The Curvy Rogue

Chapter 3

SIX YEARS LATER

**LORRY SPRINGSTONE / KELLY THOMPSON’S POINT OF VIEW**

How time flies! Here I am at twenty-five, after six wonderful years in Liverpool, far from my family and the werewolf world. Would you believe I’ve perfectly adapted? I’ve even founded a school! A human school, no less. And yes, I’m still a wolf.

Here, no one cares about my past or my appearance. They only see who I am now. I’m known as Miss Lorry Springstone, headmistress of one of Liverpool’s finest medical schools.

With my two best friends, Leila and Dora Woods—twins, by the way—we work hard to keep this school at the forefront of medical education. I handle administration but often step in to assist with their biology and kinetics classes.

When I arrived in Liverpool, I was easily accepted into the public university’s medical science program, thanks to the advanced knowledge I gained at the Southern clan’s school. As a wolf, my skills and senses far surpass those of humans, making everything here almost child’s play.

Two years ago, I defended my biomedical science thesis and was thrilled to earn top marks from the panel, securing my doctorate. Almost immediately after graduating, I was offered the headmistress position at this wonderful school.

In short, that’s my life over the past six years, leaving behind the turbulent existence of Kelly Thompson, the former Luna Queen.

If I regret anything from my past, it’s my son, Eden Bentley, my pride and joy. I’ve missed all his birthdays. This spring, he’ll turn six, and I won’t be there to whisper, “Happy birthday, my treasure, Mommy loves you,” at the Southern clan’s castle.

It hurts—truly hurts—to be separated from my only child for so long. I had to abandon my flesh and blood in desperate circumstances, just to save my life.

“I, Jason Bentley, of the…” Argh, I can’t even finish that sentence. Thinking about it gives me a migraine, and then I can’t focus for the rest of the day.

From what I hear, though Jason no longer cares about clan affairs, he still leads the Southern clan with that frivolous blonde, Betty Nord, now his wife and Luna Queen. They’ve had two adorable little girls, and apparently, Jason is delighted to see Eden, their half-brother, grow fond of them.

But sometimes, they say Eden is sad, missing me terribly since Jason banished me from the castle after the poisoned pill incident.

Rumors claim the late Alpha King Don Bentley—may he rest in peace—was lucky Betty was at the castle the day I “poisoned” him. They say, as a nursing student, she had a healing potion in her bag and quickly administered it, easing his suffering.

Apparently, the former king was so grateful that he regretted not letting Jason marry her sooner, instead of forcing him to wed a chubby, smelly wolf like me. Poor Kelly!

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### SUMMER HAS BEGUN

It’s break time at Liverpool’s medical school, and I’m in my office when Leila and Dora Woods burst in, carrying three steaming coffee mugs, a huge chocolate cake, and a popular fantasy magazine. They hand me a hot coffee and a slice of cake. Then Dora starts talking about the magazine’s cover.

“Look at this muscular, sexy werewolf promoting the big annual festival of those wild creatures. I’d love to go!” Dora exclaims.

“Come on, Dora! They don’t exist. It’s Greek mythology. You really think there’s a grand festival? No way, it’s just fantasy tales,” Leila teases.

I chuckle softly at the humans’ ignorance of the werewolf world—especially since I’m part of it, even if I’m currently wolfless.

“Leila, you really don’t believe in werewolves? You’d better change your mind, or I might convince you right here,” I say, trying to spark a little fear, playfully unbuttoning my shirt as if to reveal my true nature.

But then I remember Sherry, who died long ago to protect me. I stop, and Leila rolls her eyes, calling my antics pure madness.

“Seriously? You believe in fairy tales now, Lorry? Come on!” she laughs.

Dora joins her laughter, and at that moment, a mysterious, handsome man knocks on my office door. Tall, well-built, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, he captivates all three of us.

“Excuse me, ladies, I’m here to meet the headmistress, Miss Lorry Springstone,” he announces.

I’m flustered—this elegant man is here for me! I glance discreetly at Leila and Dora, noticing a hint of jealousy in their expressions, despite their efforts to hide it.

“Please, come in!” I say, striving to stay professional.

I’m the headmistress, and we’re at work. I can’t let myself get rattled. He approaches my desk and sits after my invitation.

To my surprise—and my friends’ disappointment—he asks to speak with me privately. Leila and Dora don’t need to be told twice; they dash out when the bell rings, signaling the end of the break.

“Oh, Lorry, we’ve got to go. We each have one last class before heading home,” Dora says, quickly packing up the leftover cake and empty mugs.

“See you later!” she adds before hurrying out, Leila on her heels, stealing one last glance at the attractive stranger.

Now it’s just him and me. He introduces himself as Tom Braxton. He explains he’s a messenger from a king in a distant land, seeking a doctor for his nearly six-year-old son, who is ill. He insists the king is willing to offer one gold bar—or even two—if I can help.

That payment is three times my salary here in Liverpool. I’m intrigued. Though content with my earnings, I could use the money for personal projects. Plus, I’ve always had a soft spot for anything tied to royalty. The temptation to say yes is overwhelming. Wasn’t I once a Luna Queen?

“Mr. Braxton, thank you for this generous offer; it means a lot. But I’m afraid I must decline for personal reasons. I hope you understand!”