Chapter 3

Matilda felt her heart sink. She couldn't believe that the Alpha was reducing her to the lowest position in the pack. It was a humiliating and demoralizing experience.

As she made her way out she couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness and anger. She had given everything to the pack, and yet it seemed like it was never enough. She didn't know how much longer she could take being treated like she was nothing.

As Matilda made her way through the pack's territory, she couldn't help but notice the sneers and snickers directed her way. It seemed that some of the pack members were not content with just ignoring her - they wanted to make her life a living hell.

"Hey, look who it is," one of the pack members jeered as Matilda walked by. "The little coward who ran away from her family."

Another pack member chimed in, "I heard she's been demoted to omega. That's where she belongs - at the bottom of the pack."

Matilda tried to ignore their taunts, but it was getting harder and harder every day. The constant barrage of insults and snide remarks was taking a toll on her, and she found herself feeling more alone than ever before.

One day, as she was trying to hunt for food, a group of young teenagers began to circle her, blocking her path. "What do you want?" Matilda asked, her voice shaking with fear.

"We want to teach you a lesson," one of them growled, baring his teeth.

Matilda's heart pounded in her chest as they closed in on her. She tried to run, but one of them caught her and dragged her back.

"Let me go!" Matilda cried out, struggling to free herself.

But they only laughed and taunted her, calling her names and insulting her family. Matilda felt tears stream down her face as she realized that she was completely alone, with no one to protect her.

Suddenly, a deep growl filled the air, and the teenagers 0backed off. Matilda looked up to see the Alpha standing there, his eyes blazing with anger.

"What is the meaning of this?" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the forest.

The young fellows cowered before him, their heads bowed in shame. "We were just messing with her," one of them stammered. "We didn't mean any harm."

 Alpha Terry glared at them, his gaze sweeping over Matilda. "Get out of here," he spat, his voice laced with contempt.

As the young lads slunk away, Alpha Terry turned his attention back to Matilda. "You are weak," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You are unworthy of this pack, and you always will be."

Matilda felt a sense of despair wash over her as the Alpha walked away, leaving her alone in the forest once again. She knew that she had to find a way to prove herself to the pack, but she didn't know how. All she knew was that she was in for a long and difficult journey ahead.

Matilda retreated to the forest, seeking solace in the peaceful surroundings. She collapsed onto the ground, her tears flowing freely. Why couldn't the pack see that she was trying her best? Why did they have to be so cruel?

Suddenly, she felt a comforting presence by her side. She looked up to see Jodie sitting next to her, a look of concern etched on her face.

"Matilda, are you okay?" Jodie asked softly, placing her hand on her friend's shoulder.

Matilda shook her head, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Jodie wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. "I'm here for you," she whispered. "I know how hard this is for you."

Matilda felt relief. Jodie was the only one who had been truly supportive of her since her return. She clung to her friend, grateful for the comfort she provided.

"I don't know what to do," Matilda admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I'm never going to be good enough for the pack."

Jodie squeezed her tighter. "You don't have to prove anything to them," she said firmly. "You are already a strong and brave person. You did everything you could to protect your family, and that's what matters."

Matilda sniffled, wiping her tears away. "Thank you, Jodie," she said, managing a small smile. "You always know how to make me feel better."

Jodie smiled back, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "That's what friends are for," she said, leaning in for a hug.

Matilda took a deep breath and nodded, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Thank you, Jodie. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jodie smiled softly. "You don't have to thank me. That's what friends are for. And we're going to get through this together."

Matilda's mind drifted back to happier times, before her parents' death, when she and Jodie would run and play together in the woods. She smiled sadly at the memory. "Do you remember when we found that abandoned cabin and turned it into our secret hideout?" she asked.

Jodie chuckled. "Of course I do. We spent hours in there, pretending we were werewolves on a secret mission."

Matilda's smile faded as she thought about how much had changed since then. "I miss those times," she said softly. "I miss my parents."

Jodie's expression softened, and she wrapped an arm around Matilda's shoulders. "I know you do, Matilda. And I'm here for you. We'll get through this, one day at a time."

Matilda leaned into Jodie's embrace, feeling a sense of comfort in her friend's presence. She knew that Jodie would always be there for her, no matter what. And for the first time since her parent's death, she felt a glimmer of hope.

Jodie's eyes suddenly lit up as she spoke. "Oh, and have I told you about the annual mating ball coming up?" she asked, her voice full of excitement.

Matilda smiled weakly, her mind still dwelling on the harsh words of the Alpha. "No, you haven't," she replied, trying to sound interested.

"It's going to be so much fun!" Jodie continued, undeterred. "All the eligible werewolves from different packs will be there, and there will be dancing and food and games. And who knows, maybe you'll even find your mate there!"

Matilda's heart sank at the mention of finding a mate. She didn't feel worthy of love, not after the way the pack had treated her. But Jodie's enthusiasm was infectious, and she couldn't help but feel hopeful.

"That does sound like fun," she admitted, forcing a smile.

Jodie's smile widened. "I knew you'd come around! We'll find you the perfect outfit and practice your dance moves together. It'll be like old times," she said, referring to the happier times before Matilda's parents' death.

Matilda's mind drifted to a happier memory, a time when she and Jodie had danced under the moonlight, their laughter filling the air. It felt like a lifetime ago, but the memory brought a small smile to her face.

"Okay, let's do it," Matilda said, feeling a small spark of excitement ignites within her.

Jodie clapped her hands together. "Yes! We'll make this the best mating ball yet!