Who I am

I am Berries Andres Mary Ulrika. Eighteen years old. Short for Bam. Two years ago, my real parents sold me to my new parents, but I’m fine now. Actually fine. Because I’m no longer alone, and for the first time, I feel important. And here I am, standing in front of four guys. Not just guys though. They’re the famous Alphas. Higher rank. Everyone knows them. Everyone fears them. Lucky me, I guess.

“So if you don’t want us to spread it, you have to follow us. I’m sorry, we just need someone who will listen. Someone with no complaints and not pale,” the red-haired one said, laughing and scratching his head.

Seriously? They kissed me just to shut me up so they could say that? The reason is so shallow the water couldn’t even cover your toenails. But fine, he apologized. I’ll listen.

I exhaled slowly. “What if I really am a werewolf?” I asked, completely serious. His eyebrow shot up.

“You should’ve transformed already. If you’re saying you’re the principal’s daughter and you’re being careful, then transform now to clear your name. If you don’t prove it… we’ll spread the word. After a few days, we’ll know if you survived,” the black-haired guy said with a creepy serious smile.

I definitely don’t want Mommy to hear any of this. So… fine.

“Okay,” I answered briefly. That one word surprised all of them.

“What do you mean okay? Will you transform?” the redhead asked.

I shook my head fast. “I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t tell anyone what you know.” I said it seriously, and all four of them smiled.

Great. I’m definitely being bullied.

“It’s simple,” the redhead continued. “Pick up Yance at the airport, eat with him, stay with him all day, and make sure not even a mosquito lands on him.”

I turned to him slowly. “After that, will I be free? Or are you still going to boss me around?” The black-haired man rolled his eyes so hard I heard them.

Why does he act like I personally offended his ancestors?

“Wait… is Yance a girl?” I asked because, honestly, I have no clue.

They all screamed together: “No!”

The black-haired guy glared at me again. “And one more thing. Aren’t you listening to Cloud? We don’t need a slave. 

Once it’s over, you’re free. We won’t talk to you anymore.”

Yup. He hates me. The universe hates me. Perfect.

He turned around and started walking away. The others followed him like a dramatic hair-color parade: red, light blue, and yellow. Then, I guess it's time to go at my parent's office. 

******

The hallway was too quiet for my liking. Maybe that’s why their voices carried so clearly from inside the room. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but when four men who threatened my life start talking loudly, anyone with a functioning brain would pause.

And there they were.

Cristof with his black hair, sitting like the table offended him. Cloud leaning back like he owned the world. Geri with his light blue hair resting his foot on the table, and the red-haired one, Lance’s friend, completely unbothered.

“What if Berries can’t pick up Yance?” Geri said, foot kicking the table like a spoiled cat claiming territory.

Cristof instantly kicked his foot off. “I know you have no respect for women, but at least respect the table we are eating at,” he snapped, dead serious.

I swallowed hard. Even from here, Cristof’s voice sent a weird sting down my spine.

He sat down, elbows on the table. “She’ll do what we ordered. I… understand her smell. When she’s angry. When she’s surprised. When she’s happy. When she’s sad. It comes out of her scent. Maybe because she’s human and we’re wolves.”

The three stared at him like he suddenly grew another head.

“What?” Cristof asked with a smile. “What’s surprising about what I said?”

Cloud hummed. “Can’t she be your mate? We don’t smell anything like that from her. But we admit… Berries’ spirit smells good.”

The red-haired man nodded. “Cloud has a point. Maybe she’s your mate, Cristof. That’s why you’re hot-headed toward her. You can’t accept she’s human.”

Cristof glared at them. “Maybe you just didn’t smell her properly.”

Geri raised a brow. “Did you forget? A werewolf can have a human mate. When you meet your mate, nothing can stop it. Just make sure she goes to you. If she chooses someone else… goodbye Alpha Cristof Conri.”

Cristof froze.

“What if she’s not my mate?” he muttered.

Geri smirked. “Berries is your mate. She asks impossible things. You ask possible things. You knew it from the start. You just don’t want to accept a human. Anyway, I’m off. I’m finding girls.” Then he yawned and left the room.

Cloud stretched. “Geri is stupid-smart sometimes. But Cristof, don’t think too much. You might fall for Berries. Fighting yourself is the hardest.”

Cristof stood, snarling. “As if she’s my mate.” He stomped out.

The remaining two shook their heads. “Okay. You said it.”

I pressed my hand to my chest. My heart was pounding too fast.

Mate?

Me?

Cristof?

Impossible. Impossible, impossible, impossible.

I stepped back quietly, trying to pretend I hadn’t just heard all of that. But then- A voice beside me: “You’re looking for me?”

I jumped. The black-haired man himself. Cristof. Standing so close I could smell the cold wind mixed with something sharp and warm.

I forced a smile. “Well… you’re not the only one I was looking for, but you can count.”

He raised a brow.

“Did I do something to you? Every time you talk to me, you get angry. And you forgot to tell what time Yance arrives. You know. The one I supposed to pick up.” I knew it. He was going to get angry. I bowed quickly. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I didn’t ask earlier.”

“Are you afraid? Or sad? Why aren’t you looking at me?” he asked.

His tone made me look up without thinking.

And his eyes… cold.

So cold they hurt.

The kind of look that doesn’t just land on your skin, but cuts straight into your chest.

Tears dropped before I could stop them.

Cristof froze. “Useless. If you have questions about Yance, ask Cloud. He knows. Goodbye.”

He walked away without another look.

My chest tightened painfully.

Why did it hurt?

Why did I feel like I didn’t want him to look at me like that?

Why did it feel wrong?

“Bam, what happened? What did Cristof do?” a familiar voice said.

I turned and immediately fell into the arms of Brother Lance. “He didn’t do anything… but when I saw his eyes…” I couldn’t stop crying.

Since when did I get this soft?

Lance held my shoulders. “Since when did you talk to him?”

“A while ago. And… they already know I’m not a werewolf.”

“What? His three friends too? Did Aunt and Uncle know?”

“I didn’t tell Mom and Dad. I don’t want to rely on them all the time. I need to do this myself.”

Lance rubbed his forehead. “Bam… and how do you know Yance’s name?”

“I heard them a while ago,” I answered honestly.

Lance’s expression hardened. “Listen. Yance is half werewolf, half vampire. Never talk to him.”

“I have to,” I said. “Cristof said he’d expose me.”

Lance’s jaw clenched. “Aunt needs to know.”

I shook my head. “Please trust me. Mom and Dad do.”

I left him and headed for my classroom, wiping my tears.

Cristof’s eyes wouldn’t leave my mind.

When I entered the room, my heart stopped.

Cristof was there.

Alpha Evo stood in front. “Berries is here. Everyone quiet. Our professor is coming. Berries, you’ll sit next to Alpha Cristof. No complaints. The principal instructed.”

I froze.

Sit beside him?

After everything?

My heart didn’t care about the logic.

It just hurt.