As I walked into Werewolf History, I saw that everyone was pretty much seated, and I walked to my place at the last bench.

Nobody forced me to sit there, but I thought it was the best way to avoid the stares of my fellow classmates boring through the back of my neck.

I had just taken my seat when Mr. Marjón walked in. He closed the door as a step of finality to show whoever was late, wasn't getting entry now.

He came and sat on the front desk facing us, and after taking a look across the classroom, his eyes landed on me, instantly turning to slits.

"Does anyone know what day it is today?" he asked the students.

"It's Wednesday," said a student in the front. I couldn't tell if he was trying to look smart or stupid.

"Anyone else?" he asked, almost completely ignoring the poor boy.

"It's the anniversary of Grimmileg Árás," said someone else in the front.

Grimmileg Áras was the night we were attacked fifteen years ago.

"That's right," he said.

I could feel the sudden tension in the room. I knew that almost everyone here lost someone they loved that night.

It was a grief that everyone felt together, losing so many people at once. The pack was almost completely ruined, had we not relocated here, to Hof.

"On this night, we were attacked by one of our neighboring packs in the North, Sgriosaire. We lost our Alpha, Beta, tens of warriors, and many children. It is important to remember that night, the massacre, and the loss we faced of life and property.

"It has been years and it is still not entirely clear why they attacked us. We weren't able to get our revenge, and we weren't capable either. But when our Delta arranged a meeting with their heads, we were given an unbelievable response," he said.

I noticed some people were taking notes, and I'd completely forgotten we were still in class.

"What was their reason?" asked Eidis, sitting in the front.

"They said they mistook us for a band of Liet," he said, scoffing.

"We had been an established pack in that region for decades. I highly doubt what they said was true," he continued. His eyes finding me again.

"What do you believe sir?" asked Jón.

"I heard they were looking for somebody. A child," Mr. Marjón replied.

"What would their purpose be, with a child, you may wonder. This is something that baffles me still. But I'm sure they'd have wanted nothing to do with our children, but took ours anyway so as to not return empty handed" he said. His emphasis on 'our' once again insinuated that I didn't belong here, and they were probably looking for me.

I've heard this so many times, and although Gramma tried to push away the negativity from the pack towards me, I had to face it eventually.

So many people here blame me as they can't blame anyone else. Nobody is direct about it, but I can see it in their eyes. Life outside my home isn't easy, but it is something I have gotten used to.

Maybe this is why nobody likes me. Is this why Valente doesn't like me?

...

A heavy weight had placed itself on my heart since History class. I knew it wasn't my fault, how could it be? Gramma said I couldn't have been even a few months old.

But on my bad days, I blame myself too.

I walked to the cafeteria to get my lunch and found the table I usually sit at with the Omegas.

These were Mordekai, Dilja, Gló, Irmelin, and Asael.

Although we weren't close friends, we had become acquainted enough to share this meal a day.

As I sat down, Gló got up.

"What happened?" I asked her.

"Oh nothing, I need some ketchup," she said and walked away. I noticed she had two sachets already.

I decided not to pay attention and started on my food.

"You look nice," said Mordekai quietly from beside me.

I could feel a blush rise to my ears, an odd reaction I have to attention like this.

I just shook my head, smiling, a meagre attempt at shaking away the embarrassment.

"Thanks," I said, trying to fill my mouth with spaghetti so I wouldn't have to talk further.

At that moment I looked up, and found two grey eyes staring at me from a distance.

Surrounded by six other warriors, Valente was watching me calmly, although his eyes showed an intensity that no one else could feel unless they're looking directly at you.

I realized at that time I shouldn't have taken such a big bite, and I tried to chew my food, struggling.

"We have basic training starting this week with Delta Osvald," said Asael.

I nodded my head. I had been waiting for this for weeks now.

"I hope it's not too bad," Irmelin said. She and Gló loved cooking, and were never too good with physical training.

Anyone capable enough could be a warrior, regardless of your status. The only divide existed here, in school. Which is why I found it all the more ridiculous and stereotypical.

"Well don't get too excited. Rayne will kick your ass," Mordekai said to Asael, putting an arm around my chair.

I sat a little straighter so that he wouldn't touch me, and I just hoped he could tell I wasn't comfortable.

"There she is," said Dilja, looking at someone behind me.

As I turned around, I realized my embarrassment streak was not going to end today. I hated being the center of attention and my friends did exactly that.

Gló came up from behind me and placed a small chocolate cake in front of me with a single lit candle on top.

I could tell more people were looking at me now, but as much as I didn't like being looked at from all sides, their gesture made me smile.

"Thank you guys," I told them, truly grateful.

As I blew the candle to the claps of those around me, I noticed Valente's gaze had turned from intense to amused.

I didn't know why he played the staring game with me, what he tried to figure out through it. And if it at all was his way to communicate with me, because I wouldn't ever dare mindlink him, let alone talk to him face to face.

He seemed too scary to me, and I haven't ever been an extrovert either.

Maybe if I was, things would be different. I'd just go up to him and ask him what his problem is with me. But for now, I was happy in the place I was.

"Mostly ignored, except for the few people who make you pancakes and cakes," said Ima.

"Well yeah what more do you want?" I asked her.

"To punch Mordekai in the face," she said.

His hand was on my back now, and I knew there was always a line for personal space that should never be crossed. Which is why I turned to face him, and discretely pushed his hand away. His face fell at the action, but he didn't touch me again.

I cut the cake into six pieces as best I could and let everyone have some.

"This cake is delicious Gló," said Dilja. "Thanks Rayne," she continued as she ate another spoonful.

I laughed. "For what?" I asked her.

"For your made-up birthday. We get free cake!" she said.

My mood faltered at her statement. It only reminded me that I had no idea when or where I was born.

And that it was most definitely not here.