especially with how powerful he was as Alpha Anderson.

We had been extremely lucky because if it weren't for our beta, Beta Drummond, who was there to stand in and help against the group of rogues, I’d have lost both my parents that day.

Everyone knew and respected that Beta Drummond had made the ultimate sacrifice with his life for his alpha. If ever there had been a smidge of doubt about Beta Drummond's loyalty, all concerns were quashed after that.

My father's choice to marry Beta Drummon's widow wasn't necessarily out of love; it was more like guilt about Lily, who had her own daughter, Arlene Drummond, who was now without a father. Once they married, that was when things changed unequivocally between our family.

Of course, my father had to put his time and energy into consoling his new wife, Lily and regarded his responsibilities thoughtfully as Arlene's father figure. So much that the attention he paid to me had fallen by the wayside for years.

My father was righteous and often had to remind me that his choices weren't always personal. He simply had to do what was best for the pack. At first, I understood his position, of course. Arlene had lost her father; Lily was devastated, and my father was grieving, too.

I'd been working hard to listen to my father and to be a good person by respecting both Lily's situation and Arlene's loss in their lives, but the truth was, I was exhausted and ready to move on.

Now that I had been accepted to my dream college, however, it was a socially appropriate reason to head out on my own without any hard feelings. I mean, who could blame me for leaving after being accepted into such a highly sought-after college?

I could barely contain myself that morning, but I waited until my father was around. I was so excited I worried how loud my shouts of joy would become but I had to share it with him as soon as possible. When I heard him stirring, I followed the sounds.

"Dad," I had begun when I found him in his office. "Guess what?" Apparently, my father hadn't been in the mood for guessing games because he simply gave me a blank stare. Perhaps it had been a long day since that often happened, being that he was alpha with all the pack affairs he had to deal with.

His voice sounded impatient when he asked me, "What? I don't have a lot of time to spare." I felt slightly hurt, but I knew that his mood would change once he heard the news.

"Okay, I won't keep you in suspense. I received my letter from Moonlight College, and," I paused both for effect and still because of my own shock, "I was accepted!"

As soon as I said that, without thinking, I entered his office to show him the letter of proof. I assumed he'd share my enthusiasm and wanted to look at the directions for what I should do next with student orientation, which was soon.

Instead of seeing the expected proud, beaming expression on his face I’d pictured for years, he simply pinched his eyebrows and sighed. I was in such shock that I thought perhaps he hadn't understood what I'd said. He did have a lot on his plate lately.

"Dad, did you hear what I said? Moonlight–"

"I heard you, Juliana," he answered, cutting me off. My chest suddenly felt tight. I recognized that no-nonsense voice. Studying him, I could tell he was tired but also annoyed. Did some of his upset have to do with me?

Why in the world would he be upset about acceptance into one of the best colleges in the world? Now I was worried. Had something horrible happened during a pack meeting, such as the threat of violence? If that were true, I could understand.

I needed to think that was the case, since he couldn't possibly be indifferent toward this, right?

"Juliana, we need to talk about your acceptance to the school."

"Great! I can't wait to plan this out with you. I’ll start to pack and bring–”

"I'm not interested in talking about your future plans to attend college. What I want you to do is to give up your acceptance."

At first, I laughed under my breath, half expecting his serious request to turn into a chuckle he'd been suppressing, unable to contain his own excitement, but it never came. He linked his fingers and elbows on his desk and stared into my eyes somberly.

"What's going on, Dad? I thought you'd be thrilled, just as I am. We’ve both been looking forward to this for years.”

"Arlene applied as well, and she was placed on the waiting list. In fact, she's next in line."

"Well, that's not a big deal. I'm sure someone will withdraw. All sorts of things happen to make it so people can't attend. Some realize it's too far from home, or others–"

"I'm not concerned with taking a chance on that. I'm asking you to give up your spot so Arlene can definitely enroll this semester."

I was shocked at first, so much that I was speechless. My heart began to pick up pace.

Finally, when my brain found the words, I gulped and managed to ask, "What?"

"We both know how sought-after a space is in this institution. It isn't the type of college where people change their minds about attending. It fills up fast, and for good reason. You know this as well as I do."

"Dad, forgive me if I'm talking out of turn, but you can’t be serious about me giving this up. I've worked diligently to get into this college, even as far back as since primary school. How many others have you seen with that type of dedication? If you're concerned about me letting you down, I can assure you that won't happen."

"This always happens between you and Arlene. You are the one who receives the accolades while Arlene is left in the shadows. I know you've bullied her since she has been a member of this family, and I think it's high time for you to make up for it."

"Bullied?! That's so untrue! I've kept my head down and respected our new situation. It has been difficult for me since Mom has passed, but I've done my very best to adjust. My goals have been my own, and I haven't involved Arlene. I think you're imagining a competition between us."

"I don't believe you. I think you've stuck your nose in the air at Arlene since she joined this family, and I've had my fill of it. If you want to prove yourself to me and Arlene once and for all, give up your spot at Moonlight College. Allow her to have the same chances you have had."

I was fuming, but I buttoned my lips. I needed to get some air. The one person who would understand me was my boyfriend, Carl. Although he'd bought Arlene's pity act in the past, I knew he’d see my side.

He was my chosen mate, after all.

When I knocked on the door, it didn't take long for Carl to answer.

"Wow, I can tell by your expression that something bad happened. Come in," Carl said. I entered his house with mixed feelings. My former pink cloud of hope and inspiration had become a stormy mixture of sadness and confusion.

"I got accepted into Moonlight College," I said to Carl as he led me to his living room to sit down on the couch with him. His face lit up immediately as he raised his eyebrows and smiled brightly. He knew how badly I wanted this.

"That's great, sweetheart!" he exclaimed. When I didn't respond in happiness, he glanced at me, raising his eyebrows. "Isn't it?" he finally asked, noting my pursed lips and furrowed brow.

"My father wants me to give up my acceptance and offer it to Arlene."

Carl shook his head and scoffed, tossing his hands out in disbelief.

"I don’t understand what that has to do with you. Why can't she get in on her own?"

"She's the very first in line on the waiting list. If I give up my place, then she’ll be able to attend," I said, resting my elbow on my knee, dropping my chin into my hand with resignation.

"Well, I know that it has been a difficult time for Arlene ever since her father died. I'm sure your dad has good intentions. Maybe he’s just mixed up about his feelings over everything that has happened.”

I glanced at him as he placed his hand on my other knee, squeezing it once as a wordless show of support.

"I understand, and I don't want to seem selfish, but it's breaking my heart to imagine losing my spot. I've wanted this for so long, Carl."

"Of course I know that. We've talked about it. I didn't mean that what he's asking you to do is right. In fact, I think you two should have a more in-depth talk about this. Maybe you could come to an agreement. He's Alpha Anderson. I'm sure he can put in a good word so both of you can attend without either having to give up your spots."

I managed a half smile for him, feeling warmed by his kind words. Inklings of hope were returning.

"You're absolutely right," I said. He rubbed my back and then gave me a hug.

"Once you two have a heart-to-heart, he’ll change his mind."

"Alright,” I exhaled in relief. “I think I'll head home and talk to him now before I lose my nerve," I said. Carl and I shared a quiet laugh. "Sorry for such a short visit. I didn't even ask you about how you're doing."

He shook his head, letting me know that wasn't important.

"Please don't worry about me. I'm happy to help you. No matter what, tell me how it goes." He gave me one last hug and sent me home to my father. “I’ll be thinking of you.”

When I arrived home, I couldn’t find my dad but located some notes on the kitchen table about… Arlene’s acceptance. Did I read that right? What was that about?

Things felt uneasy. I figured the first place to start was to call Moonlight College for some clarification.

"Hello, this is campus admissions, Moonlight College. How can I help you?" A woman with a chipper voice said.

"Hello, my name is Juliana Anderson. I received my letter of acceptance today."

"Congratulations!" the admissions administrative assistant said. "Do you have a question about student orientation?"

"Thank you, but I'm calling to ensure my acceptance is in the system."

I heard some fast typing. Then, a stop.

"Hmm. What did you say your name was?"

"Juliana Anderson. A-N-D–" I began to spell it out, but she cut me off.

"Do you go by another name? The only Anderson we have for the upcoming semester is Arlene."

"No, my name is Juliana. My stepsister is named Arlene.”

“Well, that explains it. Wait a minute,” she paused, typed, then stopped. “I can see a recent note in the system.”

My heart sank.

“What does it say?”

"Normally, I wouldn't talk about this with a prospective student, but it seems appropriate to tell you that this is due to a relative."

My heart was racing as I began to pace.

“Please go on.”

"The note says your stepsister has been accepted, not you. It says it’s from Alpha Anderson."