Harley’s POV

Today was the full moon. I had anticipated this moment my entire life. As the hour of my transition drew closer, I stared at the crescent moon buried in the clouds, my heart pounding in my chest. I tapped my feet impatiently and wiped beads of sweat from my face. Even though I was nervous, I refused to let my anxiety overshadow my joy.

I shut my eyes as bittersweet memories of my childhood swept over me. I wished my dad were alive to witness this life-changing moment. His death had left a huge void in our lives. I remembered him stroking my hair affectionately and cuddling me to sleep. I used to accompany him to the woodlands and watch in awe as he transformed into a fierce werewolf. I always imagined that one day, I would become a she-wolf under his guidance. He had been one of the most powerful Alphas, sworn to protect our pack until his death—and he died doing just that. I smiled wistfully, lost in those golden days.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. My heart skipped a beat, but I sighed in relief when I saw it was my sister, Elda.

“Congratulations, darling,” she said, her face glowing as she embraced me.

“But... I haven’t transformed yet,” I stuttered nervously, doubts creeping into my mind.

“I know, but just a few more hours. I can’t wait for you to finally join the family,” she said excitedly.

“Thank you,” I nodded.

“Mom sent for you,” she added before leaving the room. I trudged toward our mother’s quarters.

Mother had always been cold and distant. Her expression was always stern, she laughed only in the company of her “important guests.” I couldn’t recall a single warm moment between us. A part of her died with Father, and our once close-knit family faded into memory.

“It’s your turn,” my mother said, giving me a light pat on the shoulder.

“You’ll transform into your wolf form just like your siblings,” she added, her voice calm and steady. A fragile smile broke across her face, revealing the fine wrinkles around her lips. “We’ll celebrate after your shift.”

I nodded, offering a wry smile.

Finally, the moment came. A howling sensation sets in, My head throbbed with a sharp ache; my skin burned.

“Somebody help me, please!” I cried out in agony. But no one came. The pain was unbearable the agonizing shifting had begun. Deafening howls and growls echo around me. I collapse to my knees. My surroundings blurred and darkened. Then, nothing.

---

Sunlight filtered through the window as I blinked awake. My heart dropped. Decorations and fancy ribbons surrounded me remnants of the celebration prepared for my transition. I struggled to recall what had happened. Then it hit me.

I hadn’t transformed.

Tears stung my eyes. I knew some people didn’t shift on their first try, but I still felt like a failure. Both Ryker and Elda had shifted on their first attempt. My gaze fell on the colorful banner: “Congratulations Harley, Welcome to the Family.”

“I guess I disappointed everyone,” I sniffed, , unable to hold back my tears.

Mother entered the room, her cape trailing behind her. The musky scent of her perfume filled the air. Her purple gown, adorned with floral embroidery, complimented her pale complexion. I instinctively lowered my gaze.

“Clean this mess up. Throw it all away,” she said coldly, a slight irritation in her voice. “I don’t want to see it again.”

She had transformed from a proud mother who is eager for her daughter’s transformation to someone who can barely stand me.

“After that, mow the lawn. Make yourself useful,” she added, her words slicing through me like knives. Then she stormed out.

I forced myself up, hands trembling as I removed the ribbons and banners. My heart felt so heavy it could choke me. I picked up one of the presents, its glossy paper shining in the morning light. I was curious about what was inside.

“Harley!” Elda’s voice startled me.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?” Her concerned eyes met mine.

“I’m good,” I mumbled, looking away. My puffy eyelids gave me away.

“Okay… Mom said I should take everything. Including the gift in your hands.” Her voice was heavy with guilt, but she followed Mother's orders. Her hands trembled slightly as she took the gift from me.

I tried to stay strong, but the tears flowed freely.

“Mother also said you should mow the lawn,” Elda added before leaving the room.

I stood there broken. My knees wobble under me. I dragged myself to the storeroom, grabbed the mower and headed outside the garden. That became my fate now a servant in my own home after so many failed attempts at my transition.

---

Later that day, Elda and her friends were chattering in the living room about the Mate Bonding Ceremony—a ball hosted by elite werewolves to find their destined mates.

“I’ve got my gown ready. Hopefully, I meet my match. I don’t want to mingle with riffraff,” Mia sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. I’ve always hated Mia’s attitude. She's Elda's friend, known for her for uncouth behavior.

“I already have a mate. I’m just going for the fun,” Nelly said nonchalantly.

“Well, I’m super ready! My mom made sure of everything. I’m so excited to meet my prince charming!” Elda squealed.

Their words stung. I had always dreamed of attending a mating ceremony, hoping to find my mate.

“Harley!!” Elda called sharply, jolting me from my hiding place.

“Harley!” she repeated, her tone sharper.

“Yes?” I stepped out.

“Refill our cups,” she said, holding out her glass. Her request stunned me. I know she purposely do that to belittle me Infront of her friends.

“What are you waiting for? Make yourself useful,” she added with a smirk echoing Mother’s cruel words. I swallowed my pride and refilled their glasses.

“Take this one back to the kitchen,” Elda said casually.

I turned to leave.

“Mmm… Thanks, Harley. Are you going to the mating ceremony?” Mia asked mockingly.

They all burst into laughter. I lowered my head, blinking away tears.

“What’s she going to do there? She’s not one of us,” Rose the auburn hair girl scoffed.

My fists clenched. My eyes turned into a fiery yellow. I could feel my fury rising. Every time Elda and her friends mock me, I feel worthless. I crushed the glass in my hand, the glass shards cutting into my palm. Blood trickles down the floor. The pain is intense but their ridicule hurts more.

“Harley!! You’re hurting yourself!” Nelly rushed to my side, dabbing my bleeding hand with cloth. I winced, as she remove the glass shards from my palm.

“I’m sorry… don’t feel bad,” Mia said sarcastically. “Just stating the obvious.” They laughed again.

“Will you stop?!” Nelly snapped. “Elda, I’m disappointed in you. How could you join them in humiliating your sister? I can’t believe I hang out with bullies!”

“Oh, come on. We’re just joking. It's just a playful banter right, girls?” Ella said.

“Yeah!” they chanted.

“Elda… Harmless jokes?” Nelly challenged.

“To be honest, Mom wouldn’t let her come anyway,” Elda added. “She’s not even a real werewolf. Who would want her?”

“Are you okay Harley?” Nelly asked, nudging me.

I nodded weakly. They laughed again.

“I’m done with this,” Nelly said, grabbing her bag and storming out.

Their laughter echoed in my ears as I fled to my room, slammed the door, and collapsed into my bed. I was too numb to cry. I stared into space,my mind racing with thoughts.

Would things be different if Dad were alive? Would I still struggle to shift? Would he reject me too?