Chapter 4

Matilda chuckled at her friend's enthusiasm. "You've been dreaming of being the Alpha's mate since we were little kids," she said with a smile.

Jodie blushed. "I know, I know, it's silly. But he's so handsome and strong, and he is such a good leader for the pack," she said dreamily.

Matilda shrugged. "I guess," she said, not really sharing Jodie's excitement. "But I don't think I'm interested in anyone right now. I just want to focus on proving myself to the pack."

Jodie nodded understandingly. "I get it, but you never know what might happen at the ball. You might meet someone who changes your mind," she said with a mischievous grin.

Matilda rolled her eyes playfully. "I highly doubt it, but we'll see," she said, laughing.

As they continued to talk and plan for the upcoming ball, Matilda couldn't help but feel a sense of dread in the pit of her stomach. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face the other werewolves of the pack, to see the looks of disdain on their faces once again. But she knew that she couldn't hide away forever. She had to face her fears head-on and prove to the pack that she was worthy of their respect.

Jodie smiled at Matilda . "I'm so excited for the mating ball," she said. "I hope I get chosen to be the Alpha's mate."

Matilda shrugged. "I don't really care about all that," she said. "I just want to focus on my training and my duties to the pack."

Jodie nodded, understanding Matilda's priorities. "Well, if you ever need any help with your pack duties, let me know. I'm happy to lend a paw," she said with a grin.

Matilda smiled back at her friend. "Thanks, Jodie. I appreciate it. It's been tough trying to prove myself to the pack, but having you by my side makes it a little easier."

Jodie's eyes sparkled with affection. "Of course, Matilda. We're pack sisters, after all. We look out for each other."

As they walked back, Matilda felt a sense of gratitude for Jodie's friendship. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but with Jodie's support, she felt more hopeful about her future in the pack.

As they walked towards Jodie's house, a group of female pack members were lounging nearby. One of them, a tall and muscular girl named Kira, sneered as they approached.

"Well, well, well, look who it is," Kira said, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Matilda. "The pack's omega and her little lapdog."

Jodie bristled at the insult, stepping forward to confront Kira. "Watch your tongue, Kira," she growled. "Matilda is just as much a member of this pack as you are."

Kira laughed, a harsh sound that grated on Matilda's ears. "Oh, I know she's a member," she said, stepping closer to Matilda. "But let's be real here, she's never going to be anything more than an omega. She's weak, she's pathetic, and she's always going to be a burden on this pack."

Matilda felt a lump form in her throat as Kira's words hit her like a punch to the gut. She had heard similar insults from other pack members before, but they still stung every time.

Jodie stepped forward, placing herself between Kira and Matilda. "That's enough, Kira," she said, her voice firm. "You don't know what Matilda is capable of. She's strong, she's resilient, and one day she's going to prove all of you wrong."

Kira snorted, rolling her eyes. "Whatever you say, Jodie," she said dismissively. "But mark my words, Matilda is never going to be anything more than what she is now."

With that, Kira and her group of friends walked away, leaving Matilda and Jodie standing there in silence.

Jodie turned to Matilda, her expression softening. "Don't listen to her, Matilda," she said, placing a comforting hand on Matilda's shoulder. "She doesn't know what she's talking about. You are so much more than what they say you are."

Matilda smiled weakly. "Thank you, Jodie," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jodie smiled back, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "You don't have to do anything alone, Matilda," she said. "I'm here for you, no matter what. We are sisters."

As they continued on toward Jodie's home, the tension from their encounter with Kira started to dissipate. Jodie's house was a cozy little place tucked away in a corner of the pack's territory. As they approached, Jodie's mother Camila appeared at the entrance, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Welcome back, Jodie!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. "And Matilda, it's so nice to see you. Come on in, come on in. I have some fresh fish cooking, and I made some berry tarts for dessert."

Matilda's stomach rumbled at the mention of food. "Thank you, ma'am," she said gratefully. "That sounds delicious."

Camila led them inside, the smell of cooking fish filling the air. The house was small but cozy, with a fire crackling in the hearth and a few simple furnishings scattered about. Camila motioned for them to take a seat at the table, which was already set with plates and cutlery.

As they ate, Camila chatted with them about their day. She was a friendly person with a knack for making everyone feel at ease.

"So, Jodie, how was training today?" she asked, pouring them each a cup of tea.

"It was good," Jodie replied. "We worked on some new moves, and I think I'm starting to get the hang of them."

"That's wonderful, dear," she said, beaming with pride. "And what about you, Matilda? How was your day?"

Matilda hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to burden Jodie's mom with the details of her encounter with Kira and her pack mates.

"It was fine," she said finally, offering a small smile. "Just the usual stuff."

Camila didn't press the issue, sensing that Matilda wasn't in the mood to talk. Instead, she chatted about other things, telling them about a recent hunting trip she had gone on with some of the other pack members.

As they finished their meal, Camila brought out the berry tarts she had promised. They were sweet and tangy, with a flaky crust that melted in Matilda's mouth.

"These are delicious, ma'am," Matilda said, her eyes closed in delight.

Camila beamed with pleasure. "I'm glad you like them, dear," she said. "You're welcome to come over and eat any time you want."

Matilda smiled gratefully. "Thank you so much, ma'am," she said. "You're too kind."

Camila's expression turned serious. "Matilda, I wanted to say how sorry I am about the loss of your parents," she said softly. "They were the nicest people I knew, and they didn't deserve what happened to them."

Matilda felt a lump form in her throat as Jodie's mom spoke. She had rarely talked about her parents since their deaths, and it was still a sore subject for her.

"Thank you," she said. "It means a lot to hear you say that."

Camila reached across the table and took Matilda's hands in hers. "If there's anything you ever need, Matilda, please don't hesitate to ask," she said. "We're family, and we take care of our own."

Matilda felt a warm feeling spread through her chest at Camila's words. She had never had a real family ever since she lost her parents, and it was comforting to know that Jodie and her mom were there for her.

"Thank you," she said again, her voice stronger this time. "I really appreciate it."

Camila squeezed her hand before releasing it. "Of course, dear," she said.

Just then, Jodie interrupted their conversation, looking concerned.

"Mom, what's going on with the council meeting the Alpha called for?" she asked, her ears perked up.

Camila's expression turned serious once again. "Oh, that," she said, taking a sip of her tea. "It's about the Alpha's younger brother. He's going to attend the mating ball this year, and the council needs to discuss how to handle it."

Matilda looked at Jodie 's mom, confused. "What do you mean, how to handle it?" she asked.

"Well," Camila said, "the Alpha's brother is a bit...unpredictable. He's caused some trouble in the past, and the council wants to make sure he doesn't cause any problems at the ball."

Jodie looked worried. "Do you think he'll cause trouble?" she asked.

Camila shrugged. "It's hard to say. But the council wants to be prepared for anything. That's why they called the meeting."

Matilda felt a pang of sympathy for the Alpha's brother. She knew what it was like to be judged based on past mistakes.

"I hope everything works out okay," she said softly.

Camila nodded. "Me too, dear. Me too.