Chapter 2: More Surprises

Celeste's POV

Elena's hand froze in the air. She turned in shock, revealing Kaidën standing in the doorway. His dark eyes blazing with fury.

“K…kaidën,” Elena stammered, stepping away from me. Her friends released me and moved back in fear.

Kaidën looked at them, then me. His eyes resting on my battered form. “Explain,” he demanded.

“I…she…she started it!” Elena stuttered, pointing a trembling finger at me.

“What did I say about fighting in the pack house?” Kaidën asked, stepping in.

“I…she attacked me first!” Elena lied.

Kaidën's eyes narrowed, and she gulped as he looked at her. “You expect me to believe that?” He said, gesturing to me, “attacked you?”

“Yes. Kaidën,” she cried.

“Enough! It's alpha to you,” he warned.

Elena flinched, her lips parting like she wanted to argue, but no words came out.

Kaidën walked into the room slowly giving her a death glare. “What are the rules?” He asked.

“But…” Elena said.

“That's not what I asked!” Kaidën's voice thundered.

“We…we live together in unity,” Elena answered.

“And?” Kaidën asked in a deep threatening voice.

“No fighting in the packhouse,” Elena completed.

“But, I…I was defending myself,” she stammered.

Kaidën's eyes narrowed towards me. “I see. Then tell me why you three look fine and she looks like this?” He asked, pointing at me.

“Alpha, it wasn't our fault. If Celeste hadn't started…” one of Elena's friends started, but Kaidën's eyes were enough to shut her up.

“I don't care who started it. You know she doesn't have a wolf. Let this be the last time I hear of this,” Kaidën warned.

Elena's mouth opened and closed uselessly.

“Am I clear?” He asked, but it sounded more like a warning.

They nodded, and I heard them gulp.

“But, Alpha…” Elena argued.

“Get out. All of you,” he said coldly.

They scrambled in fear running out of the kitchen.

I tried to push myself up as he walked closer, but my arms gave out beneath me. I fell back on the floor.

“Stay down,” he ordered and crouched beside me.

“Next time,” he said. “Keep your mouth shut.”

Kaidën sighed, stepping closer, and looked at me, speechless for some seconds.

I felt his warmth but in an instant, it was gone. The gentleness in his eyes disappeared just as quickly as it came.

“You're pathetic,” he muttered.

My face fell and I stared at the tiles.

He turned slightly and called over his shoulder, “Mara.”

A moment later, a familiar voice responded from the hallway. “Yes, Alpha?”

Kaidën didn’t take his eyes off me. “Make sure she eats something and…” He gestured vaguely at my torn, bloodied clothes. “Clean her up. She’s an eyesore.”

I stiffened at his words.

I gulped, looking at him, and he headed for the door, only stopping to say one more word. “Finish your work when you're better.” He said and left.

He had been acting strange for the past weeks. Lately, he had been coming to my aid anytime Elena or any of the female wolves tried to bully me.

He just seemed to be there at the right time. It confused me. Did he like me? Or was he doing it because I was weak and he felt pity for me?

I rose and turned on the tap, cleaning the wound. I grinced, biting my lip as I felt the sharp pain. Elena had dug deep this time.

I grabbed a paper towel, pressing it against the cut. Just another injury to add to the countless others.

“You look like shit.”

I jumped, snapping my head toward the kitchen entrance. Mara stood there, with arms crossed.

She was also an omega wolf and one of the maids.

She walked in, shaking at her. “You look pale. When was the last time you ate something?”

I didn't answer and she understood. My stomach growled at the same time and she chuckled.

“Gotcha,” she said.

She moved towards the fridge, opened it, and grabbed a drink.

“Here,” she said, bringing it to me.

“Um…” I said.

“Don't you dare, except you're ready to starve to death,” she warned.

“Thank you,” I said, forcing a smile and collecting the apple drink.

She sighed and rolled her eyes. Now, I know where I got the habit.

“Sit down,” she ordered.

“Mara, I have work to do and…”

“Sit.” Mara’s daring voice commanded.

I didn't argue and did as she said. I didn't have a choice.

I sat on the nearest chair and she pulled out a plate of food from the bag she carried. I hadn't noticed her come in with it. She shoved it into the microwave.

The machine beeped and she took it out. “Don't leave anything,” she said.

I smiled and dug into the food hungrily. My mouth welcomed every bite.

“You shouldn't let them push you around so much,” Mara said, watching me eat.

I swallowed, forcing down the food in my throat. “I don’t have a choice.”

She scoffed. “You always have a choice, Celeste.”

“She picks on you because you're the easiest,” Mara added.

“I can't fight back. She's stronger,” I answered, taking another spoonful of potatoes and fish in my mouth.

“Why don't you accept one of the betas?” Mara asked and I froze.

“No, Mara. That's worse,” I answered and finished eating.

She nodded, her eyes softening.

I hated pity.

I didn't bother saying any word. I washed the plate and went upstairs to my small room.

I fell on the thin mattress and pulled the torn blanket over me.

My eyes closed as the exhaustion hit me.

*******

BANG! BANG!

I woke up, my heart racing. I couldn't have a moment of sleep and peace in this house.

The knock came again, but louder.

Break the door, you idiot!

Dragging myself to the door, I yanked it open ready to give whoever it was a piece of my mind.

That would have to wait because I was in for the shock of my life. Kaidën was standing in the doorway.

“It took you long enough,” he said coldly.

“K…Kaidën,” I called, looking at him.