As I gazed into the mirror, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the blessings in my life. Today marked my twentieth birthday, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion with my loved ones. After turning eighteen, I took a much-needed break and now, I'm excited to attend prom with my friends and even have a date with someone special. It feels amazing to finally experience love and have a fulfilling life of my own.
I am Pella Arnold, the bold and daring daughter of Rash Arnold, the Alpha and leader of the Crimson Moon pack. My mother, a remarkably powerful and stunning woman, is his wife. My family is known for their unbreakable bond and unwavering strength. As a beta of the pack, I am a vital member and play a crucial role in keeping our pack safe and secure.
Growing up, my family's love faded and my dad focused on finding me a mate. But I don't think I need one, and I believe my background makes me a better leader. Though my dad warned me against loving humans, I see strengths in every one. Despite feeling lonely at times, I'm confident in my abilities and excited for the future.
"Miss Pella, are you dressed yet? Your friends are here," said my assistant, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Almost done." I quickly resumed dressing while still smiling at Cecilia's reflection in the mirror.
"Lost in thoughts again, huh?" Cecilia remarked, but I responded with a confident smile. While this wasn't the first time Cecilia had caught me lost in my thoughts, I knew that I was capable of navigating my emotions and finding my way back to the present moment. Cecilia's concern was appreciated, but I felt confident in my ability to handle my thoughts and feelings on my own.
"I'm not sure what you're referring to, Ceci," I replied, trying to be truthful. However, Ceci's laughter caught me off guard.
"What's amusing, Ceci?" I inquired, turning towards my assistant. It was hard not to notice how stunning she looked.
"It's still amazing to me how much you lie, Miss Pella."
She let out a chuckle after making the statement, but her words left me speechless. I knew exactly where she was headed, but I refused to back down. Cecilia had been my assistant since we were young pups. We have shared meals, played together, and even bathed together. I could not afford to lie to her, no matter how hard it may be.
"I can't wait for the birthday party later, Ceci! Let's forget about whatever it is you're talking about and just enjoy the celebrations. It's going to be a great time!" I said, excitedly putting my palms together.
"Certainly, anything for her Majesty," Ceci smiled and slightly bowed her head.
As soon as we both erupted into laughter, my happiness returned in full force. Ceci had an exceptional talent for bringing joy and laughter into my life, no matter how dire the circumstances. Despite all the challenges we were facing, I couldn't help but feel deeply grateful to the moon goddess for introducing her to me.
"I walked into the party hall and was amazed by the stunning crowd. It was my twentieth birthday and seeing my friends and family together was a great blessing. However, one of my friends was missing."
My heart raced as I looked around the bustling crowd, muttering under my breath, "Where on earth could he be hiding?"
"Pella!"
I turned abruptly to see Ashley, the daughter of the minister, standing before me with a firm expression.
"Hi Ashley, it's great to see you," I said with a smile, extending my hand for a handshake. However, she seemed distracted and walked past me without acknowledging my gesture. "Is everything okay?" I asked, trying to understand her behavior. "Let's catch up later and see how things are going," I suggested, hoping to have a more meaningful conversation with her.
"May I inquire as to what has caught your attention, madam?" inquired a gentleman's voice as I detected his presence. Despite his strong scent, I felt a sense of hollowness within me. I turned around slowly and saw that my intuition was correct.
Ron was standing in front of me; the most sultry person nearby and my crush. I have been pounding since grade four and up till this second, my heart longs for him. The main thing I don't know is what I feel for him, desire or love, those two continue to meddle with my brain.
"Hi, Ron." I smiled at him, and he smiled back almost instantly, sending shivers down my spine.
"Hello Pella, or should I say, Miss Pella, the noble werewolf of the crimson pack?" Ron said, lowering his head as he spoke.
Ron was a human boy and a cute one at that, and in Gwendore where I grew up, our ancestors fought to unite us with the humans to live in peace in harmony, and I like that they did that.
"It's crimson moon pack Ron, and you can call me whatever you want, Ron," I said, winking at him and giving my lower lips a seductive bite.
Ron smiled and also gave his lower lips a bite and in that captivating moment, my assistant came running to me with a speed that almost took Ron off the ground.
"Miss Pella, miss.." Ceci said, trying to catch her breath.
"Ceci, are you okay?" I said, rubbing her neck and calming her down.
"Miss Pella, it's your parents, they are at it again, and it would be a big shame for your audience to witness this," Cecilia said, and it was like the light in my universe was stolen, I immediately broke down and could feel the world pushing me out of my comfort zone, again.
I noticed how confused Ron was, and I knew it wasn't a good idea to let him know about the madness in my family.
Yes, my dad was a woman beater. He wasn't always like that though, but as they say, everything begins in a day. My dad was fond of mistreating my mom and beating her up like she was his slave. My once strong mother, was now a punching bag, losing her self-worth and esteem. I tried so many times to stop my dad or even try to advise him like a daughter and a woman, but no, he wouldn't listen. Instead, he beats me up as well.
The last fight took my mom to the packed clinic and she was unconscious for a whole week. But I promise, it won't happen this time, this time, I must stop this.
My senses were active enough, catching the voice of my suffering mother, as she screamed in pain, oh my mother.
I stormed out of their presence, even though I could hear Ron calling my name, I didn't care, as all I wanted to do now was to stop my dad from killing that poor woman.
I hurriedly went upstairs, heading to the lobby and trying to locate the room where I could hear her voice, but a Beta like me prevented me from coming in, his hands pointing towards me.
"You are not allowed to go in there Pella." He said, his eyes now sparkly blue.
I instantly grew in anger and without much thinking, I grabbed him by the neck and threw him through the wall destroying the beautiful portrait and making an open space to the next room. Clenching my fist, I kicked the door down and rushed into the room, and what I saw made my eyes swell. My dad was choking my mom against the wall, not minding how hard she coughed and spitted out. Her eyes were almost shut, with the veins on her body begging to be spared.
I rushed to him, grabbed his hands, and freed my mom, letting her down to the ground, coughing and spitting in tears.
"Dad! Please stop this!" I yelled in pain, as tears began rolling down my cheeks.
My dad was becoming the monster I never hoped for. My once-loving dad was now a terror in our family and my life. I never prayed for this, moon goddess, please help me. I don't want my mom to die, and I don't want my dad to be a monster we can't control.
As those thoughts ran through my mind, my mom held my feet and coughed out blood.
"You were not supposed to come darling." My Dad said, and before I could assimilate, he grabbed me by the neck and began choking me as I tried to free myself.