Chapter 2

Chapter 2
Julia's POV

I kept my eyes fixed on my notebook, refusing to acknowledge her excitement. This "invitation" was just Nathan's latest method.

"I'm not going to his stupid party," I muttered, continuing to sketch the medicinal plant I'd found near the school fence.

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Nathan told me to make sure you come. He said it's important."

I knew exactly why it was "important." Nathan wanted another opportunity to humiliate me, probably to reinforce that despite our secret mate bond, he had all the power. And he couldn't even be bothered to mindlink me directly—though as future Alpha, he could connect with anyone in the pack. No, that would be beneath him. Instead, he'd sent my eager sister as his messenger.

Peace was the last thing Reynolds wanted. He wanted submission. Obedience. A public display that I knew my place.

---

Three hours later, I stood in the corner of the Reynolds' massive backyard, watching as Nathan held court among his admirers. Lanterns hung from trees, casting a golden glow over the party. Music pumped from expensive speakers while pack members mingled, laughing and dancing.

"Drink this," Eric appeared beside me, shoving a red cup into my hand. "You look pathetic standing here alone."

I sniffed the cup suspiciously. "I'm fine without it."

"Nathan's asking where you are," he said with a smirk. "Better not keep him waiting."

My stomach twisted with anxiety. I'd managed to avoid a direct confrontation so far, but I knew my time was running out. Nathan had organized this entire spectacle just to make a point—to me and to anyone who might notice our interaction.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way through the crowd toward him. People parted as I approached, whispers following in my wake. Nathan's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes cold despite his charming smile.

"Julia!" he called out, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "There you are. I was beginning to think you weren't coming to my party."

The crowd around him quieted, sensing entertainment was about to unfold.

"Thank you for inviting me, Nathan," I said stiffly.

His smile widened. "You know, I was just telling everyone about how you've been following me around since elementary school." He gestured dramatically. "What was it you used to leave in my locker? Homemade herbal remedies?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd. My cheeks burned with humiliation. I'd never left anything in his locker—we both knew that—but this was about crafting a narrative where I was the pathetic stalker.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I managed to say.

Nathan's eyes hardened. "Play along, or I'll tell everyone exactly what the Moon Goddess decided for us," his voice cut through my mind via our private mindlink. "Admit you've been obsessed with me, or I swear I'll announce our mate bond right here."

Cold fear washed over me. If people knew we were mates and that Nathan was rejecting me, I'd never escape the pity and gossip. I'd be branded as the unwanted mate of the Alpha for life.

"Come on, Julia," Nathan prompted aloud. "Don't be shy now. Tell everyone how you've been chasing after me all these years."

I swallowed hard, forcing words past the lump in my throat. "I... I did have a crush on you. For a long time."

The satisfaction in Nathan's eyes made me sick.

"And what about all those notes you wrote? The ones professing your undying love?" he pushed, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"I never wrote any notes," I sent back through our mindlink, rage building inside me.

"Say it out loud or deal with the consequences," came his immediate reply.

"I wrote notes," I admitted, each word like glass in my mouth. "I thought... I thought you might notice me."

The crowd erupted in laughter. Sophia looked confused but joined in, eager to align herself with the popular opinion. Eric was grinning broadly beside Nathan, clearly enjoying my public humiliation.

"Well, I've noticed you now, Julia," Nathan said, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. He approached and placed his hand on my shoulder, leaning close to whisper in my ear, though loud enough for those nearby to hear: "But I'm not interested in herb witches who can't take a hint."

More laughter. More whispers. I stood frozen, tears threatening to spill.

"Thank you for coming to my party," he concluded loudly, dismissing me with a pat on the shoulder. "It's always good to have loyal pack members who know their place."

I fled the party, his cruel laughter echoing in my ears, the bond between us pulsing with his satisfaction at my humiliation.

---

Six months later.

I stared at the acceptance letter in my hands, its university letterhead gleaming in the afternoon sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. I read it for the fifth time, savoring every word of validation.

"Dear Ms. White, We are pleased to offer you admission to the State University School of Nursing. Your research on medicinal herbs have impressed our admissions committee..."

My heart raced. This was it—my ticket out. After months of enduring Nathan's public mockery and private threats, I finally had a legitimate reason to leave the star Shadow pack.

I carefully placed the letter back in its envelope and slid it into my herbal notebook for safekeeping. Yesterday had been my eighteenth birthday. My wolf had awakened under the full moon, completing the mate bond that Nathan so despised. I could feel him now, a constant presence at the edge of my consciousness, though he never communicated through our mindlink unless he wanted to torment me.

Tonight was a Moon Gathering, and this time I had a plan. Nathan had promised to reject me formally once my wolf awakened. I would use that to negotiate my freedom.

I knew the werewolf laws by heart now, having spent months researching loopholes. A formal mate rejection required consent from both parties. Most rejected wolves were too heartbroken to deny their mates anything, but I was different. I would use his desire to be rid of me as leverage.

"He can reject me," I murmured, "but he has to let me leave."

The community center glowed with silver decorations, same as every month. I slipped away from my family the moment we arrived, scanning the crowd for Nathan.

I found him surrounded by his usual entourage, including my brother Eric and several admirers. Nathan had grown even more imposing in the past year, his tailored suit emphasizing his broad shoulders, his golden-brown hair perfectly styled.

As if sensing my approach, he turned. His eyes narrowed when they met mine.

"What do you want, Julia?" he asked when I reached him, surprise evident in his tone. I never approached him voluntarily.

"I need to talk with you," I said, forcing confidence into my voice despite the knot in my stomach. "About college."

Nathan dismissed his followers with a flick of his wrist. They dispersed reluctantly, Eric shooting me a suspicious glare before backing away.

"Let's find somewhere quieter," Nathan said, his voice cool and controlled.

He led me to a corner of the second floor, away from the main celebration. The moon shone through a large window, bathing us in silver light.

"I've been accepted to State University's nursing program," I said, pulling the letter from my purse. "I want to go."

Nathan's eyes skimmed the paper. "Leaving the pack requires Alpha permission."

"I know."

"Which I won't give." He handed the letter back with a dismissive gesture.

I took a deep breath. "You know formal rejection requires my consent too."

His eyes flashed dangerously. "Are you threatening me?"

"Negotiating," I corrected. "Let me go to college, and I'll agree to your rejection."