1.
Under the scorching summer sun, I devoted the entire day to the tireless pursuit of a job. In a world predominantly dominated by werewolves, landing a position as a human amidst the city's clamor was a formidable challenge. Despite my Early Childhood Education degree, schools turned me away, dismissing me solely because of my human status. The werewolf parents sneered at the idea of a "worthless human" instructing their children, ignoring my skills, determination, and education.
Reluctantly settling for service positions, I faced fierce competition from fellow humans, all equally desperate to make ends meet. The job market was oversaturated, leaving me struggling to find a foothold. Time was ticking - my apartment hung in the balance. The landlord's thirty-day notice loomed, demanding not only the current month's rent but also three months in arrears. Failure to meet this ultimatum meant eviction.
Thankfully, I still had John. While not wealthy, his werewolf status meant he could cover his rent. We'd supported each other for three years, known each other for five. Perhaps it was time to broach the subject of moving in together.
As I navigated the bustling city streets, sweat glistened on my forehead, the result of a day spent darting from one establishment to another. The alluring scents from the restaurants beckoned, though dining out was a luxury I couldn't afford. Among them, a particular restaurant across the street stood out, not for its culinary aromas, but for something entirely different.
I halted in my tracks, eyes widening.
There, inside the restaurant's window, was John. But he wasn't alone. A pang of disbelief shot through me as I watched him with another woman, their lips locked in an intimate embrace.
"Unbelievable," I muttered aloud, drawing curious glances from passersby who couldn't help but notice my frustration. John had been feeding me excuses about his hectic schedule and heavy workload. Was this what he was truly occupied with? Cheating on me with some other woman?
Rage surged within me, propelling me across the street towards the restaurant. My stomach churned as I approached. The woman was a vision of beauty, akin to a supermodel. It did nothing to assuage my hurt. Not only was John betraying me, but he was doing so with someone who seemed to have stepped out of a magazine spread.
She was slender, with flowing blonde locks and a sun-kissed tan, her long legs accentuated by a scanty evening dress and towering heels. While I knew I had my own share of compliments for my face, figure, and fiery red hair, in that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy as I looked at John and his paramour.
I couldn't believe he would do this to me.
I stopped before the window, watching them in their passionate embrace, completely oblivious to my presence. With a determined rap on the glass, I shattered their little world.
Both John and the mysterious woman jerked back, eyes wide with shock when they saw me. I marched into the restaurant, ignoring the astonished stares from the staff and other patrons. My steps were purposeful as I approached the table where John and the woman sat.
"How dare you?!" I spat, my fists clenched at my sides. "We've been together for three years, and you're cheating on me?"
The woman's eyes darted between John and me, her face tinged with embarrassment as the restaurant fell into a stunned silence. John, however, radiated anger and resentment. Without a word, he stood and grabbed my arm, forcibly leading me out of the restaurant. His grip left little room for resistance, and I stumbled along behind him, tears streaming down my face. "You're making a fool of both of us, Sabrina," he growled once we were outside.
"I'm making a fool of us?" I retorted, my voice still raised. "You're engaging in public displays with another woman!"
John's eyes burned with fury, his face twisted in anger as he pushed me against the side of the building, his hold unrelenting.
"Get a hold of yourself," he hissed, his voice low and menacing. "You're just a regular human. Consider yourself lucky that I even bothered with you for three years."
His words cut deep, tears blurring my vision. "Why her?" I managed to choke out, a sob catching in my throat.
John, the man who had professed love for three years, only laughed. "You've done nothing for me," he sneered. "She's a Beta. Her family holds vast wealth and power. Thanks to her, I'll be starting a new position at WereCorp next week."
WereCorp, the colossal conglomerate, held sway over global finances and pioneered the widely-adopted cryptocurrency that initially enriched the elite.
He continued, "What have you ever done for me, except rely on me because you couldn't find your own way? You're nothing compared to her. How dare you question my choice to move on!"
There was nothing more to say, only a desperate need to get away from him. I finally pushed him off, breaking free from the wall. "Screw you," I seethed, my anger boiling over. I raised my hand and delivered a stinging slap across his face. Onlookers were starting to stare, but I paid them no mind.
Without another word, I turned on my heel and stormed away, refusing to look back. As I walked in a daze, wiping away my tears, memories of the John I met flooded my mind. He had been an overlooked Omega in high school, lacking confidence, prospects, and companionship. I had been his pillar of support, nurturing his self-assurance through love. And this was how he repaid me? Abandoning me for a position at WereCorp, all for money and power?
Nothing stoked my fury more than the realization that my three-year partner and five-year confidant could discard me so callously in pursuit of wealth and influence.