"Rayne! You'll be late for school!" I heard Gramma's voice from downstairs.

Ah, the perpetual cycle of always being late.

I got out of bed and groaned, realizing I had to go through another difficult day today.

I walked to the washroom to take a quick shower, brush my teeth, and comb through my straight dark hair which I kept short, above my shoulders.

When I usually dress, I drown myself in my clothes. But today I decided to wear something different. I went to Renee's room to look through some of her old clothes and found a blush pink top and a pair of ripped, black skinny jeans, something I'd never own myself.

I changed into them, wondering why I decided to wear something like this today. It's not like anybody would notice. But I settled on "I did it for me".

As I walked down the stairs to the smell of mint chocolate-chip pancakes, I realized that my Gramma is the only person who keeps me going.

Especially ever since Renee moved to her mate's pack three years ago, it's been just me and Gramma Rosa.

"That smells amazing Gramma," I told her, taking a seat at the kitchen island.

"I know they're your favorite," she said, bringing a stacked plate towards me, and drizzling melted chocolate on top.

"Happy 15th sweetheart," she said to me, kissing my temple.

I almost didn't notice the tiny box she had also discretely placed near my plate.

"What's this?" I asked her, picking up the box.

"Nothing much," she said, taking her seat next to me, and placing her own plate in front of her.

I opened the box to find a gold ring. I could see certain etchings on the surface. After a closer look, the symmetrical design showed the different phases of the moon all around it.

It was so beautiful.

I put it on my finger and watched the ring catch light.

"I love it. Thank you so much," I said, hugging her tight.

"You're welcome Rayne. Now finish your pancakes or you'll really be late," she told me.

I smiled, still looking at the way the ring looked on my finger.

I finished the delicious pancakes quite quickly and was soon on my way to school.

I was so thankful for Gramma with me. She was one of the oldest members of our pack, but still was capable enough to take care of herself.

She tells me how she considered me as a blessing. She and Grandpa Bryn were gifted with Renee after so long, they thought she was a miracle child. And although losing Grandpa was a pain she said she could never recover from, having me as a second miracle in her life eased her grief a little bit.

Her care and love for me was a stark contrast to everyone else here in the pack.

If Gramma hadn't taken me under her wing as one of her own, the pack probably wouldn't let me stay here a single day.

And because they can't do anything about it, they show me they don't want me here in different ways.

As I walked onto the modest school grounds, I could tell everyone was looking at me. I knew I wasn't getting the best looks but I just pushed forward.

"Don't pay attention to them. I think you look great Rayne," Ima told me encouragingly.

"It doesn't bother me," I told myself more than her.

Gramma Rosa and Grandpa Bryn were warriors and our family is a warrior family. That is who I want to be too. But I never fit in with the other students from warrior families like Renee did.

I hated the invisible borders created between the students based on their status in our pack. The Omegas were the only ones who were willing to accept me as their friend when Renee left school. She never let me sit alone during lunch and made sure no one would dare to hurt me in any way.

She protected me. And I miss her.

I saw the future Alpha-to-be standing near the school gates and my breath stopped for a second at the way he looked at me.

His eyes bore through me and he didn't look away even when I noticed his stare.

He was truly gorgeous. He had dark brown hair, sun-kissed skin, and bright grey eyes. He was well-built, his muscles showing underneath his dark maroon polo.

I used to have a crush on him, but that's no big deal since everyone else has a crush on him too.

He's handsome, confident, outspoken, athletic, and a leader. What's not to like?

Except, he hasn't always been the best of people with me. I remember as kids he wasn't so bad. Although Valente and I were never close, we did play together and he was never as hurtful as he is now.

It's not that he was a bully, or openly embarrassed me in anyway.

He was just distant and one day he stopped talking to me entirely. Two years my senior at school, he's always been around and he makes sure I don't have too many friends.

I wish I knew why he hates me. The fear of knowing though, stopped me from ever asking him.

As I walked past him, I could tell there was a lot he held back, and his way towards me annoyed me more than anything.

If you have a reason to hate me, at least tell me what I've done wrong.