Alyssa
The sun is setting in the horizon casting an orange glow across the sky. I stare at the clouds moving lazily above the trees watching them turn pinkish red then fade away as night falls. I stretch my arms over my head yawning loudly. I stand stretching my legs and back getting ready for bed. Suddenly, the door opens making me jump startled by its suddenness.
"Hey, Alyssa!" Adam yells coming towards me. "You forgot something."
He hands me a bag containing my clothes and shoes.
"Thanks," I mumble taking it from him.
"Don't forget to wash my things tomorrow," he reminds me still standing in the doorway.
"Okay..." I respond turning to leave.
"Wait," he calls stopping me mid-step.
"Yeah?" I question suspiciously.
"Can we talk?" He asks quietly.
"Talk about what?" I retort frowning.
"About why you are here." He states flatly. He looks angry.
I shrug my shoulders. "Because your dad, Alpha Trey gave me a job."
His jaw clenches. "That's not good enough." He turns walking past me heading down the hallway.
"Why isn't it?" I yell after him. He's annoying and I hate him already, but I can't help noticing how attractive he is. His muscular body is toned from working out regularly. His broad chest and narrow waist make me wonder if he has abs under those tight fitting clothes he's wearing tonight.
"Look, Alyssa," he stops in front of me forcing me to stop too. "Alpha Trey said he needed someone who had experience dealing with humans and other people. Someone who would fit in and be able to handle themselves. I don't think you're it."
I scoff at his words. "What's wrong with me being here? Why does everyone always seem to dislike me?" I huff angrily.
"Because no one likes a liar, Alyssa." He replies coldly. "And I don't like liars."
"Then maybe you should try trusting me first," I snap.
Adam shakes his head, looking annoyed. "Fine, I trust you," he spits out sarcastically. He walks away again disappearing into the darkness. I'm left alone wondering what he meant by that last comment. Did he mean he trusts me to stay silent? Or is there more to it than that? I shake my head.
My thoughts are interrupted when a loud banging comes from the kitchen followed shortly afterwards by another.
"Dammit," I grumble irritated hearing the noise. I hurry downstairs finding Adam leaning against the counter glaring at me.
"Can you please keep it down. I'm trying to sleep," I say raising my voice so he will hear me.
"Sorry... my house, my rules," he mutters.
I roll my eyes, deciding to ignore him. I head back to my room and crawl into bed. It takes only a few minutes to fall asleep. The sound of heavy footsteps jolts me awake. I sit bolt upright gasping. My heart races and I feel sick to my stomach. Something doesn't feel right. I glance through the open curtains seeing the moonlight shining brightly outside illuminating the yard. There's nothing to worry about. Just some animal roaming around in the woods probably looking for food.
I lie back down trying to relax, but my racing heartbeat continues causing my breathing to become shallow. I close my eyes concentrating on controlling my breathing. I need to calm myself down. Everything is okay. I peek through the curtains once more and I see Adam running towards the forest that borders the property. He runs off into the distance quickly disappearing from view.
"Oh fuck," I gasp feeling panic rising inside me.
There's a knock on my bedroom door. "Are you okay?" Alice asks her concern evident in her tone. She must have heard me screaming.
"No, I'm fine," I reply shaking my head. "Just a nightmare."
She smiles reassuringly before leaving closing the door behind herself. "Go to sleep. You need to get up early tomorrow."
"Yes, ma'am," I chuckle rolling onto my side. I shut my eyes letting my mind drift back to where I was just seconds ago.
Adam is chasing after a dark figure running deep into the forest. As I watch him disappear from sight, I begin to scream as well. I jump out of bed throwing my covers aside. I rush to the window and look outside. The night sky is clear and filled with stars. There's no sign of anyone or anything. But something tells me that this wasn't a dream.
The pounding on my door startles me. "Alyssa, are you okay?" Alice asks concerned. "You screamed again."
"I know," I sigh. "I'm really sorry... I... I thought I heard something."
Alice nods understanding. "Do you want to go check it out? Maybe you'll find whatever scared you."
"I'm good, thanks." I turn heading back to my bed.
"Okay. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Alice," I whisper. I lay back down thinking of all the things that could be lurking out there. Other packs, rogues? Suddenly, being a pack member doesn't sound so appealing. If they found me out here, then what happens next? I shiver remembering the way Adam looked at me earlier. What did he mean by 'trust'? What will they say when they find out I don't have my wolf. How long until I change anyway? Will I even survive? I can already tell that I'm going to be an outcast. I won't belong anywhere because I'm not like them.
I take a deep breath trying to quell the fear threatening to overwhelm me. This isn't real. None of this is happening. It's all a dream.
* * *
The next day, Alice comes to wake me up.
"Wakey, Wakey!" she sings loudly opening my bedroom door.
"Gah! Go away," I mumble pulling the blanket over my face burying my head beneath it. "Please don't make me leave my nice warm bed."
"It's time to get up now," Alice says sitting beside me rubbing my shoulders.
"But whyyy?!" I whine turning to glare at her.
"Because we've got work to do. Come help me in the kitchen. We have to get breakfast ready for the Blackwoods."
"Fine," I groan reluctantly getting out of bed. I walk into the bathroom brushing my teeth and washing my hands. After I finish, I pull on some jeans and a t-shirt before joining Alice in the kitchen.
We both put together omelets using eggs, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms and green chilies. While cooking I try to think of how I would react if someone told me they didn't have their wolf anymore. I wouldn't believe it either. Not everyone has one. Some people choose not to.
"Hey Alyssa," Alice calls out making me pause mid chop.
"Yeah?" I ask glancing over my shoulder wondering what she wants.
"Why aren't you wearing your uniform today?"
"Uniform? Why?"
"Well, since you're a new member of the working staff, you should wear the same clothes as us."
"Oh, right," I laugh nervously taking another bite of food.
"What's wrong?" Alice asks looking at me curiously.
"Nothing," I reply. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Alice laughs. "Come sit down." She hands me a cup of steaming coffee. "Don't worry! You'll be fine. Alpha Trey Blackwood is a good man. You'll be safe in the Blackwood pack."
"Where's my breakfast?" Adam shouts as he enters the kitchen. He takes his seat at the table across from me. His hair is damp and combed neatly back. He looks gorgeous. I can feel myself blushing as I stare at him.
"Here," Alice says handing him a plate. "Enjoy your meal, Adam."
"Thank you," he replies smiling politely.
He eats quickly, pushing his empty plate away and standing up. "Thanks for breakfast ladies."
"No problem," Alice answers before walking off towards the front room. I don't say a word to him. I just keep staring at the floor avoiding eye contact with him. Once he leaves I grab my coffee cup and drink it down fast. My throat burns from the hot liquid but it feels refreshing too.
"He seems nice to you," I say to Alice once she returns.
"Yes, he does. I was worried at first, especially after seeing you two fight last night. But he's actually very sweet."
"I don't think he likes me very much," I murmur shaking my head.
"Aww, come on now. That's not true. And besides, who cares if he doesn't like you? There are plenty of guys around here.You'll find your mate."
"I don't want any other mate," I protest.
"That's because you haven't met the right one yet. Don't let anyone else influence how you see yourself or others."
"Did you wash my things?" Adam asks suddenly appearing behind me. I jump startled by his sudden appearance.
"Your stuff?" I whisper looking at him confused.
"My clothes," he clarifies.
"Ahh..." I nod slowly. "Well... not really."
"You're useless," he huffs.
AdamUseless. I don't know what my father was thinking when he agreed to welcome this mutt into our pack. Alyssa is worthless. She's weak. She can barely hold her own against me. She couldn't even protect herself yesterday morning. What kind of weakling could that be?"Then do what I ask," I growl grabbing her wrist tightly. Her eyes widen with fear."Let go," she whispers trying to jerk her hand free from mine."If you won't listen to me then maybe you need to hear it through the voice of an Alpha," I snap glaring down at her."Stop it, Adam!" Mother shouts from the doorway. "You're hurting the girl.""She needs to learn respect," I snarl. "And no matter what happens, I will make sure she knows it."Mother sighs and shakes her head. "Go take a shower so you can look presentable. Then get dressed and meet me downstairs."I release Alyssa's wrist and turn to leave. I'm going to show my mother exactly what she has brought into our home. We will teach this little bitch a lesson she'll ne
Alyssa"You're a jerk and I fucking hate you," I shout at Adam as tears start running down my cheeks."Look, I'm really sorry. Can we please just forget this ever happened?" He asks reaching for me.I slap his hand away angrily. "Fuck you! And fuck anyone that thinks it's acceptable to treat women like shit."Adam stares at me speechless. "How dare you say such things to me? How can you possibly think that after what my father has done for you?""I said, 'fuck you!' Are you deaf?" I scream. "Do you understand English?"He steps closer to me until there are only inches between us. His hands rest against my shoulders. "Stop yelling at me," he whispers softly. "I never meant any harm to you."My heart skips a beat hearing his voice again. "Then why did you try to make me feel bad?"His jaw tightens and he shakes his head. "I don't trust you. That's all.""Why does that matter? Why would you care whether I trust you or not?""That's none of your business.""Oh yeah, sure," I scoff. "You k
AlyssaI wake early the next morning feeling groggy and confused. I must've fallen asleep during the night because the last time I remember seeing the clock was 9 pm. I check my phone for messages or missed calls but nothing comes up. I glance at the window to see the sun shining brightly outside.I lay in bed listening to the sounds coming from downstairs. Someone is cooking breakfast which means they are already awake. I climb out of bed stretching my arms above my head enjoying the stretch. I have to get dressed and go help Alice in the kitchen. I don't want her to do it alone since she has been doing most of the work lately. I pull my clothes on slowly trying to decide whether I should wear jeans or shorts.My hair needs washing too so maybe I could wash that before leaving my room. I run my fingers through my long brown locks pulling them back into a ponytail. I pick up my toothbrush and brush my teeth thoroughly scrubbing hard to clean every surface of my mouth. Then I spit the
Alyssa The rest of the day passes slowly. My mind is preoccupied with wondering what Brynne meant when she spoke of the 'truth' of myself. Was there something wrong with me? Had my parents kept it hidden from me somehow? Were they ashamed of me? Being in a home without knowing the truth of my origins doesn’t feel right. I just want answers. I'm so tired of not understanding anything about who and where I am. It feels like an endless cycle, one that I can never escape. "Alyssa," Adam shouts from downstairs. "Time to go show you around." I don't trust this guy. He's been nothing but a total ass ever since I arrived in the Blackwood pack. He makes sure to tell everyone exactly how little he likes me. Well, screw him! This is my life now. I grab my phone off the floor and head down the stairs to find Adam waiting outside in front of the main doors, wearing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. "I'm good. Don't worry... you don't have to go with me anywhere. We can just tell Luna Brynne
AdamI'm in my wolf form, crouched low to the ground, watching her through narrowed slits. She's terrified but determined to fight. Her breathing becomes erratic, making it difficult to track her movements.She kicks wildly, striking me repeatedly. I could rip her limb from limb easily, but something about her defiance intrigues me. Something that tells me she may be worth keeping alive.I shift slightly, moving closer to her so that I can smell her fear. My nose twitches as I catch a hint of her blood as she scratched herself.Her eyes are wild as they dart everywhere, looking for some kind of salvation. I lift one large black paw, placing it gently on hers. Immediately, she freezes. A smile creeps across my muzzle as I begin to rub it along the length of her arm. She makes me furious, yet her scent invokes such powerful feelings within me. I want to kill her just as much as I crave to protect her.I lick my lips and inhale deeply. Her sweet scent overwhelms me, driving my wolf crazy
Alyssa "I mean it, Adam... get the fuck out of my room," I yell at him angrily. I slam my hand against the wall beside my bed, causing plaster dust to fall everywhere. He stands there frozen for a moment before moving toward me. "Are you sure about this? How about I show you some fun?" He reaches forward and grabs me by the waist. His hands slide up my stomach and cup my breasts roughly. "What the hell are you doing?" I gasp, trying to pull away. "You don't know what you're missing," he mocks. "Adam, please..." His mouth crashes over mine and our tongues clash together. Our teeth scrape against each other when we kiss. It feels wrong yet exciting at the same time. "Get out or I'll scream for help," I warn him. He smirks. "Fine... have it your way." He steps backward and leaves the room without another word. I sit on my bed, staring after him in shock. What just happened? Was that even real? I thought I was dreaming. This guy is insane. And now he thinks I'm interested in havin
Adam "Alpha, I need a word with you," I tell my father while having breakfast in the dining room. "I know it's early, but I would like to speak to you about something." "Of course. Please, take a seat. What is it?" he replies, motioning for me to sit as he places a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. "It's Alyssa, sir. There's something I think we need to discuss," I reply, taking a bite of egg and chewing slowly as I wait for him to say something. He eats his food in silence, glancing up at me every few moments. "We've already had this conversation, son," he says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You don't need to worry about her anymore. She's safe here in our pack." "She's not one of us, dad." I lean forward, lowering my voice. "She doesn't have a wolf and I don't know how you still keep her here." "As I told you before, she is a guest, and guests are welcome here. We cannot afford to turn away anyone in need. Besides, our pack is large enough now that it's unlikely she wou
Alyssa"Hey, love! It's your free day. Got any plans?" Alice asks, throwing herself into a chair opposite me."Nope. Just chilling out today." I shrug, staring blankly at the television screen in front of me."That's boring!" she laughs. "Come on, we're going shopping.""What for?" I raise an eyebrow questioningly."Clothes obviously," she grins. "And shoes, bags, makeup... But before that, we're going for a cup of coffee at Marta's.""Marta's?""Yes," she giggles. "The best damn café in town.""Yeah, okay..." I roll my eyes playfully, getting up to follow her."Don't worry, it'll do you good to get out and have fun. I mean with everything going on lately, you should definitely deserve a break.""I guess so," I sigh, following her down the hall towards the exit. I think she's right. I deserve a break from everything. And if having a nice hot latte will help, then why the hell not? I sit back in the passenger seat of Alice's car when she pulls into the parking lot of Marta's Café."Thi