Chapter 1

Maya

Yet another day waking up, regretting my existence…

It was agonizing, but not existence itself—no, it was living within this pack that made it unbearable. How could anyone, especially the daughter of the mistress, expect even a shred of respect from any member of this damn pack? A pack renowned for its dominance across the continent, boasting an overwhelming majority of fierce warriors and elite members.

I was an outcast, a shadow no one cared for. Even after my mother, Morgana, spent years whoring around, slaving for the Alpha, and entangling herself in his affairs, eventually bearing the Sterling name, nothing changed. She had successfully wrecked his previous marriage, but for what? No one respected her. No one respected me.

To be brutally honest, she wasn’t much of a mother to me. If selling me off had paved her way to this life, she would’ve gladly done it.

The Sterling family never extended a welcoming hand. I couldn’t blame them.

Since Luna’s death, everything had changed, especially the Alpha. Yes, he had married his mistress—my mother. From the outside, everything seemed perfect, but on the inside, it was a murky, bitter mess.

I freshened up and got ready for college, slipping into black shorts, a red crop top, and throwing on a black jacket. These privileges were part of being tied to the wealthy Sterling family, even if none of them actually wanted me.

Heading to college—or more accurately, the journey to get there—was another part of my day I despised. The ride always placed me in the hands of the two people who hated me more than anyone else in the pack ever could—the Sterling Twins. Maximus and Leonardo, both 22 years old, were the future Alphas of the Blackthorn Pack.

I was nothing more than an eyesore to them, or perhaps worse—a person they’d love to dismember and scatter, ensuring no one ever found out.

God! The thought of facing them always sent a shiver down my spine. The mere sight of me twisted their faces in disgust, their dark eyes turning even darker, as if they could cast me into an abyss and leave me there forever.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and counted to ten. The comb in my hand stilled for a moment as I forced my nerves to settle. I could endure this, just like every other day. It wasn’t as if this was new—I’d been enduring it for a year now, and I’d managed so far. My birthday was approaching, and I only had a few more days to get through this.

Once I found my mate... all this torment would be over.

When I opened my eyes, they landed on a picture of my father instead of my reflection in the mirror.

If only he hadn’t passed away when I was seven...

It had been over ten long years, but I could still feel his touch, his kisses on my cheeks, his warm embrace. My mother, on the other hand, had been too busy trying to ingratiate herself with businessmen to climb the social ladder until she found the perfect match in Alaric Sterling.

She had been unfaithful to my father, and I had no doubt that if Alpha Alaric ever lost his power, she’d abandon him just as quickly. She was for no one but herself. Despite my protests, she dragged me to this pack to maintain the illusion of being the perfect mother.

I secured my hair with a claw clip, letting the short layers frame my face. I didn’t bother tucking them away.

I descended the grand staircase—this pack house was the very definition of luxury. From the servants to the kitchen, the bedrooms, every corner of it resembled a five-star hotel. Yet, it felt like a deserted hotel, cold and empty, with no one to talk to.

When I reached the breakfast table, I saw everyone had already finished their meals. There was only one plate left, with a single piece of toast and scrambled eggs.

I saw the maid and asked, "Is that mine?"

Of course, it couldn’t be. Incidents like this had happened before, and no one ever cared.

She shot me the usual look of disdain, the kind everyone reserved for me, and replied, "Yes, of course." Then she left.

Shrugging, I quickly ate and headed outside, only to find the familiar black Jeep waiting in front. My breath caught in my throat when I spotted Maximus’s reflection in the side-view mirror. His perfectly shaped eyes, which once sparkled like gems until they saw me, were now hidden behind black sunglasses.

Further back, I saw Leonardo groping a blonde in the backseat. Her t-shirt had ridden up, revealing her ample chest, one of her breasts firmly gripped by Leo as they kissed. Judging by his loosely hanging pants, I could only...

My speculative thoughts were abruptly cut off by the sound of a honk.

I jolted and looked over at Max. He had removed his sunglasses, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. Beckoning me with two fingers, he said, "Get here, Pigeon!"