Chapter 1

• Serena's POV.
• "Pig!"
• That was the only word I heard before a hand slammed me to the floor.
• I frowned, my head pounding as I pushed myself up. Penny stood before me, her eyes burning with rage.
• "How dare you block my way, pig?" she shouted.
• I stared up at her, my chest heaving as I fought to catch my breath. I didn't dare speak—I knew better than to provoke her.
• Penny was the most popular girl in class, but I had no idea why she hated me. No matter how hard I tried to stay out of her way, I always ran into her.
• Suddenly, she grabbed my hair and yanked me back. I screamed as pain shot through my scalp, her grip so tight I could barely move.
• "How dare you ignore me?" she yelled, echoing off the walls.
• I struggled, trying to break free. My eyes stung, but I refused to cry.
• "When I ask a question, you fucking answer!"
• "It... it was a mistake," I stammered, my voice shaking.
• Penny's grip tightened, her fingers twisting deeper into my hair. My vision started to blur.
• I hated my life. I hated being an omega, hated being weak. If I had a strong wolf like Penny, I wouldn't be on the floor right now.
• Then she shoved me, and I lurched forward.
• But before I hit the ground, a strong hand grabbed me and pulled me up.
• "Are you okay?" Richard asked.
• For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. His hazel eyes were the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. I could feel the warmth from his hands spreading across my skin.
• He smelled good—so good that I had to stop myself from leaning closer to him.
• "Are you okay?" Richard asked again.
• "I'm fine," I mumbled, my face burning with embarrassment.
• Penny grabbed my arms and pulled me away from Richard. Her voice was full of fake concern.
• "Serena, are you okay? I didn't mean to push you that way, oh my!"
• I held back the urge to roll my eyes at her dramatic act. It was all for Richard, and we both knew it.
• Her grip on my arms tightened as she leaned in, her voice lowering to a whisper.
• "Smile, or you'll regret it."
• Then she stepped on my foot, making me flinch.
• I forced a smile as the teacher walked in. I let out a sigh of relief and said thank you to Richard, but he just shrugged in response.
• I slunk into my seat, alone as usual. The other students kept their distance, and I didn't blame them.
• Who would want to be friends with someone like me? The pain of rejection never eases. I thought I'd be used to it by now, but the truth was—no one ever gets used to it.
• I placed my books on the desk.
• My eyes drifted to Richard, the noble son of our pack, surrounded by a group of giggling girls.
• Penny was glued to his side, her eyes full of possessiveness. He was the guy every girl wanted.
• But I didn't waste my time fawning over him. What was the point? I knew I didn't stand a chance.
• Just then, the teacher's voice rang out, and I felt a heat on my face.
• "Serena, if you're done staring at Richard, maybe try focusing on your books," he said with a mocking smile.
• The class burst into laughter, and my face burned. I swallowed hard, staring at the floor as if I could find a way out.
• Then I met Penny's glare—cold and full of warning. I quickly looked away.
• Richard's eyes met mine, and I wanted to disappear. My heart pounded as I quickly looked away, heat crawling up my neck.
• But then Richard spoke up, his voice low and steady.
• "Hey, that's not fair. Serena is a great student."
• I raised my head, staring at him in shock. For a moment, our eyes met, and I was too stunned to speak.
• Richard gave a warm smile, his tone playful but kind.
• "I wouldn't mind her staring. At least then she wouldn't have time to be the top student again," he said with a wink.
• I flushed but couldn't help but smile.
• The teacher, however, wasn't amused. "That's enough," he snapped.
• I was relieved as the class calmed down, glad Richard had taken the attention off me.
• But when I glanced at him, I couldn't help but wonder—was he being nice, or was this part of his usual act?
• Deep down, I knew. Richard was always polite and charming. This was just how he was with everyone.
• Still, my heart skipped a beat when he caught my eye and grinned.
• I quickly looked away, forcing myself to focus on the teacher.
• But the words on the page blurred together, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't concentrate. When the teacher finally dismissed us, I packed my things quickly and couldn't wait to leave.
• Penny and her friends cut me off before I could take another step, their fake smiles making me sick.
• "You were looking at my man, weren't you?" Penny said, her voice full of disdain.
• My chest tightened. I quickly shook my head, but that only seemed to entertain her more.
• "You think you stand a chance, pig?" she sneered, her friends laughing behind her.
• Then, she threw her books at my feet.
• "Do my assignment. And don't even think about getting a better grade than me, or you'll regret it," she muttered, eyes narrowing.
• I nodded, my hands shaking as I took the books from her. Penny's fingers grazed my cheek, sending a cold shiver down my spine.
• "Remember, I'm watching you," she murmured before strutting off with her friends.
• I sighed, stuffing the books into my bag. But despite everything, a flicker of hope stirred in me—tomorrow was the mating ceremony. I would finally meet my mate, someone strong enough to keep me safe from Penny's bullying.
• I would finally meet my mate. I hope he will be strong enough to protect me from Penny's bullying.
• But a voice in my head whispered, "What if he rejects you?"
• The thought made my stomach churn. I clenched my hands together and tried to push it away.
• "Moon Goddess, please give me a strong mate," I murmured, closing my eyes. "Please… don't let him reject me."