Wolfless to Queen of Wolves

Chapter 1

I never thought this would be my fate, that this would happen to me. All I ever wanted was my mate—my fated one. It was the only hope of finally feeling loved.

“I’m sorry, but I… can’t be with you. I reject you…” After those words left his lips, I don’t recall anything else that was said. Only those words echo in my head, and my heart feels shattered into little pieces. He didn’t even get my name, nor I his. He rejected me the moment he saw me in the garden—the moment we realized we were fated mates. I didn’t have a chance. The instant those words left his lips, I turned and walked away, lost in pain, dazed.

It’s been about an hour now, and I’m still trudging through the rain along a desolate road. I have no idea how I got here—or even where here is.

The dark street flares with sudden light as a black car pulls up beside me. The window slides down, and Ronan’s voice cuts through the rain: “Valeria! What are you doing? Where have you been?!” My father’s Beta stares at me, his face tight with worry. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you. Please—get in the car.”

I slowly do as he says, unable to think for myself. I don’t have a will of my own at this point. My life feels meaningless. I’m a soulless husk.

“Are you hurt?” This man always shows more concern for me than my own family ever does. But I don’t have the will to answer him.

Ronan looks at me through the rearview mirror with concern but says nothing else and begins to drive.

My chest aches with pain so sharp it feels carved into the bone. A mate rejection is final—our bond shattered, and I felt it tear through me. Now, I’m nothing but hollow.

Back at the pack house, Ronan leads me into the parlor where my father, mother, and sister sit together. Their laughter fades as I enter, replaced not with concern but irritation. Joy lingers in the room, but none of it is meant for me.

“You’re looking filthy,” Mother says. “Where were you?”

I look down at my dress. It was pretty when I left the house, before we arrived at the Mating Banquet. Now it’s covered in mud.

“Eww, why are you crying?” Jade squints her eyes and then gasps. “It can’t be! Did it really happen? Did you get rejected?!” She laughs. “She did! I knew it! I told you that you would. No one would ever want you. A wolfless. But I’m more surprised that you, of all people, found a fated mate. Kind of unfair if you ask me.”

It stings to hear this. It’s exactly what happened. She was right.

“Are you serious?” Mother asks. “Is that what happened?” I don’t answer. All I do is silently cry.

She huffs, now even angrier. “Well, of course this would happen!”

Jade laughs. “She’s a wolfless one. A runt. If not for being the daughter of an Alpha, she’d never have been allowed to set a single foot in the Mating Banquet without an apron and a tray.”

“Jade, enough,” Father speaks next. “Why did you leave the banquet? The whole family was expected to be presented to the Royal Speaker, and you were nowhere to be found. Made me look like a fool. Thank the goddess the Alpha King didn’t show up.”

“But some of the princes did.” Jade smiles with flushed cheeks.

Behind me, Ronan puts a towel over my shoulders. The old man pats my back almost as if he were sympathetic.

“Well, let’s not let this bring us down.” Mother smiles and claps. “It’s been decided that Jade is to be mated to the fourth wolf prince. He asked directly for her hand in mating. He was beside himself when he saw her today—so smitten.”

Jade smirks. “One of the bastard illegitimate princes, but I’m not complaining.” She smiles with pride. “He’s still a prince, and of course I didn’t say yes. I told him I’d think about it. A girl has to play hard to get. Especially when there are five more princes to choose from.”

Of course, it’s a prince she attracts. My sister, with her golden locks, ocean‑blue eyes, and flawless skin, always knows exactly what to say, how to act. I don’t despise her beauty—I despise the way she treats me. Beneath the perfect surface, she’s as rotten as our mother.

On the ottoman, Jade stretches out with a sigh. “In a month or two, I could be a princess!” As if she isn’t one already. Mother and Father bow to her every desire, while I’m ordered to serve. Valeria, Jade needs this. Valeria, Jade needs that. Valeria, Jade wants your dress, your doll, your shoes. And Jade never hears the word no.

Mother fixes her gaze on me. “Jade is getting princes while you’re getting rejected. Just great! What are we going to do with you? You’re a wolfless twenty‑year‑old no one wants. If only you had a single attractive feature.”

She speaks as though I were the ugliest creature this pack has ever seen. My hair may be black as charcoal instead of golden like Jade’s, and my eyes just as dark, but I am attractive in my own way. Not that it matters. I feel broken now. Whatever resilience I clung to all these years has crumbled to dust.

I should have known better. But foolish me had to believe—to cling to the fantasy that my mate would love me, want me, when no one else ever did.

I turn to leave. Behind me, Father’s voice drifts through the parlor: “Don’t worry, dear. Even if she’s wolfless, she’s still of Alpha blood, still my daughter. Someone will want her.” I stop listening. I give up. Let them do whatever they want with me—mate me off, cast me into the woods. I don’t care anymore.

I drag myself upstairs, each step heavy, tears still falling freely. I stumble into the hallway and find Max, our one‑hundred‑and‑eighty‑pound English Mastiff, waiting outside my door. He’s the only joy this house has ever given me. His tail wags, his massive frame pressing close as he seeks my touch. I wipe my tears and let him remind me I’m not entirely alone.

“Hi, buddy. What are you doing here?” He must have snuck in. “You’re not feeling well today, are you?”

Poor Max has had an upset stomach all day. He got into the garbage again, and whenever he does, it leaves him with terrible diarrhea. He’d been kept outside, unable to control himself, leaving messes across the floors. My heart aches for him.

“Aw, poor baby. We’ve both had a bad day.”

I hug him, but immediately hear his stomach bubble.

“Oh no, poor guy…” He looks up at me with those puppy eyes. I can’t put him outside. I just can’t do it.

Many times, I’ve thought about seeking revenge. But I’ve never gone through with it. I was always afraid. Now, I don’t know what’s come over me. I feel nothing.

“Come here. You need a good rest in a good bed.” I lead him inside one of the rooms and close the door so he doesn’t mess up the whole house—but he’s welcome to shit all over my sister’s room, which is right where I left him.

Taking a stuttered breath, I walk to my room and lie in bed, still wet and dirty. I just want to close my eyes and not wake up. But I do wake when I hear Jade scream from the hall. I can even smell it from here. It must be bad if even I can smell it. As a wolfless, my senses and strength aren’t as heightened as a real werewolf’s.

Hearing Jade’s screams makes me smile, and for just a moment—just a slight moment—I feel life in me. When the feeling fades, I sink back into sleep.

One day, then two, pass with me waking in tears. I spend my hours screaming into my pillow, still trapped in the same dress. The pain is unbearable. By the third day, I nearly break—with a sharp razor and a swift slide—but somehow, I find the will to stop myself.

Let my heart grow cold. Let me refuse to love again. I reject love, I reject a mate. These words echo in my mind, a chant I repeat endlessly. I accept that happiness isn’t meant for me in this lifetime. Hope is gone. I’ll never place my joy or love in someone else’s hands. Never again.

***

Two to three weeks pass, and I hear scratches on my door. I’ve barely eaten, mostly drank water, so I feel dizzy when I get up, but I manage to shake it off. Max is the one at the door when I open it.

I kneel to his level and rub his cheeks.

Max and Ronan—who’s been bringing me food—are the only ones who’ve looked in on me, making sure I wasn’t dead.

Max drops a toy ball and sits expectantly.

“You’re going to make me get out of my room, aren’t you?”

He gives a few whines and lifts his paw, trying to tap my hand.

I sigh. I suppose it’s time. I must continue living.

I slide my slippers on and head out of the room with Max. The light blinds me, but when my eyes adjust, I wish I were truly blind. Jade is the first soul I see.

“Ew! Go back to your room! Have you seen how you look?!”

My head turns to a mirror on the wall. For the first time in my life, I think I agree with her. I look like I’ve been homeless for years. I probably smell too. This isn’t me at all. I love fashion, I love clothes, and I love looking my best. But I just don’t care anymore.

“You stink. Go back to your cave, you troll.”

“At least I don’t smell like dog shit,” I mutter, going past her.

She gasps, and my own eyes want to bulge out in shock. I’ve always kept my thoughts hidden, but this time I gave myself away. And still, I don’t care if Mother’s wrath falls on me. I don’t care about anything anymore.

“You! You did that? You did that!”

I can feel Jade about to pounce on me, but she stops herself when a parade of black cars arrives in front of the house. One of the cars bears the royal insignia.

“Oh no! Is he here?!”

Mother and Father rush out of the house. Mother is shocked but does a double‑take when she sees me. “What are you wearing?”

A dirty oversized shirt, stained sweatpants, and slippers. My hair hangs like a hag’s mane.

From the car, a man in a black suit steps out, opening the back door. A handsome stranger emerges—light brown hair, brown eyes, an expensive suit, and a pin bearing the royal insignia.

“That’s him!” Jade squeals.

Yeah, that’s a prince, all right. He dresses the part.

Father puts on his most polite tone as he bows his head. “Prince Emmet. To what do we owe this pleasure?”

“I wish I could say I was here on a leisure visit, but I was sent by my father on official business.”

Mother turns to me and whispers, “Go back inside! No one can see you like this!” Panic tightens her breath as she looks between me and the prince.

Any other time, I would’ve sprinted inside because I didn’t want her angry at me. But as I’ve been saying, I just don’t care anymore.

Inhaling a tired breath, I go down the stairs and stride right past Father and the prince.

The man looks at me and immediately pinches his nose. I can hear my mother gasping in the background, and it feels good, but she would’ve beaten me up if the prince wasn’t here.

I walk to the back of the house, where in the distance, an unkindness of ravens circles above the treetops. These winged little beasts seem to like our pack. The little demons attacked me once when I was a kid. I hate them.

Staying around the safety of the pack house, I play with Max for a while. When I come back inside, the house is in an uproar.

“What happened?” I mutter.

Ronan walks past me, carrying suitcases with Father behind him. “Get yourself ready, Valeria,” Father says. “We’re leaving. Now.”

“What? Why? Where?”

“Just do it!”

Chapter 2

~Valeria~

“Where are we going?” I sit in the car with my family on the road to who knows where.

“Do you not pay attention?!” Mother shouts at me, while Father calmly explains, “Plans have changed, Valeria. One of the royal packs was attacked. Someone called for war. All of the royal packs have been called to arms.”

“Who attacked?”

“Alpha Astaroth. The king’s brother.”

I remember there was a feud between the royal family, but I never cared enough to pay it any mind.

“So we’re at war now?”

“Yes.”

Should I be concerned? I have to admit, even though I’ve experienced abuse through my family, I’ve lived a sheltered life. All I know is my pack.

Jade claps her hands together. “I can’t believe we’re going to stay in the Royal Palace!” She gasps, “Maybe the legitimate royal princes will be there too!”

Father nods. “They will. The Alpha King has called for everyone.”

Jade gasps again. “I could be mated to one of them!”

“It’s a possibility,” Mother says. “A legitimate prince would be so much better than a bastard. I’m sure they’ll love you.”

They can’t ever be satisfied. I couldn’t care less what position my mate had, as long as he loved me, cared for me, and took me away from here. My eyes water, remembering my own mate—remembering that I wasn’t wanted.

I wipe my eyes and return to the conversation. “How long will we be staying in the palace?”

“Depends on how long the war takes,” Father says.

“Who cares!” Jade says. “We’ll be living in a castle! Surrounded by princes.”

Father grunts, and so do I.

She doesn’t seem to see the gravity of this, but when does she?

“For the goddess’s sake, Valeria!” Mother shouts, pinching her nose. “You really couldn’t clean up before leaving?”

“I don’t smell anything,” I mutter.

Her eyes linger on me with warning and shock that I talked back.

I’ll admit, I do feel uncomfortable. At this point, I do want to take a shower. I’m itching in places I shouldn’t be. But now I have to wait.

“How long will it take us to get to the castle?” I ask.

“Four hours.”

Ah… crap.

***

Four hours later, we finally see the castle. Its high stone walls stand strong, with towers shining in the sunlight. The gates are open, and banners wave in the wind, making it look like something from a fairy tale. In the distance, three large manors stretch across the land—pack houses.

When I step out of the car, I take in the surroundings. The palace sits in the heart of a vast forest. I narrow my eyes and spot dark shapes above the trees—flying demons, ravens.

They’re everywhere. Ugh!

Our family is greeted by a man with neat, slicked‑back hair, dressed in a butler’s uniform. He wears a gray waistcoat over a white shirt, with a tie tucked neatly inside. A white handkerchief bearing the royal insignia—a golden wolf howling at the moon—rests in his chest pocket. He also wears white gloves, gray pants, and polished black shoes.

The man bows. “Alpha High General Albert of the Howlite Pack, I am Nolan. I’ll be your family’s personal royal butler.”

A royal butler?

The man motions to the castle. “Please follow. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

We let Nolan lead the way as he speaks. “Aside from the royal family, only the generals will reside in the castle. Today, the royal packs and the generals’ packs will arrive. The rest will come in two days, and soon after, there will be a ball.” He moves forward, stepping through the massive ornate doors. “Tonight, we’ll hold the Grand Royal Summoning Banquet, where all guests will pay their respects to the royals.”

All this royal talk is giving me a headache, but it all fades when we behold the magnificence of the foyer. White marble floors, pearl‑colored walls, a golden veranda, and two staircases snake around the side walls leading to a podium‑like structure in the middle of the second floor.

“Just as I remember,” Mother whispers.

A man suddenly approaches us. “Alpha Albert! Good to see you.”

The man goes in for a hug, and my father embraces him. As they begin to speak, Jade elbows me. “Look.” She motions to two maids dusting expensive‑looking items. “That would be you if you weren’t part of our Alpha family.”

“—And this is Jade,” Father interrupts, introducing Jade to the man he’s speaking to. Jade straightens and slips on her mask of innocence.

As they speak, I move closer to the walls, studying the details carved into the pearl‑colored stone, slowly making my way around the room.

“Who… is that?” If he hadn’t spoken, I wouldn’t have noticed the man standing beside me. He’s tall, with jet‑black hair that mirrors mine and dark, watchful eyes. Broad shoulders give him a commanding presence. His uniform is far more casual than the others—black pants, worn dress shoes, and a white shirt with the top buttons undone. He’s handsome in a quiet way, and I can tell immediately that he’s wolfless. His eyes are fixated on someone. My surprise disappears when I see that it’s Jade.

I roll my eyes. “That’s Jade. And I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but she’s to be mated to one of the princes.” I look back at the wall.

His presence lingers. When I look at him, his eyes slowly fall, then he closes them and presses them together. After a deep breath, he looks at me. “You smell.”

I narrow my eyes. “I know.”

“Then why aren’t you doing anything about it?”

“Because I just got here.” I release a quick breath. “I’m rebelling.”

“Rebelling?”

“Yep. It upsets my mother.”

He lifts a brow. “You’re no teenager. Aren’t you a little old for that?”

“My parents still treat me as a child, so… yeah. Plus, it’s pent‑up anger. I never misbehaved as a child or teenager. I’m getting it all out now.”

He gives a quick smile, but it soon disappears. He seems… sad. Who is this man?

“Miss Valeria, please come,” Ronan says.

The strange man seems surprised. “Miss? Oh… you’re not one of the maids, are you?”

I squint my eyes at him. Is that what he thought? I guess I am wolfless, so it makes a bit of sense.

Ronan huffs as if insulted, but he seems upset on my behalf. “Miss Valeria is the daughter of the High General, Alpha Albert. Not a mere servant.”

“Oh, I apologize. I didn’t intend to offend.” The man bends and picks up a crate from the floor.

A younger woman wearing similar attire pats the man on the back as he walks away. “Grimm! Olga needs help changing the curtains in the small dining room.”

“All right,” Grimm says.

“Come, Miss.” Ronan leads me back to my family, who begin to follow Nolan up the stairs. When we arrive at our rooms, we’re all in awe.

Jade’s face hardens the moment she sees my room. “Her room looks the same as mine.”

“Yes, it seems it is,” Mother mutters, clearly disapproving. Nolan nods and explains, “Well… yes. You’re both daughters of a royal general.” I can see Jade about to whine.

“But—”

“Jade! Enough,” Father warns her.

Back at home, my room was smaller and modest compared to Jade’s. Hers was big and extravagant. She had a walk‑in closet that would put a lavish store to shame, and her bathroom was like a luxurious spa. These rooms are even better than hers, but she can’t be happy, all because I get to share the same experience. I don’t know why she dislikes me so much. I’ve never had anything better than her. Everyone likes her more than me. I have no wolf. So why is she like this with me?

My eyes are drawn to my mother, who glares at me. It makes me realize Jade is this way because of her. Mother has always treated me like this, so Jade has done the same. Even now, Mother can’t stand to see me have just a bit of happiness. Why? What have I done to her?

“Your pet and your belongings have been brought up,” Nolan says. “The Grand Royal Summoning Banquet will begin in three hours.” When he turns, I rush inside my room and close the door.

The biggest smile I’ve ever had in my life forms on my lips as I take the room in. Max is here, lazily lying on a magnificent carpet. For the first time ever, I feel special—like a princess. My eyes are drawn to two black gift boxes on the bed with golden ribbons. I open one and find a beautiful golden dress and shoes. The other box contains jewelry to match the dress.

For a moment, I almost believe this isn’t real. Jade’s shout breaks through the illusion. I immediately hide my boxes under the bed. It’s mostly out of habit—if she likes what I have, she’ll end up taking it one way or another.

I walk to the door at the side of the room, where Jade’s shout echoes. Opening it, I find a bathroom. On the far side, Jade stands by another door, glaring at me, her anger ready to burst.

“We’re sharing bathrooms! No! No, no, no!” She stomps the floor.

Father hears the commotion and comes to check on us.

“Dad! I can’t share a bathroom with her!”

“Stop acting like this!” he shouts, surprising us both. He does seem more stressed than usual. “We’re not at home anymore. You can’t just get what you want here! Share! And stop complaining. Now, get ready, both of you.”

He leaves Jade standing there, mouth wide open. I shut the door behind me and laugh—this is perfect. Elated, I start getting ready, hurrying to claim the bathroom first. That only makes Jade even angrier.

After my nice hot bath, I begin to get ready. Finishing my hair, I stand in front of the mirror. “What do you think, Max?” His ears perk up at the mention of his name, but then he goes back to sleep. “I look great, right?”

Elegant and sophisticated with a sprinkle of sexy. Whoever chose this dress for me knew what they were doing. I really look amazing—just like that night… the Mating Banquet.

Before I can sink into despair, the window bursts open, startling me so badly I nearly stumble. A raven perches on the ledge, balancing on its thin, crooked legs, its dark eyes fixed on me. Watching.

“You little…!”

Max doesn’t even bat an eye, and I squint at him. “You’re no guard dog.”

I shoo the bird away and close the window.

Ronan gathers Jade and me when it’s time to go downstairs.

Jade is enraged when she sees me. “Why is her dress gold and mine black?”

Mother rolls her eyes. “Gold isn’t her color, Jade. Why are you upset?”

She’s wrong. Gold looks perfect on me, contrasting with my black hair. I won’t let her take that away from me.

With a smile, I follow Father down the stairs of the foyer, but we have to stop because so many people are gathered here.

“What’s going on?” Mother asks.

“The princes are about to arrive,” a woman whispers.

Jade gasps and pushes people aside to get to the front. I stand in the back at the top of the stairs, where it’s only me. I can see perfectly fine from here.

The crowd near the doors backs away, giving way to a man in a black suit. He has dusty blond hair and brown eyes. He smiles at people and waves. Girls around swoon over him. His smile invites you in, making him look friendly.

Two young ladies run up and stand behind me to see better.

“Who’s that?” one of the girls asks.

They squeal when the man waves in our direction.

The other girl answers. “That’s Alpha Finn, third‑born prince. He’s so handsome and always so nice.”

Suddenly, people start murmuring when another man enters—imposing, tall, with brown hair and stormy blue eyes.

The girls continue to whisper. “Crown Alpha Prince Tobias, firstborn. Not friendly, but nothing like the second.”

The man walks past people in a rush with a woman by his side.

“And that’s his mate,” the girl mutters.

After him, three more men appear, and I’ve seen one of them before. It’s Prince Emmet.

“Alpha Prince Dorian, the fourth prince, Antonio the fifth, and Emmet the sixth—all of them illegitimate.” All three men wave with broad smiles. Suddenly, another man hurries past them. “That’s Alpha Prince Raphael! Second born to a true royal‑blooded Luna.”

The stunning blond man—his hair lighter than even my mother’s or sister’s—strides forward with an imposing pace. His bright blue eyes gleam beneath the black suit and satin shirt, half‑unbuttoned to reveal the edge of his tattoos. I freeze as his gaze locks onto mine. Time itself seems to stop, because that man… is him. The one who broke my heart. The one who rejected me. The one who shattered our bond. My fated mate.