He was handsome, had blond hair, striking blue eyes, and a kind, easygoing personality that made him adored by all. Unlike many cold Alpha heirs, Avan was different, and I thought I was lucky to be paired with him by the moon goddess.
However, things weren’t as perfect as I’d hoped. Though Avan and I were fated mates, he hadn’t claimed me publicly. Instead, he asked me to keep our relationship a secret, saying he needed time to convince his parents I was right for him.Three months had passed, and my doubts were growing, but I convinced myself that everything would eventually work out.
Now, with Avan’s birthday approaching, I planned to give him a special gift—myself. I was ready to sleep with him for the first time. But before going through with it, I wanted my best friend’s opinion. Savannah knew about my secret relationship with Avan and had always been supportive. As I waited outside for Avan to pick me up for our first day at the Academia, excitement buzzed inside me, but my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up. It was the unmistakable sleek, black vehicle Avan had gotten for his birthday. His father’s early birthday gift, no doubt. Savannah was in the passenger seat, grinning when she spotted me. She immediately moved to the back to make room. “Hi, Lia!” she chirped as Avan got out of the car and opened the door for me. “Hey, babe,” he greeted, his eyes sweeping over me. The new uniform hugged my body in all the right places, and the way he looked at me sent a warm thrill through my chest. “I'm so glad you're going to the academia with us Malia. You really worked hard for this, but the best part is how you're rocking this uniform,” Savannah teased from the back seat, eying my uniform. “That’s why she’s my girlfriend. She rocks,” Avan said with a smirk, kissing my forehead before helping me into the car. The words felt hollow—"girlfriend" I forced a smile as I glanced back at Savannah, who gave me a playful wink. “At this rate, I think he’s going to announce you as his mate today!” Savannah whispered excitedly. “Really?” I asked, a rush of hope surging through me. Could it really be happening? Savannah nodded, her eyes sparkling. But before I could let the thought sink in, Avan entered the driver's seat, blasted some music, and started driving toward Werewolf Academia. “So…excited about your first day, Malia?” He asked, his eyes pinned on me rather than the road. “Oh my god, Avan, you're talking as if it's not your first day, too. Of course, she's excited. We all are! Now keep your eyes on the road. I have to make it to school in one piece, or I'll haunt you if I die!” Savannah said, with a hard glare. “Okay, okay! Jeez … what kind of best friend do you have, babe?” Avan asked, with a mischievous grin, stealing one last glance at me again before finally focusing on the road. I just giggled, loving the sibling energy he and Savannah always had whenever we were together. Without another word, Avan drove us through the grand entrance of Werewolf Academia. I was amazed by the way the campus sprawled with majestic Gothic buildings, lush forests, and manicured lawns. At the center was the Brooke Hall, with its towering clock, and it was surrounded by students in different uniforms. Lycans in navy blue, Alpha Heirs in crimson red, and Betas in forest green. “This is it, girls,” Avan said, his car purring smoothly along the pavement, passing beneath a grand stone archway adorned with the academy's crest: a snarling wolf's head surrounded by crescent moons. Savannah and I squealed, our excitement bubbling over as we took in the beauty of the place while he parked. But before I could fully savor the moment, Avan’s voice cut through our excitement. “Hey, Savannah, can you give us a second?” he asked, his usual bluntness making Savannah roll her eyes. “Screw you!” she muttered, but she winked at me before hopping out of the car and darting into the building. Avan's eyes sparkled with mischief. “So... aren't you forgetting something?” he teased. I giggled, my heart skipping a beat. “Happy birthday, Avan.” His grin widened. “I honestly thought you forgot.” “I wouldn't dare,” I replied, smiling. “Then where's my gift, huh?” Avan asked, his voice low and playful. “You'll get it tonight...” I whispered, my cheeks warming. Avan's eyes locked onto mine, his voice dripping with anticipation. “Oh, will I?” Just as he leaned in to kiss me, a loud voice interrupted us. “Sinclair!” someone barked. Avan's head jerked up, his expression shifting from desire to annoyance. “Fuck! It's my coach. I gotta make a good first impression. My father's been talking to him about me. I need to go.” I nodded, my smile faltering. “Okay, I'll see you later.” Avan chuckled, stole a quick kiss, and jumped out of the car. I followed suit, feeling eyes upon me. The whispers started as soon as I stepped onto the pavement. “Is she...?” “Avan's new girl?” I smiled to myself, thinking they were discussing me, but the further I walked, the more their subject of whispers changed. At that moment, people weren't staring at me. Instead, they were talking about someone else. “Asher’s here.” “Did you see him? The Lycan King’s son.” The name sent a ripple of curiosity through me. I’d heard of Asher Mendoza, the Lycan King’s only heir. Only very few people have seen him in person, and they all couldn't shut up about how good he looked or how strong he was. I wasn’t the only one intrigued. Savannah found me in the hallway moments later, her eyes wide with excitement. “Did you hear about the Lycan King's son? He's here!” she said, practically bouncing on her heels. “And I heard he’s ridiculously hot - like, even hotter than Avan.” “You think Avan’s hot?” I teased. Savannah cringed. “He’s like a brother to me, but I can’t deny that he’s good-looking. I’m only jealous he gets to have you all to himself. You're not mine anymore,” I laughed, brushing it off because Savannah was overly flirtatious with everyone. But then my thoughts turned serious. “Umm, Savannah… I think I’m ready to do IT with Avan tonight.” Savannah’s expression faltered for the first time. “Oh.” My heart sank at her reaction. “What? Is it a bad idea?” She hesitated. “It’s not bad… it’s just… has he claimed you? Has he told anyone else that you’re his mate?” I shook my head, feeling a cold knot forming in my stomach. “No, but he will. I think he will soon.” Savannah sighed, her carefree tone returning but with an edge of caution. “Lia, I know I joke about this sex stuff, but it’s important. You should wait until he’s claimed you. It’s smarter that way.” She was right. I knew she was. My head told me to listen, but my heart clung to the hope that tonight would be different. “Fine. I’ll wait,” I murmured. After class, I wanted to give Avan the golden wristwatch I got him and spend some time with him, but I never got the chance. His car was gone, and he didn’t answer my calls. I went home, exhausted from the long day, and crashed in bed. When I woke up some hours later, my phone was buzzing with notifications. My heart dropped as I scrolled through pictures and videos of Avan and Savannah partying without me. There were no texts, no calls. I hadn’t been invited to his birthday party! I threw on clothes, grabbed my mom’s car keys, and drove to Avan’s house. Since it wasn't my first time being there in secret, I knew how to sneak in without anyone noticing my late arrival. I searched every corner of Avan's house for him and Savannah. The party was loud, but somehow, I felt disconnected from it, like something was off. My phone still showed no texts or calls from either of them. It didn’t make sense that Savannah didn't let me in on something as important as Avan’s birthday party. Why hadn’t she told me? Feeling frustrated, I moved down the dim hallway leading to Avan’s private rooms. As I neared one door, a familiar sound reached my ears- a soft, almost breathy giggle. Savannah? My steps slowed, and my heart started to race. That sound could only be hers. Maybe she was with some random guy, like usual. But then, I heard another voice. A deep, smooth voice that sent ice through my veins. Avan. I crept closer, every instinct telling me to turn back, to not look. But I had to. My hand trembled as I reached for the doorknob and pushed the door open just a crack, enough to peer through. What I saw shattered me. There, on Avan’s bed, was Savannah, her lips trailing down his chest. Avan’s hands tangled in her hair, his eyes half-closed in pleasure as she pleased him. I stumbled back, my breath catching in my throat. The world seemed to blur around me as I took in the scene that tore my heart apart. My best friend. My mate. Together. I’d never felt pain like this before.Malia The world seemed to spin as I stood in front of Avan's room. I didn't know what to do, I was just frozen in place, my heart heavy with the sight of his betrayal. “Whoa! Savannah, giving Avan a BJ?! Who knew friends could roll like this?” Someone said behind me, startling me. I turned around to meet the shocked eyes of a few students watching while Avan and Savannah finally realized that they were being watched. “What the fuck Malia! Close the door!” Savannah said as she covered up herself. I hadn't even realized that she was naked! I closed the door, but just as I was about to leave, the door opened again, and it was Avan. “Everyone put your fucking phones down this instant!” He barked and they all obeyed. I stood there stunned because I had never heard him use this tone before. “What the hell, Malia! You led these people here for what?” He accused. “W-what? I didn't lead anyone anywhere. I came here to look for you after you and Savannah conveniently left me out
Malia I couldn’t sleep. After the chaos of last night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, trying to piece together how everything had gone so wrong. My plan was simple: make Avan jealous, get my revenge, and move on. But now… now my life was spiraling out of control, and I couldn’t stop it. The more I thought about what happened last night, the more I asked myself why Asher didn't tell me that he was a Lycan. He could've prevented this by just telling me who he was! I would've understood! Now it's over for me. I basically sealed my fate the moment I kissed Asher. My plan to hurt Avan had backfired spectacularly, and now I was the one who would pay the price. Lycans were practically royalty among our kind, and being entangled with one - especially while being a werewolf - was nothing short of scandalous. I couldn’t face it. I turned over in bed, pulling the covers over my head as if that would somehow block out the nightmare that awaited me soon. Maybe if I stayed here long enou
Malia Luna Brooke’s face flushed a dangerous red, her gaze narrowing in on me and Asher. She looked like she might lunge at me, and rip me apart with her fury alone. Her sharp eyes flicked from me to Asher, brimming with accusation. “Is this some kind of sick joke?” Her voice, usually cool and composed, now sliced through the air like a blade. “You’re telling me that this girl—this werewolf—is carrying your child?” I stood there, frozen, my thoughts a jumbled mess. I wasn’t pregnant. I wasn’t anything with Asher. How could he have said something so absurd, so reckless? “Yes,” he replied smoothly as if stating a simple fact. For a moment, I thought his mother might lunge at him. Luna Brooke’s expression twisted with fury. The other board members exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to interrupt. Even my parents were stunned into silence, their expressions caught somewhere between disbelief and horror. Luna Brooke’s eyes bore into me with thinly veiled disgust, and I brac
Malia ”Shut up! All of you!” Nina barked, her eyes locking onto mine with disbelief. Her grip on my collar tightened for a moment before she hesitated, glancing at Asher standing like a barrier between us. Finally, she released me. My knees buckled, but Asher caught me before I hit the floor. His touch was steady, more comforting than expected. I didn't want to lean into him, but his firm arm held me up. His scent surrounded me, making it harder to stay angry. He set me upright, his grip lingering as our eyes briefly met, his hazel gaze softening. “Everyone get out!” Asher's voice cut through the room, and within seconds, it cleared, leaving just the three of us. Nina crossed her arms and glared at Asher. "You can’t be serious about her, Asher. A beta like her? You think this is funny, humiliating me like this when we were supposed to have a future together?!” I froze. What future was she talking about? “My parents mean well, but I can’t have you as my Luna. You’re a friend, not
Malia “Fine. Let's do it,” I said, locking eyes with Asher. His expression remained calm, almost cold, despite the urgency of his plan. For someone who supposedly wanted this badly, he didn’t seem particularly invested in the outcome. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t just doing this for him—I was doing it for me. For my chance at revenge. “Great, Malia. So… want me to drive you home?” he asked, sliding his hands into his pockets. I scoffed. “Oh, fantastic idea, Asher. Just drop me off at my parents’ house after getting their daughter ‘pregnant’—I’m sure they’ll love that.” He sighed, undeterred by my sarcasm. “I know how it looks. But think about the bigger picture. What does it say about me if I just let the ‘mother of my child’ walk home alone? And what if someone else tries to hurt you?” He had a point, much as I hated to admit it. “Fine. Just drop me a few blocks away, okay?” I said, avoiding his gaze. “Works for me,” he said with a shrug. We started walking out of the Academ
Asher I trusted the effectiveness of the seed. Jamie even had the ones that could cause fever symptoms and he used it a few times back in school. As the Lycan King’s son, I couldn’t afford to show any weakness, so it was never necessary for me. Convincing Malia to use it was surprisingly easy since I knew it was both effective and harmless. But the entire charade still felt surreal. If anyone had told me that I’d be plotting with a beta, faking pregnancies, and even kissing her so openly in front of everyone, I’d have laughed. But here I was, risking it all in this bizarre partnership with Malia. This was my rebellion. All my life, I’d done everything expected of me. My father, especially, had pushed me to the edge, demanding a strict, calculated path. He was ruthless, and he expected me to be the same, steering clear of people like Jamie and Corey - the Glenn twins. They were my best friends. But to him, they were merely Alpha heirs, not Lycans. The only person they allowed arou
Malia The antidote Asher gave me tasted unexpectedly sweet this time, unlike the bitterness the first one carried. When we kissed, I lingered for a moment—only because of the taste, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that Asher seemed to linger too. It was strange. He had said this was all just an act, but why did that kiss feel like something more? “What are you two doing here? Get to your next class,” a tall man said, his gaze hard and disapproving. “Yes, Mr. Kim,” I replied, glancing at his name tag as he scoffed. “What’s our next class?” Asher asked as we walked off. I shrugged, searching through my bag. “I left my schedule in my locker. I have to go get it.” Without another word, Asher turned and walked off, avoiding eye contact. Soon, I got to my locker and grabbed the schedule, relieved to find it quickly, but when I closed the door, I found myself face-to-face with a pair of cold, piercing blue eyes. “Avan,” I greeted coldly. “What are YOU doing here?” He smirked. “What e
Malia We finally made it to detention. The room was cold and sterile, constructed entirely of metal. A chill seemed to seep through the walls, which were lined with correctional words that seemed to loom over us, a silent jury. Two chairs were the only furniture in the empty, steel-gray room, and the air carried an edge that pressed on my nerves. Asher paced beside me, seething with a barely contained fury. His entire frame was tense, his nostrils flaring like an enraged bull. I knew it was unfair of Mr. Kim to accuse us of the killings, but Asher was taking it to another level. I’d seen him angry before, but not like this. His rage was a tangible thing, crackling in the space between us. I tried to reassure him. “Look, Asher,” I said, my voice soft as I hesitated before placing a hand on his arm. He tensed, his head snapping around to glare at me. His eyes, which had been burning red only moments ago, had faded to their usual hazel hue, though there was still a flicker of anger
AsherI ended the call with the harp twins and slipped my phone into my pocket, my mind spinning. Every instinct in me screamed that something wasn’t right. This wasn’t just some twisted revenge from Jamie. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew that the girl Jamie had wasn’t some imposter. It was Malia. The real Malia. And she was running out of time. I had to get to her. Now. I turned toward the door, already planning the fastest route to Storm Pack territory, when a cold shiver ran down my spine. My steps slowed. The air grew heavy—thick, charged with something unnatural. Magic. I spun just as the lights in the hallway dimmed and the temperature dropped. A gust of wind howled through the room, shattering the calm. The shadows stretched unnaturally long, curling across the walls like living things. And then—they appeared. Three hooded figures emerged from the darkness, dressed in heavy black robes embroidered with silver runes. Their faces were hidden beneath the hoods, but their pr
MaliaI couldn’t take it anymore—his voice, his accusations, the constant weight of his blame pressing down on me. Every word Jamie spoke was like a knife slicing through what little strength I had left. My body ached, the ropes biting into my wrists and ankles, the gag dry and scratchy against my lips. My throat burned for water, but no one cared. No one would listen. Maybe this was it—maybe I was meant to die here, tied to a post in the woods like some kind of monster. A witch. I let my head fall back against the rough bark behind me, my hair falling wild and tangled over my face. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the sound of Jamie’s voice as he muttered under his breath. He was pacing now, but his anger hadn’t lessened. If anything, it had grown darker, heavier. It didn’t matter what I did. Nothing I said would ever convince him—or anyone—that I wasn’t the person who accused Corey. That I wasn’t the reason his brother was dead. They had already made up their minds.
Malia As the hours dragged on, the mob slowly began to thin out. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees, but some wolves remained—hovering on the edges, eager to witness my punishment if Asher didn’t come. Their eyes burned with hatred and bloodlust, and no matter how much I tried to avoid their stares, I could still feel their judgment pressing down on me like a crushing weight. My throat burned with thirst. The gag chafed against the corners of my mouth, and every breath felt shallow and strained. My limbs were aching from being tied in the same position for so long, and the rough ropes dug into my wrists with every twitch. I tried to swallow against the dryness in my throat, but it only made the ache worse. I tried to make a sound—something, anything—to get someone’s attention. My voice was weak and muffled beneath the gag, but I hoped someone—anyone—would notice that I needed water. My tongue felt thick and heavy, and I was starting to feel di
MaliaThe ropes cut into my wrists, burning my skin with every slight movement. My arms were stretched above my head, bound tightly to the thick wooden post behind me. I could barely breathe around the filthy cloth stuffed into my mouth. My legs trembled beneath me, but I forced myself to stay upright. If I fell, I didn’t know if I’d have the strength to get back up. The air was thick with the smell of earth and pine, but it did nothing to mask the scent of anger—raw and violent—hanging over the crowd. Dozens of wolves surrounded me, their eyes burning with hatred. Their snarls filled the clearing, echoing through the woods. “Witch!” one of them growled. “Burn her!” another voice shouted from the crowd. A low, rhythmic chant began to rise. “Witch. Witch. Witch.”Tears blurred my vision, sliding down my face as I shook my head. I wanted to scream—to tell them they were wrong—but the gag muffled every sound. My heart pounded so loudly it drowned out their voices, but I couldn’t
Asher I didn’t know how long I’d been unconscious. Time seemed to have slipped away, leaving me adrift in a sea of confusion and dread. The lingering scent of smoke, acrid and sharp, was the only tangible evidence of the terrifying encounter with Rayna. I pushed myself up, my body protesting with a groan. My head pounded, a dull ache that mirrored the turmoil in my mind. Rayna’s words echoed in the silence of the room, each syllable a dagger twisting in my heart. “You will have the whole world against you, Asher.”I stumbled to my feet, my legs shaky, my thoughts a whirlwind of fear and regret. Rayna was gone. Vanished, like a phantom in the night. But the consequences of her presence, of her revelations, were all too real. I looked around the living room, the familiar space now tainted with the memory of her chilling laughter, her fiery display of power. It felt like a different place, a place where my illusions had shattered, leaving behind only the cold, hard reality of
Asher The flames danced in her palms, a mocking display of power that sent a chill deeper than any winter wind through my bones. My mind reeled, trying to reconcile the gentle woman I thought I knew with this…person before me. “Who are you?” I demanded, my voice rough, barely a whisper. “What have you done with Malia?”The laughter that spilled from her lips was like ice on fire, a sound that scraped against my soul. It wasn’t Malia’s laugh. It was sharper, colder, laced with an amusement that bordered on cruelty. “Malia?” she echoed, tilting her head. The fire in her hands crackled, throwing flickering shadows across the room. “Such a quaint notion.”A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I stumbled back, my hand grasping for the edge of the table. “You’re not her,” I breathed, the realization hitting me with the force of a physical blow. “You’re not Malia.”Her smile widened, revealing teeth that seemed just a little too sharp, a little too predatory. “That's right,” she
AsherThe room felt like it was shrinking. The walls pressed in, the air thick and suffocating. I gripped the edge of my desk, fingers digging into the wood as I struggled to steady my breathing. My vision blurred at the edges, the faint flicker of candlelight casting long, trembling shadows across the walls. My heart was racing—pounding against my ribs with a force so violent that it hurt. I couldn’t stop the tremors in my hands. The weight in my chest was unbearable, and for the first time in a long time, I felt something I had convinced myself I was immune to. Panic. Not the kind I felt in battle—not the sharp, fleeting rush of adrenaline that kept me moving, kept me fighting. No, this was different. It was cold and heavy, sinking into my bones and coiling around my throat like a vice. Because for two weeks, I had believed—no, I had known—that I was right. I had done what needed to be done. Corey had to die. His death wasn’t just necessary; it was justice.He had hu
MaliaEverything was slipping away.Black spots flickered in my vision, and my limbs felt heavy, useless. Jamie's grip was unrelenting, his hand a vice around my throat, cutting off my air, my thoughts—everything.I thrashed, kicking weakly, but it didn’t matter. He wasn’t letting go. Everything around me was a confusing blur. I saw flames and angry faces, but nothing made sense. I clawed at his hand, my nails scraping against his skin, but his hold remained unshakeable. Panic clawed at my throat, a cold fist squeezing the last vestiges of air from my lungs. I thought this was it.Just as darkness threatened to swallow me whole, his grip loosened, and I collapsed like a ragdoll. My knees hit the hard ground, pain shooting up my legs, but I barely felt it. I sucked in a desperate, ragged breath, my throat burning, my lungs aching. Air flooded into my lungs, feeling painful and intense. I coughed violently, gasping, my hands shaking as I reached for my bruised neck. Jamie had let
Malia*Present day*The air was thick with smoke and the raw scent of sweat and fury. I stood off to the side, partially hidden by the jagged remains of a collapsed wall, watching as Jamie faced down the Lycan guards. His hair, once a shade lighter, had darkened in the past two weeks, as if grief had stripped the warmth from him. But it was his eyes that unsettled me the most. Behind the familiar glasses, his irises glowed an unnatural green—a sign of a vengeful Alpha. A warning to all who dared to stand in his way. "Give me my brother’s body." His voice rang through the tense silence like a blade being unsheathed. The crowd of wolves behind him—Storm Pack, rogue allies, and furious onlookers—rumbled in agreement, their anger a living, breathing thing. The Lycan guards, their silver-plated armor catching the flickering firelight, held their ground. Shields locked, weapons drawn, their stances unyielding. "You are not permitted entry into Lycone," one of the guards stated, hi