MARIA'S POV

I couldn't believe what my mother just told me, I was the daughter of a werewolf? however, there was something that still bothered me, how did James, my step-father know about werewolves and I always thought were supposed to be mythical creatures.

"Wait, if my father is a werewolf, does that mean I'm a werewolf too?"

"Well yes and no, you see, you're half-werewolf and half-human."

"But, how is it you know about the werewolves? I thought they were supposed to be mythical creatures?"

"That's what all of us humans should think, but, when I fell in love with Alex, he told me everything even though his parents were against the idea of us being Alpha and Luna."

"I see, but, why does James hate them so much?"

"It's because...he's wolf hunter, he hunts and kills werewolves."

I was shocked by this and then my mother continued, "You may be a half breed but, James could never hurt you, he still treats you as his own even though you're Alex's daughter."

I looked away from her with a shocked look on my face and then I asked her.

"Do you still love him? my biological father I mean."

"...I do, but, I can't go back to him, I can't leave you behind and let James train you to become one of them, you'll end up killing your own kind."

I understood that much and I asked her, "You also said Alex was still looking for me right? then those wolves that I've been hearing-"

"Yes," Mom interrupts me. "Those are Alex's wolves, they're still searching for you and me, they don't know about the cottage here. My guess is James must have used some kind of scent cover on the house to keep them away from here."

I knew at that point, that I couldn't live like this any longer. I gave the envelope to my mother and I told her.

"Don't get mad, but, I read this letter from my biological father and he forgives you and he's sorry for saying those hurtful things to you and he wanted you to tell me the truth."

Mom took the envelope from me and she read the letter. Her tears gathered in the corner of her eyes and she smiled happily.

"Oh Alexander..."

I smiled a little and I patted her back to comfort her. I knew I had to make a decision and I also knew that I couldn't live like this anymore.

"Mom, I've decided," Mom looked at me and I told her. "I'm going to leave this cottage behind and I'm going to find my birth father."

Mom looked at me surprised and I thought she was going to tell me, no but, she had a smile on her face.

"You know what? that's exactly what you should do."

"Huh? aren't you going to try and stop me?"

"No, I've kept you away from your real family long enough and you deserve to find your birth father. I am so sorry I've kept this from you for so long, the least I can do is let you go and find him."

"Mother...thank you so much!" I said before hugging her tightly.

Mom giggled a little and then we pulled away from each other. 

"I know where Alex lives but, it's gonna be a bit of a long journey."

"I can handle it, besides, I'm always up for an adventure."

Mom smiled at me and then she looked at the time on her watch. 

"Listen, James isn't going to come back home until later tonight, go and get your stuff ready but, not too much okay? pack some extra clothing, underwear and necessary items you need."

"Okay, thanks, mom."

I rushed upstairs and got my rucksack and I started to pack some of my things. I packed away some extra clothes, money that I've been saving up, underwear, my sketchbook along with the pencils, paintbrushes and watercolour paints. Once I got everything I needed, I headed back downstairs and then mom gave me a lunchbox.

"Here, a little something for your journey and here's some extra cash in case you run out."

"Thanks, mom."

I put the lunchbox and the money in my rucksack. Mom showed me the map and she had circled the spot where Alex lives. He was located near the Redwood forest.

"Alex lives around here if you take a bus from here to here, you should be able to make it to the nearest B&B so you can spend the night there. Once you've got plenty of rest and some food in your belly, you can walk the rest of the way."

"Thanks, mom but, aren't you coming?"

"I wish could but, I have to stay behind here and take care of James."

"But, what about Alexander? you said you still love him?"

"I do, but, if I go, James will send his hunters to come after the both of us so, I need to stay behind here and act like that I've just found out that you finally escaped from us."

"All right, if you're gonna do that, you know the old tying a knot with several bedsheets together, use them to make it look like I've escaped through the window."

"I know and before you go take this to Alex."

Mom gives me an enevelop that's addressed to Alex.

"This letter is for Alex, it's actually a late reply to him."

"Hmpf, all right Mom, I'll make sure this gets to him."

"And one more thing," Mom took my left wrist and then she takes off my leather bracelet. "This mark is a birthmark, this will also prove to any of the Redwood pack members that you're Alex's father. It's also the royal pack's crest."

"I see, so that's what this mark is and that's also why my step-dad didn't want me showing it off," I said as I looked at the birthmark. 

"Exactly," Mom said before she hugs me one last time. 

"Be careful out there, my little girl. Don't talk to strangers and be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye out for danger and rival packs."

"I will be fine, Mother, I only wished that you come along with me."

"Me too, but, I have to stay here."

I pulled away from her and I smiled at her one last time. She kisses my forehead and she said to me.

"Now go and tell Alex, I'm sorry for everything."

I nodded my head and then I left the cottage. I looked over my shoulder to view the village one last time and I never thought I'd say this but, I'm gonna miss this place, even though it felt a prison for my entire life. I smiled a little before taking off into the forest. I got to the bus stop and perfect timing, I got onto the bus and I told him where I was going. I paid for my ticket and then I sat down on one of the seats before the bus started. 

'Mother...please be safe.'

I thought to myself as I watched the scenery fly past me as I started my search.