Chapter 1 An Unexpected Encounter

Ellie's POV

I turned eighteen today, which is a big deal in our pack. In our society, turning eighteen is the time for our coming-of -age celebration where the Alpha gets to choose his mate. Most girls can't wait for this day, bursting with joy. For me, however, there are signs of anxiety with only a sprinkle of optimism. I am Ellie, the low-ranked omega wolf. Carrying the burdens of my dead parents, I am adopted into this pack. I have no relatives here, but I have always had one friend who had my back, and it's a boy and his name is Daniel.

Daniel is more than a childhood friend. He's the Alpha of the Silver Crest pack and, in a fresh turn of events, he wants me as his mate. Although we described one another as brother and sister growing up, this feels very surreal in this instance. I'm an omega, an orphan, so there's no way I would have thought they could choose someone powerful like him. But here I am, stepping up with courage for whatever the ceremony has in store, even if a section of me is frightened of what everyone else will think of me.

The occasion taking place this evening is in honor of this selection, although I can feel the burden of disapproval already. As I make my way across the hall, I am the subject of audible whispers.

"She's just an orphan. "What does he see in her?" One of them whispers.

"Daniel could've had anyone. "Why would he choose her of all women?" another male voice joins in.

I try to brush them aside, but it's proving very difficult. Those words are painful, but they will not spoil this day. Daniel cares for me and that is sufficient for the time being.

Out of nowhere, I heard a voice I was familiar with. "Ellie! Hey! What are your deep thoughts about?"

It's my roommate, Kara. We have been together through thick and thin, and she never fails to bring me a smile, a cheerful word.

"I was just thinking..." I replied, looking down to avoid her gaze.

"Are you concerned about tonight?" Kara questions and I can feel her analyzing me.

I nod, feeling a wee bit foolish. "Yeah, I suppose I am. It's just...... Well, Daniel and I are worlds apart. He's an Alpha, and I am, well, you know me."

Kara gives me a quick pat on the back. "Ellie, I mean you more than just you." If Daniel can appreciate that, why can't you? "It is all, I repeat, all about you."

There is no denying that her words have some effect, but I cannot shake off the butterflies completely. I know she's right; I just need to be able to convince myself of it. I breathe deeply, trying to breathe out the frightened part of my mind. The night will be majorly important for me and I will have to deal with it come what may and, more importantly, do it without fear.

Kara's phone goes off, and she walks away to take the call, leaving me with my thoughts. I reached for my dress from the wardrobe. It is a simple but classy gunmetal gray and black dress. With the dress held up against me, I stand in front of the mirror and begin to imagine how this evening will play out. I see myself swirling in dance with Daniel while his hand remains firmly placed on my back, his eyes radiating warmth.

"Is that a sneak preview of how you are looking forward to the dance?" I was taken aback and turned around to see Jake, my other roommate, at the door looking at me with a smirk.

"Since when have you been lurking here?" embarrassed, I responded to him, a rush of heat rising to my face.

"Long enough to keep in mind that you are set for the night," he says with a laugh and comes to stand beside me. But class time is calling. "Don't want to delay your big day."

I nodded and followed him out. It's just a brief distance to the class we are heading to, but all the same, each footstep feels like a weight. Word about the event has gotten out, and I can tell people are watching, some with disinterest and some with interest. As I walk, there are sounds of people talking and soft murmurs go on that are not supposed to be heard from this close range.

"She is just an omega, after all." "He will always be out of her league," a girl says in a low tone.

Some of the girls even look my way with contempt in their gaze. I try to maintain my composure, chin up, though, internally, my self-esteem is quite low. Just when I feel like I have reached the breaking point, Jake cuts me some slack.

"Don't pay attention to them," he murmurs, "There is a reason why Daniel picked you".

We got to the classroom, and I exhaled in relief. Once seated, I attempt to pay attention to the ongoing lesson, but it is hard owing to the soft talks and glares directed toward me. I look at Jake, who gestures that everything will be okay. He's always played the role of an elder brother, hence his presence is quite comforting.

After class, I start packing quickly as I am exhausted. I convince myself that things will be nice once I am back home. But home isn't exactly easy either, since I will stay with foster parents until the dorm renovations are completed.

I wouldn't call it the best of situations, but I will at least get some time off from people to study for tonight. That I will get to see Daniel, who always seems to make up for everything and who is not far from me, now cheers me up even more as I walk down the corridor.

Finally, I arrive at my foster family's place, and the soothing effect due to the home walls is back. I go up to the room and feel eager to relax after the long hours. But as I walk into the room, I hear sounds coming from the inside. The voice of my stepsister, Emily, makes me stop. Apparently, she is talking to someone inside, but I cannot hear what she is saying.

As I step closer, my heart almost stops as a male voice I recognize answers back. It sends my thoughts spiraling, and I feel ice run through my veins. It was definitely Daniel.