Chapter 1 Ever Been Kissed

Lilith's POV

"Mom, I don't want to live there."

The words slipped out before I could stop them, even though I already knew the answer.

My fingers twisted the frayed hem of my dress--the last remnant of my old life, hopelessly out of place in this gilded room.

My mother--Luna Vera to everyone else now--didn't even look up, her hands still sorting through the jewelry scattered across her vanity.

"Lilith, don't be difficult. Your brothers will take good care of you.

And you and Daegan need to attend the same academy. This is the best arrangement."

Brothers.

The word rolled off her tongue so easily, as if we were really family. I bit my lip, swallowing the protest crawling up my throat.

Three years ago, my father betrayed her.

Mom didn't hesitate--she severed their mating bond, took me, and fled the pack lands.

We'd lived among humans since then, scraping by, always moving. Hard, but free.

Until he came along.

Alpha Thomas Blackthorn.

A name that carried weight, even among wolves.

Wealth, power, a legacy built on strength. And three heirs--each more formidable than the last. Kieran. Rylan. Daegan.

At the mating ceremony three weeks ago, I'd seen them for the first time.

Their stares had slithered over my skin like a threat.

My wolf hadn't awakened yet, but instinct told me the truth--I wasn't their sister. I was prey.

"I could rent an apartment near campus," I tried, voice small. "I'm seventeen. I can take care of myself."

Mom finally turned, her beautiful face settling into that familiar, unyielding expression. "Don't be ridiculous, Lili. You're an Alpha's daughter now. You belong with family." She cupped my face, her touch warm but firm. "They're good boys. You'll see."

I looked down, defeated.

The moment Mom became Luna of the Blackthorn pack, I'd known this day would come.

Pack law was clear--unmated females over sixteen couldn't live in the Alpha house. And as the wolf-less outsider, my only option was moving in with them.

The only silver lining? Rylan was rarely around. One less problem to handle.

"Did you pack everything?" Mom asked, already moving on.

"Yeah."

Not that there was much to take. Three years of drifting left us with little. Even now, living in this palace, I kept my belongings light.

"Kieran's picking you up tonight."

***

At exactly nine, the doorbell rang.

My pulse spiked, palms slick with sweat. Through the window, I saw the black sports car idling at the curb--and him, leaning against the hood, all effortless dominance and coiled strength.

Alpha Kieran Blackthorn.

Even from a distance, his Alpha aura pressed against my skin, thick and suffocating.

At the ceremony, he'd been the quietest of the three--and the most intense.

Dark brown eyes that saw too much, a presence that commanded without words.

I grabbed my backpack and forced myself downstairs.

Mom was already at the door, chatting with him like this was normal. Like sending me off to live with virtual strangers wasn't insane.

"Lilith."

Kieran nodded, his voice a deep rumble that vibrated straight through me.

Dressed in a plain black tee and jeans, he still looked every inch the aristocrat--untouchable, dangerous.

Up close, his eyes glowed faintly amber in the dim light. Predator's eyes.

"Hi." I managed, fingers tightening around the strap of my bag.

He took my suitcase, his grip oddly gentle. "Ready?"

His gaze lingered on my face, searching for something. I nodded stiffly and turned to hug Mom goodbye.

The car smelled like mint and something darker, richer--his scent. Even in human form, strong Alphas leaked pheromones like a warning.

It wrapped around me, equal parts comforting and terrifying.

Twenty minutes later, we turned into a private drive lined with ancient oaks. A modern three-story house emerged--all steel and glass, sleek but undeniably wild.

"Welcome to the Den." Kieran's mouth curved, not quite a smile.

He carried my bag behind me as the front door swung open. But the moment I stepped inside, the air shifted.

The mint in his scent sharpened, turning almost bitter. A warning.

I froze.

When I turned, Kieran was closer than before, his shirt clinging to sweat-slicked skin. His chest rose and fell too fast, his gaze dragging over me like a physical touch.

My nipples pebbled under the thin fabric of my dress, and I hated that I couldn't control it.

"Kieran?" My voice came out too soft, too shaky. "Are you--"

A low growl cut me off.

His hand snapped out, fingers circling my wrist.

I barely had time to gasp before he yanked me against him, his other hand tilting my chin up.

"Ever been kissed?" he murmured, voice rough.

I shook my head, heart hammering.

"Me neither." His breath scorched my lips. "Let's try."

Then his mouth crashed down on mine.