Chapter 1

Betsy's Pov

I stood at the window with my arms folded, staring at the town like it was a puzzle I hadn’t figured out yet.

Everything looked so… organized. The streets were clean, the lawns perfectly trimmed, and the buildings lined up as if someone had used a ruler to place them there. I was happy to be here.

It was almost too perfect. Like the kind of town that had secrets hiding behind its white picket fences and flower boxes. 

My breath fogged up the glass slightly as I leaned in. Somewhere out there, I will be walking into my first class tomorrow. A new school, a new town… and maybe a new version of me. 

And I'd meet my brother, Nick. It had been so long since I've seen him. Actually, I never really knew him much. My mum had taken me away from the town three years after I was born. And now…. I was back.

I sighed, inhaling the fresh air that was almost too perfect for me to not feel.

“Betsy!” my mom’s voice called out from downstairs. “Get your things arranged and come downstairs for dinner. You need to go to bed early. You’re starting college tomorrow.”

My heart skipped. It wasn’t fear, It was excitement—finally. I turned away from the window and grinned at my suitcase like it was a prize I’d been waiting to open. 

I zipped it open and started packing all the essentials like clothes, books, a journal I probably wouldn’t write in, and of course, my favorite hoodie that smelled like the woods I missed too much.

I folded each item carefully, feeling this strange mix of nerves and joy. I caught a glimpse of my old notebooks from years back since I was homeschooled, and they were nothing I wanted to go back to. 

It was quite messy, considering I never liked the idea mum gave. I was socially invested in everything, it wasn't easy being homeschoolled. But now, I can get over it.

I zipped up my bag and put everything in place, except for the former notes. They went into the trash. 

Then I heard a loud bang.

The door flew open and someone barrelled into my room like a hurricane.

“Nick!” I squealed before even turning around.

My brother grabbed me into a bone-crushing hug, lifting me off the ground. His scent was familiar—forest, leather, and something distinctly him. 

“You’re really here,” I said, grinning up at him. “I thought I’d have to wait till tomorrow to see you.”

“Had to sneak a few minutes before I’m dragged off again,” he said, tousling my hair. “You've grown so big since the last time I saw you.” He added. 

“Yeah, yeah. You forgot all about me since you got a girlfriend, uh?” 

“Not really. You'd meet her soon enough. She doesn't like to talk much but I believe you guys will get along.” He smiled. His eyes still fixed on me.

“I just hope no one at college thinks I'm a freak.” I chuckled nervously.

“Since when does the queen of talks and socialism start getting nervous, hm?” He teased, patting my back.

“Let's go for dinner. I'll be fine.” 

I pulled his hands and headed downstairs. It was comforting. No matter how new this town was, Nick being here made it feel like home. 

He always visited the little house back in the small town, but never stayed a night. According to my mum, he is our Alpha's beta and he has a duty. I didn't know what that meant though. I never got to know the pack members. 

Dinner was quiet for a while, filled with clinks of cutlery and the soft hum of the overhead light. Mom had made roast chicken—Nick’s favorite. He was halfway through his second when his phone buzzed on the table.

He glanced at the screen and immediately stiffened.

“Sorry,” he muttered, standing up. “I’ve gotta take this.”

“Now?” I asked, frowning. “We were just starting.”

“It’s pack business,” he said vaguely, already halfway out the door.

I looked at Mom, eyebrows raised. “He just got here. Why does he have to leave so early?” 

“He’s the Alpha’s beta, Betsy. Don't think too hard about it.” she said without looking up from her plate. 

“But he just got here.” I insisted.

“When duty calls, he goes.” 

I tilted my head. “Wait—Nick’s best friend is the Alpha, right? Doesn’t that change things? You said he's been very good friends with the Alpha since they were kids, right?”

“Yes, they are. You ask too many questions Betsy” she answered, frustrated.

“Well maybe I wouldn't be asking if you had just let me stay with those Nick considers family.” 

“You should know better. I had reasons.” 

“One you refuse to tell me about.”

“You're back here now!” She yelled.

I froze. I pushed too hard, and to ease the tension I had to speak less pissed.

“Is he ever going to have time for me?” I asked, my tone softer now.

“Friendship doesn’t change hierarchy, Betsy. Your brother loves you, but he has a duty to the pack.”

I didn’t ask for more. Honestly, I was still learning how all of this worked. Werewolf politics was like chess with claws. But I understood one thing clearly, my brother was important here. That made me feel proud… and just a tiny bit worried.

After dinner, I helped clear the table, kissed Mom goodnight, and headed to bed.

I lay under the warm sheets, staring at the ceiling in the dim moonlight filtering through the curtains. Tomorrow, I’d step into a college that taught both humans and werewolves how to live together. I’d be in a classroom where no one knew I used to fake being one of them. I wasn’t just learning—I was going to live as who I truly was.

I’d dreamed about this day for years.

To blend in. To be friends with humans and more friends with those who were like me—werewolves.

I felt sleep slowly pull me under, my thoughts floating away like leaves on a stream.