Chapter 5 Enrollment

A few days later, I was in my room enjoying some time alone when Chloe, my stepsister, barged into my room.

"Look at her," she sneered, pointing at me. "Enjoying the life of luxury. I'm sure you never got the chance to have any of this because of your background."

I glanced up from my bed, completely unbothered by her presence or her words.

"Do you need something?" I asked calmly, trying to stop her from getting on my nerves.

Chloe scoffed. "Why on earth would you ever think I need something from you? I would never."

She folded her arms and took a step closer. "You came here acting all high and mighty like you belong in this pack. But you're not one of us. You're an outcast, born under circumstances no one will ever accept."

I shook my head at her words and stood up from my seat. "What is wrong with everyone in this house?"

I exhaled sharply and crossed my arms. "I don't need anything from any of you. I'm not desperate for acceptance."

I raised a brow at her. "You call me irritating all the time, but have you ever taken a good look in the mirror?" I added.

"You know, you're really funny. You even left your room all the way over there just to come here and talk nonsense in my face. That's pathetic."

Her eyes darkened. "How dare you speak to me like that! Do you even know your place?"

"Yes, I do," I said coldly. "And it's above you. While you? You're beneath me."

Chloe's face twisted in rage. "You little wench! I'll show you never to speak to me that way again!"

With a growl, her claws shot out, and in a flash, she shoved me hard on the bed. Her hands on my neck.

If someone doesn't come now, I'll be forced to do something drastic, I said in my mind.

Chloe's fangs elongated, and her golden-brown eyes burned with fury. "I'll kill you," she snarled. "Then I'll show you who belongs on top and who stays below."

Meanwhile...

In Richard's study, his mother entered the room to find him lost in thought, his expression clouded with worry.

"Why the sad face, son?" she asked gently. "Is it about Lyra? I told you not to stress too much."

Richard sighed. "I've been thinking, Mother. I've decided to enroll Lyra in school-at least so she can learn the culture and rules of this pack."

His mother's face brightened. "That's wonderful, son. You did well. But why do you still look troubled?"

"I'm worried, Mother," Richard admitted. "She's basically human. It feels like we're throwing her into the enemy's camp."

His mother took a seat across from him. "She survived in the enemy's camp for six years. Only a Parker could handle something like that."

"It's not that simple," Richard muttered. "She'll be a target at school. With the laws of the council, no one will accept her."

His mother smiled. "You're underestimating Lyra. Besides, she has our blood flowing in her veins."

"You don't get it, Mother," Richard said, rubbing his temples. "They call her an abomination. She can be hurt, or worse... killed."

"She wouldn't be," his mother said firmly. "And who would dare go against the Alpha's daughter? Are they trying to sign their death warrants?"

She placed a hand on Richard's. "Just call everyone and make the announcement. I don't want anyone in this family questioning your decisions or choices."

Richard sighed again.

"I always want this family to be united and at peace," his mother added.

Back in Lyra's Room...

Just as Chloe's claws were about to strike, someone grabbed her from behind, yanking her away.

Chase.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he snapped, his voice filled with fury. "She's just human, and you decided to prey on her?"

Chloe growled, struggling against his grip.

"She's our sister, for crying out loud! She should be treated with respect."

Chase turned to me, his expression softening. "Are you okay? Did she hurt you?"

I shook my head silently, still catching my breath as I held my neck.

"What?!" Chloe shrieked. "You're supposed to be on my side! We're siblings!"

Chase crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Well, not when that sibling of mine is turning into a bully."

"This is all your fault," Chloe snapped, her voice dripping with annoyance. "You'll never be my sister. I won't accept you."

She took a step back, eyes burning with fury. "You just made an enemy, Lyra. I will make your life miserable." She hissed and stormed out of the room.

I exhaled sharply and turned to Chase. "Why did you stop her? She's your sister. You should be on her side."

"I get what you mean," Chase admitted, "but I can never support Chloe's excesses. She's just like Mother."

He tried to lighten the mood, a smirk forming on his face. "Did you see her face when you called her irritating? I swear, I thought I was going to pop."

Lyra laughed. "But how did you know?"

Chase shrugged. "I was about to come say hello. We haven't really talked since you woke up. I was standing by the door, waiting for you both to finish arguing." He grinned. "Thank the Moon Goddess I was in the right place at the right time."

"Thanks for coming to my aid, brother," I said sincerely.

Chase's face lit up with a wide smile.

Just then, his expression shifted as he received a mind-link message from his father.

"Lyra," he said, turning serious. "Father wants all of us downstairs. Especially you."

Downstairs...

The entire family gathered in the large hall, everyone was eager to hear why they had been summoned. The tension in the room was thick.

I broke the silence. "Why was I called? Am I that important to all of you that we keep having these little meetings?"

"What a disrespectful lady," Fabian scoffed.

I rolled my eyes. "You were never going to accept my greetings, so why bother?"

Before Fabian could respond, Richard raised a hand, cutting him off. "Enough. Let's not get sidetracked."

His gaze shifted to me. "Lyra, I'm sure you don't know the ways or laws of the wolves. I can't have a child of mine be uneducated-that is not the way of the Parkers."

I stiffened as he continued.

"So, I've decided to enroll you in Lupari pack academy for werewolves."

The room fell silent for a brief second before Chloe's voice rang out in protest.

"What? Father, you can't enroll her in my school!" she shouted, looking at Richard in disbelief.

Linda stepped forward, her tone sharp. "How could you, Richard? That school is for werewolves-not humans. And definitely not for dirty bloods."

I chuckled dryly. "Hmm. What's with you guys and hybrid wolves? Or humans?" My eyes flicked between them. "Not like any of you are any better than me. You're the disgusting ones here."

I scoffed. "Always pointing your sh*t at me. I never wanted to be born. I never asked for this life."

"Then go jump off a cliff and end it," Linda said coldly, rolling her eyes.

"Mother! How could you?" Chase snapped, glaring at her.

I let out a dry laugh, shifting my gaze between my stepmother and stepsister, letting the amusement dance in my eyes.

"I'll go to that school, Mother," I said, my voice filled with mockery. "I accept."

Linda's face twisted in anger. "Don't refer to me as Mother! I will never be your mother!"

I smirked and walked past Chloe, laughing loudly as I went.

Her furious gaze followed me, but I didn't care. My laughter echoed through the house, filling every corner.

"And you want to call that person normal?" Linda muttered under her breath.