The Paramount Counterpart

[Atlas’ POV]

I sat at the edge of the sofa, making myself as small as possible while Dominic's voice filled the room. He was recounting his latest training session—again—and our parents hung on every word like he was reciting a prophecy.

"You're so gifted, Dominic," Mother said, her smile radiant in a way it never was for me. "You're everything a future Alpha should be."

Father nodded, pride gleaming in his eyes. "Dominic has such natural grace. He's practically destined to be Alpha."

Dominic tossed his golden hair back, that satisfied smirk flickering across his face.

He knew exactly what he was doing. This wasn't just a conversation—it was a performance.

"Anyone could be good with that much practice," I said quietly, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

The room went still. Mother's smile tightened while Father's head turned toward me slowly, his expression darkening. His scoff was sharp enough to cut.

"No, Atlas. This takes talent. Real talent." His eyes settled on me, heavy with disappointment. "Maybe you should try harder. Learn from your brother."

The words sank into my chest like stones. I bit my tongue, swallowing the bitter taste of shame.

How many times had I heard this?

How many times had I been told I wasn't enough?

Dominic leaned closer, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "Maybe if you stopped daydreaming, you'd be decent at something."

I stayed silent, but my mind churned with memories I wished I could forget.

Dominic, sneaking into my room at night, tearing pages from my journals. The cruel notes he'd leave behind: ‘You're worthless. No one will ever want you.’

He'd always been the better son.

The golden child. The beautiful one. The strongest one.

His dirty-blonde hair shimmered like spun gold, his piercing blue eyes commanding attention wherever he went.

I was the pale reflection of him—soft silvery-blonde hair that caught moonlight, a crescent-shaped birthmark on my cheek that Dominic mocked endlessly.

"Moon-marked," he'd sneer. "How fitting for someone so forgotten."

"Ugly" had followed me like a shadow my entire life.

That evening, I slipped out of the family room into the cool night air, desperate to escape. But as I walked beneath the stars, something shifted in my chest—a flicker of hope replacing the familiar ache.

I'd felt it for years now. A pull, deep and magnetic, thrumming beneath my skin like a second heartbeat. It had to mean something.

Might be truly here, in the Midnight Crest pack, my fated mate was waiting for me.

It truly might be Evan.

The man who was kind when everybody else dismissed me. The man who was my friend—the only friend I’ve ever had. It’s meant to be it.

The thought warmed me from the inside out. My lips curved into a small, secret smile as I imagined it—a life where someone finally chose me. Where I was wanted. Loved. Where I mattered to someone the way I'd never mattered to my own family.

I held onto that hope for the next two whole days, clutching it like a lifeline.

Soon he’ll be back here, soon I’ll meet him.

Soon I’ll be with my future fated mate.

The pack's main hall buzzed with energy when I stepped inside, my heart pounding against my ribs. And then I saw him.

Evan stood near the center of the room—broad-shouldered, strong, with an air of quiet confidence that made everyone around him seem smaller. Short chestnut curls falling on his forehead, begging to run fingers through its softness, while warm brown eyes scanning the crowd.

I'd always admired him from a distance in public, too scared to bring shame upon the Beta’s son for being near the pack’s underdog—me.

He’s a year older than Dominic and me, our families were close, so we were constantly intertwined growing up together. I never was able not to mention the way he moved with such certainty, the way his rare smiles felt like sunlight breaking through clouds.

My chest tightened as familiar recognition struck.

He's mine.

The pull I'd felt for years had a face, a name, a purpose. The bond hummed between us—didn’t it? Warm and bright and right, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.

My wolf stirred inside me, Hyde's presence brushing against my consciousness with what felt like confirmation. But before I could move, before I could even breathe, a familiar voice rang out.

"Evan! There you are."