Chapter 2

Freya's POV

I am Freya Collins, an 18-year-old she-wolf from the Midnight Pack. The pack remained unaware of my wolf existence as I lacked a discernible scent, and I had no intention of revealing this aspect to them. Raised by my adoptive parents, Dad Lucas and Mom Rica, both esteemed pack warriors, I've been showered with love and support. Unbeknownst to the rest of the pack, my adoptive parents have been training me since childhood.

Discovered by my adoptive parents within the pack borders, the circumstances of my arrival remain a mystery. I lack any recollection of events leading up to my awakening in the pack hospital. My adoptive parents informed me that I had suffered severe injuries, possibly contributing to my memory loss. Out of love, I've refrained from delving into the details of my past, trusting in the care and affection they've provided.

My adoptive parents revealed essential details about my identity. I was the daughter of an alpha, a fact they insisted I keep concealed from the pack. Lexi, my biological mother and Luna of the now-extinct Howlers Pack, had saved my adoptive mother, Rica. My Luna mother directed Rica to be at the pack border, the very spot where they discovered me at a specific time, and she made a promise to care for me. Despite the potential risks or dangers, my adoptive parents, childless themselves, agreed.

Upon learning about my biological parents, I queried my mother about the absence of my scent. "I don't know either. Your mom has a cinnamon scent, and I'm certain your father had his own scent, even though I never saw him as he was the alpha," she replied.

"Sweetie, don't dwell on it. It's safer to assume that lacking a scent protects you from potential threats. Being perceived as wolfless shields you from danger," reassured my dad, a sentiment I concurred with.

I freely roamed the pack borders unbeknownst to them, practicing the skills I had acquired. None in the pack could trace my whereabouts, providing me a sense of security. That continued until the arrival of the Lycan convoy.

Four months ago, seven black SUVs rolled onto the pack grounds, sparking a week of frenzied preparations. Alpha Daniel, despite any denial, displayed nervousness and concern about their arrival.

Initially, we believed the visitors were only lycans, unaware that the Lycan prince and future king accompanied them. As he exited the SUV, a captivating scent filled the air. Pi and I were elated, thinking we had found our mate upon my 18th birthday.

Curious to identify him, I looked up, expecting a reciprocal search from him. To my surprise, his gaze did not seek me out. Another SUV revealed a female Lycan walking beside him, acting as his mate. Hurt and in pain, I felt the sting of his apparent disinterest. 'He couldn't smell us. He doesn't know we are his,' Pi lamented. Beside me, a she-wolf urged me to submit before they noticed and accused me of disrespect.

Since then, every encounter led me to walk in the opposite direction. Fortunately, I was confident he remained oblivious, given my lack of scent. During required announcements where he was present, I averted my gaze, fearing his attention.

For the past four months, it felt like a prolonged game of hide and seek with him. Despite the urge to claim him, Pi always restrained me, soothing my pain and reminding me he remained unaware. I endeavored to be patient, hoping he would discover my identity, yet the pain of his perceived betrayal lingered whenever I witnessed his association with the female Lycan, tempting me to reject him for not waiting and searching for me.

"Freya, are you feeling so uninterested in my class that your thoughts are wandering elsewhere? Would you like to share what's on your mind?" My professor, Ms. Lalyn, inquired upon noticing my distracted state. Glancing around, I observed everyone laughing, including Clay and Alec. Although I was a year older than them, they had skipped a grade due to their intelligence, placing us in the same college class.

"I apologize, Ms. Lalyn. I was just..." I attempted to explain, but she interrupted me once more.

"So, you're contemplating our future beta now?" she asked, glancing at the door behind me. I noticed her bow, and it dawned on me that my mate was present as well. Resisting the urge to look around, a compulsion everyone succumbs to, I reluctantly turned my head. However, I kept my gaze lowered, avoiding meeting his eyes. As a sign of respect, everyone in the room stood up.

"Please, take your seats," he instructed, and we complied. I maintained my lowered head, but then that contentious voice spoke again.

"It seems the wolfless was in this class, too," Eunice remarked mockingly.

"Will you ever stop, Eunice?" my mate growled. "What's the commotion about?" he inquired of Professor Lalyn.

"Nothing, Your Highness. It's just that I'm not accustomed to Freya being absent-minded. When I asked her why, she mentioned our future beta's name," Professor Lalyn explained. I wanted to gauge his reaction, but fear of meeting his eyes kept my head down.

"I see, maybe he was her mate," he speculated, leading to teasing remarks from the others. In our class, none dared to bully me, not just because of Clay and Alec's protection, but also due to my intelligence, earning their respect. "Is that true, Clay?" he asked.

"Not exactly, Your Highness. But if it were true, I'd be thrilled. Freya is everything I desire in a mate," Clay responded, winking at me.

"That'll only happen if she's not destined to be my mate, noob," Alec quipped, prompting a roll of Clay's eyes.

"It appears the future beta and gamma have their eyes on a certain she-wolf," he commented, and still, I avoided looking at him.

"Any good wolf would want her as their mate, and I suppose we're no different," Clay replied, earning a nod from Alec.

"What's so good about a wolfless bitch?" Eunice, the female Lycan, interjected, eliciting growls from my mate, Clay, and Alec.

"Remove her from here!" My Lycan prince mate ordered and one of the lycan warriors who were with him approached Eunice and tried to escort her away.

"I apologize. I was just saying..." She attempted to defend herself, but my mate paid no heed and had her dragged away.

"I have an announcement," my mate declared. "Next week, a friendly fight tournament will take place in the pack. Everyone is welcome to participate, and I'd be delighted to see many of you there." With that, he departed, and I sensed his gaze on me before he left our classroom.

After he left, I took a deep breath, and Clay and Alec approached me with concern, asking, "Are you alright?" I responded with a smile,

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be? I've grown accustomed to hearing things like that, so it doesn't bother me if I hear it repeatedly." I continued,

"Alright, pay attention," Ms. Lalyn stated. "As you heard, it was just a friendly fight. If you want to test your strength, participate in the tournament. The Lycan prince will be there, ensuring safety. If anything goes awry, he's there to intervene." She assured me, and everyone voiced their agreement.

Although I was tempted to join, I hesitated, fearing that it might expose me. Consequently, I discarded the idea. I decided to be a spectator, observing and hoping to learn some techniques from the fighters.