Chapter 1
Margaret’s POV
The clock on the wall was my only salvation. I kept my eyes fixed on it, watching the minute hand drag itself torturously around the face. Fifty-three minutes down, twelve to go. Another paper ball hit the back of my head, and I clenched my jaw but didn't turn around. Reacting would only make it worse.
Mr. Harrison droned on about math at the front of the classroom, seemingly oblivious to the fact that no one was listening. Most students were passing notes or whispering to each other. And then there was Josh, who had apparently decided that turning his notebook into ammunition to throw at me was a more productive use of his time.
Same crap, different day.
As the school year draws to a close, I'm counting down the days until my freedom. During the break, I plan to hole up at home, rest, and look through college materials—these future plans help me endure my current predicament. Getting suspended now would be catastrophic; Mother would absolutely make me pay. Her iron-fisted approach is legendary within the pack, and not even her own daughter would receive an ounce of mercy.
My father is a Beta, a highly respected member of the pack. You can imagine his disappointment when he discovered the truth—I'm a freak, a girl without a wolf. Our school was established exclusively for werewolves; humans can't even get near the threshold. As you might guess, my situation is incredibly difficult. I have almost become human, which here is the most shameful brand possible. They never tire of reminding me of this fact.
But my parents are best. Even when the entire pack rejects me, they stand firmly by my side, always saying that I'm just awakening late, that my wolf will eventually come. I used to believe them naively—until now. I'm almost eighteen, the age when we're supposed to find mates, and my wolf is still nowhere to be seen. Most of my peers completed their transformation at thirteen, while I... it's like being forever stuck on the eve of puberty. The only consolation is that I did experience puberty—though it maddeningly skipped the most crucial part.
The bell rang, and I bolted from the classroom, racing toward the cafeteria. I snatched up a tray, quickly collected my food, and slunk toward "my corner"—yeah, that table carved with the word "FREAK" in case I somehow forgot my status among the pack. How "thoughtful" of them. Better yet, it sat right next to the bathroom, truly the "premium view" of the entire dining hall.
Thursdays were the worst. The cafeteria served something they called "beef stew with onions," though both the smell and appearance made me question what creatures had actually gone into the pot. Some joked that the lunch ladies cooked expelled students; I suspected it was roadkill or rat meat. Whatever it was, this "delicacy" reliably triggered a mass exodus to the restrooms.
Fortunately, after choking down that slop once, I'd learned my lesson—every Thursday since, I packed my own lunch, completely avoiding the intestinal catastrophe that awaited everyone else.
I had just sat down at my designated seat, ready to eat my lunch in the crowded modern school cafeteria, when I heard my name announced over the PA system.
"Margaret Tudor, please report to the front office," declared the school's middle-aged secretary. The entire cafeteria erupted in laughter, throwing food in my direction. I kept walking, dumping the contents of my tray in the trash and setting the tray aside. I was used to their taunts by now.
Most days, I just want to be invisible, quietly making it through high school without drawing attention. But as the Beta's daughter, with a mother who serves as the pack's Chief Warrior, staying under the radar is nearly impossible. I shook my backpack, pulling a piece of lettuce from my dark brown curls—Thomas's "masterpiece" after he smashed his entire burger onto my head. The guy might not be the brightest, but his throwing skills are terrifyingly precise, or maybe I'm just an easy target, considering how the burger exploded right on top of me. I casually ran my fingers through my hair, feeling something wet on my cheeks, and looked down—
Damn, mayonnaise everywhere. I let out a groan, heading for the exit while trying to wipe the sticky white gunk from my hair with my sweater sleeve.
I moved quickly down the hallway toward the front office. Pushing the door open with my elbow, I rushed across the courtyard. The brown doors of the office were right there, my sanctuary. No one bothered me there. Mrs. Davidson was a terrifying woman, and nobody dared cause trouble in the front office. When I was halfway across the courtyard, Saskia and her minions blocked my path. I rolled my eyes, wondering what this bitch wanted now.
Saskia was the Alpha's daughter; her brother Caleb was next in line for the Alpha position; both were my sworn enemies.
"Hey, freak," Saskia taunted, blocking my path. I tried to go around her, but she sidestepped directly in front of me.
"What do you want, Saskia?" I asked. We used to be friends until everyone found out I didn't have a wolf, and then I became the laughingstock of the school.
"Oh, nothing, just came to give you a proper send-off," she said with a fake smile, and I frowned, replaying her words in my head.
"What are you talking about?" I shook my head, not understanding what she meant.
Saskia's blue eyes glinted maliciously, her full lips curving into a smirk. "You haven't heard?" she asked in a sing-song voice. Whatever she was about to tell me, she was enjoying it.
She fanned herself with her hand, then examined her manicured nails. I didn't understand why she bothered with manicures when her nails just broke every time she shifted.
"If you have something to say, Saskia, just say it. I need to get to the office," I retorted, not wanting to play her stupid games anymore.
Meril and Bianca giggled behind Saskia as she stepped forward. I sized her up.
Bitch, don't mess with me today. I'm covered in burger and disgusting mayonnaise. I'm starving because I didn't get to eat my pathetic lunch, and I'm being called to the office. Though if she tries anything, I will feed her scrawny ass to herself. I might actually take my mother's advice and teach Saskia a lesson she deserves.
Saskia jabbed her finger into my chest, and I smacked her hand away. She leaned in close. "My father has banished you. So I thought I'd come see you. Couldn't miss saying goodbye to the unwanted daughter of the Beta," she giggled, with Bianca and Meril laughing at her not-so-funny joke. God, those girls were as dumb as they looked. If they weren't pretty, I guarantee no one would put up with their antics.
Before I could question her ridiculous claims further, Saskia stepped back, and something cold and wet ran down my face just as the office door opened. Meril had poured her milkshake over my head, soaking through the sweater my mother had knitted for me, drenching me completely. I felt the thick milk running between my cleavage, and I pursed my lips; stepping forward, fists clenched, just wanting to break Saskia's perfect nose. Only I didn't get the chance because my mother's angry voice echoed around us. Saskia jumped, and I smirked. Now you're in trouble.
"Saskia Elizabeth Blackwell, do you have a reason for tormenting my daughter?" my mother Ophelia demanded.