Chapter 1

Turning eighteen was supposed to be the beginning of something powerful, the day my wolf would rise within me and transform my life. All my years as a runt—a frail, insignificant member of the pack—would end, and I’d finally find my place among them. But the only thing that changed this morning was that I woke up to the same empty silence inside, no wolf stirring, no strength or instincts awakening within me.

Instead, I forced myself out of bed, threw on my usual worn-out leather jacket, and headed across town to the Sapphire Lounge, the exclusive club where I worked. It wasn’t excitingly attractive, but it paid what it could.

I sat discreetly between two sleek buildings, the club was a dark, atmospheric den quiet mostly for the higher-ranking wolves who wanted a place to relax. When humans stumbled upon it by accident, they rarely stayed long, sensing something… predatory.

Rick, the owner—a tough wolf with a bald head and a constant scowl—was waiting for me as I came through the door. He flashed a toothy grin, the kind that made you second-guess any bargain you’d made with him. “Camilla,” he drawled, his eyes scanning me with a knowing smirk. “You’re in for a good night. Got a private request.”

“Really?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. Private dances weren’t unheard of, but they were rare for an omega like me.

“Yeah, it’s a party. Group of kids from Two Moons pack,” he replied casually, clapping a heavy hand on my shoulder. “You’re gonna want this one. Do this, and you’ll walk out tonight with a cool two hundred in your pocket. Hell, I’ll even let you keep twenty percent.”

I bit down on my lip, already running the numbers. That money could mean a new pair of shoes—hell, maybe even a warm meal or two that I didn’t have to beg the kitchen staff to slip me. “Deal,” I replied, the words spilling out before I could even think twice.

“They’re in Room Ten,” Rick said, jerking his head toward the hallway lined with private rooms. “And remember, these are important people. Make sure they’re happy.” His voice was firm, and he squeezed my shoulder, an uncomfortable reminder of who held my job in his hands.

With a deep breath, I nodded and made my way down the hall, straightening my shoulders as if that could somehow mask the twisting anxiety coiling in my gut. The moment I opened the door, my stomach dropped.

Lisa, Peter, and Chris —the notorious trio of the Two Moons pack. They sprawled across the room like they owned it.

They'd spent years making me feel like dirt, laughing at my status as an omega, and reveling in the fact that I was a nobody. My instinct screamed at me to turn and leave, but it was too late. They’d seen me.

“Oh, look who’s here,” Peter sneered, his eyes alight with mischief. “Tyson is going to love his little present tonight.”

I forced a smile, a mask that hid the nausea building up inside me, and stepped further into the room, my heels clicking against the polished floor. Tyson Woods, the future Alpha of the Two Moons pack, wasn’t here yet. But Peter’s words sent a chill down my spine.

“Maybe he’d like her better without clothes,” Chris added, his voice laced with contempt. “Go on, runt. Show us what you’ve got.”

Every fiber of my being screamed for me to turn back, but Rick’s warning echoed in my ears. I’d seen what happened to girls who defied him, girls who were now missing from town altogether. Keeping my face blank, I slowly began to move, peeling off my jacket and letting it fall to the floor. Chris’s face split into a grin, Lisa’s lips twisted with disgust, and Peter watched me with a sick fascination.

“For a runt, you sure don’t look half bad,” Chris mused, eyeing me up and down like I was meat on display.

I had to force my body to keep moving, to reach the pole and pretend it was just another night, that I hadn’t already let them see how much they were getting under my skin. I’d just wrapped my fingers around the cold metal when the door swung open.

A scent filled the air, rich and smoky, with an undercurrent that sent a jolt straight through my core. It was an unfamiliar scent, yet somehow, it stirred something within me that I’d never felt before.

“Mate.”

The word was uttered quietly, but it resounded through the room, like an earthquake that sent everyone spinning around. Tyson Woods, the future Alpha himself, stood in the doorway, his gaze locked directly on me.

Lisa’s face morphed into shock as she jumped up and darted toward him, her voice desperate. “Tyson, I knew it,” she whispered, clinging to his arm. “I knew we were mates.”

Tyson’s gaze remained on me, hardening as he shrugged Lisa off with cold detachment. “Not you,” he muttered, his voice a dangerous edge. His eyes held mine, and for the first time, I felt the depth of the bond—only to be met with something I hadn’t expected.

Disgust.

The disdain in his gaze was unmistakable. My stomach twisted, and I wished I could look away, but his stare held me captive. The room was thick with tension, and everyone froze until Lisa’s voice sliced through the silence.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she hissed, fury flashing in her eyes as they bore into me. “This… omega is your mate? And I’m not?”

Chris broke out in laughter, a deep, mocking sound that made the bile rise in my throat. “What now, Tyson?” he jeered, nudging his friend. “Gonna take her home to meet Daddy?”

“Like hell, I will,” Tyson spat, his face twisted with contempt. “Why would I want a worthless runt for a mate?”

I swallowed, fighting the sting of humiliation clawing its way up my throat. I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of seeing me crumble. Silently, I moved to step down from the platform, but Tyson’s voice stopped me cold.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded, his tone laced with scorn. “You think you can just walk out? Someone paid for your time. I’m not letting you leave before they get what they’re owed.”

Lisa shot me a victorious smirk as she sidled up next to Tyson, and I could see her fear fading, replaced by smug satisfaction. She didn’t need to worry about me—Tyson’s disgust was palpable.

“What are you waiting for, Camilla?” Chris sneered, settling back in his chair and spreading his legs. “Show me what I paid for.”

I clenched my fists, forcing back the tears that pricked at my eyes. I would give them this show, but I wouldn’t break—not here, not now. As I moved for them, I focused on detaching myself, mentally escaping to a place where they couldn’t reach me. I would survive this, one way or another.

Two hours later, the humiliation clung to my skin like a stain I couldn’t wash away. With trembling hands, I pulled my clothes back on, desperate to leave the room, to put as much distance as I could between me and this hell. But as I reached for the door, Chris’s voice called after me, smug satisfaction lacing his words.

“You’re not so bad, Camilla,” he taunted, turning to Tyson. “What do you think, future Alpha? Do you mind if I visit a little more often?”

Tyson’s face was a mask of cold fury as he looked at me, his pride and ego burning from the knowledge that his mate was a lowly omega. He stared me down, a sneer twisting his lips as he spoke.

“I, Tyson Woods of the Two Moons pack, reject you, Camilla, as my mate.” His words struck like a blade. “Accept it or don’t. I don’t care.”