The distant howls of werewolf, accompanied by cheerful chirping of bird marked the beginning of a new day at Dawn Runner pack.
"Make it stop". I mumbled, snuggling deeper into my woolen fur.
A few minutes passed, and the commotion slowly died down, leaving only the silent murmurs of gossiping pack mates and loud footsteps that passed by my tent.
It was strictly forbidden by the pack rules for any Werewolf to remain in their tents during the morning work hours. But who cares? The rules were meant for others, not me.
My name is Samantha Emberwood. I'm half- Werewolf, half-Nymph, a special breed of wolves also known as Pure Breed. Unlike others of my kind who have the ability to transform and directly communicate with their wolves, Pure Breed posses the ability to separate from their inner wolf, creating a special bond that grants us control and mastery over their powers.
In the entire Dawn Runner pack, I'm the only wolf born with the Pure Breed Bloodline. Rumors has it that I inherited my abilities from my birth mother. But the truth is, I've never had the chance to meet her, so I'll never know for sure.
My father, Mason Emberwood, was the previous Alpha of our pack and more importantly, the only who's been there for me since my childhood, up until I became old enough to look after myself.
Life as the Alpha's daughter was everything I'd thought I'd never have - good, safe and happy. Everyone in the pack wanted a piece of my attention, my friendship and my influence. But I never cared about any of those. I wasn't so naive that I couldn't understand that they only wanted to curry favor from the power of the ruling family.
The day my father died, was the day I realized
that even those closest to us can make choices that ends up leading to our downfall. The councilmen didn't waste anytime assembling to officially proclaim Derrick Nightshade as the next Alpha of Dawn Runner Pack, fulfilling my father's last wish.
But little did I know that my worst days had only just begun. The same people who once clamoured for my attention began to treat me with so much hate and scorn. Life became a never ending nightmare as everyone seemed to take great pleasure In my misery.
To make matters worse, fate had the audacity to bind me to the last person on earth I'd want to be with. Derick, the arrogant and self centered werewolf who'd stolen my birthright as the pack leader and also made sure to take away everything I ever cherished, just happened to my mate. What a cruel joke!
"Samantha, Samantha!". I was startled by Mrs Kelly's voice, calling loudly outside my tent.
Mrs Kelly runs the pack food shed where I volunteer as a food distributor for the elderly and young pack members in need. But what people don't know Is that, Derrick forced me into it, just so he can use my volunteer work to boost his own reputation as the most compassionate Alpha of Dawn Runner pack.
And I'll admit, his so called act-of-goodness makes me sick to my stomach.
"Go Away". I muttered, pulling my fur over my head like a hoodie.
"You'd better get out here immediately, or I'll have the pack guards drag you out and force you to work.
"Go ahead and try, I dare you". I said, knowing full well that she didn't dare to do anything to me. In reality she was just like the rest of the other pack members who hated me to the bones but never had the guts to face me head on.
I wasn't just a weak omega that anyone could treat as they deemed fit. I was born a high ranking pure blood, and normal wolves knew better than to get into physical fights with me.
"Jus... just hurry up and get to work already. The food isn't going to serve itself". She snapped, hurrying away before I could reply.
I mumbled a few words, before finally forcing myself to stand up. Today was the last day I had to spend at that terrible place and I wasn't going to let anyone ruin it for me.
After a quick morning routine, I slipped into
a loose-fitting gown that reached my ankles, paired with oversized shoes. I didn't bother styling my hair, letting my curly brown locks cascade down my face, hiding some of the freckles on my skin.
After dressing, I tucked a small pouch containing a few coins into my cloth and quickly made my way to the food shed. As I made my way down the busy forest road, I could hear gossips and side whispers.
"Look, the freak is out again",
"What's wrong with her?"
"Weirdo".
I walked confidently, ignoring the gossiping voices. Their opinions no longer mattered to me; I was beyond their petty judgement.
I finally arrived arrived at the food shed, where a line of people had already formed, waiting for me to serve them. It was Ironic - they all hated me, but nobody wanted to hate on an empty stomach.
I got to work, serving the steaming bowls of wild boar stew, accompanied by freshly baked flat bread, to the waiting crowd.
As they collected their food, they couldn't resist the urge to sing all manner of thanks and praises to their beloved Alpha. It was obvious that they were doing it to try and get under my skin and so far, they were doing a pretty good job at it.
"Next please", I said, setting down the bowl for the next person in line. However, the person standing in front of me didn't respond or touch the bowl, leaving me to wonder if they'd even heard me.
I lifted my gaze from the food, my eyes resting on the face of my worst nightmare. "You've got to be kidding me."
Cindy Perez, the wannabe daughter of the pack Condottiere was standing in front of me with her usual flashy attire and heavy make up that seemed to scream "Notice me". It was no secret that the only thing she was good at was stirring up trouble and gossiping all day long.
"Hey there, Sammy". She greeted, flashing a sly smile at me.
"Next please". I ignored her greetings, turning my attention to the next person in line.
"I'm standing right in front of you Samantha, you can't just ignore me like this". Cindy's voice rose in protest.
"I know, but the thing is I just don't care". I said, my voice cold and uninterested.
"How dare you!" She glared, taking a step closer to me before stopping in her track. "You know what, am feeling really generous today, so I'll let this one slide".
"If you're not here for the food then please leave." I said dryly.
"You're just bitter because in two days, our handsome Alpha Derrick will finally find his chosen mate, our future Luna queen". Cindy
said with a smirk. "Oh, poor Samantha, you'll be cast aside like yesterday's trash".
I shook my head in pity as I watched Cindy laugh, completely drawn away from reality.
She was so caught up in her own dreams, believing that Derrick's kindness was an act of interest in her.
I guess anyone who was crazy enough to want to be the mate of that self centered fraud would believe anything.
"Look here... Cindy, I really don't have time for this." I said with gritted teeth. "So why don't you just leave me alone and find someone else to bother".
"You can deny it all you want, but it's the truth". Cindy smirked "And let's be real, you'll never find anyone who'd want you. Just take a look at yourself, I mean who puts together an outfit like that? It's like you got dressed in the dark".
I could feel the pack members' eyes on me, their laughter and gossiping growing louder.
Cindy continued to attack me with her words, giving her usual hundred reasons why I don't deserve to be a member of the pack and making sure to include all my short comings.
Just as she was about to deliver the final blow, the sound of the ceremonial drums echoed through the air, signaling the arrival of a message from the Alpha.
Alex Moongrave, the pack Beta was always the one who delivered the message. Everyone in the pack feared him but who wouldn't though?. He belonged to the Darkhound bloodline, the most strongest and merciless wolf in the entire pack. The worst part of it all was, he was a quiet and mysterious person whose thoughts and intentions were impossible to read.
"This can't be good", I muttered to myself as I watched Alex confidently make his way through the crowd, which parted like a sea to let him through.
"The Alpha request your presence at his tent, immediately". Alex stated, his eyes locked on mine.
"Ugh, why on earth would the Alpha want to see her. I mean, what could he possibly want from this freak". Cindy fumed.
I gave Cindy a side glares before turning my attention back to Alex. "I still have a ton of work to do, I can't just leave until it's done".
"That's right". Cindy Interrupted again "Look at all these people waiting for the Alpha's generosity. If she abandons her post, who's going to feed them?".
"You are, of course". Alex stated, turning his attention to Cindy.
I struggled to contain my laughter as I watched Cindy's face turn sour immediately those words reached her ear.
"No, no, no! That's impossible". Cindy protested, her face flushing with embarrassment. "How can someone of my status be reduced to doing something so... so pathetic".
"You'll do as you're told, or face the consequences". Alex said with a calm but threatening voice.
"Y-yes sir". Cindy stammered, her face pale as she nodded hastily.
Alex turned his attention back to me, his expression softening slightly. "Time to go".
"Okay". I muttered, quickly trailing behind him like a sheep being led to slaughter.