Chapter 4

Waking up in a cold sweat, I realize it's only four am as I glance at the clock and lay down defeated. Yesterday was my birthday, and I was rejected the same day as graduation. With a heavy sigh, I get up and get dressed to go for a long run before breakfast.

The crisp morning air greets me as I step outside, the familiar rhythm of my feet hitting the ground calming the storm of emotions raging within me. The rhythmic pounding of my heart matches the steady cadence of my steps, a sense of determination settling over me like a comforting shroud.

Lost in the rhythm of my run, I let the tension and uncertainty of the past days fall away with each stride. The rising sun paints the sky in hues of pink and gold, casting a warm glow over the familiar landscape of the pack territory.

As I push myself to go faster, to run harder, I feel a surge of strength and resilience welling up inside me. Despite the challenges and setbacks I've faced, I refuse to be defeated. My differences are not a weakness to be hidden or ashamed of; they are a source of power waiting to be unleashed.

With each passing mile, I feel a renewed sense of purpose growing within me. The rejection may have marked the end of one chapter of my life within the pack, but it also heralded the beginning of a new journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. I am Alena, a werewolf with abilities that set me apart, and I will not let fear or rejection define me.

Returning from my run, the scent of breakfast wafts through the air, drawing me towards the comforting familiarity of home. The pack territory may be tinged with memories both bitter and sweet, but it is also a place where I forged bonds of friendship and loyalty that transcend any temporary discord.

As I step into the kitchen, the clatter of pans and murmured conversations greet me, a sense of warmth wrapping around me like a welcoming embrace. My parents look up from their meal preparations, concern etched in their expressions as they take in my determined demeanor.

“Are you okay, Alena?” my mother asks, her voice gentle yet laced with worry. “You've been through so much in such a short time.”

I meet her gaze hesitantly, “I am hurting, mom. I never thought I would get a mate, but who would want me? Not only that, but I have nightmares every night, plus sometimes during the day. Let alone me talking to things that are not there.”

A flicker of concern crosses my mother's face as she listens to my words, her eyes reflecting a mix of compassion and understanding. She reaches out a comforting hand, squeezing mine in a gesture of solidarity that speaks volumes with no words.

“Alena, you are so much more than your abilities or what others may perceive of you,” my father Adrian interjects, his voice a steady anchor in the whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. “You are strong and kind-hearted. Your differences do not diminish your worth.”

Tears well up in my eyes at my parents' unwavering support, their words a balm to the raw ache within me. I take a shaky breath, grasping onto their belief in me like a lifeline amidst the storm brewing inside my mind.

“I just feel so lost, Daddy Adrian,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper as I lay bare in the depths of my turmoil. “I don't know how to navigate this new chapter of my life, especially with the weight of Jacob's rejection and Alpha Paul's decision hanging over me like a shadow.”

My parents exchange a knowing glance, a silent conversation passing between them before my mother speaks, her voice filled with tenderness and resolve. “Alena, you may feel lost now, but remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always a flicker of light to guide you,” she says, her words wrapping around me like a soothing embrace. “You have faced adversity before and emerged stronger each time. This is no different.”

Her words resonate within me, stirring a glimmer of hope amidst the storm of doubt and fear that threaten to consume me. I draw strength from her unwavering faith in my abilities, her belief in my resilience, a beacon of courage in the face of uncertainty.

Daddy Levi places a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me in the present moment as he meets my gaze with unwavering support. “We are here and Cami will stay with us. Plus, we have a meeting tonight with King Roak coming to discuss potential alliances with neighboring packs,” he says, his voice steady and reassuring. “You are not alone in this, Alena. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and emerge stronger as a family.”

A sense of gratitude wells up within me at my parents' words, their unwavering support a lifeline that anchors me in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty. With a newfound resolve burning bright in my chest, I square my shoulders and meet their gaze with a nod of determination.

“Thank you, Mom, Dads,” I say, my voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and determination. “I will face whatever comes our way with courage and resilience, knowing that I have you by my side.”

As we sit down for breakfast, the weight of the upcoming meeting with King Roak hangs heavy in the air, a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. But amidst the shadows of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope shines through, fueled by the unwavering support of my family and the resilience that stirs within me. With each passing moment, I feel a sense of determination building, a quiet resolve to face whatever may come with courage and strength. The meeting with King Roak may hold the key to forging alliances that could shape the future of our pack, and I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities it may bring.

As the day unfolds, preparations for the meeting are set in motion. The sun dips below the horizon; while the air buzzes with the electric charge of anticipation, thrumming through my veins as I follow the throng towards the pack gathering. The moon hangs heavy in the night sky, a silent witness to the clandestine assembly of supernatural beings. I feel my pulse quicken, not from fear, but from an unfamiliar excitement.