Marry to Alpha or Vampire?

"Hazel, happy 18th birthday."

When Hazel saw her grandmother coming out of the cabin, holding a cake, she leaped off the swing and rushed to her side, laughing.

"Our little Hazel is growing up." Her grandmother placed the handcrafted fruit cake on a small wooden table. Delicate patterns adorned the cake, and "Happy Birthday, Hazel" was written on it.

Yes, Hazel was about to celebrate her 18th birthday in her grandmother's orchard.

"I've been looking forward to this." Hazel sat beside the wooden table, her face radiant with a smile.

"Me too."

Her grandmother reached out and pinched Hazel's cheek. If Hazel never knew her true identity, it might be a good thing for her to live a peaceful and happy life.

For Hazel, this was an unusual birthday. When a werewolf turns 18, they can establish a connection with their wolf and successfully shift. Hazel couldn't wait to meet her wolf. It was sure to be an exciting experience.

"Grandma, this cake smells amazing." Hazel giggled. Her grandmother's culinary skills were truly incredible.

Her grandmother lit a few candles on the cake she had inserted, saying, "Make a wish."

Hazel nodded upon hearing her grandmother's words, then closed her eyes and started making a wish. She repeated the process she had followed for her past birthdays, but she could guarantee that this year's birthday was the happiest she'd ever had. She wished she could stay with her grandmother forever.

In spring, she could have picnics with her grandmother; in summer, she would go fishing downstream in the creek; in autumn, they could run into the forest to pick wild fruits, and in winter, they would gather by the fireplace, sipping hot tea.

Hazel had experienced a period of great sadness during her growing years. This time last year, she had desperately needed her grandmother to heal her grieving heart. But now, Hazel was gradually letting go of the past.

She had never thought about returning to the town filled with sad memories. She was content with her life now.

"Time to cut the cake." Her grandmother's laughter brought Hazel back to reality, and she picked up the knife on the table to prepare for slicing the cake.

"Cake isn't something you can have that easily." Suddenly, their neighbor, Gerard, appeared and snatched the knife from Hazel's hand. He swiftly hid his body, and Hazel chased after him. Her speed was so unimaginable that her petite frame appeared to conceal immense power.

"Hazel, attack him."

Hazel stood still, ignoring Gerard's actions. Only one question remained in her mind – whose voice was that?

She confirmed it wasn't her grandmother's voice since her grandmother hadn't spoken, and that voice definitely didn't belong to her grandmother.

"It's me, your wolf."

The surprise came too quickly, and Hazel's lips curved into a smile. She had already made her wish and blown out the candles, successfully passing her 18th birthday.

She had expected her wolf to appear later tonight, or maybe tomorrow, or even later. Hazel hadn't imagined she would establish a connection with her wolf right now. Nothing could be more exciting than this.

"Your name," Hazel continued trying to communicate with her wolf.

"Rita, my name is Rita." Hazel's wolf rejoiced in her mind.

"I like this name," Hazel told her wolf. "It just feels a bit strange."

"You'll get used to it," Rita said.

Hazel shrugged. "Maybe it'll take some time."

"Hey, for now, you should get back to the fight. Your opponent already sensed my presence," Rita said.

Hazel looked excitedly at Gerard, whose expression had clearly changed. "Hazel, congratulations."