In a pack where rejection and blame reign supreme, Catherine stands tall against the relentless tide. When her parents fall victim to a rogue attack, she becomes the target of her pack's wrath-everyone except the Alpha and Luna, who become her beaco...
Sleep clung to me like a heavy fog when a voice pierced through.
"Wake up, Cathy."
I groggily sat up and blinked against the sunlight streaming in. Jane stood by my bed, suspiciously holding a glass of water. The second she saw me awake, she hid it behind her back like a guilty child.
Now wide awake, I narrowed my eyes at her. "What were you trying to do?"
"N-o-t-h-i-n-g," she stuttered, avoiding my gaze.
I raised my eyebrow, and with a dramatic sigh, she admitted, "Fine. I was trying to wake you up for the past five minutes. You wouldn't budge. So... I thought of using the old-school method." She held the glass up in front of my face.
My jaw dropped. "You were going to pour that cold water on me?"
"Technically, yes," she said with a smirk. "But now that you're up, crisis averted. Now hurry up and get ready—we've got training." She tugged me out of bed and practically shoved me toward the bathroom.
"I'll get your clothes ready!" she called after me, closing the door
The word training swirled in my mind as the shower's warmth rushed over me. Why did I need to train? Back at my old pack, I wasn't even allowed near the training grounds, let alone participate. Because of my inability to shift, they said I was useless. But here, things were different. Here, they wanted me in.
I came out with a towel wrapped around me only to find Jane waiting like a drill sergeant. She was dressed in grey shorts and a sleeveless black top. A similar outfit lay neatly on my bed.
"Are we wearing this for training?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, now hurry," she replied.
I quickly dressed and tied my hair back. "You ready?" Jane asked.
"Ready," I said with a nervous smile.
~~~~~
We walked together toward the training grounds. The pack's land seemed alive this morning. I could hear the faint clatter of wooden staffs, shouts of encouragement, and the rhythmic pounding of fists against training dummies even before we arrived.
Joseph joined us midway, falling into step on my right. His energy was infectious.
"Do you know why our pack is the strongest one?" he asked with a grin.
I shook my head.
"Because we train harder than anyone else. No matter who comes against us, we defeat them effortlessly. Training starts at the age of twelve—sometimes earlier—before pups even shift. That's why we're stronger, even in human form." His chest puffed out with pride.
"He's right," Jane added. "The average female here can overpower a beta from other packs. That's the difference our training makes."
"Whoa." I couldn't hide my awe. The idea thrilled me... but it also cut deep. "But why am I training? I don't have my wolf. I don't think I'll ever shift," I admitted, my voice low.
Jane and Joseph exchanged a quick glance. Jane finally said, "The Alpha will explain."
~~~~~
When we reached the grounds, the sight took my breath away.
Dozens of warriors filled the clearing, their bodies slick with sweat, their movements sharp and lethal. Some sparred with fists, others with weapons. Young teens shouted war cries as they clashed wooden staffs together, while pups sprinted obstacle courses, encouraged by older fighters. The ground shook with the weight of their energy.
For a moment, I felt both awe and envy. Back at my old pack, I wasn't even allowed to watch. Here, strength wasn't just trained—it was lived, breathed, celebrated.
Then his gaze found mine. The Alpha.
His eyes locked onto me across the chaos. His presence was commanding, his voice still booming orders even as he whispered something to Ethan. Moments later, Ethan jogged over with a crooked smile.
"Good morning, Cathy," he greeted lightly.
"Good morning," I replied with a soft smile, though my nerves spiked.
"The Alpha wants you to come with me. Jane and Joseph can start training." He took my hand, his grip firm but reassuring, and led me away.
The Alpha dismissed the warriors with a set of commands before turning to me. His gaze softened, the stern leader replaced by something warmer.
"Good morning, Catherine," he said.
"Good morning, Alpha," I replied automatically.
"I told you, no more Alpha," he corrected gently. "You're my daughter now. Call me Dad."
The word stuck in my throat. Dad. I'd never had the chance to say it before. My lips trembled, and I whispered, "Sorry... Dad."
His arms wrapped around me suddenly, pulling me into a tight embrace. My walls broke, and I found myself sobbing against his chest.
"Don't cry, sweetheart," he murmured, kissing my forehead. "I'm happy you're here. I always wanted a daughter... and now, the Moon Goddess has blessed me with you."
Tears streamed down my cheeks, but for the first time, they weren't from pain.
He pulled back slightly, his expression turning serious. "I wanted to speak to you about training. I know your old pack denied you, but here, things are different. Even without a wolf, I want you strong. Strong enough to defend yourself if the need arises."
"But I thought—"
"No," he interrupted firmly, but with love. "You're the daughter of an Alpha. This pack protects you, yes, but I want you to be able to protect yourself too."
The weight of his words sank in. My chest tightened, but slowly, I nodded. "Okay. I'll train with them. I won't disappoint you."
He smiled, pride lighting his face. "I know you won't."
~~~~~
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