Chapter 1

Milena~

Men hate women.

Their greatest purpose is to kill our dreams. They fake kindness when between our legs, but turn into demons after hitting climax. They’re cruel, more cunning than a serpent.

I’ve never mated any and will not until my death. However, I know how deceptive they are during mating because maidens with loose lips always whisper.

The maidens claimed, “A man’s smile stretches in warmth during sex.”

It irks me how much these females utter the talks with pride and excitement.

How can they not read the handwriting on the wall and see beyond the facade of men? It’s all sex, control, power, display, and breeding.

Well, what do I care? It’s their cross to bear.

My focus is on Nana, my wolf, and how best to convince her. She’s a thorn in my flesh. A maze wall—hard to crack or bring down.

We’ve been scratching on a single topic for hours, but there she goes again, “Why did you cause us to shift in this creepy forest?” She has asked for Goddess knows how long. “Mate is waiting under the Full Moon Tree,” she adds. “Go to him now.”

Rolling my eyes, I can’t help but scoff as I pull out the leaves tangling my wavy, long hair. I wear my darpna, tying the edges underneath my chin. “I don’t want a mate, Nana. We deserve better,” I say roughly; maybe that will sink into her tiny skull.

Thinking of it, why am I bothered over an animal's opinion when I have bigger problems ahead?

Problems only the human part of my kind understands. And one of them is how quickly I can catch up with the transporter. The transporter confirmed the ship departs at noon.

If I knew my first shift would be hell and would take so long, I would have waited until I arrived in the human world.

Aside from catching up with my ship, my next problem is how Nana turned out an Alpha wolf. I’m a born-and-raised Beta. The same goes for my siblings and parents; we don’t have Alpha blood in our lineage.

The only Alphas are the Brooks and Ryders’ household—the most powerful families in the whole of the werewolf clan. Cruel monsters and the nemesis of every pack they rule.

So how did my wolf end up an Alpha? The more I think, the more my head whirls.

Best not to ponder it right now. A solution will arise in the future.

Pulling out my white blouse and brown skirt from the tree branch, I hiss as pain shoots through me. But I suck it in and throw on my clothes. “What’s our little secret?” I ask Nana to make sure we are on the same page.

“We shift when we are alone.”

“Good,” I reply, striding down the sloppy hill out of Wilderdeep forest.

“But I don’t want to hide. I want to hunt with mate. We can’t stay off mate.” Her tail wags rashly as she keeps rumbling, but I pay her no attention.

Her desire is understood. Werewolves are stronger when they bond with their mates.

Unfortunately, our male counterparts discriminate against she-wolves and deprive us of basic amenities: career, education, medical care, and holding public positions. They see us as sex objects, an instrument to carry on their legacy. Our heads will be hung on a stake if we dare to speak against injustice.

More reasons why I hate it here.

It’s a man’s world after all. And Nana will understand the dynamics in due time.

Arriving home, my toes pin lightly as I climb the stairs to my room. The last thing I want is any member of my household to find out about my escape plan, especially Tato, whose wrath is deadly.

The beast will tear my flesh and crush my bones.

Entering my room, I close my door calmly, rush into the bathroom, and have a quick bath. After which, dress up in a green Victorian dress, a white darpna, and green sandals before packing my stuff into my little red bag.

I reach for my favorite possession underneath my bed. It’s the medical book the human female doctor who saved my sister’s life gave to me.

The biggest weapon that has guided me towards my dream for ten years, since I was not given a formal education. I made sure to study the book as much as needed whenever everyone was dozing.

Flipping to the end of the book, a photo glimpse back at me, a picture of the female doctor wearing a beautiful smile. Behind the image is her home address. She had carefully written it down. But I hope she still resides at this address.

Tucking the book into my bag and sneaking out of my room, I make sure my steps are feather-light heading down the stairs.

As my hand hovers around the knob of the living room door, a call from behind causes me to jolt, my heart jumping out of my chest.

“Happy twentieth Moonday, Milena. I baked your favorite cake,” the voice says.

Mama?

I frown.

Why is she home?

Swallowing, I push my shock to the back of my head and model good composure. “Ohh, my birthday." A forced smile etches my features as I stare at her.

But my face falls, and my jaw clenches when I notice how pale she looks. Disappointment replaces my fake smile. Mama has a fresh bandage on her left finger and visible bruises on her neck.

Tato hit her again.

My blood builds in my veins, steaming to break out, but I hold it in. What’s the use of exploding when she will defend the monster? For years, I’ve watched it play out over again. Mama will continually pick her marriage over her life.

As usual, she clears her throat while hiding her bruises using her long red hair.

When does it end? When does she realize she can walk away from the beast of her husband? I don’t care if they’re fated mates.

No man is worth it, especially a monster like Tato, who belittles her at every given opportunity. I pray she wakes up someday. I pray whenever I achieve my goal and return, I’ll be able to set her free.

I pray the Goddess makes it possible.

Mama’s gaze roams my body, halting at my bag. Her forehead narrows and her eyes dim as she blinks through it.

I gasp, my eyes shooting wide as realization hits. How did I forget myself this fast, and the fact I'm at the verge of committing a forbidden crime?

A crime that will cost the lives of all my family if I get caught.

Swallowing hard, I fight to stay still.

What do I say to Mama if she asks about the bag? Everyone knows I don’t move around with bags, especially one this size, because I love my comfort.

What excuse can I give to Mama? She’ll find out my truth. Oh, Goddess, Mama will. I'm bad at lying, and she can detect when I do.

This is bad. Too bad.

Heaven help me!