VIDA

I sprinted as fast as my legs could carry me, but despite my efforts, I still ended up being thirty minutes late. Gasping for breath, I reached my station only to be confronted by my stern-faced supervisor, who narrowed her eyes at me.

"You're half an hour late," she declared. I lowered my gaze, feeling helpless.

Even if I explained that it was unintentional, I knew she would still impose a punishment. There was no room for appeals from those lower in the ranks, especially someone like me whom they refer as, freak.

"I apologize. It won't happen again," I muttered, mustering the courage to look at her. I noticed her left eyebrow arching skeptically.

"OF COURSE! YOU BETTER NOT! WE'RE PAYING YOU TO DO YOUR JOB! TIME IS PRECIOUS, AND CUSTOMERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT BECAUSE OF YOU!" She shouted, angrily.

I nervously bit my lower lip, aware of the attention from onlookers. The shame of my tardiness weighed heavily on me, yet no one seemed to care about my exhaustion or lack of sleep.

"I'm truly sorry!" I pleaded, bowing my head. I yearned for her to cease her tirade as my head throbbed. She grunted in response, shaking her head. Rubbing her temples, she finally glanced at me.

"You, step away from your station. I'll assign your punishment for being late," she commanded, then turned away.

Hastily, I abandoned my post and followed her. However, as we reached the designated spot for my penalty, a frown etched itself on my face. "Since you had the audacity to arrive late, your task is to clean up this area!"

In a hushed voice, I muttered, "The factory's backyard?"

My gaze fell upon the sea of waste and debris that cluttered the space. There was an overwhelming amount to clean up.

‘Could I handle it?’ Exhaustion threatened to consume me, but I knew I couldn't voice my complaints.

"Yes, any thoughts? If you don't want a repeat of this, you better arrive on time!" she scolded, her tone harsh.

With a forceful push, she ushered me out of the building and promptly shut the door.

Letting out a sigh, I made my way to the location where cleaning supplies were distributed.

A separate building housed these items, and it was there that I headed. A lower-ranking supervisor, responsible for overseeing the backyard cleaning, sat behind a desk, engrossed in paperwork. I approached her cautiously.

"Excuse me, may I request a set of cleaning equipment?" I inquired. She scrutinized me from head to toe.

"Are you here as a form of punishment?" she asked.

I nodded, averting my gaze. A sigh escaped her lips as she rose from her seat. Handing me the cleaning gear, she pointed towards a locker.

"You can find the necessary tools in there."

"Thank you." After donning a mask to shield my face, I retrieved the cleaning implements from the designated locker.

With a heavy heart, I stepped outside. The sight of the towering mound of waste and rubbish greeted me in the backyard.

Taking another deep breath, I commenced my arduous task. However, a throbbing headache plagued me. I hadn't eaten breakfast, and my next chance for a meal would only come after five long hours.

Slowly but diligently, I worked my way through the debris, meticulously segregating each item and disposing of it in the appropriate trash bins.

Eventually, the waste was contained within large garbage bags and deposited into the designated receptacle.

These circumstances in my life felt like an ongoing penance, a punishment befitting a cursed soul. Perhaps I deserved it for being a burdened child.

Yet, at times, I allowed myself to entertain a hopeful notion.

What if I had been born into a loving, normal family?

What if I had caring aunts and uncles who cherished me for who I am, supporting and nurturing me?

Such dreams seemed enticing, but they were nothing more than fleeting illusions. Reality dictated otherwise.

There were moments when I contemplated what it would have been like if I had perished alongside my parents.

At least then, I wouldn't be alone, spared from the hardships and animosity of others.

"I miss you, Mom and Dad," I whispered, taking a moment to catch my breath and sit down. A heavy sigh escaped my lips.

"Well, time to get back to work," I muttered, preparing to resume my cleaning duties, when a familiar voice caught my attention.

‘Wait, isn't that Roxanne's voice?’ Curiosity piqued, I moved towards the area where I could eavesdrop on Roxanne's conversation.

And there she was, near the backyard, engaged in conversation with a man.

Roxanne, a bully I had the misfortune of working with, outranked me. She was the daughter of a beta and had also inherited the beta status.

Her outfit consisted of a halter top and high-waisted tight jeans. The makeup on her face, intended to create a dewy look, only made her sharp eyes resemble those of a villain from a melodramatic TV series.

As she started to glance in my direction, I quickly sought refuge behind a large trash bin. I knew that if she spotted me, I would become the target of her wrath once again.

I wasn't sure why she singled me out, but I tolerated it out of fear of enduring more bruises. Peeking out, I observed her conversing with an unfamiliar man.

‘Who could he be, and what were they discussing?’

"The Alpha's mansion is hosting a forthcoming party," the man spoke, his gaze fixed on Roxanne in an unsettling manner.

A sly smirk formed on Roxanne's lips upon hearing his words. My heart raced.

The Alpha's mansion, where my auntie worked, would be the venue for this party.

Anticipation surged within me, as I was certain my auntie would need extra assistance. Such events required numerous helping hands.

However, before I could fully process this exciting thought, I suddenly noticed a pair of black stilettos right in front of me.

Tilting my head upward, I received a stinging slap across my face, causing me to lose my balance and fall to the ground. Without mercy, Roxanne proceeded to kick me repeatedly in the stomach.

"Ouch!" I cried out, enduring the agonizing blows. She then yanked my hair, forcing me to face her. Fear gripped me as I awaited her next move.

"I-I'm... sorry... Please, have mercy on me..." I stuttered, my voice trembling. A malicious smirk adorned her face as she shook her head.

"Why would I? You're so pathetic! I despise you! Ugly! Freak! Murdered" she spat out each word with venom.

Does she truly hate me? But what have I done to deserve her animosity? I haven't wronged her in any way!

With a forceful shove, she sent me crashing into the trash bins. I landed face-first on the ground, the impact causing immense pain throughout my body.

To add insult to injury, she pressed her heels against my face, grinding it into the dirt.

"Know your damn place, you wretched bitch!" she exclaimed, delivering another vicious kick that sent me sprawling into the trash heap.

Suppressing my cries, I braced myself for further torment, fully expecting her to return and inflict more pain upon me.

‘When will this torment ever come to an end?’

BLAZE

I glanced behind me and spotted my father, a wine glass held in his right hand, observing me. He possessed a notorious stern expression that often intimidated others, but not me.

Facing him, I took a drag from the cigarette lodged between my index and middle finger before uttering a few words.

"Are you here to tell me that you want to pass on the throne to me without any conditions?" My father gazed at me with disappointment and let out a sigh. It irked me, but I concealed my true feelings.

"Why don't you grow up, Blaze? Your mother and I won't always be there to shield you," he remarked, joining me and gazing at the stars. I scoffed.

"I know. But you should also know that I have no desire to get married. So why are you so insistent on arranging a marriage for me?" My father locked eyes with me, his breath heavy.

"You're at the age where you should assume the role of the pack's Alpha, and a chosen Luna would assist you in caring for the pack. I don't want the burden of pack responsibilities to weigh on you while you manage the company," he explained.

It was the first time I witnessed my father in such a vulnerable state.

"I understand..." I pondered my emotions in response. It felt as though there was more to this situation than met the eye. Something lingered beneath the surface.

"I don't care who you select as your Luna. Whether they're of lower rank or even an omega, it makes no difference to me. I simply want you to get married and settle down," my father stated.

Our eyes met, and I recognized the familiarity in his gaze, mirroring my own. Letting out a sigh, I stubbed out the cigarette on the stone railing of the balcony and departed.

Leaving the mansion behind, I embarked on a stroll. My father's announcement and his words continued to weigh heavily on my mind.

‘Seek a bride? If I were to embark on such a quest, it would likely take me numerous days, if not years, to find my true mate!’

"I can sense it, Blaze! Our mate is just close by," Knoxx exclaimed with excitement, but I couldn't share the same sentiment.

"Are you certain about it Knoxx? Finding my soulmate could take months or even years. Worse yet, she might not even be alive," I grumbled, feeling Knoxx's disagreement through our bond.

"No, I'm certain she's nearby. I felt it, although it was faint. Perhaps she hasn't realized we're destined mates yet!" Knoxx insisted.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. ‘Whatever.’

If she comes, both of us will know. The moon goddess will reveal it. I lost track of time, but when I encountered a pack member, they smiled at me.

"Congratulations Mr. Blaze Dawson," they said. I nodded and continued walking past them. As I distanced myself, a frown creased my brow.

"It seems the news has already reached the pack members," I remarked to Knoxx. He shrugged nonchalantly.

"It's bound to happen. After all, you're the heir and the strongest wolf in the pack," he explained. I shook my head, trying not to dwell on it.

Many pack members congratulated me, but I brushed them off. Their well-wishes didn't sit well with me. Then I overheard two betas conversing.

"I heard the Alpha is planning a ball for the heir," the female beta said, crossing her arms.

"Oh, really? I heard the same. It seems the Alpha wants to find a partner, rather a wife for the heir. Do you think we might have a chance?" another female beta giggled.

I rolled my eyes as I know I have standards. ‘I'm not desperate to choose just anyone besides my mate!’

"Damn it!" I had no idea about this ball they were discussing. I needed to speak with my mother about it.

I returned to the mansion to find her, but she wasn't in her room. ‘Where could she be?’

Then I spotted an omega cleaning the windows. I called out to her.

"You," I exclaimed. The omega turned and immediately averted her gaze onto me. I approached her.

"What do you need, heir?" she asked. I sighed, adopting a stern expression.

"Where is my mother?" I inquired. She gestured towards the east wing with her arm.

"She's in the drawing room, heir. She mentioned working on her embroidery." Without wasting any time, I left and headed to the drawing room, where I found my mother engrossed in her peaceful activities. I approached her.

"Mother, what is this I've heard? Father is organizing a ball? For what? For whom?" I demanded. My mother looked at me and let out a sigh.

"Yes, it's been decided. For you, son. And like we’ve mentioned, it's for your own good," she responded. I ran my hands through my hair, staring at her with anger.

"Do you know about all of father's plans, mother?" I questioned.

She averted her gaze and remained silent. I was beyond angry, I was furious!

Why couldn't they just let me handle things as though time wasn't running out? Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave when my mother called out to me.

"Where are you going, Blaze?" she asked. I scoffed at her.

"Away from all of you!" I snapped. I left the mansion to calm my nerves. If I didn't leave, I would unleash chaos inside. I made my way to the back forest, stripped off my clothes, and prepared to run with Knoxx.

"Knoxx, take over! I need to get out of here!" I instructed.

Closing my eyes, I embraced my shift. I felt my bones break and reform, transforming into my wolf form. Opening my eyes, I darted out of the mansion's grounds. I needed to run, to clear my head and think.

"Where shall we go?" Knoxx asked. Only one place came to mind.

"To La Selena Lake," I replied. Knoxx nodded and raced towards our destination. It was the perfect spot to bask under the moonlight.

When I was young, I was told that La Selena Lake was the dwelling place of the Moon Goddess, although no one had ever proven it.

The first time I shifted into my wolf form, I visited the lake for a soothing soak. As I arrived, I allowed Knoxx to lead.

I took in the breathtaking scenery—the lake's water mirroring the sky. I leaped into the lake and chose not to return to my human form.

The serene waters calmed me as I swam around, and then I noticed someone on the other side of the lake—a woman.

‘What was she doing here?’ I was curious.

‘Could she not hear me?’ I contemplated approaching her and reverting to my human form, but before I could act, someone called out to me.

"Sir Blaze!" They called. It was the mansion's guards and the beta warriors. I rolled my eyes.

"Your mother requested us to bring you back," they informed me.

I glanced at where the woman had been, but then decided to comply and accompany them. The woman's tranquility was disrupted, so I followed them. I don’t want to cause her trouble.

‘Would I have the chance to meet her again?’

VIDA

“Argh! What’s more to deal with?”

Another exhausting day had passed, and I despised the fact that Roxanne had caught me eavesdropping and decided to beat me up for it.

The upcoming party at the Alpha's mansion was just a few days away, and although I couldn't attend, the mere thought of catching a glimpse of the Alpha's son made my heart race with excitement.

I knew I had to calm down and regain my composure.

"Ahh! It hurts!" I exclaimed, clutching my stomach where Roxanne had relentlessly kicked me earlier.

If I were an average person, I was certain I would have suffered from internal organ bleeding.

In a peculiar way, I found myself grateful for my half-werewolf nature, even though my wolf hadn't fully emerged yet. With a sigh, I acknowledged the need for some relaxation.

Hence, after finishing my work, I made up my mind to visit La Selena Lake.

Legends claimed it was the abode of the Moon Goddess, and in all honesty, I believed there was some truth to those tales.

Whenever I immersed myself in the waters of La Selena Lake, it felt as if the Moon Goddess herself was soothing my pain, worries, and troubles.

With my body aching all over, I strolled toward the lake at a leisurely pace, contemplating why Roxanne harbored such intense animosity toward me when I hadn't done anything to provoke her.

After a half-hour trek, I finally reached the breathtaking scenery of La Selena Lake—lush greens, towering trees, and a gentle breeze that provided solace to my weary soul.

"If only I could build a house in this idyllic place and experience this tranquility every day," I murmured with a smile.

Gazing at the calm and crystal-clear lake waters, I marveled at their beauty and serenity. Encouraged by the inviting atmosphere, I decided to take a dip.

Methodically, I removed my clothes, neatly folding them for later use and stowing them in my bag. Testing the water with my feet, I found it to be the perfect temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.

With that assurance, I stepped into the lake, embracing my nudity, and settled on a stone near the bank, where I had placed my belongings.

As I closed my eyes, it felt as if I was merging with the water, experiencing an unparalleled sense of relaxation.

A blissful smile crossed my face when I realized that the lake water was indeed alleviating the pain that had burdened me earlier.

"Ah! Heaven! This is truly incredible..."

Gazing into the reflective waters, I noticed a cut on my lips and I instinctively touched it. “Ouch!”

Perhaps Roxanne had inflicted it during her slap earlier. I let out a sigh. This wasn't the first time I had acquired such bruises.

Sometimes, when my auntie's husband, Uncle Flavio, returned home under the influence of alcohol, he would subject me to his brutal beatings until he was satisfied.

And sometimes, when Auntie is not around, he’d do more terrible things like touching my private parts, which is really disgusting.

As for Auntie Olivia, she never intervened, and my cousins, who witnessed my torment, remained silent. I didn't expect them to come to my aid. For them, I am not a family.

"But I still hope and I yearn to be loved someday," I whispered with a melancholic smile, averting my gaze.

Just as I was about to swim away, the sound of footsteps reached my ears. My senses had been on high alert.

I quickly hid and surveyed the area to identify the source. To my surprise, I spotted some familiar-looking guards from the mansion, drenched and unclothed.

“Sir Blaze!”

‘Blaze? The Alpha's son was here? Why hadn't I heard his arrival or sensed his presence?’

"What is he doing here?" I questioned myself, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Blaze was here while I was swimming? Did he see me naked?" The thought flushed my cheeks, but I quickly brushed it aside. Perhaps I was just imagining things, and he hadn't caught a glimpse of me.

One of the guards informed Blaze, “Young Master, your mother has requested for your presence,'" I observed. I watched as Blaze let out a sigh and briefly glanced back before nodding in response.

"Fine. Whatever, let’s go!" Blaze muttered before departing with them.

Confusion engulfed me. ‘Why did he look back? Could it be that he had actually seen me?’

Shaking my head, I realized it wasn't the right time to dwell on such thoughts. ‘What if someone came back and discovered me here?’

The memory of Sonia's warnings about the unfortunate she-wolves who admired Blaze sent a shiver down my spine.

"I think it's best if I leave," I whispered to myself, gathering my belongings and hurriedly getting dressed.

Once everything was in order, I dashed away without a pause until I reached my auntie's house, gasping for breath.

Thoughts of Blaze and the expression on his face consumed my mind. It seemed as if he had noticed me.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but I pushed those thoughts away. A part of me hoped he hadn't recognized me, while another part secretly wished that he had.

After catching my breath, I entered the house and noticed Auntie Olivia holding a notebook.

"Auntie, I’m home," I announced, only to be met with a scowl from Auntie.

"Where were you? Why did you just come home now? Do you know what time is it?" she inquired, her tone accusatory. I lowered my gaze.

"Uhm... I..." I trailed off, knowing that Auntie wouldn't care to listen. I braced myself for her anger, but to my surprise, she simply walked away.

I felt a mixture of shock and disbelief. Normally, she would have lashed out at me immediately.

"Vida, the Alpha's family is hosting a grand party for the heir in a few days. You need to be prepared because I will pass on all the knowledge and recipes I have made exclusively for the Alpha's family," my auntie informed me.

I blinked rapidly, as my heart filling with happiness. Auntie was going to teach me everything I needed to know about the Alpha's preferences. Perhaps, at times, I could cook the dishes the heir enjoyed.

"Okay, Auntie. I understand," I replied. I noticed a twitch in her right eyebrow as she looked away, jotting down notes in her small booklet.

I couldn't help but smile before heading to my room in the attic, excitedly settling down on my bed.

My heart raced at the thought of the heir. ‘Would Blaze remember me once he saw me up close?’