ALIYAH

"Such a lovely day," Grandma Estelle commented as she wiped her brow. "Perfect for working in the garden."

"It is." I nodded, sniffing their calming scent that filled the air. We were spending the morning renovating the garden into a tranquil haven. Our activity helped to calm my rushing thoughts, but I was still distracted by Brayden's smile from our previous encounter in the kitchen.

It had been a week since he offered me his friendship, but that didn't mean we spoke every day. In fact, I hadn't seen him at all since then. I admit that his absence left me yearning to know more about him. And now, as I worked alongside Grandma Estelle, I couldn't help but wonder if our paths would cross again soon. Would he remember our brief conversation and seek me out? Or was it just a short moment that held no worth to him? He was the first one to make a move and offer friendship, wasn't he? It might be stupid of me, but I was clinging to that small hint of hope.

As I snipped off a few extra twigs from the rosemary bush, I asked Grandma again. "Grandma, how old is Brayden?"

She paused at her work and looked at me with a raised brow. "Brayden is twenty-five now. He just became a beta after extensive training from Alpha Theon a few months ago. Now he's still under training, but it's much more serious.”

“What’s the next training about?” I asked.

“It’s for him to become the next alpha. Why do you ask, dear?"

"Nothing," I whispered, avoiding her gaze and getting back to trimming the rosemary bush. "It's just that he seems too young for such a big responsibility."

Grandma smiled knowingly and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Well, that's because werewolves mature at a faster rate than humans. Brayden has already proven himself to be strong and capable, which is why he was chosen for this important role. Age is not the only factor considered when determining leadership within their pack."

"Is the son of the alpha automatically his beta?" I inquired again, curious about their hierarchy.

Grandmother Estelle shook her head. "In some other packs, a beta is not related by blood, and the title is earned because of their abilities and skills. But since Alpha Theon didn't want to give the rank to others, he trained Brayden when he was eight. That's what I know since Ruben, your dad, worked with the Connors."

"Are humans in a pack always made into low servants?" I wondered aloud, seeking more understanding of my place in this world.

"Actually, not always," Grandma Estelle explained. "If there is a human in the pack who is very capable and intelligent, they might be chosen to be a consultant or mediator between the pack and the human community."

Her words brought some comfort to my conflicted heart as I tried to find my place in this new life. Would I and Grandma be servants all our lives, or was there a chance for us to contribute in a different way? I couldn't help but wonder if there were other roles we could fulfill within the pack, ones that would allow us to showcase our unique skills and talents. Would I be able to practice my medical skills here and help heal injured pack members? Perhaps Grandma could use her knowledge of herbs and plants to assist in the pack's healing rituals. I have actually read about how some wolf packs have individuals known as "healer wolves" who play a crucial role in tending to the health and well-being of the pack.

I was lost in deep thought when I noticed Grandma Estelle's labored breathing and the sweat on her brow, so I rushed to her side and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's it. Grandma, why don't you go take a rest in the room? I can finish up the gardening for today."

"Alright, dear," Grandma Estelle agreed, giving me a warm smile. She hugged me tightly, whispering in her ear, "Take things easy, okay? And tell me, are you beginning to like Brayden?"

"Um, no," I stammered, avoiding eye contact with her. I could feel my cheeks heat up at the question. "But you can't blame me for being curious, though. This is the first time I've lived with werewolves.”

Grandma Estelle chuckled softly, patting my back. "Oh, dear, there's no need to feel defensive. It's natural to be curious and take your time adjusting to new surroundings. Just remember not to fall in love with him. He could become an obstacle to your goals in life. Keep your head clear."

"I will, Grandma. I promise," I replied, feeling a rush of guilt in my chest as I watched my grandmother leave.

Alone now, I continued pruning the roses, but my thoughts drifted to Brayden. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but seek out Brayden's presence, his laugh, and the way his steel blue eyes seemed to see right through me. Why couldn't I stop thinking about him? No. It couldn't be love since I had only seen him a few times. And to think that he was not a human but a black ball of claws and fur, it was just impossible!

But maybe it was just a crush since Brayden was handsome, and I had always been drawn to good-looking guys. It was normal to feel this way, wasn't it?

I just couldn't entertain the thought of being in love—not now. I needed to focus on my goal; once we have paid our debt, we're out of here, and I will forget about Brayden. Plain and simple. I couldn't let myself get distracted by these feelings, especially when there was so much at stake. Besides, Brayden and I came from completely different worlds, and it was unlikely that anything could ever come of it.

As I continued my work in the garden, I suddenly heard a low, rumbling sound from the distance. I looked up from the roses and squinted into the fading sunlight. My eyes widened at the sight of men running in my direction. They were shirtless, sweat glistening on their torsos as they raced towards me.

Anxiety bubbled up inside me, so I grabbed my basket and started walking away, trying to put some distance between myself and the approaching group. Unluckily, I stumbled as a thick vine tangled around my feet and brought me to a sudden halt.

"Oh, no. No. No." I struggled to free myself all the while keeping my eyes on the herd of men. But they seemed not to notice me. And then my stomach clenched when they shifted into growling, huge wolves right before my eyes.

Though I had seen Brayden transform from wolf to human form, witnessing these men change made my body cold with dread. I wanted to scream for help, to make them stop and see me, but my voice failed me, and I remained silent, mentally blocked by fear.

Just when I thought the pack of wolves would trample me to death, a massive black wolf lunged forward, blocking their path. The familiar figure growled aggressively at the other wolves, causing them to stop in their tracks and back off. As I felt like I might throw up, the black wolf turned its gaze toward me. I realized it was trying to communicate, but I couldn't understand the message.

The black wolf seemed dismayed as he roared at the others once more, and they all retreated into the woods.

My hands were trembling as I looked down at my trapped foot, and the sight of a little cutter blade glinting in the sunlight caught my eye. I choked out a sob as I reached for it. Why on earth didn't it show up when I needed it the most?

"Useless cutter!" I gritted, cutting the vine that had ensnared me. The blade sliced through the thick vegetation effortlessly, freeing my foot.

Trying to regain my composure, I stood up and glanced back. But then my heart jumped when Brayden appeared next to me in a bare sweated torso and pants. His nose seemed to be flaring as he glared at me and yelled. "You've almost killed yourself. What the hell are you doing here in the first place?"

"Were you... the massive werewolf who saved me from getting hit?" I managed to stutter.

"Of course I was!" he scolded, baring his teeth. "But you shouldn't have been here in the first place. This is the werewolf runway, and I can't always be here to check if someone's blocking the way." He glanced down at my bruised foot and I caught his eyes softened. But he immediately regained his stern expression as his chin jutted out defiantly. "I was kilometers away, shouting for you to move over... but then I remembered that you're just a human girl who can't hear me from that freakin' distance and has no particular skills at all!"

My heart ached as Brayden's harsh words echoed in my ears, and I couldn't help but feel like my entire world had come crashing down as he turned away from me. How could he speak to me like that? I thought we were already close friends, but his hurtful words made me question everything. Clenching the basket firmly in my hands, I suddenly hurled it at him, watching as it collided with the back of his head. I knew it wouldn't hurt him, but the anger bubbling inside me demanded some form of release.

"What the fu—"

"Thank you for saving my life, Brayden. But you have no right—no right—to insult me just because I'm human. I can do a lot of things. I'm literate and educated, and I knew how the world worked until I stumbled across you wolves!"

I turned away from him, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill, and walked away. The pain in my foot only intensified, both physically and emotionally. It was as if his insults had seeped into my very being, leaving me questioning my worth and place in this world.

"Okay, wait..."

To my surprise, Brayden was quick to reach out and grab my shoulder before I could get far. His touch startled me, causing me to freeze in my tracks. I hesitated, unsure if I should give him another chance to speak. But when I turned and looked up at him, the way his blue eyes dilated made me pause and listen.

"I'm sorry, Aaliyah. I didn't mean to lash out at you like that. I was just having a bad day at training."

It was then that I remembered that he was being trained to become the next alpha. It must have been challenging for him. Undergoing such drills must have taken a toll on his emotions.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded slowly. "I accept your apology, Brayden. And... I'm sorry for screaming at you," I whispered, feeling a pang of guilt for my own outburst.

A small, tense silence settled between us before Brayden suddenly took my hands in his, causing my heart to skip a beat. His frown deepened as he noticed my trembling. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I assured him, attempting a smile. "You should go back to your pack training."

But Brayden shook his head. "I won't leave until I know you're okay. Let me show you around, so you don't end up in trouble like this again."

I hesitated, worried that Beta Brenda might scold me. But Brayden quickly reassured me, saying, "I have a higher command since I'm next to my father—no one will question us."

-ALIYAH-

The large doors of the training hall loomed before us, and I suddenly felt very small in comparison. When Brayden mentioned showing me around, I didn't expect that we were going to end up here. The size of the training hall was overwhelming, with its high ceilings and complicated architecture.

As Brayden pushed the doors open, I was met with a wave of warmth and the scent of sweat. The room echoed with grunts and thuds as individuals sparred with one another or practiced their combat skills on dummies. In the center of the room, the floor was padded with mats for wrestling and hand-to-hand combat practice.

I looked around, my eyes adjusting to the dim but sharp lighting. And then my focus lingered longer at the swords and knives that were lined up at the wall. And those modern firearms that were neatly displayed in a glass case. The sight of them made me gulp as I realized the intensity of the training taking place in this room. I wonder if those weapons have already taken some life or if they were purely for training purposes.

My attention then shifted to the people in the room, who had all paused to stare at me. The men wore nothing but tight-fitting shorts that showed off their muscular torsos, while the women donned equally explicit sports bras and leggings. Their bodies glistened with sweat, bringing out every curve and firm muscle. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious. If ever I were to join this training, would I be required to wear similar revealing attire? Would I have to conform to this standard of dress in order to fit in and be taken seriously?

"Come on," Brayden urged, leading me further into the room. "I want you to meet my friends."

Reluctantly, I followed him, trying to ignore the stares and whispers that seemed to follow me like a shadow. As we approached a group of men and women, they stopped their conversation and turned to face us.

"Hey, guys," Brayden began with a smile. "This is Aaliyah. I want her to meet everyone."

One by one, they introduced themselves, shaking my hand and offering friendly smiles.

"Nice to meet you," a tall man with broad shoulders and a warm smile said, offering his hand. "I'm Marcus."

"Likewise," I replied, shaking his hand firmly.

Then another guy in the group stepped forward, his hair disheveled and with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey there, I'm Alex," he said with a playful grin. "I apologize for almost hitting you earlier. It's that being in wolf form wasn't easy to control.

"I understand and have forgiven you all," I assured him as I looked around. "It was my fault too. I should have known that the place is part of the training grounds for werewolves." I urged myself to smile, trying to ease the tension that seemed to hang in the air.

"Don't worry, I promise not to accidentally hit you again." One man in the group chimed in, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll make sure to be more careful in the future, especially when we're in wolf form."

I nodded gratefully. Although they seemed to be confident beings, I could see the sincerity in their eyes. But I couldn't stand gazing at them for too long, as their piercing yellow eyes reminded me of the danger they posed. Nonetheless, their words did provide some reassurance given the intimidating atmosphere of the training grounds.

As I continued to meet Brayden's friends, I couldn't shake the feeling that not everyone was pleased by my presence. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a woman standing off to the side, her arms crossed over her chest. Her narrowed eyes seemed to bore into me, and I could practically feel the jealousy radiating from her.

My heart raced as I tried to focus on the conversation around me, but the woman's gaze felt like a weight on my shoulders. It was as if she were silently communicating her disapproval to the others, who in turn became more guarded and wary.

"Is everything okay?" Brayden asked, noticing my discomfort.

I forced a smile. "Yes, everything's fine. Just... overwhelmed, I guess."

"Hey, don't worry about it," he reassured me, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "You'll get used to everything soon enough."

I nodded, hoping that he was right. But as I glanced back at the woman and the barely concealed animosity in her eyes, I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something deeper going on. It was clear that her disapproval was not just directed at me but at something or someone else in the room.

I wish I was only imagining things, but the tension in the air was noticeable. It was as if there were unspoken secrets and hidden agendas lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed.

Leaving the training hall behind us, Brayden led me down a winding path through the forest. As we walked, I was curious about where he would take me next. My heart still raced from the tension that lingered in the air back at the training hall, but Brayden's presence was a comforting reassurance. Being with him in private allowed me to let my guard down and relax.

"Since you're new here, let me tell you a bit more about our pack and its customs," Brayden said, breaking the silence between us. I gazed up at his eyes, and I almost lost myself in their deep, mesmerizing blue. "Aside from the regular training sessions to enhance our physical abilities and combat skills, we also have communal meals where everyone in the pack shares food."

"Like a big family dinner?"

"Exactly," he replied with a warm smile. "And we have ceremonies to mark significant events, like full moon gatherings or initiation rituals for new members."

The thought of being part of such a tight-knit community filled me with a fuzzy feeling of belonging I hadn't experienced before. What could be better than having a group of individuals who not only train together but also support and celebrate each other's successes? I guess this was the one thing I liked about them; they truly understood the importance of unity and camaraderie. Unlike in the human world, where some people, especially those greedy ones, only care about themselves and their own success, Worse, most people want to hurt and put others down in order to elevate themselves.

"Hey, you are silent again." Brayden chuckled and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, causing me to smile. "Tell me what's on your mind."

I took a deep breath and replied, "At the training hall, you all seem to talk silently to each other..." I tilted my head slightly, trying to find the right words. "Are you wolves talking to each other using telepathy?" Actually, I have already read about it, but I wanted to confirm if my suspicions were legit. The idea of wolves communicating through telepathy seemed too good to be true.

Brayden's face lit up with amusement as he pressed my nose with his index finger. The gesture made me giggle, breaking the tension in the air. "Mind-link, indeed." He grinned, allowing me to see his playful side. "You're right about the telepathy thing. But it actually allows us to coordinate and unite within the pack, regardless of distance or language barriers. And through mind-link, we can share thoughts, emotions, and even memories, creating a deep buzz of connection among pack members."

"Wow. Just wow." I marveled at the idea of such a bond and couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to experience it myself. So I asked, "Can humans mind-link too?"

Brayden shook his head. "No, mind-linking is exclusive to werewolves due to our heightened senses and supernatural nature."

His explanation made sense. No wonder I failed to hear him when he was already screaming for me to move over back in the garden.

"Say, Aaliyah. Would you want to be connected through a mind-link?"

I slowly met Brayden's eyes—the same deep shades of blue that made my heart flutter—and in that moment I was overwhelmed with surprise. His expression, on the other hand, was so earnest that I couldn't look away, even if I wanted to.

"Me... why would you ask me that?"

Brayden remained unfazed and gave me a reassuring smile. "Because since I met you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you," Brayden confessed, raising my hands to his lips, and my breathing literally stopped when he kissed them. "You're unique and interesting, and I want you to be part of my world, so you won't be alone anymore...so I can protect you... so I can be mated to you."

His last words made my heart skip a beat. "M-mated to me?" I stuttered, not sure if I heard him correctly.

"Yes, Aaliyah. Mated to you." Brayden's eyes bore into mine, his hand still holding mine tightly. "I feel a strong connection with you, one that I haven't felt with anyone else before. Who knows, you might be my fated mate?"

My mind was reeling, trying to process what Brayden was saying. Werewolves, mating, mind-linking—it all seemed impossible. Yet, I couldn't deny the flutter in my stomach. There was something about Brayden that drew me to him—something I couldn't quite explain. What if I was the mate he'd been anticipating all along? And my sudden stay with the Connors was actually my fate?

"As werewolves, we mate for life and connect through a bond that's deeper than anything else," Brayden explained, still holding onto my hands. "And I want that with you. I know it's sudden and I might be destined for another she-wolf, but I can't help how I feel. So what do you say, Aaliyah? Would you love to be turned and mated to me?"

My knees almost wobbled the way he asked me that. Was I ready to leave my humanity behind? I knew I was getting impulsive, but there was something deep within me that urged me to accept this new life. How could I resist such a man I was starting to fall in love with? His voice was like a lullaby as he asked me to be his mate. His eyes were like a peaceful ocean, making me lost everytime I gazed at him. If this was a dream, I would rather choose not to wake up at all.

"I...yes. I want to become a werewolf and be your mate."

His face brightened up, as if he had finally received the answer he had been searching for. And before I knew it, he had closed the gap between us, crushing his lips against mine in a passionate kiss that sent shivers down my spine. For goodness sake, he was my first kiss, and it felt like rockets exploding in my chest. I had no idea what to say, but his lips directed me, and I found myself responding excitedly, lost in the moment.

When we separated, I almost lost my balance. But he caught me, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively as he said, "From now on, you're my girlfriend."

-ALIYAH-

I could feel my heart racing every time I caught a glimpse of Brayden in the mansion. The thought of being with him was exciting, but I knew the risks that came with going against pack traditions. He knew he might be mated to his kind, but he chose me—a human girl. I was grateful for that, even though our relationship was a secret for now. Regardless, he promised to turn me in when he became alpha.

I was lost in thoughts as I walked through the gardens when I noticed Brenda seated on a bench with a book in her hands. Feeling my self-consciousness heightened, I tried to change my direction. It wasn’t that I restrained being instructed, but I really find her intimidating and snobbish. I didn’t want to judge a book by its cover, but that was really how I felt toward her. She was Brayden’s total opposite.

“Aliyah!”

Shit.

My shoulders stiffened as Brenda called me. So there’s no avoiding her now. If I wanted to maintain any impression of politeness, I had no choice but to acknowledge her. Taking a deep breath, I cautiously turned towards Brenda and walked over to where she was sitting. As I approached, she looked up, and I was surprised, seeing her smiling.

"Aaliyah," she said, closing her book and tapping the empty space next to her. “Have a seat.”

She tapped the space next to her, saying, "Have a seat."

I paused for a while, unsure whether I should agree with her request. But I swallowed my doubt and settled into the seat she offered, not knowing what to expect. "D-you you need something to eat, Beta Brenda? I'll prepare something for you," I offered, wanting to make her feel welcome.

Brenda shook her head, still smiling, and replied, "No need, Aaliyah. I just wanted some company. Plus, it's your down time. You deserve a break too."

I felt as though weight was lifted off my shoulders at her words. Brenda had always been silent and aloof, and her presence alone was usually enough to make me feel on edge. But her genuine smile and kind words put me at ease. It was refreshing to see a different side of Brenda, and I was grateful for the chance to connect with her.

As we sat in comfortable silence, my gaze fell to the book resting in her lap. "What are you reading about?" I asked, curious to learn more about her interests.

Brenda held it up for me to see; it was an old book with a leather cover and gold-embossed lettering. "It's a book on werewolf history," she said with a glint in her eye. "I find it fascinating."

My eyes widened. "Really? I never would've guessed."

Brenda's smile widened, and I could notice she shared some of the same features as her brother—blue eyes as deep as the ocean. Though her hair was darker. "Yeah, I know I seem like I'm not interested in much, but I have my passions, like working in Dad's pharmaceutical company. And this—history books about lycans." She pointed at something from the book, getting my attention with the colorful images in it.

"Who was that?" I asked, pointing to a picture of a fierce-looking Lycan warrior in the book.

"He was the Great Alpha King Hermes Everhart, the first werewolf that came to North America and gathered the first legendary packs."

"Wow..." I couldn't help but be amazed by the information. The man in the photo really looked strong, with well-defined features. His piercing eyes seemed to hold a sense of wisdom and power, making it easy to understand why he was considered a legendary figure among them. "It was nice to learn that great werewolf personalities are recorded."

"But of course, we are civilized as well," she said, laughing without showing any sign of offense at my innocent remark.

Our conversation went well. But it wasn't until the subject of finding a mate came up. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed, especially when I thought of Brayden when he finally found his mate. He said he would mate with me after his inauguration as pack alpha. But what if his fated mate was out there somewhere? Is he going to break up with me? Or, based on their tradition, reject me?

As we stood up to leave, Brenda turned to me with a serious expression. "Aliyah, I know we haven't really gotten along those past few days, but I want you to know that I'm glad you're here. You've brought something new and refreshing to this pack house, and I think we all needed that."

I felt a lump form in my throat at her words, touched by her unexpected kindness. "Thank you, Beta Brenda. I appreciate your words. It means a lot to me to hear that I've made a positive impact on the pack house," I managed to say softly.

"If you encounter problems, don't hesitate to look for me, alright?" Brenda winked before turning away, her book tucked under her arm.

My heart-to-heart conversation with Brenda had genuinely lifted my spirits. I was more inspired to continue working hard and making a difference in the packhouse. Now, I was convinced that Grandma Estelle and I were on the right path.

That night, the smile was still plastered on my face as I set up for dinner in the kitchen. I was preparing a delicious meal of roasted chicken and mashed potatoes, savoring the feeling of contentment that Brenda's words had brought me. The aroma filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the house. I just didn't add any garlic because I had read that werewolves have a strong aversion to it. As I set the table, the plate on my hands almost slipped as someone barged in.

"Aliyah!"

"B-Brayden?" I frowned. His face was flushed, and he seemed out of breath. "What's the matter?"

"You need to come with me right now!"

I quickly set down the plate and asked, "What happened?"

"I have no time to explain. But you have to see it!"

I was about to ask him for more information when he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the entrance of the packhouse.

The next thing I knew, we were entering the training hall. Why was Brayden bringing me here anyway? My confusion only grew as I saw a group of pack members gather. Brayden, on the other hand, sat calmly in the front row. He smiled warmly at me and gestured to a chair in front of him.

Seriously, what is going on?

It didn't look like a training session at all, as everyone's eyes focused on me.

“Aliyah has something we’d like to see."

"What do you mean?" I asked, fisting my hands that had begun to sweat.

"Aliyah, we've heard about your unique abilities. We want to witness them for ourselves."

"U-unique abilities?" I looked at Brayden, hoping to find answers to my growing confusion. He avoided my gaze, his expression unreadable. The silence between us was deafening, increasing my fear.

"Brayden, please!" I pleaded. I needed him to explain what they meant by his friend. Why the heck was I in front of them anyway, as though I were a circus performer?

Brayden remained silent, his eyes darting around the room as if he hadn't heard me.

I stood up and stepped toward him even though my legs began to shake. I had no choice but to confront him directly, anyway. "Brayden, this is not fair. I deserve to know the truth. What did they mean? And why did you bring me here?"

"We want you to remove your clothes."

The walls seemed to close in on me as I struggled to comprehend the words that had just come out of Brayden's mouth. How could he have brought me to this place, only to subject me to such humiliation? Was he even serious? My mind raced with questions, desperately searching for answers. Why would Brayden make such a bold request?

“Why… why do you want this?” I almost begged.

"We want you to shift into a wolf so that we can check out your fur color," he informed, shrugging nonchalantly. "This isn't about forming any kind of link between us, not genuinely anyway. I'm simply curious, that's all."

“But, I… I thought we were… You know I'm not a...” I couldn't even form a sentence about how shattered my soul was.

It was then a woman in a push up bra and leggings stood and walked to him. She was the one who shot me unpleasant stares when I stepped in this training hall for the first time. Now she was glaring at me exactly the same way. “Tell her, Brayden. Come on, enlighten the poor girl.”

“Tell me what?” I demanded, immediately wiping the bead of tears that rolled down my face. My hands were itching to throw my chair at his mocking face.

“Alright,” Brayden snorted, shaking his head as he turned to me. “We just got a betting game. My task was to flirt with an omega. Sorry, but you were the subject that entered my mind. So no offense.”

My blood froze as I heard his response. A betting game? I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The tears that had momentarily stopped began to flow freely again. That moment, as I watched Brayden laugh with his friends, my sweet memories with him turned bitter. It was like I was staring at a stranger, someone I didn't recognize anymore. How could he have played with my feelings like this? Was this even real? Were those passionate gazes and sweet words just part of some cruel game? It felt like a punch to the gut, realizing that our entire relationship may have been built on a bet. How could I have been so blind to his true intentions? How could someone I trusted and loved participate in such a hurtful game?

“Strip anyway, slave!” one tall and tattooed guy shouted. “If you can't shift into a wolf, at least you can dance to keep us entertained.”

The sound of snickering and derogatory comments filled the room and made me small as I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to shield myself from their brutal words.

"Strip! Strip! Strip!"

"Come on, babe. There must be a decadent body under those maid's clothes."

"Oh, don't be rude, you jerks. We need to be sure if it's her first time. She looks like a virgin."

That's it.

I couldn't take it anymore. The humiliation became too much for me to bear. I needed to be respected and valued for who I truly was.

"Do you really think you know who I am? I'm not what you assume me to be!” I spat, glaring at their stunned faces. Well, I needed to be respected and valued for who truly was. “Yes, I'm a maid, but being a maid doesn't define me or make me any less worthy. One day soon, I'll be curing the diseases of my people, or maybe one of you will end up in my emergency room seeking help. So if you value your lives, treat me with respect!"

The room fell silent and everyone's eyes locked on me. They stared at me as though they had witnessed a baby talking for the first time. Then, without warning, Brayden waved in the air and broke the atmosphere with a frantic chuckle. "Well said! Now, get out of here. We're done toying with you."

Why Brayden? My mind screamed. I thought he loved me. I was stupid! I should have known that this was all but a big game, and I was the one who had lost! I should have listened to Grandma Estelle when she warned me about getting involved with someone like Brayden. Now, I was standing in front of him, shattered to the bones.

As I ran, tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. The pain in my chest was overwhelming, but I refused to let it consume me. I needed to find some comfort and heal from this heartbreak.

There was only one person I wanted to run to. So, without wasting any more time, I ran towards our room on the ground floor of the mansion. I just hope things work differently than what happened today.

But upon reaching the doorstep of our room, I noticed that the door was slightly ajar.

"G-grandma?" I pushed the door open slowly. "Are you—oh, my God!"

She was on all fours, and gray furs began to cover her body. Her face changed into a wolf's with the same pale gray eyes. I blinked so hard, that my sight almost turned red as I watched her, hoping that I was in a long nightmare. But everything was real as the coldness of the floor crept up my body when I slumped in front of her.

"W-why? Why didn't you tell me about this? So it means—"

"Run!"

I gasped as a desperate voice penetrated my head. Although I couldn't explain how paranoid I was, I could tell that it was Grandma's voice screaming in my head.

But how did she...

"You have to get away before they find you!"

"F-find me?" I frowned as my knees got weaker by the minute. "W-who is after me?"

"I have no time to explain, my child. But the savage was the one who wanted you dead, like your father!"

"We're... we're not related?"

"I'm not your real grandmother, but I have loved and treated you as my own!"

My chest tightened as I stared at her helplessly. She continued her transformation until finally with one last howl of pain, the change was complete. Grandma Estelle stood before me; an old gray wolf. She was totally different but still, I wanted to run toward her and embrace her so hard. My Grandmother Estelle—she was the only one I got. I didn’t know what to do if I lost her too!

"They are coming for you!"

My first instinct was to call out for help or run away screaming. However, as soon as our gazes met, Grandma Estelle gave me a pleading look that kept me rooted to the spot instead. She opened her mouth and howled long and vociferously, which sounded like agony emanating from deep within her soul. The sound made my stomach lurch, and then, without any further warnings, she begged me, "Aliyah, you must go now!" She tried explaining what had happened, but only words got stuck in her throat while she begged for forgiveness.

The next second, something sharp pierced Grandma Estelle's back like lightning. Suddenly, everything became still. Blood oozed slowly out of her wolf body and smeared on