THE BEGINNING

THE BEGINNING

YOURS

"Wynzlette!..."

My best friend Carline greeted me at the entrance of Casabella Elite Highschool. Our school, it's full of good and bad memories for me, thus, the bad are countless than the good ones.

She's been my only friend during our diaper days and now, we are finally in our 12th grade of Senior Highschool days and today is our final exam day. Just like how season changes, we grew up so fast like years unfolding faster as season folds. Few more months and we will be college students already. I am excited because the only college available is within the next territory of a most scary Alpha in the whole province of Bella Blanca. I heard that students who will enter the territory must turn in their family emblem or anything valuable such as parents or guardians licenses or else they can never enter the gate, ever nor got a glimpse of the well protected premises. The emblem can only be release by the Alpha of the Midnight Hunter Pack during graduation of students as it is token of wolves finishing their tasks within Casablanca and it will happen to me and my best friend next school year already!

I am so excited because I can finally be able to leave Casabella. This place is not a healthy one for me, even though my mother is a great doctor within the pack, the children of the other members aren't that friendly to me for absurd reason — I am fatherless and an Omega. 

I am just the only one who doesn't have a father within the pack. No records or anything, looks like it was erased or it really never existed. Purposely done. 

"Let's go to town later and let's buy our dress for the graduation ball. I heard that Alpha Jared will attend so let's do our best to empress him. I heard that he is still looking for his mate and you know what? I think that his soulmate is within the pack. I hope it's you..." She mumbles.

"I don't know and I just saw him for few times  but just his back, he is really so handsome! I can't wait to tell him that I like him..." My inner wolf tells in my head. I hushed her and tell her to stay quiet or I will not give her a stroll into the woods. She is so obedient enough to keep her mouth shut which I'm thankful for.

I turned to Carline, "Do you think that me and Alpha Jared will be a good couple together?" I asked my friend with a little bit loud tone cause of the boisterous surrounding.

"No way! You aren't looking like a Luna, to me. So weak and scared little Wynzlette!..." 

Carline and I turned to our back and saw Queenie. I didn't know that she overheard the conversation I had with my friend. She even laughed out loud and called her friends, and the other students and screams after.

"Guys! Attention! Listen to me!" Queenie is clapping her hands while seaking attention from the crowd.

Almost all the students at the gate that are going home looked at us.

Queenie pointed me, "This ambitious Omega girl here is dreaming to be your Alpha's wife! HAHAHA! Do you wanna have a weak and nerd Luna? She thinks that she is strong enough to be Alpha Jared's wife, so pathetic!" 

All the students are laughing caused my whole face turned red out of shame. Carline pulled my right hand and walk me out of the gate going into the woods. When we are far enough we turned into our wolf form and compete going to lake crystal. It's our favorite escape place. The lake is located between Casabella and Casablanca. There is a huge rest house that is settled in Casablanca a kilometer just after the barbwires that marked the territory borders. The barbwires extended until the water part of the lake and an electric wiring is turned on during the night to make sure that there will be no one going beyond the each premises, either wolves from Casablanca or Casabella. It can kill wolf who will be caught by the barbwires because it's made from silver and so no one attempted to ever crossed it unless the guards turn off the fuse. It is manage by Casablanca that's why it's hard to predict when will the guards be lenient. I heard though that there are times when the guards let the members from Casabella cross the borders if they wanted to be at the town of Casablanca as fast as possible because the part of the wood is actually a short cut, only if it's due to an emergency.   

"I will cross the border if I will gonna see some guards from Casablanca. They are not in duty nowadays, though. You know Astrielle? The new student from my class? She is actually from Midnight Hunter Pack and she is always crossing the border every weekends. She told me that during midnight, the guards will turn off the electric shock and let the ones who will have transactions and affairs here and Casablanca to cross that's why she always comes her every Friday night after our Physical Education class to go home." 

I pursed and nodded. 

"How did you make friends with her? I just met her during her orientation at the principal's office when I returned my home room teacher's books but she didn't come in my class," I informed Carline.

"We are in the same section. Yeah, she wants to meet you but you always go home after class. You don't have time to even hangout with me and the others even during weekends or just once a month since midterm." She rolled her eyes.

I smile and hugged her, "I'm sorry I need to go home early to cook for mother before her duty ends. She's always been busy and tired to prepare breakfast for me everyday. Sometimes I go the hospital to be her assistant that's why," I tried to explain to Carline hoping that she will understand my situation. 

It's just part of the reason but I just don't want to stay at the school longer. I am used to staying at home with my books and watching my favorite series. 

Carline smile back, "Don't worry as long as the public won't bully you. How come that Doctora Letty isn't bother when people tell her that it's a bad luck to be a single parent here in the pack?"

"Mother is a doctor and her work experiences makes her unbeatable and not bothered. She also hate gossip, that's why she isn't focus on things which are less important and her face is a serious and intimidating everyday except when her patients are babies. You witnessed it already, so she can handle the pressure. It's just that I'm different, my rank is not so appealing..."

"Stop degrading your value, Wynzlette. You are perfect and genius," Carline nodded while giggling. "I can't still believe that we are going to be a college student next enrollment already. I am excited for the graduation ball party too,1 because you know it will be full moon again and our inner wolves will be searching for their mate. Have you ever been on heat already, Wynzlette?"

I am shocked to the sudden question that Carline dropped.

"No, and I don't want to experience one..." I stated.

"Really? Hmnn... You might regret it after you found your mate. The pull is hard to resist that you wanted to kiss him every minute and do the deed already..."

I waved my hands and laughed, "It won't happen to me. I won't let my body to be succumb by the pull of the moon. I am sane enough Carline, so, no thanks. I'll pray to the moon goddess for that matter." 

"Don't say that. I was just like you before I found out that Hero is mate. Can you believe it? It was on the first full moon after my 18th birthday last year. We plan to get married after I finish school besides he is so busy being the Beta of the pack."

Yes! My bestfriend's mate is the Pack's Beta and he just loves her that she is treated being the leader's wife already that is why Queenie is afraid of her sometimes. In addition, Carline parents own the hospital where my mother is working. She's a richy kiddo.

After few hours of staying at the edge of the cliff overseeing lake crystal, we decided to go home. My house is just few blocks away from theirs that's why I took the liberty to enjoy her service car.

We hugged each other when the car stopped at the front of the house, "Make sure to call me tomorrow after exam. I'll take you to town. Okay? It's boring here and besides, I bet you will finish the exam early..."

"Sure! sure, thanks. I will make sure to come with you to town tomorrow. I will inform mother about it later," I quipped. 

I got out of the car and walked fast going inside the house. I turned on the light and the television too.

"The full moon next month, this year, February, will be a little bit scary. It will either break or build most hearts. The pull will be heavier for those who will be rejected by their soulmates. Be ready wolfies! If you will be rejected, be quick enough to submerged into cold water to atleast lessen the impact or else you will gonna die once your wolf will lost their mind. In addition, be sure not to turn into your wolf form or else you might not carry the burden of being rejected and will die. Once you are rejected by your soulmate. It will take 5 years to be able to heal with proper medication and keen surveillance. However, there's a possibility that you can't survive the first year if the one who rejected you is an Alpha. Remember, lake crystal is one of the remedy, just be sure not to be electrified. This is Sonia from CBC News, reporting!" the reporter announced.

"What an absurd news it that. You will kill your wolf if you submerged below the -10 degree! Lake Crystal is a cold lake that it's almost freezing..." I mumbled.

"That isn't absurd news. What the reporter said is partly true, be careful if you don't want to be one of my patient after the this full moon..."

I saw mother from the door. I ran towards her and gave her a peck on the right cheek. 

"Mother, when did you arrived? Why are you so early today?" I immediately asked. 

"I don't have enough patient today and I want to sleep. I already bought us dinner, so you don't have to cook anymore."

She waved the paper bags in the air and giggle. "Your favorite steak. Let's go and eat," Mother already walked towards the kitchen as I follow her.

While having dinner, I asked her about what the reporter said earlier.

"Why do some rejects their soulmates, and why is that the it can kill them?"

"I don't know too, but maybe it's a curse to be rejected by what's the destiny arranged for us. There are some that are cursed by other entities in this lifetime some have two soulmates but one is not the true soulmate. I already encountered it before but there's no survivors. The burden of being rejected caused their wolves to be violent and so they're all burnt like a sacrifice."

"Is father dead that made you alone mother? or you are being rejected too?" My curiosity is at peak that makes me wanna hear about my mother's past. 

I wanna learn more about her to know why the other members are bullying me.

"Your father died at a young age and so I was alone who raised you. Did anyone bully you again in school? Don't mind them, remember what I told you before? One day you will know the answer why you shouldn't resent them even if they're spitting nonsense reason just to bully you."

She intently scrutinizing me to weigh if I will lie or not.

"Yes, but that's already normal. It's nothing I can't handle and it's not a new case, mother. I'll heed that, so just focus on your work being a doctor. How was father when he is still alive?" I stated and asked afterwards.

"Your father is a very powerful man. He was loved by the whole pack and is a very generous an upright one. A real gentleman indeed and I miss him very much already..." 

Mother is smiling while spitting her spiel. She is like a teenager who is in love for the first time. I can see her happiness and she is glowing while remembering the past. My father might really be that gentleman? How, I wanted to marry someone like him. My husband should be as perfect as my father. I'll pray it for the moon goddess to give me someone like him.

Mother's smile faded away, "But he was accused by those who are greedy of power and so they killed him in the end. You are still a baby that time, he begged for us to be safe in exchange for his life. It's been a long time already, I forgive and forget because I want us to start anew."

The last sentence my mother said makes me so angry. My inner wolf is mad and ready to kill. Mother always reminds me not use my wolf's power. She knows that in a span I can do whatever I'm thinking, whatever my hands touches, it can kill, even if I'm still on my human form. We had witnessed some incidents already but mother asked the elders to erased my memories, I still remember some fragments though. 

"Don't try to seek revenge. I always remind you Wynzlette. You are the only one I have and I don't want you to end up like your father," My mother whispered.

I nodded even though my heart felt so heavy from the pain of the past about my dearest, father. 

"So we aren't really from here? Where are we from?" I cleared my throat after my question.

"We are from far away. Far from here and our place was destroyed already. The ones who did bad to your father was punished by the cartel of life. I am thankful that Jared's father accepted us in the pack after hearing the news. He personally fetch us back then and until now we are still living here under the  Moonleaf Gladiator Pack."

"Why didn't you tell the pack members about father and let them bad mouthed you for not having a husband? It is okay for me to be criticized but not you. You are a very intelligent doctor this pack has ever had, mother."

Mother chuckled, "Who told you that members are mocking me? I've been living here for almost 25 years already even before you were born. I know the rumors of every she-wolf in town and they can mock me whenever they want but just behind my back and not face to face because they are afraid that I might not cure them if the will be injured. Don't get yourself into trouble. It's your last day of final exam tomorrow right? Next month's second week will be your graduation ball already?" she asked me.

"Yes and so, Carline and I will go to town tomorrow after exam, we will buy gowns together," I reported.

"Good. Also buy dress for your 18th birthday okay? Even if it will be on the first day next month you still have to buy now, find a tailor shop and just let them do the design you want for your birthday besides it's just two weeks before January ends. Don't want you running your ass rushing here and there."

I stood up and hugged my mother. I also kissed her cheeks, "Thank you so much, Mom. You are such a very big hearted mother on earth. The best of the best and best among the rest!" I praised her.

She hugged me back and pinched my nose so I reacted.

"Ouch! My nose. I might visit a rhinoplasty surgeon if you keep pinching my nose, mom."

"You won't need one. My pinch is a pinch of love that's why it won't break your nose," she jokingly told.

We laughed together and continue eating. I washed the plates after dinner and settled to my room already. Mom already went to her room because she's tired from the straight duty she had this week. Sometimes, I feel bad about her situation that I wish to finish my study soon and be a doctor to at least help her. I hope I will be the valedictorian of the class so that I will gain the full scholarship program of Remnant Medical University in Casablanca. I really like the school because they produces top notch graduates and they are very strict about medical duties. I got so curious why mother is a graduate of Harvard University and the number one in her class. She never mentioned the school she attended but base on how the mc introduces her anytime during a symposium, they always tell that she is from Harvard. She is still young though. She's just 38 and she had me on her 20th birthday. I'm really confused because I almost know nothing about her but I always brushed off what my brain is telling me.

I wasn't able to go town for my gown fitting the next day cause I got so busy with school activities until last the Friday of the month came.

After my exam that day, I already went straight to the cafeteria and had my lunch. I waited for Carline to one of the gazebos near the gate. She waved her hand after 30 minutes and approached me with a a familiar girl. Maybe she is around my age or one year older.

"Hi, sorry for keeping you wait for us. I almost had a nosebleed cause of the exam earlier. She's Astrielle, she will come shopping with us..." Carline greeted me and introduced Astrielle to me.

"Oh, yeah. It's okay..." I turned to Astrielle and extended my right hand, "Nice to formally meet you, Astrielle," I smiled and she did the same.

"The pleasure is mine," she politely responded.

"Let's go! It might rain later that's why we need to hurry up. The car is already at the entrance," it's Carline, she hold my hand and Astrielle's then we ran together.

After an hour of travel to town we decided to go to uptown street. It's a busy street where most of the pack members go together killing their time with shopping and other stuff. 

We decided to go to an Italian boutique and saw dresses that are so fabulous. We decided to buy the same pattern and design but different colors for our ball. We decided to go for a cocktail dress with big ribbon at the back. I chose red color and Carline chose magenta while Astrielle gets apple green one. We stroll around the city next to the town. I told them that I need to go to a tailor for my gown on my 18th birthday. I like lavander so I told them about the team of the party. It's a fairy-tale concept and I like it to be as intimate as possible. Much luck, the tailor get the sizes of my friends and let them choose their dress design for my birthday. It's already on the sixth of February. One week before our graduation ball on the 14th and full moon. I am a little bit excited about my birthday more than the ball. I'm just hoping to see Alpha Jared that day for me to admit how I like him. 

That night after going home, I had a dream...

I am crying while wearing my graduation ball party dress. Seems like my breathing is weak and I feel so frail and sad. I am crying while running towards lake crystal. It's past 1 in the morning and the moon is at its glory. Glowing like a goddess in the sky wishing all the wolves to find their mate. Guiding those who are hunting in the darkest forest. Lots and lots of howls are making me dizzy. I am almost at the lake. As I reach the water, I submerge myself to keep me awake. Wynzie, my wolf feels she's like dying. 

I can hear Carline and Astrielle's screams from afar, my friends are looking for me but I couldn't speak. I am too vulnerable to even utter a word. I just wanted to submerge myself into the water of the lake to heal the pain that's crumpling my heart.

I heard a very dangerous and loud howl, someone is looking for me. I heard an authoritative voice. 

"Don't ever sleep, Wynzlette! Don't sleep on me, wife..."

I was awaken by the dream. I look around only to see that I am inside my room. I touch my chest to calm myself a bit. 

"Oh my goodness! How come that it feels so real..." I whispered in awe. 

I look at the clock and it's 3 in the morning. I'm still on my silk pajamas. I went downstairs of the house and drink hot water, after that, I run towards the back of the house going to lake crystal in my wolf form. When I am near the lake, I return into my human form and dressed up. I walked going near the water of the lake and touched it. 

It's still dark and the surrounding is very peaceful. You can only hear the birds chirping and some howls but you can't see anyone walking around. I undress myself and went to the rocky part going to the crystal clear water until it reaches my shoulder blade. I plunged underwater and counted until 30 seconds and went to the part where I put my dress to dress up again but I couldn't see my clothes anymore that's why I remain into the water. 

"You aren't supposed to be here. Who are you?..."

A cold voice mused.

I turned around and meet the most beautiful blueish-gray eyes I've ever seen in my life.

"Wynzlette. This place isn't off limit..." I explained.

The part where I am is still in Casabella. Why is he telling me that I'm not allowed here and who is he? I've never seen him before. My wolf is so eager to know his name cause Wynzie finds him attractive at some point.

"Ask his name please, Wynzlette..." My bullheaded wolf whispered in my head.

He pointed the barbwires and I was shocked.

When did I cross the border? Why didn't I feel any volts earlier. 

"My clothes!..." I told him.

He is undressing his polo that's why I closed my eyes.

"Why are you undressing?!" I accused him.

"Shut up and dress up!..." he demanded.

He put his polo on a rock and he turned his back on me.

"I'll give you three seconds..." he said. 

"How can dress up if you're here!" I told him and he just growl.

"Faster. Someone's coming..." he commanded with authority that makes me hiccup.

I quickly go on the surface and put his polo on me. 

"Go now while the wires aren't on yet..." he told me.

I ran as fast as I can going to the barbwires and cross the border back to Casabella in my wolf form. I ran straight to the house and when I'm inside, I walked slowly towards my room. I change into new clothes after taking a bath.

I touch the man's polo shirt.

"Who are you?..."

"Yours..." A voice answered me inside my head.

I smiled and sleep again...