2. Introduction: Mum's Fiance.

MIRANDA 

Suddenly, I began to run as fast as my legs could carry me. I didn't mind the embarrassment I had just faced; I just needed to get away from them.

'You are not only a weak omega but also an item meant to be sold as a slave, bringing shame and disgrace to all werewolves. You should be grateful to the air for allowing you to breathe, as you don't deserve it.'

All of their words began to echo in my mind one by one, they always sent shivers into my spine. Tears started to fall as I recalled each and every scene from the past, every wounds which were kept hidden so that I won't be questioned about it.

Imagine being called frail human when you are a werewolf. Imagine your wolf being called puny and shit just because you can't even shoot an arrow during training meanwhile that was because I was pushed by their allies.

This is so uncalled for. Why would I run into them now? Why now? For sure, I'm going to lose my job. Should I just go back and apologize?

No, I don't want to see their faces again. Until my last breath, I will avoid those monsters; I hate them with so much passion.

I'm feeling a little cold even though it's summer. I sat down on the couch, trying to collect myself. I looked at the time, and it was already 12 AM. I'm not even feeling sleepy at this point. Let me cool my head off and then return to bed when I'm feeling dizzy.

"You’re back?" My mum gazed at me with a confused look as she closed her room door. Well, I think she suspected someone was in the parlor.

"Isn't it too early? Aren't you supposed to be on a night shift?" She walked to my side and sat down beside me.

"It's a long story, Mum,” I sighed. I didn't even know how I'd start telling her I got rejected by my mate, and how I met my bullies. Then something in my head clicked as I remembered, “I saw you inside a man's car today. Who is he?" I sat up straight as I looked into her eyes. 

She looked confused at first, then she nodded her head.

"Oh... And I also have something very important to discuss with you. We can leave it till tomorrow..."

"No, just tell me. It's about that man, right?"

She nodded her head. "That man is my fiancé, and we've been dating for the past two years."

Two years? That was impossible. How did I never know about it? How did she hide it from me without my finding out?

"Wait a minute... You told me you got a job at another pack and..."

"Yes, exactly"

She held my hands with a wide smile on her face.

"Yes, I fell in love with the owner of the pack. Look, he treats me well, and I won't say he's better than your late father, but I'm satisfied."

She really looked so happy as she raised her eyebrows, waiting for some response from me.

I never thought about the idea of having a stepdad. No one can replace the love my late dad showered upon me. Even though we were not rich, he made sure that I never complained about anything.

I removed my hands from my mum as her smile faded. "You know it's going to be really hard for me to accept the fact that another man is..."

"Sweetheart, calm down, okay? We are moving out of the country soon, but first he will come here, and you will see how loving he is.”

She gently brushed my hair away from my face, her fingers lingering as she turned me to the other side. She then tied my hair up into a ponytail. "Alpha Zephyr Heather has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. He also has kids and he’s a single parent like me."

I froze, my heart racing, and quickly turned to look at my mum. I noticed her flinch at my movement . "Alpha Zephyr Heather? The owner of Blackthorn Pack? In fact, he’s more than an Alpha—he’s a freaking LYCAN!" My voice trembled with disbelief as the weight of her words sank in.

Lycan Zephyr has been rumored to be the most wicked and inhuman being. All the punishments in his pack often end in death. He recently came to this city; otherwise, he was living in New York City. 

It’s also rumored that he raids other people’s packs and claims them as his own.

There are so many bad rumors about this man, and I’m surprised he has kids. Maybe they are worse than him, or perhaps they are nicer. I don’t even know.

She pulled me back to the couch. "I told you not to be scared. I know about your hatred for Lycans because of the stupid rumors you’ve heard about them, but they can be kind too. Instead, think of a complete family. You just need to trust me, okay?" 

Her soft voice melted my heart, and I sighed. 

If not for her happiness, I swear I wouldn’t have accepted it; she was so eager to convince me. 

"Fine, Mum. It’s just that you shouldn’t have kept it hidden from me.”

"I'm sorry, dear; I wasn't so sure about him then." She paused before continuing. "And you won't have to work at the bar anymore. Your college fees are going to be sponsored by him. Isn’t that good news?"

A bright smile spread across my face, my eyes sparkling with joy as I absorbed her last statement.

That’s the best news of all. I would be going to college! I didn’t want to show how happy I was right now, but it was really difficult to hide it. Thank the Moon Goddess for this.

At least I would leave this traumatic city for another one, where I could further my journey. If I was lucky, I might even find my second-chance mate, and I hoped he wouldn’t reject me.

***

Suddenly, I heard my bedroom door open and two cars driving into the compound; I could hear the engines revving.

"He’s here already. Come to the living room and please make him comfortable." 

I smiled at her and nodded as I walked into the living room with her. I sat down on the couch, watching as he gave her a warm hug and kissed her. But when he saw me, he stopped.

Then they both walked up to me, holding hands. He looked like someone who couldn’t harm a fly. Why all those bad rumors about him?

"Miranda, this is my fiancé, Zephyr Heather."

But wait... that name, Heather, sounds so familiar. Even when she mentioned it yesterday, I felt an uneasy sensation that I wished wasn’t what I was thinking.

I must say, Mum has a type. This man is handsome, his white hair looks so healthy, his dimples and sharp jawline with his almond shaped eyes, despite being an inhumane being he looks cool and I’m sure his children must be really gorgeous.

"Your daughter is pretty," he complimented me. I didn't even realize when I smiled as I stood up and bowed my head; at least this was something I could do, given my education.

"Oh no, dear, don’t do that." He placed his hands on my shoulders as I lifted my head. Then he nodded.

"I'm your mum's fiancé, Mira. I'm sure your mum has explained things to you. I will treat you as much as I treat my sons. I don’t have a daughter, so you will be my first.”

His smile was really charming. I mean, I don’t blame my mum. So he has only sons? Then where are they? He should have brought them because Mum cooked a lot of meals, as if we were going to have a party here.

He sat down next to my mum, their hands intertwined. "You should have brought them. You know Miranda would have loved to meet her stepbrothers.”

"Oh, you're right, but Oliver, Owen, and Orion are quite busy at the moment..."

I paused for a moment, catching my breath before interrupting. "You mean the 'O' Trio from MoonDark High School? Oliver, Owen, and Orion?"

He raised his eyebrows, seemingly surprised by my outburst. Then he settled back in his seat, resting his hands on his lap.

Please, I silently pleaded, don’t let it be true. My heart was already aching.

He chuckled. "Ah, yes, the high school is also owned by the Blackthorn Pack which is mine. How do you know my kids? Were you all close friends back then?”