DEAR GODDESS

SERAPHINA

“Sera, where the hell are you? I swear if you don’t get your ass in here, I will-” I put the phone away from my ear, flinching at her yammering.

“Aida, keep it down. I can hear you just fine.” I complained and rubbed my eyes. What the heck is she on about?

I heard a deep growl from the other side of the line, making me straighten out of bed. She’s a female alpha, and she’s definitely using her authority right now.

“H-hey, calm down. What is it, really? I don’t understand. Did a customer complain again?” I asked in confusion.

Aida is one of the first employees of Velvet Fang. She handles all the werewolf employees in the club and even leads the hunt during the full moons, pretty much our acting Alpha, but she doesn’t let us address her as one. I’m pretty sure Lucien is an alpha too, but I rarely see him during the full moons. That bastard just collects people, finds one responsible, and lets them handle everything.

“What in the three factions… You’re asking me, Sera? You’re already late by an hour, and you sound like you just woke up. I swear, if I have to serve one more blood-mixed drink for these leeches, I’m going to lose my mind and throw hands.”

My eyes landed on the clock on my bedside table, and I almost fell on the bed. “Shoot, I overslept?! I’m really sorry, Aida. I’m on my way. No, I’ll be there, somehow! Don’t kill me.”

I dropped the call and rushed to the bathroom in a state of complete panic. My alarm is always set, and I was barely late, and whenever I do, it’s simply because I’m bombarded by very vague visions that don’t make sense.

My rushed movements halted at the thought of what happened last night. How the heck did I sleep so well after all of that? I can’t even remember the last time I fell asleep this soundly.

I bit my lip in anguish as I recalled all the chaos from yesterday. That Alpha, I doubt he’ll give up anytime soon, but I really hope he doesn’t learn who I truly am. As for that other guy, whatever abomination he was, I still don’t understand what happened when he touched me.

I didn’t see any vision as I'd expected. Instead, he made me feel… odd.

It doesn’t feel bad at all, but it’s different. It’s something I never felt before, but I also yearn for it. I took a deep breath, suddenly feeling hazy again, but I was snapped back to reality when I heard my phone ringing all the way back from my room.

I slapped both my face, driving all the weird thoughts away. The only thing I needed to do today was get myself to work. I’m not even afraid of getting fired. I’m afraid of Aida, damn it!

--

“Oh, you’re toast. The big bad wolf is furious.” Rem welcomed me with a smug grin; his fangs gleamed under the lights.

“Just wish I won't survive, or I would pull out your fangs!” I answered without even looking at him.

I could hear his laughter all the way from the bar to the staffroom, but I couldn’t be bothered. Werewolves and vampires are always fighting, somehow, but I still find them more bearable than witches. At least, they openly admit being assholes, which mostly they are, unlike those witches who are always on their high horses. It’s infuriating.

My random thoughts were interrupted after I saw Aida sitting on the couch with her arms folded, looking completely pissed off. Rem isn’t supposed to be on shift tonight. I’m guessing Aida called for Rem as he’s the only vampire bartender here, ordering him to deal with his kind who somehow filled the club today. The scent of blood is lingering even here, but that’s not my main concern.

“Hey, I see you already got a solution before I got here. Problem solved?” I chuckled awkwardly.

She glared at me and pointed at the opposite couch. “Sit.”

I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat and did as she ordered. I’ve met countless people in this club, night after night. Even before this, when I was trapped under that coven’s control, I’d faced alphas who led enormous packs. Yet this woman stands apart. She’s in a league of her own, powerful enough that even my barely active and stubborn wolf heeds her.

“Sorry… I didn’t mean to oversleep. You know that’s the first time it ever happened, and I’m almost never late.” I pointed out.

Her expression softened. “Sera, is there something I need to know?”

“What? It’s nothing. I just slept too well, I guess. There were too many people the other night. I was just too exhausted.” I excused.

It was half a lie. It’s true there were many people the other night, but that’s not why I overslept. Actually, I don’t even know why I slept well after all of that.

“I know what happened the other night, Sera. You refused to leave the staff room until morning came. What happened? Is someone bothering you? You know you can tell me. I’m in the mood to beat someone up today, or if it’s someone untouchable, I’ll tell Lucien and force him to do something. Speak out for Goddess’ sake.” She spoke a lot faster than usual.

My eyes rolled at her remark. Of course, one of them would eventually croak and tell Aida.

“It’s nothing, Aida. It won’t happen again.” I said, trying to dismiss her worries, but she remained firm.

“Really? The most sarcastic and snarkiest she-wolf in Velvet Fang just casually cowering in fear, and it’s nothing?” She pointed out, effectively making me speechless.

I stood from my seat after a short recovery. “I wasn’t scared, okay? That’s fake news. I was just… overwhelmed. Anyway, I promise it won’t happen again.”

She heaved a sigh. “Fine, I won’t ask you what was wrong if you don’t want to say, but remember that you can always count on me to help you. Just say the word.”

“Does that mean I won’t get reprimanded for being late?” I grinned, hopefully it would effectively change the topic.

“Only because now I know you didn’t mean it. Go already, help that Vampire. I’m out of here.”

I gave a small nod, “Yeah, sorry again. I owe you one. I’ll take your shift whenever you need it.”

Just when I thought the worst had already occurred, I caught that scent again. There was a sea of vampires, and yet, his scent was all I could focus on. He purposely approached the bar counter as soon as he saw me.

Dear Goddess, they say you’re merciful, but I honestly think you just love torturing people. Sign, a struggling she-wolf you fucking cursed.

I glared at the Alpha, casually sitting himself. I still don’t know his name, but it’s not my main concern at the moment. I was supposed to order him to get out, but he beat me to it.

“Before you kick me out, I’m not here to cause trouble, but I’m not going to give up easily either. Unfortunately, I have a lot of time on my hands now.” He said casually, but it made my heart sink. I’ve noticed it for the first time since we met again. There was no scent of other werewolves lingering in him, like how it should be when you’re in a pack.

He’s gone rogue, and I’m guessing that was my fault, too.

“Oh, is this the reason why you’re hiding the other night?” Rem suddenly said, passing behind me as he got more bottled fresh animal blood to mix in the vampires’ drinks.

I glared at him, but he was already busy working. Damn it. I take it back. I hate vampires.

I glanced back at the Alpha, and he looked concerned. “Was that true? I am very sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you or anything. I just… I just really want to know what’s in store for me. It’s important.”

The urge to just help him hit me, but it’s quickly doubled down by the memories of how he practically lost his wife and everything to him to my meddling with fate.

“Look, that guy is bullshitting. I’m fine, but if you’re not here to order a drink, get off the bar.”

He quickly scrambled to order a drink, making me roll my eyes, and had no choice but to make his drink. He still looked clueless that I was the same seer he'd known before, or was he just acting? I don’t know anymore.

In my distracted state, I accidentally knocked over one of the drinks I just made, and the contents spilled on the customer up front.

My eyes widened, realizing this day could definitely go much worse.

“I am really sorry,” I muttered, genuinely apologetic.

The vampire quickly stood, obviously furious.

“How dare you dirty my suit, you useless bitch!” The vampire exclaimed.

I barely budged despite his anger, knowing what exactly would happen if he tried to lay a hand on me, but was surprised when my view suddenly changed from the furious vampire to that of the alpha’s back.

“She said she was sorry. It was an accident. Back down.” He didn’t hesitate and tried to protect me.

“Hey, don’t-” I tried to stop him, but he was already about to square up to the vampire.

Before they could actually fight, the club’s wards began to take effect. They both stumbled on the ground in an instant. The wards physically torture those who are hostile. For vampires, they would feel like they haven’t fed in centuries, desiccating without an ounce of blood in their system. As for werewolves, they would feel like wolfsbane is shoved down their throats.

The vampire is already frozen on the ground, while the Alpha is still struggling to stay conscious, though he was already growling in pure pain.

My shoulders dropped. The last thing I wanted to do for this guy was hurt him again.

Is it still my fault if he did it on his own?