Chapter 4
Natasha's POV
Hours later, I was driving a secondhand car along the winding mountain road, my stomach in knots.
I'd thought long and hard about this. While accepting this job meant surrendering to Erin in some way, refusing it meant giving up a chance that could transform my life.
I'd used my emergency credit card to buy a simple outfit—a modest button-down shirt, fitted pants, and practical shoes. The tags were still hidden inside, ready for return if the interview went south. This is my last hope, I thought, my fingers absently brushing the thin resume in my pocket.
As I rounded the final curve, a magnificent estate came into view, stealing my breath. The mansion stood on the hillside like something from a movie set, stone walls and gleaming windows shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. Luxury cars filled the circular driveway, and I carefully parked my aging vehicle in one of the few remaining spaces.
How ironic, I thought with a bitter smile, even my car is reminding me I don't belong here.
Before stepping out, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, took a deep breath, and grabbed my resume.
A group of women had already gathered near the front entrance, dressed in elegant outfits and carrying expensive-looking portfolios. My heart sank—were these all my competition?
Just then, the mansion doors burst open and a woman stumbled out, her face streaked with tears. Her dress was torn, exposing large patches of skin, with visible scratch marks on her arms.
"Let me out of this madhouse!" she screamed, rushing toward her car. "That child is a demon! That man is a monster!"
We all watched in shock as whispers erupted around me.
"That's the third one today," a werewolf woman standing in front of me said quietly. "The first was carried out covered in blood; the second was practically naked—apparently she tried to seduce the boss and well..." She made a throat-slitting gesture.
God, what have I gotten myself into? My heart raced, palms sweating. Was this job really worth the risk?
"Then why are so many people still applying?" I couldn't help asking.
"The salary, darling," she explained. "They say it's ten times what a normal tutor makes." She leaned closer, her nose twitching slightly before her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you're human?"
I nodded, feeling that familiar discomfort.
She shook her head, pity flashing in her eyes. "You might want to just head home. They'll never hire a human to tutor a werewolf child."
I forced a smile but said nothing. Maybe she's right, I thought, but I've come this far—might as well try.
Finally, it was my turn. A silver-haired housekeeper led me into the mansion, briefly introducing herself as Grace before guiding me through a spacious hall, up a staircase, and down a long corridor.
I followed Grace past winding hallways and through two gardens. She moved quickly, her skirt creating elegant arcs across the floor as I nearly had to jog to keep up.
"Wait..." I called out, breathless, but Grace didn't seem to hear as she disappeared around a corner.
I stopped, looking around to find myself in an unfamiliar garden surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers. Damn it, I thought, did she ditch me on purpose?
Anxiety and irritation tangled together as I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Stay cool, Natasha, this might just be a test. I decided to keep going, hoping to find someone to ask for directions.
Passing through a stone archway, I entered another, more secluded garden. A beautiful fountain created a melodic backdrop of flowing water. On a bench near the fountain sat a little girl, her golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, her blue dress matching her eyes.
She seemed to be talking to herself, a book in her hands. When I approached, her head snapped up, eyes instantly changing from blue to golden yellow.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
I stopped, my heart racing, but kept my voice steady: "I'm Natasha. I'm here to interview for the tutor position. I think I'm lost."
"Another tutor?" she repeated, obvious disgust in her voice. "Are you here to suck up to my dad too? Like all the others?"
Her words made my heart tighten. The suspicion and hostility in this little girl's eyes went far beyond her years, making me wonder what she'd been through.
"No," I answered honestly, "I'm here to apply for a job because I need the money. I don't even know who your father is."
She stood up, the book sliding from her lap, and I noticed her ears becoming pointy.
"You're human," she suddenly said, her small nose twitching slightly. "I can smell it."
I nodded, unsure if this was good or bad. "Yes, I am."
She suddenly rushed toward me, moving with astonishing speed. My instinct was to back away, but I forced myself to stand firm. Don't show fear, I told myself, she's just a child.
She stopped in front of me, her little face contorted with anger, revealing sharp werewolf fangs. "Humans don't belong here!"
I slowly crouched down to her eye level, my heart pounding in my chest, but I kept my voice calm: "I understand you might not like humans, but I'm just trying to find my way back."
She narrowed her eyes, studying me for a few seconds, seemingly assessing my reaction. "Why aren't you afraid?" she asked, confusion replacing the anger in her voice. "Everyone else runs away screaming."
"Because..." I paused, considering my answer before deciding on the truth, "because I don't think you really want to hurt me. You're testing me, seeing if I'll scare away like the others."
Her expression changed, the golden light in her eyes flickering uncertainly. "How did you know?" she asked quietly, the hostility in her voice diminishing.
I smiled and said, "Because I was once a lonely child too. I grew up in an orphanage, and I know that sometimes scaring people is a way to get attention."
Her eyes gradually returned to blue, her fangs receding. "You're an orphan?" she asked, her voice softening. "You don't have a mom or dad?"
"Yes," I answered softly, a wave of bittersweet emotion washing over me. "I've never had parents."
She slowly approached me, the hostility in her eyes completely gone, replaced by cautious curiosity. "I don't have a mom either," she said quietly. "Just a dad. But he's always busy. Everyone only cares about him because he's rich and powerful. Nobody really cares about me."
My heart melted as I suddenly understood her behavior.
"That must be really hard," I said sincerely, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. I expected her to pull away, but she didn't.
She looked up at me, surprise flashing in her eyes, as if she hadn't expected a stranger to understand her feelings so accurately.
"Are you really here to be my tutor?" she asked, a hint of hope in her voice. "Not to get close to my dad?"
"Yes," I answered with a smile, "I'm here for you."