A Shame to the Veyne Family

1I was born scentless. In a world where every wolf’s scent signified them, their bloodline, their strength, their mate. I had nothing.My mother, Selene, called it “a shame to the Veyne name.”My father had died when I was eight, leaving behind his company and my foolish hope that love could exist even without scent.My sister, Cassandra, smelled like honey and milk to my mother while I smelled like dust, she was seen as the pack’s golden child.I smelled like nothing at all. I didn't matter that much to anyone.Yet, I believed love could bridge the gap when I meet the one for me.Kael Ronen had been my light. He held me when others mocked me. He kept assuring me that scent didn’t matter at all. He promised to spend forever with me. First time in my life, I was happy, fulfilled even. Yes, i believed him because no one has ever shown me that type of care like he'd done.Until night he broke me.The Mooncrest Pack’s ballroom glowed gold that evening. The celebration was meant to mark

3I gathered my gown, left the inn hurriedly to speak to Elora later. I walked back to my pack’s territory, to the same tormenting house that never felt like home. I couldn't think straight but let me get to my room first.The apartment loomed in silence as I opened the door slowly. I’d hoped, foolishly, that my mother might ask where I’d been. Instead, the moment I stepped through the door, her voice caught me hard.“Where were you all these Lyra? Did you followed some man to escape the mess you created here?"She stood by the fireplace, her robe immaculate, a cup of tea in her hand. Her eyes scanned me from head to toe.“I went to clear my head mom, don't accuse me wrongly,” I said quietly, ignoring other words like I didn't hear them.Her nostrils flared. “Clear your head? You reek of alcohol and what I can't figure out, like looking pale” then she flinched. "What ever it is, I would find out soon."That was no lie.Before I could utter one more word, Cassandra glided down the stai

The next couple of months were a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Vendora tried everything to cheer me up.“You know this is not the end of the world?” She asked me one morning after she caught me crying on the bed. I sniffed and nodded. “ You should be strong for yourself and most importantly for your unborn child” she consoled and held my body that is already frail from weeping”“I am going to prepare your meal and please promise me you will eat.” I forced a reassuring smile on her and nodded. I was warned not to exert myself by talking as my surgery was still healing.When Vendora left, I couldn’t help but slipBack into my reality. Rejected, betrayed, almost died, and now pregnant with a baby whose father I barely know. “Will fight back with everything I hold dear, for myself and for this baby” I thought to myself.I held back the tears that were making their way out of my eyes, as this is not a time to cry; rather, it is time for me to train myself and act accordingly.“Your

7 “Hope you are alright”, asked Vendora as we made our way to the parking lot of the hospital. We have just been discharged, after spending three days at the hospital. On the third day, the doctor announced that it was time for us to go home. Vendora was really helpful throughout my stay at the hospital. She made sure that I was comfortable and that the baby was well cared for. All through the ride I was so deep in thought till we reached our apartment. Vendora calmly brought out all our stuff from the car while sneaking glances at me. She appeared so calm but I'm very sure she has lined up a lot of questions. She is just waiting for the right time to throw those questions at me. “We still have something very important to talk about” came Vendora's voice. I was startled as I didn't see her sneak up behind me. To evade her inquisitiveness, I have gone inside pretending to rock an already sleeping baby to sleep. “ Lyraaa where are you” “I am coming just to give so

9The sudden announcement made my heart palpitate.I had already forgotten that I chose a different name for myself the night I did my facial reconstruction surgery.Everyone kept staring in different directions to know who bears the name but I refuse to budge.I immediately took my things and hurried outside.As I was leaving I felt a shadow trailing behind me but I didn't know who it was. I had to rush into an empty ward to distract whoever was trailing me. When I peeped outside and noticed that no one was coming, I left immediately.I intended to wait for the postman as soon as he came outside so I could present myself and collect the document from him.I waited for over thirty minutes before I saw him heading in my direction I jumped out immediately and waved at him to stop.“Excuse me, I have been expecting a package for over two weeks now without any response” I lied wearing a very serious face.“And what is your name?” he inquired.“Martha Lawrence”“ Sign here please”I sig