"We didn't mean to trespass on your territory, Alpha," Romeo said respectfully. "Our pack was massacred, and we have nowhere else to go. We've been wandering for two days without food, searching for a place to belong."
Damien studied the family in silence before speaking.
"You're werewolves, just like us. But how do I know you're not enemies?"
He glanced over his shoulder at one of his guards.
"We found them lurking around the borders, Your Highness—"
The guard fell silent as Damien raised a hand, dismissing him.
His gaze returned to the small family.
Then his eyes met Lauren's.
For a brief moment, he found himself captivated by the little girl's striking blue eyes. A warm smile tugged at his lips.
"I suppose your daughter's good fortune has saved you today."
He stepped forward.
"Welcome to my pack. I am Alpha Damien."
He smiled kindly.
Since that day, Lauren and her parents had lived peacefully in Damien's pack.
After the massacre, Lauren had been unable to speak for several days. The shock of losing Zoey had robbed her of her voice.
Although the pain still lingered deep inside her heart, she was slowly beginning to heal.
She wiped away the tears on her cheeks, pulled the blanket over herself, and closed her eyes, allowing sleep to claim her.
The Next Morning
"Where do you think you're going?"
John suddenly grabbed a fistful of Lauren's hair, yanking her backward.
"Ah!"
She cried out in pain, instinctively reaching up to pry his hand away.
"Let go of me! Let go!"
His minions burst into laughter.
Lauren couldn't understand how people could enjoy watching someone else suffer.
John smirked before grabbing her injured arm with his free hand.
She gasped in agony.
The pressure against her wound sent unbearable pain shooting through her body.
"Does it hurt here?" he mocked.
His friends laughed even louder.
Tears streamed freely down Lauren's face.
"Please... let go of me!"
John leaned closer.
"Keep your voice down," he sneered. "I heard Bianca did this to you."
A proud grin spread across his face.
"My mate never fails to impress me."
"Let go of her!"
A sharp female voice rang through the hallway.
John instantly released Lauren.
His face paled.
"Shit..."
He turned and saw Kathryn walking toward them.
"What the hell is she doing here?" he muttered under his breath.
The boys immediately stepped away from Lauren.
She clutched her injured arm, only now realizing that fresh blood had already soaked through the bandage.
Kathryn hurried over, her eyes widening in alarm.
"What happened?"
She glared fiercely at John.
"Is this what you've been taught? She's still a member of our pack. How dare you take pleasure in someone else's pain?"
"We're... we're sorry..." Eric, one of John's friends, stammered.
Kathryn silenced him with a single icy glare.
"He should be the one apologizing."
Her eyes shifted to John.
"Isn't that right?"
John swallowed nervously.
"O-Of course..."
He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Lauren... I'm sorry for what I did."
"And?" Kathryn raised an eyebrow.
John sighed.
"I promise... I won't bother you again."
"Good."
Kathryn folded her arms.
"If I ever catch you harassing her again, I'll report everything to my father."
John's eyes widened.
"Understood."
Without another word, he and his friends hurried away.
Lauren watched them disappear, surprised by how quickly they fled.
Only then did Kathryn gently take hold of Lauren's injured arm.
Her expression immediately changed.
The bandage was completely soaked with blood.
"Oh no..."
"Are you okay?" she asked anxiously.
Lauren stared at her in disbelief.
Someone...
...was actually worried about her.
"I'm... I'm fine."
Kathryn frowned.
"No, you're not."
She carefully took Lauren's wrist.
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"To the infirmary."
Lauren didn't have the strength to argue.
She quietly followed.
"It's all done."
Doctor Edward secured a fresh bandage around Lauren's arm before tossing the blood-soaked one into a nearby bin.
"How does it feel now? Any better?"
Lauren shook her head.
"It still hurts."
"That's because the wound hasn't healed yet."
"I figured."
Edward walked over to a cabinet and returned with a small container of ointment.
"Apply this several times a day. It should help the wound heal faster."
"Thank you, Doctor Edward."
Kathryn smiled gratefully.
Edward returned the smile.
"Take good care of that arm."
Later that afternoon, Lauren and Kathryn sat together on a wooden bench in the school garden.
Lauren glanced sideways at the younger girl.
"Why do I feel like you're following me everywhere... Your Highness?"
"Kathryn."
Lauren blinked.
"Huh?"
"You can call me Kathryn."
Lauren immediately shook her head.
"I wouldn't dare."
Kathryn sighed dramatically.
"Fine. Suit yourself."
She smiled warmly.
"I keep following you because... I like you."
Lauren stared at her.
"And I want us to be friends."
Lauren's mouth fell open.
A friend?
Ever since arriving in this pack, she'd never had one.
Everyone either ignored her or bullied her.
The idea of becoming friends with the Alpha's daughter sounded impossible.
"Why?" Lauren asked quietly.
"I'm different from everyone else."
Kathryn smiled gently.
"You're not different."
"You're just discovering yourself later than the rest of us."
"Werewolf blood still flows through your veins."
"I'm sure your powers will awaken someday."
Lauren lowered her eyes.
"I'm not so sure."
The sadness in her voice made Kathryn's smile fade.
She could tell Lauren had long since lost faith in herself.
Trying to change the mood, Kathryn suddenly brightened.
"Oh! My brother's birthday party is tonight."
"You have to come."
"I've noticed you've never attended any of his birthday parties."
She tilted her head.
"Do you... hate him or something?"
Lauren looked confused.
"What? Why would I hate someone I've never met?"
Kathryn crossed her arms with a dramatic sigh.
"You know... my brother is a complete jerk."
"A shameless playboy."
"He flirts with every pretty girl he sees."
She narrowed her eyes playfully.
"I hope you're the exception."
Lauren laughed softly.
"I don't think that'll be a problem."
"I probably won't even meet him."
Kathryn's eyes widened.
"Wait..."
"You've really never seen Xavier before?"
Lauren shook her head.
"No."
Kathryn looked genuinely shocked.
"You've never visited our mansion either?"
"Nope."
"That's unbelievable."
She chuckled before standing.
"Well, now you're officially invited."
She pointed a finger at Lauren.
"And don't disappoint your new friend."
With a cheerful smile, Kathryn walked away.
Lauren watched her go before letting out a helpless sigh.
"My new friend, huh?"
She shook her head with a faint smile.
"Now there are two people determined to drag me to that party."
She couldn't help but wonder...
What exactly awaited her there?