The salty tang of the sea air clung to Zyrich Kyralyn Cueto's skin, a familiar scent that mingled with the aroma of fish and seaweed, the constant companions of her small, isolated coastal town. The sun, a fiery orb sinking below the horizon, painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the weathered docks where Zyrich stood.

Her hands, calloused and rough from years of hard labor, were tucked into the pockets of her worn shawl, a meager shield against the chill of the approaching evening. Zyrich, the eldest of five siblings, carried the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders, a burden she bore with quiet strength and unwavering love for her family. Her parents, Valentino and Nerida, were kind and loving souls, their faces etched with the lines of hardship and worry. Their small fishing boat, their sole source of income, barely brought in enough to feed their family, let alone provide for the expensive medications required for their youngest daughter, Merida, who suffered from a rare illness.

Zyrich, a tireless worker with a heart overflowing with love and a determination to provide for her family, juggled multiple jobs. She served weary travelers at the local tavern, her cheerful smile a beacon of warmth in the dimly lit space. She scrubbed floors and cleaned rooms at the town's only hotel, her hands tireless in their pursuit of cleanliness. And she worked alongside the fishermen, mending nets and hauling in catches, her strength defying her slender frame.

Her days were long and arduous, her hands calloused and her body weary, but her spirit remained unbroken, fueled by the love she held for her family. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the deserted streets, a sense of quiet solitude settled over the town. The residents, seeking shelter from the approaching night, were tucked away in their homes, leaving the streets empty and the air hushed. Zyrich, her pockets heavy with the meager earnings she had made at the tavern, walked towards the bakery, her heart filled with a mixture of exhaustion and hope. She had promised her mother that she would bring home a fresh loaf of bread and a jar of honey, a small luxury that would brighten their evening meal. Her thoughts drifted to her younger siblings, her heart swelling with love and concern.

There was Zyrus, her brother, a young man with a kind heart and a mischievous grin, who worked as a farmhand, his strong hands tilling the soil and tending to the crops. Minerva, her younger sister, was a bright and curious girl with a love for books and stories, her imagination a boundless world of wonder. Lastly, Kienna, her other sister, was a talented artist, her hands weaving magic with paint and brush, her canvases bursting with vibrant colors and captivating scenes.

Zyrich loved her siblings dearly, each one a piece of her heart, each one a source of her strength. She knew their lives were difficult, their dreams often overshadowed by the harsh realities of their poverty, but she never let her worries show. She always put on a brave face, her smile a mask that hid the anxieties that gnawed at her heart. As she reached the bakery, her gaze fell upon a familiar girl standing outside, her back to her. As she gets closer to the lady, a smile slowly forms on her lips.

"Minerva," she called.

The girl turned to look at her. "I am waiting for you, Kyra. Kienna and Merida were complaining about hunger nonstop. Then, Mother told us that you would buy us bread and honey, so I made my way here to the bakery."

She chuckled as she put her left arm on her younger sister's shoulder. "Okay. Come on. Let's buy our dinner."

The two of them moved closer to the bakery and bought their usual but satisfying dinner. It was not plenty but enough to satisfy them.

“Ohh, I hope that we can buy other delicious food someday. Although, bread and honey are good, I just cant stop myself from wanting other delicacies, too,” her sister complained but still considerate.

She nodded. “I know. We can fulfil those dreams soon. Don't worry. So, for now, let's settle with our usual bread and honey.”

“Okay!” Minerva chimed. “Let's have some chicken, pork, noodles, and sweets soon.”

She laughed. “Yes. We can have that someday.”

“I saw a white fluffy stuff with fruits on top of it in Mrs. Cantos's window the other day. I can smell its sweetness from the outside. I bet it's so delicious,” her little sister shared while moving her hands, drawing the treats in the air.

Zyrich giggled. “It's a cake.”

Minerva talked nonstop on their way to their humble house. Then, they quickly went home to share it with the others. Zyrich didn't complain once. If it were for her dear family, she would be ready to face anything for them. Hardships are nothing but earning money for them, especially for her youngest sister, Merida, for medications are a must.

Contrary to this, Floryna Avery was living her life to the fullest and on her own terms. She sneaks out of the Astral Moon Pack to go to the other side of the forest. A man was standing and leaning against his vehicle on the rough road, waiting for her. And as she walked closer to him, a strange atmosphere started to build up around them. It was their strong connection, pure lust, and selfishness.

"You came," the man smirked, 

She nodded slowly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Of course, I am. So, where are we going to go? I told Gael that I have something to do with the girls and I will be out for two days."

"He took that lie? Is he nuts?" The man laughed while putting his hands around her waist.

Avery chuckled. "He trusts me with all his heart, Maldrin. He never suspects anything."

"Great. So, let's go to the seaside where no one knows us," Maldrin grinned.

They kissed each other like hungry wolves before they got into the vehicle. Avery met Maldrin Arison Buenviaje in a bar where she was a regular customer. She was hooking up with two other men that day and drinking nonstop when he sat on the stool beside her and stopped her from chugging the whole bottle of wine. He lectured her like a good teacher but she was too stubborn and made a deal that - if he made her moan and be satisfied, she would obey him and stop drinking. Then, Maldrin grabbed her hand and took her to the bar's private room. It was their first intercourse and both of them found each other's warmth strange and satisfying so, they ended up together, behind Gael's back.

The salty smell of the ocean greeted them when they finally arrived at the small seaside town. The fresh air from the sea welcomed them as they got out of their vehicle. They rented a studio-type house that will be their home for two days. There was nothing there aside from the comfortable double-sized bed, small countertop with sink, bathroom, and a little space in the middle for the living room, a perfect place for two.

"When are we going to be free, Avery? Can't you break up with him so we don't have to sneak out and hide from anyone?" Maldrin asked while putting their bags on the ground near the bed.

Floryna Avery sighed and looked at him. "Where is the exciting part there? Isn't it fun when we make out behind him? Plus, we don't have enough resources to settle. We need him."

She is indeed the daughter of a Beta but her father doesn't have enough wealth. Gael and his Pack are one of the wealthiest and most powerful Packs in the werewolf society, the main reason why she threw herself into him at the party before. Also, she wants the feeling of excitement every time they sneak out and play hide-and-seek with Gael. She is attracted to that strange feeling, making her turn on and love Maldrin even more.

"I saw a small tavern a while ago when we were on the road, not that far from here. Perhaps, they have some whiskey there. Do you want to go?" The man asked while fixing his clothes.

She nodded and smiled at him as her response. Then, they went out of the apartment together and went down to the alley to go to the tavern. It was a small gathering place with a few tables, chairs, and couches that was selling wines, and alcohol. They sat in the area near the door as the waiter came to get their orders. There was no fine wine on the menu, just like what they were expecting for a local town far from civilization. They just ordered the most pricey liquor on the list and settled with some finger food to satisfy them.

"This town is boring," she murmured while looking around the people at the tavern.

Maldrin put his empty glass on the table. "At least we were far from that foolish Alpha."

He was right. If she wants to continue her fetish of wandering from one man to another, she shouldn't be too picky when it comes to places. She sighed as she rested her elbow on the table and put her chin to her hand. She was about to drink her wine when her eyes fell on the waitress who was busy taking orders from the counter.

"Look at her. Isn't she beautiful?" She commented as she pointed her index finger at the girl's direction.

Maldrin looked at what she was pointing at and nodded. "You two were look alike."

Hearing those words from her lover made her imaginary light bulb inside her head light up. A great idea formed in her mind that would solve her problem. And because of that, her full attention never leaves the waitress with curly long red hair. The girl has the exact pale skin and body as her. From the distance between the two of them, she can easily calculate that the waitress has the same height as her, too. Therefore she concludes that the lady on the counter is the perfect subject for her brilliant plan. She must have her no matter what.

"Problem solved," she smirked as their eyes met.

Maldrin's brows furrowed. “What do you mean? Are you going to break-up with that idiot Alpha of yours?”

“No. You just said it yourself,” she replied then, she point at the waitress. “She is our key to ouf freedom.”

“This is really weird. When I looked at that lady, all I could see is you,” he pouted. “Its like I'm seeing twins!”

Floryna smirked. “Exactly.”

Her lover looked at her with his wide eyes. “Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Is that what you mean about our problem's solution?”

“Yes, you are right. We need her. ASAP,” she nodded.

Maldrin laughed. “I can handle that. Do you want me to kidnap her? Kill her family and torture her until she begged and obeyed us.”

“Stop that. Lets make this plan peacefully this time. I had a hunch that we can have her without being violent,” Floryna argued as she took a sip of her wine.

The guy sighed. “Okay. Do what you want. I am just here to support you.”

Floryna Avery laughed wickedly as she watched the innocent waitress who was busy assisting other customers. Perhaps, Zyrich felt the intense glare from her behind so, she turned around and glaced around quickly. Unfortunately, because of the crowd, she didnt notice Floryna and her lover.

As the night goes by, Maldrin enjoyed himself while Floryna was busy watching Zyrich from afar. Her eyes never left the poor waitress, assessing her every move. Her mind was now making a few plans on how she can lure her prey into her hands. And as she observed Zyrich, a satisfied smile escaped her lips when a perfect plan finally finished in her head.