four | first move

VAL

I checked my reflection in the mirror for the second time. My hair was put up in a complicated bun with some curls loosened and draped on the back of my neck with the end resting on my clavicle. As I sat on the side of my bed, I recalled exactly what had happened during my birthday party, and what was going to happen tonight. Still, I couldn’t help but feel nervous because even though I knew what was about to happen, I couldn’t figure out what was the real reason the Goddess had decided to give me this second chance.  

‘I’m giving you this power so you can save your father, your pack, and yourself. But in return, I’m asking you to save my children. The future of my children is in your hands, Valeriya Sinclair. You could save the entire species from extinction.’

For the last few days, I had written down everything that I could recall on the notes on my phone but I had no clue, which part would be able to save the werewolf species from extinction. It just didn’t make sense. 

There was a knock on the door. My maid, Quinn, answered the door and a few seconds later, my step-mother Amber walked into my room, carrying a pretty box in her hands. “Look what I have for you, my darling girl!”  

I returned her smile and was about to stand and greet her when she put the box on the bed next to me and placed her hand on my thigh, preventing me from going anywhere. “No, no. No need to stand up.” She opened the box to reveal a pair of really gorgeous Louboutin shoes. They were Christian Louboutin platform heels embellished in Swarovski crystals and easily the most beautiful thing I’d ever behold. “What do you think?” Amber asked, her eyes sparkling in excitement. 

“They’re gorgeous,” I replied.

“I know! I have them custom-made. I had to contact their main shop in London and basically told them that they could charge me any amount as long as they got it done before your birthday!”

I let the tip of my fingers touch the bedazzling crystals. “Is this supposed to be my birthday present?”

“Of course not, Darling!” Amber placed the lid back on top of the box. “I want you to wear it tonight! I bought one for myself too!”

“I actually already have shoes prepared,” I drawled.  

“Will you wear these instead?” She pouted her lips. “I know this sounds silly but I feel like we are truly becoming mother and daughter. With us wearing the same shoes, it may give the pack some reassurance that we can make this relationship work, Valeriya.”

Without even looking at Quinn, I knew she was touched by Amber’s words too.

“Alright. I’ll wear these.”

“Excellent!” She walked towards the door and before she left, she looked over her shoulder at me. “I’m gonna take a bath and then get dressed! See you at the party, birthday girl!”

I waited for a few minutes until I was sure that she’d left.

“Should I get the shoes out of the wrappers and ready them for you?” asked my maid, her hands reaching for the box.

I rubbed my hand on the expensive-looking box. “No.” I clasped my hands together on my lap and looked up to meet Quinn’s eyes. “I need you to do something for me.”

Quinn nodded. “What would that be, milady?”

I motioned for her to come closer. And once she was close enough, I whispered to her ear. “You know Amber wears the same size of shoes as I do, right? I need you to bring these and go to her room.”

Despite her confusion, Quinn did exactly as I’d said. About half an hour later, I was already downstairs where the party was being held. My 21st birthday. This was probably when everything had gone South ways in my last life. Now I was more than determined not to repeat my fate. I might not know what the Goddess expected of me, but I would be damn sure to save my dad and my pack.

Spotting my dad and Amber a few feet away, I joined them in greeting the guests. Most of these people were my dad’s business partners and friends. I remembered opposing this idea at first but my dad had argued and told me how important maintaining the connections is.

The huge double doors swung open and the butler announced the guest’s name. Out of one corner of my eye, I caught Amber licking her bottom lip nervously before heading towards the entrance. Her heels made a ticking noise as they hit the marbled floor. Anytime now.

Four seconds passed before I heard her scream and had trouble trying not to smile.