Chapter 2 SHOCKING REALISATION

Thinking it was a threat, she swiftly glanced around for any weapon she could use as defense. She finds a stick and lifts it, but when she returns back, the wolf was gone. It got her thinking if she wasn't just hallucinating.

The rain was still pouring down in heavy torrents with thunder clapping at intervals. Hazel became scared and she eventually began shivering as she manages to work, looking for a spot to stay until the rain reduced.

Exhausted, she settles down into a quiet spot to rest. No one would worry about her, her absence would go unnoticed.

No one cares.

It was a feeling she was beginning to get accustomed to. Ever since she clocked 20 and was still yet to make her first shift marked the genesis of her problems.

The pack members began assuming she was cursed and her parents had no choice but to also rebuke her.

And now, she was going to die during the next full moon if nothing is spoken concerning her case by the moon goddess.

Was that really how her fate was destined from the start?

She lay down, stretching her limbs as she sobbed quietly, silently hoping that the moon goddess intervenes in her case.

THE NEXT DAY

Hazel awakes to the sound of chirping birds and she arose quickly. She needed to get to the town quick before the day becomes brighter, to avoid being seen by the pack members.

On her way back, she almost met with a group of ladies who were discussing amongst themselves and whispering words, she tried to decipher.

"I heard that the next alpha of the town returned last night." A maiden whispers to another.

"No wonder, there was an impromptu meeting for the elders last night." Another said, placing her hands on her hip.

"I was so shocked when I heard of the news. Where had he been all this while?" A maiden questions no one in particular.

"Since the full moon is close by, I guess his welcome party will be celebrated along side with it. And he is alos going to choose his Luna."

"Oh!!! I can't wait." A maiden mutters dreamily.

"I have to style my hair and put on gorgeous accessories. I need to be the center of attraction." She gushes as others hisses at her remark and they eventually disperse.

Hazel comes out of her hiding place. It wasn't shocking to her because Tatiana had informed her earlier though there was a change in the date of his return.

She wasn't interested in that anyway since his return wasn't going to bring her luck.

As she walked on, she suddenly stumbles on her biggest enemy--Mira.

"Just take a look at the witch I had to stumble on this morning." Mira uttered in distaste.

"I'm not a witch, don't you dare call me that, you backstabber." Hazel retorted.

"So...trying to protect Raven Streak from cursed witches like you is also known as backstabbing?" Mira asks sarcastically.

"I trusted you with that secret Mira, I thought you were my friend but you went ahead and disclosed it to the elders of the pack and now I'm going to be killed on the next full moon." Hazel mutters, trying hard to keep her tears in.

"That is what you deserve you cursed witch." Mira yells, obviously trying to attract people.

"I'm not a witch." Hazel mutters.

"You are." Mira yells into her ears and Hazel held her ears as she took to her heels.

Mira laughs out mockingly. "I wonder why I had to meet you this morning. I hope my day doesn't get ruined because of this, cursed witch."

Hazel runs off to a lake and she couldn't stop her tears from falling. Hearing that insult from someone who used to be her best friend surely hits different.

Coincidentally, she meets Tatiana just arriving at the lake coming from the opposite direction and she quickly runs to her.

"Tatiana." She calls.

Tatiana turns in suprise and she notices the traces of tears on her face. She engulfs her in a soothing hug. "What happened?" She couldn't help but ask.

"It hurts so bad." Hazel mutters. Tatiana's soothing touch and gentle words calmed Hazel's trembling body.

Few minutes later, they were seated on rocks, throwing pebbles into the lake.

"My brother had to arrive yesterday. That's why the queen mother called." She explains and Hazel nods her head in understanding.

"I'm going to be killed or banished from Raven Streak." Hazel blurts out and Tatiana's face fell.

"Look at me, Hazel." She said, cupping her cheeks. "I won't let that happen, I will speak to my brother about this." Tatiana assures.

"What will I have done without you? Thank you so much." Hazel sniffles.

THE FULL MOON (ALPHA'S WELCOME PARTY)

The welcome party of the new alpha was held in the palace. Everyone was present to grace the occasion and to also witness the full moon.

The maidens dressed gorgeously as several dances were displayed to the admiration of the guests.There were few competitions by strong wrestlers of the pack and it was thrilling to watch.

Hazel sat at a corner watching the occasion, making sure to keep her distance from people. She was there, hoping the moon goddess would pronounce something on her case.

A group of girls noticed her and began to taunt her but she quickly leaves the place to another corner.

Just then, Alpha Killian climbs on the stage and when she looked up, their gaze met and it lingers for a while, indicating deep connections and unspoken desires with burning intensity.

She looks away confused at what just took place. No! It can't be what she was thinking right??

He gave a short speech and was therefore applauded and he left the stage. The music continues afterwards.

Feeling hot and seeking for fresh air, Hazel began to walk out and then she bumped into a rocky chest,her hair slapping his face softly.

She almost stumbles backwards but he caught her by the waist and she let out a gasp, her breath hitches as she stares up at him. His eyes boring holes into hers and she felt this deep connection with igniting emotions .

Right there and then, she realises,

"She was his mate...."