Kaira was shocked and surprised to learn that Alpha Gareth's bodyguard was around at that time. As she turned to face him, she saw his face contorted with rage. She had no idea what offense she had committed this time.

Beta Harold hated Kaira with a passion. He often punished her, subjecting her to endless maltreatment. Despite this, Kaira accepted her fate, believing that things would eventually turn around, even if she couldn't see it yet.

He moved closer to her and smacked her back, which was covered by a long silk gown. Kaira let out a sharp cry. River, who had been observing the situation, rushed to Harold and grabbed his hand.

Harold, clever and quick to respond, moved away from her and mocked them instead. He clasped his hands defensively and laughed hysterically, staring at Kaira from head to toe.

"What kind of child do you think you gave birth to? Do you really believe she can stay here forever? I know you love her dearly," Beta Harold said furiously as he approached Kaira.

He reached out, intending to strangle her. But River, shaking in pain, rushed to her daughter's aid. "Please don't kill her because of me! I know you hate her, but let her be!" she yelled, gripping her black polo shirt.

Harold's face twisted with rage, and he released Kaira from his grip but twisted her arm painfully. "Just thank the moon goddess that I didn't strangle her to death. I decided to let her go out of pity," he spat, his words dripping with contempt.

Kaira's face wrinkled with fear as she cried and trembled. Harold was one of Alpha Gareth's strongest men.

Luna River moved closer to her daughter, placing a hand on Kaira's shoulder and rubbing her forehead. "Please don't be upset about what Harold did. I'm so sorry. I want you to feel calm because the hatred will eventually stop," she spoke softly to Kaira.

"No problem, Mom. I know Beta Harold hates me with passion, but that won't stop me from knowing that I belong to this pack, and no one can take that away from me," Kaira replied, resting her head on her mother's shoulder.

"I love you, Kaira. You are a special child of the moon goddess," River responded warmly. The two embraced tightly, unwilling to let go.

Beta Harold, watching them in silence, broke the quietness. "Mother and daughter, I can see you both don't want to listen to me. Fine, I'll leave you alone," he mocked, letting out a sinister laugh.

"Please go away, Harold. I don't want to see you again," River protested, her brow furrowed in anger.

Harold quietly slipped away, tiptoeing out of the living room as he closed the door behind him. Once the door was shut, River released her hold on Kaira, gently running her fingers through her daughter's blonde hair.

"I want you to know that you are not cursed. Just believe that. I am here for you; please ignore your father's behavior," River said confidently, and Kaira took a deep breath.

River scrutinized Kaira's forehead and noticed the bruises marking her skin. "Who did this to you? Why is there so much happening on your face? Your forehead is bruised, my baby," River asked in concern.

Kaira's face reflected shock, her eyes wide and unfocused. She remained silent, pulling away from her mother and choosing to sit down on the couch. She hung her head in shame.

River moved closer and placed her hands on Kaira's head. "You're frightening me, Kaira. What do you want me to do for you right now? Why can't you just tell me?" River asked, her voice turning harsh.

Kaira lifted her head and forced a smile. "I'm so sorry, Mom. Lisa and I went to the playground, but the football court was closed. One of the boys kicked a ball, and it hit my forehead. I got hurt," Kaira explained, her expression shifting back to guilt.

"Why can't you be more careful? You know I don't want anyone to hurt you, my beloved daughter," River said seriously.

Kaira lowered her head, feeling shy and avoiding eye contact with her mother. "Mom, I don’t want you to worry too much about what happened. Can you get me some food?" Kaira requested.

"Okay, let me get it for you. But first, I need to get some pain relief balm to make you feel better. I don’t want your forehead to get disfigured," River replied, placing a comforting hand on Kaira’s.

River stood up and went through the door. Kaira took a deep breath and put her finger to her lips, thinking about something.

I need to call Lisa to check on her. I don’t want her to feel upset.

She walked over to a brown shelf where a big phone lay idly. She picked it up and dialed Lisa's number, but it went unanswered.

Frustrated and angry, Kaira sat down. She loved Lisa and wanted to ensure she was okay.

Kaira dialed the number again, and Lisa picked up.

"Hello, Lisa. How are you feeling now? I hope you’re feeling strong," she inquired about her well-being.

"Yes, thank you very much. I’ve been trying to reach you because I was feeling uneasy. When I got home, I went straight to the bedroom and took a nap," Lisa replied calmly.

"I hope you applied some balm to your forehead. Is your mom with you?" Kaira asked.

"She went to the nearest pharmacy inside our pack to get some medicine," Lisa relayed.

"Okay, she’s getting you some medication. I want you to take care of yourself. Have you started reading?" Lisa asked, trying to be inquisitive.

"Not yet." Kaira touched her neck and felt pain starting to return.

She smiled, and then the pain in her neck disappeared.

"Okay, I’ll start reading today," Lisa said before they ended their call.

Kaira stood up in amazement; she had felt intense pain when Harold had strangled her. She was unable to twist her neck before, but now the pain had vanished.

"Wow, the pain is gone! I really thank the Moon Goddess," she exclaimed, her mouth curling into a smile.

She went to her room to check herself in the mirror.

"I look so beautiful, but why am I rejected by men? I don’t have boyfriends like my peers. I face rejection all the time," she said to herself, and tears began to roll down her cheeks.

She walked majestically around the room, then suddenly thought of James.

"I haven’t heard from James. He’s the only friend I have. Why is he behaving this way? I’m 18 now, and in just a couple of years, I’ll be 19. Maybe James won’t reject me like the others."

"You are loved and special, Kaira; just have confidence in yourself," Ziva, her beautiful wolf, encouraged her.

Then she noticed footsteps approaching, and her heart began to pound, beating faster in her chest.