Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 417 The Past

My thoughts wandered, and I found myself recalling the first time I saw Caden.

It was when I was ten years old.

I had lived in the slums as far back as I could remember.

Our home had bare walls, and hunger was a constant companion.

+8 Pearls

My father was a gambler. Whenever he lost, he’d come home drunk, taking his anger out on my mother and me. He’d beat her until her skin was black and blue. She endured it all just to protect me—even if it meant more pain for herself.

One night, I woke up, and my mother was gone.

I was only five. I cried out, “Mom, I want Mom…”

My father’s response was brutal. He slapped me hard. “You’ll never see your mother again! Crying all the time … you’re worthless! No wonder I lose money every day!”

I fell ill from the stress. When I recovered, a heavily made–up she–wolf had appeared in our home.

“Here’s your new mother. Call her that!” my father barked, pointing at her.

I cried, “No, you’re not my mother!”

The punishment that followed was fierce.

I quickly learned to watch my words and act sweetly toward her.

At ten, my father told us he had a big business deal lined up. If it went well, we’d be rich.

we really live in a big house? Will we eat

my stepmother was unusually kind

days later, my father took us to a small cabin in

them talking about kidnapping someone.

If the

hulking werewolf with a cruel sneer

was holding some bills in his hand, green as envy. His smile was wide

stood beside him, smiling so much that the wrinkles around her eyes deepened. It n’t

it, Thrice. Don’t worry, we won’t hold you up!” she said with a grin, her voice sweet

1/3

28

The Past

money that would finally

+8 Pearls

cheerful. My stepmother even cooked extra meat and didn’t scold

them through breakfast and urged them to leave for their ‘business. He had even changed into a new,

the room again, this time with two werewolf children–one boy and

His face was a mask of indifference, his gaze steady and calm. Both his

moment I saw him, I was

his thick brows and dark, expressive eyes. His nose was high and straight, and his

He’s so handsome.

was my first thought

We bring them up here in the morning, starving … Get food ready for me and the boys!” Thrice barked, nudging Caden and the

grabbed them, pulling them in, while my stepmother nodded and hurried to

away from

never seen a boy

and his men didn’t leave. They stayed in the large house, drinking and smoking. Caden and the girl

came out, smiling too much. She spotted me