The Beast's Prey — A Rejected Runt's Fate

Chapter 1

Rhea

The warriors are training outside, and it's a sight to see for me. My eyes stay wide, fixated on them like a dog watching a rabbit. Only the warriors are far more interesting, and as I watch them, I can't help but imagine myself amongst them, sparring and wrestling and fighting just as hard as any of them.

That will never happen, of course. For one, I am a woman, and women are not allowed to train as warriors.

And, I'm a runt.

"Rhea," I turn as I hear a familiar voice, it's Ethel. "You can't be out here. You're needed inside, there's a lot of stuff to do before the party and you gawking at those males isn't going to get anything done."

"I'm not gawking," I huff, following Ethel back towards the Alpha's packhouse. "I'm watching."

"Well, watch something else. If Alpha Elias sees you, he'll be pissed, and I, for one, don't want to deal with his temper right now."

The packhouse was usually a quiet place, but today, it was a flurry of activity. Wolves were rushing around, cleaning, decorating, and preparing for the Alpha's birthday celebration tonight.

The warriors, on the other hand, were training. Training like they did every day on the acres of ground that surrounded the packhouse.

"Rhea," Ethel snaps again, this time sounding a bit too frustrated. "Get your head out of the clouds. There's a lot of work. Get started with handling the flower arrangements. The florist delivered them a while ago. They are in the storage shed. Start arranging them and placing them."

"Yes, ma'am," I reply, trudging to the back of the packhouse where the storage rooms are.

The storage rooms are usually dark and dusty, but today, they are brightly lit. I have never understood why we need so many storage sheds. But this is a packhouse and it is meant to accommodate the entire pack, so I guess having multiple storage facilities made sense.

Just as I open the door, numerous smells of different flowers hit my nose. They are all neatly packed in boxes and baskets, wrapped with plastic and ribbons.

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. I've never done this before.

I pick up the first box, the weight is surprisingly heavy. I can smell the fragrance of lilies even through the wrapper.

Slowly, I take out the delicate flowers and arrange them into a vases which I bring back into the packhouse and into the ballroom where the party is going to be hosted.

It's the Alpha's 35th birthday tonight, and tenth year anniversary of the Blackfang Pack being under his ruling. It's a momentous event. A chance for everyone in the pack to come together and celebrate the Alpha's legacy and accomplishments.

After I'm done arranging the flowers, I move on to the next task, which is setting out the champagne glasses that Ethel gives me. There are caterer's here who are handling the food, but the rest of it is on us.

On Ethel. She's the housekeeper of the pack house, and under her, there are other staff members, including me. But for an event like this, we are certainly short staffed. There are going to be a hundred's of people coming here and we nearly don't have enough hands to handle the work.

Several other pack Alphas are going to be here, including some high ranking warriors. Ethel has been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, and I really can't blame her.

I'm just glad that I'm not the one in charge.

"Rhea!"

I hear her voice, and it makes me jump a little.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Put these on the table," Ethel thrusts several glass sculptures at me.

"These?"

"Yes, and make it quick."

I do as I'm told and place the statues carefully on the table. They are beautiful, I'm almost afraid that I'll break them.

The ballroom is almost ready, and the guests will be arriving soon. Everything has to be perfect, and if it's not, Ethel is going to flip.

I've already seen her going off on the catering staff once today.

The skies begin to darken as more time passes by. The celebration begins at eight in the evening and it's expected to end by midnight, or later. These things often ended quite late. Which means, I was probably not going to go home until late. I don't really mind it. There's nothing much for me to do at home except for watch my brother, Luke, practice his fighting skills on me, and listen to him brag about how great he is.

"Okay, I think we're all set," Ethel claps her hands as she looks around the room.

The music is playing, and the food is laid out. The room is filled with flowers and candles, and everything looks perfect. Now, we just have to wait for the guests to arrive.

It's not my job to greet the guests, but I'm definitely curious to see who's going to show up.

I know for one that my parents are going to be here, but thankfully, they don't have to see me as I will be working in the kitchen and handling matters in the back for the rest of the night.

That is the initial plan.

Until Ethel comes up to me. "There's a change of plans."

"Change of plans?" I look at her curiously. "What do you mean by that?"

She hands me a uniform which is quite similar to what the other catering and serving girls are wearing. "You're going to be working in the ballroom. We need more servers. There are going to be alot of people here."

"But—"

"No buts."

"I don't think people want to be served by me." I point out the fact that I'm nothing but a runt and I doubt the people that are coming here want to even smell one.

Runts were killed everywhere across the world. I was only spared because of Alpha Elias. I can't imagine why Ethel would think that there would be anyone who would want me serving them.

Ethel snickers, "I'm sure no one is going to care. Besides, I'm not asking you, I'm ordering you. And you don't have a choice. We're short on staff."

I lower my gaze on the uniform she has given me and then look back up at her. "Okay."

"Great. Go change in the back. Quickly and before the guests start coming in. It's already getting dark. They are going to be here any moment." she pats my arm twice before turning around and heading into the another direction.

I sigh in disbelief and take the clothes she has given me into the washroom that's behind the ballroom. It takes me a minute to change and once I'm done, I glance at the mirror to see how the clothes fit me. They are as loose as they can possibly be.

The skirt hangs so low below my knees and the shirt is so big on me that it's almost as if I'm wearing a blanket. But there's nothing I can do about it so I simply take it in and head out of the washroom, back to the ballroom where the guests are starting to arrive.

I keep my head low, not wanting to catch the attention of anyone as I move through the crowd. It's amazing to see the number of powerful and influential wolves that are coming to the party. I see plenty of Alpha's here with their entourages and their mates.

I'm still stunned as I look at all of them. They are all dressed to the teeth, wearing their finest clothes and jewels, and looking as if they have never done a day of work in their lives.

A live orchestra is playing in the background as more and more people come inside from the front. It's completely dark outside and the full moon is high in the sky.

I serve as much champagne I can, to whoever wants it while keeping an eye out for Mom and Dad. They are going to come here and I want them to see me doing something worthwhile.

My family matters the most to me, they are everything I have and I'm alive because of them. But they hadn't come around to accept me, especially my Dad. He hasn't spoken to me in four years, four long years and no matter how hard I try, he won't talk to me.

It's not because of anything I did, it's because of who I am. I had been born a runt, a runt amongst many things, but I don't choose to be. I want to be a warrior, like my dad, like my brother, and like my uncles, but there's no chance I can become one. Runts don't become anything but a burden.

"What are you doing here?" I hear another familiar voice and this time, I turn around much faster after knowing it's my Mom. "I thought you weren't going to be here at the party."

"I wasn't—I was supposed to work in the kitchen, but Ethel—"

She cut me off before I could finish. "Well, don't let your father see you here. Especially like this. He's going to get angry and then he's going to leave."

"Mom, there's nothing I can do." I explain to her.

"You can do something, you can go into the kitchen and stay away from the people. Or better yet, go home early and stay in your room." I can already head the hatred in her voice, it's so loud even when she speaks so softly.

My heart drops a little but I don't say anything.

"Please."

Chapter 2

Rhea

I stay by the sidelines for the most part of the evening, avoiding my Dad and Mom. Wherever they go, I move to the opposite. There are some people in the party that give me an odd look when they realize that I'm a runt but they don't say anything to me.

Maybe because I'm serving them champagne and they are a bit drunk.

I'm not sure, but I'm glad they don't say anything.

The party is going well and as the night goes on, people become more and more intoxicated. They are laughing and dancing and having a great time. Alpha Elias joins in as well and goes around the room. People celebrate him and toast to his health and long life.

He's been a great Alpha and I hope he will continue to lead the pack for a long time. But, as the hours tick by, I just want to go home. I've been on my feet for the entire evening, and my legs are getting tired and I'm tired of getting those strange looks from the guests.

Things take a turn when I see my Dad from the corner of my eyes. He's talking to someone and I'm not quite sure who it is. But before he notices me, I take a turn and make a run for the other side of the ballroom.

But as I run, I bump into someone and the champagne in my hands spill all over me and the glasses fall onto the ground. My heart skips a beat, a tragic beat.

"I'm sorry," I blurt out quickly, and pick up the glasses.

But as I look up, I find myself staring into the darkest eyes I have ever seen. They are not filled with anger, yet they are not filled with kindness. They are simply...empty.

No.

It can't be.

But it is.

"I'm sorry," I mutter again, stepping back, away from him.

But he steps closer, his eyes never leaving my face. His gaze is intense, as if he's trying to read my mind, as if he's trying to see into my soul. I can't help but shiver slightly. Something about him makes my hair stand on end, something about him makes me want to run away, to hide.

I can't, though.

I take another step back. I need to leave, I need to go anywhere—anywhere from him, from this person. I turn around, and before I can take another step, I hear his deep, husky voice.

"Stop."

I freeze, my blood running cold. The music, the voices, the laughter — everything fades away. All I can hear is his voice, all I can feel is his presence, looming, threatening. I slowly turn around, my eyes darting around the room, looking for a way out.

I can't let him catch me, I can't let him touch me, I can't let him do anything to me.

My eyes land on Ethel, who is standing near the entrance of the ballroom. She looks surprised, confused even, but she doesn't say anything.

Everyone else is still occupied in whatever they are doing. Barely anyone glances here except for the wolf I bumped into. I want to leave. God, I should've been in the kitchen. I should've fought harder to stay in the back than working in the ballroom itself.

His eyes are still fixed on mine, his lips parted, as if he wants to say something. But he doesn't. He just stares at me, his expression unreadable.

I swallow hard, my hands trembling, and my legs feeling weak. I can't breathe, I can't speak, I can't even move.

"I'm sorry," I apologize to him for the third time. "It was a mistake."

Ethel comes rushing to me, saving me from the catastrophe that I'm in. "It's okay," she says to the man. "I'll get this cleaned up. I'm sorry about that. It won't happen again. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening and excuse us."

The wolf doesn't stops looking at me even when Ethel is talking to him. My chest rises and drops. I don't know what to do. I just want to get out of here. I need to. With Ethel in between, I take my chance and dash out of the ballroom, to the back washrooms to clean up myself and all the champagne that has spilled on me.

I wait for a few minutes, leaning against the wall, waiting for my heart to stop beating so fast.

I know the wolf—everyone knows him.

Alpha Aron of the BloodClaw Pack, a strong Alpha, a powerful wolf, and the most dangerous one of all.

He is known to be ruthless, cruel, and merciless.

I had seen him only a few times, in photos. He rarely left his territory and when he did, it was for important matters. But never did I think that he would come to our pack's celebration, never did I think that I would be in the same room as him.

Seeing him here, in the flesh, has me shaking with fear. It's like all the bells in my head are ringing, warning me to run, to flee. But I can't. I'm rooted to the spot, my heart beating so fast that I'm afraid it's going to explode.

He can't be my mate.

No.

There has to be some kind of mistake.

My wolf is silent, not responding even when I call out to her. She's afraid. We're afraid. This can't be happening. How can it? I'm a runt and the chance of having a mate is low, but the minute I stumbled into him with the glasses of champagne, I felt it in my bones right away.

It was like a jolt went through my body when I looked into his eyes.

I try to calm myself down, breathing in and out slowly. It's not working. My mind is racing, and my heart is still pounding wildly in my chest. I close my eyes, trying to block out the image of his face, but it's no use. Every time I shut my eyelids, it's like I can see him even more clearly.

No.

It can't be.

The door behind me bursts open, making me jump. My heart races, and I grip the edge of the sink, struggling to catch my breath.

He's here.

I don't even need to look at him to know that it's him.

His scent is so strong, so masculine, so...Alpha.

He steps inside and closes the door behind, and the thud of the door tells me everything that I need to know. That I'm doomed.

Chapter 3

Rhea

My back presses against the marble sink, my hands gripping the cool surface as I try to steady myself. There's nowhere to go, nowhere to run.

The bathroom is small and cramped, with barely enough room for two people.

And he's standing right in front of me, his eyes staring down at me, his face so close to mine that I can feel his breath on my cheeks.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my voice trembling.

"You are my mate." His voice is deep, husky, and a bit raspy.

I swallow hard, unable to tear my eyes away from him. His scent fills the air, making my head spin.

"No," I shake my head vigorously, my hands shaking. "You're wrong."

"I'm not," he says. "Your scent."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He reaches out and grabs my wrist in his hand, his touch burning against my skin. A chill runs down my spine, and I try to pull away, but he holds on tight, his grip unyielding. I can't break free.

"You're my mate," he repeats, like I haven't heard him the first time.

"Please," I beg, "let me go."

He releases my wrist, but I remain stuck where I'm standing. My feet don't move, I don't think they can anymore. He's looking at me with those soulless eyes that seem to suck the very life out of me.

"I know that you are my mate, and I know that you know it as well. There's no point in denying it. Your scent...it's unlike any other. It calls to me, it calls to my wolf."

"I don't know what you are talking about," I deny it again even though I know it's not true.

I feel it.

Every part of me feels it and so does my wolf. But it just can't be. It's something I cannot accept, but the truth is right there and it's staring me straight in the face.

"You're lying to me."

I turn my head to the side, avoiding his gaze. I'm scared, I'm terrified, but I refuse to show him that. If I do, he will only use it against me.

"I have—I have things to do. Please. I need to go back to the party before someone sees me missing."

"You're afraid." His voice is low and full of mocking, his tone indicating that he's not the least bit concerned by my distress.

"Of course, I'm afraid. You're a complete stranger to me and you've cornered me in a confined space with no way to escape. Why wouldn't I be afraid?" My voice is growing louder and angrier, my frustration and fear manifesting itself in my words. "Let me go."

"I will," he replies simply. "As soon as you admit that you are my mate."

"I'm not your mate," I say. "I can't be."

"Why not?"

"Because—because you're an Alpha, and I'm a runt."

"So?"

"So, it's not possible."

"It is—"

There's more that's about to leave his lips, but we are interrupted by Ethel. I release a breath as she finds me inside the washroom. There's confusion on her face as she sees me with the Alpha of another pack, a powerful one at that, and she doesn't quite know what to say.

"Is everything okay?" She asks, her voice cautious.

"We're just fine," The Alpha replies before I can get any words out. He looks at me and then steps back. When there's some distance, I finally feel like my legs can work. "I was just leaving. Excuse me."

He leaves the washroom without another word and I'm grateful for it. His quick departure and silence tells me that he doesn't wants anyone to know which only gives me more indication that I need to keep this to myself and I need to keep denying it.

A moment passes and Ethel closes the door behind her before looking at me. The look on her face tells me that she has a million questions for me.

"What was he doing in here?" she asks, her voice low. "And why are you so out of breath? What is wrong with you today?"

"Nothing. I—I just came here to clean up and I think he followed me."

"Why?"

"I don't know." I shrug, acting as if I'm clueless.

But Ethel knows better.

"I think you do know." Ethel narrows her eyes at me. "Did you—were you planning on doing something?"

"What?"

"I can see the appeal in the wanting to be with someone strong and powerful, but you're no one, Rhea. You're a runt and men like these will rip your head off and throw it in the trash. Don't even think about it for a moment." She goes on and on.

It takes me a minute to understand what she's implying on and the minute I do, I'm disgusted. She thinks that I lured the Alpha of the BloodClaw Pack into the bathroom and was doing god knows what.

"It's nothing like that. I just came here to clean up myself, and he followed me in for I don't know what," I tell her again, defending myself over and over again. "You've to believe. I had no ill intentions, I'm not like that, I would never."

Ethel sighs and nod, taking my word. "For your own sake, I think you should go home. The party is wrapping up anyway and I'll get the others to take care of everything else."

"Thank you. I'm sorry about making a mess and—"

"It's fine. Just go home and rest." She waves a hand, dismissing me. "Go on, go."

I gather myself and leave the washroom after that. I change out of the uniform that Ethel gave me and then leave the packhouse without another word. The grounds outside are still well-lit and there are a few people standing around, talking and drinking.

When I pass by them, they turn and look at me, their eyes following my every move. I can't help but feel self-conscious, and I walk faster, wanting to get away from their judgmental stares.

I make my way to the gates of the pack house and walk home from there alone. It's not too far so I don't mind the walk. But I can't stop thinking about everything that just happened.

I have a mate.

I have a mate and he is Alpha Aron of the BloodClaw Pack.

Chapter 4

Rhea

I barely get a wink of sleep after returning to my home, my mind replaying everything that has happened, and the interaction I had with the Alpha of another pack.

When the sun rises, I force myself off the bed and straight into the shower. As the hot water beats down on my body, I close my eyes, trying to clear my mind of all the thoughts that are troubling me.

But I can't.

Mates are special, and not something that can be denied. It's a bond that is meant to be cherished and celebrated, and yet, that is the last thing I want to do. Never through my whole life did I ever imagined being someone's mate. As a runt, I didn't think it was possible.

The universe is punishing me for my existence and has found a way to give me the most dangerous wolf in the entire world as a mate.

But why?

I never wanted one.

A tear lands on my cheek as I slip on my clothes and prepare for the day. There's a swelling in my heart, a deep ache that I can't explain. But for some reason, I try to convince myself that I can ignore it.

The night is over, the party is over and the people that were there are gone, including my mate. He's an Alpha of a pack, he has to return to it, and he has more pressing matters than to be with me.

I'm sure he'll forget about me in time. Especially since he doesn't even knows my name.

If I ignore it, I know it will go away. And then, everything will go back to the way it was before. I'll still be a runt, and no one will care about me. I won't have a mate, and I won't have to worry about anything ever again.

It's a nice thought, and for a moment, I allow myself to indulge in it.

Until Luke knocks me down from the stairs as I'm about to head into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for my family. My arm hits the floor, and I let out a yelp of pain.

"Watch where you're going, idiot," he says, his voice filled with contempt. "Do you even know how to use your eyes?"

I glance up at him, and my heart sinks when I see the look on his face. Anger, disgust, and disappointment. There's no sympathy or concern, no hint of compassion or empathy. He just sees me as an inconvenience, a burden that he wishes he didn't have to deal with.

He rolls his eyes before walking away from me. He's two years younger than me, but he already towers over me.

My mom walks out of her room and sees me. I quickly get up on my feet before she sees me on the floor. I don't need any more embarrassment and a scolding from her.

"I don't even want to know." My mother sighs.

I go in the kitchen and start preparing the food. There are only four of us in the house. Sometimes, Aunt Lydia comes to stay with us but she's in another country right now so there's slightly less food to prepare.

After I finish, I take my breakfast up stairs and stay in my room until it's time for me to go to work, which is usually around ten.

As I get out of my house, the bright sunlight stings my eyes, and I blink a few times, trying to adjust to the glare. I'm still sleepy and tired, and I want nothing more than to crawl back into bed and hide under the covers but taking a day off from work is like asking for trouble.

Alpha Elias doesn't tolerate absenteeism. If you're not at your post when you're supposed to, you can get fired. And if you get fired, you're out on the streets. Especially me.

Ethel can be lenient sometimes, she'll let me take longer breaks if I'm sick or if there's something wrong, but the Alpha is not. His demands are clear and unforgiving.

Twenty minutes later and I'm walking in through the gates of the packhouse. The land surrounding the house is huge and green. The main house is a massive, white mansion that sits atop a hill. It's surrounded by acres of sprawling lawns and gardens where the warriors do their trainings.

When I reach inside the house, I go straight to the kitchen's in the back where I find Ethel.

She appears exhausted.

"Something I can help you with?" I ask her, ready to do whatever she needs.

"There's a lot of work here today, Rhea. The party lasted longer than it should've. I've put the other girls on the clean up duty of the ballroom. But breakfast is getting late."

I look around the kitchen where the cooks are preparing the meals. It seems like they are almost done with it.

"Should I call everyone for their meals?" I ask her.

"No. I've already send Tony to take care of that," she shakes her head. "But I need someone to deliver that to the Alpha's office. I would go but my legs are tired from climbing up those stairs all night and morning."

"I'll take it."

I glance at the neatly placed tray in the corner of the kitchen. It's an arrangement of fruit, bread and coffee. It's an extra plate, just like Ethel always sends to the Alpha. It's a regular routine of him not eating breakfast until his morning coffee is served one by the housekeeper, and Ethel fulfils that role perfectly.

"Okay. Come back down right away. There are some things I need to go through with you today."

"All right."

I pick up the tray and make my way towards the Alpha's office. It's located on the third floor of the pack house. The first floor is reserved for the guests, and the rooms in the back are for the staff. Some high ranking pack wolves reside at the second floor. And the third floor is reserved exclusively for the Alpha and his close family members.

The stairs leading to the third floor are guarded by two big burly men, both warriors. When I arrive there, they simply nod at me and let me pass. They've seen me going up and down these stairs a thousand times before.

I take a deep breath before reaching the office where the door is shut.

There aren't many encounters that I have with the Alpha. Most of the time, I see him from a distance, and Ethel barely chooses to send me to him. But, whenever I'm summoned, I make sure that I'm not the least bit out of line and I always do what I'm told.

It is under his orders that I'm alive today, and I'll always be grateful for that.

I knock twice on the door.

"Come in."

I open the door and walk in, my eyes cast downwards until I catch a whiff of his scent. It's only then that I raise my gaze and my eyes meet his.

He supposed to be gone, long ago. The night's over, the party's over. All the guests that arrived are meant to be gone and so is he.

But he's not.

He's here.

What is he doing here? What is he doing sitting in the chair across the desk? Why is he here?

Chapter 5

Rhea

I keep my gaze down at his feet, but that doesn't stop me from feeling his eyes burning holes through me. My body trembles, and my heart pounds wildly in my chest. I'm afraid to move, afraid to speak, afraid to do anything. I can't even breathe. The air is suffocating me, thick with his scent. I feel like I'm drowning, sinking deeper and deeper into darkness.

A moment passes, and still, he doesn't say anything.

Thankfully.

I set the tray down on the table in front of him. Alpha Elias is near the window, taking in the sight outside and overlooking the warriors that are practicing.

When he turns, I quickly straighten back up and look at him. "Could you also tell Ethel to make the necessary arrangements for Aron's stay here?"

My body stiffens and I try to hold back the gasp that is dying to escape from my throat.

He's staying here. Why? God, why?

"Oh, that won't be necessary. I'm already arranged with everything. There's no need to worry about anything else." When he speaks, his voice is smooth and controlled. His gaze is still on me but I don't even want to look at him.

"Is there anything else you need?" I ask Alpha Elias.

"Could we at least arrange rooms for your men?" He looks at Aron and asks him. "I don't want them to be cooped up in a small space that the warriors use as resting quarters as they have been throughout the night. It will only take a few hours and we can get them settled in here."

"Yes."

"So it's all settled then," Alpha Elias nods. "We'll be honored to have you here as a guest of this pack for as long as you like and your people are more than welcome to stay."

"My stay will only be short," Aron says, a shadow of a smile on his face. "There's something very important that I need to handle here. Once that's done, we'll be gone."

Alpha Elias nods, his jaw clenched. He seems happy with this arrangement. I can't fathom why he doesn't want this man and his entourage to leave, but I guess I'll never understand what goes on in the mind of my Alpha.

He clears his throat and looks at me. "Inform Ethel about making the arrangements and that will be all."

"Yes, Alpha." I immediately leave the room, trying to take fast steps as possible. My legs can't get me out of there faster enough.

Down the stairs and into the kitchen, I try to stop myself from shaking, or doing anything that can appear unmannered.

"What's wrong?" Ethel comes to me the moment I enter through the door. "What happened?"

My chest raises and drops. A part of me wants to not tell her at all, but another part tells me I should. If there is any chance of him staying at the pack house, the household staff should at the very least know his routine and the routine of his men.

"The Alpha," I clear my throat. "Of the BloodClaw Pack is staying here—for a while. Alpha Elias asked me to inform you so you can make arrangements for his stay along with the stay of his men that are with him."

Ethel looks a bit surprised, but she doesn't says anything to me. She just nods.

"Okay."

"Did you meet the men?" a voice breaks in and I see that it's one of the cooks. Rachel. "The hot alpha and his men? Please tell me you did. Was it glorious?"

"Shut up," Ethel snaps. "That's not how you speak about anyone, especially your Alpha's guests. Show some respect, Rachel."

"Alright, alright." Rachel does a little laugh before turning her gaze back to me. "So, was it glorious?"

"Rachel," Ethel warns.

"I just wanna know," she shrugs before looking at me again. "You're running errands for the guests now, so you have to have seen them. Just give me a little hint. What are they like?"

I lower my head and answer her, because if I don't, she'll just come after me until I tell her what she wants to know. "I have not seen any of the BloodClaw Pack wolves except for their Alpha."

"And?"

"And—that's all." I don't say more, I don't want to. I don't even want to think about him. It terrifies me. He terrifies me.

Ethel comes near to me and places a hand over my shoulder, "There's some work outside that needs to be done, near the training grounds. There aren't many warriors there today, especially after last night's celebration. So you can go there. Tony will be there too," She looks away from me and to the other girl. "And Rachel, why don't you go start preparing lunch, instead of standing around and waiting to hear gossip. There's a lot that needs to be done now that the number of the guests has doubled here."

"Yes, ma'am."

Rachel picks up a tray of chopped vegetables and walks away from us and Ethel then gives her full attention back to me. "Did the alpha say how long the guests will be staying?" she asks me as if I had a whole chat with him up there.

"No," I give my head a shake. "But I think it's just for a couple of days. I doubt it will be any longer."

Ethel stresses over the fact that so many things have to be done now. Guests, especially Alphas from other others, stronger packs, need to be taken care of. A good stay will lead to a deep bond between packs and friendships between the leaders that could benefit the pack. She knows that well.

Ethel then dismisses me from the kitchen with the task of going out to the training grounds and helping Tony with whatever needs to be done there. I don't mind working outside at all. Watching warriors train in the fields fascinates me.

But today, I feel odd, agitated. It's the Alpha's presence and I know it. He's up on the third floor, but I can still feel him, smell his scent, and even though he's so far, he's creeping into my skin.

So much it drives me mad.

Why? That one question keeps ringing in my head. It won't stop.

I shake off all the feelings as I step outside of the packhouse. Tony is already at work, clearing out the leaves, and picking up stuff from the ground. The fighters come out into the training yards every morning and night. There are targets, a long stretch of grass for battles, and wooden equipment to sharpen their training.

Today there aren't many. There are only a few delta and gamma warriors, most of them which I recongize.

I work quietly and diligently, carrying my basket around the green, gathering the stray leaves, picking up the broken weapons and fixing whatever seems broken, and I do all of it.

Tony joins me, lending a hand and keeping me company. But I still feel uneasy, nervous. There's a dread in my stomach, a dread that's growing bigger and bigger by the second.

And all I want to do it get rid of it.

"You left early last night?" Tony raises his eyebrows.

"Yeah," I mutter.

"Why did you go home?"

I let out a heavy sigh, unable to respond to him. I don't want to say the truth. The reason why is all for me and I can't explain it to him in a way that he'll understand. "I just felt tired and Ethel let me go."

"Well, are you okay now?"

"Yeah, I'm better."

I try to do what I have been instructed to and pay no attention to my thoughts and I try to find peace in continuing my work, I force myself into doing the thing that can stop the memories of last night from entering my mind.

I pick up everything that is used during practice. I put back every item in place, so when the next session starts, everything will be ready.

"You," Someone speaks behind me as I pick up the axe that's close to my feet. "Runt."

I straighten up quickly and turn around to see who called me. "Uh..yes?"

It's Ezra. Gamma warrior.

The head of the Gamma warriors of the pack and a man that is of high standing in the pack because of his special skills. Some of those skills include hunting and archery—and axe throwing. He killed a group of rogues that entered the territory just last month along with the head of Delta warriors who was now standing behind him.

All of them look down at me.

"Pick that up and come with us to the range. We need a target."