Chapter 7:

Jenny P.O.V

I decided to start my life anew after a series of painful events I had endured. After losing everything and distancing myself from my friends and family, I found myself looking for a job in a new city where I knew no one. I had to leave the pack, the clans, and everything that tied me to being a werewolf. There was no choice but to turn to humans and blend in among them. The only place that accepted to hire me was a small bar in one of the city's lively neighborhoods.

The bar was called "The Quiet Harbor," although the atmosphere inside was anything but quiet. The walls were adorned with old pictures and oil paintings from bygone days, while dim lights gave the place a warm and cozy feel. The scent of whiskey and tobacco filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and loud conversations from the patrons.

I was forced to wear the traditional work uniform for waitresses at the bar: a tight white shirt that revealed my figure, a short black skirt, and short-heeled black shoes. My long black hair was tied in a high ponytail, and I wore light makeup that highlighted my natural beauty.

I tried my best to adapt to the new job and interact with the customers cheerfully, but it wasn’t enough to avoid the harassment I faced constantly. Some patrons behaved rudely, making harsh comments and trying to touch me inappropriately. I tried to stay strong and ignore these behaviors, but one night, my nerves broke down.

It happened when one of the customers, a large, foul-mouthed man, tried to harass me and drag me toward him forcefully. I tried to break free, but my strength failed me, and I began to cry uncontrollably. Suddenly, I felt a strong hand grab the man's arm and pull him away from me forcefully.

"Leave her immediately," came a deep and firm voice, its owner showing no mercy. Through my tears, I looked up to see Max Holden, the bar's owner, standing before me. He was tall and handsome, with smooth white skin, blue eyes like the sky, and blonde hair falling attractively over his forehead. He had an aura of charisma and strength, as if his presence alone was enough to command order and respect.

Without hesitation, Max grabbed the man and threw him out of the bar. Then he turned to me, still trembling and crying. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and said in a calm voice, "Are you alright?"

I looked at Max with tear-filled eyes and nodded slowly. I was still shaking from fear and collapse. Max took my hand in his and said soothingly, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone harm you here. I'm here to protect you."

Max's words had a calming effect on me. I felt there was someone good in this grimy place.

Max led me to a small office at the back of the bar, where we sat and talked quietly. The office was simply decorated, with a large wooden desk and some old chairs. The smell of whiskey was less intense here, and the atmosphere was more peaceful.

Max sat on the desk and motioned for me to sit on the chair opposite. He spoke in a calm voice full of concern, "Are you feeling better now?"

I nodded, but I couldn't help feeling embarrassed and ashamed. I said in a halting voice, "Better... I’m better."

Max asked curiously, while fiddling with a figurine on the desk and focusing his gaze on my eyes, "Why would a girl like you work in a place like this?"

I felt a pang of sadness, but I gathered my strength and said with a voice that carried a mix of sorrow and defiance, "Maybe because a girl like me has no better option."

Max asked again, trying to sound encouraging, "We haven’t been introduced. What’s your name?"

"Jenny, my name is Jenny," I answered with confidence and a hint of fear.

Max Holden extended his hand with a warm smile, "Nice to meet you, Jenny. I'm Max Holden."

I smiled cautiously and said, "Max Holden, I know you well. Since I arrived, everyone here and in the city has been talking about you."

Max smiled wider and leaned back comfortably in his chair, examining me with a look of appreciation and admiration. He saw a blend of femininity and innocence, strength mixed with vulnerability and fear. Contrasts even in her beauty.

Max said in a warmer tone, "You are strong, Jenny. I can see it in your eyes. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

New tears welled up in my eyes, but this time they were tears of gratitude and hope. I felt that someone saw my strength and inner beauty.

I took a deep breath and said with a faint smile, "Thank you, Max. I couldn't have done it without your support."

___________

As days passed, Max Holden couldn’t hide his curiosity about me. He felt there was something special about me, something that made him want to know more. So, he began visiting the bar more frequently than usual, pretending to check on different matters or inspect things. Each time he saw me, he noticed something new about me—how I interacted with the customers, and how I smiled even in the toughest moments.

One night, the bar was crowded with customers, and I was working hard to fulfill their orders. Max was sitting at a table, watching me with a proud smile as I handled the situation efficiently. Suddenly, he noticed that my face had gone pale and my steps had become unsteady. I was walking toward a table carrying a tray full of glasses, my eyes scanning for a place to set it down.

As I approached Max’s table, I felt myself stumble slightly. I tried to maintain my balance, but my strength failed me, and I nearly fell. In a flash, Max sprang to his feet and caught me before I hit the ground. The glasses fell and shattered, and the sudden noise drowned out the sounds of the bar.

“Jenny!” Max exclaimed with concern as he held me in his arms. My face was pale, and my eyes were closed. He could feel my racing heartbeat and the softness of my black hair brushing against his face. There was no time to think; he carried me swiftly to his car.

Inside the car, Max drove quickly toward the hospital, his mind filled with questions and anxiety. He tried to calm himself, but he couldn’t shake off the fear for my safety.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Max rushed to the emergency department, carrying me in his arms. The doctors quickly received me and took me to an examination room. Max stood outside, feeling helpless and tense. He wished he could do something to help me.

After a while, the doctor emerged from the room and approached Max. He wore a white coat with a serious expression on his face.

“Are you a relative?” the doctor asked in a calm but serious tone.

Max answered quickly, his voice filled with worry, “I’m her friend. Is she okay? What happened to her?”

The doctor nodded and replied reassuringly, “She’s fine now. She was suffering from severe exhaustion and malnutrition. But there’s something else you need to know.”

Max’s anxiety grew, and he asked, his voice trembling, “What? What’s happened?”

The doctor took a deep breath and said, “She’s pregnant with triplets.”

Max was struck with shock, as if he couldn’t process the words at first. He stared at the doctor with wide eyes and stammered, “Pregnant? Are you sure?”

The doctor nodded affirmatively, “Yes, we’re certain. Her condition is stable now, but she needs rest and special care.”

A mixture of shock, concern, and fear overwhelmed Max. His thoughts were in turmoil as he tried to make sense of what he had just heard. He took hesitant steps toward the room and saw me lying on the bed, still looking weak but more composed.

He sat beside me and gently held my hand, feeling its coldness in his own. He spoke warmly, “Jenny, I’m here. You’ll be okay. I’ll be by your side the whole time.”

I opened my eyes slowly and looked at Max with a gaze full of gratitude and vulnerability. I tried to smile faintly and said in a soft voice, “Thank you, Max. Thank you for your help.”

Max smiled kindly and said, squeezing my hand gently, “No need to thank me, Jenny.”

I asked him with concern and curiosity, “What did the doctor tell you?”

Max replied with an unreadable expression, “You’re pregnant with triplets, Jenny!”

I echoed in shock, “Pregnant!!!”

I felt a tremendous responsibility for myself and my unborn children. I was a young, single girl pregnant with triplets.

Max moved closer and said, “Perhaps now you have a greater opportunity than just being a waitress in a bar!”

I asked curiously, “What do you mean?”

Max explained, “I want to help you, and you should work with me. You need to think about your children and the need for rest and, most importantly, money to take care of yourself and them.”

I thanked him, saying, “Thank you, but I’m strong enough to rely on myself and raise my children.” I declined Max’s offer, still stunned by the news of my pregnancy.

Max insisted seriously, “In your situation, you can’t refuse. I know how strong you are, and I’m only offering you a comfortable job. Being a waitress means working late hours and hard tasks, which doesn’t suit a mother of triplets who’s only eighteen.”

I asked him with tears and pain, “Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?”

Max replied, holding my hand and smiling, “Don’t cry. I don’t need anything from you, and I won’t exploit your weakness. I’ll support you, even if it means being a father to your children.”

I broke down in a storm of uncontrollable tears, feeling weakness and pain, along with sadness. I placed my hand on my belly, crying and lamenting that night, reflecting on the outcome of that day with the harsh and arrogant Dragon.