Chapter 3

TESSA

I gazed at Grandma Mauri's gentle face as she set the glass of water on the nightstand beside me. The smell of her cooking still lingered on my clothes. I'm here because I realized that Dad's house wasn't an option anymore, not after he'd cut me off without a second thought

Grandma's house was the first place that came to my mind because I knew I could find some peace there, even if it was temporary.

"Tessa, I know this is a tough situation for you, but please never blame yourself or the baby for everything that happened." Grandma Mauri said as she settled down beside me and put her hand over my stomach.

I smiled at her and gave a nod.

I feel deeply moved because among all those who responded with fury and judgment to my pregnancy, she was the only one who showed genuine care for me and my baby.

"No matter who the father of your baby is, I’m sure it won’t matter as long as you’re the mother. I'll always do my best to stand by your side even if everyone is against you."

"T-thank y-you, grandma." I placed my hand over hers, feeling the warmth began to flood my heart.

It was just this morning I lost hope after Alpha Frederick disowned his own child and forced me to marry someone else instead. Now, hearing Grandma Mauri's words gave me a new sense of hope. I hope that if I stay strong and resilient, everything will turn out okay.

I'll do it for my baby.

Grandma Mauri asked me to stay at her place for tonight and a few days forward. At least until I secure a new job and find a place to live for myself. As night descended, I was straightening up my bed when I heard Grandma Mauri's step as she entered the bedroom.

"Tessa, there's a man here to see you. He's out there waiting; I think you should go meet him." She said.

It felt like my heart just sank when I heard that. A man? Who is it? I nodded and then stepped out of the house to meet whoever wanted to see me.

On the porch of the house stood Collins Smith, Alpha Frederick's Gamma. At first, he had his back to me, then he turned around when he heard my footsteps.  When he saw me, Collins nodded and offered a polite smile.

"C-collins, you w-want to m-meet me?" I asked while maintaining a respectful distance from him.

"Yes, Tessa. I want to talk about our marriage." Collins answered.

I gulped. I almost forgot about it. The marriage contract they arranged for me was without my agreement, and I know I couldn't go through with it.

I nodded and gestured for Collins to come along with me. I walked into the garden until we were far enough from Grandma Mauri's house that she wouldn't overhear our conversation.

"I'm s-sorry Collins, b-but I-I can't d-do this m-marriage contract. It's o-outside my w-will." I gave him an apologetic smile.

I know that he was simply following the orders of Alpha Frederick and my Dad, the pack's Beta. And he expects me to follow the order too. However it was such a big step, and I didn't want to make a choice that I'd later regret.

Collin's calm face changed to one of displeasure. "But why? Why are you refusing it when by marrying me, the baby you're carrying would have a father and wouldn't be seen as a bastard child, someone who would end up being a joke in the Pack."

I gave him a sharp look. A surge of anger rose in me as I listened to the way he was speaking about my baby. My pure and innocent unborn baby. I don't care if he insults me, but I will not allow anyone to speak like that about my baby.

"M-mind y-your w-words Collins. Y-you c-can't s-talk like that or-"

"Or what, Tessa?" Collins stepped closer to me.

I immediately stepped back, but he grabbed my wrist. Collins stated, "I just presented the fact. When the baby is born and you remain unmarried or unmated, it will become a target for insult and mockery within the pack. Who else would want to marry a stuttering and wolfless girl like you if not me?"

The frustration I was trying to hold back erupted all at once. It stirred something inside me and I sensed a great force trying to break free.

"Oh, I know..." Collins raised an eyebrow. "You're going to run to Alpha Frederick again, begging him to accept you and the bastard baby you claim as-"

I slapped him.

It all happened in the blink of an eye. My hand seemed to act on its own, hitting Collins' face with all the might I could muster. He touched the spot where I had just slapped him and his face gradually red with rage.

"You bitch!" Gritting his teeth, Collins charged at me. But he halted in his tracks a moment later, his gaze locked onto me.

I sensed a shift inside me. And then came a pain that’s beyond words, as if every bone in my body had shattered at once. I cried out in agony as my body felt like it was being reshaped from within.

As the pain faded, the first thing I felt was a surge of intense anger directed at Collins, who stood there with a pale expression, staring at me. Even though I can't remember what he did that made me this mad, I charged at him. My claws sank into his chest, ripping through his clothes and flesh.

Groaning in pain, Collins then collapsed to the ground. And so did I, panting. My clothes are just a few steps away from me.

I felt so weak and then darkness filled my vision.

The next moment I opened my eyes, I shivered from the cold; that’s when I realized I was naked. I got up, snatched my clothes, and threw them on in a hurry. Collins had already gone. However, the bloodstains on the grass made it clear that what had just happened was not a dream.

"I-i just h-had m-my first s-shift," I muttered to myself.

It was my wolf that attacked him. My wolf got fired up after hearing the way he spoke about my baby.

As I thought about my wolf's aggression towards Collins, a realization hit me. I can't marry him because I might end up killing him at any moment. My wolf has already marked him as an enemy.

"A-alpha F-Frederick must k-know a-about t-this," I mumbled.

He always asks me when I think I'll get my first shift. I'm nineteen now, and while many werewolves have their first shift at sixteen. He is the first person needed to be informed about this. Without wasting any second, I rushed over to Alpha Frederick's mansion.

The guards on duty approached me immediately as soon as they spotted me. Then their hands tightened around each of my arms.

"I-i n-need to s-see A-Alpha-"

“Good, you’re here now. Because he was just about to order a search for you after your escapes this morning. I'll take you to meet him, prepare yourself for his wrath." Said one of them.

They led me to Alpha Frederick's study, nudged the door open a bit, and then shoved me inside forcefully. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for whatever punishment might come my way.

But nothing could have prepared me for the sight that met my eyes the moment I looked ahead. Alpha Frederick lounged on his grand seat, cradling Odette in his lap and kissing her passionately.