CHAPTER TWO

It was already late at night when I decided to go to the nightclub. Luckily, there weren’t too many people yet, so I didn’t have to fall in line. As soon as I stepped inside, I could already hear the loud electric music blasting from the DJ on stage, with lights flashing and people dancing on the floor.

I headed straight to the bar, took an empty stool, and ordered a drink from the bartender. I glanced around to see if I knew anyone, but nope—flying solo tonight. Oh well, I’m used to it. I even invited some of my friends from the village, but not one of them wanted to go out. It must be lovely to have a mate!

I ordered a strong drink, even removed the straw, and gulped it down. I didn’t care if it looked unladylike—I was just too bitter tonight. I know I’m a rebellious daughter, but I only turned out this way because of my father’s restrictions. My tendency to express my opinions often irritates my father. Is it inappropriate for women to enjoy the same privileges as men? Do we lack the ability to take the lead? Can't we train and fight alongside the men?

If only they could see the freedom female humans have. There are women enforcing the law, in the military, and so on—and they are badass bitches. I envy them, especially when I watch movies or TV series where the lead is a female action star. Could our world be more like that? We all have abilities, and we’re all wolves. I bet I’m even stronger than some of the arrogant warriors in our pack. Women are not weak. I am not weak, and I’m not afraid of the men in our pack.

Is the Goddess punishing me for my views in life? Is she punishing me for not following my Alpha? That’s so unfair! That’s the one thing that would make me happy, and it’s being denied. I can accept my mate. I just don’t want to be pushed around. I still want to be myself and do what I want. I don’t even mind if he’s human—we already have some humans in our pack. But if a female wolf finds a male human mate, she has to leave the pack and live with him. I’d actually prefer that. I could finally live how I want, free from the pack, because I wouldn’t be a part of it anymore.

I’m ready to settle down. I’ve saved up from working as a sales manager in the mall of the next village. I’m grateful that only my brother knows—I always count on him to cover for me. My father thinks I’m just out partying or searching for my mate.

I feel validated by the female wolves who have already settled in the village and are happily married to human spouses. They finally believe what I used to say about women's freedom. I told them, as the world and technology evolve, everything is changing. Women and men are becoming equals. It’s just our pack—and some others—that refuses to understand, because we’re not humans and we’ve lived too long under the elders’ beliefs.

I’m tired of explaining things to my parents, but they still see me as a disobedient daughter who only does what she wants. Well, yeah—this is my body, my life, so I should be the one to decide. My dad controls everyone in the village, and no one dares to speak back to him—except for me. I am his eldest and only daughter. That’s why he’s so angry at me, but I just shrug it off.

I took another drink but froze again when I felt that same tense atmosphere, like someone was watching me—just like in the coffee shop. Before I could turn around, a large man sat down beside me. I blinked, gasped, and took a deep breath because of how delicious he smelled. My wolf started to whine. I leaned in closer and took in more of his scent. A sensation of weight struck me, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin.

I started to pant, my heart pounding wildly, and my body quickly heating up. Realizing who he was froze me in place. My hands trembled as I grabbed my glass and downed the rest of my drink. Even after drinking, my mouth watered, and I still felt thirsty.

This feeling was unfamiliar—and it scared and excited me at the same time. Could this be it? Has the Goddess finally given me my soulmate? Is this the person I've been longing for? I wanted to scream in excitement, but I held it in—he might think I was going crazy. Honestly, I am going crazy because of how massive he is. I didn’t even know a man like him existed… He's human, too.

I swallowed hard and looked at the man beside me again. My eyes roamed over his body. He’s really big—probably around 7 feet tall. His muscles were bulging, his frame bulky even under his shirt and leather jacket. His ripped jeans clung to his legs, and he wore black motorcycle boots on his long feet. I swallowed again and ordered another drink.

I started to study his face, even though he was in profile. He was also drinking—whiskey on the rocks. I couldn’t see clearly, but I was sure he was clean-shaven, with a perfectly balanced face and a sharp nose. His skin was a bronze tan, gleaming under the lights, and I could swear the color shifted. I don’t know if it was just my imagination, but it looked like he had scales that shimmered under the strobe lights. It was weird—but kind of cool.

I breathed in his scent again and bit my lip—he smelled so damn good. But then I froze when he suddenly turned to me. I was blown away by how beautiful he was. I almost fell off my seat. He was also staring at me. His eyes were a mix of blue, green, and purple, with golden flecks on his pupils.

I fluttered my eyes at him—I couldn’t look away. I told myself I’d be confident when we met for the first time. I had promised myself that I would be confident when we met for the first time. However, at this moment, I feel as though I am losing my composure—his gaze weakens my knees, ignites a warmth within me, and evokes a sense of exhilaration, while my heart races. A charming smile gradually appeared on his lips as he licked them.

It was like, "I just came from that."

He leaned in closer. I gasped, thinking he was about to kiss me—but instead, he whispered something near my ear:

“Stop gawking at me, sweetheart. I might take you right here…”