Chapter 4

• I woke up to my alarm groggily and dragged myself into the shower. Today was Rose's birthday party and wolves from all different packs would be visiting, allowing them to find their mates; many hoping that alpha blood Rose was one of them.
• I dried myself with my towel and pushed my damp hair, so it flowed down my back. I passed a mirror on my way to the toilet and grimaced at what I saw.
• My eye had swelled, and a burning hot pain seared through my jaw. Small and large scabbed scratches lined my arms and chest, my jumper torn and ragged on my shoulders. This was one of the worst beatings they had given me. Lizzie never touched me. It would hurt her precious Luna reputation if she did. But her friends seemed to relish in the bloodlust.
• Their wolves enjoyed taking the frustration out on me.
• I had ten minutes to cover up the black eye I was sporting and the various scratches on my face. The make-up did its trick, a habitually patterned effort for bruises. They usually avoided my face in fear of being caught, but many times, their wolf reacted instead. I was lucky to even have some make-up thanks to my mom.
• Five-thirty AM sharp. I bust my ass in the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Today we had to not only make breakfast and dinner but also prep food for tonight's party. Furthermore, we had to make sure glasses were polished and ice was ready for the alcohol buckets.
• Thankfully, that side of the party was the bar preparation tasks. I was just on kitchen duty as per normal and may be on server duty. Alpha often had me with hospitality, carrying glasses of champagne. Thankfully, most wolves went to the bar for the harder drinks, liking vodka or whiskey, so I was typically not overly busy.
• Breakfast came and went fairly quickly. So we worked on preparing a large feast of salads, pasta, loaded fries, chicken, and sausages. My mom was the head chef today, so it was easy. The kitchen had a multitude of ovens, grills and hot tops to keep up with the demand, so it was no surprise there were twelve of us in here. I was mainly on meat prep, something to keep my fingers busy and keep my head down.
• Throughout the day, I felt my eye pulsing and a headache growing, knowing it was more than likely because of the trauma. And the fact I refused to eat during the day… But that kept me away from other wolves.
• After dinner, we cleaned. I was sweating profusely as my hands cleared the scraps from the plates, and I knew my make-up was dripping off. When I touched my skin, it covered my fingers in a glittery color. I had to paint it on again once I was done. In the meantime, most people ignored me as I cleaned, and I used my fringe as a curtain.
• Thankfully, the dinner service was over, and it was just a case of unloading the dishwashers in an hour. It was four PM, and the party started at six-thirty. Right now, I had an hour to redo my face and get my bearings before I had to help unload the dishwasher.
• Locking my bedroom door behind me, I sighed in satisfaction.
• Safe finally.
• Making my way to my en-suite shower room, I turned on the water from the two taps. I was ready for a long sleep. The pain in my head was throbbing, but I had no time for that. I downed a couple of painkillers and washed my face. No point in taking a shower when I've got to go back to the kitchen.
• After fifteen minutes, I finished re-applying my make-up and smiled in satisfaction. I put on some pale eyeshadow this time, knowing I wouldn't have a moment later before the party started.
• Just as I was about to go back to the kitchen, there was a rapid knock on my door, pausing I chew on my lip again.
• “W-who is it?” I asked.
• “Stephen.”
• My eyes widened in panic as my breath got caught in my throat. Why does he want to see me?
• “Please, can I have a word?” He asked.
• “Uh-uh-I-I'm not decent.” I stammered.
• “Ember, let me in.” He sighed.
• I paused, not knowing what to say.
• “Ember, I want to come in. I need to speak with you.” His alpha-tone made me shudder.
• No matter if I had not shifted yet, I could not disobey the natural order of hierarchy. Alpha wolves could make weaker wolves submit to them with their voice alone. Much to my dismay, I reluctantly unlocked my door and stepped back.
• The knob turned, and his looming figure came inside, shutting the door softly behind him. I swallowed nervously as he eyed me up and down.
• “Ember, I am concerned for you. Are you okay?” He asked.
• “Y-yes I'm f-fine.” I stammered.
• I internally cursed myself for my stutter, which I always did when I was around someone I was not comfortable with or under pressure. People loved to make fun of it.
• “I can smell your fear.” He sighed.
• I had no answer, so wrapped my arms tighter around my elbows. “Thank you for the concern, Alpha.”
• “Please, I am your friend, Ember. My father loved you as much as his own family when he found you…" He sighed. “Now… I'm uncertain since you were hiding, but you did not look very good downstairs and I-”
• “I'm fine.” I looked away.
• “Ember, what… what are you…" his soft hands brushed the hair away from my face and I grimaced.
• I felt him still as a low grumble rose from his chest. “Why all the make-up?”
• “I-I can't-"
• “Ember, why is your eyeball puffy? …you do not heal, you know that!” He yelled.
• His anger startled me; he never snapped at me.
• “N-nothing, no-"
• “Ember, I know for a fact you do not take part in pack antics, and I know a wall will not cause this much damage. And I know you do not wear make-up all the time. Now tell me what is going on. That is all I ask.” He crossed his arms, muttering.
• “I j-just wanted to wear make-up for t- tonight. I won't have t-t-time… later.” I lied.
• Please believe me, please believe me.
• He sighed, running a hand over his face. “Okay, Ember. I don't have the time right now. If this happens again, I will demand it from you next time.”
• “Y-yes Alpha.” I stammered, my eyes widening.
• He grunted and left me alone, leaving my door open. I let out my shaky breath, feeling crap about lying to my Alpha.
• But I had to, right? I couldn't rat them or else they'd get me even harder.
• I shook myself out of it and made my way back to the kitchen to prepare for the night.
• ***
• It was busier than I thought.
• The party was in full swing and packs from across the globe had arrived with the mateless high-rank wolves. I was in a black dress and sheer tights with a black apron like the other omega females. I had a tray I had to top up with champagne glasses from the kitchen. The bar was busy, and I could see five omegas serving drinks there. All females, again. A way for my pack to show off their numbers.
• I was unsure why it was so busy, so took it upon myself to listen in. My eyes scanned the crowd but couldn't really see through the mass of bodies nor hear far through the music playing through the speakers.
• A male gestured me over and, despite my nerves, I approached him with a curtsy when I could sense the power coming from him. He smelt of gamma blood; a third in command or warrior wolf.
• “Champagne sir?” I asked, thankful my stutter was at bay.
• “No thank you, sweetheart. Please bring me a whiskey on the rocks." He asked.
• I nodded without looking at him and made my way over to the bar. Rattling off his order, they handed me a whiskey within a heartbeat. Thanking the girl named Becky, I took the glass on the tray with another two champagne flutes and made my way back to the male.
• He had sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, but I didn't meet his gaze when I got closer out of respect.
• “Your drink, s-sir.” I chewed my lip, looking only at his shoulder.
• “Thank you…"
• My eyes widened when I realized he was gesturing for my name. “S-sorry sir, I-I am not supposed t-to-"
• “Oh, what old coot ordered that!” He laughed, taking a swig from the glass.
• In shock, my eyes flew to look into his, and he smirked. “There are the pretty green eyes I was hoping to see.”
• The man beside him laughed.
• I chewed my lip and dropped my gaze. “Anything else I can get you, s-sir?”
• He smirked. “No, my dear.”