Chapter 5

Her life with them has been in turmoil; she could have run away from this putrid house and absconded far away from her predicament.

But her intuition compels her to persevere. She couldn't ignore her wolf's wish either.

On the way up to the second floor, she was able to change into her working clothes, wearing a pair of knee-length shorts and a dirty white tank top.

"Zainne! Get down here, quickly" the high-pitched tone of voice suddenly galls her.

"Coming!" She hastens her steps while grunting from the internal pain down the stairs.

She came on time and submitted.

"Wash the dishes first before anything else." She demanded.

"Yes. Of course, Mrs. Belle," she said.

Once she was done with the dishes, she took care of vacuuming the wooden floors, wiping the dusty cabinets and drawers, and arranging the things neatly.

Her last chore left was to sweep the lawn in the back and front yards. Heavy sweats fall their way down to her small, pointed chin.

Every movement comes with a wince, knowing that she hasn't fully recovered yet. She laughed dryly, remembering the words her doctor had said.

How can I rest when there are a lot of chores to do the following days?

A grumble was heard on her flat stomach.

She had not eaten anything since she left the hospital and was feeling heavily fatigued. 

She held her stomach with both of her hands.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Isabelle sashayed her way to her. Bringing a plastic plate. It has three loaves of bread and an unevenly  cut piece of blue cheese on the side.

"Here you go," she offered.

"Thank you, miss," she flashed a warm smile and tentatively tried to reach with her dirty fingers to grab the plate.

"Oops!" Isabelle intently pulled it away from her dirty, reaching fingers. "Got to be quicker than that."

She again draws the plate near her reach and lets her try to reach further. After a few attempts, Zainne didn't bother reaching for it again.

Isabelle boomed into the forest with her loud guffaw.

"Ha, ha. Wow..."

Zainne bowed her head in shame. She was playing with her, trying to rile her up. Her wolf, however, was starting to seethe with rage.

"You’re so pathetic," she exclaimed, excoriating her weak state, and chuckled evilly. "Here you go," pushing the plate harshly on her chest, making her stumble a bit.

She bit her lower lip while still bowing her head. The plate of loaves luckily didn't fall off the plate.

Isabelle turned her back on her after giving her a last glare.

"Thank you," she thanked her, even after what had happened.

Her angelic voice galls her to the point she stops in her tracks, swiveling back towards her, and glaring straight at her again.

This time, their eyes met. Hers was full of disgust and envy. Zainne's striking, stormy gray eyes made her scoff. She eyed her up and down.

"Pathetic," she reminded her once more.

"Why do you hate me?" her voice held hurt, having the courage to ask. Tears started to form but didn't fall from her eyes.

"I prefer the term abhor to make it more…old fashioned, like you," she chuckled and folded her arms over her chest, flaunting her D cup size at her. "Let’s just say, your…" she idly pointed a finger towards her, "every being, irks me," scrunching up her nose in distaste, and then pivoted back inside the house, leaving her outside. She couldn't stand being next to her. It felt infuriating.

She watched as her sister marched back inside the house, reigning in her glum state.

~You should have gibed her remarks~

~I wouldn’t dare. She’s older than me.~

~So?~

A pensive sigh escapes her lips ~We should show respect to those who are older than us, even if they assail you. Fighting back means no ends until one is forcibly given up.~

~You’re too good for them~ her wolf's tone rang with worry.

She didn’t reply and went to eat her food in peace. With her legs in a cross sitting position, facing the dense forest.

A glass of water would be nice. Thinking of stopping by the kitchen for a drink.

Pity, sympathy, sadness, shallowness, anger, guilt, jealousy, grief, revenge—all things negative were an empty box in her head right now.

What would you gain after being done with it? Satisfaction?

~Maybe. You might be surprised by how good it felt.~

~That's a bit dark...~

The only thing that satisfies her being was sharing her kindness. No matter how hard they try to break her, they will only give her the utmost peace of mind and heart.

She was strong, stronger than any of them. And brave enough to endure the wounds they will inflict on her tonight. But she has to do something.

For now, she wants to savor the food she received. And she was thankful.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Alpha Xavier’s pack, the Blood Moon Pack, already informed his people that some alphas and betas of other packs, especially alpha Devan, his beta, and a few warriors, will visit their pack today for an inspection and other things classified.

Extravagant greetings are no longer necessitated from him, according to him, and he wanted to end the meeting shortly.

Everyone knew who he was. He is the king to be feared. The alpha of all alphas. Some of the words used to describe him were ruthless.

No one would dare disrespect their king. If they did, they might regret ever crossing paths. The most merciful thing he can offer to disrespectful mutts would be decapitation by his own hands. Well, depending on how foul he can get today.

Four Black Wagons and a limousine were parked near Alpha Xavier's residence.

They have finally arrived. The alpha, luna, and his beta stood outside their house, waiting to formally greet them as a sign of respect.

Tall, muscular men emerged from the black cars. The tallest one was the one with the most power. Their king. Screaming with authority and regalness.

He wore a black suit, which gave nothing away to hide his masculinity and beauty. He was quite a sight to behold. Black, shiny, messy hair adorned his perfectly sculptured face.

In a second, something invaded his lungs. His well-defined jawline clenched upon having a whiff of the most heavenly scent he had ever loved, vanilla. A low growl escaped his luscious, full lips, and he inhaled the scent greedily.

His hunter-shaped eyes scanned the surroundings, but none captured his attention.

His beast started pacing in his mind, wanting to go after the pungent scent. He disagreed otherwise.

His top priority was his business with other alphas. Fully aware of the answer his beast sought.

He wanted to deal with it later. But his beast was causing a rumpus in his head very adamantly, disrupting his placid disposition, and he was beginning to get exasperated.

Alphas and betas felt his sudden grim demeanor, trying to stay alert and composed despite the intense power he radiated.

Devan succeeded in ignoring his beast's instincts and finding the cause of their agitation, and he marched his way toward the Blood Moon's alpha and luna's greeting.

"Welcome to our pack, your highness. The meeting room is ready," they submitted.

"Acknowledged. Let us go," his deep, commanding tone echoed.

Hours passed while in Alpha Xavier’s meeting room. Devan’s beast was anxious to get a whiff of the scent again.

Throughout their meeting, after confirming the successful inspection with his beta, all they talked about were rogue problems, disappearing pups, and war strategies.

He couldn't bring himself to stay focused, still vexed by his now-raging beast.

The meeting soon ended, as he was still perturbed by his beast's nagging.

"Your highness, Beta Niel, will escort you to your room." Alpha Xavier stiffly insisted, currently aware of his foul mood.

"Later," he said in a flat tone, seeming to be in a hurry.

"Alpha..." his royal beta called, sensing his agitation.

"Stand by. Await for my orders."

"Understood." He slightly bowed and stared at his retreating form.

He used his blistering speed to follow the intoxicating scent. It was already nighttime, and he managed to locate the scent that led him to a certain mediocre, two-story Victorian-like house.

It was made of bricks, with small windows stationed on each side. Simple, but it was not as appealing.

The house was quiet and quite eerie, to his liking. He stood a few feet away from the house, contemplating.

He didn't take long to knock on the door twice; seconds later, a motherly figure greeted his regal and dominating stature.

A wave of panic was sensed in the woman in front of him. Now looking down at her with such a scrutinizing gaze.

"You-your highness..." she quickly bowed. Heavy sweats formed their way on her forehead and she was able to utter quick words. "What can I do for you?"