VALENTINA

The healer put down my report on the table and nodded solemnly. "Yes, there is a chance. Your wolf is not dead yet"

A tight knot formed in my throat. Renewed hope surged within me as I glanced at my father and uncle. They also looked hopeful.

"Then why can't we sense her wolf?" Papa asked. "Why isn't she responding?"

"Although she isn't dead, she's deeply injured, which has faded her existence and disconnected them. You can also consider it a comatose state," the doctor explained. "But rest assured, with treatment and proper training, the bond could be reestablished. It will take time, patience, and determination."

The wave of relief washed over me, and tightly held tears finally spilt from my eyes. I covered my face and cried again. After so long, I am shedding happy tears.

I felt my father's warmth. His hug and tenderness made me cry harder. "Hey, baby, you'll be fine. I've got you," Papa whispered in my ear and caressed me gently.

I felt so safe and secure, which Atlas could never give me except anguish and trauma.

After comforting me, Papa ordered the healer to begin treatment. It is a seven-day process, the first treatment to heal my weakness and horrifying scars.

Soon, my treatment began. At my request, my arrival at the pack house remained concealed from all but a few, and I largely confined myself to my private chamber there for treatment.

Papa and Uncle personally took care of my needs and appointed my personal maid, Sara. Honestly, I was so happy to see her, and by her expression, she was as well.

"I am so happy to see you back, Ma'am," she said with a tearful gaze. "Everything will be alright now," she whispered, though I felt she was referring to something else.

But when I asked what happened, she said she hoped for my quick recovery. I didn't think much of it and believed her, perhaps I misunderstood.

The treatment was gentle and restorative, allowing ample time for both physical and emotional healing.

The scars within my soul may not completely be erased, but they have subsided a lot, and now I can address it as the worst ordeal of my life-a part of me that made me realize my worth, my true loved ones, and made my stance strong.

It feels as though I have been given a second chance at life, a new beginning. However, this incident also killed my desire to be in love, and perhaps in this new beginning, there is no place for love anymore.

Seven Days Later.

I looked in the mirror, and staring back at me was a striking woman. Her midnight hair, ivory eyes with rare violet flecks, and smooth olive complexion were enhanced by her perfect, celestial nose, high cheekbones, and soft, small lips. However, it was all accented by a faded scar across her face, and all over her body which gave her an appearance of intimidation.

This second life is a blessing from the Goddess. In this life, there is no place for those who have hurt me, ripped me apart, and blind love for any. This life is now dedicated to me, my close family and friends.

"What about the scar, Doctor?" I heard my father's voice outside the bathroom. "It'll only break her more if she looks in the mirror."

"I apologize, Alpha, but her wounds were so deep; they will not heal completely, and she will bear this scar for the rest of her life," replied the healer.

Sighing deeply, I pushed open the door and walked into the room. "It's okay, Papa. I accept it," I assured him. "This is for the good, I believe; it will remind me of the grievous mistake I made once."

Although sad, Father smiled at me and held me in his warm embrace. "I'm proud of you. It feels like my little princess has finally grown up."

I let his warmth spread within me for a while before breaking the hug and looking at him with hope. "I want to start my training, Papa. I must get my wolf back."

I couldn't wait to get back my wolf and I am willing to do all the hard work.

But Father's face turned serious, and he immediately denied, "No, Val, not now, or for the next few days. Your treatment just ended; your body needs rest. Start training a few days later."

I wanted to decline, but seeing his solemn and concerned expression, I accepted and nodded, "Okay, as you say."

My acceptance brought a smile of relief to his face. "Now go back to your room; Audrey kept banging on the pack house doors, wanting to meet you. A few more times, and she might break all the doors."

Audrey's name brought a bright smile to my face. My huge emotional support and only loyal friend, besides Kira.

"Okay, Papa. See you later." I kissed his cheek and waved at Uncle before rushing from the private chamber.

On my way out Uncle's gritted whisper touched my ears- "if we weren't bound by the laws, I would have ripped that bastard Atlas's throat."

Frankly, I'm glad neither my father nor my uncle met Atlas these days; otherwise, it would have been a huge massacre. But that does not mean I would let Atlas go; I would definitely make him pay, but now is not the right time.

I stepped into my room, and the familiarity kissed my soul as I looked around. Everything was the same as I had left it-perfectly organized. No doubt, no one had ever been allowed in my room while I was away.

From Sara, I learned that only she and Papa had entered here. This place was declared forbidden to others by the Alpha.

My gaze fell on the huge photo of the three of us-me, Papa, and Mama. We all look so happy. The brightness of our faces was unmatched. I remember other pack alphas used to be so envious of us. However, everything changed after Mama's death two years ago.

Papa turned stiff and closed himself off from me and the pack. Then, suddenly, one day he arranged a political marriage for me. I tried to make him understand, but he was stubborn, which forced me to run away. Sometimes I wish I hadn't run away and had patiently understood Papa. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened-

Suddenly, the door of my room swung open, banging against the wall beside it, revealing a very restless young woman in the doorway.

"Val!" She exclaimed and burst inside, or rather, on top of me, knocking me to the ground. "Oh, Val! You have finally returned!" She cried out as if she had discovered the road to heaven.

I chuckled and let my arms circle her petite figure. "Yes, I am here, Rey."

Indeed, she is Audrey, my childhood best friend. Although her mother was Mama's omega servant, they were more than that; they were like sisters, which naturally formed a deep bond between Audrey and me.

"Umm-can you let me go now?" I said difficulty, she was squeezing me so hard.

She broke the hug immediately and glared at me, "bitch how dare you-Ogh!" A loud, shocked gasp escaped her lips as she watched me, or should I say, my scars, and hurriedly got off of me, her mouth covered. "Wha-at had happened!?"

A deep sigh left me involuntarily, and gazing at her helplessly, I explained everything to her.

My sufferings and torments brought tears to her eyes as she listened. With a smile, I gently wiped away her tears. "Don't cry, Rey. It's in the past; I'm perfectly fine now, and I'm before you."

I didn't lie; I truly am happy. I could have died or suffered more, but the Goddess kept me alive and showed me Atlas's true colours. I am truly grateful for this second chance, where all these years of being lost hadn't taken away my family and friends; instead, they accepted me and showed me more warmth.

VALENTINA

"Fine?" Audrey's eyes filled with disbelief. "After everything that bastard did to you, how can you sit so calmly, Val? You should take revenge!" she suggested strongly. Her eyes blazed with venomous fury and felt capable of burning anything.

I shook my head, hugging my knees closely. "No, Rey, not at the moment, at least," I murmured. "I don't want to do anything with him-not even for a second."

"So you're letting him go just like that after he broke you like this?" Audrey sounded disappointed and frustrated.

"I never said that." I looked up at her, my stance serious and determined. "Atlas will pay for what he did; it's just not now."

"At the moment, I only want to focus on myself and my loved ones. I want to concentrate on reconnecting with my inner self. Trying for revenge now will only cause problems; besides, I can't directly prove anything against him. So, a clean break is the best outcome for now," I explained word by word.

Rey stayed silent for some time, and then, moving closer to me, she held me in a soothing embrace. Dropping a kiss on my cheek, she smiled cheerfully. "You're absolutely right, Val; we should focus on you more and not on that dickless bastard!"

I chuckled at how she cursed him and honestly, it feels so good. "You're right, that he is. He was not only petty and vengeful but also a complete fraud. As an Alpha, he was weak and pathetic." I let out my inner frustration before my best friend. "He was a pathetic manipulator who thinks he is the best! That bastard is so full of himself! Goddess knows how I fell for that fat-headed idiot and even thought he was my forever kind of love?-Geez, what was wrong with me?"

"Val, nothing was wrong with you. You only responded to your mate bond, which is very normal for any wolf. Besides, you loved him with all your heart. He was the one who never deserved you." She comforted me and added, "I believe that good and kind-hearted people always deserve good in their lives and you're an amazing person, Val, you'll definitely have your second chance who will literally kiss the floor you walk on."

"I'm sure you'll have someone stronger, perhaps as strong as the Lycan King!"

Audrey's cheerful words soothed my heart, and I felt much better after venting to her. And maybe someday I'll have my second chance, turning Rey's wish into the unbound truth of my life, but at the moment I'm not eager to think of romance at all.

Perhaps never-not after suffering enough because of this. But I didn't say it aloud before her. I didn't want to disrupt her cheerfulness.

"Okay, so-do you want to go out and relax?" Rey suggested with expectant eyes. "You've returned to the pack after two long years; don't you want to see how much things have changed here?"

Well, not a bad idea. For the entire week, I kept myself locked in one room. I think I should go out for some fresh air. Therefore, I immediately agreed. "Sure, let's go!"

"How about we go to Z&Z, our favourite chicken shop? I'm craving some delicious chicken fries," I expressed, knowing how much Rey loves that place, as do I. I've missed eating there.

However, unexpectedly, her beaming face fell, and she stiffened slightly, trying her best to conceal it, but she couldn't deceive my eyes.

"Wh-why don't we go somewhere else?" she said, trying to control her shaky voice. "A few more chicken shops have opened, and they're amazing!" She clearly wasn't comfortable with the mention, and it bothered me.

The girl who is literally ready to die to go to Z&Z is suddenly declining to go there. I felt a little strange and asked, "What's wrong with Z&Z? It's been two years since we went there together; I thought you'd be excited to go to our usual place."

Her face turned slightly pale, and she hurriedly left my bed and walked toward my walk-in closet. "Oh, come on, what would it be?" she gave a stiff chuckle. "I'm just saying there have been a few more new shops you may want to try."

"Now come on, you should get ready." Changing the topic, she walked into my closet, and I followed.

Unlike her, I couldn't ignore the topic. I needed to learn what was going on. Without minding her muttering nonsense to avoid the topic, I grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to me to face me.

"Rey, what are you hiding?" I asked seriously. "And before you try adding more nonsense to avoid the topic, I should remind you that, as the heiress and your future Alpha, you are bound to answer me," I demanded, knowing she wouldn't otherwise.

Audrey sighed deeply, and her beautiful brown eyes teared up as her head hung low. "It's nothing to tell, actually," she muttered, looking up. "It's just-some she-wolves don't like me, so-"

"So they're bullying you, aren't they?" By her tone, I understood the meaning behind "don't like." Anger pulsed within my veins.

Because Audrey was a low-ranking wolf, she had always been a target for bullying, but her closeness with me had prevented them from hurting her by any means. However, after I left the pack, she was alone, and people might give her a hard time. If I'm not wrong, it's been frequent in Z&Z. No wonder she was trying to avoid that place.

"Hey, don't bother about it," Her soft voice made me watch her, and she flashed me a smile, slowly wiping the corner of her eyes. "It's nothing serious, and nothing that I, your best friend, can't handle!" She brushed it off and turned to pick up clothes for me, eliminating my gaze.

I said nothing and joined her as if I had slid it off, but in reality, I hadn't. I couldn't ignore the matter.

Guilt and remorse crushed me, seeing her dreadful eyes. Two years ago, I turned into a selfish bitch and escaped for my own life, not thinking about my family and best friend, which made them suffer.

But now I have returned, and I'll make sure to take care of my loved ones in my own way. I'll make sure whoever hurt my sweet friend, would pay a huge fucking price for it.

VALENTINA

Audrey and I went out. She took me to the new chicken shops. I liked them, but the taste of Z&Z is the best. Though I desired to go to Z&Z, I didn't want to make Rey uncomfortable. I must find out what's going on.

She also showed me the new park in the pack, and it looked fun. We visited the parlour for a spa also, I cut my hair short just like before and to enhance it more I got some highlights as well. This new look of mine gave me more confidence and added meaning to my new beginning.

Then, Rey took me to the biggest mall in our city, located in our pack. The mall was the same, just a bit renovated.

"Oh wow," I gasped at the new lounge of sundresses. They are my favourites since Grimaker is a more humid city. "Let's buy some!" I excitedly wanted to go there, but Rey dragged me in the opposite direction.

"No, let's go there!" She pointed at the gown boutique. "This is the new one from the best designer, Sasha! I've always wanted to go there, but I never had a chance. Let's go, come on!"

Rey almost dragged me without giving me a chance to refuse. The boutique had a classy and modern decor, with amazing gowns on display as I looked around.

"But these are not regular dresses, and I don't think we have any functions for them recently." I shrugged. "I prefer sundresses!"

"Oh, come on, just pick one dress for yourself. They're so good; just look at them!" Rey was strangely excited about this.

No doubt the dresses are beautiful, but I see no need. I mean, where would I wear them? So I shook my head: "Well, I'm going to buy sundresses. These are nice, but not necessary."

As I turned to leave, I heard, "Who said they're not needed? You need them tonight-"

As soon as those words reached my ears, my head snapped toward Rey, who immediately bit her tongue and smiled sheepishly under my narrowed eyes.

"What's actually going on? What are you hiding?" I demanded, and Rey sighed, shaking her head helplessly.

"Can I hide anything from you at all, Val?" She murmured slowly.

"I don't think so," I raised an eyebrow and folded my arms across my chest. "Now spill the beans."

"Okay, so-Alpha has planned a welcome party for your return, which is tonight; that is why we are here to buy you a dress." She said, with a dropped expression, "It was supposed to be a surprise, yet here I am, having messed it all up! Ugh!"

"Now Alpha will think I am so useless!" She sulked, looking so flustered and disappointed.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her childishness. "Hey, it's alright. In fact, I prefer this to a surprise. These days, I don't like surprises much."

"Don't worry, I'll keep it a secre,." I promised, and it finally brought a smile to her face. "Now come on, let's buy gowns for both of us!" I pulled her with me into the store.

I started choosing dresses for us. Audrey isn't just my friend; I consider her my sister, and we grew up together. I always share everything with her. Not my old things, but I always bought an extra piece for her, so I know what suits her best.

Tonight, she will be coming with me, so I started picking out gowns for her to try on. I also picked a few for myself, and we entered the fitting rooms.

As we tried on the dresses, we both liked the soft, golden mermaid gown for Audrey. However, I didn't like any of them, so, asking her to wait, I went to pick up something else. Then, a deep burgundy bodycon dress caught my attention. It looked so gorgeous and somehow reminded me of myself.

Previously, I tried to mould myself according to Atlas, who wanted a soft, subtle, and submissive Luna who wouldn't have a voice and would be seen only beside him. Due to our mate bond and my so-called blind love, I accepted his every wish, suppressing my true self without realizing the truth behind his selfishness and cruelty.

But now, those days are gone. I have learned that no matter what happens, one must not suppress themselves for anyone. Therefore, I embraced myself.

I picked up the dress. Even without trying it on, I knew this was going to be my perfect dress.

Suddenly, some commotion caught my attention, and I realized it was coming near the trial rooms.

Wait, I left Rey there! Hurriedly, I returned to the changing area, and what I saw boiled my blood with anger and frustration.

A few she-wolves were trying to take off Audrey's clothes from her in public, harassing her. The worst part was that no one was trying to help Rey; for some reason, they looked scared.

"Remove the dress," One of the girls spoke, and she looked like the leader of the group. "A pathetic low-rank like you does not deserve this designer dress! How dare you even enter this place? Are you here to steal, huh?"

"Where is the manager?" The arrogant girl barked, "Do you have no security here? How can this low-rank girl get inside this place?"

Audrey was terrified, trying her best to hold the dress since she wasn't wearing anything underneath but underwear.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked helpless. At the moment, no one had to tell me that these were the bullies she was talking about.

It's new to this pack; at least two years ago, there were no bullying incidents in this pack, and all lived in harmony. Besides, these girls seem new and much younger than we are.

As one of the minions tried to push Audrey, I stepped in and knocked the girl to the floor with one push. I may be wolfless now, but I still have my hardcore combat skills from my upbringing.

"Stay away," I said, threateningly, pulling Audrey behind me.

The place turned pin-dropped silent. My gaze then fixed on the spoiled brat who seemed to be the leader of her petty group.

"And you, how dare you touch my friend?" I demanded. "Who gave you the right?"

The girl was shocked by my stance; clearly, no one had ever defied her. Well, she surely had never faced the pack's heiress, either.

But soon, her lips curled into a mocking smirk as she watched me up and down. "And who might you be? Her saviour? Who looks even more pathetic than her?"

I smiled calmly and stepped forward. "Oh, sweetheart, this is our first meeting, so I won't be rude. But next time, you should know how to talk to the pack's heiress and her people."

Her expression turned confused as she frowned, "what do you mean?"

My lips twitched slightly. "I mean, I am the Alpha's daughter. I am Valentina Rodriguez."

Several gasps fell around us, people were shocked to hear me. The girl and her minions were puzzled as well. However, soon, the arrogant girl laughed out, pointing at me. "Alpha's daughter? What a pity." She sneered, sending me a heated stare, "A disfigured, wolfless, petty omega, claiming herself as the Alpha's daughter-hahaha."

Her flatterers joined her in the laugh, and she stepped toward me, eyeing me again. "You must be new to this pack, so you should know who I am. I am the Alpha's daughter," she demanded.

What the fuck?! Shocked, I stared at the girl in disbelief.

"I am the heiress of the Ebbon Moon Clan!" she said arrogantly. "And all of you must kneel before me!" she announced proudly.

"Now, both of you, submit." Her words hit my ears, and I felt as if my ears were bleeding from her lies.

Fury rushed through my veins, and my lips curled in cold annoyance. "Want us to submit? Here, take it."

Raising my hand, I landed a hard punch on her sorry face, making her stumble back on the ground.

Gasps echoed around us as all eyes widened. I, however, didn't care and glared at the shameless girls before me. "Dare to talk to me in that tone next time, or bully my people, you'll be scared to look in the mirror for the rest of your life," I warned them icily.

Her nose bleeds at the force of my punch, I wonder what would have happened if I had the strength of my wolf.

But, unexpectedly, the girl didn't back off.

Her eyes blazed with insult. She stood up with the help of her minions and threw a furious look at me. "You-you'll pay the price!" she said, and ran off with her useless team, leaving me all puzzled

How did she dare threaten an Alpha's daughter? What the hell was happening in the pack?!