CHAPTER 2

Marissa's Pov

Raindrops pattered against my ragged roof, each one landing on my skin like a somber melody.

The relentless rain had battered the area for days, its intensity matched only by the harshness of my circumstances. I had made numerous attempts to mend the broken parts of her roof, but the unforgiving winds seemed determined to undo my efforts.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I resigned myself to the futility of repairing the roof.

Ever since I was disowned, I had been dwelling in a modest cabin nestled deep within the woods, not far from the pack house.

My father had forbidden anyone from assisting me, deeming me unworthy of their company.

I was enslaved within the pack house by him. Rising early each day, I would diligently tend to the common areas, dutifully sweeping floors, dusting furniture, and even assisting with the preparation of meals for the pack members.

Leftovers were my meager sustenance, though sometimes even those were denied to me.

The only person who refused to treat me as an outcast was Ms. Lottie, who steadfastly believed that I was innocent of my mother's death.

Ms. Lottie had been my caregiver since birth, intimately familiar with the depth of my love for my late mother.

I'm a remarkably intelligent and conscientious girl, obediently following every command that was imposed upon me. As a human, I will diligently attend training sessions to learn the art of combat as instructed.

Despite my efforts, however, I was unable to shift into my wolf form—a source of great disappointment for my father and a subject of gossip among the pack members.

Unfazed, I continued to train relentlessly, refusing to be swayed by the harsh judgments of others.

Yet, for all my training and dedication, I was also told that I possessed a gentle heart that wouldn't harm a fly.

I remember once, when my mother had caught a rabbit during a hunt and brought it home, I wept for a week, mourning the lost creature's separation from its family.

Ms. Lottie believed me and was certain of my innocence in my mother's demise. To offer solace, she would occasionally smuggle freshly cooked food for me to take home, instead of the meager leftovers I was allotted.

I felt immense gratitude for having someone who believed in me and stood by my side during these trying times.

Without Ms. Lottie's unwavering support, I would have succumbed to the depths of despair or entertained thoughts of self-harm.

As the rain gradually ceased, I rose from the seat I once occupied and slung my tattered bag over her shoulder, preparing to leave my cabin and make my way to the pack house.

Today is going to be an arduous day, as my brother, Andrew, would be officially appointed as the new Alpha. Ever since we lost our mother, Andrew had taken on the responsibilities of leading the pack.

The loss of our mother had devastated our father, leaving him a mere shell of his former self. His grief weighed heavily upon him, evident in his grumpiness during the day and his proneness for drowning his sorrows in alcohol at night.

I had once caught him speaking to her image, witnessing the vulnerability of my once formidable father, and it had shattered my heart.

I let out a heavy sigh as I trudged towards the pack house. With various guests, including neighboring Alphas, expected to arrive, I noticed the energy of young wolf pups as I made my way.

Entering the bustling building, I quickly changed into appropriate attire. Despite my lowly position as a maid, today I was assigned to assist in the kitchen.

Wearing a smile on my face, I walked into the kitchen, where I found Ms. Lottie, deeply engrossed in chopping vegetables.

Seizing the opportunity for a bit of mischief, I quietly tiptoed behind her and enveloped her from behind.

Startled by my action, Ms. Lottie let out a gasp, inadvertently pointing the knife she held in my direction. I Acted swiftly, dodging the blade, relying on my well-honed reflexes.

"Calm down, Ms. Lottie, it's just me," I quickly murmured, raising her hands in a gesture of peace.

Relieved, Ms. Lottie let out a sigh, placing a hand over her chest to steady her racing heart. She carefully set the knife down on the chopping board.

"I've told you to stop startling me like that, child. You nearly gave me a heart attack," Ms. Lottie scolded, her gaze fixed firmly on me as I couldn't help but chuckle at the reaction I had provoked.

The sound of my chuckle echoed in the kitchen, filling the room with a sense of warmth. My laughter gradually subsided, and I looked at Ms. Lottie with gratitude shining in my eyes.

"I'm sorry for startling you, Ms. Lottie, but sometimes a little mischief is needed to lighten the weight on our shoulders," I said, my voice carrying a trace of sadness.

Ms. Lottie's expression softened, her eyes filled with compassion. She placed a gentle hand on my cheek, her touch warm and comforting.

"I understand, my dear. Life has dealt you a difficult hand, but I admire your serenity and the strength of your spirit. Despite the hardships you've faced, you still manage to find joy and spread it to others."

I leaned into Ms. Lottie's touch, cherishing the connection we shared. "You've taught me so much, Ms. Lottie. Your unwavering support has kept me going, even in the darkest moments. I don't know what I would do without you," I admitted, my voice filled with genuine affection.

Ms. Lottie smiled tenderly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You are like a daughter to me, Marissa. I promised your mother that I would protect you and guide you, and I intend to keep that promise. Together, we will overcome any obstacle that comes our way."

My smile widened as I grabbed an apron and tied it around my waist, ready to assist in the kitchen.

"Well, we have quite the feast to prepare today, don't we? With all the guests arriving, I imagine the pack house will be filled with laughter and celebration after a long time," I remarked, my enthusiasm contagious.

As they worked side by side, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and preparing dishes. My mind wandered to the bittersweet memories of my mother.

My mother had been a pillar of strength and love, and her absence left a void that was difficult to fill. However, I was determined to honor my mother's memory by supporting my brother Andrew and contributing my best to the pack's well-being.

How time flew by, I could remember how Drew and I used to play hide and seek. He would chase after me for hours after finding me and sometimes I would cry if he took long in finding me.

Now we are practically strangers. I can't recall when we last spoke to one another.

As the aromas of the cooking food filled the air, my thoughts turned to the challenges that lay ahead. Despite my innate talents and unwavering dedication, I knew that proving myself within the pack would be an uphill battle.

The whispers and doubts about my abilities had lingered for too long. But I refused to let them define me.

Ms. Lottie, sensing the burden that weighed on my heart, placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Remember, my dear, you possess strength and resilience that surpasses all expectations. The path you walk may be fraught with obstacles, but you have the power to overcome them and emerge even stronger."

I nodded, a renewed determination shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Ms. Lottie. Today is a new beginning, not just for Andrew but also for me. I won't let the doubts and judgments of others define me any longer. It's time for me to find my path, to prove my worth to the pack."

Ms. Lottie's smile widened, filled with pride. "That's the spirit, my dear. Believe in yourself, and others will follow suit. You have a strength within you that surpasses any form of transformation. Show them the power of your heart and the depth of your character."

As the sun began its descent, Ms. Lottie and the kitchen staff diligently arranged an array of delectable delicacies on the expansive table. The hall designated for Andrew's appointment exuded a captivating beauty that left me in awe as I stepped inside.

I knew my presence here contradicted the wishes of my father, making a trace of fear linger within me.

However, my purpose for being here wasn't for him. I had come to show unwavering support for my brother, Andrew.

I and Andrew hadn't engaged in a heartfelt conversation since the untimely passing of our mother.

Every time we crossed paths, Andrew's eyes conveyed a mix of sympathy and longing. Deep down, I knew he yearned to connect with his sister, to reassure that everything would be alright.

However, my father's strict orders had kept him at a distance, constantly under his watchful gaze.

Initially, Andrew had fallen victim to our father's words, accusing me of our mother's demise.

I know that he had wanted to harbor resentment toward me, but he couldn't. He had known his baby sister for far too long, and he had seen that there was no conceivable reason for me to have caused harm to our mother.

I know that our father had been consumed by grief over the loss of his mate. He had failed to find an outlet for his anguish, leading him to unleash his anger and pain upon me. I heard from Ms. Lottie that losing a mate was like getting your heart pulled out.

I understood my father's pain through her words. No one can live after his heart gets pulled out.

With my duties concluded at the pack house, I excused myself, swiftly retreating to my cabin to freshen up before Andrew's coronation as Alpha.

Taking a brisk shower, I changed into a pair of worn denim jeans and donned a black hoodie. I have to avoid my father during the event.

Pulling my curly blonde locks into a bun, I conceal myself further by raising the hood over my head.

I glanced at the small mirror hanging on the wall of my cabin, my reflection staring back at me with a mixture of anxiety and nervousness.

I knew that attending the event meant exposing myself to my father's disapproval, but I couldn't bear to miss this significant moment in my brother's life just because of fear.

I let out a shaky breath as I made my way to the event hall.