CHAPTER ONE

Ada Smith is the daughter of Beta David Smith of the Crescent Moon pack. Her  life has always been filled with misery and abuse. Ada’s father David was cruel and uncaring while her mother Anne was bitter and angry.  It was because Ada didn't have a wolf and she was considered weak and useless. What was her purpose if she couldn't shift and contribute to the pack? To everyone she was just a burden and the only thing she was good for was cooking and cleaning. So that’s who she was, a maid and an Omega, the lowest ranking member of the pack.

Yawning, Ada stretches her sore body and winces at the searing pain that races up her back. Last night Ada had been pushed down the stairs by a pack member for getting in their way. But she wouldn't allow her injuries to stop her from making the Packs breakfast. Ada feared the punishment she would receive if she was late again. The last time she was late she had been beaten so badly her ribs had hurt for days. Unlike the other members of her pack, Ada's healing ability was almost non-existent so it took longer for her to heal.  

Ada tried to find something special to wear since it also happened to be her eighteen birthday today. I know what you're thinking Oh wow you're eighteen! Congratulations. But to her it was anything but that. Most times her parents didn't even remember her birthday. But this year they seemed to recall that she was now legally an adult. That made her stomach queasy with unease, Ada needed to be perfect today if she didn't want to get kicked out of their house, no one else in the pack would give her shelter. Quietly Ada left her room and went down the steps. It was only five in the morning but it took her hours getting a meal ready for a large pack of 300. 

The cold crisp night air hit her face looking up at the night sky, Ada felt a wave of peace wash over her. The giant white sphere brought her instant comfort whenever she gazed up at it. Starting her walk to the pack house she enjoyed the feeling of being around nature. Even though she lacked a wolf, Ada didn't lack the connection with nature and the moon. The Crescent moon pack was one of the largest packs in the country with sprawling lands and territory. Renowned for its pack warriors Alpha Cole was feared and respected; he was a perfectionist and hated failure. So it wanst a surprise to any one when he had murdered his own mate after it was discovered that she was unable to have children. It was sickening to think that someone could do that to their own soul mates. Soulmates were gifts from the moon goddess, a pairing of  one soul who had been torn in half. Soulmates shared one soul and they were to be treasure. It was a gift that not everyone was lucky enough to have. Ada knew in her heart that she didn't have a soul mate, who could ever love someone as weak and pathetic as her? 

“No one…” She whispered out loud and walked inside the dining area. Washing her hands Ada grabbed a hair net and started to prepare. 

Falling into a trance she cut and rinsed off piles of fruit once that was done she oiled up the pans and started making banana bread. Ada knew she  needed to please Alpha Cole today so she was making all his favorites today. Fresh fruit, banana bread with egg and sausages. After the bread was on the stove she whipped at her brow and started to cook the bacon. Looking at the clock she smiled happily that she was on schedule. It was almost six so she still had two hours. 

Time passed quickly but she was finished and was loading the carts with the trays of food. Going into the pack hall she strained and pushed the carts up the small ramp. Once she was there she opened the closet and pulled out the folding tables. Setting them along the wall she placed each tray on the tables and lit the small kerosine burners that would keep the food warm. Her shoulder was throbbing painfully from the heavy lifting but she could hear the pack member entering the building. Once she was done she rushed back into the kitchen and grabbed the Alpha separate plate. He refused to touch the same food the pack ate. It was in his words, “beneath him” 

The pack room was abuzz with energy as they piled their plates with food, Ada froze when she saw her father and mother walk into the room. They walked towards her and scoffed, “You look awful Ada, you might be worthless but you still carry our name.” her mother said and yanked her towards her. Pulling on her hair she smothered it down and whipped the flour from her cheek. Once she was done she shoved her away and turned away. Following her parents she sat next to her mother and kept her head down. The Alpha had his own table and he allowed his beta to sit with him since they usually discussed pack matters. When Alpha Cole entered the room everyone stood up and a hush fell over the room. 

“Good Morning Alpha Cole.” The room greeted their Alpha all their eyes were downcast in a show of submission. Ignoring them he headed to sit at the head of the table and sat down, his eyes landing on Ada. 

Ada felt the coldness of his gaze, her hands balled up on her laps in nervousness. “You all may eat.” he ordered. 

Once everyone started to eat she tried to calm her racing heart. Something didn't feel right and her mother kept looking at her and smirking. 

Alpha Cole stood and held up his hand. “ I will be making an announcement in the courtyard in ten minutes. I expect everyone to be there.” Walking down the step he headed out. 

Ada looked around and saw that everyone looked nervous. Did something happen? She wondered 

Her parents stood and Ada made sure she kept close. The courtyard was just beyond a line of trees and the field was large and spacious. Most of the pack warriors trained there. 

Once everyone was standing in the field there were small whispers going around. Ada looked towards her father. 

“Dad, do you know what's going on?” she asked him 

He turned and frowned down at her his eyes were cold and distant, “ Yes I do know what's going on and it's for the best.” he said and turned back towards the front where the Alpha stood. 

“For too long have I allowed this pack to allow weakness within my ranks. But that ends today. Ada Smith come forward.” Her Alpha commended 

Ada felt all eyes turned towards her as her heart started to race. A path was cleared as she walked up to the front keeping her eyes downcasted.

“Do you know why you stand before me now?” 

“I.. Yes I do Alpha.” she whispered 

“And you know that you have no purpose in my pack? If you do, tell me.” 

“I know I don't have a wolf but-” she whimpered in fear

“There is none, You have no wolf and I have allowed you leeway since your father is my beta. But you are eighteen and you are a burden amongst us. I will not stand for it!” he roared 

Ada flinched and started to cry. 

“Shut up!” he growled and slapped her across her face, the blow so hard that she tasted blood in her mouth. 

Ada laid on the ground and covered her face in shame. “Please Alpha, I can be useful.” she cried out. 

“You have always been an embarrassment to us and now you're begging.” Her mother screamed and rushed forward and swiped at her back, her nails forming into sharp claws. Ada screamed and tried to crawl away. 

“You were never our daughter in the first place! You were only a replacement for our daughter who died when she was a baby! I never wanted you.” Anne screamed in rage. 

Looking at her dad she watched as he pulled his wife back. “ You are no longer connected to us. Your last name is not Smith, you have no parents.” He spat and stood next to the Alpha. 

The sky was a dark gray as clouds started to build and the wind picked up. Alpha Cole stepped towards her menacingly. “I Alpha Cole declare that you are no longer a member of the Crescent moon pack and here are declared a rogue.” 

Ada felt the unbearable pain of the pack connection snap as she screamed in agony, her hands grabbing at her head to lessen the pain. 

The crowd around her started to yell rogue and become restless, they wanted to rip her apart.  

Ada stood up and looked around as the crowd started to come closer to her. It was pack law that any rogue who was on the land was to be killed. And she was now a rogue, they were going to kill her. 

Turning she didn't waste any time and started to run as fast as her legs would carry her.  Alpha Cole’s cruel laughter ringing in her ears as he yelled, “Run little omega. RUN”