"Get the fuck out of my house already! How fucking long does it take you to put on those filthy rags?"

"But, Mother, I need food!"

"Mother? I wish I had never given birth to you, freak!" shouted my mother, Makayla Weber. "You know what, I'll just get rid of you right now."

I gasped as she grabbed my throat and dragged me to the door of the tiny cabin. I whimpered as my body hit the the hard ground outside, my form skidding across the dirt and gravel as my mother muttered something negative about me again. I weakly pushed myself up onto my stinging hands and gently wiped my face, but blood streaked my dirty skin. I bit my tongue as an empty basket hit my head and bounced off. I reached for it and looked back at the cabin, watching my mother slam the door and hearing her lock it.

I couldn't help my whimper as my left shoulder twinged the moment I put weight on that hand to get up. My whole left side ached horribly and I could see that my knees were all bruised and bloody. Based off the feeling on my lips and the taste of blood in my mouth, I'd definitely split my lip and bitten my cheek hard after my body landed on the ground.

After hauling myself to my feet, I shakily reached down for the basket and inhaled sharply. I carefully breathed out and grasped the wicker handle, then carefully straightened. I had been through worse, but it was extra painful because I was recovering from yesterday's beating (as always), although it had been a little different because I'd caught her having a rendezvous with the town's mayor. She wanted to make sure I'd stay meek and quiet, I guess.

Today, though, Mother had sent me on an errand to retrieve some herbs from the herbalist in Jackwolf forest. It was a two-day hike for a strong man as long as he didn't run into any monsters. And I had to be careful of monsters, especially now that I'm bleeding. I was already weak, so this will be a very slow journey.

I checked my basket to make sure it was empty and I wasn't just assuming that my mother wanted me dead, but I was correct. It was already wintertime, so there were no edible fruits that were harvestable at this time of the year and I can only get meat like maybe a squirrel if I get lucky with a rock. But that's only if a squirrel emerges from its hole in a tree.

As I began my trek into the forest, I hissed as a bitterly cold wind raced through my thin, patchy, and hole-filled clothes and thusly bit at my flesh. I hugged myself tighter as I continued down the path towards the four-pronged split about a mile away.

"I want to run away," I whispered, then jolted when a bush rustled nearby.

The sudden silence had my heart in my throat. No birds or insects were chirping, no squirrels chittering, and no wind blew. It was total dead silence. It scared me, making my brain tell my aching legs to move faster. Times like these makes me happy I have shelter to return to regardless of how my mother treats me.

But now I have to walk for at least a six-day round trip. My best guess is that I would be gone for a total of ten days. Hopefully my mother can cook and clean by herself this time. It's been years since she last did anything remotely useful.

I bit my right thumb to distract me from the slow, agonizing throb of my left side. Maybe I should just leave?

The city of Jackal was not much further away from the herbalist's shop. In fact, it was the closest city that had natural hot springs. Even though I've heard that the rotten egg smell was foul, the springs themselves apparently have a lot of health benefits. I will have to collect herbs if I want to make any money, though, in order to pay for a use of the springs. As far as I'm aware, there are very few springs that are not owned by several families and businesses.

The toe of my shoe suddenly whacked into something, so I stumbled forward and thrust my hands out. A preemptive whimper escaped my lips as my line of sight headed towards the ground. My body hit hard and I laid there in stunned silence for a few seconds.

Exhaustion filled my senses as I lowered my right cheek to my corresponding arm. Pain, tiredness, coldness, and numbness was all I could feel. The late afternoon sun had dipped down deeper to rest in the west, the bitter wind having only gotten more fierce in the past two hours of shuffling.

"Who am I kidding? Running away?" I whimpered. "That bitch sent me to die."

I continued to rest in the middle of the path. After taking a deep, calming breath in and slowly letting it out, I asked myself an important question: "Should I let my mother have her way for the final time or should I keep on struggling to survive?"

My soft snort was barely heard even to my own ears. "Survive, what else?" I grumbled, clenching my jaw as I forced myself onto my bleeding hands and knees. I bit back my whimper and growled, "Get up, Anwyll."

I gasped as stabbing pain nearly took me down again, but I stood up and leaned on a tree. I breathed carefully, eyeing the basket that I'd dropped to try to catch myself. The wicker basket had rolled off the path and slightly under a bush. As much as I want to leave that stupid thing, it's a useful tool. Without it, I would have no place to put any foraged protein or vitamins from herbs and fruits—if I could find or catch anything.

I heaved a deep breath and slowly let it out again, then wrapped my right arm around my midsection. I pushed off the tree with my left arm and snatched the hand-basket from the bush before hobbling down the path. No matter what, I need to survive.

But, just as I thought that, my right ankle twisted. My body was now toppling to the right side. Was luck just not on my side today?

A soft cry burst out of me as my body was jostled yet again by another hard fall. I'm too tired for this right now. Hopefully I can find someplace to sleep. A howl echoed, then another one followed suit.

"Yeah, somewhere safe." I muttered, then dragged my tired, bloody, and aching body underneath a dense bush. "But I can't move, so this will have to do."

As soon my mind and body agreed to rest, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

__________________________

The moment my consciousness became aware that something had changed, my eyes snapped open and I shot up. Stabbing pain and numb throbbing was all I could feel at first, so I carefully eased myself back down on a soft cot-like bed. The pungent smell of medicinal herbs and the burrowing stench of poultices struck through my nose and mouth.

I weakly lifted my right arm and stretched it out, then moved my fingers as I raised my hand towards the ceiling. The domed ceiling above me was a mix of stone and clay. There were even paintings on the wall. It made me wonder who saved me.

But then I realized I was butt-naked. I blushed and pulled up the covers, then moved my fingers over the thick, soft fur blankets a bit before I snuggled deeper again. This is the comfiest place I have ever slept. It would be worth it to sell my soul to a person who lets me sleep in a bed instead of under a thin blanket in the underground cellar. My mother would even go so far as to collar and chain me like a dog in the cellar when she was especially upset with me.

With a small smile, I rolled onto my right side and snuggled deeper. It was so warm and cozy in this room, too. The crackling fire about seven feet from me felt so wonderful. It's making me sleepy.

As I was drifting off to sleep again, I heard the cloth covering the doorway shift and soft voices started up. But I was too deep within Slumber's embrace to say any kind of thank you. That would have to wait until later.

A large but gentle hand cupped my head. "Sleep, little one."

"Mm," I mumbled and then yawned, but quickly fell asleep right afterwards.

The next time I awakened I was feeling so much more refreshed despite my achy body. This time there was a person in the room near the fire but closer to me. I yawned aloud and the male figure—broad shoulders, tapered waist, overall muscular body—turned towards me. I snuggled deeper and then stretched with another little yawn.

"Goodness, you are quite the heavy sleeper." remarked the man, a deep timbre to his voice. "But I can understand why."

I peered at the man again, now realizing that he wasn't human. My eyes sparkled when I noticed the huge, super fluffy tail that was entirely white. I oohed and was awed when I noticed the tall pair of triangular ears on the person's head. Those were white too, just like his pretty matching hair.

"I love those." I uttered without thinking, all of my fingers wiggling as I tried to reach for the tail.

The man chuckled and grasped my hands. "Little one, I would not recommend touching anyone's tail unless they say it is okay."

I pouted. "Why?"

"It's not something you need to worry about at your age."

I hummed and then smiled. "My name is Anwyll! What is yours, sir?"

The man answered as soon as he gave me another head pat. I beamed, so that made him chuckle. "My name is Alexandre, Anwyll. It is a pleasure to meet you."

I raised my eyebrows. "It's a pleasure for you? That's what it is for me! I get to sleep in a bed and have my body cared for, which I've never really experienced before. Although I have slept on a cot in Lady Athena's backroom before." I added, then said, "Lady Athena is a super famous herbalist that lives near Jackal. She's really nice, but she has a hot temper."

Alexandre chuckled after I stopped rambling. I blushed and tucked my nose down. He was really handsome, though. He had honey-gold eyes, a short full beard, thin lips, a straight nose, and overall looked really handsome. His hair was quite long, but it was tied back with a strap of leather. Alexandre was really all man. It made me feel uneasy and inadequate about my own small, frail body.

"I know Lady Athena. She is my sister."

My jaw dropped. "No wonder you know how to take care of me." I replied with a happy grin. "Thank you!"

"You are very welcome, child."

I beamed and snuggled under the covers again, then remembered my nakedness. My cheeks suddenly burst into flames and Alexandre frowned, reaching down to feel my forehead.

"Are you all right?"

"Y-yes," I squeaked. "B-but may I have some clothes?"

Alexandre paused, then he began to laugh. I pouted a bit and then relaxed as he petted my head. "Yes, I can get you some clothes. However, they will have to be minimal so that I can get at your wounds and bruises to redress them."

"That's fine. Thank you, sir."

The man's tail tip flicked slightly and then wriggled a bit as I wiggled my way deeper under the covers until my nose rested on the blankets. I giggled again, feeling very happy in my savior's warm, comfy abode.

"So, Anwyll, while we wait for your clothes to be delivered, I would like to ask how you received those injuries."

While I was confused at how someone would know that I need clothes since the man hadn't moved much, I was suddenly very angry at the thought of my own mother. Alexandre seemed a bit surprised by sudden scowl, but he eased my expression with his fingers through my hair. I slowly exhaled and pressed my nose to his wrist.

"Mother hurt me, then I fell twice on the path."

A sudden baritone growl vibrated the airways. "Pups are not to be abused."

"P-pups?"

"You are a young pup."

"B-but I'm an adult."

"So you are—what?"

I looked at Alexandre with wide eyes. "I-I'm eighteen. I just turned eighteen today."

Alexandre looked away and blew out a harsh breath. "Unbelievable. To have stunted growth and lack of aging to this extent..."

The cloth at the doorway moved and a green-eyed male poked his head inside. "Alpha, I brought some suitable garments."

"Ah, Briar, come in."

I watched as the black-haired male step inside. I could tell that he was much taller than me (like basically everyone who's not a child) and his black wolf ears and tail were moving in a curious but alert way. I could see some faint dark gray spots on his fur, which I thought was a bit odd.

"Oh, what pretty eyes." whispered Briar, looking at me. I blushed.

"I like your eyes, too."

Briar grinned, his tail wagging. "I like him already. He's so cute and tiny."

Alexandre chuckled. "And he is a little older than you."

"No way," breathed Briar, moving closer to me. He grasped my hand and measured it against his own. "He's the size of a young pup. There's no way, Alpha—!"

"I have determined that he did not lie, Briar. Do not test my limits."

"Y-yessir."

I peered at the two, then my lips curled up as Alexandre's soothing hand rested on my head. I nuzzled the soft pillow and snuggled in. Alexandre chuckled and gently tousled my hair.

"Are you still tired, little one?"

"Yes, sir." I murmured, rolling over towards him. "May I sleep?"

"Of course. If no one is here when you awaken, you are welcome to leave this room and poke around."

"Thank you." I whispered, already drifting off.

Another hand cupped my head, so I exhaled with a small smile on my face. It was definitely Briar.

__________________________

"Is it really all right for me to go out?" I whispered to myself, already clothed in loose garments and warm fur slipper-boots.

Neither Alexandre nor Briar were in the guest room with me when I awakened. So I got dressed into the extremely comfortable knitted shirt and pants provided to me by Briar. I don't know what kind of material was used to make it. Wool is too scratchy, yet this is unbelievably soft.

Now mentally back to the problem at hand, I poked my head out of the room and marveled at the temperature difference. The hybrid clay room was really warm, but my fingers suddenly felt cold as they breached the barrier of warmth into the bitterly cold corridor. But I could see orange firelight bursting out of doorways to my left and right. I decided to go right first and see who else lived in this place.

It was kind of strange, to be perfectly honest. It looks like some underground palace carved out of stone. The walls were worn smooth, although the dips and divots drew in my fingers. I slid my right hand along the wall and slowly walked along it, quickly reaching another arched doorway.

I couldn't knock, exactly, but I peeked inside the room and saw a very large wolf flopped down in front of the fire. It had some weird fur patterns as well, although it wasn't on the coat but splitting the hair on the pelvis and back. The wolf must have sensed my presence or smelled me because it lifted its head and looked into my eyes. They were a pretty caramel-brown color. I couldn't tell what fur color the wolf had, but I knew it wasn't exactly natural for a regular wolf.

"U-um, sorry, I didn't mean to stare. Your eyes are really pretty, by the way." I whispered, as it got up. I moved back and weakly hobbled down the corridor.

I heard the cloth shift behind me and hesitated, then turned just in time for a hand to land on my head. I flinched, but the hand didn't move. The owner of said hand was young, I think. Maybe he was around my and Briar's age.

"You still feel a little sick. Why are you out and about, little pup?"

"Sick? I'm ill?" I asked, tiling my head.

His tail flicked. "Yes, you had a terrible fever when Matteo brought you here."

"O-oh, well, I think I'm okay now. I feel much better than earlier. I slept a lot."

"Are you hungry?"

My stomach answered for me, which made me blush. The boy cracked a grin and ushered me inside his room. "Stay here. I'll get something edible for you."

"O-okay, thank you." I replied, standing awkwardly in the sparsely decorated room.

The boy disappeared, so I shuffled closer to the fire as I looked around the room. There was a cot in the corner of the room, but the elk hide rug in front of the fireplace was the most worn thing in the room that I could see. There were some interesting paintings in the room of what looked like snakes. There was one mural of one that was more finely detailed; it looked like it had been a labor of love since there was a white color for the snake's scales. It made me wonder what he used to make it so white.

"Okay, here's some food. Gavin gave me a lot because you're super skinny and we need to fatten you up."

I tilted my head as I looked back at him. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you need to feed me so much? Are you planning on eating me once I've got some meat on my bones?"

The boy paused and then he began to laugh. He could tell I was joking, so I giggled as he set down the tray of two large steaming bowls of food in front of the fire. He plopped down next to me and curled his tail around my backside to keep me warm.

"My name is Anwyll. What's yours?"

The boy blinked. "Oh wow, that's embarrassing. I thought I had introduced myself. I'm Zaire."

I grinned. "Nice to meet you!"

He blushed and turned his head. "Nice to meet you, too." he quietly replied, his body now feeling warmer than before.

"Are you feeling okay?" I asked, reaching up to put my hand on his forehead. He flinched, but let me touch his face after I apologized for startling him. "Huh, no fever."

Zaire chuckled. "Werewolves rarely get sick, unlike most humans. Although our environment is clean in the forest, which is entirely different to most cities filled with muck and wastes of all kinds in the streets."

I hummed and lowered my hand, but he caught it and began to massage my fingers. I shivered and snuggled against his side, then heard a hiss and stiffened. Zaire apologized for startling me this time and asked a question to probably avoid my impending one.

"How old are you?"

"I just turned eighteen today."

"Amazing, you're older than me. I'm sixteen."

My grin broadened. "Really? I guessed you were around Briar's and my age."

"Yeah, Briar is seventeen, although his birthday is very close."

Zaire smiled, then lifted my bony fingers to his lips. I blushed from that action, feeling heat permeate my hand. Zaire returned his attention to the food and lowered my hand to reach for one wooden bowl of the steaming stew. My stomach growled angrily, then a ferocious roar burst free as the savory-scented steam hit my face. Zaire chuckled and ruffled my hair as he set the bowl between my thighs. He could tell I did not have enough strength in my arms to even lift the bowl.

"Thank you, Zaire. It looks and smells absolutely delicious."

"You're welcome. We should go thank Gavin when we're done eating. He's such a worrywart."

I giggled as I awkwardly lifted the spoon and dug it into the bowl. I hadn't held a spoon for eating before. I knew what it was and how it was used from watching my mother, but it was different actually attempting to use it. I have used a huge stirring spoon, but that's different. Zaire watched me closely as I struggled to keep the liquid from running out of the spoon, then he moved closer after I burnt my tongue.

"Let me see," he muttered, tilting my head back. "Stick out your tongue."

I did that he carefully looked at my tongue, which was throbbing now. My sense of taste has definitely been reduced, but I can at least still taste things. That liquid, although scorching hot, was so flavorsome.

"Yeah, you definitely burnt your tongue. Let me feed you, Anwyll. You've never held a spoon before, correct?"