The sharp cry of "Kaiya!" jolted me awake, a familiar jolt of pain shooting through my ribs. Two nights ago, a dropped plate had earned me another beating, and the soreness was a constant reminder of my place.

Here, I was the smallest, the scapegoat. My parents were gone, both taken because of me—my mother shielding me from a rogue, my father unable to live without her. Their deaths had been laid at my feet, and ever since I was old enough, I'd been the pack's unwitting servant.

My eyes darted to the alarm clock, and I gasped, springing out of bed. I should have been downstairs an hour ago, making breakfast.

"Where's breakfast?" Brielle's voice, cold and sharp, cut through the quiet. She stood by the counter, glaring. "I'm sorry, Brielle," I mumbled, ducking my head. She scoffed, shouldering past me with a force that sent another throb through my bruised ribs.

I moved quickly, the scent of eggs and pancakes soon filling the kitchen. A small, hopeful smile touched my lips as I stirred, a quiet anticipation building within me. Today was my eighteenth birthday. Today, I would find my mate. Today, I would finally shift.