Chapter One: City

"Water."

One word was all I could manage. My throat had dried to the point of burning, and anything else came out as unintelligible mumbles.

I opened my eyes slowly. My hands and feet were tied tightly to the chair; I tried to move a hand but succeeded only in lacerating my skin with the rope.

How did I get caught up in this situation?

It was all because I came to this city in search of my family.

I was living with my uncle in a small town near the capital. Even though I was an orphan, my uncle tried to never let me feel the absence of my parents. I was always curious about them, as any orphan would be. Whenever I asked my uncle about them — which was often — he'd barely say anything before changing the subject.

Still, I was content— but good times never last long.

My uncle fell chronically ill around the time I turned eighteen a few months ago. On one of my visits to his hospital room, he did the unexpected: he was completely open and honest with me.

"Bailey, whatever I'm going to tell you today might sound bizarre to you. You may think whatever I'm spouting are the words of a sick old man who doesn't know what he's saying."

He was only in his fifties, but somehow looked twenty years older in that room.

"You can already sense the change within your body, can't you?" he asked.

I could. I'd always felt something different about my body, something... off. Even more so than other girls my age.

The flowers I'd brought on my previous visit had bloomed beautifully on the table by his bed. I stared at them to divert my nervousness; I both wanted to know more and was afraid of knowing more.

You could have given me a thousand guesses and I wouldn't have predicted what he said next.

"Your parents were werewolves, Bailey." His voice was clear and focused, not sounding like a delirious old man at all. "So are you."

My eyes widened, my breathing stopped, my mouth hung open.

Werewolves? Say what?

I wished for someone else in the room to have heard that, so I could be sure I wasn't the one losing my mind.

Would an ill patient in his hospital bed be making up stories?

"Your parents did not die in an accident," he went on. "They were... assassinated when you were just an infant. Who killed your parents and for which purpose, I do not know. But I was afraid that whoever it was would come after you next, so I suppressed your wolf to keep you hidden from the world."

Suddenly "werewolves" seemed like the most normal part of the conversation.

I felt my knees getting weak. I doubted if I could make it out of the room on my own power.

My uncle sat up and pointed to his bag from home, which sat on the bedside table. I handed it to him and he dug out a small, ornate jewelry box that I knew had belonged to my mother. He held it out to me with trembling hands.

My own hands trembled when I took it from him.

"I know it's a lot for you to take in at once, Bailey. Most of the things I said must not even make sense to you. However, my time in this world is coming to an end." He stared out the window like he was talking to someone not even in the room.

I opened the box to find an address on a small piece of paper.

"You must find your family since I can no longer protect you," he said, now looking at me again, smiling with unusual sadness.

My fingers tightened on the box as I found myself unable — or maybe unwilling — to say anything.

"You don't have to worry about me. I might die sooner than an average person, but I can hold on till you find your answers. I'm not that old yet, you know." His last words were followed by a coughing spell that made him hunch forward like someone in intense pain.

Tears filled my eyes when I looked into his bright blue eyes and pale face. If it were not for me, he might have had a happy life with his wife and children.

"Happy Birthday, Bailey," my uncle said as I was about to leave the room.

My eighteenth birthday was the next day. Did he think he wouldn't be around to tell me then? I had come of age — I was officially an adult — yet I was afraid whether I would be able to make it alone or not.

So, in the end I decided to go to the city to find my answers.

****

The train was earlier than expected as I stood alone on the platform. I wore my oversized striped shirt with a floral top and baggy blue jeans, my shoulder-length raven hair hanging loose. I carried my favorite Louis Vuitton black-gray checkered bag, which I received from my uncle on my sixteenth birthday — the only luxury thing I possessed. The next year he'd gotten me the camera that I had inside the bag.

"I will come back once I find all the answers," I'd told him in the hospital the day before. "You need to stay alive till then. Deal?"

"Deal," he'd replied with a weak chuckle.

I boarded the train, making my way to a possible new life.

As we entered the city, my eyes widened at the impossibly tall buildings. I'd seen big cities in TV shows, I just didn't know the immensity of one would leave me in such awe.

After disembarking at the city center station, which seemed like a good place to start, I moved around clueless for a few minutes. I didn't know where to ask for help. People appeared too busy to approach, passing by me like they were all in a hurry.

I finally came around to a port area after wandering aimlessly. Large ships were docked all in a row, with cargo being loaded and unloaded from each.

An old man working one of the smaller boats caught my eye. He was gasping for air while trying to work a massive crate down on pulleys. I moved closer to ask him if he needed help, not really knowing what an eighteen year old girl could offer.

He was startled by my sudden appearance as if he had seen a ghost. He lost his balance, and the crate fell to the ground.

"It's my fault. I apologize," I hastily said, bending over to offer him a hand up.

That was when I noticed what had spilled out of the crate, now littering the area around us.

Guns.

Guns of all shapes and sizes.

Suddenly, I heard voices from afar. Before I could proceed, a few thugs appeared — "thugs" is the only way to describe those brutish guys with massive bodies and scary scars on their faces.

"Please, don't kill me!" the old man cried out. "I swear I did not do this willingly. They asked me to do it!"

One of the thugs approached me and I stood, unable to move. "A rogue?" he asked, staring at me coldly.

Was he asking me a question? What was a rogue?

"They are probably working together. Tie these two up," he ordered.

I struggled as two others grabbed my arms. I wanted to tell them I had no idea what they were talking about, but before I could, something hit me in the back of the head, and I lost consciousness.

****

From my spot tied to the chair, I swiveled my head around as far as I could. I appeared to be in a basement. The tiny sliver of light coming from the top of the stairs revealed that there wasn't much in there besides me, apart from more crates stacked in a corner. A spiderweb hung up in a high corner.

I was able to spot a spiderweb?

Since when could I see so clearly in the dark?

I heard footsteps at the top of the stairs, and the door opened with a thud. My eyes burned with the sudden exposure to the bright light.

The man who came slowly downstairs had a face I had never seen before, but I doubted if I would ever forget it.

Was it even possible for mythical gods to come to life?

Standing over six feet tall, the blond man was impossibly handsome. His broad shoulders and perfectly formed abs were visible under the tight-fitting black suit. Veins were prominent on his forearms due to his sleeves being rolled up.

His complexion was pale, similar to mine. A strange feeling tightened my chest as his piercing blue eyes stared at me with burning rage.

He lit a cigarette and began to speak.

Chapter Two: Arctic Blue

Arctic blue eyes gazed deep into mine. The unusual tension encircling my mind also became apparent in his eyes.

There was no doubt that the man experienced a similar sensation. However, within a glimpse, his eyes turned cold.

"You, girl, how dare a nasty rogue like you attempt to infiltrate the white wolves' territory?" the guy asked, tilting his head and placing the cigarette between his lips seductively.

His low-pitched voice pierced through my soul. If it weren't for those intense cold eyes, his voice would be the most attractive voice I had ever heard.

Nevertheless, I didn't even flinch at the terrifying aura encircling him, which resulted in annoying him even more.

What was the point of even answering him? I wondered. I had almost ended up ripping my vocal cords earlier, in an attempt to explain to them that I was not a rogue. Or perhaps I was.

However, I considered myself a stray. And I had no idea about anything the thugs asked me continuously until I lost consciousness.

"Now a rogue is daring to defy me?" he asked again, leaning toward my chair.

He placed his tall leg on the side of my chair as I was lost in my thoughts. His Chanel shoes gleamed even in the dim light of the basement.

The strange feeling returned as soon as he came near me. The man's eyes changed as well. He hastily got up again, shooting me a burning glare.

The phenomenally handsome man turned to the old guy from earlier, lying in the corner of the room, barely conscious. I was surprised that I didn't notice him all this time.

"Weren't they together?" the guy asked, coldly staring at the old man, who appeared beaten.

"Yes, Alpha," the thugs said, who had brought me here earlier.

Alpha? Was he the leader of those thugs, or was he a werewolf like me? I wondered.

The alpha guy leaned and grabbed the old man by his collar. He asked in a cold, piercing tone, "Which pack do you belong to? What were you doing here with that rogue?"

The old man began to throb violently in fear and cried out, trembling, "Ple-please, have mercy on me! Please don't kill me!"

"Do you believe after daring to invade our territory with a rogue, you can leave with your limbs intact?" the guy asked, getting up. "Kill him, and this rogue as well. Even the site of this rogue is making me want to throw up," he said bitterly, turning to me.

My eyes widened. The man was scary, and for some reason, he despised rogues. Considering the weapons earlier, I wondered if they were some mafia gang. Still, how could he kill that old man? I didn't know what they were saying. But I couldn't just let him kill an old guy.

The thugs had grabbed the old man, forcing him to stand with his arms tied.

"Give up this act already," the thug from earlier said. "A beta can't be this weak. Do you think you can fool us by acting like an old man?"

They began to punch the old man as he continued to ask for mercy. The man started coughing blood as the guys continued to beat him severely. My eyes widened at the gruesome torture before my eyes. The handsome man from earlier was standing at a corner calmly. His eyes were gazing at me.

"Please stop!" I cried out, closing my eyes. My voice created a mysterious impact on the thugs.

Everyone halted, staring at me, puzzled as I was gasping for air.

"I am not a rogue!" I cried out. "I don't care who you people are, but you can't just kill someone like this," I said.

"Now this rogue is talking. Are you this afraid of death?" the guy from earlier asked calmly. "Should I torture you instead to unveil your true intentions?"

The guy came towards me in a blink. I felt like he would beat me. However, unexpectedly, all the guys fell to their knees, bowing.

Shortly, a man in his late fifties entered with a bunch of men dressed in black suits following him.

"Greetings, Master," the handsome guy said, bowing gracefully.

"Caspian, what is taking you so long to deal with just two invaders? I heard one of them is just a young girl," the older man asked the handsome guy.

There was something graceful about his ambiance. He was different from any of them. I could sense a powerful aura from him.

"I apologize for disappointing you, Master," Caspian said, not raising his gaze.

The man turned to me and asked, "Is this the rogue girl?"

The man seemed perplexed as our eyes met.

"Your features," the man mumbled. "You look so familiar."

I possessed a rare pair of dark purple eyes from my mother. Due to my pale skin and unusual eyes, people would often get stunned by my appearance.

However, I couldn't deny that the aged man standing before me appeared oddly familiar to me. Even though lines of his age were apparent on his face, his well-built body was screaming of his strength. Not to mention his raven hair and rare purple eyes. They were too much to ignore.

One of the guys in a black suit came toward me and grabbed the bag I had still hanging on the sides of my body.

"Don't touch my bag!" I yelled. My mother's jewelry box that my uncle had given me was the only way to find my family.

They began to unload my bag. There was nothing much in my bag except for the bare necessities for a woman. The jewelry box fell on the concrete floor.

The guy grabbed the box and attempted to open it. However, it did not open. I tried to open it back in my home as well. But my uncle said he had no idea where the key for the box was.

"Leave that box alone, you jerk!" I cried out.

I stared at the old man to find him standing there frozen. The look on his face was unfathomable. He took tiny steps toward the man and snatched the box.

He stared at it for a few seconds and asked, "Where did you get this box?"

"It belonged to my mother," I said calmly. "I am not a rogue or anything. I just found out that I'm a werewolf a few days back. I don't even know who that man is. I only wanted to help him because he looked old," I said.

The older man stared at me skeptically and desperately asked, "This box belonged to your mother, you said?"

"Yes, my parents died when I was just an infant. My uncle raised me all these years. I came to this city to find the rest of my family but got caught up in this mess. And the next thing I knew was that they were going to kill me because I am a rogue," I said in a tiny voice.

The aged man stared at the pendant hanging on my chest. He hastily came towards me and grabbed it.

"What are you doing?" I asked, getting perplexed by his attempt.

He took the pendant and put it on the box. Suddenly, the jewelry box began to open, playing a lullaby that sounded like a beautiful siren's song.

"Wolves asleep amidst the trees, Bats all swaying in the breeze—

But one soul lies anxious, wide awake, Fearing all manner of ghouls, hags, and wraiths."

I stared at the aged man confusedly, who had tears in his eyes unexpectedly. How did he know that pendant was the key to the box? I wondered.

Chapter Three: Mafia

"This box belonged to my daughter," the older man said. His cheeks were wet with the tears from earlier. "It was so precious to my little girl," he said, with a wavering voice.

"My mother gave this pendant to me before she died. Are you perhaps my grandfather?" I asked in a tiny voice.

The older man, to everyone's surprise, fell to his knees before me, resting his head on my lap.

"I finally found you, my child," he said, gently cupping my face.

This man looked nowhere near being this sentimental at first glance. The powerful ambiance he possessed had turned into a fatherly warmth in a moment.

The men following him were no different from me. They were astounded and perplexed to see their master embracing a rogue they were about to kill moments ago.

"Release her right now!" my grandpa ordered his men coldly.

It didn't take more than seconds for the men in black suits to come and untie me. My arms were red and lacerated by the cuts from the rope.

Caspian had an unfathomable expression on his face as his eyes followed my every movement.

The thugs hastily fell on their knees, begging for their lives to my grandpa.

"Forgive us, Alpha Lord! We had no idea about the lady," they said.

"Did I not teach you how to deal with a woman properly no matter who it is? How could you tie her up like this?" my grandpa asked calmly.

His voice possessed so much sovereignty that the thugs shivered.

"We were wrong, my lord!" they cried out.

Caspian went towards the old man, who was lying half dead afar, and grabbed him.

"Now, tell us, which family do you belong to? This is the only chance you will get," Caspian said coldly.

Caspian possessed a similar aura to my grandpa, serene yet so powerful that it would make anyone curl up before them.

"Black-black snakes," the man said, trembling. Caspian let go of the man's collar.

"Indeed," Caspian said calmly. A smirk appeared on his lips.

Shortly, to my utter surprise, his eyes glowed. I rubbed my eyes in awe to confirm if his eyes were glowing for real.

Yet, the biggest surprise was waiting for me. The old man before him was as if had been set on fire. His skin turned into ashes. And shortly, his body turned into a young male's.

"A shifter," my grandpa mumbled.

Caspian turned to my grandpa. His eyes glanced at me on my grandpa's arm. My legs had declined to bear my weight, witnessing the unbelievable. Hence, I was clinging to my grandpa like a leech.

"Master," Caspian said calmly.

"Only the snakes would dare to invade our territory. No wonder," my grandpa said. "I believe it's time now we held an official meeting with them."

Caspian bowed at my grandpa's words. "Master, I treated the lady erroneously as well. I have disappointed you again," Caspian said calmly.

He looked gloomy. My grandpa gently placed his hands on Caspian's head, lightly patting him.

"I am aware. It's hard for you to accept rogues. However, my granddaughter's been living like an ordinary human till now. She is not like the other rogues. You can feel it, can't you, Cas?" my grandpa asked.

"Yet, I can not accept it," Caspian said calmly.

My grandpa frowned at him confusedly.

"What are you implying?"

"We need to ensure it by tests. This girl could have gotten that box from anywhere. And about her features, it's not hard to get surgeries. What if our enemies’ families have been scheming against us?" Caspian asked.

"I do not have any uncertainty about this young lady here being my granddaughter. If you are suggesting a DNA test, I can not deny it. As the Alpha of this pack, it's my responsibility to justify my every action to my people," my grandpa said calmly. "However, I will expect you to accept her wholeheartedly once her heredity is assured," my grandpa said.

My grandpa attempted to leave with me as I struggled in his arms to walk. I felt a twist in my ligaments.

"Let me take her to the car," Caspian said, spreading his palms.

I noticed that my grandpa trusted him more than anyone as he gently passed my body to Caspian's arms. My cheeks turned red as his perfectly formed chest came in contact with my body.

Caspian effortlessly carried me in bridal style and headed upstairs. I hesitated to place my arms over his broad shoulders. Caspian had a unique sweet fruity scent about him. I could tell it was not any perfume or anything artificial.

I did not know why my heart was pounding so hard on my ribcage. As I glimpsed at Caspian's face, his eyes met mine. I hastily looked away. How long had he been looking at me? I wondered.

When we came outside, I saw a black Lamborghini waiting. Caspian gently put me inside the car. I thought my grandpa would accompany me wherever I was going to be taken.

However, another car appeared as my grandpa leaned down on the door of my car and caressed my face.

"Caspian will look after you, my child. I am sorry. As much as I want to spend my time with you, there's something I must take care of first. I will see you in the afternoon," Grandpa said gently.

I noticed that my grandpa had not even asked for my name. I grabbed his sleeve awkwardly as he was about to close the door. Caspian sent me a chilling glare as if I had committed a grievous crime. My grandpa stared at me confusedly.

"I am Bailey," I said calmly.

My grandpa gave me the warmest smile as he cupped my face again. "This is the name I had chosen for you when you were still in your mother's womb," he said.

Caspian sat beside me in the car. He did not utter a single word the entire way.

The car stopped in front of a massive hospital. The butler opened the door. Caspian did not wait for me to get down. He gently carried my body again as a few men in black suits again appeared out of nowhere.

As we entered the hospital, the nurses hastily came toward us. They took my body from Caspian's arms and placed me on a stretcher. People were staring at us as the entire hospital administration began to treat us sophisticatedly.

Throughout my eighteen years of life, I had never received such elite class treatment.

I was semi-lying in my cabin. Caspian had left somewhere. The nurses had come earlier to treat my wounds. They washed me up afterward. I didn't know nurses would go this far for patients.

I stared outside of the massive window. The transparent white curtain was floating happily on the sweet breeze.

Lavender wisterias were kept on the table by my bed. It felt serene.

"Did Caspian bring me here for the DNA test?" I wondered.

Shortly, the doctor entered my room with Caspian by his side.

The first thing I noticed about the doctor was his aqua-blue eyes, clear as water. The man was elegant. His snow-white coat with unusual silver-blue hair gave him the appearance of an ice prince.

The doctor was the same height as Caspian, with a muscular build visible, even under his white coat.

"How have you been feeling, my lady?" he asked, smiling at me elegantly as if I was some princess from a historical novel.

Chapter Four: Bloom

The doctor ran a routine check-up on me. I was still in a state of bewilderment.

Everything happened too fast. Not to mention the unnatural events that occurred right before my eyes.

I had still not processed that I was a werewolf. And here, my entire species was unveiled in front of me in less than a day.

I wondered if the doctor was aware that we were wolves. Wouldn't I get caught if he tested my genes? I wondered.

The doctor gazed into my eyes and smiled as if he had read my mind. He took a small sample of my blood.

"Don't worry. I belong to your family as well," the doctor said.

I was taken aback by his sudden comment. My family? Did he mean that he was a werewolf like me? I thought. Did he also belong to my grandpa's pack? I wondered.

"It's still not confirmed if she is from the family or not," Caspian said calmly. He was standing near the window, facing outside.

"Anyone can be considered blind if they can't see the similarities between this young lady here and the Alpha Lord," the doctor said calmly. "You don't need to look too closely to realize they look the same."

Caspian turned to the doctor, frowning, and said, "It's hard to believe a prodigy like you analyzes things based on external features."

The mockery was evident in Caspian's tone as he lit his cigarette, leaning aimlessly on the window. I noticed the tattoo of a black dragon on one of his forearms.

The doctor went close to him and removed the cigarette from his lips. He leaned close to Caspian as their faces were inches apart.

"What a pity that the next Alpha leader of the white wolves acts like a mafia member inside hospital walls? How many times do I need to warn you not to smoke in here?" the doctor asked, throwing the cigarette away.

"And as for my analysis, ever heard of doctors who could diagnose just by looking at their patients?" the doc asked. "Perhaps you are refusing to accept it because you think the pack will choose the Alpha Lord's blood instead of you?"

My eyes widened, realizing why the thugs were calling Caspian alpha. Caspian was an alpha wolf and the next on the throne for my grandpa's pack.

The doctor did not wait for Caspian's response as Caspian stared at him bitterly.

The doctor took the blood sample and left the room. I could tell that they were not on good terms.

I was left alone with Caspian in the room. I was biting my lower lip. It was awkward to be around him when he ordered the thugs to kill me not even hours ago.

It was apparent that Caspian was still skeptical about me. Nevertheless, I could tell that he disliked me. Could it be that what the doctor said was true? Did Caspian despise me because he believed I would steal his crown?

"Don't get your hopes too high," Caspian said calmly. "Even if you are the granddaughter of the Alpha Lord, a rogue like you isn’t worth anything," he added.

I clenched the white blanket over my body. Indeed, anyone would be mad if someone appeared just out of nowhere, threatening their entire life's hard work. However, I did not come here to snatch anything away from anyone.

I only came here to find my family. After spending my entire life as an orphan, did I not deserve this much warmth from my grandfather? I was lost in my thoughts.

Caspian seemed unprepared by my gloomy expression. The doctor returned shortly.

"Why this long face?" he asked me gently. "Don't mind what this thug says," the doctor said while gently placing his hands over my knees.

The doctor applied a small amount of pressure on my knee, extending it abruptly. I cried out in pain as I felt the twist on my ligaments getting fixed.

My eyes fell on Caspian. I was surprised to see the anxiousness on his face. He loathed the rogues. Then why did he care if I was hurt?

As his eyes met mine, he fixed his composure, looking away.

"You have healed completely now, young lady," the doctor said, smiling. He looked at Caspian, noticing my gaze.

"Don't get distracted when your doctor is treating you. It might break their heart, you know," the doctor said, sulking like a child.

I turned to him, realizing I was gawking at Caspian. I felt my cheeks heating up.

"Thank you," I finally managed to speak after ages.

"I would be happier to learn your name instead," the doctor said.

"Bailey," I said in a tiny voice.

"What a lovely name. They call me Doctor Prodigy. However, that sounds really cliche. You can call me by my name, Athereld," the doctor said, placing bandages over the cuts on my thigh.

His slender, long fingers came in touch with my skin. His hands were cold.

I shivered slightly at his touch. Suddenly, Caspian came and grabbed the wrist of the doctor.

"This is supposed to be the job of the nurses. Don't you have a lot of free time today for being a prodigy?" Caspian asked.

"It's an honor that the greatest business tycoon has the time to get concerned about my duties. But I love to take care of my patients myself," Athereld said.

They seemed like wild dogs barking at each other. I wanted to rest. It was too much for me to take in just my first day in the city.

I never imagined I would find my grandpa like this. Everything was so foreign to me. Caspian possessed supernatural abilities. Even a month ago, I was just an ordinary school girl. If someone were to tell me about the wolves and the mythical creatures, I would have laugh it off with my friends.

However, since I started feeling the changes within my body, my sanity was getting weary deliberately. I wondered how my uncle was doing. Now that I had found my family, I could return to him. That I believed, unaware of the events that were to be unveiled.

Athereld discharged me from the hospital. Caspian didn't need to carry me this time. But it was still exhausting to walk by myself. It would be better if I could lean on something, I thought.

As we came to the ground floor, my eyes almost went blind by the camera flashes. The hospital security was struggling to deal with the reporters attempting to come close to us.

The men from earlier in black suits following Caspian hastily went forward to stop the reporters from getting close to us. However, their never-ending questions didn't fail to reach us.

The reporters were getting crazy about my identity. I realized it was Caspian they were actually curious about. All of them were going wild over the fact that Caspian had brought a woman to the hospital himself.

I realized that though my family was a mafia gang, they held a sophisticated position in society. Apart from their hidden identity and the gang act, they were successful businessmen in front of the world.

Caspian was one of the youngest billionaires, holding the most significant status in my grandpa's business. I wondered what chaos would befall if the world were to find out that this man was a mafia leader. Not to mention not even a human.

Chapter Five: Identity

It took a lot of hassle to get out of the hospital. The reporters followed our car for quite a while after gradually losing us as Caspian drove the car far away skillfully.

Caspian brought me to a beach house. I took a deep breath standing on the balcony, as the salty breeze touched my body. It was indeed healing for one's soul.

"Since the reporters are already aware, I can't take you to the Alpha Lord's residence before the Lord makes an official announcement," Caspian said.

"Why don't you say that you don't want to because the test reports have not come out yet," I said calmly, staring at him, leaning on the wooden banister.

"Do you believe it will make any change?" Caspian asked, giving me a cheeky smile.

For the first time, I saw his smile. Dimples appeared on both of his cheeks, revealing his perfectly aligned teeth. It was indeed the prettiest smile I had ever seen.

I couldn't deny that the man was someone to drool over. If only he were a bit more sensible with his words.

"I don't want to make any changes,'' I said calmly, tucking a lock of hair behind my ears. ''I only wanted to find my family," I said.

For a moment, I saw warmth in Caspian's eyes. But soon, they turned as cold as piercing ice again.

"Your uncle, he was aware of everything, wasn't he? Yet he chose to raise you as a rogue," Caspian said, staring at the beach aimlessly, placing his hands in his pockets.

"He had his reasons. But is it bad? Why do you despise the rogues so much?" I asked curiously.

Caspian seemed unprepared for my question. He raked his fingers through his blond hair.

"That is not of your concern. You should get concerned about the reports. If you appear to be a fake, I will take your life myself," he said coldly, turning to me.

The unexpected incident occurred suddenly. The banister cracked.

I lost my balance as soon as it broke. I was about to fall. A sharp scream came out of my mouth subconsciously.

Within a blink, Caspian grabbed my arm, preventing my fall. His hands snaked around my body as his eyes met mine. He gently pulled me inside the safe zone.

Caspian stared at me in disbelief. I couldn't fathom what I had done to offend him again.

"You can't unleash your power?" Caspian asked skeptically.

"Power?" I repeated his words. My head was still spinning. Soon, it hit me as I remembered that the wolves possessed abilities.

However, before coming to this city, my uncle had told me that he had kept my wolf suppressed for a long time. Hence, it would take time to regain my abilities and awaken my wolf.

"I can't," I said calmly.

"Talk about being useless," Caspian said sarcastically.

"It should be assuring for you though," I said, clenching my mother's pendant on my neck.

Caspian gazed at me intensely as if I had said something to pique his interest.

"Why should I be assured?" Caspian asked.

"I won't come your way of being the next leader of my grandpa's pack," I said in a tiny voice.

Caspian, to my surprise, broke into laughter. The mockery was apparent in his attitude. I frowned, not fathoming what was so humorous in my words.

Suddenly, Caspian pinned my arms over my head to the wooden wall, pressing my body with his. He leaned down, bringing his face closer to mine. I could feel his fruity, warm breath falling on my skin.

"Should I take this as your boldness, or are you just this naive?" Caspian asked in a low-pitched voice.

"You are hurting me," I hesitantly said as I tried to free my wrists from his grip. However, his grip only tightened.

"You can't even move your body against my grasp or can't unleash your powers. And yet, you are bold enough to assure me not to get worried about you seizing my throne. Are you even aware of your situation right now?" Caspian asked, bringing his face even closer.

I pursed my lips. I felt our lips would touch if I moved my lips even a bit. Caspian let go of my arms with force, shoving my body against the wall.

''Since I have devoted my life to the Alpha Lord and the white wolves, it doesn't matter to me if I become the next Alpha Lord or not. However, I will not let the throne get passed down to some worthless rogue appearing out of nowhere. That sacred crown only belongs to the deserving," Caspian said, staring at me coldly.

When he saved me earlier from the fall, I felt like he cared for my safety. However, his words contradicted his actions. Perhaps, my possibility of being the granddaughter of the Alpha Lord was the only thing preventing him from taking my life.

I wondered what could have happened in his past to make him loathe the rogues so much. My uncle intentionally raising me as a rogue was something that made him disdain me even more.

The atmosphere got heavy. Caspian's phone suddenly rang, piercing the cold air.

"One of our factories has been blasted, Alpha."

I could hear the panicked voice coming from the other side of the phone as Caspian picked up the call. His eyes glowed up again.

"Blast!" I mumbled. "A bomb blast?" I asked.

Caspian turned to me hastily and said, "Don't leave this place no matter what. You are safe as long as you are here. It's all because of those reporters!" Caspian said, gritting. "They are probably already aware of you because of the news. I will come to take you soon. You must stay here," Caspian said before leaving me puzzled.

"Aware of me? But who?" I questioned myself.

I remembered my uncle's words. The people who assassinated my parents would come after me if they found out.

I felt a sharp pain rising in my chest. Sweat appeared on my forehead. Since my childhood, I would get panic attacks often while stressed.

I gasped for air though the beach was right in front of me. Shortly, I lost consciousness.

****

I opened my eyes slowly as an unfamiliar ceiling appeared before my eyes. Exquisite Renaissance paintings were all over the ceiling. I hastily got up on the bed to find my grandpa sitting by my side.

"You are awake!" my grandpa said, pulling me into an embrace. "I was afraid. I thought I would lose you like my little girl," he said, caressing my head and my back. I could feel his fingers trembling.

"There's nothing to worry about, lord," a voice pierced through the air.

I raised my gaze upon hearing Athereld's voice. The phenomenally handsome doctor from earlier was standing at the back with a few papers in his hands.

My grandpa let go of my body, fixing his coat and leaning back into his chair. None of us noticed when the doctor entered.

"Congratulations, young lady, on passing as the Alpha Lord's granddaughter," Athereld said, placing his hand on my head, and patting me affectionately.

Chapter Six : Devil

My life had taken an unpredictable turn the day I came to the city. From an ordinary town girl, I had become the granddaughter of the billionaire mafia. The DNA test reports had already ascertained my legitimacy.

"Am I really going to play Cinderella here?" I asked myself, lying on the luxurious, king-sized bed in my bed chamber provided by my grandfather. It was still hard to get accustomed to the sudden change.

Van Gogh\'s "Starry Night" was painted on the ceiling with fluorescent colors. The darkness of the room had created an ethereal ambiance in the room.

"Who will play the cruel stepmother, I wonder," I mumbled.

I turned to my side, hugging my carrot-shaped body pillow. I wondered how grandpa managed to turn this room into an extravagant rich teenage girl\'s room within an hour.

Indeed, I had never even fantasized about such luxuries before, not to mention I had turned into an adult. Before my uncle fell chronically sick, he had tried his best to provide me with everything.

However, I couldn\'t finish my final year in high school since I had to take over multiple part-time jobs to support my uncle. My uncle would never allow me to skip my studies if he realized I had already quit school.

The next day when I woke up, the maids entered my room, hastily opened the massive windows, and began cleaning the entire room. A few of them helped me to wash up and change into an elegant white lace shirt with bishop sleeves and skinny black bow ties. I applied a little peachy lip tint and came downstairs.

My grandfather had already been waiting for me at the breakfast table. His face brightened up, noticing me.

"Good morning, My Child," My grandpa said, smiling. "Did you sleep well last night? Was there anything uncomfortable, or perhaps you would like to add more things to your room?" My grandfather asked excitedly.

I found Caspian in his casual clothes, sitting by my grandfather, staring at the table pad blankly as if a new dimension had opened through its designs. Undoubtedly, Caspian was disappointed with the test reports.

"It\'s already more than enough, Grandpa," I said calmly. "Thank you," I said in a tiny voice.

Caspian raked his fingers through his soft blond hair as the veins were prominent under the pale skin on his forearms. Even in a plain black oversized T-shirt and beige sweatpants, Caspian looked gorgeous as a movie star.

As I took my assigned chair opposite my grandfather, my eyes met Caspian\'s. His intense gaze pierced through my soul.

The maids served breakfast and freshly brewed tea. The aroma of the honey-lemon tea was intoxicating.

"So, Bailey, tell me about your earlier life. Where have you been living?" My grandfather asked.

"As I have told you, my uncle took care of me. But he is now terminally ill and staying in the hospital," I said, clenching the utensils by my plate.

I had promised myself that I would return to him once I found my family. But will my grandpa let me do that? I wondered.

"Your uncle? I had never heard of my daughter\'s mate having a younger brother. However, it makes sense that his brother is a human since their father had a human mate," My grandpa said. "After my daughter left the pack to live with your father, I barely held ties with them. To think that your uncle risked his life to save you makes me grateful to him," My grandfather said, looking gloomy. As if he was gravely regretting not finding me earlier.

"However, you should not worry about your uncle anymore. I will ask my men to bring him back. I will take care of his treatment," My grandfather said, suddenly cheering up.

"Really!" I got up from my chair, getting excited. Everyone was startled by my sudden yelling.

I sat back to my place, turning red as a tomato as I felt Caspian\'s gaze at me. However, I had never been so happy in a long time.

My eyes widened, glancing at the appetizing brownies and the expensive piece of roasted beef in butter with asparagus and mushrooms.

Had I not ridiculed the poor girls turning into princess movies? I thought, shoving the desserts in my mouth. It tasted so good that I melted. My grandfather broke into laughter as I stared at him confusedly with the giant bites shoved on my cheeks like a chipmunk.

"You need to work on your etiquettes. Don\'t just shove things into your mouth. The food won\'t run away," Caspian said as our eyes met again.

"Don\'t get so rough on her already," My grandfather said lightly, scolding Caspian.

I swallowed the food, getting embarrassed. I looked down as my cheeks turned red. Indeed, I had never tried such an expensive breakfast before. After serving at a local restaurant from six in the morning to eight, I would barely make it to my school with the leftover fries in my bag.

Hence, Caspian\'s simple remark about my table manners made me lose my appetite. Caspian seemed unprepared for my gloomy expression as I was unable to eat anything further. I noticed Caspian had also stopped eating. The atmosphere had suddenly turned heavy.

"Tell me about your friends, how was your school? What did you do?" My grandfather asked to lighten the mood.

"I didn\'t finish school," I said in a tiny voice. "My uncle fell sick suddenly, and it was getting hard for him to continue his job.\'\'

"My grandpa\'s eyes widened hearing that. "You didn\'t finish your studies? Were you working to earn?" He asked.

"Isn\'t it apprehensive?" I questioned back.

"Only if you had found me earlier," he said. I could see regret in my grandfather\'s eyes.

"Don\'t worry about it," I said, smiling brightly again.

"My life wasn\'t that bad or something. My uncle tried his best to provide me with everything. And I have found my family after all these years. That\'s what matters to me now the most, Grandpa," I said.

I could see tears appearing in my grandpa\'s eyes as he attempted to act tough in front of the maids. Caspian stared at him skeptically. Perhaps, my grandfather had never expressed much emotion before.

One of my grandpa\'s securities appeared, informing my grandfather of something urgent. My grandfather whispered something to Caspian and patted my head gently.

"I will leave you in Caspian\'s care. He might sound rude sometimes, but he doesn\'t mean them," My grandpa said, smiling at me affectionately.

Not him again, I cried out in my mind. It was hard to deal with someone having strong resentment toward you.

After my grandpa left, the atmosphere got more uncomfortable. I didn\'t know if I should have left the table or waited for Caspian to finish his breakfast.

Caspian leaned back on his chair as my grandfather left, crossing his arms over his chest and revealing the dragon tattoo on one of his forearms.

"I apologize," Caspian said calmly.

I was startled by his sudden apology. Caspian didn\'t look like he had ever used those words in his life before.

"You don\'t have to. It was impolite of me to act like that on the table," I said.

"It was," Caspian said, putting on a straight face. "I\'m apologizing for presuming you as an impostor."

Caspian got up from his assigned place, placing his hands in the pockets of his trousers.

Caspian leaned close to the table in the most seductive manner. He said, "Though it\'s proved that you are the granddaughter of the alpha lord, don\'t get illusions thinking you will obtain everything without proving your worth."

Unquestionably the man was incapable of apologizing. I stared at him flatly as he raked his fingers through his hair in the most seductive manner.

"Ah, and you should start school tomorrow. It would be a shame if it gets leaked that the granddaughter of the most successful businessman has not finished her graduation," Caspian said. "I will ask Catherine to help you work on your etiquette, and that cheeky doctor will be here today to check on you. Make sure you don\'t go around creating trouble for the maids," he said coldly.

Caspian left, ignoring anything I had to say.

"Devil," I mumbled, sulking.

Chapter Seven - Etiquette

The jet-black Lamborghini entered the parking area as a few thugs shut down the rolling shutter door behind. The garage was spacious, with colorful graffiti on the wall and filled with crates.

A few captives were almost beaten to their deaths and cuffed by metal chains from the ceiling with blood-smashed lips and swollen faces.

From the outside, there was no way to reckon the nightmare inside. Caspian got down from the Lamborghini in a plain black shirt left unbuttoned on the top and the v-lined, tight-fitted sleek vest.

The thugs prepared a chair for Caspian in front of the prisoners on the verge of losing consciousness. Caspian sat, crossing his legs, leaning back on the chair comfortably.

"Water," one of the captives mumbled.

''You blasted one of our factories, killing fifty of my men. Should I pour lava on your throat?" Caspian asked coldly, making a steeple of his fingers.

"We didn't do anything," another prisoner said, struggling.

Caspian got up from the chair, getting close to the prisoner within a glimpse. He grabbed the chin of the man and said, "Don't make me ask you twice. Which pack do you belong to?"

"We don't know what you are talking about," the prisoner said, clenching his jaw.

Caspian's grip tightened on the prisoner's jaw as his eyes glowed up, making a cracking sound, smashing the captive's jaw.

Within a glimpse, the prisoner's body turned into ashes. The other captives were petrified in fear as Caspian's arms shifted into claws till his forearm.

"Pl-please," one of the captives cried out as shortly, Caspian's sharp nails cut their throats.

"You lived long enough after daring to blast my men," Caspian said calmly, placing a cigarette between his lips and lighting it seductively.

Caspian exhaled the smoke, staring at the cigarette bitterly.

"I still don't like it," Caspian mumbled as one of the thugs brought Caspian's phone from the car.

"Master, we should arrange a meeting with the Black-snakes," Caspian said on the phone.

Caspian came out of the garage in his Lamborghini, riding it at full speed, putting on his glasses. The cold breeze brushed his soft blond hair as he slid the window glass down.

*********

I lay down on my bed till eleven in the morning. Caspian had left earlier. There was nothing much to do after breakfast. It had been a long time since I last relaxed in the morning. Part-time jobs were always exhausting.

I heard a light knock at my door. I wondered if it was the maids again.

Catherine entered shortly. The girl was too young to be the head maid. Perhaps a year or two older than me.

Catherine smiled brightly at me. "I apologize for not coming earlier to greet you, Young Lady," Catherine said.

I had expected to meet Catherine in a maid's outfit with a short, black frock and a white shirt underneath with a bow tie on her neck. However, Catherine was entirely different from my imagination.

The brunette had dressed in casual cloth with a plain white shirt and peachy pink midi skirt. Her eyes were glowing. I wondered if Catherine was a werewolf.

"Miss, before we proceed with the table manners, let me show you the outfits you must choose to wear on different occasions. Since the Alpha Lord is recognized both as a successful businessman and the leader of the White wolves, as his granddaughter, you will have to accompany him in the assemblies in the future," Catherine said, leading me toward a separate room attached to mine that I hadn't noticed.

When I entered the room, my eyes were flushed by the luxurious architecture. The room was designed entirely in a combination of white and pink. A vanity table was in a corner with shelves filled with expensive cosmetic products.

Catherine opened the cabinet as the shelves were filled with dresses, gowns, and casual clothes from all luxury brands.

Catherine opened another closet filled with heels and shoes.

"Young Lady, please pick your outfits from here, now on," Catherine said.

I was still in a state of bewilderment. "Have I transmigrated into a dressing-up game?" I mumbled, starting at the cabinets.

"Don't worry, Miss. Every day someone will be here to accompany you with your makeup and outfits," Catherine said, smiling.

After that, Catherine lectured me till lunch on my daily activities, skills I needed to learn, and table manners. I had never even been this exhausted in my part-time jobs.

My grandfather or Caspian had not returned. Catherine informed me that I had to dine alone at lunch.

I never cared about table etiquette in my life before. It was embarrassing when Caspian treated me like an uncultured village girl earlier.

"If comfortably eating gets you judged, it's better to eat alone," I mumbled.

Hence, I should have felt relieved to get to eat alone. However, it was strange that inside, I wanted to dine with my grandpa and Caspian.

It was lonely inside that massive apartment. Catherine got busy with her work. A bunch of armed men had been patrolling around the building. I wondered if anyone would allow me to go out alone.

Shortly, doctor Athereld appeared as Catherine led him to my bed-chamber. I had not seen Athereld in regular clothes aside from his medical attire.

In a plain white shirt, unbuttoned on the top, revealing his pale chest, and folded sleeves till his forearm, Athereld appeared as if he had come out of a novel. His silver-blue hair was messily touching his forehead, slightly covering his aqua-blue eyes.

"Glad seeing you doing well, My Lady," Athereld said, smiling brightly at me. I had already gotten accustomed to Athereld's way of addressing. Yet, it would make me feel like I belonged to a historical novel.

Athereld checked on my blood pressure and ran a few other tests on me.

"Everything seems fine for now. You are just a little weak. Probably due to my overly concerned mate's keeping you dehydrated for an entire day," Athereld said, putting his medical instruments back inside his bag.

"Mate?" I almost choked on his words. Was he not talking about Caspian? I wondered.

My uncle had informed me that every wolf had a mate with whom it shared its bonds. And from multiple werewolf novels, I had at least learned that the wolves would find their mates at a particular age.

Athereld broke into laughter, noticing my expression. He rubbed my head gently and asked, "You are so cute, aren't you? Have you always been this innocent?"

"But aren't you also a werewolf?" I flatly asked as I realized he was only making fun of me.

"Undoubtedly," Athereld answered as I continued to stare at him with wide eyes.

"What I intended was to mean as my companion or fellow packmate, you can say," Athereld said, smiling at me again.

My cheeks turned red. I couldn't fathom whether it was due to my imbecilic question or Athereld's captivating smile. I wondered what these men were consuming to grow up being this handsome.

"Do you not have a mate?" I asked in a tiny voice as I suddenly felt curious.

"Will that matter?" Athereld questioned.

I couldn't fathom what Athereld intended to mean. But I had no intention of asking something moronic again. Hence I refrained from asking him anything further. However, I wondered if Athereld was a beta.

I stared at the muscular build in his body. Athereld was not overly masculine or too slender. Even from over his outfit, the exquisite delicacy in his features was apparent, yet the manly virility was prominent.

"I might turn to ashes if you continue staring at me like this, Young Lady," Athereld said, smiling at me.

I turned red as a beet as I realized that my eyes were gobbling Athereld up.

"Pa-pardon, I am not weird or something," I almost slurred in embarrassment, looking away.

Athereld caressed my cheeks lightly and said, "No, you are not. Perhaps I will lose my mind if you continue being this cute."

I shivered slightly at Athereld's touch. He was indeed good at sweet talks, I thought.

"Anyway, I am checking the status of your wolf. I have already injected a few drugs into your body. I am hoping you will be able to realize the symptoms of having a wolf in a few days. Since it was suppressed for quite a long time, your wolf seems unresponsive to any external stimulus. It might take more time than I thought," Athereld said.

My eyes glowed up, learning about my wolf. I felt an unfamiliar sensation flowing through my veins. I had never felt this excited before.

"Will I be able to shift?" I asked as my eyes twinkled.

"Indeed," Athereld answered. "Have you eaten?" Athereld suddenly asked out of the blue as I shook my head, indicating I hadn't.

"Let's eat together," Athereld said, spreading his palm towards me, providing me with the most beautiful smile I had seen lately.

Chapter Eight : Deal

Caspian parked his car in front of one of the most luxurious buildings in the city. He took off his glasses, staring at the luminous name on top of the building.

"Black Moon," Caspian mumbled the name, shining brightly. His eyes turned to his sides by the numerous camera flushes.

Security was already toiling to control the reporters. The news of the assembly between the two most successful companies had already spread around the state.

Caspian ignored the cameras and headed to the building after a few higher-ranked officials welcomed and escorted him inside.

The glamorous building from the outside appeared gloomy and dull inside since there was no other color except white and black. The entire pack was mourning the shocking death of their pack leader.

A week ago, the unexpected death of the CEO and alpha leader of the Black Moon company and the Black-snakes pack had left the world confounded.

However, the white wolves found it skeptical.

"How come an alpha lord dies so abruptly?"

That's what the white wolves had thought. Caspian believed the black snakes had been scheming something by feigning the alpha lord's death.

Caspian took the lift and reached the highest floor of the building. As Caspian entered the massive hall, he could hear the gulps of the guests. The enormous alpha aura he had been radiating was impossible to overlook.

However, the employees were stunned by his appearance. Caspian, his entire life, had groomed himself to look like a dangerous mafia leader. Yet, people would get caught up in his beauty. Caspian would often receive offers for being an actor from companies like Corner Pros and modeling proposals from multiple luxury brands.

Caspian took his assigned place, staring at the employees of the Black Moon. Shortly, the new CEO and the current alpha of their pack entered.

Caspian turned, getting baffled by the appearance of the new alpha lord of the black snakes. It was hard to acknowledge that the phenomenally gorgeous lady barely in her early twenties was the pack leader.

Aphrodite was only twenty-three, only two years younger than Caspian, wearing the title of the youngest CEO in the world. Though Aphrodite had already passed her teenage years, her youthful charm would deceive everyone into assuming she was underaged.

However, Caspian's eyes narrowed as Aphrodite smiled at him innocently, capturing everyone's heart in the room with her beauty.

"Welcome to the Black Moon. It's been long, Caspian,'' Aphrodite said. The coral pink, glossy lip tint on her plumped lips matched her ebony eyes, providing a dreamy aura to her face.

The raspberry wrap dress had made her tall, slender legs more noticeable as she walked with her silky, black hair loose with a knotted headband on top. Aphrodite took her assigned place. Caspian couldn't deny Aphrodite was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women he had seen.

Nevertheless, Caspian was aware that Aphrodite's beauty was only a shell. She was always one of the most fierce wolves in their pack and, indeed, a rare alpha female. The massive chair of the CEO was a bit odd for Aphrodite as she looked like a teenage girl enjoying an outdoor picnic with her friends.

Aphrodite didn't appear mourning as she was the only colorful entity among the shades of black and white. The assembly began shortly.

Caspian couldn't shove away the uneasiness since he had met Aphrodite. He scrutinized her every movement as she was naturally flowing with the surroundings. There was nothing skeptical about her as Aphrodite was capable of running the company.

"So, what brings the next CEO of the White Wolves here?" Aphrodite asked, smiling brightly at Caspian. "I can assume you are already aware of our loss. As the new CEO, I am still learning a lot. I am grateful that the White Wolves has chosen to do a business deal with us in such a tough time," Aphrodite said, wearing a gloomy expression.

"Your men blasted one of our factories. Are you going to pretend the black snakes have no affiliation with it?" Caspian asked indifferently.

The employees stared at each other, getting perplexed. Aphrodite's face turned dark. She asked her assistant to get most of the employees out of the room.

"Are you out of your mind?" Aphrodite coldly asked as Caspian leaned back on the chair, crossing his legs.

There were barely more than ten people in the room.

"This is my office, not our pack house. How can you talk about such stuff in front of humans? What if they leaked the conversation?" Aphrodite asked, thumping on the table and leaning close to Caspian.

Caspian glanced out of the window aimlessly and said, "In the past week, your men tried to invade our port and blasted one of our factories." He got up from the chair and calmly said, "Since you are already the pack leader, we can believe that your father passed away. Hence, in this unstable condition of your pack, I suggest you do not involve your pack with the white wolves."

A thin line of a smirk appeared on Aphrodite's face.

"In the past week, I lost my father. My pack is still vulnerable. It's strange to think that the current alpha lord of your pack is not even your father, yet you are ready to sacrifice your life for him. And you believe I have the zeal to attack your pack when my father was on his casket?" Aphrodite asked.

"Are you implying the black snakes had nothing to do with the attacks?" Caspian asked skeptically.

"Affirmative," Aphrodite said.

Caspian's gaze tried to pierce through Aphrodite. Caspian was aware that the woman could be lying. However, the attacks were just a warning. A warning for what? Caspian wondered.

"Caspian," Aphrodite called him, breaking the chain of his thoughts. "How about we make a deal?" she asked, staring at Caspian seductively.

"Deal?" Caspian questioned.

"Undoubtedly, our packs are the strongest ones out there. And though my father is no more, I can presume that the white wolves are not naive enough to consider us less of a threat. That explains why the alpha lord has sent you here today. Instead of throwing mud at each other, why don't we become allies?'' Aphrodite asked, leaning on the table.

Caspian was unprepared for the unexpected proposition. He didn't think Aphrodite would ever think about allying with the white wolves.

"What kind of deal will it be? Our companies are rivals in the human world. How are you going to make this work?" Caspian asked.

Aphrodite suddenly broke into laughter.

"Aren't you really naive, Caspian?" Aphrodite asked, lightly touching the corner of her eyes with her fingers.

"Let's get married," Aphrodite said, putting on a straight face.

Caspian was puzzled by her words. He couldn't fathom if Aphrodite was teasing him.

"I have not asked for this appointment to fool around, Aphrodite," Caspian said calmly.

"Do I look like I am fooling around?" Aphrodite questioned. "You have said this yourself. We are rivals for humans. The only way to make this deal work out is by linking us together," Aphrodite said.

"You can't be serious about this," Caspian said. "After everything happened between us-"

"Of course I am," Caspian couldn't finish his words as Aphrodite cut his speech. "I don't care about the past. If you don't want your people to fight unnecessarily, think about this," Aphrodite said.

Caspian exhaled deeply. Aphrodite's words rang foreign to his ears. Once Caspian was the one to utter those words.

Caspian couldn't deny it. There was a time Caspian would die for these words. Once, he longed for Aphrodite.

However, Aphrodite was indifferent at that time. Nothing touched her. No matter how much Caspian endeavored, his affection didn't reach her.

"I can not give you an answer right now," Caspian said calmly. The situation was different then. Aphrodite's words did not touch Caspian's soul. Or perhaps he had become numb.

"I need to ask my alpha before giving you any answer. Whether the deal will happen or not, it depends on my Master's words," Caspian said.

"Do you think I am not aware of it?" Aphrodite asked, smiling brightly at Caspian, sitting on top of the table. She shoved a strawberry that was prepared earlier for the guests into her mouth and said, "You have a week to provide me with an answer. Of course, a positive one."

Caspian did not respond to her. He was about to leave when Aphrodite said, "I have heard of the return of your Master's granddaughter. I'm really looking forward to meeting her. Hope, this does not weigh you more than you can bear."

Caspian did not turn as he came out of the building, riding his Lamborghini back to his mansion.

Chapter Nine : Outing

Being timid to my bones, when Athereld invited me for lunch, I felt multiple knots twisting inside my abdomen. Catherine had instructed me on the basic etiquettes of dining not even an hour ago. However, it felt more comprehensive to eat alone rather than getting reckoned again for not being able to hold the forks properly.

Hence, I felt an intense urge to decline Athereld's offer and run back into my room, hiding under my blanket and not coming out for the rest of my life. Nevertheless, it was impolite to reject Athereld when he was already standing in my house.

"Sure-" I said, awkwardly gazing down at the floor. "I will ask Catherine to prepare the lunch. I am not yet familiar with anyone aside from her. I don't even know the menu for today. Hence, I am not certain if it will be to your liking," I said in a tiny voice, refusing to look up in case Athereld would uncover my insecurities.

I heard a slight chuckle as Athereld abruptly grabbed my wrist, forcing me to look into his eyes. I was startled by his sudden approach as Athereld asked, "Then why don't you try finding out about my preferences?"

I continued to stare at Athereld dumbfounded as he gently patted my head, dragging me with him towards the exit.

"Aren't we going to eat here?" I asked confusedly.

"Nope," Athereld answered shortly.

Catherine appeared when we were about to leave the mansion. She noticed my wrists in Ahereld's grip.

"Sir Caspian has firmly ordered us not to let Miss Bailey leave the apartment without his permission. I request you to refrain from taking her outside, Sir Athereld," Catherine said gracefully.

"Lady Catherine, how do you think the Master of this house will respond if he finds out this young lady has left in my care? Do you believe he will be disappointed?" Athereld questioned, providing Catherine the fakest smile. The threatening tone under his bright smile was apparent.

Catherine couldn't answer as she bowed apologetically, moving away from the exit. Athereld dragged me outside with him.

While passing by Catherine, Athereld calmly said, "From onwards, if you wish for me to refrain myself from doing something, make sure it's a decree from the alpha lord and not from my fellow mate." Athereld stared at me, sending me a meaningful wink.

My cheeks turned red fathoming Athereld intentionally used the word mate, mocking my earlier imbecilic behavior. The man was indeed good at teasing.

As we came outside the apartment, I saw Athereld's Rolls Royce Phantom waiting. Athereld held the door of his car open for me. I hesitantly got up, realizing we were going to eat outside.

Athereld drove the car as I sat there quietly by his side. I stared outside when the elegant masonries appeared. My eyes widened at the enchanting sight of the city.

"Have you never been to the city before?" Athereld asked, noticing my amusement.

"Not to such a massive one," I said calmly as my hands went to my chest unintentionally for my polaroid camera. I came out with Athereld so abruptly that I didn't get the opportunity to bring it with me.

Hence, I took a few photos with my phone camera, having no other way. Athereld only smiled at my excitement. He stopped the car in front of a tiny Asian restaurant.

The massive ramen bowl decorated at the top of the restaurant's name made me drool. The name written in Japanese letters was glowing below it.

I thought Athereld would prefer to dine in a luxurious restaurant. My uneasiness from earlier lessened as we entered the cozy environment of the restaurant.

A Japanese lady in her fifties greeted Athereld with the brightest smile. From their conversation, I could fathom that Athereld visited that place regularly.

"Do you like spicy food?" Athereld asked before ordering.

"I love ramen," I said, staring at the menu with widened eyes.

Athereld ordered the food as I continued to look around. There weren't many people in the restaurant. The walls were decorated with ancient Japanese paintings. There were futons instead of chairs and tables inside. In the garden, I saw a sozu, a type of water fountain made with bamboo. The sound of it was therapeutic.

The woman shortly returned with ramen, having eggs and beef steak on top, miso soup, and different types of colorful sushis. I had a fascination for Japanese food. However, it was my first time trying most of them.

I shoved the food in my mouth, not caring for the world. I had eaten the etiquettes with the food Catherine had taught me earlier. After eating for quite a while, I realized that Athereld was there by my side.

I turned to Athereld, thinking he was disgusted by me. To my surprise, I found Athereld staring at me, with his chin resting on his hands, smiling at me. There wasn't any mockery in his eyes. Instead, I found his gaze affectionate.

"Pardon," I said in a tiny voice, slowly placing the wooden spoon on the table.

"Why are you apologizing for eating?" Athereld asked.

"I thought you were also annoyed by my demeanor," I answered, lowering my gaze.

"You shouldn't care about what others think as long as you are not committing any crime," Athereld said, gently wiping the corner of my mouth with a tissue.

My eyes sparkled at his words. Finally, I could eat however I wanted without caring for anything. Athereld appeared entirely different from Caspian. He didn't care for brands or classes. After getting out of the Japanese restaurant, Athereld bought me ice cream while we enjoyed numerous street food. We took a walk inside a park.

It had been a long time since I enjoyed a day like this. Holidays had always been a luxury to me since I would always work extra hours for money on my day off.

"I would like to do a lot of things with you. But since I have brought you here without notifying anyone properly, my mate would probably lose it if he finds out," Athereld said while walking side by side with me.

"Why would he care? Are you not a doctor?" I questioned, staring at him confusedly. I had already gotten familiar with his way of addressing.

"That is not the problem, Young Lady," Athereld answered, gently patting my head. "Wolves can get really territorial over their possessions," he said, smiling.

I failed to fathom what Athereld intended to say. However, I felt the urge to show my gratitude to him.

"Thank you," I said calmly. "I had started to believe that I didn't fit in here. I would probably return to my old life since it felt like my grandpa would get tired of me eventually. Catherine has already informed me that as the granddaughter of this family, the pack expects a lot from me. What if they find out that I can't shift?" I asked, getting concerned.

"You are worrying unnecessarily. What matters to the pack is that the successor has returned. As for your wolf, I promise I will bring it back," Athereld said, providing me with a beautiful smile. "We should get going now. It will be down soon," Athereld said, staring at the sky.

The time flew so fast that I didn't notice it was already afternoon. As we returned to the mansion, Athereld tagged along with me inside. I asked him to leave, ensuring him that I could manage Caspian. However, Athereld only laughed at my words.

The lights were off in the massive hall. Catherine had left since she did not work here at night. The patrols outside the mansion appeared a few comparing earlier in the morning.

A silhouette appeared, sitting quietly on the massive couch, waiting patiently for my return.

Undoubtedly, the attractive features could belong only to Caspian. I gulped as the man got up from the couch, slowly coming toward us.

"Who said you could leave the house?" Caspian asked, lighting the cigarette as his eyes glowed in the dark.

Chapter Ten : Fit in

"Calm down. You are going to scare off the young lady," Athereld said as Caspian sent him a chilling glare.

"Did Catherine not inform you about not leaving the house?'' Caspian asked me coldly, ignoring Athereld.

I fathomed that the nagging wouldn't settle for anything less. I had seen Caspian getting mad before. I recalled the day he ordered the thugs to kill me. My palms got sweaty as I pressed them together, holding my breath.

I felt grateful that Athereld chose to accompany me. It was stupid of me to think I could convince the mafia leader with my excuses.

"I asked her to go out with me," Athereld answered, noticing me tensing up as the smile on his face did not fade despite Caspian's rudeness. "And I am pretty confident that the Alpha Lord won't mind something so insignificant," Athereld said.

"Insignificant?" Caspian asked, aimlessly placing his hands in his pockets as if Athereld had said something witless.

"Is it not?" Athereld questioned back, as the smile on his face only widened. "The Lady has returned to her safety. Let her take some rest. She's still not recovered from the trauma you gave her," Athereld said.

"You can act recklessly to your heart's content. I don't care about that," Caspian said, getting close to Athereld as their eyes met. Athereld did not even flinch at the intense aura Caspian was radiating.

"However, if the enemy families had taken the opportunity to harm the Alpha Lord's granddaughter, I wonder how an incompetent alpha would protect her?" Caspian questioned.

My eyes widened at Caspian's remarks. Caspian made it apparent that Athereld was an alpha wolf. However, I was perplexed as Caspian called him an incompetent alpha. I turned to Athereld anxiously, thinking he probably got mad. To my surprise, Athereld yawned, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Don't mind me. I am resistant to uncouth thugs," Athereld said, waving his hands, assuring me.

Athereld turned to Caspian and said, " I am a doctor. I save people's lives, don't beat them to death. If something bad were to happen, at least I would be able to treat the young lady."

Caspian attempted to make a few more crude remarks. However, Athereld cut his speech.

"I am off. Don't nag too much, or you will develop a contagious headache infecting the people around you," Athereld said, lightly patting Caspian's shoulder as Caspian stared at him bitterly.

"Let's have a nice meal together again, getting permission from your grandpa," Athereld said to me before leaving. I noticed the mischievous smile on his face, fathoming he said that solely to annoy Caspian.

After Athereld left, the atmosphere got awkward. I thought I would get scolded even more.

However, Caspian unexpectedly asked, "Are you still feeling unwell?"

My heart pounded so hard on my chest that I felt like Caspian could listen to its beats.

Caspian noticed the uneasiness on my face and asked, "Is it true what that cheeky jerk said? Are you still upset about that day?''

"It's not grave. I apologize for not following your orders," I said awkwardly.

"Since when did you turn into a sorry mushroom? Weren't you fierce enough to consider giving up on your throne for an alpha wolf?" Caspian asked, crossing his arms on his chest.

I felt my cheeks heating up. Something was strange about Caspian. Every time I was alone with him, I could feel an unfamiliar sensation tingling inside my chest.

When I returned with Athereld, I could tell from Caspian's face that he did not like it.

"You should go upstairs and rest. You will continue your studies from tomorrow. Master has got you into one of the most elite-class schools in the country. Make sure to live up to my Master's reputation," Caspian said.

"School?" My eyes widened. Undoubtedly, I wanted to finish my final year and graduate like the other kids. However, Caspian's words began to form twisted knots in my abdomen. It would be better if I could go back to my old school.

I exhaled deeply, heading upstairs, sulking. Caspian grabbed my wrist abruptly.

"If you wish to eat outside, tell me next time. Don't go out with just anyone,'' Caspian said.

Caspian rubbed his neck as I stared at him flatly. Is he really going to act politely with me now? I wondered.

"It's just I don't want you to get into any trouble. That doctor is already a pain in the neck," Caspian said, releasing my hand.

I couldn't sleep the entire as my heart wouldn't calm down. It had been months since I last attended school. I searched up the school Caspian had informed me that I would be joining.

It was an A-ranked school that would only allow elite class students from all over the country. However, they provided scholarships for commoners as well. I sighed. Previously, I would deliver fries to this kind of school. "There's no way I could blend in," I thought, shoving my head in my blanket.

The next day I woke up late with dark circles under my eyes. Catherine got startled by my appearance.

"Miss, what happened to you? Did you not sleep last night?" Catherine asked concernedly.

I shook my head, sulking. Catherine shoved the brush in my mouth, pushing me into the washroom as I was already late for class.

Caspian had left earlier in the morning, ordering the maids to prepare me for school. A man in his forties appeared, bowing gracefully.

The man introduced himself as the chauffeur. Catherine had already prepared my uniform.

I changed into the fairly short-sleeved shirt, tucked inside the mini-skirt with a black coat on top, and knee-high socks with black shoes. I tied my hair in a high-raised ponytail, letting the bangs in the front cover my forehead.

As my car entered the school ground, my eyes flushed by its sovereignty. A few guards escorted me to the school. However, they were not allowed to enter the school. Hence, the guards waited outside as I entered the school.

My grandfather had arranged all the necessary documents I submitted to the office. My homeroom teacher was instructed well, as he took care of me from the moment I arrived at the school building.

"So, this is how it feels to get elite treatment," I thought. However, the moment I was most worried about finally came. I had to introduce myself to the class as a transfer student.

As I entered the classroom, I could feel the piercing gazes at me, scrutinizing every cell of my body. The class was filled with all the rich kids, already aware of my identity.

I didn't know if it was due to my wolf nerves that enhanced my senses. I could hear the murmurs clearly.

"Isn't this the granddaughter of the white wolves that appeared out of nowhere?''

"Is she even real? She doesn't look rich."

"Why is she so privileged? How can they allow a new student in the final year?"

I exhaled deeply as the teacher asked me to take my assigned place. The entire class, I wondered how they would react if they found out about my past.

I clenched my notebook subconsciously. How can I think so pathetically? I questioned myself. Why should I care what they would think? I had no complaints or regrets when I lived in that small town. Whether I fit in or not, I will not groom myself to fit in someone else's taste.

Chapter Eleven : School

I could feel the prying gazes on me as I sat quietly at my desk after the first period. The girl sharing a desk on my right smiled at me brightly, attempting to start a conversation.

"I saw you on the news the other day," the girl said.

I would often find it hard to look at people's faces while having a conversation. Yet, the girl possessed a captivating aura with her beautifully curled, raven hair and dark skin.

"Everyone assumed such odd things after they published the articles about Caspia bringing a woman to the hospital. People even spread rumors about the future CEO of the white wolves' impregnating a teenager," the girl said, staring into my eyes.

"That's not true," I answered awkwardly in a tiny voice. I did not know how to respond to such baseless rumors.

"Indeed! After all, the White Wolves made a briefing about their successor's return. It's good to meet you here in my class," the girl said as her enticing, rounded eyes glowed up in excitement.

"She's pretty," I thought, staring at her.

"I am Cassidy," the girl introduced herself. "If you need any help, you can always ask me. I have to attend my violin classes. Since it's your first day here, I assume you haven't decided on your extras yet," Cassidy said.

I shook my head, indicating I hadn't.

"In that case, why don't you choose a subject that piques your interest? How about joining violin classes with me? Do you like music?'' Cassidy asked.

I nodded. I loved to shuffle my playlist while working. However, I was aware that I had no talent for it. Hence, I looked at Cassidy with such an agitated expression that she broke into laughter.

"It's okay. Don't get nervous. I was only asking. There's an entire list of the subjects you can find on the pinboard by the locker room. You can choose yours from there. I will see you again after the class," Cassidy left, saying.

The class had emptied already. I presumed the extra-curricular subjects were obligatory in that school. Thus, I felt curious to take a look at the list.

The school appeared harmless, considering the irrelevant chain of scenarios in my mind that kept me awake the entire night. Perhaps, you needed to be poor to get bullied.

My grandpa's status in society had already made me renowned among the other students. Though I could hear a lot of them talking behind my back, none of them dared to harass me.

I wondered aimlessly for a few minutes as the students appeared too busy to approach. Unlike my previous school, where the corridor was always filled with loud noises of cheerful kids, this elite-class school seemed dead.

The students had almost turned into robots to maintain their social status. I walked past Cassidy's violin class when my eyes met Cassidy's for a brief moment. She was noticeable even in the queue of kids holding their violins and playing them with enthusiasm.

Cassidy smiled at me as shortly the professor scolded her for getting distracted. I finally found the bulletin board after swerving around willy-nilly.

The list made me chuckle as these schools had courses on even feeding pets. I couldn't decide for a while what to choose.

I came outside as the boys were playing football on the massive field. My nerves suddenly got cautious as I felt something soaring toward me. I dodged the ball as it flew over my head, hitting the mailbox behind, breaking it.

Everyone was startled, expecting the worst. However, no one bothered to move from the assigned places and continued whatever they were doing as if I was some sort of a nuisance.

"Are you alright?" one of the guys playing earlier asked. I didn't notice when he came to pick the ball.

I only nodded. A woman in her late forties, wearing a dark midi skirt with an overcoat, appeared shortly.

"Are you, Miss Bailey?" she asked me, frowning.

"Yes."

"Well then, let me introduce myself first, Miss Bailey. I will be your phase coordinator for this year. Since it's your first day here today, I will inform you about the rules and regulations. Please, follow me," The woman said sternly.

I fathomed a long lecture, or perhaps even nags were on their way.

The woman brought me to her office and asked me to sit. A maid shortly entered the room with tea and cookies.

The woman took a sip from the tea as I politely refused to eat anything.

"Miss Bailey, we require our students to be productive as long as they are inside the school ground. After your classes, you are not allowed to roam anywhere apart from your selected majors. Please, refrain from breaking the concentration of others. Now, tell me about the extra-curricular subjects you have chosen. I will enroll your name from tomorrow's classes," the woman said.

"I haven't decided on one yet," I said in a tiny voice. I was already feeling bitter about the extraneous rules of the school.

"How about shooting?" the woman asked, staring at me mysteriously.

''Shooting?" I questioned back.

"Yes. A lot of our students belong to well-known families, and they grow up developing interests in different games. Our shooting club includes students from the most sophisticated families. I believe as the granddaughter of the White Wolves' family, you will enjoy it there," The woman said. A smirk appeared on the corner of her face.

There was something unusual about the woman. I noticed her glowing eyes as she calmly continued sipping on the tea.

"A wolf?" I mumbled. I had not considered that there would be people in the school, including students and teachers, who were also werewolves.

I fathomed after coming out of the room that Caspian had asked this woman to enroll me in the shooting club. I had never touched a gun in my entire life. How could I possibly join the shooting club? I wondered.

Caspian had made it apparent that the game had started, and I needed to prove my worth to be able to bear the title of the successor of the white wolves.

I sighed, realizing I could never get close to Caspian as a friend since he considered me a contender for his throne.

I returned to my class as Cassidy waved at me, smiling happily. It felt good to be able to make a friend on my very first day.

I took my assigned place as Cassidy asked, "I heard you joined the shooting club. Indeed, the sophisticated families always go for shooting or archery," Cassidy said.

"Who keeps spreading all the news? It's not even an hour since the phase coordinator informed me about it," I said calmly.

"Well, you don't know this school yet. Your name's already on the bulletin board of the shooting club," Cassidy cheerfully said.

I was about to say something when a few girls appeared before our desks.

"When are you going to stop being a digger? You are always after the famous ones, aren't you?" one of the girls questioned.

I noticed Cassidy's face getting gloomy as she tensed up. I looked at the girls who were still standing before my desk.

"So you are the breaking news of the past few days?" One of the girls asked me, crossing her arms on her chest. Her silky, long straight hair was loose with an expensive crescent hairpin in the front. The girl was pretty. However, I could clearly read the word bully written all over her face.

"I suppose that's me, unfortunately," I said calmly.

"That's quite hard to believe. Nevertheless, don't get caught by these leeches on your very first day," the girl warned me.

"Leeches?" I asked, frowning.

Cassidy seemed frustrated. She got up hastily and said, "Bailey, I need to use the restroom. Please, don't mind those words."

"Why are you running away? Do you think you can pretend to be rich like the other students by hiding that you came to this school through scholarships?" the girl asked as Cassidy attempted to leave,

"Ah- I see," I got up from my chair, saying. Cassidy stared at me skeptically. "I was waiting for you since morning," I stared at the girl and said.

"You know me?" the girl asked, frowning. "That's not even a surprise. My father's company had run hundreds of deals with the white wolves. Indeed, you have heard of our company," the girl said proudly.

"Not at all," I said indifferently. "Don't you watch movies? What does the protagonist expect on the first day of her school?" I questioned.

"What are you talking about?" the girl asked, getting annoyed. Our conversation had seized the attention of the entire class already.

"I am talking about bullies. It would be a shame if a few money brains hadn't shown up, disrespecting others," I said calmly.

Cat bit the girl's tongue as she stood there dumbfounded.

"Did you just call me a bully?" the girl asked. Tears filled the girl's eyes unexpectedly as she ran away from the class, crying.

"I apologize. I should have told you before that I am a commoner," Cassidy said.

"Isn't that great? You are one of the most talented students in this school, aren't you? I am certain that getting a scholarship is much tougher than getting admitted with one's money," I said. However, Cassidy seemed tensed.

"That girl is pretty good at convincing others with her tears," Cassidy said.

"Don't worry. I have seen this enough in my life," I said, smiling. After all, I led a life of a commoner all my life.

Chapter Twelve : Begins

Just when I assumed that nothing would probably go wrong on the first day at school, the misfortunes began to unfold.

I was hailed to the principal chamber on the very first day at my new school. I entered the room, breaching the heavy atmosphere of the room.

I found the girl from earlier sitting on the couch, crossing her legs. A woman in her mid-forties was by her side, caressing her shoulders as the girl continued to sob, noticing me.

The woman's green sequin midi dress and the Gucci bag appeared too glam in the bland black and white office. The woman shot me a bitter glare as I entered.

The board of teachers was already in the room as if they were waiting for me.

"Miss Bailey, please, take a seat," my phase coordinator said calmly. It felt a bit awkward knowing she was a werewolf. I could feel the piercing eyes as I sat quietly opposite the girl.

"No one ever dared to humiliate my daughter before," the girl's mother said bitterly.

Wasn't she the one going around humiliating the commoners? I thought, not getting surprised. Indeed, Cassidy warned me that the girl was exemplary at playing the victim.

"Miss Bailey, though you are the granddaughter of the CEO of the White Wolves, you can not go around creating troubles for others on your first day," the phase coordinator said. "Do not think we will allow you to ridicule others just because of your family's status," she warned me.

I did not know how to respond. Shortly, the principal entered the room with my nightmare.

I could hear the gasps as Caspian entered the room with the principal. The teachers and the guests were mesmerized by his majestic ambiance.

Caspian's arctic blue eyes met mine as he ran his fingers through his hair seductively. The daughter had already forgotten to put on her act as she stared at Caspian with wide eyes.

In a black suit with a grey waistcoat, Caspian appeared as if he had come out of a novel. It was a rare opportunity to meet him outside like this.

Though the entire school was blessed to get a glimpse of Caspian, I shrunk in apprehension staring at Caspian's cold eyes. Undoubtedly, it would make a headline in the news again.

Caspian sat by my side, leaning comfortably and crossing his legs. A sweet peachy fragrance hit my nose as Caspian came close to me.

"What grievous crime accounts for calling me here like this?" Caspian asked, making a steeple of his fingers.

Everyone was startled as they realized they were gawking at Caspain.

"We apologize for calling you here abruptly like this, Sir. However, we have some grave allegations against Miss Bailey on her very first day, unfortunately," one of the teachers said.

"That sounds pretty grave. So, whom did she kill?" Caspian asked indifferently.

I almost choked at Caspian's words. After watching that man beating people to their deaths, it didn't ring sarcastically in my ears. The teachers stared at each other, getting perplexed.

"Ah- your sense of humor is quite unexpected, Sir," my homeroom teacher said awkwardly. "Nevertheless, Miss Bailey has harassed Miss Bennet today."

Caspian stared at the mother and daughter pair as the woman hastily fixed her composure.

"I am Mrs. Chyle Bennet. My husband owns the Rosemerries. We had a lot of deals with the White wolves in the past," the woman said brightly.

Caspian ignored the introduction and turned to the girl. The woman rapidly grabbed her daughter and introduced her, "This is my daughter, Winsley, Winsley Bennet."

Mrs. Bennet's eyes glowed up as Caspian observed Winsley. Winsley tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear shyly. I exhaled deeply, getting annoyed. Wasn't the girl depressed just minutes ago because I harassed her?

I frowned at Caspian, not fathoming why he was checking that girl out shamelessly in front of everyone. Indeed, Winsley was pretty. However, considering Caspian's popularity, weren't tons of attractive women after him already?

"You claimed your daughter was harassed?'' Caspian asked Mrs. Bennet sharply.

Mrs. Bennet was unprepared for Caspian's question.

"But Miss Bennet doesn't appear injured anywhere," Caspian said calmly.

"Ah- yes," Mrs. Bennet almost slurred. "It was only a misunderstanding among the young ladies, I assume," she said, smiling awkwardly.

"But the authority informed me it was something grave," Caspian turned to the homeroom teacher and said coldly.

The homeroom teacher was unprepared as the principal frowned at Mrs. Bennet.

"Mrs. Bennet, didn't you complain of Miss Bailey bullying Miss Winsley?" the principal asked.

Mrs. Bennet stared at her daughter and fixed her posture.

"I believe my daughter's reaction was a bit exaggerated since she's really soft-heartened, you know. Winsley is so kind that she gets sentimental. If I knew Mr. Caspian would be bothered over such a tiny issue, we would talk it over with Miss Bailey," Mrs. Bennet said, smiling brightly. "I believe Miss Bailey and my daughter will be good friends soon," she added.

"As if," I said in my mind, scrunching my nose at the shameless behavior of the woman.

The sudden change in Mrs. Bennet's tone bewildered everyone in the room. The school authority seemed embarrassed to speak anything further.

Caspian got up from his assigned place, shoving his hands into his pockets aimlessly.

"Mr. Flynn, I believed the successor of the White Wolves had offended the school authority to such an extent that no one dared in the past twenty years. Was it all for which you had to ask me to come here? Weren't there several other complaints like Miss Bailey broke the concentration of the other students?'' Caspian asked the principal coldly.

"I should have confirmed the accusations before calling you here," Mr. Flynn said, staring at Caspian apologetically. "We apologize for the inconvenience on your first day, Miss Bailey," the principal turned to me and said.

I sighed, coming out of the room. Indeed, having rich guardians was a one-eighty turn in my life.

Caspian didn't say a word to me inside the school ground. The classes had already ended. Hence, I followed Caspian to return home.

The kids were stunned as Caspian walked past them. I could hear the murmurs about how attractive Caspian was in person. No one expected to see the rumored future CEO of the White Wolves in the school.

"Why is the future CEO of the White Wolves picking her?"

"Wasn't she a nobody even a few days before?"

"I am so jealous! She gets to live with such an attractive man?''

"Aren't they competitors for the CEO's position? Are they on good terms?"

I could tell Caspian could hear the murmurs since he was also a werewolf.

Everyone was already aware of my incident with Winsley Bennet. However, Winsley had a reputation as an innocent girl in front of everyone. Thus, her bullying would often go unnoticed by the other students. Or perhaps, the other kids also possessed the same prejudice against the commoners.

I could tell that Caspian was mad at me. He had warned me not to do anything unexpected that would put a scratch on the White Wolves' reputation.

Suddenly, Cassidy yelled my name, dragging the attention of the entire hallway.

"Bailey! Let's talk outside," Cassidy said, huffing. She came to me running, noticing me from the third floor.

Caspian stared at Cassidy skeptically. Cassidy bowed apologetically for not noticing him with me. Caspian moved forward as Cassidy continued to talk with me.

"I heard they called you in the principal office. I was aware that Winsley would pull something like this. She is a sly girl. You should be more careful from now on," Cassidy said. She seemed apologetic for the scandal I suffered.

"Do not worry about it," I said in a tiny voice.

"I should thank you, Bailey. You stood up for me though it cost you so many unexpected events. Winsley is always disgusted by the students who get here by a scholarship. Indeed, she wished to become friends with the successor of the White Wolves. But I guess she was mad because I approached you before her," Cassidy said.

I was aware that Caspian used the word successor for sarcastic purposes. But I felt uneasy as others were mentioning it in front of Caspian.

As we came out of the school ground, I bid Cassidy goodbye. I turned to Caspian awkwardly as he stared at me indifferently.

Caspian leaned on his Lamborghini aimlessly as his eyes hovered over my body.

"What are you? A walking pandora's box?" Caspian asked.

"I apologize for being a damsel in distress. I will make sure the school doesn't bother you again," I said in a tiny voice.

"Do you think whatever happens to you concerns me? Your every move is going to involve the White Wolves' name. You can not play with something just because you got hold of it out of the blue, without even trying," Caspian said coldly.

It wasn't hard to comprehend that Caspian was talking about my inheritance.

"I do not have any intention to achieve anything that I don't deserve," I said calmly.

"Is this why you joined the shooting club? To prove your worth?" Caspian asked, tilting his head.

I was perplexed by his question. I agreed to take shooting as my extra thinking Caspian had prepared it for me. However, Caspian didn't appear he was happy with me fighting back for the Alpha's throne.

I wondered if it were the other mafia wolf clans who wanted to use me as bait to drag Caspian into this.

Chapter Thirteen : Shooting Club

"An assembly?" I questioned Catherine with wide eyes, shoving the strawberry mochi into my mouth.

"Yes, Miss. The Crescent family has had bad blood with the White Wolves for quite a long time. But the alpha Lord always overlooked their audacity since they are humans. However, they went wild this time for daring to invade two of our port areas," Catherine said, brushing off the almost non-existing dust from the shelves.

"Isn't it easy to deal with them since humans are weaker than the wolves?" I asked.

"Certainly. However, the alpha Lord has decreed not to harm humans. Hence, we are not allowed to use our wolf powers on the human clans," Catherine said, taking away the mochi plate. "You have exceeded today's sugar limit, Miss," she said as I continued staring at the plate like a feline.

I bit my lower lip, rolling on my bed after Catherine left. Catherine had informed me about the assemblage between the two most tempestuous mafia families. My grandpa and Caspian would attend the meeting.

I was apprised that soon I would have to attend those assemblages after grandpa's official revealing of me as his granddaughter.

The next day I went to school before Catherine could complain about me being a slime. I felt grateful to Caspian for burying the incident at the principal office with its casket since no one mentioned it the next day. Even my grandpa was not notified about it.

Cassidy greeted me with a bright smile as she was also relieved that her name was not circulating on the internet. Perhaps surviving inside the school was not easy for her like the regular students from aristocratic families.

Since I was already in my final year in the school, my classmates had already selected their extras. Hence, after the first period, I was alone to take the shooting class.

"Am I going to be the only senior in that club?" I asked Cassidy, getting perplexed.

"I assume such," Cassidy said. "No one selected shooting in the finals."

Cassidy left for her violin class after assuring me for a while. She mentioned that the shooting club members belonged to the noblest families. Hence, I wouldn't face bullies like Winsley.

I went to the shooting club as the twisted feeling in my gut returned. I took a heavy breath as I knocked at the door.

Surprisingly, the door was open. I entered the room as all the pairs of eyes turned to me. The atmosphere inside the room was chilly.

There was a tiny group of a few girls and boys. However, the ambiance encircling them appeared foreign to me. Since my wolf was suppressed, I wasn't capable of detecting my fellow species.

However, the piercing gazes and smirks on their faces made it apparent that they were aware of a lot more than the other students.

"Welcome to the shooting club," one of the guys welcomed me brightly. The guy appeared a lot younger than the other students in the room. His blond hair and honey-amber eyes complimented his bright smile. I wondered if the boy was a freshman.

The girls were prettier than most of the girls I had noticed in that school. They seemed cold, unlike the first guy. My eyes got blinded by the appearance of the rest of the phenomenally handsome males.

The club undoubtedly could be mistaken for a beauty pageant.

"A senior?" one of the girls questioned, scrutinizing my every cell. The girl was taller than a few guys in the room, with a perfect hourglass figure. An expensive crescent-shaped diamond pendant was hanging on her exposed neck due to the unbuttoned shirt on the top.

"Isn't she the granddaughter of the White Wolve's CEO?" another girl asked with a tomboyish charm.

"I am Bailey. I assume I am the only final year here," I said awkwardly. I didn't know how to approach them.

"Are you naive or just pretending not to notice?" one of the guys asked as everyone's eyes turned to him.

The boy was sitting on top of a table. I had counted only five of the guys. I couldn't fathom how I failed to realize that guy's presence.

The guy's rare purple eyes emitted such a dangerous ambiance that I forgot he was probably a lower classman. Something was bewildering about him. Whether it was the aura he possessed or the back brushed, raven hairs with the sharp jawline.

The black turtleneck shirt with a surcoat on top and sleeves tucked up till his forearm revealed his prominent vessels.

"You haven't debuted yet, have you?" the tall girl asked again. I nodded, wondering if she was talking about the official announcement of my grandfather.

"Her presence is too weak," the last girl commented. She was the tiniest person in the room. However, she appeared as the most staid person present there.

"How long are you going to stand there like an idiot?" the guy from earlier asked.

The other students seemed unprepared for the guy's demeanor. I had never seen lower-classmen treat their seniors like that.

''Ah- Eris, you can't talk to her like this,'' the blond from earlier said. "We apologize for his rudeness," the blond guy turned to me, smiling apologetically.

"You, Brat! Who said you could apologize on my behalf? Do I look like a sophomore?" Eris grabbed the blond guy's neck, shooting him a deadly glare as the other students stood there indifferently.

"You are bullying Aidan again, Eris. The teacher will be mad if he finds out," the tiny girl from earlier said as Eris loosened his grip, wearing a bittered expression.

I sighed, realizing my shooting club days wouldn't go as peacefully as I had assumed.

Nothing significant happened on the first day in the shooting club as the teacher had to take an emergency leave. The girls introduced themselves as I left shortly, following the bell's ringing, indicating the next period.

In the afternoon, Caspian came to pick me up from school unexpectedly. The entire school continued to stare at him as he waited for me outside his car, leaning on it aimlessly.

It was strange that he came despite me having a chauffeur.

"Bailey."

Someone called me from behind as I went to Caspian. I turned to come face to face with Eris as he was holding a hairpin that I had probably lost earlier that day.

"You left it in the changing room," Eris said, giving me the pin. He didn't even glimpse at Caspian.

"See you tomorrow at the club," Eris said again as I was bewildered by the sudden change in his attitude.

Caspian observed the boy's every move, frowning as if something about Eris had piqued his interest.

"Who was that guy?" Caspian asked as Eris left.

"A junior from the shooting club," I answered in a tiny voice as Caspian opened the car door for me.

"A junior calling the upper-classman by their name and a werewolf? That's interesting," Caspian calmly said, sitting by my side.

I was startled as Caspian mentioned the word werewolf. I had felt the unusual atmosphere encircling the students in the shooting club. I finally realized the reason.

"It appears you have made friends a lot already," Caspian said again, staring outside the window, crossing his legs.

"It's not like this. We were about to change into our shooting suits when the teacher notified us that he wouldn't be at school today. I probably lost it in the changing room then," I said, staring at the hairpin.

Caspian was startled by my answer as he turned to me hastily.

"What was he doing in the girls' changing room?" Caspian asked, staring at me concernedly as I was baffled, not having any idea about it.

Chapter Fourteen: News

"Hold tight,'' Caspian said as he gradually increased the speed of his car.

My grip tightened on the seat belt as I felt like my guts would come out of my mouth.

"Someone's following us," Caspian said calmly, not moving his eyes from the road.

My eyes widened as I pursed my lips, getting petrified. The meter reading went over two hundred as I sent farewell to the stationaries I had finally afforded.

"Do you want to go to jail?" I cried out, closing my eyes as Caspian had lost the last piece of his brain cells for driving the car recklessly with a smirk printed on his face.

I watched two cars crashing behind ours, shoving the entire area into chaos. Caspian drove away from the city roads. I assumed one of the crashed cars was following ours.

"This man is undoubtedly a devil," I thought, staring at Caspian as he slowed down the car again.

I gazed out of the window when my heart finally calmed down. It was already past afternoon as the sky had turned tangerine from the rays of the setting sun.

The road looked ethereal, with the mountains on one side and the slopes meeting the sea on the other.

When we returned, I found my grandpa waiting in the hall.

"Bailey!" my grandpa hastily came toward me, pulling me into a tight embrace. My cheeks turned red as my grandpa started to check for any injuries.

"Was it the humans again?" My grandpa asked, looking at Caspian.

"Yes, Master," Caspian answered calmly.

"No wonder you allowed them to chase you," My grandpa said, nodding. "It was all over the news though I have already taken care of it. However, it took a lot of effort to fabricate your car. You should have considered Bailey before driving at such a pace.''

"Pardon, but she is a walking pandora's box until she learns how to protect herself," Caspian said, staring at me coldly.

"Don't be too harsh on her, Caspian," My grandpa said, sitting back on the couch, lighting his cigarette. "I believe it's high time I debut Bailey as my granddaughter."

"If that's what you wish, Master. However, once she debuts, it will be more difficult to protect her," Caspian said indifferently. "She is already so weak and incapable of using her wolf abilities," Caspian said, staring at me bitterly.

I wondered if there were vaccines for insults.

"Bailey, I have exciting news for you," My grandpa said, turning to me and noticing me sulking.

I stared at grandpa curiously as he pulled me close to him on the couch.

"I have brought your uncle to the city. Athereld is currently taking care of your uncle in his hospital," My grandpa said, smiling at me brightly.

I couldn't believe my ears, getting up excitedly. I sat back on the couch again, noticing Caspian's piercing eyes.

"Can I meet him?" I asked my grandpa in a tiny voice.

"Of course," My grandpa answered cheerfully. "He will be living with us once Athereld approves."

"Master, Did you decide on the snakes' proposition?" Caspian asked awkwardly.

I was perplexed by the sudden change in Caspian's expression. He seemed frustrated.

"Ah- about that," My grandpa paused while saying. He placed his hand on Caspian's shoulder and said, "I have already sent them an answer. Caspian, I do not wish to burden you. However, it was necessary to form peace among the clans."

Caspian only nodded. My grandpa patted Caspian's head lightly and said, "If it were a few years back, I would have waited. But you are already past the age. This shouldn't be a problem."

I felt relieved hearing about my uncle. I chit-chatted a bit with my grandpa as Caspian went upstairs shortly.

It was already past dinner time when grandpa finally let go of me. I came upstairs exhaustedly. The mansion was so massive that it resembled a palace.

I stopped in the vast corridor, staring at the full moon outside the glass wall. Thick, rounded, massive pillars supporting the ceiling were connected by expensive chandeliers.

The lights were turned off in the corridor, creating a surreal atmosphere. The moonlight had showered the balcony attached to it.

I decided to enjoy the fresh air when I got startled by someone's presence. I turned to come face to face with Caspian in his bathrobe.

Caspian had just showered with his wet, blond hair sparkling on the moonlight fallen over the side of his face and exposed chest.

I couldn't take my eyes off the ethereal beauty of his perfectly formed abs and sharp jawline.

"If you are hungry, you should ask the maids to prepare dinner," Caspian said, smiling at me mischievously. Dimples appeared on his cheeks, revealing his perfectly aligned teeth.

My face flushed, realizing I was gobbling him up with my eyes. Caspian came close to me as his fruity fragrance hit my nose.

I moved backward, getting trapped between one of the pillars and Caspian. Caspian leaned close to me, placing his arm over my head on the pillar.

"Did you like what you saw?" Caspian asked in an alluring voice.

I thrust my body back into the pillar, attempting to blend with it. Caspian dangerously brought his face closer to mine as a smirk appeared on his face.

"But I don't like what's before me. Considering my Master's reputation, you are not even close to being called his successor. Master is preparing for your debut ball. The world would be disappointed, don't you think?" Caspian whispered in my ears.

I clenched my fists. Caspian's insults were getting harder to deal with than the school bullies.

I placed my hand on Caspian's exposed chest, under his robe, as his eyes moved toward it skeptically.

"I thought I would let go of it since I had no desire to claim the throne. However, if you wish for a battle, I should give you one," I said, staring into his eyes.

Caspian got puzzled for a moment. However, he broke into laughter shortly as I frowned at him.

"That sounded fierce," Caspian said, chuckling. He stroked the hair away from my face gently.

For a moment, I saw an unfamiliar look in his eyes. Caspian seemed lost.

I shoved Caspian's hand away as one of the maids appeared to inform us about the dinner.

The maid reddened as Caspian turned to her. The robe was hanging loosely on his shoulders, revealing his entire upper body.

Caspian seductively ran his fingers through his wet hair. The maid gasped, staring at his body. Indeed, he was eye candy for the maids.

I couldn't fathom the surge of emotion rushing through my veins. I returned to my room, getting annoyed.

"He did that intentionally, didn't he?" I questioned myself. "Why do I care? Weak, walking Pandora's box? Well, let's see if he says that after I awaken my wolf," I said to myself, chewing on the leaves of my carrot shaped body-pillow.

The next day at school, I encountered the most unexpected news. Cassidy came to me rushing into the class.

"Bailey!" Cassidy called my name, huffing. "Is this even legit?" she asked me, shoving her phone almost in my face.

"What are you talking about," I flatly asked as she moved the phone a bit.

A photo of Caspian with a ravishing teenage girl appeared before me. The picture was a bit older as Caspian appeared barely in his twenties.

I felt a clenching pain in my heart, reading the article. It claimed that Caspian was getting married to the gorgeous woman in the photo.

"Is this true? It's been all over Instagram since morning. Caspian and Aphrodite are celebrities on social media. Everyone's going crazy over the news," Cassidy said, getting hyped.

However, I was in a state of bafflement. I didn't even like Caspian. Then why would I feel such a heart-wrenching pain at the news of him getting married? I wondered.

Cassidy didn't stop though. She continued to ask questions like a cassette on repeat.

"Your grandfather raised Caspian. So, isn't he like your uncle or something? Do you not know about it?" Cassidy asked, almost making me choke on the air.

I recalled Caspian's conversation with my grandfather the previous night. My grandpa had said that he had accepted some kind of proposition. Was it something associated with Caspian's marriage? I wondered.

"Caspian and Aphrodite had dated a few years back," Cassidy said. "However, considering the bad blood between the two companies, no one assumed they would come this far. Since Aphrodite now owns her father's company, she has finally gathered the courage to accept Caspian's proposal," Cassidy said, staring at the picture excitedly.

"Caspian's proposal?" I questioned in a tiny voice.

"Don't you know? It was all over the news that the future CEO of the White Wolves' had proposed Aphrodite. However, it didn't progress. There is even numerous fan fiction about this two. Would you like to read one? I shipped them a lot," Cassidy said as her eyes sparkled.

I shook my head, showering her with a dry smile. Caspian was already twenty-five. His having a mate was already expected. Perhaps, Aphrodite was his mate. I consoled myself as I failed to fathom the foreign feeling in my heart.

Chapter Fifteen: Meet

"Two million?" Caspian skeptically frowned at the man sitting before him with a cheeky smile printed on his face.

The man's smile widened as he fixed his rounded glasses over his nose.

"Considering the damage to the cars and the entire territory, it should be way higher. However, the master of the house has decided to charge for the lowest damage," the man said.

"Undoubtedly, your master of the house possesses a bizarre sense of humor," Caspian calmly said, leaning comfortably on the couch, crossing his legs.

The cheeky man in his early thirties, sitting in front of Caspian, was the secretary of one of the most ferocious human mafia families responsible for the attack on Caspian's car the previous day.

The human mafia family had claimed a large amount of money as compensation for the damages in their territory.

"Why should I be paying such an amount when the Wentworths' were the ones who dared to follow us? Why did you people let your thugs follow my car?" Caspian asked, coldly staring at the man.

"Is there any proof that our boys chased your car? If we scrutinize the entire situation, it becomes apparent that your car was the one that invaded our territory at an exorbitant speed, which resulted in tremendous damage to the Wentworths," the man said calmly as the cheeky smile didn't fade from his face.

A smirk appeared on the corner of Caspian's mouth as he aimlessly ran his fingers through his hair.

"You want proof? What is your alibi that it was the White wolves?" Caspian asked, sending the man a piercing glare.

The man seemed unprepared for a moment as he didn't assume that Caspian would deny it.

"We have evidence, Sir. In the footage, it was undoubtedly your Lamborghini," the man couldn't finish as Caspian cut off his speech.

"Lamborghini? Did you not see my Rolls Royce outside? I disposed of my Lamborghini months ago," Caspian said, leaning comfortably on the couch.

The man's eyes widened as the phenomenally handsome male in front of him appeared more of a devil at that moment. Caspian's gaze sent a shiver down his spine.

The man hastily got up for some odd reason. All Caspian did was just deny that it was his car. Yet, the man was sweating even in the air-conditioned room.

"Can you prove that it was my car?" Caspian asked again.

"You drove at such a ridiculous speed," the man barely said. "Nevertheless, the Wentworths won't drag this any longer," the man said, calming down a bit.

Caspian got up from the couch and stood by the man, gently patting his shoulder.

''If your Master wishes to have a deal with the White Wolves, tell him to show his face next time," Caspian said coldly.

The man fixed his tie, attempting to leave. Before leaving, he turned to Caspian and said, "My Master can't meet you yet. He has school, you see."

Caspian was perplexed by the man's words as shortly his phone rang. Aphrodite wanted to meet Caspian.

******

I was at school when Athereld called me unexpectedly. Athereld informed me that I could meet my uncle. It was the only news that lifted my mood since I saw the article about Caspian's marriage.

I decided to meet my uncle after school. When I went to the shooting club, I was surprised by the number of students. It was almost twice the number on the first day.

However, the atmosphere was entirely different from the first day. Most of the students appeared ordinary, considering the ones I had met the previous day.

The group I encountered on the first day was sitting in a corner, away from the other student. The ambiance surrounding them was so intense that no one dared to approach them. They appeared more majestic than the first day. It hit me suddenly as I observed the students.

"So they are wolves," I mumbled as all of them turned to me. It felt as if they could hear my mumbles as I noticed the slight smirk on their faces.

Cristie, the tiny girl from the first day, came to me, dragging me with her to the group.

"Welcome!" Aidan, the sophomore, bright, blond guy, cheerfully said.

"Something seemed wrong with your wolf yesterday. The presence of it was too weak. No wonder it took you so long to realize our identities," the tall girl said as Eris, the rude one from the previous day, continued to ignore me as if I didn't exist.

"What is she going to do here? This girl is so useless that she can't even tell apart the humans and the wolves," Eris said, scrunching his nose and looking away.

Everyone seemed unprepared as Eris made the rude comment. Cristie awkwardly said, "Ah- please, don't mind this brat. He speaks without thinking."

"Why does it matter?" I questioned calmly. "Aren't we living with the humans and attending all the other classes? What's the problem here?" I asked flatly.

"Because that jerk is returning," Eris bitterly said as I stared at them, getting baffled.

"Which jerk?" I asked.

"Are you talking about me?" a voice pierced the air as everyone shot a burning glare behind me.

I turned to come face to face with an exquisite pair of amber eyes. A boy nearly the same age as me was towering over me. His long, dark cherry hair was touching his shoulders like red silk. The tall, slender, yet masculine build could convince anyone to think he was a model.

However, the devilish smirk on the boy's face was enough to trigger anyone as he said again, "Are you all not going to welcome me? I have returned after a year, after all."

"It would be better if you hadn't," Eris said, looking away bitterly.

The boy broke into laughter as he finally noticed me.

"You guys are still as cold as ever. Nevertheless, what have we hav gotten here?" the guy questioned, staring at me with sparkling eyes as if I was a prey in his cage.

"What happened to your acting career? Why are you back again?" Cristie asked the boy calmly.

"Actor?" My eyes widened. "That's why he seemed like a model at first glance," I thought.

"Finally flopped?" Eris asked him mockingly.

"You know that's not possible," the boy answered as loud cheers came from the hallway. The guy finally turned to me.

"Granddaughter of the White Wolves' in the shooting club. Indeed, it was expected. After all, your clan has the most renowned shooters," the guy said, leaning down, bringing his face closer to mine.

I stared at the guy skeptically. The guy had an intimidating aura about him. However, I could not sense anything like the ambiance of the other wolves in the shooting club. I was certain that he was a human. Hence, it was strange that he was aware of my grandpa's clan.

"Who are you?" I asked the guy, flatly looking at his face.

The boy chuckled mischievously. He hastily straightened his back, rubbing his temples.

"Ah- my apologies! I didn't even introduce myself to you, though it hurt to know that you haven't seen me on TV,'' he said dramatically. "I am Eleanor Wentworth," he said, showering me with the fakest smile.