MY STEPFATHER’S SON IS MY FATED ENEMY

The moving truck rumbled up the mountain road, and Lily pressed her face against the window. Tall pine trees stretched toward the cloudy sky, and somewhere in that forest, wolves were running. Real wolves. Pack wolves.

Her stomach twisted into a tight knot.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Her mother, Sarah, smiled from the driver's seat. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, the kind Lily hadn't seen in years. "Kane says the cabin has a huge backyard. You and Luna will love it."

Lily glanced at the silver-white wolf sleeping in the backseat. Luna's ear twitched, sensing Lily's worry even in sleep. They'd been hiding for three years, staying away from other packs, living quietly in their small apartment. Now Mom was marrying an alpha, the leader of the entire Silver Creek pack, and everything was about to change.

"Mom," Lily said quietly, "are you sure about this?"

Sarah reached over and squeezed her hand. "Sweetheart, I know this is scary. But Kane is a good man. And his son will be a wonderful brother to you."

Brother. Lily's chest tightened. She didn't want a brother. She didn't want a new family. She just wanted things to stay safe and simple.

But she couldn't say that. Not when Mom looked so happy.

The truck turned onto a long driveway, and Lily's breath caught. The cabin wasn't small at all, it was huge, built from dark wood with a stone chimney and wide windows. Gardens surrounded the front, and the forest pressed close on all sides. It looked like something from a storybook.

"Welcome home!" A deep voice called out.

A tall man stepped off the porch, and Lily recognized him from the wedding photos. Alpha Kane, soon to be her stepfather, had graying black hair and kind eyes. He looked strong and important, the way alphas were supposed to look.

Mom jumped out of the truck and ran into his arms. They kissed, and Lily looked away, her cheeks warming.

Luna woke up and pressed her cold nose against Lily's neck.

"I know," Lily whispered, scratching behind Luna's ears. "We'll be okay. We have to be."

She opened the door and climbed out. The mountain air smelled like pine and rain. In the distance, she heard a river flowing.

"Lily!" Kane walked toward her with a warm smile. "I'm so glad you're here. Come inside, Derek's been waiting to meet you."

Derek. The son. The future alpha who would one day lead this whole pack.

Lily forced a smile and followed them toward the house. Luna stayed close to her side, as always. They'd been through everything together, Luna had been a gift when Lily turned thirteen, a magical companion that bonded with her soul. Most werewolves didn't get companions anymore. They were rare, special, and that made them valuable.

And dangerous to have.

The inside of the cabin was even more beautiful than the outside. Wooden beams crossed the high ceiling, and a stone fireplace took up most of one wall. Comfortable