Chapter 3

Rowena

The divorce process went faster than my mating process, and soon I became a widow with a single child at eighteen. I left with no money or even child support, as if Javier had planned to kick us out long ago.

“Well, I should have expected this from the start. I should have followed my gut instead of believing this translucent mate bond,” I mutter, feeling another tear prickle my eyes. 

Although I’m the one who legally lost everything, I can’t help but feel sorry for my son. It’s already enough for him to be born as our child, and now he must endure another torment because his stupid mother can’t control her mouth.

“Mommy, let’s go…” Asher tugged my shirt. I wiped my tears, feeling embarrassed he caught me crying.

“A-Alright, sweetie, let’s go…” I said, quickly carrying the luggage along with my son as I didn’t want to tire his already fragile body.

Walking on the hill, I stopped at one of the nearby trees. I stared at the Lavish Pack’s scenery, and a flood of memories surfaced in my mind. I remembered how happy my childhood was when I was still my parents’ daughter. I lived with wealth and enough love, but because of this damn mate bond and my stupid teen hormones, I lost everything and fell into this endless misery.

To be honest, I could just run and be a rogue if I wanted. That’s what I always thought when Javier first showed his true colors and burned my pack along with my parents, but after I had Asher, I knew that option was impossible. 

There’s no way I could let my son live as a rogue. 

If my son became a rogue, he would have a hard time getting better wolf status unless he was strong enough, and my son is definitely not going to be strong because of his heart condition. Not to mention that I had no money or power, which meant he couldn’t count on me. I even started to doubt if I could get a job and be another pack member after this.

Who would want to accept a rogue widow with zero work experience? 

Thinking about it, I realized I didn’t have any achievements when I was still a student. I began to regret more when recalling my teenage years, where I was just a lazy party girl who depended a lot on her parents' power. Who would expect that something like this was going to happen?

Suddenly, the sound of a bell rang, indicating that it was already noon. I realized it was time for Asher’s daily medicine.

“Oh, right, the medicine,” I murmured before popping it to his mouth. The medicine supply was getting low, and I knew I had to find a job no matter what.

…

Finally, after lots of struggles and consideration, I decided to go to the Bluemoon Pack. I knew it was probably one of the reckless decisions I made this week, but after much deliberation, I’m going to this capital city to get a stripper job. I remembered some servants said it’s the easiest way to get money if you have no shame, and I already had none after my ex ripped it.

“Welcome to Bloodmoon City, ma'am. Hope you and your son enjoy this city and have a ‘good night’ here.”

"Thank you," I said to the driver, feeling a bit odd about the ‘good night’ part as it was still afternoon but I quickly  brushed it off, thinking it might be some city slang before handing him my mother's ring. Without any money, I had no choice but to sacrifice my family only keepsake, and thankfully, the driver accepted it. I didn’t understand why his eyes glowed, though.

Getting off the cab, I took my son’s hand and walked toward the rusty two-story building. I planned to find a flat first so I could leave Asher there while looking for a stripper job. It wouldn't be right to bring him to a nightclub, and I didn't want him to know what his mommy would do for their new life.

Inside the flat, I went straight to the receptionist. I stood awkwardly in front of a thick makeup she-wolf, who was busy with her pedicure. I didn’t know how to get her attention as It had been a long time since I spoke to another wolf, and the situation grew more awkward when an old man whistled to my direction with a drooling mouth.

“E-Excuse me,” I stuttered, trying to call the woman while tightening my grip on my son, who began to glare at the old man. “Um, I was wondering. Do you have any spare rooms left?”

The woman put down the pedicure kit and nodded lazily. “Yes, we have. But…” she pointed at Asher. “Are you sure the little man is coming with you?”

“Well, of course he is,” I frowned. “Why? Is this place not allowed for kids?” I asked. As far as I remember, a flat shouldn’t have a rule against children.

"No exactly," she said, giving me a scrutinizing look. "It's just that most people don't bring their kids here. It's not exactly a family-friendly place." Her eyes drifted down to my chest and then to my luggage. "Or wait, are you here looking for a job?”

“W-Well, yes I am. How did you know?” I asked, narrowing my eyes in confusion. I didn’t say anything, yet she already knew my plan. "Does something matter?"

The receptionist sighed. "Not a surprise. Most girls come here looking for that kind of job. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll find one soon. Come, follow me. I'll show you your room." She hopped down from her desk, and I immediately followed her with my son.

As we walked, I couldn't shake the bad feeling I had about this place. It wasn’t the kind of fear I felt in the Lavish pack, but a different, uneasy sense. Everything just felt off.

The scent was strange; the atmosphere was strange but mostly, I couldn’t help but question the room keyholes. 

They looked freakishly weird with an occupied sign and it kinda reminded me of mall’s restroom stalls where Mom usually takes me, and it got weirder when I noticed how the hallway became narrower as we walked, and when we arrived, I finally got my answer. I screamed as soon as I realized where we were.

“What the—What kind of place is this??!!” I shouted, staring at the room with a 'worker' sign. Why on earth did she bring us to—

“Well, your bedroom, of course. Why? Is something the matter?” She asked, and I'm just silent, still in shock. Of course, I’m shocked! Who wouldn’t be if the room was full of naughty-looking women?! I remember asking the cab driver to drop us at the cheapest flat, not in a BROTHEL flat!! 

I covered my son’s eyes as he accidentally witnessed a nude Gamma walk out with only thongs!! Why did this receptionist let my poor boy tag along anyway?!

“Wait, don’t tell me you expected this place to be high-class or something. This is a brothel, not a high–class club! But don’t worry, living here is free for you. We understand the tough life of our workers and..." 

I felt another dizzy spell when hearing her talk. I still couldn’t accept the fact that the driver dropped us off at this place instead of the regular one. This is the last place I wanted to bring my son, which was the main reason I wanted to find a normal flat first. But at the same time, I also felt conflicted when hearing the worker’s benefits.

Free IDs, health insurance, free food, and free flats were all we needed. It was everything my son needed.

Just as I came to my senses and about to leave this cursed place, suddenly a tall, bulky figure bumped into me, and the next thing I knew, someone was grabbing me, saying...

“Mate?”