I could feel the memories of that terrifying day flooding back into my mind. It was like a never-ending nightmare that replayed itself over and over. The day my sister, Seraphina, and her friends tried to drown me in the river just because they were jealous of the compliments I received at a pack picnic.
As I tried to shake off the haunting memories, I focused on the present. Today was my eighteenth birthday, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Xena, my inner voice, kept reminding me that I might finally meet my mate today. She was even more excited than I was, if that's possible.
"You know, Xena, it would be amazing if our mate accepts us for who we really are," I said to my inner voice, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
"Oh, absolutely! Our mate will love us just the way we are, appreciating every part of us," Xena replied, filled with enthusiasm.
I couldn't help but smile at her optimism. "That's the hope, at least," I said, trying to contain my excitement. "Hiding away, especially with graduation approaching, has been exhausting. Just two more weeks of school, and it'll all be over."
"But seriously, when are we going to stop hiding everything we've achieved from our family?" Xena questioned, her voice tinged with frustration.
"The moment I have my diplomas in hand, a license, and a key to my own place," I answered firmly. "The Alpha already has a suite of rooms at the Pack House for me once I graduate. Although, I might not even wait that long."
Xena reminded me how much the Alpha respected and cared for me, treating me like his own daughter. "He's been so protective and supportive of us since that day we met, and he'll continue to be," she assured me.
My mind drifted back to that fateful day when the Alpha found me by the river, covered in mud and blood, as just a little pup. He and his parents rescued me, and his mother nursed me back to health. From that moment on, he had been like a big brother to me, watching over me and protecting me.
As I continued to think about the past, I couldn't help but recall how Seraphina had tormented and hurt me. The day she tried to drown me was the worst. She couldn't stand that people admired me in that white dress, and she saw it as her chance to put me in my place.
The memory was still painful, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the present and the exciting possibilities of finding my mate. Graduation was just around the corner, and after that, I'd finally have the freedom to be myself without hiding my accomplishments.
Feeling a mix of anticipation and determination, I realized that I was ready for whatever the future had in store for me. It was time to face my fears and embrace my uniqueness. No more hiding, no more pretending to be someone I'm not. I was determined to be true to myself, no matter what my family thought.
Today was a new beginning, and I was ready to embrace it with all my heart. So, as I stepped out into the day, I felt a sense of empowerment and excitement. My journey was just beginning, and I was ready to face whatever challenges and joys awaited me.
The past might have been filled with hardships, but it had also made me stronger. And with the support of the Alpha and my own determination, I knew that I could overcome anything that came my way. So, as I walked forward with my head held high, I knew that the best was yet to come.
With a renewed sense of hope and a smile on my face, I ventured into the world, eager to see what the future had in store for Amber, the unique and strong-willed werewolf ready to embrace her desteny