Melanie’s POV I resist the urge to follow him; instead, heading to the training grounds to blow off some steam. Swiftly shifting, I throw on a purple sports bra and shorts, ready to release my pent-up emotions. Then, I do a series of warm-up stretches before running a few laps around the track outside.I have spent the last six months in Alpha Academy, where Alphas from all over the country come and train for their roles. which I can only describe as pure hell. After graduating high school a year early, I pleaded with my father for the opportunity to prove myself worthy of the Alpha title, and with Mom’s persuasion, he sent both me and Jaxon.Jaxon, golden boy groomed from childhood to become the next Alpha, had always been Dad’s favorite choice. And no matter how hard I worked or begged for recognition, it was obvious that his decision was made long before I ever stepped foot in the academy.My fist smashes through the wooden dummy, sending pieces flying in all directions.“Fuck you,

Melanie's POV I get up and storm out of the diner. Leaning against the cool brick wall, I take a deep breath to calm my wolf before we end up destroying something or someone. Preferably, Jaxon.“I see you’re still in a bad mood,” a familiar, hated voice drawls, dripping with arrogance.The smell of cinnamon and vanilla overwhelms my senses again. I guess he is the one walking around smelling like a slutty breakfast.Disgusting. Jaxon leans against the wall beside me, the heat from his body radiating like a furnace. Some sick impulse inside me wants to lean against him, just to see how it feels, but there’s no way in hell I’m allowing that to happen.“Maybe if you would stop stalking me, I wouldn’t be,” I snap, turning my back to him.He lets out a low snort. “Please. I just keep running into you by accident.”“Well, you won’t have to worry about that soon,” I mutter, kicking a pebble across the pavement. If I won’t be appreciated in this pack, I’ll find another pack that’ll. “And w

Jaxon's POV“Don’t touch me, Jaxon!” Melanie hisses, her voice sharp and defiant. She pushes her long, ash-brown hair out of her face. I love it when she wears her hair down; it frames her face perfectly. She’s sexy as fuck when she’s pissed off —fierce, untamed, like a volcano about to erupt.“I’m just trying to help,” I mutter, raising my hand in a defensive gesture. I back away a step to give her space, knowing better not to push her. She’s already pissed about the whole Alpha thing,She scoffs. “Well don’t.” She rolls those beautiful, violet eyes and it only makes me want to bend her over and punish her. She really does need someone to fuck this bad attitude out of her.“You know what, since it’s our last day, let’s spar,” I suggest eagerly. “I know how much you love being pinned underneath me.”She narrows her eyes at me, emitting a low growl. Without a word, she sinks into a crouch, her body taut and ready to strike. We begin to circle each other, moving with a fluid rhythm that

Donna soon arrives with our pancakes, and gently places them in front of us with a cheerful, “Enjoy, girls!” We thank her and dive into our food, enjoying the quiet comfort of the diner.After a while, I notice Moon’s mood shift, her eyes filled with worry as she stares down at the table."What's wrong, princess?" I ask softly. I set my fork down, ready to listen. I don’t like it when she’s upset, but thankfully, she trusts me enough to talk to me.Moon’s frown deepens. "Are you mad that I'm friends with Ava?" "Why would you think that?""I know you hate her big brother.” She searches my face for a reaction, but I remain composed.I shake my head. "I don't hate him, it's just...complicated."Okay, that’s a lie. But she doesn’t need to know that. "Is it because Daddy is nicer to him than you?" she asks, her brown eyes wide with curiosity."Something like that," I mumble, finishing the last bite of my pancakes. Moon is more observant than I give her credit for. Sometimes, I forget that

Jaxon’s POVI slowly button up my blue dress shirt and tuck it into my black slacks. Tonight, Alpha Damon is announcing that I am the next Alpha, with the formal ceremony in just four days. I can’t believe that this is finally happening.Excitement buzzes through my veins. I’ve waited years for this moment, ever since Alpha took me under his wing after my dad died in a rogue attack when I was just twelve. Back then, Ava was just a baby, and now she’s growing up in a pack where I’m about to become Alpha.“Jaxon!” Mom calls from downstairs. “Alpha Damon is here!”I check myself out in the mirror one last time before heading down. Alpha Damon is sitting on the couch, his massive arms crossed over his chest. He is wearing a black suit that is tight against his muscular build.“Alpha,” I greet, baring my neck before sitting down on the forest-green love seat across from him.He nods, his expression impossible to read. “I am very proud of you, Son.”“Thank you, Alpha,” I reply, sensing there