Chapter 2

Raven’s POV

I spent hours asking the Moon Goddess why I had to suffer this way… One moment, I was questioning my fate, blaming the heavens…the next moment, I managed to see my situation in a positive light, turning my pain as fuel to gear up for whatever the future had waiting for me in store.

“I… Raven Kincade,” I breathed, hugging the oak tree tightly. “I vow to never return to the Iron Howlers Pack. I will live a life I deserve…not humiliated and looked down upon.”

Clenching my fists, I etched the promise I made in my heart and mind, the oak tree as the witness of my vow and unyielding conviction to keep going.

“I will never ever let you look at me like that again, Jax Thorn!” I added, closing my eyes tightly in hopes that tears would stop coming.

My sobs came again, quiet and full of everything I couldn’t say when they were all watching. I bit down on my knuckle just to stay quiet, just to keep from falling apart loud enough for the stars to hear. I kept saying my vows all over again, making sure I wouldn’t forget a word.

The night seemed long as I continued letting out my frustration, the pain, and the helplessness that I felt for myself. I cried and screamed until the ache stopped. By the time the tears dried up my eyes, I knew I could keep going.

“I won’t come back… I won’t beg or break. I can do this,” I whispered to myself, this time, calmer.

I pulled myself up, my legs feeling numb as I struggled to stand still. When I managed to regain the strength on my legs, I took a deep breath and glanced one more to the direction where the Iron Howlers Pack was.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Instead, I pulled a small smile, a smile filled with determination to survive without the pack. From hereon, I’d be burying the memories of my past, keeping them sealed in the depths of my mind as I moved forward in a new path I’d make for myself.

After spending days surviving in the forest by foraging food, I managed to find a nearby human town. It was going to be my first time mingling with the humans, so to make a good impression, I cleaned up in the river and changed into the dress I washed and dried.

I found myself in a human bar after that, sitting on the counter while staring at the glass of beer I was given. I told the waiter I didn’t have money, but he smiled and insisted.

“T-Thank you,” I said and gulped. My stomach was empty as I hadn’t foraged any food today, busying myself in preparing to look presentable as I entered the town.

“You’re welcome. Want some nuts?” The waiter asked, pushing a bowl of peanuts in front of me.

I opened my mouth to say something when he just smiled and bobbed his head. I took it that he was also giving me this for free.

“Ah!” I winced, feeling the sharp and burning sensation of alcohol in my throat. I didn’t expect human beers would taste so strong. “Ugh… It’s…” I was about to say it was bitter-tasting, so different from the beer made by our pack. But saying that might offend this human who gave me this treat for free.

“It’s delicious!” I lied, taking another gulp, making him and the others nearby laugh at my action.

It was strange. I’d usually feel anxious with people around me, just like when I was still in the pack. But the people in this bar… These humans… They didn’t seem to care about my origin. They laugh when something’s funny, complain about something bad, and get mad over frustrating matters. They weren’t singling me out…not making me feel like an outcast.

“Thank you. I will repay this once a day… I’m sure I will,” I whispered, bowing slightly at the man at the counter before leaving the bar.

The beer certainly tasted better after a few gulp, and the roasted peanuts were a perfect match. I left the bar with a smile, while deep inside, I was wondering where to spend the night. I had no money with me, so an alley should work. Or if I could find a place where people like me were allowed to stay then maybe…

What’s that?

I halted, holding my breath when I felt a presence. It was too familiar, but I didn’t expect to find them here.

“Werewolves,” I whispered, balling my hands into fist, preparing to defend myself.

Did Jax send someone to follow me? Did he order them to get rid of me after all?

My head was filled with questions when all of a sudden, a shadow loomed over me. A huge black wolf pounded on me, baring its fangs. I could see it in its eyes, it was ready to devour me any moment.

I dodged, grateful for the training I endured in the pack. I wasn’t the best, but I always listened to the instructor and learned some stuff from him.

“Who sent you?” I growled, holding the wolf down as I stepped on its head, successfully apprehending it. “Answer me!”

On the days I lived alone in the forest, I learned to make use of the strength I had within me.

The wolf growled as it slowly shifted back to its human form. I knew it! He was my kind…a werewolf. But what was he thinking of attacking me? Did he do it knowing I was also a werewolf?

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard footsteps coming my way. I heightened my senses, ready to attack in case someone appeared again.

“You’re good,” a man’s voice said from the dark, standing in the dark. “But that’s not enough to protect yourself if you wish to live in this place.”

I frowned, annoyed by his tone. “What do you mean? Did you come for your friend- Ah!” I cursed under my breath when the werewolf I was holding pushed me and escaped. Glaring at the man in the shadows, I blamed him for what happened.

“Did you come to distract me to help your friend?”

He smirked. “Friend? What is that even? Did you not know? The moment you trust someone and call them a friend, it’s like putting a knife on your neck.”

I hated to admit it, but he was right.

“Hey,” he continued, stepping out of the shadows. “Why don’t you join hands with me? Of course, not as a friend, but as a comrade. What do you say?” he smiled, extending his hand.

A comrade, huh?