Prologue

Running ahead, Donovan stuck his tongue out at me and daringly exclaimed, "Tag you're it, Winter! Catch me if you can."

I chased after Donovan, almost catching him, but tripped over a rock and fell face-first into mud.

Donovan chuckles and tells me, "You look like a monster with all that mud on your face."

I said, "You sure have a lot of trash to talk for someone who's twelve."

“Being the oldest doesn't give you the right to bully me.”

"How about we have a race? Whoever reaches that tree first is the winner.” I directed my finger towards the tree.

"How about we make a bet, Winter? Donovan suggests if I win, you'll have the task of doing all his chores for a month, which includes my homework.”

“Alright Donovan, if I win, you'll have to do whatever I say.” 

"Deal!" Donovan shouts loudly.

"Alright, assume the running position. Once we were prepared, I began counting. With Donovan in the lead, we set off as soon as the countdown ends with "One, two, three, go! I managed to catch up with Donovan. I smirked as I passed him, accepting the look of shock he gave me. I was the one who made it to the tree first. 

“Sister, let's honor our agreement.” Donovan inquires.

Just as I was about to speak, a snapping twig caught Donovan's and my attention. Out of nowhere, two tall men emerged from the bushes. I quickly pull Donovan and position him behind me.

I question, "Who are you and what is your intention?"

A man stepped forward and addressed me, saying "We are here for you.” The man uttered those words."

"How did you come to know my name?"

"It doesn't matter."

"I have no intention of going anywhere with the two of you."  

“Donovan, I'll divert their attention. You go and help.”

"Got it, sis."

I redirect my attention to the two men; I told Donovan to run as fast as possible. Donovan wasted no time, sprinting past them quickly.

It would be wise for both of you to leave before my dad arrives and causes harm.

Both men smirked. "You really have no clue, do you?" remarks the scar-faced man.

"I'm confused about what you're talking about."

The other man approaches me, saying, "You'll find out. Placing his hand on my arm, he hoisted me up and carried me on his right shoulder. I deliver a kick to the man's chest. He released his hold on me, allowing me to escape and sprint towards the front, where I found my dad.

With tears streaming down my face, I turn to my dad for help, explaining that some men are after me. When I moved back; I looked into his eyes, showing emptiness and disgust, which confused me. 

"Father, can you please tell me what's happening?" With fear in my voice, I ask.

“My child, I have sold you to another Alpha” He states without any expression.

With more tears streaming down my face, I ask “Are you kidding?”

“Since our pack is male dominant, it follows tradition that the Alpha's firstborn is always a male. Because you're my eldest, the title's yours, but I won't allow you to disgrace our pack; women are inferior.”

I begged my father, "Dad, if that's your only concern, we can tell a small lie." No one outside the pack needs to know, as long as everyone is happy.

“Winter, the fact is, I'll know soon, and its spread is a risk I cannot take.” My dad says.

In a flash, I was captured by the men and couldn't escape Confronting my father, I asked, "If reputation matters so much, why not disown me at birth?"

“Unlike your mother, I never wanted you; I kept you only to sell you. With a smirk, he confidently assures, "Trust me, you were worth every cent."

The moment I locked eyes with my father, I could not help but say, "You selfish bastard, I despise you. I hope we never meet again in the future. "If we do, I'll kill you," I declared before walking away. As we depart, I speak words I never imagined uttering: "I Winter Beloved Cheshire, am severing all bonds with The Cheshire Husk pack."