FINN'S POINT OF VIEW

As I made my descent down the corridor, clearing a path without me saying a word, students left like waves. This was instinct. The existence of an Alpha—especially a future one—called attention.

From my end, Nolan leaned forward, grinning.

"Did you see Elise?" His voice carried a faint laugh. "All summer tennis camp toned her legs. I would not object if they were encircling me."

I rolled my eyes, then punched in the code as I got to my locker.

"Elise is a Delta's daughter," I said, yanking out my books.

"So? That does not mean she cannot be entertaining, Nolan said. "Come on, it's not like you’ve saved yourself for your mate."

After slamming the locker closed, I headed towards our business class.

He had nothing to be incorrect. I knew something. But every she-wolf I had seen had the same ludicrous belief—that sleeping with me would somehow make them Luna. That never occurred.

I was looking for a strong mate. I was seeking a companion who possessed the strength of a warrior. She was someone who was capable of defending both our pack and herself, rather than retreating into the packhouse during difficult situations.

I had seen what Alphas mated with less powerful wolves produced. Distracted by fear for their mate, they hesitated in combat. Was I supposed to be their mate? The Moon Goddess would assign me a mate fit for my level.

Alphas mated to alpha-blooded females had always been leading the Iron Ridge Pack. I had not expected any different.

Nolan and I headed for my truck after school, the black beast shining under the sun. The machine, as strong as I was, was my eighteenth birthday present.

"Hey, Finn," a sensual voice murmured.

Lillian stood beside my truck, her blonde hair catching the sun.

"Do you have room for one more?" She swept her lashes.

Nolan laughed, already moving forward to assist her.

"No," I answered directly. "I'm not a particularly good taxi service. For a ride, call your warrior father.

Her face turned pale. She said, "It's Lillian," in a whisper.

Ask, "What?"

She said, "My name." "It's Lillian, not Brielle."

I shrugged, not really paying her any more attention.

I gave Nolan a head jerk. He groaned, then got into the truck. Sliding into the driver's seat, I quickly peeled out of the lot without looking back.

Nolan said, "You don't have to be such a jerk." "Would it kill you to be somewhat nicer when you turn them down?"

I growled, eyes fixed on the road, "I don't ask for their attention." "I have made it abundantly clear that a low-ranking wolf interests none. They must sort that out in their minds.

Nolan cast a rolling eye glance. "Yeah, well, some of us like a little fun. And your attitude is destroying it for the rest of us."

I began applying the brakes to slow down.

The truck jerked to a stop.

"Get out," I said with icy detachment.

Nolan contracted.

"If I'm interfering with your style, find another wolf to hang with."

He let out a breath, hands in surrender. "Relax." From our childhood, we have been best friends. I have nowhere to be going. Simply said, one day you will be guiding all these people. Perhaps you should not alienate half of your pack before you take over?"

I clenched my teeth and pushed the truck back into gear.

I had hardly entered the packhouse when we pulled up before an Omega flew towards me.

"Alpha Finn," he said, bowed rapidly. "Delta Dorian wants to see you in his office."

I looked at Nolan, then nodded and started upstairs.

Father sat at his desk, massaging his temples. Papers in front of him included financial reports from our pack companies.

"You wanted to see me?"

He dumped the papers aside.

"A warning arrived today," he said. "Your institution has a wolf from another pack enrolled. They begin tomorrow."

I sighed.

I pointed out, "Our school isn't on park land." Other packs send their wolves there constantly.

"They are not requesting authorisation. My father clarified, "They have already obtained registration." "The school just wanted to let us know that another wolf would be routinely passing across our land."

That was remarkable.

Long-standing alliances let some packs pass across our territory. This wolf was an outsider since it belonged to neither of those packs.

"What are you asking me to do?"

"Discover their identity. Discover their pack name. Despite the school's assurance that they wouldn't cause disturbances, I demand more than just their word.

I gave a nod. "I will take care of it."

Nolan was standing waiting when I left the office.

"Damn soundproofed walls," he said quietly. "I can't eavesdrop for shit."

I graced myself. "You know I would tell you anyhow."

Indeed, but where's the entertainment in that?

I drove into the school lot the following morning, looking about for any strange faces.

My basic goal was to locate the new student and determine their reason for being here alone.

Nolan separated off to go to his first class, and I headed to the administrative office. They would be there if the new child were checking in.

As I rounded a turn in the corridor, it was almost empty.

I accidentally bumped into someone.

They fell backward, papers flying all around, and a soft gasp escaped.

I lowered myself and saw a head full of rich red curls. They groaned silently as they tried to collect their strewn stuff.

Like a goods train, a smell assaulted me.

I love orange and honey.

My wolf howled, dragging at my consciousness.

Mate here.

I bent down to pick up a few papers. At last the girl forced herself upward and reached for them.

She said, "Thanks," in a whisper.

Her voice set something sharp across my chest.

She glanced up at me and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Grey eyes. Gentle lips.

The construction is delicate. Too sensitive. I inhaled deeply, searching for her rank. The answer was no. "You're an Omega?" I asked in a flat tone.

She blinked. Closed her lips. Closed them again at last. My jaw tightened.

My hands clenched into fists. There was a mistake here. The Moon Goddess had not destined me to be an Omega's mate. Holding onto her arm, I turned away.

The electric shock coursed through my skin. She gasped as I pushed her against the brick wall outside. "What is your name?" Her eyes darted to the side as if seeking an escape route.

She whispered, "Ivy," softly. "Ivy Alder". My stomach churned.

I took a deep breath. "No," I grumbled. "There is no way my mate is an omega." I stepped back, my chest heaving. "My mate and future Luna, I, Finn Harrington of the Iron Ridge Pack, reject you, Ivy Alder."

Her eyes widened. "You… you're rejecting me?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet each word conveyed her disbelief.

She stared at me as if I had just torn her heart out. I kept my gaze cold. Besides, what else was I supposed to do?