Two months ago.
"You two, go check that way!" The man says roughly from across the road, sending his men the other way."Oh lord, it's all my fault! I should have just gone with her!" The old lady cries, making my heart ache. "How could I not know she was running away? She said she was scared of him, but I didn't take it seriously! The Alpha and his Luna will never forgive me!"The night I finally decide to run away, it is enveloped in an eerie darkness. It is raining heavily outside, and clouds swirl menacingly in the sky.My clothes are soaking wet, but I do not care. I need to leave this place as fast as I can. I race desperately through the woods, my heart pounding with fear. My long, raven-black hair clings to my drenched face, partially hiding my tear-streaked cheeks. I can hear my previous pack members shouting as they hunt for me.With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I push forward, not knowing where I am going.I keep running until I find a hidden cave and take shelter there. Thank goodness the smell of rain has hidden my scent so Alpha Gabriel's pack members couldn't track me down.After I make sure I'm safe here, I close my eyes for a bit, even though I feel like I'm too anxious to fall asleep.But shockingly enough, I slowly drift into a deep slumber.I wake up the next morning, and the storm has passed. I blink away my sleep and sit up. The cave kept me safe last night, but I can't live here. If I do, they will eventually find me and who knows what will happen to me then? So I start running again.I stop to a halt as I see another wolf territory in the distance. I recognize it immediately by seeing their symbols all over the landmarks. I realize I stumbled across the Misty Hollow Pack.I see a group of men and women lined up in front of the entrance and a man looking at a notepad and frowning. I stay hidden and eavesdrop in their conversation. Soon, I realize that the man is picking out servants for the house.That's it! I can pretend to be one of the employees!I quickly look for an opening and then eventually insert myself in the crowd without anyone noticing me.I lower my head as the line moves forward, desperately attempting to stay unnoticed. My heart is pounding hard in my chest.Even though I'm thrilled to get away from my old pack, I still feel bad for causing trouble for Mrs. Ida. She was my nanny when I was just a baby and has been by my side since then.I don't want to break her heart or bring trouble to her, so I have left a letter for her to explain everything. Still, it hurts when I have to part from her like this.But I can't stay. I need to run. I had been planning for months and I knew it would be my only chance to escape.The memories of my old life haunt me, causing me to tremble uncontrollably. I remember how I suffered at the hands of the Alpha and how hard it was to escape his wrath. So I made my decision, I will never return to that horrible place.My heart is racing with a mix of fear and anticipation as I approach the entrance. I keep my gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might know me. So far, I haven't seen anyone with a familiar face.The bustling activity around me provides comfort, knowing I could easily blend into the crowd. The rain is also helping me to hide my scent so they won't find my trace. Everything is within my calculation, including the Silverblade pack."Move along, girl," one of the pack members barks at me, breaking me out of my trance."S...sorry," I mumble and keep walking. Shoot, I didn't even realize the line was moving again.I keep my head low, trying to remain unnoticed. My heart whispers silent prayers, hoping that my past wouldn't catch up with me. I want to start a new life, to shed the chains of my previous life, and embrace a brighter future.Even if it starts with being a maid or kitchen hand."Name?" an elderly woman asks me once I get inside.I almost slip and tell her my real name but stop myself in time. "My name is...Sylvia."That's it. I'll go with this name because it sounds nice."Sylvia." the woman murmurs and looks through her list. "I don't see that name here."Panic settles in my chest. I've come this far, I can't be turned away now!"Could you check again, please? I really need the job. I can do all the cleaning, and I am also skilled at making herbs!"I stand there, my heart pounding, desperately hoping the woman would reconsider. She studies me for a moment, her eyes softening with sympathy."Alright, Sylvia," she finally says, her tone gentler. "I'll make an exception this time. We do need some extra help around here. But remember, if you cause any trouble, you will be kicked out immediately."Relief washes over me, and I nod gratefully. "Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you down.""My name is Rosemary and I will assign you your duties," she says. "You are to follow all my directions. I won't accept any arguments, do you understand?""Yes, ma'am," I reply, trying my best to sound confident.She nods. "Good, we can always use an extra hand. Follow me, and I'll show you what needs to be done."I trail behind Rosemary, breathing slowly to calm my racing heart. I couldn't afford to slip up. The scent of the pack lingers in the air, a mix of earthy musk and a hint of pine. I wonder if it's because of the rain or if it always smells this good here. I don't dare to relax now, but I hope I can soon wander here without concerns.Following Rosemary, my senses stay on high alert. I suddenly catch a glimpse of movement in the distance. There stands a figure exuding strength and authority. It must be Alpha Xavier, the pack's leader. His aura can be sensed here, even from a distance away.My heart skips a beat as I watch him, his presence commanding respect from those around him.His eyes, piercing and intelligent, scan the area, surveying his pack members with a watchful gaze.And suddenly, I can't help but feel a flicker of worry ignite inside me.What if he is not a nice person? Will he punish me if he knows I'm not on the list?I can't risk letting him know.I shrink behind Rosemary, seeking shelter within her presence, desperately hoping to remain unnoticed by Alpha Xavier."What is wrong with you, girl?" Rosemary barks at me."I... I'm sorry," I stammer, my voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just...I'm just nervous.""What are you so nervous about?" Rosemary asks curiously."I don't know." I decide to play dumb. "Is that the Alpha?"Rosemary glances in the direction I'm pointing, her gaze fixed on Alpha Xavier. Her brows furrow as she considers my question, and then she turns back to me. "Is he the one making you nervous?"I nod in agreement."Well, you should be nervous. Alpha Xavier is tough."Oh, great...Rosemary's response catches me off guard, causing my anxiety to intensify. The mixture of fear and anticipation swirls within me, leaving me unsure of what to expect. I had hoped for reassurance, but her words only fueled my worry."Oh..." I manage to utter, my voice barely audible. The knot in my stomach tightens as I contemplate the implications of Alpha Xavier's reputation.Rosemary must sense my growing unease because she quickly adds, "But tough doesn't mean cruel. He's fair, just, and he values the well-being of his pack members. If you show respect and follow the rules, you'll find that he can be understanding."I don't believe Rosemary for one second. The wounds of my past are still fresh, and it's difficult to imagine a leader who is both tough and fair. I need to stay away from Alpha Xavier.I have made the decision. From this point on, I must stay hidden from Alpha Xavier no matter what.Who could've thought I would be much happier as a maid in a stranger's pack than living in my own?But here I am, another week later, singing my favorite tune while doing laundry.Don't get me wrong, my new life isn't completely worry-free as Alpha Gabriel's men are still out there, looking for me. I've taken special precautions to hide my identity here. I dyed my hair red to hide my raven black hair and used special herbs to suppress my wolf and its scent. So hopefully, I never get caught.Rosemary's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Sylvia, I have another batch of clothes for you!" she calls out as soon as she enters the laundry room.I smile and nod, acknowledging her request. "I will start on them as soon as I finish this load," I respond politely.Rosemary looks at me admiringly. "You've been working quite hard since you got here. I ought to recommend you to be promoted."I feel a flutter of anxiety. "I mean... I am truly grateful for your kind words, but I am quite happy here,
I noticed something while I worked in this pack house. I noticed that the other maids had been watching me from a distance. But none of them seemed to be interested in talking to me.It is probably for the best, but I feel kind of lonely. It has been a long time since I had a friend my age. And then, one day, I heard them whispering about me."She looks too good to be working in here," one said. "Almost too pretty," another said. "God, I hope she doesn't try to steal our men away," a girl with red hair giggles at her own joke.I can't help but roll my eyes. Are they seriously talking about me like this?The truth is, I'm not actually that beautiful in comparison to the other maids. But they seem to be hating on the fact that Rosemary, the head maid, praises me a lot. I can't deny that her compliments have made me feel better about myself and my purpose in this house. She's always been kind to me since I first started working here, and she makes sure that all of us are treated fairly
I make my way to the Alpha's room, my hands trembling as I try to keep my grip on the letters.I don't even have my face covered, so he will know what I look like. Oh, Moon Goddess, why couldn't Rosemary just assign this to someone else?I was perfectly happy tucked in the corner of the kitchen washing dishes.My nerves are getting the better of me as I get closer and closer to his room. The weight of the letters in my hands seems to increase with every step.My trembling hands fumble with the letters. One slips from my grasp and flutters to the floor. I curse under my breath, quickly picking it up and straightening it out. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself and knock on the door.A few moments pass, which feel like an eternity, but the door doesn't open.Hmm...maybe he is not inside.I turn the knob and the door opens with a slight creak. I cautiously enter the Alpha's room, and when I look inside, it's empty.The space is dimly lit, with only a faint glow from the moonlight seepi
Our eyes lock, and I feel like I can hardly breathe. Alpha Xavier's piercing gaze holds me captive, leaving me transfixed in the moment. The intensity radiating from his eyes is so potent that it sends shivers down my spine. I can sense a flurry of emotions swirling within him, yet he remains silent.Why is he not saying anything?"You," he says huskily. "You are..." he stops talking again. My heart pounds in my chest as it fills with dread. Has he recognized me from the other pack? But how could he?He clears his throat. "Remind me your name again.""It's Sylvia, Alpha," I say meekly."Sylvia," he repeats, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. I peer into his eyes, searching for any sign of recognition, but there is none. I only notice a subtle shift in his gaze. There's something else lingering in his eyes, something that goes beyond recognition. "This is very strange, Sylvia, but I can't quite track your scent. Are you not a werewolf?""Of course I am!" I exclaim.
"What happened here?" Rosemary demands, but I don't know what to say. I'm still not sure how I made a mistake with the clothes. I could swear I put bleach in there and nothing else!"I don't know...I don't know how it happened. I put all white clothes there but...""She is a liar," Amelia sneers before I have the chance to finish my sentence. "She did this out of spite."Out of spite? What is she talking about?"That's not true!" I protest. "Why would I do something like this on purpose? I like it here!"Rosemary crosses her arms and gives me a stern look. "Then explain to me how this happened. And don't lie to me."I take a deep breath, trying to calm down my racing heart. "I'm not lying. I put all white clothes in the washer and added bleach. I don't know how they all turned pink."Amelia scoffs. "That's ridiculous. You're just trying to cover up your mistake."I feel a surge of anger inside me, but I try to keep my voice steady. "I'm not lying. Maybe someone else put tainted the cl
In the kitchen, I see the chef has already started cooking. He looks up at me and smiles kindly, and motions me to come forward."You are the new girl, right? I am James," he says.He is quite handsome, I think to myself. He has a strong jawline and a neatly trimmed beard that adds a rugged charm. There's a mischievous sparkle in his eyes as he smiles at me."Yes. My name is Sylvia. Rosemary asked me to come help you," I inform him."Great to have you on board, Sylvia," James replies, his voice warm and welcoming. "Rosemary mentioned that you have some kitchen experience. That's fantastic! We can definitely use an extra hand today."He gestures toward the stove, and I see something boiling in a big pot. "We're preparing a special menu for tonight's event, and things are starting to get busy. Let me show you what needs to be done."We work side by side for a bit, and I notice James is pretty skilled in cooking."What are the things you can cook, Sylvia?" he asks me as he throws some sp
Alpha GabrielWhat do you do when your pet bird escapes its confines and soars to freedom? You hunt her down with wild determination, enraged that she dared take flight. When you catch up to her, you rip her wings from her body with a vengeance, taking out any chance of freedom. And that's what I plan to do when I catch my soon to be bride, Victoria. Think she can hide from me forever? I don't fucking think so. Ha! I will find her and when I do, she'll wish she never tried to run away from me!But I will have to admit, she is a sneaky little thing. She slipped past all my guards and somehow still managed to stay hidden. It's been a few weeks and I'd been looking for her everywhere, but even my keen sense of smell can't seem to track down her scent.I decide to visit her parents in the dungeon this evening. They claimed not to know where she is, but I could see through their lies with ease; those bastards were determined to protect their daughter from me at all costs.As I make my wa
I manage to avoid Alpha Xavier for one more day before fate decides to mess with me again. It's as if the universe has some sick sense of humor - no matter how hard I try to keep my distance from him, he always manages to find me. This girl just can't catch a break around here!Just like today when he summoned me out of nowhere.I knew better than to question Alpha Xavier's orders. He was the leader of the pack, after all, and my survival depended on this pack."Are you sure he is asking me to do this? Wouldn't Molina be a better fit for this?" I ask Rosemary, not because I like Molina. Far from it since she has nothing but mean to me but because her eagerness to serve him kept me away from him.But Rosemary shakes her head. "He specifically asked for you by name."I hold back from groaning out loud. My heart sinks at the thought of being so close to him. I have been trying so hard to stay invisible and avoid any attention from the Alpha Xander as much as possible.This is the opposi