Chapter 1

Many years ago, long before humans became aware of our existence, we werewolves lived in the shadows, unseen and unheard. Often, it was difficult to feed because among humans, there were those who hunted us; the Hunters. They killed my kind, and only a few managed to escape, never to return. One of those murdered by the Hunters was Gena Boyer, my girlfriend and mate. She died before my eyes, and I was helpless, unable to do anything but watch. Since then, nightmares of her death have haunted me. Gwen, Gena's best friend, blames me for what happened, calling me a coward for not saving her.

Despite countless defenses, it doesn't change the fact that I failed to save Gena. Centuries passed, leaving me without a mate, someone to support me and warm me on cold nights. I had lost hope of finding anyone until one dark and stormy night when I met her—Gena, my mate, or so I thought. Instead, it was her doppelganger, Maria Jose Clark, whom I found unconscious on my way home from work.

"Where am I?" Maria's doppelganger stirred from her slumber as I sat across from her, asking for her name. She hesitated before answering, "Maria Jose Clark."

"Maria?" I grinned, noting her resemblance to Gena. Perhaps they were related, and Maria, like Gena, could be a werewolf.

"Do you know what happened to you? I found you unconscious in the forest on my way home," I said, trying to jog her memory.

"I don't know," she replied, avoiding eye contact and showing signs of distress.

"Do you have parents?" I inquired further.

"They're dead, and I stay with my Aunt Mary," she answered, taking a sip of water.

Just like Gena, Maria had no parents and was an orphan. The resemblance was uncanny.

"Let me take you home. Everyone must be worried," I offered, rising from my chair.

But Maria remained seated on the bed, barely reaching the ground with her legs. "I don't want to," she stated firmly.

"Why?" I asked, sitting beside her. Despite the close proximity, she showed no fear or discomfort.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" I pressed, but she remained silent, avoiding my gaze.

"I'll let you rest," I said, realizing her reluctance to leave might stem from a troubled home life.

Later, I brought food to her room and found her struggling with her dress zipper. "Can you help me, kind sir?" she asked, looking at me through the mirror.

I helped her with the zipper and left the food on the table. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like," I offered, perhaps seeking solace in her presence after Gena's death cast a shadow over me.

As Maria rested, I couldn't help but wonder about her friends who had left her to die. What kind of friends would do such a thing?

"The following morning, I prepared for school after setting the table for breakfast. As I turned to call Maria down from her bedroom, I was surprised to find her already dressed in her uniform. It turned out she attended the same college as me.

"Good morning, young lady. I see you're ready for school," I remarked, noting her uniform length.

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind if we go together," she said, taking a seat at the table.

With an hour before leaving, I didn't give her a definite answer. After serving breakfast and beginning to eat, I noticed Maria had almost finished her meal.

"Wow, you've got a huge appetite," I commented.

She grinned with her mouth full, replying, "Yeah, a lot of people have told me that."

After finishing breakfast, I packed my books and headed to the car. But Maria was still inside the house, risking being late for work.

"Maria!!! Where are you?!" I called out, frustration evident.

She hurried out after a few seconds, wearing Gena's sneakers.

"What are you wearing?" I asked, my voice rising in anger.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I saw these shoes and couldn't resist," she explained.

Angry at her disregard for Gena's memory, I ordered her to take them off, regretting my harsh tone as she retreated inside.

In the car, Maria remained silent and visibly upset, mirroring Gena's behavior. It struck me how similar they were.

Arriving at school, I was greeted by Benjamin Great, the English teacher, in his new suit, clearly seeking admiration.

"Good morning, Ben. You look...beautiful," I said sarcastically.

He chuckled, ignoring my comment, and I made my way to my office, the largest in the school, thanks to my uncle Chase, the dean.

Just as I tried to clear my head, I heard familiar whimpering. It was Maria, crying outside my office.

"What happened?" I asked, concerned.

She apologized for disturbing me and tried to hide her tears.

"Your voice was the only thing I could hear," I reassured her before sending her back to class.

My class was interrupted by Maria's late arrival, which was unusual for me. But seeing her distress made me lenient, allowing her to enter and find a seat.

As I left the classroom, a student's comment about Maria dating me caught my attention. Though tempted to reprimand the class, I decided to address it later, choosing to maintain authority without causing a scene."