Chapter 4

When I got out of the campus, I didn't waste any second. I had my bag slung over one shoulder and my phone in my hand while refreshing all the listings again and again.

I had to find a place today.

I checked listing after listing. I was able to call three landlords but got ignored twice and rejected once. Even though my legs were already shaking from walking all day, I couldn't stop.

And finally, around 4:30 in the afternoon, I found one.

A lovely condo just outside the territory that sat in the werewolf sections of campus. The building was clean and there were potted plants by the entrance and a peaceful vibe that made me feel comfortable.

The listing said that I would be sharing the space with the owner, Miss Tanya Edwards. She was a medical researcher.

After a few moments, I finally remembered her. She had given a few guest lectures before in our school. She was calm, intelligent, and not the type to bring werewolves into the house for full moon rituals.

I didn't even hesitate and immediately signed the rental agreement online and picked up the keys from the front desk.

When I arrived at the unit, I immediately dropped my bag and plunged myself into the leather couch. The walls were beige and there was also a small balcony with a view of the campus outside.

"This is perfect," I muttered to myself and took a deep sigh.

After a few seconds, I hastily pulled out my phone and hit video call. The first to answer was Emma. Then my mom and dad popped in a few seconds later.

"Wow!" Emma commenced and smiled. "That place looks amazing!"

"I know, right?" I answered and started turning the camera to show the living room. "It's clean, it's quiet, and I don't have to share it with a bunch of werewolves marking people on my couch."

"You sound so much better already, dear," my mom said while smiling. "Are you sure you're okay, sweetheart?"

"I'm okay now, Mom. I promise. Look! There's space for my desk and even a little reading corner!"

Dad raised his eyebrows. "And who is your roommate again, pumpkin?"

"Tanya Edwards, dad," I replied. "She's a researcher. She was barely home according to the listing, and she leaves people alone. Love it!"

Dad nodded slowly. "Good. That's good. Still... make sure the locks work. Don't stay out during full moons and keep your silver bracelet on at all times."

"I will, Dad," I answered while trying not to roll my eyes too hard.

Emma leaned into her camera. "Wait, can you show the bathroom? I want to see if you actually got lucky or if it's one of those shared nightmare ones."

I laughed and walked over, opening the door. "Don't worry, sis. It's clean and private. It even has a heater!"

"Okay, okay, that place is elite," Emma uttered with a grin.

"But, pumpkin," Dad added. His voice became a little serious. "I hope this new place won't distract you from our family rules."

"Dad—"

"No dating. Not until you find your mate."

I groaned. "I'm not trying to date anyone. Trust me. After what happened, I would rather date a rock."

"That's my girl," he said with a small chuckle.

Mom smiled, but her eyes were still worried. "Just take care of yourself, okay? You're all alone now."

"I'm not alone, Mom. I've got myself." I chuckled.

Emma gave me a soft look. "We're proud of you, sis. For real."

"Thanks," I whispered.

We ended the call a few minutes later and I started unpacking all my things slowly.

Around 9 PM, I was already yawning so I decided to take a warm shower. Then after that. I changed into my softest pajamas and dried my hair with a towel. After a few minutes, I climbed into bed.

I was just about to fall asleep, half my eyes already closed, my phone buzzed on the bedside table.

I slowly blinked and picked it up.

Tanya: Hi Sarah. Just a heads-up, I'll be arriving around dawn but...

I didn't get to finish reading the rest of her message when sleep pulled me under like a soft wave.

***

Around 5 in the morning, the gentle hiss of running water woke me awake. I slowly got out of bed and started stretching until I realized something.

Miss Tanya must have arrived already.

"It's time to impress," I whispered to myself.

I simply tied my pink apron over my pajamas, and immediately went barefoot to the kitchen. If I was going to live with one of the top human researchers on campus, I wanted to at least make a decent first impression.

I grabbed the pan and started cooking the fastest good breakfast I could think of. Pancakes and bacon.

Ten minutes later, I plated the stack of pancakes on a plate beside a pile of sizzling bacon. I gently wiped my hands on my apron and picked up a glass of orange juice I had poured in advance.

Then, I walked toward the bathroom while smiling and positioned myself.

"Hi! I'm Sarah, second-year biology student, aspiring trauma surgeon. I just wanted to welcome you and—"

The door hastily opened and I froze when I saw the person in front of me.

Instead of Miss Tanya Edwards, a shirtless Ethan Blackstone stood in front of me, while still wet from the shower. His dark hair was damp and messy, and the black markings on his shoulders which were his werewolf sigils were clearly visible.

I blinked a few times.

"What the—hell?!"

He raised an eyebrow. "You."

"Me? What the hell are you doing here?" I shouted while carrying a glass of orange juice. "You're in the wrong unit, muscle boy!"

Ethan looked completely unfazed. "Nice apron. Pink suits you."

"Seriously?" I took a step back. "How did you even get in here?"

Before he could answer, the front door opened, and two more shirtless werewolves appeared. Identical to him. They must be Ethan's brothers.

They both looked like they had just finished wrestling trees in the woods while there was mud on their feet, scratches on their arms, and that unmistakable full-moon glow in their eyes.

"Is there bacon?" one of them, Jason, I think, asked while smiling.

"You have got to be kidding me," I said. "What is happening right now?"

The third brother, Tyler, paused when he saw me. "Wow. An Omega. In our condo?"

"Your house? No, no, no," I snapped and pointed a spatula at them. "I rented this condo. This is my house! Miss Tanya Edwards is supposed to be my roommate!"

Ethan crossed his arms and smirked. "Tanya is your roommate. She's also our cousin. She owns this place. We use the second room when we're on campus."

"You—" I pointed at him while totally confused. "You live here?!"

"Half," Ethan corrected me. "We stay here during the academic week. Tanya's not here much, so it's... shared space."

"No one told me this was a part-time wolf den!" I started massaging my temples out of frustration.

Why did these werewolves keep bugging my life?

"You signed the lease without asking, baby girl," Jason chimed in while chewing a piece of bacon I cooked.

"I thought she lived alone! It said 'shared with the owner,' not 'shared with three werewolves who fight each other during full moons!" I rolled my eyes.

Tyler chuckled. "To be fair, Lady, we only fight each other sometimes. Usually, it's just... chasing deer. And maybe growling."

"I hate everything," I muttered, dragging a hand down my face.

Ethan just looked so amused. "You didn't seem this dramatic yesterday, human."

"Well, I didn't know I would be living with you yesterday!"

He tilted his head. "Relax. We won't mark the couch. If that's what you're worried about."

"You—! I'm going to call Miss Tanya."

"She's in a conference. She won't answer until tonight," Ethan replied and immediately moved past me into the kitchen and grabbed a plate.

Jason high-fived Tyler. "Score. Free pancakes and drama."