A new beginning

I kneeled down, but made sure to keep a distance so he wouldn't get scared of me, “Hello there, kid.”

The child looked up and I was shocked to see how silver his eyes were. His hair was blonde and he looked like he was around 7 years old…Smelling him, I instantly knew he was the same as me. He’s a werewolf too. But abandoned?

“What are you doing here, child?”

His stomach growled and he looked at the black garbage bag in my hand, “Please don’t shoo me away. I just need food.”

He then grabbed the garbage bag from me and opened it to look for something. He found the rotten sandwich that the owner asked me to throw as it’s already expired and will cause harm to the humans.

He munched on the rotten sandwich and I stood there, watching him silently.

I couldn't help but feel pity and wanted to cry at his situation. With his dirty clothes, his bare hoodie and barefoot full of scrapes and bruises, and his pale skin, I wanted to take him in right there and there and offer him food.

I thought of a plant not to scare him, “Want to eat more? Let me take you inside.” I offered, giving a smile to him so he’ll know he could trust me.

“No thank you. I couldn’t afford it.”

“C’mon, I know you’re hungry. It’s my treat, I’ll pay for you,” I noticed he was too skinny for a little kid. At this age, he must be eating a lot to nourish his fangs and strong paws.

He looked at me hesitantly before dropping the rotten sandwich and standing up. I motioned for him to follow me inside.

Thank goodness the owner wasn’t there so I sneaked in a few snacks for him and prepared them on the table.

His eyes sparkled at the sight, licking his lips as he was salivating over the steak I cooked and he dug in. He looked like he hadn't eaten for a year and I sighed.

“You can eat slowly, the food won’t disappear. If you want more I could cook more.” I offered.

His eyes widened, his cheeks blushing red. “Really? T-thank you, old lady.”

I chuckled, “Old lady? You can call me Kamilah.”

He nodded and continued eating. I let him on his own as a few customers got in to have some orders.

After a while, I returned back to his table and saw he finished the food.

“How can I pay you, Kamilah?” He asked, “I can work here. I can wash the dishes.”

I shook my head, “No, working is for adults. You’re still a pup,” I said. “Can I ask tho? Where’re your parents?” I asked after a while.

He was silent, now avoiding my eyes as he fumbled on his hoodie, “I-I don’t have one.”

It stuck on me. So he’s abandoned too. He suddenly reminded me. An orphan. It's hard for us to survive in this world. But I was a bit lucky as Alpha Rufus, the last alpha from Shadow pack, took me in.

“You could pay me back, kid,” I told him and he seemed interested.

“What is it?”

“I’m building my own empire. Want to become my right-hand man?” I asked. Truthfully, I’m saving enough money to be able to have my own building and hire my men…

The little boy tilted his head, confused, “I don’t know what that is but I’ll join.”

I grinned, giving him a high-five that I learned from the humans that they do when they’re happy. “Good! Now tell me what’s your name?”

“Almiro.”

I nodded, “That’s a good name.

That was the start as I took Almiro to the cheap apartment I was staying at and officially took him as my little minion. I bathed, let him eat, and enjoyed his childhood.

He would help me, and I noticed he was very reliable and mature for his age.

I took him to town for sightseeing when I noticed a stare. I looked from the dark alley to see a familiar figure. Alpha Magnus.

My breath hitched, and I nearly stumbled. He was standing there, looking at me silently wearing a dark robe and a hat. Now that I saw him clearly, I knew it was him.

A horde of humans walked past us, blocking my view from him until I saw that he was gone.

Almiro noticed my discomfort. “Are you alright?”

I shrugged it off and we continued walking.

“Stop right there, kid!”

Yelled a store employee as he chased a girl who was running to us. I instantly knew that the girl was also our kind.

“Please hide me,” she pleaded, eyes watered up with tears as she clutched on my leg for dear life. When the store employee finally kept up, I stood in front.

“What is it? Why are you running after a little girl?”

He gritted his teeth, “That girl stole an apple from me!” He raged and I could feel the little girl’s hold on me tightened.

“How much is that apple?” I asked, grabbing my wallet.

The store employee said the price and accepted my money before returning.

“He already left. You can show yourself now.” I said and the little girl hiccuped.

“Thank you, lady.” She said she wanted to leave but Almiro stopped her.

“Kamilah is still talking to you, don’t run away.” He firmly said and the girl stayed still.

“I was hungry and didn’t have any money…so I stole it…” She answered honestly.

I kneeled down and ruffled her fluffy hair, “Pup, you know that stealing is bad, right? But don’t worry, I’ll take you in.” I said without even thinking it clearly. Goodness, I need to stop pitying little children and take them. I’m not an orphanage or some foundation.

The little girl shuddered, “You're suspicious, who knows you’re acting nice just to earn my trust and sell my kidney on the black market.”

I gasped, feeling humbled down.

This little girl is smart.

Almiro stepped in, “If she would be that bad, then I would have already been sold to the black market.”

I smiled at him for defending me smartly. The little girl scoffed and gulp.

“Is there….food? If I go with you, will I never get hungry?” She asked, making sure I was honest.

I chuckled, “No, I assure you that so much more will happen. You will never get hungry and will even get so full you’ll get sick of food.”

She blinked, tempted by the idea, and nodded.

Goodness, how did I even plan to start my own pack with just 2 kids and 50 dollars in my pockets?