Defying The Alpha

Chapter 1 - Backtrack Flashback

My phone vibrates again—another message from the Alpha. Just chill out already! Seriously, this dude's been blowing up my phone all week. I haven't even bothered replying, hoping he'll get the hint and back the fuck off.

"Come home immediately, or I will be forced to take action. A"

Yeah, right. As if I'd scurry back just because the new Alpha of the pack, who had turned his back on me, said so.

Another buzz. I'm not even going to read it. If he thinks a few texts will scare me into submission, he's got another thing coming. I left my hometown and moved across the country for college to escape the pack's narrow-minded nonsense, not to sprint back to Nowheresville like some obedient lapdog. Nuh-uh. I'm staying put.

Rolling my eyes, I shove my phone into the back pocket of my jeans, muffling the constant buzz. He can send another hundred texts if he feels like it. I'll never go crawling back to the people who made me feel like an outcast, especially after everything.

As I walk down the city's busy streets, blending in with the humans, a smirk creeps onto my face at the thought of the Alpha's frustration. The poor guy must be tearing his fur out by now. He probably expected me to run back, tail between my legs, begging for forgiveness. Fat chance!

In my pack, I never quite fit in. Trying to be invisible was my only defense against their cruelty. They branded me a slut, hurling insults that cut deep. But I got my revenge. Right before I left, I lit a house on fire to show them I wasn't someone to mess with. I bet that got tongues wagging, but I didn't stick around to find out.

I'm a lone wolf these days, but as a shapeshifter, adaptability is practically second nature. Living among humans, I can be whoever I want, free from the harsh judgments of my packmates. And the best part? I don't have to answer to anyone. Not anymore. The Alpha can howl all he wants, but I am done with that life.

Ugh, my phone vibrates again. This man just can't take a hint, does he? It's weird that he's reaching out now after two years of radio silence. If he was so desperate to have me punished, he could have tracked me ages ago. I heard he took over as Alpha from his brother last year. So why is he bothering me now? Wait... why do I care? I've got my own life miles away from the pack's drama. He's not ruining my night out.

My friend Jenna waves from across the street, her pink hair illuminated by the neon glow of a club's sign, "Killer Beats." She looks gorgeous in a violet dress, and here I am in my boring white blouse and jeans—feeling a tad underdressed. Maybe I should have tossed my dull, muddy brown hair up. But, whatever. It doesn't matter.

With a grin, I wave back at Jenna. No threats or cryptic warnings can kill my vibe tonight.

As we meet up, Jenna hooks her arm through mine, chattering excitedly about the club we're about to visit. "It's supposed to be epic. All the reviews are raving about it. Plus, I hear the DJ is super hot!"

Chuckling, I let her enthusiasm rub off on me. "Lead the way, then. Let's see if this guy is worth the hype."

Stepping into the club, the pounding bass and strobe lights overwhelm my senses, kicking my shapeshifter instincts into overdrive. It's not just caution—it's full-blown paranoia. After years of constantly looking over my shoulder, the feeling that danger lurks everywhere is hard to shake.

Just breathe. I shut my eyes, unclenching my fists, easing my shoulders down, letting go of the tension. It's spring break and I've aced all my exams—time to let loose and not stress about imaginary threats. Tonight, I'm neither a shapeshifter nor an outcast. Tonight, I'm just me and all I need to do is dance and have fun.