He took a deep breath, trying to control his temper as I could see his jaw clenching and unclenching. “There is no cool in acting strong.” 

I pushed the pizza away and grabbed my bag before standing up, “I’m finished eating. Is this all? Then I need to go.” 

I started to walk away and I somehow anticipated for him to stop me and throw some lectures at me but he didn’t. Instead, he was quiet as I was leaving. 

I closed the door behind me, and I caught sight of his emotionless face watching me. I couldn’t even read his mind, but that’s none of my business now. 

The sky was blue and there were a few students left at the school at this time. I don’t mind going home at this time, but I could think of the time and couldn’t help but imagine all the bad things that my stepmother would do to my aunt. My feet instantly hastened with just the thought. 

I go on with my plan again. This will be the last time I go to this school. This will be the last night we’ll spend the night there at my stepmother’s place. Tonight, I’ll pack my aunt’s belongings discreetly. With the money that my stepbrother gave us earlier, we’ll finally leave that damn place. 

I had already spotted some cheap apartments to temporarily stay in and I’ll work two jobs to support both of us. We’ll somehow survive, I know we will. 

As I got closer to the house, I felt someone’s presence behind me…as if being followed. I grabbed my bag tightly, not wanting to get robbed as my savings are here. Is it a robber? A kidnapper? An assaulter? Panic filled every step I took and sweat formed on my forehead. 

Whoever it was, I had to make sure I could fight for myself. I’m strong. I know I am. 

I continued walking normally, trying to act cool, and using my peripheral vision to see who it was, but found no one. 

Weird. 

I quickened my pace and it felt like whoever was following me also fastened. Gritting my teeth, I tightly clutched my bag and started to dash forward into the streets and empty alleys. Times like this just make me wish that this area was a bit busier and had cars that would sometimes pass by…just to give me comfort that I would have someone to ask if ever I needed help. 

I continued running, my breath running out as my heart felt like bursting from the adrenaline rush. I groaned in pain as I felt a sharp pain in my back, feeling like a big hand scratched it. I tried to reach out my hand to my back and was right. 

It feels like a claw mark. I hissed in pain as I felt blood coming out. I have to get to my aunt sooner! I sniffed the air and smelled a foul smell, like a street dog. 

Was I just…clawed by some wild dog? In the streets? 

I turned around to confirm it and saw a figure. I was partially right…but instead..it was not just some dog….It looks like…

Almost like a wolf? But a big wolf. I don’t know, I’m not sure as I couldn’t see clearly with the sky turning dark and the figure behind me was too quick in a rampaging, biting down the nearby tree and then running around. I was rooted to my spot as I didn’t know what to do next. I wanted to drag my feet and run while the attacker was still distracted but a gasp came out of my mouth as he tried to jump on me. 

I shrieked and closed my eyes, anticipating the attack but a cold wind brushed past me. 

Two men appeared in front of me, their backs facing me. I couldn’t clearly see them as my mind was going hazy and I fell to the ground, the pain in the wound on my back now increasing and I felt like being burned. I wanted to throw up and I tried to catch my breath. 

“Finally, these bastards finally showed up. That was easy, let’s hunt the others, Alpha,” I heard one of them say with a cheery and familiar voice. Where did I hear it? 

“Catch the others. I’ll take care of her.” A deep intimidating voice ordered, and the man with a cheery voice replied, “Alright, Alpha.” 

I wanted to open my eyes but all I could see was the fire. A huge raging fire and a tall man carrying me, his musky and earthy scent lingering on me. 

“You’re finally safe, my mate.” That was all I could hear before blackness took over me. As much as I wanted to fight over the sleepiness, his arms were comfy and offered a warm feeling to me.