n from the other members of the pack. Being seen is a luxury I can't afford, especially not with Vanessa around. I'm getting dressed, careful not to disturb the band

a. Vanessa and her crew were already inon the prowl, but I dodged them, making a beeline for my locker. As I swapped out my books, Lily appeared beside me. 'Hey, Sofia, how was your weekend?' I grimaced. the usual please don't even remind me.' She spotted the bandage on my neck and her eyes narrowed. 'What happened?' I hesitated, but she was my partner in crime. 'My sister Vanessa happened, luckily, Luna intervened.' Silver's expression turned sympathetic. 'Sorry, Sof.' We headed to class, sitting at the back, trying to blend in. Our history lesson was a blur, but the bell ringing signaled our reprieve. Physics class was next. As we walked, a group of bullies blocked our path. 'Hey, freaks, where are you going?' Lily stood tall, 'Back off, jackass. Leave us alone.' Matthew, the captain of the baseball team, pushed us. 'You think you're smart, huh? You'll never amount to anything. Omegas, stuck in the pack, forever as sleeves.' Lily's eyes flashed, but I grabbed her arm, pulling her away. We walked in silence, fury simmering beneath the surface. We wrapped up our morning classes and headed to the cafeteria, the scent of food and chatter filling the air Lily, chatting about her weekends. She was bubbling with excitement, telling me about her brothers' taking her on a picnic on their park grounds. As the youngest and only girl, she was used to being spoiled rotten. Her family's love was palpable, and it was clear she was cherished. Her pack is also really good, the silver moon pack. As we walked, I told her to grab a seat without me. "I'll meet you there, need to use the restroom," I said, and she nodded, continuing on. I slipped into the restroom and took care of business. As I washed my hands, the door swung open, and Vanessa strode in, her minions closing in. Our eyes met in the mirror, and my heart sank. 'Great, just what I needed,' I muttered. Vanessa sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. 'Well, well, if it isn't