Chapter 02

It seemed as though my entire universe had come to a halt. I had lost interest in my surroundings. Edmund's expression had my whole attention. I was immobile. In my gut, there was a strange tingling feeling. As his face gets closer and closer, I feel like my chest is going to burst.

Is he planning on kissing me?

"E-Edmund..." I managed to mumble as he drew his face closer to mine. I couldn't think of anything to say or do! I was fascinated by his fragrance. My heart beats faster as I approach his face. I'm feeling sick. I had trouble breathing. Oh goodness. His face had already moved one inch closer to mine.

He grinned and vanished into thin air, saying, "See you later." I stood there speechless.

I exhaled deeply and clutched my chest. What was it again? I sat on the trunk again after feeling my legs wobble. I sighed and attempted to slow down my breathing. What the hell was that? I'm not sure what he meant. . . I rubbed my temples and took another long breath. Suddenly, I heard a rustling sound coming from the woods nearby. I furrowed my brow and turned my gaze in that way. Is Edmund still there? I tried to smell Edmund coming, but he wasn't there. That is certain. It smelled like honey and it was pleasant. My eyebrows furrowed. I took a step back and looked around. 

Margaux unexpectedly appeared in front of me as I was going to pursue the fragrance. My eyes opened with surprise. When she approached me, I took a step back. As I stared at her furious and mocking expression, fear crept into my body.

I forced a swallow. "W-What exactly are you doing here?" " I worked so hard to keep my voice straight. I took another step back as she continued to approach me with that terrifying grin on her face.

"Why now? Are you scared? You had the audacity to perform that trick earlier, didn't you? You scumbag! ”

“Urgh!"  I didn't anticipate her next move, which allowed her to grab my hair. She was giving me a combative look. I clung to her hand as it gripped my hair. Even though I wanted to fight back, I was unable to do so since it hurts so badly. She is taller than I am and unquestionably much more powerful.

I attempted to break her hold on my hair, but she only made it tighter. She held my chin and squeezed it tightly, which made me sob a lot.

“Hmm!” I groaned in agony. Margaux was staring at me, and I could see her gritting her teeth. I could feel the scalding tears dripping from my eyes. I sobbed more and closed my eyes.

"You useless piece of sh*t, trash! You're a bitch for competing against me, you're so ambitious to train for the she-wolves tournament, and now you're flirting with Edmund, huh? You are starting to irritate me! ”

“Ahh!

She gave me such a powerful push that I fell to the ground screaming. My palm quickly began to sting when it landed on the unforgiving surface. My lip was bit.

"Don't go near Edmund! Otherwise, you would taste even worse! Do you understand me? Margaux barked indignantly. I cried while looking away. She was not happy with how I was acting and gave me a slap, nearly causing my face to strike the ground.

I fought to stay balanced while holding my breath. I heard the rustle of the leaves and felt a strong wind blowing. When I recovered, Margaux had already vanished. I struggled to keep the tears from coming out as my mouth opened. I tried to control it but to no effect. I howled, and the sound resounded throughout the wide, deserted forest. Where I was standing, the trees, the leaves, and the dirt were the eyewitnesses to my suffering.

When will it all be over? Will it ever be over? I detest being feeble. Being trampled on is awful. I detest how unfavorably the rest of the pack was eyeing me.

***

I was worn out the entire day. I went back home to the cabin that the pack had given me as soon as the drama in the forest was over. Even though it wasn't the same house I had previously shared with my family, I was okay with it. The modest house is adequate for me. I threw my back onto my bed and fixed my gaze on the bare ceiling.

Going outside and then returning to training serves no use. I've already had enough experience for the day. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I would rather that my father live. I long for the presence of my mum. If they'd been here, they might be able to give me some support.

When everything this screwed up, I would have someone to encourage me if they were still around. My father would still be here if only that Silverstone Pack hadn't killed him. Those vicious wolves that could easily separate wolf groups. They are abominations. They took my father away from me. 

I forced a deep breath and opened my eyes. I fixed my gaze on the wall next to my bed. A calendar was fastened there. On one date, I noticed the red mark. My forehead wrinkled. I slowly rose from the bed while focusing on the noted date. Then I began counting to determine what day it was. Wait. The designated day is tomorrow.

The moment I realized what it was, my eyes widened in shock.

That is my birthday! My birthday is tomorrow, oh my!

I shrieked. It would be my birthday and that implies that my wolf would have likely already awoken. That could help me feel stronger. . . By that time, I wouldn't have to be the same frail Calla that they keep referring to me as, and I probably would have started to scent my partner. I will not be alone anymore. 

The doubt and the bad feeling that I had earlier was replaced by hope. That small hope was enough to lighten up my mood to look forward to tomorrow. I cannot help but feel positive about it. Finally, I will be able to find my mate. I was somehow relieved because of that thought. 

The agony and uncertainty I had been experiencing before abruptly turned into optimism. I had the will to live despite having only a tiny bit of optimism that things would turn out well tomorrow. I also just realized that Edmund would be crowned as the new alpha tomorrow. There would be a huge party.

My chest started to tighten with eagerness. I've always thought Edmund would be my partner. I dunno, it simply felt appropriate to think about that, and tomorrow I will be able to confirm that. I groaned and went to sleep. I truly want Edmund to be my mate, Moon Goddess. Please.

I was having trouble falling asleep that night. The dawn was something I had to see. I was ecstatic. I even didn't get enough sleep as a result of that. I was up an hour before the sun rose and the pack woke. I washed up and put on a white dress with no sleeves. I groaned and looked at myself in the mirror next to my door. My hair was made to fall to my shoulders. I sighed and grinned to myself. The most anticipated day of my life is today. I stepped outside the house slowly. The crickets could still be heard all around me. I gave myself a big embrace when the chilly air touched my flesh.

I was breathing deeply and closed my eyes when I suddenly detected a fragrance. . . It wasn't the typical one that werewolves often detect whenever a human is around. It was distinctive. . . To my senses, the fragrance was intoxicating. I was incredibly aware of my racing heartbeat. My chest felt as if it were bursting with my heart. My mouth went dry. I became irritated. I was compelled to pursue the fragrance for some reason that I can't explain. As I followed the scent outside the pack to the woodland, my breathing became ragged.

“Ahh! Ahh! Shit! Exactly, that's it! Hmm! ”

When I heard the glottal groan, I immediately froze in my tracks. My breath halted as I started to look at the man who was banging a female on the ground as she was on all fours. When I realized that the man was none other than my mate, Edmund, and the lady he was pounding on was Margaux, it seemed as though my entire world had fallen apart, and my chest tightened.