Chapter 1 THÈ FORGOTTEN WOLF

HAILEY QUIN

I tiptoe through the dim corridors of the packhouse, my bare feet padding softly against the cold wooden floors. The early morning light filtered dimly through the filthy-looking windows, casting long shadows that mirrored my reality in the background, always unseen. As I quietly prepared for my endless chores, I couldn't help but feel that even the lowest Omegas had it better than I did. My existence wasn't about living; it was about surviving. My living conditions are simply appalling, but with no other option, I stay here with my head bowed.

My body ached from yesterday's punishments, the bruises on my ribs pulsing in rhythm with my heartbeat. I winced as I bent to pick up a stray shoe someone had carelessly left in the hallway. It didn't matter who dropped it; if the Luna saw it there, I would be the one blamed. That was how things always were over here. The truth didn't matter to anyone here.

I had learned long ago that speaking up only made things worse. No matter how hard I try to explain I'd always feel guilty to them.

As an orphan taken in by the Cedar pack's Alpha and Luna after my mother's death, I was expected to "earn my keep." But it didn't take long for me to realize that meant enduring disgraceful incidents, beatings, and endless labour while being treated as less than nothing.

"She's wolfless," they whispered whenever I passed. "How pathetic."

No one dared to defy the Alpha or Luna's cruelty toward me-not even the kindest pack members. I was an easy target, an outsider in a world where strength was everything.

When I stepped into the kitchen, my stomach churned. The sink overflowed with dishes from last night's feast, and the air was heavy with the sour stench of leftovers. My hands trembled as I turned on the faucet and began scrubbing the grease-streaked plates, my mind a quiet storm of frustration and tiredness.

Amenia, my wolf, stirred in the back of my mind.

"They don't deserve us, Hailey," she growled, her voice soothing and fierce all at once. "Let me out. I'll show them what true strength looks like."

I paused mid-scrub, closing my eyes. "We can't," I whispered, barely audible over the running water. "You know why."

My mother's warning echoed in my mind, as vivid as the day she said it. "The world will fear what it doesn't understand. Keep Amenia a secret, my love. Promise me."

And so I had. I endured the pack's scorn, their cruelty, and their dismissal, all to keep my wolf hidden.

By the time the pack began to stir, I had scrubbed the kitchen spotless, prepared breakfast, and swept the main hall. The Luna's sharp eyes roamed over my work with unabashed scrutiny.

"This is barely acceptable," she snapped, her lips curling in disdain. "I expect more effort next time."

"Yes, Luna," I murmured, keeping my eyes on the ground.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of labour and insults. Dishes were thrown at me, clothes piled endlessly, floors dirtied as soon as I cleaned them. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues, I finally allowed myself a moment of solemnity. I slipped out the back door, seeking solace in the forest's quiet embrace.

But peace was fleeting.

"Hailey!"

The cold, commanding voice made my heart freeze. I turned slowly, dread curling in my stomach as I recognized Thomas Cedar, the Alpha's son.

Thomas was everything a future Alpha should be strong, confident, and undeniably handsome. But his kindness, if it ever existed, had never been directed at me.

"Come here," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

I obeyed, my steps hesitant. As I approached him, the scent of pine and cedar overwhelmed me, and with it came an unexpected sensation of warmth spreading through my chest, igniting something deep inside me.

My breath hitched. Mate.

Thomas's jaw clenched, his expression darkening. He felt it, too.

"You," he spat, his voice dripping with disgust. "You're my mate? The moon Goddess must be joking".

I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as I nodded, hope and dread warring within me.

"The Moon Goddess must be playing some kind of sick joke," he chuckles maniacally.

Each word struck like a dagger, but the worst was yet to come.

"I, Thomas Cedar, reject you, Hailey Quin, as my mate." His voice was cold and final, leaving no room for doubt.

The bond burned, a searing pain that brought tears to my eyes. This was supposed to be the moment I found unconditional love, but instead, it shattered everything I had dreamed of.

I straightened, summoning what little strength I had left. "I, Hailey Quin, accept your rejection."

The pain sharpened, and I was thrown off my balance with blinding pain, the impact of the pain blinding me for a moment before fading into a dull ache. The bond was severed, leaving behind a void I hadn't anticipated.

Thomas stared at me, as though waiting for me to beg. When I didn't, he scoffed and walked away, disappearing into the trees without a second glance.

I stood there, alone under the darkening sky, my breath hitching as silent sobs wracked my body and I mourned the loss of an experience that was supposed to change me, make me happy and grant me freedom.

"You're stronger than this, Hailey," Amenia said softly, her voice steady and resolute. "He doesn't deserve us."

I wiped my tears, resolve hardening in my chest. I had endured years of cruelty, silence, and humiliation, but something shifted within me that night. This is the right time to put myself together and leave this place.

I didn't know how, or when, but I would leave this place. I would find a way to escape, to break free from the chains that bound me to this pack.

And one day, they would all see the strength I had kept hidden.

One day, I would be free.