Werewolves

“I didn’t but now I do. When I was young, I used to hear my parents and siblings mention them. I brushed it off because I thought it was just some folklore and it seemed far fetched. But I knew that night when he bit me that I was turning into one. It’s like it’s there in the back of my mind. I could picture out a beast, a wolf.”

Rose nods. “Humans considered us as wild, a monster, an abomination. They didn’t know that our wolves are a gift from the moon goddess.”

“Moon goddess?” I asked with a frown. I tried to recall what I’ve learned from books. I don’t remember such a thing. I always thought it was just a curse that would take effect every full moon.

“Yes. Her name is Selene. Back in the days, humans used to think it was a curse. They hated us for what we are even though they could see that we have not hurt a single person. But humans fear what they can not understand. They gathered groups to hunt us and kill us on sight. Our forefathers went into hiding, knowing if they fought back, they would only retaliate more. They didn’t want to shed more blood. Over time, the existence of our kind became words passed down from generation to generation until it became just that, a story. Except for the family of the hunters, they just don’t forget.” She said the last part with a frown.

“They attack your pack?”

Her eyes darkened gloomily. I could see in her face that she recalled everything that happened on that day. Rose showed care and warmth towards me but the way she looked right now made me shiver in fear. There was hatred and rage and I didn’t want to be the receiving end of that. She was the only one who treated me kindly here and if she changed her mind about me…

“We had lost a lot of lives but what hurts the most was the Alpha family were all killed. The Alpha you’ve met, he’s the only one left. His father, mother and his younger brother– they were all mercilessly killed. Can you imagine his pain? Everyone loved our Alphas. They were the ones who the pack looked up to. We couldn’t even grieve because we have to always be prepared for another attack. The warriors have to train everyday. Everyone needs to be on guard.”

“I’m sorry.” I don't know what they've been through but somehow I get what they're feeling. I could sympathize with them. Maybe because I was treated differently too. What hurts more is that I'm actually human. I was weak and ill but still...

She shakes her head. To my surprise, she pats my head. “Enough of that. You go change. You still need to help me in the kitchen.” She reaches for another set of clothes and hands it to me.

“Thank you.”

“That’s the least I could do.” Her eyebrows suddenly pinched in thought. “If you can, please do not do anything that could anger the Alpha. I wish for you to be on your best behavior. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Do you believe I’m innocent?” My question was filled with hope. With their Alpha seeking revenge, I know enough that it will be difficult for me to escape, much more ask anything that is beyond what I was given right now. But I'm hopeful that at least one person believes in me.

“I believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

Her answer was enough for me. It was reasonable. And I was confident that I have nothing to do with my family being hunters. But I knew in my heart that my innocence is not enough. He wanted to use me as a tool for his retribution against my father. I guess I was doomed from the start.

---

“I hope you know your way in the kitchen. Do you know how to cook?” Rose asked as she guided me towards their kitchen.

The first time I saw their kitchen, I couldn't help but feel impressed. It was every cook's dream.

“I do.” I wanted to add that I love cooking but I was too shy to tell.

She suddenly stops before the kitchen comes into view. She then turns to me. “I will get all your necessities tonight including clothes and toiletries. You need to wake up when the sun is rising and come down to the kitchen to help us. You can ask me anything regarding your tasks. Lastly… I want you to always listen to me.” Her words were firm but lacking edge. I wonder why she’s easy on me.

I nodded. “Okay.”

“Good girl.” She pats the top of my head like that of a child.

We were on our way to enter the kitchen when a hand suddenly grabbed my arm securely. “Not so fast, baby girl.” The familiar voice brought a shiver down my spine. I felt afraid instantly.

“Katarina.” She reproached.

She directs her glare towards Rose. “She’s coming with me, Rose. I thought it was pretty clear that she’s going to come with us to train.”

“Give her a break. Look at her. She’s all battered.” She reached for my wrist and held it tightly in order to oppose her.

“That’s none of my concern. She’s coming with me and that’s final. Like I said, you can talk to the Alpha if you’re so concerned with this human.” Her sharp eyes shifted to me. “Half human.” She sneered. And without any warning, she dragged me away from Rose. Her hand that had grasped my wrist fell languidly to her side. The action was too quick for her to even retaliate any words.

Like yesterday, she had no mercy hauling me towards their training ground. “Caleb!” She screamed as soon as she threw me to the spot further behind from the rest of the crowd.