THE ALPHA'S FORBIDDEN MATE

Mia's POV

I kicked my feet to the sound of the music as mummy and daddy sang along. Mummy always made Daddy play my favorite song every time we were on a road trip, but today was a very special day so daddy didn't complain.

"Happy birthday, baby girl" Daddy said as he turned to look at me. I giggled.

"Our baby girl's six today. You're a big girl now, aren't you?" Mummy said and stretched her hand to touch my knees. Then she suddenly gasped. "Micah! He just kicked" I leaned forward excitedly. I loved when Daddy rubbed Mummy's tummy cause it made mummy laugh and her laugh was beautiful.

That was the last beautiful moment I had of mummy and daddy. I remember a bright light hitting our car.

A terrifying scream.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw mummy, blinking slowly, blood on her face. So much blood. I couldn't move, I slowly turned my head and realized I was upside down.

"Mumm-y" I manage to say, as I felt dizzy. I looked again and saw Daddy, his eyes were closed. His body too still

Mummy touched my face, tears spilling from her eyes.

"I wish you met him sooner" she whispered. "I'm sorry, baby girl" I tried to formed words to respond, I couldn't speak. I could hear the ambulance truck sound.

Atlas. They would be able to save mummy and daddy....

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"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear, Miahhhh. Happy birthday to you!" I beam a smile at her and blew out the candles. "Go on...make a wish" I shut my eyes. I wish I could see them again, just one last time. I felt tears run down my cheeks and Jenna's arms around me almost immediately.

"Happy twentieth, girl. I love you, okay? And I'm here for you" she raised her glass, I clinked it with mine. "Good vibes only"

I nodded.

"Thanks for the cake, Jenna"

I step out to the rooftop, a beer bottle in my hand. The night breeze felt cool and soothing. Jenna was already asleep. I took a sip of the bitter sweet and kept the bottle aside, wrapping the blanket tighter around me. From under the blanket, I pulled out a silver knife, turning it around under the moonlight. It felt very cool to the touch, I folded my fingers over it tightly. 20 years...the year is finally here. I look up at the full moon. I will avenge you mum...and dad, and my unborn brother.

"Miah?" I smoothly hid the knife under the blanket and turned to face Jenna with a smile. "What are you doing out here? It's cold" She yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"Just enjoying the moon light"

She smiled and snuggled next to me.

"What woke you up?"

"Noticed the birthday girl wasn't on her side of the bed"

I chuckled. Oh Jenna, I don't know how you would take this. Should I just tell her? She wouldn't believe me. Werewolf hunter...she'd never believe it.

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Dawn crept in slowly. I turned to look at Jenna, sleeping peacefully next to me. I quietly got up from the bed to begin preparations for hunting. I walked out of the room and straight to the garage. Everything was still in place, the way my father left it. I pulled out a large old wooden chest. Inside lay tools, I've never opened this chest. I did read about it from my dad's notepad, but I decided not to look till I turned 20, when I knew I'd be ready for whatever. Silver blades, wolfsbane vials, and a crossbow. At the sides of the bow, my mother's name was inscribed. I tightened my grip around the bow, trying to keep my emotions in check. I grabbed a duffel bag and filled it with weapons and supplies that I will need on the hunt.

I went back into the bedroom and looked at Jenna one last time, then I set down the bag and grabbed a sheet of paper and pen. I left a note on the bedside lamp and stepped out of the room quietly. I better leave now before she notices I'm out of bed.

The forest thickened the deeper I went. The air smelled of pine and damp earth, but underneath it lingered something else, something wild. The sun had come up now. Jenna must have seen my note. Claw marks scarred the trunks of the trees. I had reached the edge of their territory. Skulls of animals lay scattered in different parts of the forest as I went deeper, bones hanging from branches. I have come a long way, there's no turning back now. A low howl echoed through the forest. Not far. My grip tightened around the silver knife. Good, let them come.

I went farther, clutching my duffel bag. I have to keep my guard up. Not so long after, I heard branches snapping. I could feel eyes on me. I swallowed hard and slipped my hand into my pocket, bringing the wolf's bane out and smearing it on the knife's blade.

A deep growl behind me. I froze and spun quickly. My foot caught on a root, and I slipped. Hit the ground hard. The air left my lungs. Then I saw it.

It stood a few feet away from me. Massive. Still. Watching. Dark hair, golden eyes. It moved closer with each second. I jabbed the knife in the air, just between us. It's eyes darted to the knife, its nose scrunched up.

"Scared now, huh? Back off!" I screamed. Its eyes remained on me, and in a swift second, it lifted its paw and slapped the knife away from my hands. I gasped and scooted back. I heard more howls and spotted more werewolves approaching slowly. I swiftly grabbed the crossbow and aimed at its face. My hands shook, and my heart beat raced quickly. I can't let this beast kill me, I wouldn't die without a fight. Not like this.

It bared its fangs at me, drool spilling from its mouth. It was a terrifying sight, but I couldn't let my fears show. Its eyes were a mix of gold and blue, more of golden. As terrifying as its other features looked, its eyes were the only pleasing thing to look at. Why am I hesitating? I took the shot but missed, the arrow flying to the ground. It only growled louder, bringing its face closer and closer, till I could smell the blood on its breath.

This was how I was going to die. A coward. Helpless and stupid to have come here alone. I didn't look away. I held its gaze, keeping my confidence, though my dignity was gone. In a swift second, it went down for my neck. Pain shot throughout my body. I let out a horrified scream, tears blurring my vision. My eyes fluttered shut.

I'm sorry, mum...dad. I couldn't avenge you.