Rhea POV – 18 years old
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rhea… happy birthday to you."
I woke up to my mom standing by my bedside, holding a small cake in her hand. The flame of a single candle danced gently, flickering against her tired but smiling face.
I had completely forgotten today was my birthday.
"Make a wish," she whispered softly.
I sat up, rubbing my tired eyes. "You baked?" I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep, and she nodded, biting her lower lip the way she always did when she was nervous.
"We had a little flour left."
"It's barely sunrise… when did you even have time to bake this?" I murmured, knowing she had returned home very late last night and was probably too exhausted.
The cake itself was lopsided, the frosting uneven, but it was still the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
I watched her smile wobble as she adjusted her frayed housecoat. "I woke up early. Wanted it to be ready when you…"
Her words cut off as she began to cough harshly, shaking her tiny frame. She had been losing a lot of weight recently, and that cough was becoming more constant.
Instinctively, I reached for her, but she waved me off and pressed the plate into my hands instead.
"Make your wish, sweetie."
I smiled and closed my eyes.
My wish was to get into a good college, graduate at the top, get a good job, and finally give Mama the life she deserved — one where she wouldn't have to work herself to the bone just to keep food on the table.
A better life for both of us.
I took a deep breath and blew out the candle.
Mama's eyes filled with unshed tears as she cupped my face. "Whatever you wished for, I hope it comes true," she whispered.
My smile widened. "I hope that too."
She set the cake on the table by the side and leaned in to hug me. "Eighteen," she whispered into my hair. "My baby's grown."
"I'm still your baby," I mumbled.
She pulled back and smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. But then her hand froze mid-motion, and I didn't even need to think twice to know what she was staring at.
I rolled my eyes, sighing deeply. "Don't worry. I'll dye it before I leave," I said, and her shoulders relaxed.
Up till this day, I still never understood why she got so paranoid whenever she saw my real hair color. At first, I thought maybe she was scared I'd get bullied. I mean, it wasn't normal for a child to have white hair like mine.
And no, it wasn't pale blonde — it was pure, shimmering silver. The kind that looked too unnatural, even for werewolves.
But as I got older, I just didn't care what others thought anymore. I mean, the Alpha had grey eyes and nobody questioned that.
Still, her reaction was always so extreme, I decided not to question her. After all, it was just hair — and dyeing it wasn't exactly hurting me.
"Let's eat cake," Mama said, reaching for it again.
"Yay, cake!" I grinned, scooting closer and clapping my hands together like a little kid. She laughed and fed me.
The early morning sunlight was beginning to slip through the faded curtain, painting her in a soft glow. It made her look even thinner than usual.
And it made my heart ache a little.
Something was definitely wrong — I knew it. But every time I tried to bring it up, she insisted she was fine. Said it was just from overworking.
I wanted to believe that, but it was hard seeing her like that.
–––––––––––––––
After cleaning up and helping as much as I could that morning, I got dressed for work and headed out.
Since I had just graduated from high school, I knew I had to start saving if I wanted to go to college. With my mom pulling some strings, I landed a job as a maid in the same pack estate.
She didn't like the idea at first, but I insisted.
"You're leaving already?" Mom said as I walked toward the door.
"Yeah. I'm already ten minutes late, so I'll take the bicycle," I said, grabbing my backpack.
"That's true. Don't overwork yourself, okay?" she said.
"I hear you, Mama."
"And…" her voice trailed off. "Don't come home early today," she whispered.
My grip tightened around the doorknob until my knuckles turned white.
I knew what that meant.
I figured it out a few years ago. What her job really was. The truth I didn't want to see — but couldn't unsee.
More men were coming today.
It broke my heart knowing she still had to do this.
But there was nothing I could do to stop her — except work harder.
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and forced a smile.
"I'll pick up groceries after my shift," I lied smoothly. "Might be late."
She nodded, but her eyes were filled with unspoken sorrow. She reached forward, brushing my hair from my face and tucking it behind my ear, then cupped my cheek.
"Be safe," she whispered, but her voice cracked.
–––––––––––––––
Hot, angry tears filled my eyes as I rode my bicycle. I kept trying to wipe them off, but they wouldn't stop. They blurred my vision, and because of that, I didn't see Kenzie waving at me from the sidewalk.
By the time I noticed, it was too late. My front wheel clipped the curb, sending me flying over the handlebars.
I hit the pavement hard, my knees scraping against the rough concrete.
"Rhea!" Kenzie gasped, rushing to help me. "Oh my god — are you okay?"
I quickly wiped my tears. "I'm fine," I muttered, only looking up when I was sure she wouldn't notice. Thankfully, she didn't.
"Why were you riding so fast?" she asked, helping me to my feet.
"I just got distracted," I said quickly. "Where are you going?" I added, trying to change the topic — and just like that, her face lit up.
"Have you heard?" she asked, eyes wide with excitement.
"Heard what?" I raised a brow, already bracing myself for one of Kenzie's dramatic stories.
She leaned in, her brown eyes sparkling.
"The Alpha's son is returning today."
My stomach dropped. Dorian Greyson.
The only memory I had of him was the day he crushed my doll.
A week after, I heard he was sent off to the military to fight in an upcoming war.
Back then it felt like karma. I had prayed he would be punished for what he did. But now that I thought about it… it was probably just a vacation for him.
The war ended two years ago. We won. And he was only just returning.
"And not only that," Kenzie added, practically bouncing. "Alpha Ragnar is stepping down. Not only will Dorian be made Alpha immediately he returns…..he's also getting married."