Unwanted Omega

Katie's POV

"Look at me, Katie," Papa demanded with his dominant tone that he always used with the pack members, but not at me. As I peered up at him, my whole body trembled in fear at his sudden change of attitude. He doesn't look happy. The smile he always had on his face is now gone.

A little earlier, we were having fun baking lamb pie together. They even sang praises for how much they loved me so. But now..

"Papa.." My mouth tried to form a sentence but failed. The loving and gentle look that he used to grace me has now changed into a cold look on his face. Missing already his old attitude, tears are now welling up. I miss my old papa that much.

"Don't call me that. You know what happens when the children of an Alpha turn five."

Swallowing a lump of saliva in my mouth, I ball up my small fists as my brain forces me to throw a tantrum.

"Fa--" Papa stopped me before I could even bark.

"I did not give you permission to call me that, Katie." He spoke angrily.

"Please stop this already, Father! You are hurting Katie, our little princess!" Khalid reminded papa of what we used to be as a family. Of what they used to call me.

Their baby, their one and only princess.

"Khalid, all of that was just for her to feel loved since it was essential for the ceremony. Positive emotions are needed so that the shifting would be a success. But I guess even that did not help this failure of a daughter."

My eyes got all watery from what he just said, even if I couldn't fully understand all of it. Everything became a blur. My tummy feels all twisty, like when you spin around too much. And my heart feels like it's on a bumpy rollercoaster ride. It's hard to catch my breath-a smillar feeling after running really fast.

"Papa, what are you talking about? We were just laughing a while ago!" I burst out and finally threw a tantrum.

What can I do? I am only five!

"Y-you even tried to console me! When mama did not give me permission to go with you on hunting trips!" Bursting out all of my feelings while whining. I cried and cried while flapping my arms.. I don't care that I was now talking back to an Alpha, to my papa..

My tummy felt all squishy and mushy again. I was suddenly not feeling well.

"It's Alpha Fredrick to you, Katie Smith." He reprimanded me with a low voice that slowly made its way to my ears. That made me freeze. My head hurts a lot, and my eyes are all squinty. I think I need a nap to make it feel better, but I know I can't possibly do it now.

I am not sure what I will say to papa. I could only just weep again and again. I am not even allowed to call him Father. Just what did I do wrong? Ah. That's right, I haven't wolfed out, even though an Alpha-born for lots of years did it.

When I don't know what to tell papa, I see a hand in front of me. I lifted my head up and saw Mama's hand!

She's my light, my superhero! Even though she didn't talk, I know she's still on my team. Maybe I was wrong about her eyebrows being connected together.

"Mama?" I reached out for her hand but my mouth flew open as she swatted it away. It hurt and I sadly looked at her. Her eyes were unhappy but then turned cold quickly. She breathed out, mama usually did that when I wouldn't listen to her.

"What should I do with you?" she whispered, but my tiny ears could hear it loud and clear.

"It's Luna," she added, and looked straight into my eyes like she saw a dirty dress. And again, I felt my tummy hurt, but I'm not hungry. We already ate the lamb pie before going here to the sacred place, as what I heard papa name this big rock.

"The necklace," she madly spoke as she once again showed her hands in front of me. So it was not to offer me a hand but to take back the necklace. The Luna's necklace that she gave me just a little while ago in the morning, or was it yesterday? It was already past midnight, and my birthday had already passed by.

I held on to it tightly and never wanted to let go of it. Mama gave me this as a symbol of her love and adoration for me, so why?

"No!!" I stubbornly yelled.

"This is mine! You gave it to me, mama; why would you take it back?!" Showing my angry face to mama so that she knows that I am not happy.

I love this necklace! It is so pretty, and I won't let her take it back. I still cannot fully understand why on earth they are acting like this? Maybe I am just late in wolfing out! Is that so wrong? Can't they give me another chance!? Maybe next year will be the time that I can really shift and wolf out.

I try not to cry and scurry to mama while tugging at the hem of her dress. Peering at her while blinking my eyes lots of times to stop my tears. Mama likes it when I don't cry: "Katie, you need to be brave; the world is such a scary place." Those are the words mama used to comfort me when papa is in a bad mood with the pack members. I usually cry with all the shouting and yelling because I can hear them even if papa is far away from us. Mama would sometimes wonder how I could do this when she said she hadn't heard a thing.

Mama looks down to see me. She bit her lower lip and is trying not to cry too. But again, her eyes changed as she stared at my hand on her dress. As if trying to tell me to let go. When I didn't want to, she harshly pulled her dress, and I got a small owie.

If the other wolves are still here to watch, they will be really surprised too! But papa already made them go away when I didn't wolf out. I feel all messy inside, like when my ice cream melts too fast. I don't like this feeling.

I wonder if the pack members can hear all of our shouting from their houses. My soft, tiny hand hurt because of the boo boo. I felt something wet from my palm, and when I took a peek, there's a red liquid. N-no way. Is this.. Blood? I looked at mama's dress, and there were some small pointy beads at the bottom part of her dress.

"Again, it's Luna Kathrina. And it is the last time I am repeating myself, Katie. Now, my necklace, or else.."

With shaky hands, I pulled the necklace, as it had some magic on it. You can just pull it off, and it won't be broken. It can also be long or short, depending on who wears it. This was the reason why I loved it so much. But now, it was for sure the last time I could ever hold it in my hands.

I gave her the shiny jewelry, and mama grabbed it really fast. I almost tumbled and fell, but Khalid was there to help me before I could bump my bum on the ground. While mama grabbed the pretty necklace, I peeked at her face, and it held this sadness I didn't understand.

"This is too much! What did she ever do that was so wrong? She just didn't wolf out! Maybe she's a late bloomer!" Khalid was now angry too. Showing his long and sharp fangs towards our parents. Papa growled and showed his fangs too. "You dare show your fangs at me!? YOUR ALPHA. You may be my son, but I am still the leader of this pack, and you follow MY orders."

Khalid got scared 'cause papa looked really mean right now. Of course my brother is scared; he's only twelve. Papa let out a low growl as Khalid whimpered. My brother's knee was on the ground 'cause of the super scary feeling papa gave off.

"Oh no, Khalid!" I yelled as I turned around and sat, reaching out for his hand. What happened to him? One arm was on the ground, and the other was on his chest. As if something is attacking him. I try to console him, but it seems like Khalid is still in pain. Feeling so powerless, I stood up and faced the leaders of our pack, our parents..

"Stop it! Just stop all of this!" I begged for the sake of my brother, and now I really wailed.

"K-khan.." I heard Khalid whisper in a quiet voice. When I see his eyes, it changes from Khalid's eye to the color of the sun. I think it is called yellow. I want to ask him who is Khan but papa called my name.

He looked at me with his super serious face, and I felt like I was in big trouble.

"According to our rules, it's your family's duty to send you to the forest as punishment for not wolfing out on your fifth birthday.

But!"

He stopped talking for a little while.. And it was super quiet. I got kinda scared.

Really.. Really scared. Waiting for what he has to say in silence.

"I have no interest in wasting my time to personally drop you there. So, here's the deal.

Walk on your own; I'll forgive Khalid's offense."

I didn't fully understand what he said, but I think that I needed to be punished? Maybe not wolfing out is a big sin. Since he also says he will forgive Khalid if I go to the dark forest.

Khalid gasped and tried his best to shake his head to say no. Papa made it clear that an Alpha had no mercy on someone who hadn't wolfed out, even if it was his own daughter and to her supporter.

Even though my brother kept on shaking his head, he suddenly screamed and howled in pain. My eyes are shaking, and I look from my parents to Khalid. Not knowing what to do. My mind wasn't capable of thinking beyond my brother's safety. "Please don't hurt Khalid; I'll go."

I got up, hardly balancing my weight on my wobbly legs, and glanced at my family for one last time. I think I just need to walk inside the scary woods that papa points out.

"Take care, brother. I love you.." I gave Khalid another peek, and he was crying nonstop.

"Leave!"

Papa yelled really loudly, making me run away fast. Even though I was hurrying, I could still hear Khalid's whimpers, like he was trying to say, 'Wait!'

It was like the Moon Goddess was watching over us, and I'll always remember how my brother cared about me, even if things got really bad.

I walked really brave, thinking that I'm a superhero, but the scary feeling was tickling me all over when I went into the dark forest.

Even though I'm still five, I know this place is super scary. Everybody knows. Wolves just poofed away here, like magic! Mama always told me spooky stories to make sure I never came close. But guess what? I'm actually in here now, and it's giving me the shivers. But, weirdly, deep down, I feel like my big brother Khalid is now safe. As if I have instincts as a superpower.

Slowly breathing out, not knowing that I was holding my breath this entire time. Maybe it is okay for me to turn around and head back. After all, Papa didn't say anything about not going back.

With a resolve to return, my body slowly turned around, but that's when I heard some low, scary growls. Quivered in fear for my life, my feet didn't dare to move a step. My family had not taught me how to fight yet. They pampered me in those five years.. Now, I miss those happy times.

As much as I want to daydream, I was shocked when I saw a little creature with a yucky face and big eyes like a small ball. It was a little taller than me. It jumped out from the bushes and I stayed super still, holding my breath. I hoped it would just go away, but it didn't.

It smiled all creepy, and it had big, scary claws like a wolf, like Papa's, but not really the exact thing. The creepy thing came close to me and crawled all slow. Taking its time. I figured out why Papa didn't bother to worry if I came back. He thought I wouldn't..

I tried to run real fast and got scratches from pointy branches, and it hurts a lot. There's blood, and it's dropping to the ground. My whole body feels sticky and slimy, but I keep on running. The only problem is that I was very unlucky since the ugly creature jumped on me. I punched it and tried to get away, but it was too strong. It grabbed my neck and tried to hurt me. Coughing really hard, I keep on slapping its wrinkly arms. I closed my eyes, and it felt like I was gonna be gone forever..

Then I feel my fingers moving as my arms and legs shiver from the cold breeze.

When I opened my eyes, a tall person was there. He wore a fancy black cloak, like a prince from those cartoons that I adored. The ugly creature did not move in his hand anymore as he threw it away with force.

The tall man was staring at me with his beautiful red eyes. His hair was super black, the same color as when I closed my eyes. With a voice like a prince, he spoke, "Wait for me; I'll come and get you the day before your eighteenth birthday."

That was the last thing I heard, as it sounded more like a lullaby than a promise.

Katie's POV

"There she goes again, asking Mike to be his omega." I heard some she-wolf purposely raise her voice for me to hear them.

"Well, does she have a choice? She will be kicked out of the pack in just a few months if Mike won't still budge." Another she-wolf giggled as the both of them snickered when I went past them.

A decade swiftly flew by, and my sixteenth birthday is now coming up. That is why, even though I hate it, I become more desperate to stay. I still want to see Khalid and his mate, Jessica, be the leaders of this pack. I know they would be great, even greater than Alpha Fredrick and Luna Kathrina, my parents..

"Duh. Of course he won't pick her! Lexie is a much better fit for an omega than her."

And here, I thought they were done talking about me. Not having the energy to escalate things, I just rolled my eyes at them. They just glared back.

Although this scenario isn't new. The she-wolves either avoid me or just talk behind my back. The latter is just so pathetic, though. I mean, they are more than welcome to say it in my face. They just don't have the guts. I understand that the she-wolves are afraid of being caught up in our family drama. They are also scared that if they befriended me, no one would ask for their hand as a fated mate or a chosen one.

Fated mates are the ones that the Moon Goddess blessed you with. The bond is so strong and powerful. The connection is said to be so immense that only Alphas and Lunas are most commonly known to have fated mates. Sometimes they even don't have fated mates.. In rare occasions, normal wolves can also be blessed with one.

If you cannot find your fated beloved or simply don't have one, then you can take in a chosen mate.

Many things have changed throughout these years. The only constant is that my parents still harbor some kind of hate just because I didn't wolf out. They insisted that I should be, since the Moon Goddess' gift to our pack was that all children of the Alpha who turn five will wolf out. Unlike other packs, in which they wolfed out at age twelve. Although from time to time, I see Luna Kathrina's gaze soften. But my brain dismisses it as a look of pity. For I am still, after all, her only daughter.

Aside from being unwanted by my parents and the whole pack, I was also an omega.

Omegas are the lowest-ranking wolves, and we are usually bullied. Some of us didn't wolf out, and the others that did are simply low-borns.

No one would really like to take an omega as a chosen mate. So it is usually an omega male wolf that takes an omega she wolf.

That is why, if Mike really won't ask for my hand this time, then I'm done. This shitty expectation: who in Goddess' name made this cruel rule of ours?

The saddest bit of it, if I have any right to be sad, is that all of this will happen on my birthday. As if it lost its meaning of being a joyful occasion since every birthday of mine, something cruel always happens to me..

Like what happened on my twelfth birthday, I was kicked out of the house. It was one of our pack's laws that any wolf under twelve years old would live with their parents. Despite any circumstances, unless it is a criminal act like murder or betrayal. Khalid took advantage of this law so that I could live with him and have food to eat.

By the time my twelfth birthday came, Alpha Fredrick banished me from the house. Since the law doesn't state that I could live with them any longer. He didn't even waste a single moment. Once it was midnight, he barged into my room and dragged me outside.

The other wolves whispered and stared at me, but nobody dared to help me. My two friends' house was a bit far from us, so they didn't know until it was morning. Only Khalid stayed with me and shifted in his wolf form to warm me up in the woods.

Now I am fifteen, sleeping in an old and abandoned wolfguard's cabin by the woods. I fixed some basic necessities, like the broken door, window, table, and chair. I just gathered some leaves from the forest, and in there I slept. Alpha Fredrick won't allow anyone to give me anything. Aside from Khalid's secretly sneaking out some old pillows and a blanket. I was only twelve at the time and needed to learn how to be independent..

Back to reality, there's this general cruel rule that any she-wolf that is unmated, unwanted, or does not have a fiancé will be kicked out. Sounds awful, right? The criteria for another she-wolf is at the age of twenty-nine, but the daughter of an Alpha is at sixteen!

They have had this genius mentality in the past that an Alpha's daughter is always to be dreamed of. That is why sixteen for them is considered a long time.

Well, maybe in the past, Alpha's daughters were like candies in a store, and dozens of kids wanted them so badly.

But yeah, not me.

A very fucked-up rule, I know. Because how in the world would a she-wolf survive in the wild?

All by herself?

ALONE???

I cannot even begin to fathom.

So flabbergasted by the fact that I can't even stay for another thirteen more years here since I am the daughter of Alpha Fredrick. Just great.

There have been a few cases in the past in which they threw out she-wolves that were unwanted. Others died, harsh but that is nature and reality. The rest of them tried to survive by any means necessary. They tried to raid other packs and even ours out of revenge, but they have not been successful. This pack is pretty strong; I used to be proud of it, but now, not much.

And, alas, they turn to their last hope of finding something to eat: the prohibited forest..

"You're here again?" Mike snorted, and I was knocked back into reality.

Do I have a fucking choice? I want to scream those words at him, but of course, I can't. He's the only lifeline I have right now, and I cannot afford to make him hate me even more. As it could risk being kicked out earlier than planned.

"Mike, please. Just a fake engagement will do. I promise to find a chosen pair once I reach eighteen." I begged. And hopefully, he won't catch on to my real intentions. He just scoffed.

"As if that will ever happen. Just face it already, Katie. You will be a rogue sooner or later," he smirked. Goddess how I wanted to slash that smirk from his face.

"And don't think we're stupid, Katie; even Alpha Fredrick knows about your stupid little plan of dragging out your time here." He grabbed my arm so tightly that it left a huge bruise as he whispered those words in my ear. Great, now I really am done. If Alpha Fredrick already knows, then I have to go so that no one else, especially Khalid, and the others will be caught up in this mess and punished. It pains me to leave, I really do want to stay here despite the circumstances. I balled up my fist as I remembered what transpired a decade ago. That is the last thing that I want for all of them.

Slowly making my way to the training grounds, I can already hear the bickering of my two friends.

"You are so stupid, Percy! I said you should dodge the attack! Why on earth did you do the exact opposite?" Rose puffed with her hands on her waist.

"I didn't know you were hitting me for real! It is called sparring for a reason!" Percy facepalmed and went on holding his waist too. My lips formed a smile at the sight of them. Once I'm sixteen, I won't be seeing this scene.

"Hi, you little mutts!" I enthusiastically greeted them, suppressing my hidden emotions.

"Katie! Come here!" Rose immediately grabbed my arm while Percy crunched his eyebrows.

"Why are you looking for someone to cover for your mistakes?" Percy facepalmed again, and I laughed at them.

"Could the two of you please stop?" I snickered and grabbed both of their arms.

"You are already healed, Percy! You are really such a crybaby!" Rose gasped when she saw that Percy's wounds and light bruises were already gone.

"Yeah, no thanks to you." And Percy ruffled Rose's hair.

"Gosh, just kiss already, you two!" I teased, and they blushed. Both of them like each other but are afraid to admit and confess. As a good friend, I just watch from the sidelines, but I'm secretly hoping they will confess already.

Percy and Rose stayed and sparred with me, both in their human and wolf forms. Now I can dodge them efficiently and even graze their faces or arms.

"Damn good going, Katie; the cuts you manage to stab really hurt! It seems like I won't be healing any time soon," Percy remarked, and I smiled proudly.

"That is called karma, Percy, for being such a crybaby a while ago!" Rose scoffed, and we all laughed. The three of us were having fun talking about our past, training and sparring.

My eyes darted in the direction of the prohibited forest. Gazing through the thick trees, I hear someone quietly whisper my name. "Katie.."

"What?" I turned my head to my friends, who are still laughing about our old days. They looked at me a little confused as Rose asked, "What do you mean, what?"

"Did any of you call my name?"

"No? Well, we did mention your name dozens of times. Wait.. Haven't you been listening to our stories!?" Rose gaped and smacked my arm. I nonchalantly apologized, and she puffed her cheeks.

I was about to ask the both of them if they knew someone who was looking for a temporary mate. After all, I don't want to end up being a rogue. But the words died out on the tip of my tongue. No, they would be condemned if they helped me. Percy and Rose are already on my father's watch list, as they insist on staying by my side. Even with that small fact, they are already risking their lives.

We parted ways as they were called to the Alpha's office. Seeing my concerned face, Rose assured me that they were just assigned to a mission. She also added that they were already briefed about it last week. I heaved a sigh. My heart is always thumping at the thought that they might be severely punished for no reason.

A couple of boring days passed, but my friends are still away on their mission. Thinking that this is a great chance to find a single male omega, I make my way to the workhouse. Omegas work their asses off, and that doesn't exclude me. Crimson Pack had a couple of work houses, and I went to another place that I didn't go to for work. The reason being? I already tried to look for suitable matches at my workplace, but all of them seem to avoid me. They keep on saying that they are afraid to even get in close proximity to me. Since I had this smell or an air of danger. I just always thought that maybe it was Alpha Fredrick's scheme again.

Percy and Rose never let me out of their sights whenever I'm with them. That is why I never had the chance to explore other work houses. They worry that I might stoop so low as to beg someone to be my temporary chosen mate. Funny how I am doing that now. Twelve-year-old me would be quite baffled. On that day, I had promised myself that I would rather die than plead for my life..

As I arrived at the clothing store's workhouse, I swallowed a lump in my throat. Looking around and noticed that this place is brimming with omegas. Well, that was an obvious fact. I observed the area as I entered. My eyes rested on a group of she-wolves talking amongst themselves. It seems that they are taking a break.

Hesitating for a bit, my body was about to turn around, but then I remembered that this needed to be done. Asking for help is not a shameful act. With great determination, I stride my way to get near them. When I was a few feet away, I almost called their attention, but a male omega grabbed my wrist. With no words, he just silently dragged me outside the workhouse. The other wolves, who seemed to notice, didn't even bother to spare a glance..

*****TRIGGER WARNING!

There is no rape in this chapter but may trigger some readers, please read at your own discretion.*****

Katie's POV

Trying to shackle myself away from his grasp, I wiggled my wrist with all my might.

"What do you think you're doing!?" I shrieked and tried to yell for help. As expected, no one came. Maybe he's the boss or manager here.

"I'll tell Alpha Fredrick!" I taunted, and he just scoffed.

"As if your father would give a damn," he uttered, continuing to drag me away. I try to pull myself back and get away once more, but he just grips me even tighter. He was dead-on-serious about dragging me into the forest.

I look ahead, and it is the entrance to the woods. The other woods, not the prohibited forest. With a sense of relief, I breathed a sigh. At least I won't be seeing that tiny, creepy monster again. A flash of memories flooded me. I wanted to indulge them, but then he pulled with so much force. Thus, my face touches his shoulders. I see him smirk. "You are too excited, honey."

I glared at him and tried to punch his smug face with my free hand, but he caught it. He twisted it slightly, causing me to groan in pain. He is using his wolf's strength.

"What is your deal!?" I tried to reason out.

"You are looking for a temporary mate?" he queried as we halted.

We have already arrived at the woods, and his disgusting hand is now on my arm. I tried to use my free hand again to escape, but he held it and pulled me to him. His stinky breath smells like booze, and his teeth are as yellow as a rotten banana.

"I can be your temporary mate," he said, and I honestly wanted to barf. He looked at me with lecherous stares.

"I'd rather die!" I yelled and used my knee to strike his balls. He grunted, and when he let go of my arm, I instantly ran away.

After successfully exiting the woods, my feet continue to stretch their way back to where there are lots of people. He can't possibly do what he wants when we're in public. I silently cursed when he passed by me rather quickly and stopped in front of me. He pushed my shoulders. I lost my balance from the acceleration as I was running with all my might. He was about to jump on me, but we heard a loud blare.

"Stop you motherfucker!" Khalid's voice loomed over the area. The man instinctively cocked a bow. Khalid punched him so hard that he landed on the ground.

"Are you okay, Katie?" He looked at me anxiously as he offered his hand. His voice slightly trembles in fear. Another memory flooded, and that was when Luna Kathrina offered her hand. Closing my eyes to erase the thoughts away, I held Khalid's hand as he helped me stand up.

"I'm fine, Khalid," I assured him, and he just nodded. But he grabbed the man's shirt and forced him to follow Khalid. I just tailed them behind as Jessica went to my side to comfort me.

After walking for minutes, we arrived at the Alpha's office. I held on to Jessica's hand tightly, and she just did the same to assure me that everything was going to be okay. Although I know it is going to be far from okay. Khalid was so mad that he kicked the male omega on the ground once we entered.

Scrunching his forehead, Alpha Fredrick looked from me to the man and then to Khalid.

"What is this?" he boredly questioned.

"He tried to harass Katie!" Khalid just straight-up answered. I saw Alpha Fredrick's jaw tighten. It was so subtle that I think I was imagining things. Luna Kathrina was nowhere to be found. I think she's away on a mission. Again. She had been absent from her Luna duties these past few days. Or has it been years?

"Is this true, Rowan?" Alpha Fredrick asked with a dark tone. That surprised me. Since when does he care?

"Male forcing themselves on women is forbidden no matter what the circumstances are, Katie."

Jessica softly whispered, as if she had read my mind. I quietly nodded and thanked the Moon Goddess. At least in this case, Alpha Fredrick is still fair. I hope..

"Alpha! Please let me explain! Katie wants me too! It was concensual! Ask her!" He protested, and my eyebrows flew upward. What is this nonsense he's spouting!? I want to argue with him, but that would not get me a good rep. So I just waited for my tirn to speak. Alpha Fredrick glanced at me and nodded. I showed him my respect and offered a curt bow. "It is true that I am finding a temporary mate, Alpha. You already know of this, But I never wanted him to touch me."

As calmly as I could, words came out of my mouth. Explaining the whole situation that transpired. The Beta went to the workhouse and asked the witnesses. Although none of them spoke the truth, Rowan smiled creepily at me, as if he had already won.

Alpha Fredrick perched his head on his hands. He thought about the whole incident very deeply. With a clear voice, he spoke, "Based on the witnesses, Rowan just wanted to offer help to Katie. Although I cannot just ignore his actions. He tried to harass a she-wolf, and that is still against our pack rules.."

He paused for a moment and peered at me. I didn't notice that I was already holding my breath. All of us were anticipating his final verdict..

"His pay will be cut for six months' worth. And a two-hour time in the pack's jailhouse," he voiced out with authority. I stared at my so-called father, and my jaw dropped. Is he serious!? And here I thought he softened up. As if a maniac male wolf will ever learn his lesson with just that!?!

Is that even a punishment? No humiliating him in public!? No threats or scaring him?! No going to the prohibited forest!?

I inhaled a sharp breath. Of course not. He hasn't laid his hands on me. So ironically, it is not even sexual harassment in their eyes. Just physical abuse. I facepalmed. They could just dismiss it as mere bullying among omegas.

Khalid was about to protest, but I stopped him. Things will just get worse if he tries to probe and ask for more. It is his succession ceremony in just a few years, and I'm afraid Alpha Fredrick will use that against us. The wolfguards held Rowan and moved him to the jailhouse. Before he left, he looked at me and mouthed, "See you later."

That gave me shivers, but I just disregarded him. All of us were dismissed, and Khalid punched a tree trunk once we were outside.

"Poor tree," I stated, and seriously apologized to the trunk. I even caressed the part where Khalid punched. He looked at me like I was crazy. Jessica tried her best not to laugh because her mate is so angry right now.

"Come on, Khalid. Calm down. Don't exert your anger on a tree," I pointed out. He exhaled deeply while taking a handful of his hair in anger. I felt Jessica release her soothing pheromones. Just felt, not smelled. I still haven't wolfed out yet. But it is still a mystery; me feeling pheromones. Like an instinct. And there's this voice in my head, as if trying to reach out to me.

Khalid's mad and pissed at himself. He's been like this ever since that day. He constantly blamed himself. Repeatedly saying he was so weak that I was forced to go to the prohibited forest alone.

My body just unconsciously wrapped him in my arms. I tapped his shoulders and silently consoled him. He breathed in and out. Once he calmed down, I let go of him. I tapped his cheek and said, "I need to go to work now. It's almost my shift."

"What!? But it is almost dusk!" He protested.

"Did you already forget 6:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. is my shift?" I chuckled and waved them goodbye. Leaving my poor brother pouting.

Making my way to the cabin first to take a quick bath. After changing my clothes, I just munched some berries and made haste to the furniture workhouse. Crimson Pack is the manufacturer of other packs for things like furniture and clothes. This pack is quite rich, but at a price. It is because our pack is the nearest to the prohibited forest. Like a shield in case something that lurks beyond might break out. After seeing that creature, I was sure something or someone lived there. I haven't told anyone about what I've seen. Afraid that once they search the forest, they'll vanish. I laughed at myself. Why the heck am I protecting the very pack that deems me unwanted?

Continuing my work as I shaped a chair, I took a peek at the clock. 1:57am. Three minutes to go, and I can already sleep. Feeling so excited as the clock finally strikes two o'clock in the morning. I stretched my arms and clocked out.

Heading home, I hopped from one place to another. Feeling so giddy that I can finally get a good night's sleep after an exhausting day. Only, it was short-lived as Rowan suddenly appeared out of the dark.