Fated to a human

Camelia POV  

I was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for my two sisters. The aroma of sizzling eggs filled the air as I scrambled them in the pan. Everything felt normal until something caught my attention from the corner of my eye—a flash of white. 

Dismissing it as my imagination, I focused on the eggs, stirring them carefully. But the feeling persisted, a strange presence tickling at the edge of my awareness. 

Then I heard it—a voice calling my name. 

"Camelia." 

It must have been one of my sisters. I turned around, ready to respond, but froze as the blood drained from my face. Standing before me was Olivia. My death friend, Olivia. 

A gasp escaped my lips, and I stumbled back in shock. "Olivia... is that you?" My voice trembled, the words almost sticking in my throat. 

She stood there, silent for a moment, her light brown knit jersey, white shirt, and jeans as familiar as the last time I'd seen her. The last time... before she died. Eleven years ago. 

This is impossible. She's dead. 

I quickly turned to the stove, shutting it off with shaking hands. My chest felt tight, and I forced myself to breathe. You're imagining things, Camelia. Get a grip. 

But when I turned back, she was still there. 

A cold wave of fear rolled through me, making me jump again. 

My mind raced; disbelief written across my face. "How can this be true? You're dead, Olivia." The words sounded hollow, even to me. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest as I began pacing the room, trying to make sense of the impossible. 

Olivia's voice cut through the rising panic. "I'm here to give you a message." 

I stopped in my tracks, frowning as her words sank in. A loud pop from the toaster made me jump again, my nerves stretched thin. 

The smell of toasted bread mingled with the faint chill in the air, but I could barely focus on it. My gaze darted back to Olivia. 

"What message?" I demanded, my voice trembling as I stood rooted to the spot, caught between fear and curiosity. 

My eyes locked onto Olivia, unable to look away. She couldn't be real—she was a ghost. There was no other explanation. People don't just rise from the dead. Yet, there she stood, as vivid as life, her emerald green eyes glinting with concern. 

"It's Haylie," Olivia said, her voice trembling with urgency. "She's in danger." 

The words hit me like a blow to the chest. My heart pounded, heat rushing through my body like wildfire. "What do you mean?" I asked, barely able to breathe. "Is it... the rogue brothers?" 

Her expression darkened; her eyes filled with a deeper concern. "It's not just Haylie," she said softly, her voice heavy with warning. "It's you too. And your sisters." 

Panic surged within me, my breaths coming out in short, uneven gasps. "What do you mean?" I whispered, my voice cracking under the weight of her words. 

Olivia stepped closer, the air around her chilling as she moved. A shiver ran down my spine, and my breath hitched as I fought to keep my composure. 

"The rogue brothers are coming for Haylie," Olivia said, her voice low and urgent. "They won't stop until she's dead. And they'll destroy anything—or anyone—in their path to get to her." 

My knees threatened to buckle as her warning sank in. 

 Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, blurring my vision as the weight of the danger pressed down on me. 

 I needed to warn my sisters and Haylie—immediately. But before I could move, something else caught my attention. 

Beside Olivia stood a creature that made my heart skip a beat. A wolf. 

Her fur was as white as freshly fallen snow, glowing faintly in the dim light. Her silver eyes sparkled with an ethereal kindness, and her black nose twitched as she observed me. 

 My breath caught in my throat at the sight of her, so stunning and majestic that I momentarily forgot my fear. 

"Camelia," Olivia said, her voice softer now. "This is snow—my daughter's wolf. She was meant to be with Haylie, but... we took her away." Her voice wavered with regret. 

My eyes widened in disbelief. I stared at the wolf, who tilted her head, her gaze steady and calm. How could anyone separate such a beautiful creature from her rightful place? Her elegance, her presence—it was overwhelming. 

"She's here to make things right," Olivia continued, her voice filled with resolve. "I'm sending snow from the spirit world to protect Haylie when she's in danger and to guide her. She's her guardian now, as she was always meant to be." 

My throat tightened with emotion as I looked at Winter again. She stepped closer, her silver eyes never leaving mine, and I felt an unexpected wave of reassurance wash over me. 

This wolf wasn't just a protector—she was hope, a lifeline in the darkness threatening to swallow us. 

"We have to fight," I said softly, determination building in my voice. "We'll protect Haylie—and each other." 

Snow lowered her head slightly as if acknowledging my words, and Olivia gave me a faint, bittersweet smile before stepping back into the shadows. 

And it was in second and the wolf and Olivia was gone. Like they were never there. I took a big breath in trying to gain myself what just happen. I have to gather my sisters that we could find a way to protect Haylie and us from what is coming. 

Haylie POV 

I broke our hug, and before I could say anything, and Liam asked, "Are you hungry?" It was as though he'd read my mind. The adrenaline from earlier had subsided, and now, the pangs of hunger were impossible to ignore. 

"I kind of feel hungry," I admitted, my voice soft. 

Liam rose gracefully from the floor, towering above me. I shifted to get up as well, but the sudden sensation between my upper thighs made me freeze. My heart sank as I looked down, panic setting in. Was I peeing? No. The realization hit me—it must be my period. 

It made sense, though the timing couldn't be worse. With my birthday around the corner, the app I used to track it had warned me, and the stress of everything that had just happened probably sped it along. 

My cheeks flamed with embarrassment. 

I glanced up at Liam, hoping to conceal my discomfort. "Uh... Could I use your bathroom?" 

A smile tugged at his lips; his eyes soft with understanding. "Of course. You don't have to ask." 

Quickly scanning the room, I spotted my school bag near the bedside table where I'd left it yesterday. Thank goodness. I grabbed it and clutched it tightly, hoping that the emergency supplies I always carried were still there. 

Without another word, I rushed toward the bathroom, locking the door behind me. 

Liam's bathroom was huge, with pristine white tiles and a sleek, modern design. Under normal circumstances, I might have stopped to admire it, but there was no time. I made a beeline for the toilet, pulling supplies from my bag and handling the situation as quickly and discreetly as possible. 

Relief flooded me when I realized I was just in time and, thankfully, my jeans were unscathed. 

After washing my hands and drying them with a soft towel, I heard the familiar buzz of my phone. 

Frowning, I reached into my bag and pulled it out, expecting a message from my aunt checking in on me. But when I saw the notification, my breath caught. 

The number wasn't saved, but I recognized it instantly. 

"I hope we are still up for this afternoon for coffee. I'm really looking forward to seeing you again. Xoxx, JC." 

My heart flipped, and my lips parted in shock. JC. I had completely forgotten about our coffee plans. 

Memories of Liam's warning flashed through my mind. He had told me he didn't know JC and hadn't sent him that day. What if JC was a rogue wolf? Someone dangerous? My stomach churned as doubt crept in. 

But then again, it was just coffee, in a public place. What's the worst that could happen? This wasn't exactly a private rendezvous, and I lived in a town full of wolves and witches. I'd seen Liam shift into a wolf today—how much more could surprise me? 

I took a deep breath, staring at my reflection in the mirror. "It's fine," I whispered to myself, though I wasn't entirely sure. 

Swiping my phone open again, I typed a reply: 

"It's still on. I'll see you at three at the coffee shop on the corner of Lavender Road." 

I hesitated for a moment, then pressed send. The message disappeared, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. 

Whatever was waiting for me this afternoon, I would face it head-on. 

I placed my phone back in my bag, noticing the familiar bottle of perfume inside. Thank goodness. Grabbing it, I spritzed a little on to mask any lingering discomfort from that time of the month. After tucking it away, I took one last glance in the mirror and then stepped out of the bathroom. 

As I exited, I found Liam waiting for me just outside. His warm, steady presence made my nerves ease, if only a little. "Everything okay?" he asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern. 

I mustered a faint smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just needed to freshen up." 

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Alright then, let's go eat." 

The idea of breakfast sounded perfect right now. I placed my bag back by the bedside, then followed Liam down the hall. 

 As we got closer to the dining room, the rich aroma of food filled the air, accompanied by the faint murmur of voices. My steps faltered, and a ripple of nerves ran through me. 

 Liam's family. 

I hadn't met his mother yet, and the thought made my stomach twist. My hand instinctively rubbed my upper arm, trying to calm myself. Would they like me? What if they didn't? 

As we walked, I slid my fingers through my red hair, smoothing it down in an attempt to look presentable. I tugged at my shirt to straighten it and wiped at my eyes, making sure I looked awake. 

 A deep breath in. You've got this, I told myself, even if I didn't entirely believe it. 

When we entered the dining room, I forced myself to look up. And there they were—Liam's mother, father, and sister—all seated at the table. My heart raced, and I felt the heat rising to my cheeks. 

Liam came to a halt beside me. "Dad, is it okay if Haylie joins us for breakfast?" he asked, his voice calm and steady. 

All eyes turned to me, and I froze, suddenly hyper-aware of their gazes. My hands trembled slightly, and I clasped them together to steady myself. 

 Meeting new people had always been hard for me, and being the center of attention only made it worse. 

Matthew, Liam's father, gave a small nod. "Yes, she may join us." 

I exhaled the breath I didn't realize I was holding. 

Then, Liam's mother spoke, her voice smooth and inviting. "We would love to have you." 

I blinked, stunned. Liam's mother was... breathtaking. Her silky brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, framing her sun-kissed skin. Her warm brown eyes sparkled with kindness, and she carried an air of elegance that made her seem otherworldly. She didn't just sound like heaven—she looked like it too. 

I swallowed hard, trying to tamp down the overwhelming wave of shyness. My cheeks burned as I attempted to smile, though inside, I felt like a bundle of nerves. 

Liam's gaze met mine, and his familiar smile grounded me. "Come on," he said gently, "let's grab some food and dish up." 

His words were a lifeline. I nodded, following him to the table, my anxiety slowly giving way to the promise of a meal and—hopefully—a smooth start with his family. 

 Liam handed me a plate, and I could feel my hands trembling. I gripped it with both hands to steady myself, hoping no one noticed. 

 As we moved toward a table at the far end of the room, I watched Liam pile steak and other meats onto his plate with enthusiasm. 

My stomach churned at the sight. Suddenly, I didn't feel hungry at all. Nausea crept in, and I knew exactly why—my period. The dull ache in my lower back and the persistent cramp in my abdomen were unmistakable. 

I took a deep breath and tried to push through the discomfort, deciding to grab something light. Toast, scrambled eggs, a bit of bacon, and sausage. 

 Even as I placed the food on my plate, my appetite wavered. The ache in my back throbbed like a warning, making it hard to focus. 

I paused, clutching my plate as another wave of pain rolled through me. My breathing hitched, and I focused on small, shallow breaths until the pain subsided enough for me to keep moving. 

"Do you have tea?" I asked Liam, my voice quieter than usual. 

 It probably seemed like an odd request, but I needed something soothing. Camellia tea, specifically. My aunt always made it for me during times like this, along with a hot water bag and painkillers. 

Liam stopped in his tracks and looked back at me, puzzled. "Don't you want coffee?" 

I managed a weak shake of my head, my lower back screaming in protest. "I'm not really in the mood for coffee," I said, trying to sound casual, though my voice wavered. 

Liam's sharp eyes studied me closely. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping as if to shield our conversation from others. "Haylie, are you okay?" 

His concern was evident, and for a moment, I hesitated. I didn't want to admit how much pain I was in—it felt awkward, especially here. But the throbbing cramps were relentless. 

I tightened my grip on the plate, my jaw clenching as another wave hit me. "I…" I mumbled, struggling to find the words. Finally, I exhaled and admitted softly, just loud enough for him to hear, "I'm in pain." 

 Liam's expression darkened with worry. Without hesitation, he set his plate down on the table and gently took mine from my hands, placing it next to his. Then, he took my wrist in his warm grasp. 

"What do you mean, you're in pain?" he asked, his voice low and steady, though his eyes betrayed his worry. "Are you hurt?" 

I looked up at him, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude for his concern. My cheeks burned as I tried to explain. "It's not—" I paused, searching for the right words. "It's just... my period." 

He looked at me for a long time, his brow furrowing as though he was trying to process what I had just said. 

 It struck me then—he probably didn't know much about women's periods. Why would he? Wolves didn't experience them, and vampires, or any supernatural. 

I sighed and placed my hand over my lower abdomen, trying to steady myself as another wave of cramps surged through me. The pain was relentless, sharp and unforgiving. 

 Liam's sharp intake of breath brought my attention back to him, and I watched as realization dawned on his face. Panic flickered in his eyes, a mix of confusion and helplessness. 

"Ah…" he started, biting his bottom lip as though trying to piece together a solution. His gaze darted around as he thought hard. 

"Aunt Amy might have some tea. She's in the kitchen, and—" He hesitated before adding, "She probably knows something that can help with the pain." 

A faint glimmer of relief washed over me at his suggestion, but it was short-lived as the stabbing ache in my back flared up again. I winced, clutching at my side. "Do you think she'll give me some? I really need something…" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. 

Liam's expression softened into one of deep concern. "Of course," he said without hesitation, his voice steady despite the panic still lingering in his eyes. "Come on, let's go ask her." 

Before I could respond, he took my hand in his, the warmth of his palm grounding me for a moment. Gently but firmly, he led me out of the dining room, leaving the noise and chatter behind. 

Liam dragged me toward the kitchen, his grip firm but reassuring. It was unexpectedly sweet of him to care and try to help me. The reality of my situation hit me again: I was the only human here. Everyone else was supernatural. 

Their bodies didn't deal with the inconvenient and painful realities of being human. 

I bet his mother and sister had never suffered from something like this. Wolves didn't have monthly cycles—they have it every once a year and then they would have it like a weak, and even then, it wasn't like this. 

 For them, was it no big ideal of the bleeding. Humans, on the other hand, endured this every 25 to 28 days, with four or more days of pain and discomfort. 

 The unfairness of it all hit me as another wave of cramps rippled through my lower abdomen. 

I was pulled out of my thoughts as we stepped into the bustling kitchen. The air was filled with the aroma of cooking food and the sound of clattering pans. At the center of it all was Aunt Anny, busy chopping carrots at the island. 

"Liam! What a surprise to have you in here," Aunt Anny greeted warmly, her face lighting up. 

I felt Liam's hand tighten on mine, almost like he was shielding me from the bustling activity around us. "Aunt Anny, can we talk to you privately?" Liam asked, his voice laced with worry. 

Another sharp pain shot through me, and I instinctively squeezed his hand as hard as I could, seeking relief. Aunt Anny's sharp gaze shifted to me, and her smile softened. "Haylie, how are you, dear?" she asked. 

"I'm okay," I managed to say, though my voice wavered, betraying my discomfort. 

Aunt Anny studied me for a moment before turning back to Liam. "We can talk in my office," she said. 

Her words surprised me. An office? Then again, it made sense—she was the head chef, and she probably needed a private space to manage her responsibilities. 

Liam guided me along, following Aunt Anny out of the kitchen. 

She led us to a room with polished wooden floors and modest, vintage furniture. It was neat, with an air of practicality. As we stepped inside, Aunt Anny closed the door behind us and crossed her arms, her expression shifting to one of curiosity. 

 I stopped beside Liam, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Aunt Anny, do you have any camellia tea and painkillers?" Liam asked. 

Aunt Anny blinked, puzzled at first, but her expression quickly shifted to understanding as her gaze moved to me. Her lips curled into a knowing smile. "Let me guess—you've had an early visit from the monthlies?" 

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, my red hair almost matching the flush on my face. "I'm afraid I did," I admitted, feeling a deep sense of mortification. 

Aunt Anny's smile widened as she chuckled lightly. "Don't worry, dear. My wolf senses picked up on it the moment you walked into the kitchen," she said, her voice reassuring. Then she turned back to Liam. "You do know that wolves can smell blood from miles away, right?" 

I let go of Liam's hand, wishing I could disappear into the floor. The humiliation was overwhelming—I felt exposed, like my human frailty was on full display in a world of supernatural strength. 

"I'll be right back," Aunt Anny said kindly, breaking the awkward moment. "I have some tea and something that will help with the pain." 

I nodded, grateful for her understanding, but I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to hide away until this was all over. 

I couldn't bear to look at Liam at that moment. The thought that he must have smelled it—that he didn't say a word—gnawed at me. How was I ever going to face his family now that they'd likely picked it up too? 

"Haylie, it's not that bad," Liam said softly, trying to reassure me. 

I turned my face away, feeling the heat of embarrassment radiating from my cheeks as I hugged my arms around my lower belly. "You don't get it," I murmured, my voice trembling. "I feel embarrassed… as a human… that you can smell it." 

It felt like my humanity had been stripped bare in front of him. 

No wonder witches like my aunts avoided mixing with wolves and vampires; our shared humanness made moments like this unbearable. 

 My aunts had often told me how isolating it could feel to be reminded of your vulnerability in a world of predators. 

 I felt Liam move closer, his presence warm and steady. He reached out, gently cupping my chin to tilt my face up toward his. His eyes were steady, sincere. 

"Haylie," he said softly, "you don't have to feel embarrassed about this." 

I met his gaze for a moment, searching for any hint of pity or discomfort. Then, unable to help myself, I asked, "Be honest with me. When you smelled it—the blood—did you wonder what was wrong with me? Did it make you feel nauseous just being near me?" 

The words spilled out before I could stop them. 

 I'd heard my Uncle Jacob once admit, when I was much younger, that he'd felt sick when I'd had my cycle. At the time, I hadn't understood why, but looking back now, it was obvious his wolf senses had picked up on it. 

Liam's expression didn't waver, his brow furrowing as if he were considering how best to respond. Before he could say anything, Aunt Anny re-entered the room, breaking the tension. 

"Here we go," she said, her voice cheerful as she approached. Liam released my chin and stepped aside, giving me a moment to compose myself. 

Aunt Anny set a steaming cup of tea on the small table beside me and handed me a small gray bottle of pills. "Take two of these after you've eaten," she said kindly. "They'll help with the pain. Just a heads-up—they might make you a bit drowsy, but they work wonders." 

I nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude as I took the bottle from her. "Thank you so much," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. 

Her warm smile and understanding demeanor made me feel a little less out of place, but the embarrassment still lingered. I glanced at Liam, who remained quietly at my side, his concern evident in the way he stayed close without crowding me. 

For the first time, I felt a small flicker of relief. Maybe, just maybe, I could get through this without feeling like an outsider in a world that wasn't mine.