lphas Second Choice novel Chapter 28

Skyla’s POV

We finally make it to school, though Selene didn’t stop complaining the entire ride.

I pulled into my usual parking spot–one of the designated spaces for Alpha family members–behind the

wheel of my sleek black 2023 Dodge Durango SRT. Right beside me, Sebastian’s glossy black 2023 Jeep

Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was already parked.

Yeah, our parents are loaded. In the human world, Dad’s a wildly successful entrepreneur with more

businesses than I can count.

On the other side of Sebastian’s car sat a deep navy Tesla Model S, and the moment Selene squealed like she’d won the lottery, I knew exactly who it belonged to–Cassian Mercer, the future Alpha of the Bloodmoon

Pack.

I do my best to avoid Cassian. For some reason, he absolutely hates me.

He leads the pack when it comes to name–calling and insults. It doesn’t help that our birthdays fall on the same day–tomorrow. His twin sister Alexia and I share the date too. Since our families are so close and Selene’s convinced Cassian is her mate, our dads decided to throw one massive birthday bash for all of us.

Even though Cassian treats me like garbage, I won’t lie–he’s ridiculously good–looking.

He stands about 6’8, just like Sebastian.

He’s got these intense green eyes–yes, this smooth–skinned, bronze–toned man has emerald green eyes that

could make you forget your name.

His hair is always laid in tight waves, the kind you want to run your fingers through. And don’t get me started on those abs–always visible under those fitted tees he wears like a second skin.

Wait. No. Snap out of it, Skyla.

I hate him just as much as he hates me. Period.

The moment I get to my locker, the usual chorus of insults begins.

“Hey fatso, nerd, loser, ugly, four–eyes,” they snicker from down the hallway.

They always wait until Sebastian isn’t around to start.

Selene, her flock of mean–girl clones, and Cassian are always front and center in the cruelty parade.

I never say a word. The unspoken rule around here? “Snitches get stitches.”

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But I’m not scared of them. Not one bit.

My dad says I’m strong enough to take down anyone–even an Alpha.

I’ve already learned how to make him submit when we spar, and that’s saying something.

Cassian might hate me, but his twin sister Alexia? She’s my best friend.

She’s always trying to get me to dress a little less… baggy. She wants me to ditch my oversized hoodies and definitely those chunky glasses.

We’re werewolves, after all–I don’t actually need them.

Alexia strolls up, slings an arm around my shoulder, and sighs. “Skyla, why do you let them treat you like that? You know you could wipe the floor with them. So why are you holding back?”

I don’t answer her. Instead, I pull my books from my locker and say with a tired breath, “Let’s just go to class.”

At least Alexia and I have every class together. That’s a win.

My brother’s best friend Tristan–soon to be Beta–and his future Gamma Paxton are in my first few periods

too.

They always keep a close eye out for trouble and report back to Sebastian if anything happens, which keeps things fairly uneventful.

It’s the only part of my day I can actually breathe without having to be on guard.

Then the bell rings–lunchtime.

Oh joy. Time to reunite with all my beloved peers at Blue Moon High. (Can you hear the sarcasm?)

Right on cue, the fat jokes start rolling in.

I brace myself. “Just ignore it, Skyla. You know none of it’s true,” I remind myself.

And I do know it. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

What cuts deepest isn’t the cruelty from strangers–it’s the betrayal from my own sister.

She laughs with them. Every. Single. Time.

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