Chapter Four

I'm so grateful that Nash saved me from Gamma Leonardo. I would have been dead already if it weren't for him. My parents also did everything they could to help me escape from the pack. I'd never waste this opportunity they gave me. Even if I'd have to live as a rogue wolf, I'll be fine.

When I was young, I often wondered what it felt like to live outside the pack, in a place where no wolf hierarchy exists. Being a beta might be good, but I never wanted the system to define who I am. Perhaps... Perhaps it's fate that this happened.

Maybe the Moon Goddess has plans for me. Maybe she wants me to become stronger; that's the reason why she's sending so many obstacles in my way. Thoughts kept racing in my head as I made my way through the dark forest. Nash insisted on accompanying me.

Finally, we reached the end of the forest. As I wiped the branches off, I saw a village. Everyone must be sleeping already, as there were no other sounds except for the loud, shrill droning of cicadas.

"I'm leaving you here now, Tricia," Nash said.

"Wait—" Nash looked back and seemed surprised as I wrapped my arms around him. "Thanks for everything. You're such a good friend."

"You're welcome. I hope we'll see each other again. If you ever need help, you know where to find me," Nash replied.

I smiled and let him go. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared. He's not the first vampire I've met. I thought vampires were bad, but Nash is different. He wouldn't help me if he were bad. Alright then. I guess it's time to meet the villagers and pretend to be a human.

As I made my way close to the village, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I don't know if I'm going to fit in. My mother has warned me not to get too close to humans, or they'll kill me if they find out I'm a werewolf. I reached the gate. There are two guards standing there, sleeping and snoring on their shift. I passed through without getting noticed.

I continued walking and stopped in front of a house. I haven't prevented the urge to knock at the door. I thought I was fine, but my legs say the opposite. I have tripped off many times. Nash wanted me to spend the rest of the night in his cabin, but I insisted on going. He has done a lot for me already. I don't want to cause him more trouble.

The door suddenly opened, and a chubby woman in her forties with long curly black hair came out. A worried expression on her face appeared when she saw me.

"What are you doing here, darling? Come in. You shouldn't stay outside at night, or you'll catch a cold." She helped me inside her house.

"Aaron! Aaron! Wake up!" The woman knocked at the door of a room. "Wake up! We have a guest."

She pulled a chair and told me to take a seat. The door opened and a man stepped out. He looked a bit dozy. I couldn't understand why, but when our eyes met, time itself seemed to slow down, and I saw sparks fly. I haven't even noticed he's wearing a white polo shirt and comfy pants. His curly black hair perfectly complemented his brown eyes, tall nose, and clean-shaven jawline. He looks young, probably in his twenties.

"Hi," he said in a deep, manly voice.

"Hi," I replied, trying to smile.

"What are you still doing there? Go get her something to eat," the woman said.

"No, you don't have to do that, ma'am," I said.

"We have to. Our village is known for its hospitality," the woman insisted. "What's your name, by the way?"

"I'm Tricia," I replied, feeling so shy for causing these people such inconvenience. I didn't expect they'd be this kind, completely opposite to what my mother told me.

The man stopped at the door to the kitchen and looked at me, as if trying to read if I brought danger with me. Our eyes met again. My heart seemed to leap out of my chest when he smiled charmingly.

The woman faked a cough to get my attention. "You seem to have come from far away," she said.

"Yeah, and I need a place where I can stay for tonight." I know I might sound demanding, but I really have nowhere else to go. I'm willing to become a maid if that's necessary.

"You can stay here with us for as long as you want," she said.

"Really?" I asked, eyes sparkling. "But I'm a stranger."

"I'm a good judge of character. Besides, I and my son are the only ones living here. We'll appreciate it if you can help us do some things. You don't have to pay for rent."

"Oh, thank you! What happened to your husband, by the way?"

The smile on her face faded. She remained silent for a while as if she didn't like my question.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ask such a question."

"It's okay," she paused. "My husband. He's gone."

I don't know what she meant by that. But I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, or she might send me out instead of letting me stay here if I ask more out-of-place questions.

The handsome man in his twenties approached us with a plate of roasted chicken and a glass of water. "Here," he said, handing me the plate and glass.

"Thanks." I accidentally touched his hands, and I felt electrified by it. The tingle in my skin leaves me in reverie for a moment as I imagine how his other body parts would feel.

"Eat all you can, darling," the woman said.

I shook my head, trying to stop the dirty thoughts from swirling around in my head. "Thank you." I used my hands to eat the roasted chicken. "Mmm. This is delicious. Thank you so much. You're so kind. I thought I'd have to sleep outside for the rest of the night."

"Don't worry, you can use the other room. Nobody's using it, though it's a little bit dusty." The woman yawned. "I'm still tired. I should go back to sleep. Just tell Aaron if you need anything. You can ask for his help to clean the room."

"Um. Thank you again, ma'am." I couldn't help but show respect for her. She's like an angel fallen from heaven. I don't know where I'd go if she didn't pick me up outside.

"You're welcome." She smiled before going to her room.

"So, tell me, where have you really been?" The man named Aaron asked, sitting down on the wooden sofa.

I don't know why, but I felt calm in his presence; his voice only added to his charm. Even though we don't know each other much yet, I find him so irresistible. I felt something I can't explain. Don't tell me... Am I having a crush on this stranger?