The next day.
Catriona woke up early, opened her eyes, and seeing she was already home, felt a wave of relief.
In the next moment, the image of someone she shouldn't be thinking of appeared in her mind. The corners of her lips froze, and she wondered why she thought of him. And every time she did, a dull, aching pain would settle in her heart...
Maybe... it was just unfamiliarity?
After all, she had known Roderick for over half a year, seeing him most of the time; this person had given her financial freedom, ensuring her son would never have to worry about food and shelter in the future.
So, having moved, it was understandable that she would think of him once in a while.
Catriona thought to herself as she gently climbed out of bed. Looking at her son's peaceful, sleeping face, a soft, tender smile crossed her eyes.
He's already five... time to start sleeping in his own room.
She tucked the blanket around him, then went to the bathroom to freshen up before leaving the house. It was still barely seven in the morning.
She had to go buy groceries and cook. On her first day back home, she wanted to make sure everything was just right.
Exiting the building, she walked about ten meters to the left, where a market stood. Right across the street was a supermarket. It was all within walking distance—life was convenient here, and that was one of the reasons she had chosen to buy a house in this area.
She left the neighborhood and began walking to the left, unaware of the dark figure under the tree behind her.
She arrived at the market; it was already seven o'clock. There were some housewives and elderly couples picking out vegetables.
Thinking of her son, who was just at the right age to eat meat, she bought a large piece of fresh lamb, a box of eggs, and some fresh vegetables, carrying the bags as she strolled home.
As she reached the entrance of the building.
She casually glanced under the tree and stopped in her tracks.
What... was that?
It looked like a little black dog?
Catriona furrowed her brows and walked over.
Was it lying there, dead?
As she got closer, she realized it was a small puppy, its fur clean and smooth, slightly long, with little ears perked up, sound asleep.
However...
Catriona set down the bags and crouched down, her expression puzzled.
It didn't seem like a puppy either; puppies didn't have such long fur, and their closed eyes wouldn't be slanted. Puppies had a simple, friendly look, but this little creature clearly had a wildness about it.
She found it somewhat absurd because... her son's pure wolf form seemed quite similar...
When she had no exposure to the world of werewolves, she would never have thought much of it, but now she was starting to doubt.
Was this really a puppy? But werewolf cubs shouldn't be here, right?
Whose pet was this?
Surely, its owner would come to take it away soon?
This was definitely not a stray dog; it was too plump and clearly had been well cared for.
She gently stroked the little one's fur; it was warm and smooth—surely, it was fast asleep?
Unconsciously, she smiled, but as she prepared to stand up and leave, she suddenly noticed the blood at the corner of the little cub's mouth.
"What happened? Is it poisoned?" Catriona's eyes widened as she hurriedly picked up the little cub, realizing that the blood had matted its fur.
If it weren't for its round belly still rising and falling steadily, she would have thought the little cub was dead.
Catriona thought of the puppy that her cousin had drowned, her heart twisting; she was too young then to save that poor creature.
But now, she could save this little one.
Whatever it was, it couldn't die now!
She immediately took the little one to a nearby pet hospital. The owner, a thirty-year-old woman, had just yawned and turned on the lights when she saw Catriona rush in.
"Ah... so early," she said, looking at the little black creature in Catriona's arms. "Is this a little wolf dog? What happened to it?"
"I don't know either; I found it by the roadside, and it's bleeding. Can you take a look?"
"I'll take a look," the vet said, reaching out. Before her hand could even touch the little one's mouth, the wolf cub suddenly opened its eyes, snarling fiercely and snapping at the doctor's hand.
"Wow! So fierce!" Fortunately, the vet quickly withdrew her hand, wide awake from the shock. "It woke up suddenly, and it's so aggressive."
Catriona was startled as well.
Before she could react, the little cub suddenly looked up at her, its eyes dark and slanted, with a hint of disbelief.
