Chapter 4

Fast forward eight months later,

I trudged into my room, pushing open the door just long enough for me to slip inside before the tears burst from my eyes and trickled down my cheeks. Today was the last day of the term before Christmas, the 21st of December. It should have been a day of joy. The Mating Ball was only ten days away, and in eight days, I would be leaving for it. Yet here I was, overwhelmed by the relentless bullying and torment. These tormentors were supposed to be my pack members. But in this pack, I had no friends. The only people who treated me kindly were my parents and my Alpha, who couldn't step in without risking the exposure of my secret. The question was, how much longer could I endure this? Just until the Mating Ball, I assured myself, where I hoped to find someone who would cherish me with every beat of their heart.

I locked the door behind me, tossing my school bag to the floor. I sauntered over to my bed and flung myself onto it, turning onto my stomach and burying my face in my pillow to muffle my sobs. This was the first time I'd allowed the pain to overwhelm me to this extent, save for one other occasion. But today, they had gone the extra mile to make my life a living hell, viewing me as weak and a liability to the pack. Little did they know, I was as formidable as the Alpha. While I couldn't command power, I could surely challenge him in a fight.

Ever since my first shift, I had trained with the Alpha. He nurtured my strength and helped me harness my wolf's abilities, knowing how exceptional I was. My inner power, speed, intelligence, and strength made me unbeatable. It would take a coordinated attack of at least ten wolves to bring me down. How they underestimated me. How they failed to see past their prejudices.

To keep my secret safe, I masked my scent to mimic an Omega's and wore baggy clothes, a strategy that unfortunately fueled the bullying. When injured, I used makeup to simulate the wound long after it had healed, because Omegas don't recover quickly. Every precaution was necessary; the risk of exposure was too high, threatening not only me but also the pack. Some might see me as a weapon to be seized, while rogues would invariably target me. Unless I held a respected position, I'd forever live looking over my shoulder.

What a mess my life had turned into. I should have friends, be a prominent member of the pack. My parents held high ranks in the pack, which I was expected to inherit. Yet here I was, an outcast, with only a handful of people aware of my truth. My life would never be easy. I questioned the Moon Goddess. Why was this my fate? Destined to live in the shadows despite having a power comparable to the Royals.

All this was the consequence of one fateful day. The day that forever altered my life – my fourteenth birthday.

Flashback

I sprang out of bed with youthful energy. Today marked my fourteenth birthday, and I was brimming with excitement. Life was filled with camaraderie, with friends who always had my back. I eagerly anticipated an amazing day at school, followed by a party. You see, my closest friends were the Alpha's son, Griffin, and the Beta, Lewis, among others. I imagined it would always be this way.

Following my usual morning routine, I hopped into the shower, then slipped into some fashionable clothes. I chose a light pink flowy top, skinny jeans, and a pair of Converse. I curled my brown hair into loose waves that cascaded down my back and applied some light makeup. One of the perks of attending a werewolf school in England was the absence of a uniform.

Once ready, I picked up my school bag and flute, making my way downstairs. I casually dropped my bags near the front door and strolled into the kitchen. My dad sat at the table, engrossed in the newspaper while sipping his tea. Meanwhile, my mom busied herself on the stove, cooking bacon. I claimed a seat at the table.

"Hello, sweetie. Happy birthday!" My mom exclaimed, rushing over to envelop me in a hug.

"Mum... can't... breathe," I teased.

She drew back, rolling her eyes at me, "Drama queen," she retorted, playfully sauntering back to the stove.

"Yeah, I wonder who she gets it from," my dad chimed in, teasing my mom.

I laughed heartily at their banter, while my mom playfully scowled at my dad. "Happy birthday, darling," he said, his face lit up with a smile.

"Thanks, Dad," I replied.

Soon, my mom set a bacon sandwich before each of us, then joined us at the table with her bowl of cereal. I savored my breakfast, finishing it before I knew it. Rising, I started towards my school bags.

"Darling, we've got you a present," my dad announced.

As I turned around, he extended a small black box adorned with a pink bow. I approached and accepted the box, carefully undoing the ribbon. Inside lay a beautiful necklace, a rose quartz shaped into a heart, encrusted with sparkling silver diamonds and suspended from a golden chain. It was breathtaking. I put it on and rushed to my dad, enveloping him in a warm hug, then doing the same with my mom.

"Thank you so much," I squealed with delight.

"No problem, sweetheart. Now, enjoy your day at school," Dad encouraged.

The sound of a car horn signaled that my ride to school had arrived. Scooping up my bags, I stepped outside and clambered into the car, where Griffin, Lewis, and an older pack member awaited, the latter at the wheel.

"Happy Birthday," Griffin and Lewis chorused.

Their mirth was infectious, and I laughed along, accepting a card from each of them. I was pleasantly surprised to find £200 inside - a clear display of the affluence that was commonplace in our pack. The ride to school was filled with laughter and camaraderie, reminding me of why these guys were my best friends. In our hearts, Griffin and I both harbored the hope that we might become mates at the Mating Ball. I had always abstained from having a boyfriend, holding out for that one perfect match. No one else seemed worth it.

The day at school unfolded as usual. Surrounded by friends and well-wishers, I was inundated with cards, birthday wishes, and even a balloon from one generous soul. It was everything I had expected - a day filled with friendship and celebration, all made possible by the high regard and respect people had for my high-ranking family within our pack. I relished these moments, never anticipating how drastically they would change. Back then, my life was simply about friends and fun. It was great.

Despite the typical monotony of lessons and the occasional sour-tempered teacher, school life was bearable. However, the day took a turn for the worse during the third lesson.

I started feeling unusually hot and sweaty. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead, and my palms wouldn't stop sweating - odd symptoms for a werewolf, especially given the mild British weather. Soon, a pounding headache set in, causing my vision to blur intermittently. Then, the worst symptom appeared: a stabbing pain coursing through my limbs like a torrent of daggers. Fear began to seep in.

Managing to get myself excused from the lesson, I hurriedly left the classroom amidst puzzled glances from my pack members. As the pain intensified, I staggered down the corridor, mind-linking someone to take my bags home later. I vaguely heard an affirmation, though I couldn't identify the respondent.

Barely managing to get to the school parking lot, I clumsily pulled out my phone and dialed my mom's number. The agony was escalating, and I was filled with terror. My mom's voice on the other end of the line was a welcome sound.

"Hello, sweetie," she greeted.

"Mum. Please, I need you to pick me up. Something's wrong... I'm in pain all over, and I don't know why. Please hurry, Mum, the pain is intensifying," I cried out in desperation.

"I'm on my way, darling," she assured me, hanging up immediately.

Soon after the call ended, I collapsed onto the pavement, writhing in unbearable pain. The cold ground was a stark contrast to the heat radiating from my body. My hair sprawled around my face, as though attempting to shield me from the world. Five agonizing minutes later, my parents' car pulled up. Seeing them emerge, I sobbed uncontrollably, the pain amplifying with each passing moment. I focused on the tears soaking into the concrete, darkening its hue-a distraction from the ceaseless torment coursing through my body.

"Hang in there, sweetheart. Can you tell us where it hurts?" My dad inquired, a note of urgency in his voice.

"Everywhere. It feels like daggers are piercing me. My bones feel like they're about to snap. Ahh, it's unbearable!" I shrieked.

Gently, my dad scooped me up and secured me in the back of the car. Climbing into the front seats, my parents shared a worried glance.

"Do you know what's happening?" My mum queried, her voice shaking with concern.

"Yes, but it's too early. She still has two years left. Something's not right," Dad responded, his brow furrowed.

"Are you implying...? We need to inform the Alpha," Mum uttered, realization dawning on her face.

In my bewildered state, I could only muster small cries of pain, my teeth gritted against the torment.

"I've already alerted the Alpha. We're heading to the clearing now. We'll get her through this," Dad assured her.

Suddenly, the car came to a halt beside the forest. Once again, my dad cradled me in his arms and we embarked on a run through the verdant expanse. As the hues of green and brown blurred together, I was hit by another wave of debilitating pain. Arriving at a clearing, I saw Alpha Kendrick awaiting us, his expression grave as my screams escalated.

"Yes, she's indeed shifting prematurely. I've never witnessed it happen this early. We must do what we can to ease her through this," Alpha Kendrick stated, his voice filled with resolve.

Shifting? But that was a rite of passage reserved for the sixteenth birthday of every wolf. Why was my case different? Confusion mingled with agony as I writhed on the grassy floor, praying for an end to the torture. Yet, the pain persisted, intensifying when I thought it couldn't possibly get any worse.

"You've got this, Gianna," Alpha Kendrick encouraged.

"I can't... It's too much... Please, make it stop," I whimpered, my hands clutching at the grass, yanking it from the soil.

Suddenly, a bone-jarring snap reverberated through me, eliciting a scream. Snap after snap echoed around me, the gruesome symphony of my bones breaking and reshaping was overbearing. It was a miracle I hadn't lost consciousness yet.

"Don't resist it, Gia," my dad coaxed gently.

As my clothes disintegrated, fur sprouted all over my body. The snapping of bones continued, signalling my transformation. I became a wolf, meeting my inner wolf today. My transformation completed, my hands and feet were replaced by paws.

Greetings, Gianna. I am Jazzlyn, your wolf companion. I will guide and support you through our shared journey. We are one, we know each other intimately, sharing a single consciousness. Our unity is unique. We are a Wilford Wolf, the only one of our kind in existence. The last of our lineage roamed the Earth over a thousand years ago. We are superior - stronger, faster, more intelligent than all other wolves, save for the Royals. The Moon Goddess has a plan for us, and no matter what our purpose is, I will be with you. We are forever bound.

Her words left me breathless. This revelation was far beyond anything I'd imagined. Although the pain had finally ceased, I was overwhelmed. Meeting my wolf at fourteen felt too soon, too sudden. I wasn't prepared for this.

I will prepare you. You have a strong support system, and though our journey will be arduous and long, we will conquer it.

Thank you, Jazzlyn.

A chorus of gasps echoed behind me. As I turned, my eyes met those of my mother, father, and the Alpha. Each face mirrored the same expression, an amalgamation of astonishment and awe.

"Alpha, is this what I believe it to be?" My dad asked, his voice echoing the uncertainty in the air.

The Alpha seemed to rouse himself from his stupor.

"Yes, it is. We've all read the werewolf stories. She fits the description perfectly - the greyish fur tinged silver, the glimmering sheen. Wilford Wolves are the strongest, fastest, most intelligent amongst us, their powers rivaling that of the Royals. Legends say they are blessed by the Moon Goddess herself during times of great need. They're destined for extraordinary lives and serve a divine purpose. To witness one in my pack is an honor. I'll personally guide you, helping you harness the full potential of your new form," the Alpha affirmed, his voice ringing with pride.

My parents looked on, their eyes shining with respect and admiration. I examined my wolf form, awed by its beauty. The silvery edges of my fur shimmered in the light, giving off a radiant glow. As I started to explore my new form, it was like discovering an extension of myself.

"However," the Alpha continued, his tone turning serious, "Wilford Wolves, especially those not in positions of power, have been hunted down for their strength. Rouges will pursue you. I will prepare you, but until you find your mate, your identity must remain a secret. We will disguise your scent as an ordinary Omega. You'll need to pretend that you haven't shifted yet and shift only when it's safe and I'm with you. Following your sixteenth birthday, this will be a challenging couple of years. Your status and the respect associated with it will decline because you 'haven't' shifted. But it's a necessary measure for your safety. Once you have a mate and a mate bond, your power will be augmented, particularly if the Mating Ball pairs you with a high-ranking mate. Only then will you be strong enough to protect yourself and your pack," the Alpha stated solemnly.

I nodded in comprehension, lowering my gaze. My life would take an unexpected turn after my sixteenth birthday. My friends would shun me, deeming me weak and unworthy. I felt an overwhelming urge to escape, to experience freedom in this new form.

Alpha, may I go for a run? I need to clear my head. It's been an eventful day, I mind-linked.

By all means, but your father and I will accompany you, came the reply. I expressed my consent with a nod.

As the Alpha and my father shifted into their wolf forms, they positioned themselves on either side of me. Together, we dashed into the forest, a cathartic run to ease my clouded mind.

End of Flashback

That fateful day had forever altered the course of my life. Now, four years later, I found myself grappling with the burdens that past had thrown upon me. I was hopeful, praying that upon finding my mate, my life would finally take a turn for the better. That sliver of hope was what I clung onto.