Chapter 4 Great, life just got worse

"So what you're telling me is, we're super rare and about to become super popular but not in a good way, right?" I say with a little snark. "Because we weren't hated enough before, now we can prove my father isn't a pure breed like he claims," I say. A look of horror passes Adira's face as the implications of what I just said dawn on her.

"Yep, you definitely got the timber smarts," Adira says proudly. "I didn't even think of that in telling you our history." "We can't let the pack know what we are. We'd be locked up and forced to mate with any wolf who wants golden wolf offspring to strengthen their packs," I say softly. "Not to mention how many packs would love to have control of the gifts we'll gain. Imagine how powerful the pack that owns us could become." Adira takes a little longer to recognize what I said will happen. "You're right, babes. Lucky for us no one remembers your birthday or will care enough to ask when it is," Adira replies. "We need to get cleaned up and back home before anyone notices we're missing," I say. "We need some time to figure out our next moves, at least." Now I know why our shift was quick and our senses were stronger than before. My wolf is carrying every strength of every wolf.

We return home much faster than we realized and got safely into my room without being spotted. I'm exhausted from information overload and Adira is completely wiped of energy. I barely stay awake long enough to shower and change into my pajamas. Can't let anyone know we were out late and why. "Let's sleep on what we've learned and make a plan in the morning," I yawn to Adira .

Morning comes as it always does. My lack of sleep or the fact it's my birthday doesn't allow me to miss my morning chores. At first light, I drag my tired tail down to the kitchen to start breakfast for the pack. I have to start early to feed 200 plus people. They kitchen staff take out just enough food to feed each wolf, minus me. I'm starving myself, but I'm not allowed to eat unless there's something left over after the pack eats, which is rare. I think they deliberately eat everything so I can't. No matter how much I make, It's almost always gone. I often wish they would suffer from stomach aches by the end.

Today is no exception. Adira was right, no one realizes it's my birthday, not even my parents. Every plate is licked clean and the Alpha keeps food locked up so I can't sneak any. The rest of the pack has keys to the store room and frig. But, not me. I can only cook exactly what's left out for me to cook and the kitchen Omegas watch me every step of the way so I can't sneak a taste. "Look on the bright side, Renata. Now we can hunt for our own food," Adira says. "I think I'll let you do that part, Adira. I'm not sure I can stomach the raw part," I reply in disgust. I head to the sink to finish my morning chores. After the dishes are washed, I clean the tables and floors. I finish just in time to serve lunch.

Fortunately lunch is simple, just stacks of roast beef or turkey sandwiches. There's usually leftovers then. I notice there are parts of sandwiches left on several plates. "Serves them right for stuffing themselves so early in the morning," Adira smirks. I'm too busy thinking about whether there are enough left to save for dinner tonight. But, before everyone stands to leave, Alpha Jack claps his hands and stands up. "Tonight we will be hosting a party. It seems our darling daughter Renata turned 18 today. Tonight there will be a party to select her future mate. I've sent out the invitations just this morning. Only ranked wolves and higher will attend," he announces.

"This is an outrage," someone yelled from the middle of the room. "Why is that Beta Eric," My dad calmly says." The voice may be calm but I recognize the fury in in his eyes. He hates it when anyone questions his authority. I would feel sorry for Eric, but he's a dickhead, so I am secretly happy he'll get what's coming to him. "I think Beta about to get beata," sings Adira. "Hush I want to hear this," I hiss at her. "You know how my dad gets when someone challenges him. I want to see someone else get punished for a change."

"Do I need to explain myself to you Beta?" Dad says with a growl. "Because I was under the impression that I'm the Alpha, which means I decide what to do. And since she's my daughter that gives me double the decision, don't you agree?" my dad is beyond outraged if he can actually give the Beta an answer. "But you've been saying for years you would never let her have a mate since they would take over the pack. There's no chance she'll find an alpha with his own pack," yells Eric. "You promised this pack would stay with White Moon leaders only. No outsiders. You're breaking that promise."

"It's my right as Alpha to do what's best for this pack. But to make you understand, I'll let you in on a secret," Alpha Jack says. " I followed my daughter for her first shift last night. Discovered something interesting. Renata is a very rare kind of wolf. Rare enough that she'll make whoever controls her, that they could become the strongest pack. So she won't be leaving this pack ever," he says in a roar. "I won't risk her mate becoming more powerful, so I'm looking for the weakest mate I can find so that he will be my puppet.," Alpha Jack says, staring right at me with a grin. "Finally my dear, you've become useful."