Ivy’s POV
The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as I finished brushing my hair, my thoughts still reeling from yesterday’s revelations. Magic. A second chance at life—not just for me, but for my father too. The weight of our shared secret made my chest tight.
A rapid series of knocks on my bedroom door jolted me from my thoughts.
"Ivy! Are you decent? Please be decent because I’m coming in anyway!"
Before I could respond, the door burst open, and a blur of honey-blonde hair and boundless energy launched herself at me.
"Nancy!" I laughed as we tumbled onto the bed, her arms wrapped tightly around me.
Nancy pulled back, her hazel eyes sparkling with joy. "Happy birthday! I can’t believe you’re finally here! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for this day?"
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, I forgot about the darkness that had brought me here. This was Nancy—my best friend, my sister in all but blood. In my first life, she’d been the one constant I could depend on until…
She doesn’t know, my father’s voice suddenly echoed in my mind. For her safety, keep your past to yourself.
I nodded imperceptibly, acknowledging his warning while maintaining my smile for Nancy.
"It’s so good to see you," I said, meaning every word. "I’ve missed you more than you know."
"Well, duh! That’s what happens when you abandon me to live with your mom in enemy territory." She flopped back dramatically on my bed. "So, spill it. What’s it like living among the Farley wolves? Are they as stuck-up as everyone says?"
The mention of Warren’s pack made my stomach clench, but I kept my expression neutral. "Worse. Especially the she-wolves—they’re vicious when they want to be."
"I bet," Nancy snorted. "Any potential mates catch your eye over there? Your dad’s been telling everyone you’re coming home for good. Please tell me that’s true."
Killian stirred within me, her presence alert and watchful. Be careful.
"There’s… someone," I admitted, deciding a partial truth was better than an outright lie. "His name is Warren."
Nancy squealed, sitting upright. "I knew it! Tell me everything! Is he hot? Strong? What’s his rank?"
I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. How could I describe the man who would one day murder me without letting my hatred show?
"He’s Alpha Rober’s son," I said quietly. "He’s conventionally attractive, I guess. Dirty blonde hair, green eyes. All the she-wolves want him."
"But?" Nancy prompted, reading my hesitation perfectly.
"But I don’t trust him," I said honestly. "There’s something… weak about him."
Nancy frowned. "Weak? The son of an Alpha?"
I nodded slowly, trying to articulate what I’d always sensed but couldn’t name until my rebirth gave me clarity. "Not physically weak. His… his aura, I guess. It’s nothing like my dad’s."
My father’s power was overwhelming, a force of nature that commanded respect. Warren’s energy was different—unstable, vindictive. Small man energy hiding behind a position of power.
"When I’m around him, my wolf gets agitated," I continued. "Like she knows something I don’t."
I always knew, Killian rumbled in my mind. He was never worthy.
Nancy studied me with surprising seriousness. "Your wolf is strong, Ivy. If she doesn’t trust him, you should listen."
"I am," I assured her. "Trust me, I have no intention of pursuing anything with Warren."
"Good." She nodded firmly. "Because you deserve someone who makes your wolf purr, not growl."
Her innocent comment hit too close to the truth, and I had to look away to hide the flash of pain in my eyes. If only I’d listened to Killian’s warnings in my first life.
"Enough about me," I said, eager to change the subject. "How are things here? How are you?"
A shadow crossed her face before she forced a bright smile. "Oh, you know. Same old pack drama. Nothing exciting."
I frowned, catching the flicker of something she was hiding. "Nancy…"
"It’s nothing," she insisted. "Today is about celebrating you coming home."
I reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Hey. No secrets between us, remember? What’s going on?"
She bit her lip, her cheerful facade crumbling. "It’s stupid, really. Just… some of the higher-ranking she-wolves have been making things difficult lately."
My chest tightened with protective fury. "Difficult how?"
"The usual—‘accidentally’ bumping into me in the dining hall, making comments about my rank, that sort of thing." She shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Chelsea and her friends think it’s fun to remind me that I’m just a regular wolf."
Killian growled, her anger merging with mine. "Who exactly is involved in this?" I asked, my voice deceptively calm.
Nancy’s eyes widened, sensing the shift in my energy. "Ivy, no. Please don’t make a big deal out of this. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you."
"They’re bullying you, Nancy. That is a big deal."
She gripped my hands. "Look, today is supposed to be fun! I want to parade around with my best friend, the Alpha’s daughter. Let them see that even if I’m ‘just a regular wolf,’ I have the best connection in the pack."
Her hopeful expression made my heart ache. She wanted to use my status as a shield, however temporarily.
"Besides," she continued softly, "it will only get worse once you leave again. Please, Ivy. Promise me you won’t confront them."
I stared at my oldest friend, seeing her genuine fear beneath her plea. She wasn’t just worried about the bullies—she was terrified of the repercussions after losing her protector.
"Fine," I said finally, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. "I promise not to confront them… today."
But I will handle this, I added silently. One way or another.
Nancy visibly relaxed, her smile returning. "Perfect! Now, let’s get going. Your dad arranged a special birthday breakfast, and then I’m kidnapping you for the entire day. I’ve got everything planned!"
I forced myself to match her enthusiasm, pushing down the protective rage that still simmered beneath my skin. "Lead the way."
As we headed out of my room, arm in arm, I couldn’t help but marvel at how some things never changed. Even in death and rebirth, Nancy was still my constant—loyal, loving, and true.
But I had changed. And this time around, nobody would hurt the people I loved without consequences.
Let them have fun, Killian agreed darkly. We’ll deal with them later.
Nancy chatted excitedly beside me, unaware of the predator that now walked in her shadow—a friend reborn with the memories of betrayal, the powers of magic, and a determination that nothing and no one would break her again.
For now, I would celebrate and pretend to be the carefree eighteen-year-old everyone expected. Tomorrow, the real work would begin.