5

With no choice whatsoever we accepted our fate in this new pack. Our rations were smaller than the rest of everyone else. Being taunted by residents pack members. One thing I could agree on was that they knew how it felt when they treated me that way. Not that I was treated any better than them.

I was put on the outskirts of the village, the place that no one wanted since it was near the borders of the pack.

It was peaceful rather than a bother. I enjoyed the peace while hunting extra prey due to the small rations.

Days went into months and we settled down quite well. Apart from the very few village folks who refused to stay another day from the cruelty given unto them.

I worked in the main pack house, where the alpha stayed tending to the gardens and other minor work. If being scorned by the pack members wasn't enough, imagine being brutally handled by the higher wolves.

Keeping my head down and sticking to the corner was my protocol to not be noticed. I also got a clear picture of how gruesome the alpha's son is. With his father still on the throne, he behaved rather extravagantly. Attracting all the females to his bed and doing away with them by the next morning to search for his next prey.

"Hurry up, we have to head to the kitchen or madam butch will have our ear full." One of the pack helpers said to me as I walked with my head in a daze wondering if this peace would come to an end and my life would be at risk again.

Today happened to be one of the moon night festivals to celebrate the moon goddess bringing prosperity into the land.

"Who are you going with to the festival today?" they whispered and giggled among themselves. It was also another opportunity to find your destined mate. I scoffed at the thought, I never actually believed in it. Memories of my formal pack flashed in my head. Yes, true mates never existed.

I finished my work at the pack house and headed back to my hut near the borders. I should make sure to lock the door properly in case some drunken excited wolves don't make their way in.

I have witnessed many things at the outskirts hut, it's the perfect place for an escapade. I shook my head at the horror. Some people were just shameless.

I made it to my hut, I locked all the locks and put on the padlock. There, that way no one could barge in. I continued my early evening with a bottle of fresh wine that I stole from the palace. A glint of excitement played around my lips.

They weren't going to have all the fun. I prepared a spot on my table making sure it faced the large window that looked over the town. I changed into a regular outfit, picking up a glass that I took too also from the palace.

I poured the first glass, sipping gently as I watched the orange sun set into the mountains staining bright golden red light in its departure.

"What a beautiful view," I said with a satisfied grin. This wasn't any regular wine, it was gotten from the famous pack, the central moon pack. The largest pack in the whole world. I moaned at the sweet taste of the wine. I would love to go there and try out other foods they have.

The sudden blissful wonder turned sour. Maybe when I am free from danger.

I was starting to get drowsy from the bottle. We wolves do have good tolerance, being able to drink hundreds of bottles before caving under the spell of the wine. I on the other hand, who was a late bloomer, will fall under just one bottle.

I sat there for hours on end and the sky had become dim. I sprawled on the table, muttering to myself gibberish that even I couldn't understand.

Crunch

My head perked up instantly not minding how dizzy I felt seconds ago. Someone was sneaking up to the hut. I stood up from where I sat, their shadows appearing from a corner.

"Is this the place?" one of them asked

"Of course, I followed her just to be sure."

"Why would anyone want to leave here when it's completely out of town." A certain discontent in his voice.

"It's better for us no one will know" he snickered

I thought I was starting to hear things because of the wine but I was mistaken. I was hearing voices around the hut. Quietly but not gracefully I snuck to the door to check the lock and fasten them tight. I was a bit tipsy from the wine. Holding my head up with my hand, I shook my head. I needed to stay awake.

They stopped just at the foot of the door, their shadows cast beneath it." Why is it so quiet I don't hear anyone" in a puzzled tone.

"She must be hiding"

One of them went towards the window, peeking from there into the house. I stiffened, realizing I had forgotten the bottle of wine and glass on the table.

"Look what we have here," he said in amusement at the bottle and wine on the table. "Someone must have been having late-night fun"

"This makes it all the easier. I heard she's a late bloomer, which must mean she must have passed out by now."

"Try the lock"

Their footsteps came towards the door. They tried to push it open, nudging it forcefully.

"Stop making too much noise, she might wake up." He said irritated, "let's try the back"

I gripped the knife I held tightly. My eyes widened in shock, I forgot to lock the back. I mentally slapped my forehead. I needed to lock it, my head was banging and I felt a throbbing headache start to brew. Why did I have to drink tonight?