Chapter 2

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.