5 : Escape Plan

**ESTELLE**

Word is spreading fast about what the neighboring packs are having problems with missing pack members. I hate that their families are going through the pain of a loved one disappearing.

And I know it is a horrible thing they are going through, but the only person that would miss me if I went missing is my Alpha. And that’s because I am his toy.

But being the Alpha’s maid, I hear a lot. Luckily, the phone call to the Alpha made him quit his toying with me. 

And as soon as he left my side I cleaned myself. No one can know what the Alpha does. NO ONE. And I want NO ONE to smell him on me. Once the call was over he found me again, he gave me new orders. And I don’t know who was on the other end of that line but I’ll forever be thankful. Even though he might pick up where he left off later, at least for now I am safe. 

We have the Silver Shadow Pack coming tomorrow, and our packhouse has to be in tip top shape, or my punishment will be horrid. No picture can be crooked, no chair can be out of place. All bathrooms and bedrooms must be stocked to the Alpha’s content. Alpha Jericho, Beta Tora and Gamma Cree. I studied all about the other packs that surround us in case I was ever able to make my escape. 

“Estelle, is that a bruise on your cheek?” The head housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, says as she wipes her wet hands on her apron, pulling me from my thoughts about what the requirements are.

“Oh.. I a-am n-not sure. I am v-very c-clumsy Mrs. Reynolds. M-must’ve just f-fallen someh-how..” I stammer out.

She always asks me if I need anything, but when the Alpha comes around she steers clear. He has the aura of darkness. I always thought everyone scattered because you know it’s the Alpha. But only I know the true version of our Alpha. And if I ever tell anyone, my head will be staked at the gates for the world to see.

I think that with the commotion of the meeting tomorrow, I can escape. I have to. Darra is right, I will only die here if I accept that as my fate. And I am not ready to accept this. I need to find a way.

“Estelle, dear. You can talk to me if need be, darling. I won’t say anything. You have my word.” She says with a warm motherly smile. And as much as I want to trust her, I just can’t. 

“I-I’m alright, M-mrs R-reynolds. Thank y-you though.” I sighed. 

“The Alpha is coming dear, I don’t want you to get in any trouble, so don’t say I told you that. But, find me this afternoon when you have finished, okay?” I nod and start dusting. She probably has a new list of things I need to do before tomorrow. All I know is if even one speck of dust is present when the Alpha does a walk through, my life could very well be ended.

Once I have the kitchen spotless, the living room looking pristine and all the windows looking invisible I make my way up to the visiting Alpha floor. I must prepare 3 rooms. An Alpha Suite, a Beta Suite and a Gamma Suite. I can’t believe these ranked members are leaving their pack unattended while they visit. Especially with their packs having missing members. I would be too terrified that more of my pack members would disappear while I am away.

But that is what it takes to be an Alpha, a Beta, and a Gamma. And they know the risks I am sure, that is why I am an omega. And they are the ranked members.

I couldn’t even imagine being a ranked member. So much responsibility.

“Estelle..” I hear a low guttural growl. I have frozen in my spot. Trying my hardest not to whimper as he growls with almost every step.

“Y-yes A-alpha.” I say without looking towards him. I can’t help stuttering. 

“When you are done preparing these rooms, my office and my room also need to be cleaned.” He said as he walked close enough to me that his front was pressed to my back in a matter of seconds. He quickly snakes his hands up to the front of my shoulders, sweeping my dark brown hair over to one side. He leans down and I can smell the whiskey on his breath.  He purrs against my ear. And if I were anyone else, this might entice me, but I’m not.. 

“Leave my room for last. I’ll have a few extra chores for you then..” He says, and I know better than to move while he is touching me. 

“Y-yes A-alpha.” I stammer. “Good little pet.” He growls and pats my head. He is now standing in front of me but I won’t look him in the eye. I feel his calloused hands graze the sides of my breasts, leaving a chill in it’s wake. I want to vomit but I can’t, not now. He chuckles in amusement at my uncomfortableness and leaves me to my work. I am a trembling mess.

‘I gave you all the strength I had to hold our position, Stelle. We need to leave and tomorrow is our only chance.’

‘Tomorrow it is then. I don’t think I can go another 24 hours in this pack.’

‘What if our mate is a member that comes with the Silver Shadow pack tomorrow. We can just leave with them. And be free.’

‘We don’t have such luck, Darra.’ I say to my wolf as I head to the Alpha’s office and start dusting his family portraits. ‘And let’s just say we did have the luck. Who would want us when they see the damage that has been done to us? That has been done to me..’ I sigh as I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror hanging on the wall.

My sunken face, prominent cheekbones make me feel like a skeleton. My skin is tan even though I don’t get to see the sun often, but it is dull as if the color is continuously fading. My doe brown eyes have no happiness or will for life in them. Just sadness and pain. 

“No one would want me. Maybe before all of this.. But now.. Definitely not now..” I whisper as I start filing the papers the Alpha is no longer using. I open the drawer to put the papers in and something shimmers and clinks and it catches my attention. 

I grab the cold metal from the drawer. Feeling a small chain between my fingers. Following the links all the way down, I realize it is an expensive gold figaro chain dangles in between my fingers.  A J engraved on the clasp. Maybe this is for the Alpha’s family members. I look harder as my eyes focus on the chain and the link right next to the clasp is snapped. Weird, maybe he is paying to get it fixed.

I put it back exactly where I get it from. And finish my cleaning, dreading having to clean the Alpha’s room. I feel a small ping of determination to make my getaway while the Alpha is busy tomorrow.. 

I just hope I can pull it off. I need this getaway to go smoothly. I need this pack to keep the Alpha busy long enough to let me leave. If I can just make it out of the borders, then Darra can take over and take us out of here. 

He Alpha commanded her to never shift but once we leave with the intention of never coming back, we will no longer be a part of this pack and that Alpha command will be broken..

That’s what I am banking on..

It’s what I need…