Chapter 3: Bloodlines Revealed

Maeve's POV

"Wait, is that Maeve kissing Professor Cyrus?"

My whole body just... froze. Like, literally couldn't move a muscle while staring at that stupid picture on Freya's phone. I glanced around the arena and everyone was totally staring at me.

Juniper and her bestie were doing that annoying little laugh thing while glaring at me like I was trash.

"That's one way to get ahead..." I heard her muttering.

"Everyone, stop training and put your phones away. Now." Professor Cyrus's voice was deep and boomed across the arena.

He grabbed Freya's phone to look at the photo; I hadn't even realized he was walking over. His jaw did that super intense twitchy thing as he looked at it.

"Notice the lighting angles and shadows," he stated, sounding way too calm for how freaked out I was feeling. "These inconsistencies clearly indicate a composite image. And here," he zoomed in, "if you look closely, you can see obvious editing marks."

Everyone started whispering and looking again at the picture.

"You're right—the lighting is completely off."

"Yeah, this is definitely fake."

Juniper's face! OMG. That smug little smirk just melted right off her face into this tight-lipped scowl thing. I wanted to laugh so bad but kept it together.

"Continue training," Cyrus handed back the phone, all cool and collected. "Don't waste time on meaningless rumors."

I finally felt like I could breathe again. As everyone went back to training, Freya nudged me with her elbow.

"Can't believe Juniper would stoop that low," she whispered while we practiced. "Professor Cyrus handled it brilliantly though."

I nodded. "He seems experienced with these situations."

Freya's eyes got all sparkly. "He's not just any professor. He's the Alpha of the Kratos pack. Took over when he was just fourteen, they say."

"Fourteen?" My eyes went huge. "That young to become Alpha?"

"Youngest ever, probably."

Freya said as I couldn't help watching Cyrus teaching other students.

The bell rang, and Freya turned to me with friendly smile. "You were amazing today, Maeve," she said, rolling up her mat. "Want to hit the cafeteria? Thursday's strawberry pastries are supposedly incredible."

I hesitated, my eyes drifting back to Cyrus. "You go ahead. I want to talk to Professor Cyrus about what happened."

As students filed out, I approached him. My heart pounded in my chest. He was focused on his phone, forehead scrunched in concentration.

"Professor? I wanted to apologize for today and thank you for clearing things up," I said.

Without looking up, he kept typing. "No apology necessary. This wasn't your fault." He turned his screen toward me. "The photo's been removed from all school platforms."

"That fast? How did you manage that?" I couldn't hide how impressed I was.

A tiny smile appeared on his face. "Being a professor has its perks. I have certain... connections with the tech department."

Then Cyrus looked right at me, and holy moon goddess, his eyes! It felt like he could see right through me or something.

"Your fighting style is distinctive. Low center of gravity, slight right tilt before striking—that's Rodolfo's signature move."

"You know my father?" I blurted out.

His face went all unreadable. "All Alphas are connected. Rodolfo is one of the few leaders worthy of respect."

My heart raced and hands sweated as I blurted out: "I'm not sure if this is appropriate, but my birthday celebration is happening this weekend at Dominaris. As Alpha of the Kratos pack, we'd be honored if you attended."

OMG. Did I seriously just invite my hot professor to my birthday party?

Professor Cyrus tilted his head slightly, his eyes doing this intense flashing thing.

Professor Cyrus tilted his head, eyes flashing. "First a kiss, now a party invitation? You're either brave or reckless." His warm fingers adjusted my training bracelet.

Blushing intensely, I said, "Many Alphas will be there. Just an invitation, no obligation."

When he didn't say anything, I felt so awkward I could die. I nodded and tried to escape.

"Should I bring anything?" His deep voice stopped me mid-step.

I paused, my cheeks probably glowing red. "Just your presence would be enough."

---

Walking into my Dominaris home, the pine and moonflower scent felt like relief after my terrible week.

Dad was right there, checking me for signs of shifting.

"Feeling any changes?" he asked, looking so hopeful it hurt.

I shook my head. "Nothing, Dad. Disappointingly normal."

Mom touched my face gently. "The Moon Goddess's gifts arrive at the perfect moment, neither early nor late."

"Callisto wolf blood runs through your veins, Maeve," Dad said, super serious. "You won't just transform; you'll manifest special abilities."

That night, I stared at the moon through my window like it might actually answer me. "I just hope it's not too late," I whispered. "Almost everyone at the academy can shift already."

I couldn't tell my parents what I was really scared of—that maybe I'd never shift.

My parents' soul-bond made me envious—their wordless connection was beyond regular love. I wanted that so bad it hurt. Louie's betrayal now felt like a dull ache.

On my birthday morning, I stood checking myself out in the mirror, wearing a gorgeous silver gown with blue chiffon while Mom fixed my hair. Our reflection showed our similar golden curls and color-changing eyes.

"You look absolutely breathtaking," she said, getting all emotional.

I smiled at our reflection. "Everyone says I'm your mirror image. But I hope I've inherited more than just your looks."

"You possess far more than appearances, my sweetheart," she said, hands on my shoulders. "You have a strong heart and sharp mind—gifts more precious than any beauty."

After like a full minute of mental debate, I decided to just say it. "Mom, I may have invited a special guest... my combat professor, Cyrus. He's the Alpha of the Kratos pack."

Mom's hands froze on my shoulders, her expression going from proud to something super complicated. "Cyrus? That's...unexpected."

"You know him?"

Her eyes went all distant. "My mother Marlowe came from the Kratos pack. I actually lived there for a time as a child, before Dominic took power." She paused, and the silence felt heavy. "Cyrus is his son."

The news hit me like a physical punch to the gut. Dominic? The legendary most savage wolf?