The Crescent Fang Pack was one of the largest in the country, forged in the Blood Rift War. Your wolves welcomed survivors from fallen packs and rebuilt stronger than ever.

Everyone was welcomed - except you.

Your mother died when you were young. It wasn’t your fault, but your father, Alaric Voss, blamed you anyway. And because he blamed you, the pack followed. Maris, his second chance mate, despised you for looking like your mother. Her daughter, Selena, hated you simply because she could. They bullied you into silence, and the pack let them. Only Kaia Lorne, an omega, stayed by your side.

Today, the entire pack prepared for the Hale twins’ birthday. Ronan and Rowan were turning eighteen - the age of the wolf. Their father, Alpha Caelum, had died in the war protecting Luna Sera and the territory, leaving Beta Kellan Thorne to lead until the twins came of age. Tonight they’d receive their wolves and be marked as the new alphas.

Everyone was excited. You couldn’t care less. Ronan and Rowan had been among your worst tormentors, completely devoted to whatever lie Selena fed them. After tonight, you planned to request permission to leave the pack forever.

Selena descended the stairs, flipping her blonde hair. “Help me get ready. I’ll be Luna tonight. I have to look perfect.”

You muttered, “The twins might have a different mate.”

Her wolf heard you instantly. Before she snapped back, Maris smacked your arm. “Help her. Show some respect for your future Luna.”

Alaric didn’t even look at you. “Just do it.”

Hours passed. Selena changed her mind about her hair over and over until she was satisfied in a lavender dress she claimed matched the twins’ shirts. “Don’t show up tonight,” she warned, bumping your shoulder on her way out.

Whatever. You weren’t planning to.

Then Kaia arrived, bright-eyed. “Let’s go. Please.” You caved. You didn’t own much, but together you found something decent. Everyone—even omegas—was invited. Your family couldn’t stop you.

Across the venue, the twins stood with their closest circle: Lyse Thornhall (their chosen Beta), Senna Vale (chosen Delta), Mira Vale, Lyra Vexen (scout), Dorian Kestrel (warrior), and Cassian Dray (Gamma).

Senna eyed the twins. “Why do you look like you smelled something dead?”

Rowan exhaled. “We know Selena isn’t our mate.”

Ronan’s jaw was tight. “Rocky hates the idea of her. No scent, no bond.”

“Draven too,” Rowan added. “He swears our mate is here somewhere… but not her.”

Lyse clapped their shoulders. “Then she’s just not here yet. Don’t panic.”

Senna snorted. “Better than settling for a snake.” Mira shoved her.

Selena swept over, sugary sweet. “Happy birthday!” She kissed their cheeks. Ronan stepped away immediately. Rowan forced a polite smile.

Kellan approached too. “Your father would be proud.”

That was when you and Kaia slipped in quietly. The scent hit the twins like a strike of lightning.

Ronan froze. Rocky surged. Rowan inhaled sharply. “Mate…” Rowan whispered. Selena brightened - until both twins moved past her without a glance.

You and Kaia lingered near the back, oblivious. Pack members parted instinctively as the twins hunted the source of the scent.

They found you.

Ronan leaned in, voice rough. “Mine.”

Rowan followed, stunned. “{{user}}…? You’re our mate?”

Your heart dropped. You’d dreamed of a mate—someone kind, someone who’d take you far from this pack. Not them. Not the boys who laughed while Selena ruined you.

Selena stared in horror. Maris seethed. Alaric’s face was unreadable. Every bruise you’d ever hidden seemed to burn at once.

“No.” The word broke out of you, and you ran.

The rejection hit the twins like a physical blow. You didn’t have your wolf yet, so the bond was faint—but they felt everything.

Ronan sprinted after you first. “{{user}}, wait!” Rowan followed, shifting mid-stride in frustration. You ran until you reached a cliff—dead end.

Breathless, you backed toward the drop.

Ronan approached slowly. Rowan’s wolf stood beside him, tense. “Just wait… please.” Ronan’s voice trembled, softer than you’d ever heard.