Chapter 6

A lot of things still surprised Edwina as she was being driven in the back seat of the private vehicle. A lot of questions she had in mind to ask about Mr. Chase and how he was able to locate her. Finding her home might have not been a problem, as this same driver had dropped her off there earlier today, but finding her new workplace where she’d barely resumed? How was he able to?  

“Excuse me, um… Mr.… Um.?”

The driver turned to face her for two seconds, “Patrick. You can call me Patrick, Miss,” he said, before focusing his gaze back on the road.

“Okay, Mr. Patrick. I hope you don’t mind me asking this, but how did you find out about my workplace? Prior to this time, no one else knew about my new job besides me.”

“I also didn’t know about it before this time, ma’am.”

“So how then did Mr. Chase find out?”

“He didn’t. My only instruction was to come to your house to pick you up this evening, miss, but I knew you’d be working so I went to your new boss to ask for permission first.”

“How did you know I’d be working?”

“You forgot your letter of employment in the taxi. It must have slipped out of your purse this afternoon, miss. I apologize if I peeked inside for a bit but the letter was already opened.”

Shit! Careless Edwina.

“I’m sorry,” Mr. Patrick apologized again after seeing her expression through the rear-view mirror.  

She dismissed the apology. “No. It’s fine. Do you still have it with you?”

“Yes ma’am,” he answered as he opened the glove compartment to bring out the unfolded white paper before handing it to her.

“Thank you,” Edwina said after collecting it, making sure to carefully keep it in her bag this time after which she relaxed. She remained in the backseat, randomly pressing buttons on her phone because she knew it was going to be a long drive. Night howler territory was hours away from the city, as the wolves rarely liked to mix with humans.

After what seemed like forever, they reached the border that marked the separation of the wolf terrain from all other surrounding lands. There were wolf guards at the entrance but they didn’t bother to stop them as their faces were recognizable, so they let them pass without questioning.

On their way to the packhouse, Edwina looked around the neighborhood through the car window. She’d been gone for barely a week, and she already feels so different. She knows it’s because it’s the first time since she’s left here since her childhood, she’s never been in a different environment other than this one, and she never thought she’d say this to herself, but she missed home.

The car arrived at its destination in a matter of minutes as the packhouse wasn’t too far from the border. Edwina didn’t waste time in getting down as soon as it parked in front of the large mansion-like building, her legs ached for a stretch, so much that she didn’t wait to get the driver’s assistance to come out.

“Thank you for the ride, Mr. Patrick,” she bowed after he joined her in front of the car.

He bowed, “no need to thank me. I was just following orders, miss.”

“Okay.”

“The master will be awaiting your arrival inside. I’m afraid this is where we’ll part ways, as I have other things to attend to.”

“You’ve been of so much help to me today, don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll be able to figure out this big whole place by myself.”

“I trust you will, ma’am.” After their goodbyes, she watched as he entered back into the driver’s seat and drove the vehicle out of the large compound.

It was already night time, and she was here all alone. It’s been years since she was summoned here, here second time of being here. The first time being when she received one of the biggest disappointments of her life, but it’s all in the past now.

She took a deep breath as she clutched her bag and went up the stairs leading to the entrance. The doors were so huge, she didn’t know if it would make any impact if she knocked, or she should just open it and enter. She chose the latter option.

It was dark inside. Very dark as the lights were turned off. This was unusual, the packhouse ought to always be filled with life. It seems that a lot of wolves left this place after the sizzlers’ attack, her guess was right.

The next thing that happened scared her, as the lights were suddenly turned on. She met an old lady standing in front of her.

“I’m sorry,” the lady apologized after noticed she made Edwina nearly fall from fright.

“It’s okay, I’m fine,” Edwina composed herself as her eyes adjusted to the setting. She hadn’t even entered any main parts of the house, and she was already impressed with what she saw. The ground hall was exquisitely furnished, with markings on the wall that gave a lot of significance to the night howler history. There was also a large staircase that led to the first floor and to other halls she was sure would contain just as much perfection and history. Too bad there weren’t many wolves to liven this place up.

She turned in the direction where she heard the light switch, seeing a suited young man standing there. He must be the butler, then who is this lady?

“Miss Edwina. Are you the woman that master is expecting?”

“Yes, I am. My name is Edwina Sinclair…”

Before Edwina could finish her sentence, the woman took her hand and turned it over to see the palm side. With the way she did it, Edwina already knew what she was looking for. After checking, the lady looked up at her with pity.

“So, it’s true. I’ve never seen someone without the mark of the night howler before.”

Edwina was uncomfortable with the way she spoke, not to talk of the fact that she was still clutching her hand. With nothing to say to her, she just smiled in response, placing her head down.

“It must be so hard for you,” the woman continued before the loud dominant voice echoed the room, startling them all and Edwina, who had her heart jump for the second time.

“Becca! What’s going on down there?”

Edwina turned to see the alpha sitting on the wheelchair at the top of the stairs, along with the angry glare he passed in their direction.