Chapter 1

Dakota

I stared at the nearly empty dorm room, my suitcase half-zipped and heart pounding like a war drum in my chest. This was it. One more night in this hellhole, and I'd be gone. Away from the whispers, the cruel laughter, the stares that cut deeper than claws. Away from my bullies.

Silver-claw Academy was supposed to be a place where young wolves like me found their strength. But all I found was a reminder that some wolves are born to lead, and others are born to be chewed up and spat out.

A soft knock made my fingers freeze around the folded hoodie in my hands. I knew that knock. Light. Taunting.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the little mutt trying to sneak out before the party’s over," Ivy sneered as she pushed the door open like she owned the place. Which, in her twisted mind, she probably did.

Behind her stood her ever-loyal shadows — Willow and Leah. Alpha’s kids, Beta’s heirs. The popular, the powerful, the untouchable.

"Packing already, Dakota?" Willow asked, voice smooth like poisoned honey. She picked up a pair of my old sneakers with two fingers, like they were radioactive. "Didn’t realize dropouts had such fashion sense."

Leah giggled. “I thought she’d at least leave behind something we could burn. A going-away present.”

I straightened up slowly, clutching my hoodie to my chest. “I’m not dropping out,” I said quietly. “I’m leaving. There’s a difference.”

My mother had found her second chance mate after ten years of being abandoned by my father. As much as I didn’t want to leave Silver Claw Pack, leave this annoying high school and meet my step brothers who of course I heard were jerks, I had to because my mother’s happiness mattered to me more than anything.

Ivy rolled her eyes. “Whatever helps you sleep at night. You’re running away because you couldn’t handle the pressure. Or the rejection.” Her lips curled into a fake pout. “Still no wolf, huh?”

Their laughter echoed off the bare walls.

I hated how my throat tightened, how my hands trembled. Not because I was scared of them, but because deep down… maybe they were right.

No wolf. No shift.

Just Dakota. The freak.

Well, it was my last day here in Silverclaw Academy, so that meant I didn’t have to endure their bullying as I did before.

“My wolf may be dormant but I’m not the one who has a weak wolf despite being the daughter of an Alpha,” I sneered.

Ivy’s smirk faltered for a split second, her pupils flashing with annoyance. “How dare you?” she yelled, raising her hand to hit me.

I caught hold of her wrist before it could reach my face. “Don’t even think about it. I won’t let you bully me today,” I said, toughly.

She withdrew her hand, angrily before she quickly masked it with a laugh. “Aw, sweetie. That little bark almost sounded like a growl. Too bad you’ll never get to shift and prove it.”

Willow and Leah’s laughter dulled this time, unsure, hesitant—like they sensed the shift in the air too. I had never talked back before. Never dared to.

But I was done playing the role of their doormat.

I stepped closer, tucking the hoodie under my arm. “You think you're strong because you shift under a full moon and bark orders like your parents taught you to? Power isn’t just about teeth and claws. One day, you’ll see that.”

Ivy crossed her arms, her smirk sharpening. “And what, you’ll show us? With what? Your fairy dust?”

“No,” I said, my voice steady. “With resilience. With the strength I built every day you tried to break me. That’s something you’ll never understand because you’ve never had to earn it.”

The silence that followed was thick and charged. Even Leah stopped chewing her gum.

Before Ivy could fire back, a sharp voice called from down the hall. “Girls, Alpha Gregory’s here. Time to report to the commons.”

Saved by the bell—or maybe fate itself.

The trio exchanged glances, and Ivy tossed me one last glare. “Good riddance, mutt. I doubt you will ever get the love your dad couldn’t give you from your stepdad, step daughter. He might as well leave you and your weakling of a mother, the way your dad left.”

Without thinking, I slammed her against the door. “You bitch! Leave my mother and family out of your mouth. And my mother is not a weakling.”

“Girls,” the sharp voice called again.

“We are coming,” Ivy said, looking at me in awe. “Let’s go, girls. She’s not worth our time.”

They swept out like a storm cloud, their perfume lingering. My hands formed fist.

I let out a slow breath, the tightness in my chest loosening.

That was it. My final confrontation. No tears. No backing down.

Just me, standing my ground.

As I zipped up the suitcase, a husky voice spoke from the doorway.

“You know, that was pretty badass. Didn’t quite match the impression I had of you.”

I turned sharply, startled. A tall figure leaned against the frame—raven-dark hair, striking grey eyes, and a backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

I blinked. “Who are you?”

He gave a crooked grin. “Logan Bradford. One of your new stepbrothers. Your mom got too busy with my dad, so she asked me to come pick you up.”

My heart did a weird flip.

Logan Bradford? The most talked about jerk and bully in my school. Every guy wanted to be like him. I couldn’t believe he was my stepbrother.

“Aren’t you the famous bully?” I asked before I could stop myself.

He chuckled. “That means you have heard about me, too.”

”Every guy in my school wants to be like you and your brothers—“

“The famous sons of Alpha Maddox,” he chimed in, turning away. “Those bags don’t look heavy. Carry them and follow me, Dakota.”

“They are heavy. You can at least give me a hand…”

He turned to face me. “Um… I’m here to give you a lift not a hand. Now, hurry up,” he said and walked out of the door.

What a jerk! I couldn’t believe I was moving in with them. They were definitely going to make my life a living hell.

I carried my heavy luggage and followed behind him.

I saw a green Lamborghini outside. We were riding in it? I imagined my bullies hearing about me riding in a Lamborghini. They wouldn’t believe it. I smiled.

“Get in,” Logan yelled from the driver’s seat, bringing me out of my reverie.

I nodded and got in.

The car ride was mostly silent, save for the soft thrum of tires against asphalt and a rock song playing low on the stereo. I sat stiffly, arms crossed, watching trees blur past the window. Logan glanced at me a few times, but didn’t push the conversation.

We pulled through the gates of Crescent Ridge, my new home. The Packhouse loomed in the distance—sleek, modern, and far too big. It was a far cry from the simpler life my mom and I were used to. Guards nodded at Logan, giving me curious glances as we passed.

“She’s here,” Logan announced as he parked.

The door flew open before I could even undo my seatbelt.

“Dakota!” My mom’s warm arms wrapped around me before I could blink. I held onto her tightly, breathing in her scent like it could anchor me. “I missed you so much.”

“Me too, Mom,” I whispered.

Behind her stood him—Alpha Maddox. Tall. Intimidating. Silver-streaked hair and piercing blue eyes that didn’t miss a thing. He nodded once at me. “Welcome, Dakota. We’re glad to have you here.”

I forced a polite smile. “Thanks… Alpha Maddox.”

He chuckled lightly. “You can call me Maddox. Or Dad, if you ever feel comfortable.”

Unlikely. But I nodded.

A car pulled up from behind us.

“I believe you have met your stepbrother, Logan,” mom said, as I got out of the car.

I looked at Logan who had begun to walk past us.

“Yes,” I said, flicking my eyes. The one who refused to give me a hand.

I heard the slams of doors from behind me.

I followed mom’s gaze and saw two men who resembled Logan a little.

The three of them seemed to be catching up.

“Logan, Conan and Jasper, come here and introduce yourselves to your little sister,” Alpha Maddox called out to them.

Little sister? I was 17 and would be turning 18 in a few days’ time. And they were about the same age as I was. Probably 18 or 19.

I didn’t want them to see me as little. It’d be enough reason for them to bully me.

They approached me. “Hello, our dear little sister,” they said in unison, a smirk on each of their lips.

“Hello,” I retorted.

“I’m Conan,” he said hoarsely and patted my head. “The oldest.”

“I’m Jasper,” he said, with a smile. “The best shifter in the Pack.”

“Well, you already know me,” Logan said, leaning forward. “The guy who gave you a hand and a lift.”

You liar. You refused to help me carry my luggage.

“I’m Dakota—“

“The one without a wolf,” they interrupted and laughed.

How did they all know I didn’t have a wolf?

“Be nice,” Maddox growled.

“It’s not a big deal, dad. I bet she’s used to it,” Conan said, nudging me.

“Dad, why don’t you go in with our new stepmother—“

“I’ve warned you guys about calling her stepmother. Refer to her as mom. Have I made myself clear?” my stepfather questioned, arching an eyebrow.

“Mom,” Jasper corrected. “As I was saying, the both of you should go inside. Don’t worry about Dakota. She’s safe with us. We’ll show her around and make sure she feels at home.”

“Alright, Dakota. We will leave you with your big brothers,” my mother said, as she slipped her hand around Alpha Maddox’s arm.

“No. Mom, please I—“

“Dakota,” Logan said, placing his big hand around my shoulder. “Let mom and dad spend time with each other while we get to know each other.”

“Don’t worry about your luggage, the maids will bring it in,” mom said, with a smile.

I watched my stepfather give her a tender kiss on the forehead and they both headed into the Packhouse. Well, it was obvious she had finally found the love she deserved. I didn’t want to be an obstacle. But deep down I had a feeling I’d never get used to Alpha Maddox and his sons. Alpha Maddox would never take my dad’s place in my life, even though my dad was a bitch.

“Dakota,” my stepbrothers called out in unison.

I turned around and screamed. “No, don’t.”