Chapter 1

“Eden Willow! Hurry up or you will get us all punished,” I heard my mother yell

I fought the urge to smirk as I stood before the mirror, admiring the blue dress I wore. It was my favorite wear, and I could tell that Theo was going to love it.

Today was Lyra’s 18th birthday and her father, Alpha Griffin was throwing a huge party for the entire pack in her honor.

Anyone would be shocked to learn that I was excited about the party because Lyra had been nothing but cruel to me. She has hated me for as long as I can remember, and her minions never fail to hit me at will.

The hate feeling was mutual. I hated her for always picking on me, and making my life hell at school and everywhere.

She; the Queen Bee of the Mystic Claws & Fangs Academy practically ruled my life.

Well, until Theo came into the picture “… hmm, credit to the Moon goddess for gifting me such a delicious mate,” I purred, wrapping my hands over my body as he did last night.

Theo had assured me that he was going to make our relationship public today. Theo is the most handsome guy in our entire pack, and the Beta’s son, considering that he was next in line to be Beta.

We have been together for a month after finding out on my birthday that we were mates. He made me promise not to tell anyone about us, he wanted to do it at the right time.

Then last night as he removed my undergarments and kissed me under the moonlight, he vowed “I am going to make you mine— because tomorrow, I will tell the pack about us,”

“Really?” I gasped, hugging his bare back tightly as he felt my core.

“Yes, baby,”

Last night was pure bliss. It was everything I imagined my first to be.

“Eden!!!,” my mother yelled angrily, disrupting me from my reverie

“I’m coming, Mom,” I answered, grabbing my coat from the chair as I hurried downstairs.

A knock came to my head. I turned to look at my mother. “Mom!” I groaned, feeling where she knocked me, but she stomped out of the house in annoyance with my baby sister trailing after her.

“I am sorry, mom!” I hurried to catch up with their pace. Olivia, my baby sister, gave me a cold glare but I stuck my tongue at her and hugged my mother from behind.

She grumbled, trying to shake off my hold on her “Just pray to the moon goddess that I don't get punished because of you!”

“I am sorry,” I begged, giving her my puppy eyes. She fell for it and returned the hug.

Olivia rolled her eyes at us and took to her heels “Race ya!”

I held my mother's hand and we sprinted after Olivia, laughing and chuckling. We arrived just in time for the party.

“Rose!” we saw the Luna, Alpha Griffin’s wife, matched her way angrily toward us. My mother gulped nervously.

“Follow me to the kitchen! Now!” she yelled, grabbing my mother’s hand roughly. I looked away, unable to do anything.

“I hate the way they treat us in this pack, Omegas or not, the moon goddess made us all,” Olivia whispered sadly

I ruffled her hair, sighing deeply “It will all be over, soon”

“You think?” my 15-year-old sister looked at me hopefully.

“Yes,” I smiled, thinking of Theo. Everything will change when he tells the pack about us. They will have no other option but to respect my family. We would no longer be treated as outcasts.

“Eden! Olive!,” My friends, Nova and Alice beckoned at us from a corner in the hall

***

About thirty minutes of dancing with my ‘fellow omegas’ as Lyra and her minions would taunt. Theo walked to where I was and stretched out his hand,

"Would you like to dance?" He winked, making my friend's jaw drop to the ground.

“Oh heavens, he just asked Eden for a dance,” I heard Alice giggle as he pulled me away.

“Woah! This is huge!” Nova exclaimed. Tiara, my Wolf, couldn't be more happy. She had been anticipating when our mate would show us public affection.

I chuckled proudly, slipping my hand into his as he pulled me to the dance fall.

His hand came to rest on my waist and I placed mine on his shoulders as we danced to the music, our body syncing gracefully in harmony.

Theo stared at me so lovingly with his emerald green eyes, and for a moment nothing mattered as I leaned in for a kiss.

"Not now baby," he licked his lips, "You don't want to ruin the surprise do you?" He smiled, making me nod my head in agreement.

“No,” I whispered happily.

No matter what happens tonight, one thing is certain, I will be the luckiest girl in the SilverMoon pack.

"I am going to be making the announcement in a few minutes," he whispered and I saw the sparkle in his eyes “Be rest assured,”

The music stopped playing, and another started, which indicated that it was time for the Alpha to have a dance with anybody.

Theo left me and went to ask Lyra for a dance. I rolled my eyes, consoling myself that they were just friends. At least that was what he told me.

My friends came to stand with me, and everyone stopped to watch them dance slowly.

"That was incredible!" Nova exclaimed "Although, Theo is a bully like his friend over there,” she gestured to Lyra “You guys do have an insane chemistry together,”

I blushed at her comments. Yes, Lyra, Take that!

“One would even think that you guys were mates," Alice squealed excitedly.

"We are mates," I murmured with a pout

"What did you say?" Nova and Alice’s eyebrows raised in shock. Olivia watched us silently under her narrowing gaze.

“I was just kidding,” I laughed dryly. I would simply wait for him to make the announcement.

“You almost got me there. Of course, the moon goddess hasn't made the mistake of pairing a Beta with an omega before,” Nova said thoughtfully.

“Yeah, I think I’ve read so many fantasies that I now see my friends and I, ending up with a powerful mate, maybe even a Hybrid,” Alice said dreamily

Nova smacked her head “This is reality! Hybrids will never fall for omegas like us!”

“Oww!” Alice turned to scowl at her, and they began bickering.

My friends. I palmed my forehead, looking at the dance fall to still see Theo dancing with Lyra.

“They better just be friends,” Tiara growled, thinking of several ways to claw at Lyra’s pretty face.

This side of Tiara is new as she had always been a peaceful Wolf. But I guess even the timid wolves get possessive when it comes to their mate.

Suddenly the light in the hall dimmed and the music gradually faded into a soft melody. There was a hushed silence in the party as Theo took a step backward and sank to one knee, bringing out a tiny ring from his breast pocket.

Chapter 2

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I stared at them. I made my way toward the center of the hall.

"Will you be my mate, Lyra?" Theo asked, his eyes filled with raw emotions.

I stood frozen, feeling shocked as my heart broke into pieces. Each piece hurt like a sharp stab in my chest. My eyes, which were once hopeful, now widened in disbelief as I couldn't look away from what was happening in front of me.

I know that Lyra lost her mate two years ago when the warriors caught a rogue sniffing around the border and killed him. But why Theo?

"Yes!!" Lyra squealed, as tears of joy gleamed in her eyes when Theo put the ring on her finger.

Reality struck me suddenly, like a gust of wind. I took a step back involuntarily, my heart racing as I tried to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. We were supposed to announce ‘us’ to the pack, not this.

My entire world was collapsing before me. Thoughts swirled in my mind, questioning our mate bond. I was confused.

I thought mates were meant to only love each other. How could he ignore our bond like it meant nothing? These thoughts flooded my mind all at once, and tears swelled up in my eyes.

I summoned the courage to walk up to him, but he dismissed me and went to where Alpha Griffin and Luna Belle were seated.

"Greetings, Alpha and Luna," he greeted, bowing and kneeling on one knee "I would like to seek your permission to mark your daughter, Lyra," he requested, gazing into her eyes affectionately—the same way he looked at me last night, or so he made me believe.

His words echoed in my mind, and the pain emanating from my wounded heart intensified with each passing second, threatening to consume me completely.

"No!!" I screamed, as my voice echoed in the hall and everyone turned in my direction. I clasped my head with my trembling hands,

"This can’t happen— it can’t!" I mumbled under my breath.

"No!" My wolf, Tiara, growled too. She was hurting like I was, she couldn't bear the thought of our mate rejecting us after the mating and the promises he made. He chose Lyra over us.

"Whose pup is this?" Alpha Griffin frowned, pointing at me.

“She is Rose’s, the omega’s,” Luna Belle spat with disgust. Mother came quickly to hold me from wherever she stood. I could tell she was confused by my outburst. I have always been obedient.

“If you don't watch your pup,” Alpha Griffin growled at my mother “I will send her to the dungeon,”

My mother quickly shook her head and bowed. She apologized for my attitude when Theo opened his mouth to speak.

“Actually, Alpha— she is a mistake made by the moon goddess,” he said, causing everyone to gasp in the hall. Tears streamed down my cheeks.

My mate just called me a mistake.

"Everyone here knows that Lyra and I are destined mates right from childhood," he continued and everyone nodded in agreement

"I don't understand, why?" I asked softly but my mother clasped my mouth shut with her palm, begging me to be quiet. I sobbed hard.

I could not believe that Theo, who professed his love to me the night before, could be this cruel.

The love and affection I saw in his eyes were different from the glare I was getting "Dimwit, why won’t you understand?" He scoffed at me, "You are an omega- a weakling of a mate. You are of no use to a powerful breed like me!' he said flatly, and everyone howled in his favor.

My knees suddenly went weak and slumped to the floor. His every word pierced my heart.

"That's good,” Alpha Griffin said, beaming with smiles as he stood up from his chair to hug Theo. Then he held Lyra and Theo’s hand and joined them together. Everyone in the hall applauded them and I felt so betrayed, Nova and Alice held my shoulders consolingly while Olivia was already sobbing.

How could a pack be so inconsiderate? Everyone is just concerned about pleasing the Alpha and his family. My mother pulled me from the ground to usher us out of the hall when Lyra spoke.

"Eden," her sultry mocking voice said. I pushed back the tears and faced her "Whatever you had with Theo was allowed by me," she said, smiling sweetly as everyone fawned at her thinking she was so kind

“I was in the know because I wanted him to enjoy his mate one last time— even though he hated the idea. You repulsed him, but anyways, he is going to get married, and he is going to be the Alpha, and I, your Luna,” she smirked.

I looked away, pushing back my tears but they warmed my cheeks. It hurt so much that they would do this to me, and I was helpless.

I can't be mad at Lyra, it was Theo that I should be mad at. He was the mate that betrayed me. He fooled me, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't be angry at Theo. The mate bond was still there.

Maybe it was a prank, maybe he has some explaining to do. I took a deep breath and searched for those emerald eyes I fell in love with. He was standing rootedly beside Lyra.

"Eden, this is meant to be. You can't do anything but accept our decision— and I love Lyra,” he stared at her affectionately as he kissed her forehead.

I shook my head in denial "I don't believe that,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper "What we had last night was beautiful. Didn't it mean something to you?" I said in between sobs.

“It was just an activity. One time thing!’ he snarled, bearing out his claws "Let's not make this any more complicated than it already is,” he turned to look at everyone “With all the pack members of the Silver Moon being present and bearing witness, I, Theo Jaxon Redwood, son of Beta Jaxon Redwood, hereby reject you Eden Ava Willow, daughter of Rose Willow as my mate!”

My wolf cried and howled in pain.

Lyra looked at me with a wicked smile tugging at her lips. She pulled Theo’s jaw for a kiss and he wrapped his arm around her waist.

I fell to the ground, this time clutching at my chest as they laughed at me. It hurt so much. It felt like they just plunged a knife into my chest and twisted it. Tiara curled up in pain and became silent.

Chapter 3

I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling of my small room. Everything was a blur after I fell. I oddly remember my mother, Olivia, Alice, and Nova calling my name in panic. Then I don't remember anything else.

They must have brought me home.

I sat up slowly to see my mother watching me quietly. Tears streaked down her face, “Honey,” she cooed, as I went into her embrace.

"Theo rejected me, Mom. My mate rejected me," my eyes teared up again. I still found it hard to believe that it really happened to me. I hoped it was a horrible nightmare, but alas, my mother caressed my hair and wept with me. It was true.

I knew she understood how I felt because it happened to her. My birth father, her mate had fooled her and impregnated her twice before discarding her. All along, he promised her happiness but ended up with someone else.

"It hurts so bad. Make it stop, make it stop Mom. Please make this pain go away," I sob, clawing at my chest. Oh goddess, I would do anything to stop the pain. Please…

"My honey, I am so sorry,” My mother sobbed as she hugged me close, willing my pain to go away.

After what felt like hours, I became calm. I guess I was too exhausted to shed even a tear. Sleep didn't come easily as my mother closed the door behind her.

In the middle of the night, all alone in the darkness, tears streak out again. My wolf, Tiara, had been silent for hours, and I could feel her crushing pain, as well as my own.

I had been looking forward to meeting my mate since I was sixteen. Our teachers at Mystic Claws & Fangs Academy told us that it was the best thing to ever happen to a werehuman.

I had been waiting for someone, not necessarily a powerful mate or breed but someone who would love me and protect me from the hate of this world. I needed someone that would be by my side no matter what.

Imagine, my joy when I learned it was Theo. I thought he was going to take all my pain away and change the status of my family, but I was so wrong…

All werewolves knew that we only had one chance of having a mate. But now that it is all shattered, what will become of me?

Questions about love and family lingered in my thoughts. Would my wolf Tiara ever be the same? A werewolf without their wolf is like an empty shell—many eventually succumb or lose their sanity after losing their mates. The pain is unbearable; their wolves vanish.

Now I understand the agony, and I haven't accepted his rejection not yet. Will I face the same fate—death or insanity?

I hope Tiara stays strong.

How could the moon goddess do this to me? Why me? What did I do to deserve a Beta? I didn't ask for this. She could have paired me with another omega, and I would have been content. As long as there was love, I'd be happy.

From then onwards, I never cried in front of my mother again. It only reminded her of what she couldn't have and made my sister lose more hope about her mate. Now as I showered in the bathroom. I muffle my sobs with my palms.

The night after Theo’s rejection had been so severe that I had to bite my pillow to swallow the sound of my scream.

It lasted almost an hour. I knew right away what my mate was doing then. He was mating some other female, Lyra, while I was in pain- feeling every bit of the torture.

“Is that fair?” Tiara, my wolf, howled in a mix of pain, sadness, and rage. I felt her anger, and it was better compared to her silence. My wolf remained strong, and I'm grateful she hasn't abandoned me like Theo.

School resumed a week ago but I couldn't summon the courage to go. Though my friends, Alice and Nova, come to visit me after school every day to cheer me up, I refused to go to school just yet. I wasn't ready to see Theo and Lyra all lovey-dovey yet. But I am going to show them that I am strong, that they do not have the power to break me.

I heard my phone chime loudly. I was out of the bathroom and cleaning my body with a tiny towel. I peeked at the phone’s screen, it was Alice.

Her message read thus: Get prepared, we are taking you shopping. See you soon!”

Oh these girls, they just want to make me feel better. They really don't have to spend on me.

"Eden, are you ready?” Alice and Nova yelled from downstairs. My eyes zeroed in shock at the realization that they were here already.

“We are coming in right now!" Nova yelled mischievously. Olivia and Alice followed, cackling, and cramming the room with me. I used my super speed to wear a tank top and shorts.

“Hmm,” Nova smirked, seeing me all clothed.

“Let's get going,” Alice said before turning to Olivia “Are you coming with us?” she asked

“You bet sure I will, I'm not missing this rare outing for any reason,” Olivia giggled excitedly

***

The girls and I did more window shopping than actual shopping. It was fun though as we teased and chased each other down the streets.

We got some clothes and shoes. When we got home, Alice was whining in my ears that she was going to do a sleepover. Nova shrugged her shoulders that she would spend the night also. So we all gathered in the sitting room, laying on the floor with blankets over our shoulders. Olivia had retired to bed. She was too exhausted to have another moment with us.

"Hey, let's watch the Originals” Alice cooed dreamily

“They remind me of the handsome Hybrids in our school,”

“Oh, not again Alice,” Nova palmed her face in utter dismay “Everyone is living in reality but you are dwelling in some impossible fantasy. Those guys don’t even know that we exist. They are always on their own,” she frowned

“Whatever,” Alice rolled her eyes “A wise woman once said that if you cannot have your fantasy, read or watch it!”

This made me chuckle loudly “And that wise woman is you?”

Alice lifted her pillow to hit me as I laughed hard, holding my stomach. All of a sudden I feel it again. The pain.

"Eden, I am so sorry,” Alice started to apologize immediately when she saw how I held my stomach in pain “I didn't mean to hit you so hard,”

I shook my head, writhing in pain “What's happening?" Nova said in alarm, gathering me into her arms.

"Nothing." I gasp. Oh no, I don't want them to see this.

"Should I call your mom?" Alice said, panicking.

"NO, please," I yell, hugging my stomach. "Don’t tell my mom," I choked out. Tears started to run down my cheeks.

"I think I know what's happening," Nova slowly grabbed my stomach as she pulled my top to reveal the burning sensation.

“That manwhore, Theo is doing some nasty thing with someone else," Nova said coldly.

The pain was excruciating. I think I passed out after a while.

When I opened my eyes again, Nova and Alice were still with me. I was glad that my mom wasn't at home.

Alice held my hand tightly in hers with tears on her face. Nova is fuming and walking around the room as if she wanted to kill someone.

"I am okay now," I forced a smile, feeling drained.

They snapped their heads to look at me.

"How many times has this happened, E?" Nova looked pissed, though I don't think the anger is directed at me.

"I bet this is not the first time," Alice said quietly, looking at my stomach that is now exposed as my t-shirt that had ridden up from my twisting and squirming.

My stomach is black, blue, and purple. The bruising came from me clutching my stomach so hard when the pain got too much.

"This is the third time so far," I decided to be truthful. They had seen me in pain, there was nothing much else to hide. Alice starts to cry again and Nova starts cursing.

"It's not fair! He can't do this!" Alice sobbed.

"He has bitten much more than he can chew,” Nova swore, baring her fangs “and now we will get even. Eden! It is Operation payback!!!!”

Chapter 4

Nova penned down her ideas of getting even with Theo. I simply looked away not knowing if it was a good idea to try and get my mate back.

He had already marked Lyra and that was why the pain was so severe.

The first thing Nova wrote was for me to be intentional about my looks and dress flirty to get the attention of unmated males in school.

She also wrote that I should flirt with some guys to make him jealous. In her words, all werewolves, especially stronger breeds, are very possessive of their mates, even with the ones they rejected.

“Really, Nova?” I said as I stared at the paper in front of me.

“Yes, Eden! You have nothing to lose if this theory works out or not,” Nova frowned, pointing at the rest of the paper for me to read more.

Oh, this girl.

The third clause had me opening my mouth in shock “Hey!!!” I protested, looking at Nova

She growled at me, her eyes color had turned brown indicating that her Wolf was about to take over “You are doing it, whether you like it or not!”

3. You are going to get yourself a boyfriend and sleep with him. Theo needs to feel the pain he puts you through when he does that.

“Sign it! Alice cooed, giving me a pen.

“Even you?” I said to her.  Alice was never a party to hurting one’s mate. She believed in Destiny and what the moon goddess planned.

“He doesn't deserve your loyalty,” Alice spat

I nodded meekly, taking the pen from her hands “Okay,” I signed the paper.

***

The girls never left my house, they simply went to their homes to bring their clothes. Today was Monday, and we all got ready for school together.

Nova rang it to my ears umpteenth that we were starting the payback operation.

“I think this is useless,” I whined as Alice did some makeup on me. They covered my broken mirror with a cloth to refrain me from seeing myself. Next, Nova picked up my clothes.

She paired a black top of mine with a white skimpy skirt— my thighs were literally in full display. Then she brought out a pair of white thigh-length boots from her bag to complement it.

I didn't need to ask her how she got those. Her father worked as a chef at the Royal King’s Palace. They usually give their leftovers to their staff.

“Now, behold thy gorgeous self!” Alice said and removed the cloth from the mirror.

A gasp escaped my lips. I looked different and hot. My straight blonde was silky— and I was breathtaking.

“Yaay! Let's do this!” I grinned widely, turning to look at my friends. Nova wore a black skimpy gown with ankle boots while Alice wore a bright yellow dress and some sneakers.

“Now that's my girl!” Nova gave me a high-five as Alice hugged me tightly. We left the room confidently.

"My Goodness, you girls look stunning!" my mother exclaimed when she stood at the bottom of the stairs. I flicked my hair, swinging my hips as we got down the stairs.

“Mom,” I kissed her cheeks, hugging her. Her eyes held joy. She was happy to see that I was coming out of my shell. Olivia sat still chewing on a sandwich at our little dining outlet.

"Thank you, ma’am but we would be late for school if we don't get going," Nova replied and started to pull me from my mother. Alice chuckled, waving at my mother as we got to the door

“Wait for me,” Olivia yelled as she took a gulp of water and hurled her bag over her shoulders.

***

I noticed that we drew a lot of attention as we got to school. I wondered if it was because they remembered what happened at Lyra’s party or if it was because of our new looks.

Some students stopped to stare. I heard whispers everywhere. Tiara’s ears catching words like

"Theo’s mate" and "rejected” several times.

I hear some guys' nasty comments too “Damn, didn't know Eden was this hot. I don't mind doing her,” then some laughter.

Some girls scoffed at me, mouthing at each other "Gosh, who gets rejected by their own mate?”

“How wretched and embarrassing. I would kill myself if I were her."

Whoops. 

I took a deep breath and confidently lifted my head high. I smiled and swayed my hips more. Nova gave me a well-done wink.

I spotted Theo's wavy hair in the distance; he hadn't noticed me. Alice tightened her grip on my arm. Theo was chatting with Chris and Adam, looking relaxed against the lockers.

At least, this time, he wasn't with his Lyra.

My wolf, Tiara perked up and became restless the closer we got to him. We needed that route to go to our classes.

I think she hasn't decided whether she wants him or is furious with him for rejecting us. His delicious smell was still messing with me even though I was very determined not to feel anything towards him anymore. The mate pull was still very strong.

Chris' roaming eyes found me, and my body. I gave him a tiny smile, making his eyes darkened with lust.

I found Adam also staring at me and I gave him a smirk.

Theo sniffed the air and looked around. His eyes widened as soon as they landed on me. I allowed my smile to disappear, my eyes growing cold, and looked away.

Nova whispered behind me “Phase one is a success, moving on to phase two,”

***

“Did you see the way he was staring at you?” Nova squealed excitedly as we entered the classroom. Alice had to go to her literary class while Nova and I went for calculus.

Before I could answer, the door banged open and Theo walked in looking hard at me. Goodness, he is still so good looking and it’s killing me.

Nova sat a little distance from me. I took my seat also, bringing my books from my backpack. I tried so hard to ignore his delicious smell and turned to give Nova a smile.

Tiara was going crazy again and I decided to numb her feelings.

He slid into the seat behind me, still staring harshly at my back. I pretended not to notice and caressed my hair to the other side of my neck to show him more skin. I knew what I was doing. I was showing him the spot mates Mark each other.

A low growl reached my ears.

“This should be interesting,” Nova smirked, chuckling silently.

“Hey,” I said sultrily to Chris who walked in after Theo.

"Hello beautiful," Chris smirked and gave me that slow smile that melted so many girls' hearts. I batted my eyelashes at him and his eyes traveled down to my neck. Chris was unmated.

A loud growl interrupted Chris. He quickly fought his emotions and went to sit before the future Alpha, Theo.

I licked my lips and turned to see Theo staring at me with a clenched jaw and dark eyes. His nose flared in anger.

Even now he looked so hot that I just wanted to plant some kisses on his neck.

I shook my head, mentally scolding Tiara for the picture she was making in my head.

The teacher walked in and started speaking. I wrote on a piece of paper and passed it to Nova, she read it and tried sending it back to me when the paper was ripped suddenly from her fingers. It was ripped not by our teacher, but by Theo Redwood.

He looked at the note, crumpled it, and threw it angrily against the wall.

Then he stormed out of the class, banging the door hard. The whole class and the teacher were stunned.

In the note, I had written to Nova, “Chris is so hot. He will be the perfect boyfriend!”

And then she had written back “Yes, honey. I totally vouch for this! Do him!!”

Chapter 5

When I met up with my friends during lunch, Alice was bursting with excitement. Apparently, Nova had filled her in on the details.

“I wish I was there," Alice squealed, as we stood in line to get our food.

“You should have seen her, I think I created a baddie!” Nova purrs in excitement.

“Remind me not to cross you girls,” Alice giggled, before taking her orders.

“You are innocently more cruel than us,” Nova smirked as we walked to a table with our tray of food. As we sat, we noticed the glares from the popular table.

Theo was nowhere to be seen but Lyra and her minions were giving me deathly glares. I shrugged and looked away.

“Only if looks could kill," Nova grinned mischievously. We burst out laughing. But what did these people expect of me? They expected me to sulk in silence and die, maybe?

Maybe that is what would have happened if not for my friends, my mother, my sister, and my wolf. Tiara is strong and I am so proud of her.

***

"So now, all you have to do is get yourself a boyfriend," Nova said as we walked back to the classroom. I sighted the four hybrids walking on the hallway.

"Yeah, like I can just meet anyone to ask him to be my boyfriend,” I snorted.

“Yes, you can- especially if he is unmated or lost his mate, then you two will have a future together,” Alice smiled reassuringly

“So, Eden, don't you have a crush? Someone you can meet?” Nova smirked, plopping her hands on my shoulders.

One person quickly came to mind but I pushed it down.

“Nope,” I said

"You have to have at least one!” Alice urged “This school is filled with dreamy and hot men. Think of one name," she said

Eros.

I shook my head again, fighting the smile that threatened to slip.

That one name that keeps resounding in my head. Eros.

He has a strong, angular face, dark and silky hair, unique blue eyes, long eyelashes, and pink lips. But here's the catch—he's both a werewolf and a vampire, making him seem untouchable.

I remember how I first met Eros. It was a year ago. He and the King of the Wolves and Vampires came to visit the Silver Moon pack as they do, visiting every pack and clan in the world.

I was on my knees, scrubbing the floor. A punishment Lyra gave me before they walked in. I looked up, and there he was staring right at me. He was so huge and tall, and radiated power and authority and ...so beautiful.

I had never seen a man so beautiful before, it was surreal. His shoulders were so broad that they almost filled the door. I completely forgot about the King and just drooled at the man beside him.

His skin had a smooth, golden tan, resembling honey. Thick brown hair, a bit tousled with silky locks, fell across his forehead, framing strong, arched dark brows.

His face was perfectly symmetrical with noticeable cheekbones, a straight nose, and a sharp jaw leading to a strong chin. However, it was his sapphire eyes, framed by thick, long lashes, that captivated me the most. The intensity in his gaze held me, making it impossible to look away.

“Your Majesty,” Alpha Griffin and Luna interrupted, bowing before King Pison.

I learned later that Eros was the king’s cousin and one of the strongest breeds in the supernatural world. However, what I didn't understand was why he never left the silver moon pack that day.

He, and some other hybrids. Four of them, three males and a female, took a house on the outskirts of the town and started attending our school.

I told no one, not even my friends about my crush. I guess the feeling was one-sided because when school started, he never looked at me once. I doubt that he even knew I existed. It was foolish of me to think that he would take cognizance of the omega scrubbing the floor.

Well my crush died suddenly afterwards after meeting Theo… well, not fully. I think I still have a crush on him even now. I just ignore it the best I can and pretend that I don't see him with his friends, even when I take a little peek once in a while. Just a little.

Should I go and talk to him? Tell him to be my boyfriend? I pondered as I saw him and his friends still walking casually like they had nowhere important to be, while other students scurried out the exit door.

No one ever dared to approach or talk to the Hybrids before. Even the girls who openly admired them with lustful stares never said a word. Despite finding the Hybrids attractive, everyone knows them to be aloof, mysterious, and quite intimidating.

“You girls go ahead, I want to use the restroom,” I told Alice and Nova.

They looked at me suspiciously before walking off. They can’t know that I am trying to talk to a hybrid, but at least let me try before they pair me up with someone else.

I summoned courage and approached them. The hallway was almost clear, so I tapped him on the shoulder, "Excuse me, Eros? Can I talk to you for a minute?"

He turned around, and words died in my throat. Oh goddess, he was so beautiful, and perfect and big — and intimidating. What was I thinking?

He tilted an eyebrow in question when I stood there gaping at him with my mouth open. I gulped "Uhm, forget it. Never mind, sorry! Bye!!” I said and took to my heels in embarrassment.

I had made it halfway to the corridors when he appeared in front of me in a flash. I blinked in surprise.

“Oh no, you don't get to have my attention and runoff,” he smiled sensually.

Wow, Hybrids have amazing speed. There's no way I would get away from him if he refused to let me go.

I sighed and tore my eyes away from his mesmerizing gaze.

“You want to tell me what you stopped me for?” he asked, sounding amused. I stared at my shoes nervously.

Did he really expect me to answer that? Oh goddess, I can't think when I look at him — or when I see him looking at me, or when he's anywhere near me.

I took a few steps backward, and he moved closer until my back hit a locker. “So?” he asked, sounding amused.

I swear, I couldn't breathe as he towered over me, his scent filling my nostrils.

I fondled my fingers nervously, "I just thought that maybe— maybe we could be friends,”

“You want us; you and I to be friends?” his eyes held a wicket glint.

My cheeks burned red “Y—yes,” I nodded, trying to look away again.

His fingers came to tilt my chin softly,“No Butter, you and I can't be friends. We are much more…”

My heart stopped beating.