Chapter Three

{Hailey’s POV}

I woke up groggily, hearing the most annoying bell ringing around. I turned and then burry my head in one of my backpacks that I used as a pillow because the generous owner of this house didn’t even bother to give me one. I waited for a few minutes, but the bell didn’t stop.

“What the hell?!” I abruptly sat up in annoyance when someone rudely pulled my backpack away, causing my head to briefly fall on the couch.

My eyes turned to slits when I saw the one who did it. Of course, it was none other than Sapphire.

She was standing in front of me, holding a bell in her left hand while she used her other free hand to pull my backpack.

“What the hell?!” I complained and looked out the window. My jaw went slack when I saw that the sun was barely even up. I turned my gaze at Sapphire again and let out an exaggerated breath. I was about to speak but she interrupted me.

“Get up. You have chores to do. I’m giving you five minutes to get ready. Go outside once you’re done.”

She didn’t even give me time to respond because she already walked away. I just bit the inside of my cheeks to stop myself from screaming in so much frustration. That woman really has a thing for walking out.

I stood up, annoyed but still did what she asked me to. I haven’t even started my day and my mood was already ruined. Gosh! What was Rae thinking sending me here? My situation could turn worse than getting cured because of Sapphire.

I did my morning routine in the bathroom and place my things there. It’s better than to let them scatter around the living room. If only Sapphire would let me use a room upstairs, but unfortunately, she wouldn’t and it’s driving me insane!

Am I going to sleep on that freaking couch for the rest of my stay here?

I went outside wearing a fitted denim jeans and a white cropped halter top. It was still a little cold outside, but I like the feeling of it embracing me, touching my skin, and making me shiver. I’ve always had a thing for cold temperatures, and I guess that was something mom and I don’t have in common.

I found Sapphire standing a few meters away from her house, so I went to her. The sun was already rising, making the surroundings clear. The golden brightness of the sun illuminated the fresh green grass of the clearing, making it look so vibrant.

“What now?” I asked, still a little annoyed at the way she woke me up.

Her ever-so-cold face looked at me, and then she pointed at the piles of logs on the ground that I have yet to notice.

“Use that axe to cleave those woods.” I looked at the axe that leaned against the piles of logs with wide eyes. No way… She looked at me again. “You could only eat breakfast only if you’re done.” She added. I thought that she was going to walk away again after that like what she used to do, but she stayed and waited for me to say something.

I blinked and scoffed. “Are you seriously making me do this? You are supposed to help me control my power so I could go back home without worrying about my family and pack members’ safety!” I couldn’t help but raise my voice.

All I ever wanted at this moment was to get everything done so I don’t have to put up with her attitude anymore. I know that she doesn’t like me and that was fine because the feeling was entirely mutual, but to make me do this?! Urghh!

Nothing changed in her expression. It remained as impassive as it could ever be and no amount of anger of any hint that she was offended could be seen. Instead, she just blinked at me and then said,

“I expect you to be done within half an hour.” Then, she left.

I clenched my fist and let out a strained growl.

I could feel my element trying to resurface, and unlike before where I used to hold it in, now I let it resurface. I let my emotions take over me as I felt harsh waves of water surround me. I let my hands fall on my sides and I watched as my water splashed on the ground, creating a sound.

I was breathing heavily but after a few minutes, I managed to calm down.

Guilt and regret washed over me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I lost control. I let my emotions get the best of me.

Was that what Rae was trying to tell me? Am I really going to destroy our pack that easily just because I lost control of my emotion?

For a moment, I felt fear consume me and I realized that I get so worked up on small things so easily. I have to learn to be patient if I wanted to control my water better. How could I do that if I couldn’t even restrain my own emotions, right?

With that thought, I pick up the axe and even though I haven’t done it before, I started to cleave logs.

It was so hard, but after twenty minutes, I started to get the hang of it. The axe was heavy, so when I finished, I was already panting as though I have run a mile. I didn’t know how long I was cleaving the logs, but I’m certain that after I was done, my stomach was already grumbling.

I put down the axe and sighed when I saw my slightly swollen palms. It’s okay, Hailey. It’ll get better. I calmed myself before my mood start to get sour again.

After arranging the woods, I started walking back to Sapphire’s house again. It was probably fifty meters away from where I did my first ‘chores’ and it was also a little hidden because of some trees and bushes.

I turned to the main door but stopped when I heard voices speaking. I frowned and carefully peeked at the front porch.

“Alpha is just around the corner of this land, Miss Sapphire. He’s getting really impatient now, so I suggest you just comply with what he wants while he’s still playing nice.” A six-foot-tall man with tanned skin and shaggy blonde hair was talking to Sapphire. The way he stood and carry himself speaks authority but seeing as Sapphire didn’t even cower in front of him, I could tell that he was only a beta or a gamma.

Sapphire looked unfazed. “I already told you and I will tell you this again. I will never sell my land to your Alpha.” She emphasizes every word with firmness in her voice. “You can do whatever you want but my decision is final and will never change. So, leave now and run back to your Alpha and tell him to fvck off and never bother me again.” Despite her harsh words, Sapphire looked so calm and composed.

The guy’s eyes glowed in a dangerous way. It was clear that he doesn’t take threats easily, especially if it was pointed to his Alpha. I should know. Grayson was like that to Dad as well as his son Kiefer to Ares even though my brother was yet to be the Alpha. It was just normal because he was Grayson’s heir and the future beta once Ares became the Alpha.

I was waiting for Sapphire’s response when suddenly, her pitch-black eyes flickered in my direction, making my eyes widen. I immediately leaned against the wall and bit my lower lip. She had that leave-before-I-make-you look.

I pushed myself off the wall and then hurriedly walked back to where I have cleaved the logs earlier.

I couldn’t believe that someone other than Sapphire was living in this place. There was an Alpha, meaning there was a pack here. Hmm…I wonder where it could be…

The words of the man replayed back in my mind.

They wanted to buy this land and despite living alone in such a wide clearing, Sapphire didn’t want to sell it. This place must’ve meant something to her.

I was too deep in thought while slowly walking when I felt a presence behind me. At first, I thought it was Sapphire who was going to scold me for eavesdropping, but the presence was strong and heavy at the same time, so different from hers.

Feeling alarmed, I quickly turned around only to freeze in place when my eyes landed on a tall man with pitch-black eyes and dark messy hair. His vivid dark eyes trained on me in a very serious manner.