Encounter(4)

Wyatt's POV

"It's time to head to the Rouge Moon Pack," my Beta, Mateo, warned, stepping aside.

I nodded and joined the other werewolves. A decade had passed since I became Alpha of the Blue Crescent Pack at just 18 years old. Over the years, I had witnessed our pack's growth and unity. We had overcome countless challenges, forging bonds that transcended mere loyalty. Together, we faced powerful adversaries, honed our skills, and established ourselves among many packs.

In my first year as Alpha, I faced skepticism from both within and without, particularly from those who suspected I had killed my father. My youth and the patricide rumors cast doubt on my abilities, but I was determined to prove them wrong. With unwavering determination, I earned the trust and respect of my peers.

Although most of my pack believed in me back then, the memory of my father's death still haunted me. On that fateful day, after training, I entered his office, expecting our usual discussions. Instead, I found him lying motionless in a pool of blood. My heart raced as I stared at his lifeless body, the metallic scent filling the room. Grief and anger surged within me as I knelt beside him, touching his cold cheek with trembling fingers, unable to accept the cruel truth.

Theories and questions swirled in my mind. Who had done this? Was it murder or accident? As I pondered, the former Beta, Lucas, rushed in. "Alpha!" he exclaimed, seeing me covered in blood. "Did you see who did it?"

I shook my head, confusion etching my features. Lucas called in more werewolves, and we meticulously examined the scene, searching for any clues. But aside from my father's body and the blood, we found no other evidence. There were no signs of anyone entering or exiting the sealed office, except for me.

With the murderer still at large, rumors spread that I had killed my own father. The burden of proving my innocence grew heavier by the day.

"Alpha, we've arrived at the Rouge Moon Pack. The man in front of us is their Alpha, Wallace Bennett," Mateo said, gesturing to the imposing figure.

I stepped forward and shook Bennett's hand. "Mr. Bennett," I greeted. "I've heard much about you."

Bennett introduced his wife, Samantha, and their daughter, Eliana. I nodded, slightly puzzled, as I had heard he had two daughters.

Sensing my confusion, Mateo leaned in and whispered, "I've heard that Wallace Bennett's eldest, Odette, has a troubled relationship with the family. Apparently, her birth mother died when Odette was 10, and Bennett remarried Samantha, who is Eliana's mother. It seems they don't get along well."

I acknowledged the information but had little interest in such family dramas. I followed Bennett to the hall, where a feast had been prepared, but I skipped dinner, heading straight to the cottage the Rouge Moon Pack had arranged for me.

As I settled in, I heard the voice of my wolf, Bruce. "Someone's approaching. I can't detect a wolf's scent. I'm not sure if it's human or werewolf."

I concealed myself in the shadows, curious to see who had snuck in. The door slowly opened, and a young woman with fiery red hair crept in, her movements frantic, as if she were searching for something.

As she turned to leave, I spoke up. "What are you doing here?"

She looked terrified, but to my surprise, she held back her scream. "Who are you? Why are you here?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I was intrigued by her boldness. "You don't need to know," I replied.

"Please leave," she whispered.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Do you think you can command me, little girl? You're so naive."

Just as I was about to let her go, she suddenly grabbed a pair of scissors and attacked me. Her movements were quick and efficient, belying her angelic appearance.

"Look, she won't leave me alone!" I said to Bruce.

My wolf laughed. "You got what you deserved!"

I grabbed the woman's wrist, listening to her groan in pain. "You poor thing," I said.

"Let me go, or I'll scream!" she struggled.

"You wouldn't, or you wouldn't be a thief here. I didn't know there were thieves in the Rouge Moon Pack."

"Are you..." she began.

"Yes, Wyatt Parker, from the Blue Crescent Pack," I answered.

I waited for her to introduce herself, and after a moment of hesitation, she did.

"Odette Bennett."

"Wallace Bennett's daughter?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied.

So, this was the infamous Cinderella sister, Odette Bennett.