4: Strip Now

Katherine’s POV

“Miss Katherine Dalton, you’re really something! This is your second time winning the prize, and just last month, you also took home the youth title at the Howling Song Contest. Do you have anything to say to your fans?”

The reporter in a dark gray suit held a mic close to my face. Her golden nameplate read United Werewolf Times.

I stood tall in a deep red, low-cut dress. With a platinum crown on my head, I raised my head proudly, stared right at the camera. “I love you, Harrison! I want to be your girlfriend! You're mine!”

The crowd burst into cheers and laughter. Everyone was excited by my bold confession, except Harrison. He stood still on the stairs, watching me flatly. His jaw sharp and jolt, the shirt showed off his perfect chest. Such a greek god.

He nodded, gaze wandering from my face to my curves and legs. "Awesome." he mouthed the word.

The scene shifted before I realize it, my best friend Eliza knocked on my door and threw herself into my arms.

“Kate! I found my mate!” she screamed, I can see tears in her eyes. I hugged her tightly, squealing with excitement. “Oh my goddess, congratulations hon! Who is it?”

“It’s Harrison.” Her bright, eager eyes locked on mine, her cheeks blushing shyly. “You don’t mind… do you?”

I snapped open my eyes, shot up in bed. My mouth gasping for air, my heart thundering in my chest.

Another dream from three years ago. For the past three years, I’ve kept having the same dream, going back to the moment when everything turned into a nightmare.

Once my heartbeat calmed, I got out of bed and washed my face with cold water. Today was my 18th birthday. I may never link my wolf again, but I’m grateful for the chance to start over.

“Happy birthday, Katherine." I whispered, glanced at the weak, broken face in the mirror, put on my old t-shirt and sneakers to work.

The Dark Rose Club never closes. But from 5 AM to noon, things quiet down. I arrived at seven. The front desk girl had changed. She glanced at my me and let me in. I went up to the lounge and opened my locker. "Oh my goddess." I covered my mouth in surprise.

It's a cake. A small one, but it's a birthday cake I've lost for three years. And a card under it.

"Hey Kate. Happy Birthday! —Andy."

I pressed the card to my chest, tears down. I should have known it's her. She always remembered it, even when we were in prison. She would tease me laugh, then look me in the eyes and say, “You did nothing wrong, Kate. It's not your fault. You deserve to celebrate your birthday.”

Even on the days when my parents and my brother had all abandoned me, she still remembered everything about me. She still stood by me.

“I’ll always remember your birthday, Kate.” she raised an eyebrow.

Well… even death didn’t change that. Tears clung to my lashes as I let out a shaky laugh.

“You’re Katherine Dalton?” A sharp, slightly hoarse voice rang out from the far end of the hallway. My head snapped up. I swiped at my tears, shoved the card into the locker, and shut the door with a metallic click.

“Yes," I bowed, "Miss..."

"Bella. Manager to you." She looked middle- aged. Looked down at me with sharp gray eyes. Displeased.

“Same name as that bitch. But you’re way worse than her. What was Merry thinking about hiring you…” She even covered her nose, like I stank.

I took a deep breath and bowed even lower. “I’ll work hard. I can take any shift, but can I not be assigned to clean Alpha’s suite? I’m afraid he’ll be upset if he sees my name.”

“Do you know how many sluts like you are dying to get into Alpha’s bed since Eliza died?” Bella scanned me with a frown. “Someone like you? Even if you walked past him naked, he wouldn’t look twice."

Seeing me nod obediently, she waved her hand as if granting me a favor. “All the restrooms from floor 15 to 20.”

"Yes Madam." As long as I didn’t have to face Harrison, I’d do anything.

Bella seemed surprised by how quickly I agreed. She paused, then added coldly,“Help other girls too. They’ve got more work than they can handle.”

I grabbed my supplies after she left and started cleaning floor by floor. It was more tough than I thought. Bathrooms were filthy. I found used condoms and stockings everywhere. The stains on the floors were the worst. Some things didn’t wash off, no matter how hard I scrubbed.

When I finally finished, I washed my hands and sat in a corner to eat the cake Andy left me. Did she asked Lucien to help her do that? I guess.

I’d barely taken a bite when a voice snapped from behind. “You. Go clean Room 1 on the 19th floor.” A broom was tossed by my feet.

Don’t cause any trouble. This job is all you have Kate.

I put the cake back, picked up my gloves and the broom. The 19th floor was for VVIP guests only. I walked to Room 1 and was about to touch the doorknob, I heard voices inside.

“A new one trying to seduce Alpha? Didn’t your supervisor warn you not to overstep?”

Then came a voice. Low. Cold. Irritated. I haven't heard for three years but would never forgot.

“Where’s the cleaner? Why’s taking so long?”

My heart dropped.