Hiding Her Identity: The Wilford Wolf

Fast forward eight months later,

I trudged into my room, pushing open the door just long enough for me to slip inside before the tears burst from my eyes and trickled down my cheeks. Today was the last day of the term before Christmas, the 21st of December. It should have been a day of joy. The Mating Ball was only ten days away, and in eight days, I would be leaving for it. Yet here I was, overwhelmed by the relentless bullying and torment. These tormentors were supposed to be my pack members. But in this pack, I had no friends. The only people who treated me kindly were my parents and my Alpha, who couldn't step in without risking the exposure of my secret. The question was, how much longer could I endure this? Just until the Mating Ball, I assured myself, where I hoped to find someone who would cherish me with every beat of their heart.

I locked the door behind me, tossing my school bag to the floor. I sauntered over to my bed and flung myself onto it, turning onto my stomach and burying my face in my pillow to muffle my sobs. This was the first time I'd allowed the pain to overwhelm me to this extent, save for one other occasion. But today, they had gone the extra mile to make my life a living hell, viewing me as weak and a liability to the pack. Little did they know, I was as formidable as the Alpha. While I couldn't command power, I could surely challenge him in a fight.

Ever since my first shift, I had trained with the Alpha. He nurtured my strength and helped me harness my wolf's abilities, knowing how exceptional I was. My inner power, speed, intelligence, and strength made me unbeatable. It would take a coordinated attack of at least ten wolves to bring me down. How they underestimated me. How they failed to see past their prejudices.

To keep my secret safe, I masked my scent to mimic an Omega's and wore baggy clothes, a strategy that unfortunately fueled the bullying. When injured, I used makeup to simulate the wound long after it had healed, because Omegas don't recover quickly. Every precaution was necessary; the risk of exposure was too high, threatening not only me but also the pack. Some might see me as a weapon to be seized, while rogues would invariably target me. Unless I held a respected position, I'd forever live looking over my shoulder.

What a mess my life had turned into. I should have friends, be a prominent member of the pack. My parents held high ranks in the pack, which I was expected to inherit. Yet here I was, an outcast, with only a handful of people aware of my truth. My life would never be easy. I questioned the Moon Goddess. Why was this my fate? Destined to live in the shadows despite having a power comparable to the Royals.

All this was the consequence of one fateful day. The day that forever altered my life – my fourteenth birthday.

Flashback

I sprang out of bed with youthful energy. Today marked my fourteenth birthday, and I was brimming with excitement. Life was filled with camaraderie, with friends who always had my back. I eagerly anticipated an amazing day at school, followed by a party. You see, my closest friends were the Alpha's son, Griffin, and the Beta, Lewis, among others. I imagined it would always be this way.

Following my usual morning routine, I hopped into the shower, then slipped into some fashionable clothes. I chose a light pink flowy top, skinny jeans, and a pair of Converse. I curled my brown hair into loose waves that cascaded down my back and applied some light makeup. One of the perks of attending a werewolf school in England was the absence of a uniform.

Once ready, I picked up my school bag and flute, making my way downstairs. I casually dropped my bags near the front door and strolled into the kitchen. My dad sat at the table, engrossed in the newspaper while sipping his tea. Meanwhile, my mom busied herself on the stove, cooking bacon. I claimed a seat at the table.

"Hello, sweetie. Happy birthday!" My mom exclaimed, rushing over to envelop me in a hug.

"Mum... can't... breathe," I teased.

She drew back, rolling her eyes at me, "Drama queen," she retorted, playfully sauntering back to the stove.

"Yeah, I wonder who she gets it from," my dad chimed in, teasing my mom.

I laughed heartily at their banter, while my mom playfully scowled at my dad. "Happy birthday, darling," he said, his face lit up with a smile.

"Thanks, Dad," I replied.

Soon, my mom set a bacon sandwich before each of us, then joined us at the table with her bowl of cereal. I savored my breakfast, finishing it before I knew it. Rising, I started towards my school bags.

"Darling, we've got you a present," my dad announced.

As I turned around, he extended a small black box adorned with a pink bow. I approached and accepted the box, carefully undoing the ribbon. Inside lay a beautiful necklace, a rose quartz shaped into a heart, encrusted with sparkling silver diamonds and suspended from a golden chain. It was breathtaking. I put it on and rushed to my dad, enveloping him in a warm hug, then doing the same with my mom.

"Thank you so much," I squealed with delight.

"No problem, sweetheart. Now, enjoy your day at school," Dad encouraged.

The sound of a car horn signaled that my ride to school had arrived. Scooping up my bags, I stepped outside and clambered into the car, where Griffin, Lewis, and an older pack member awaited, the latter at the wheel.

"Happy Birthday," Griffin and Lewis chorused.

Their mirth was infectious, and I laughed along, accepting a card from each of them. I was pleasantly surprised to find £200 inside - a clear display of the affluence that was commonplace in our pack. The ride to school was filled with laughter and camaraderie, reminding me of why these guys were my best friends. In our hearts, Griffin and I both harbored the hope that we might become mates at the Mating Ball. I had always abstained from having a boyfriend, holding out for that one perfect match. No one else seemed worth it.

The day at school unfolded as usual. Surrounded by friends and well-wishers, I was inundated with cards, birthday wishes, and even a balloon from one generous soul. It was everything I had expected - a day filled with friendship and celebration, all made possible by the high regard and respect people had for my high-ranking family within our pack. I relished these moments, never anticipating how drastically they would change. Back then, my life was simply about friends and fun. It was great.

Despite the typical monotony of lessons and the occasional sour-tempered teacher, school life was bearable. However, the day took a turn for the worse during the third lesson.

I started feeling unusually hot and sweaty. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead, and my palms wouldn't stop sweating - odd symptoms for a werewolf, especially given the mild British weather. Soon, a pounding headache set in, causing my vision to blur intermittently. Then, the worst symptom appeared: a stabbing pain coursing through my limbs like a torrent of daggers. Fear began to seep in.