Chapter 2

Who could've thought I would be much happier as a maid in a stranger's pack than living in my own?

But here I am, another week later, singing my favorite tune while doing laundry.

Don't get me wrong, my new life isn't completely worry-free as Alpha Gabriel's men are still out there, looking for me. I've taken special precautions to hide my identity here. I dyed my hair red to hide my raven black hair and used special herbs to suppress my wolf and its scent. So hopefully, I never get caught.

Rosemary's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Sylvia, I have another batch of clothes for you!" she calls out as soon as she enters the laundry room.

I smile and nod, acknowledging her request. "I will start on them as soon as I finish this load," I respond politely.

Rosemary looks at me admiringly. "You've been working quite hard since you got here. I ought to recommend you to be promoted."

I feel a flutter of anxiety. "I mean... I am truly grateful for your kind words, but I am quite happy here, as I am." My words spill out in a rush.

Rosemary's eyes widen in surprise, and she regards me with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Are you sure? You've shown such dedication and skill. It would be a shame not to recognize your efforts."

I offer her a smile, masking my inner uneasiness. "I appreciate your consideration, but I am fine in my current position."

Rosemary's expression softens, her gaze holding understanding. "Well, if that is truly what makes you happy, then I have nothing else to say about it."

I sigh in relief.

"Are you dumb?" a woman's voice barks at me after Rosemary leaves the room.

I turn to look at another maid, Rita. "Who? Me?"

"Yes you," she spits out.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.

"Rosemary just tried to offer you a promotion. Anyone would be so lucky to be in your position and you denied it!" Rita exclaims.

Startled by Rita's abruptness, I take a step back, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I... I appreciate your opinion, Rita," I stammer, attempting to regain composure. "But I am just not interested in a promotion."

Rita scoffs, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Not interested in working closely with the higher-ranked wolves? You would rather keep being a lowly maid? You must be out of your mind, Sylvi Are you trying to impress Rosemary? Is that your plan?."

Her harsh judgment cuts deep, but I refuse to let it sway me. I have come too far to compromise my newfound freedom and peace.

"I have my reasons, Rita," I respond, my voice steadier now. "I don't care about rank or recognition."

Rita shakes her head, her expression a mix of frustration and pity. "You are naïve, and you will regret this decision someday. Mark my words."

I highly doubt that.

"By the way, did you hear what happened the other day?" Rita suddenly changes the subject.

I raise an eyebrow and give Rita a questioning look. Despite the tension between us, curiosity gets the better of me, and I respond cautiously, "No, what happened?"

Rita leans in closer, lowering her voice as if to tell me a secret. "There were hunters from Alpha Gabriel's pack here, searching for some girl."

I swallow nervously. "Is that so?"

"Yes. They have been showing everyone the picture. It's some girl with long black hair and pale skin," Rita says.

A knot forms in my stomach as Rita's words sink in and my heart quickens its pace. Panic threatens to take hold, but I force myself to remain composed. I no longer possess black hair, so I might still be safe.

"Who is she?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

Rita shrugs. "Who knows? Alpha Gabriel has a bad reputation with women, so I wouldn't be surprised if it's one of them who finally decided to escape him. He is nothing like our Alpha Xavier." Rita pauses and she suddenly has a dreamy look in her eyes.

I can't help but feel a flicker of curiosity at Rita's words. What does she mean Alpha Xavier is nothing like Alpha Gabriel?

No, wait, what am I thinking? I don't care to get close to either of them!

But Rita must've sensed my curiosity because her dreamy expression deepens, and a soft smile plays on her lips. "Oh, Alpha Xavier...he is so different, you know. He leads with compassion and fairness. He values the well-being of the pack above all else. And he is unbelievably attractive."

"Oh...okay," I comment, trying to seem uninterested. I remind myself that my priority is to remain hidden and protect my freedom.

Rita's dreamy expression doesn't fade. "Oh, I wonder who his mate is. She is one lucky woman."

"I better get back to work," I tell Rita and walk away from the conversation.

But the echoes of Rita's words linger in my mind for a while. I think about the first time I saw Alpha Xavier. I remember his sharp jaw, chiseled chest, and piercing eyes...

No, no, no, I need to stop thinking about him!

It's dangerous to dwell on such fantasies, especially when my life is still at risk. The allure of Alpha Xavier is undeniable, but I must remain focused on survival and maintaining my secret.

I redirect my attention to my chores, and as time passes, the initial spark of curiosity about Alpha Xavier begins to fade.

~-~

After finishing all the laundry, I start sweeping the floors. I push the broom across the wooden floor of the library, my mind focused on cleaning. A few more hours and I will be done.

Lost in my thoughts, I don't notice the presence that enters the room until I hear a deep voice that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Good afternoon," the voice says, and I freeze in my tracks.

I don't dare turn my head to look at him. My heart skips a beat and I quickly cover my face with a scarf.

"Good...good afternoon, Alpha Xavier," I manage to stammer.

Alpha Xavier's piercing eyes meet mine briefly, and a flicker of curiosity dances in his gaze. I feel his scrutiny, and it only adds to my discomfort.

A strange feeling washes over me and I can't help but be intimidated by his presence. His aura is strong, almost oppressive, and I feel compelled to touch him. He smells of musk and woodsy pine, something that catches my attention and causes my heart to race in anticipation.

We lock eyes again, and this time there is something different in his gaze. There's a spark of recognition that wasn't there before, a connection between us I can't explain. Every fiber of my being wants to turn away from him, yet I can't seem to break the eye contact we share.

My mind races as I wonder what it could all mean.

What could have triggered this sudden attraction? Maybe because he is an alpha?

"I haven't seen you around. Are you new?" he says, his tone authoritative yet not unkind.

I nod, my heart still racing, and lower my gaze back to the broom. "Yes."

"Why is your face covered?" he asks.

I secure the scarf on my face some more. "Well...um...dust!"

He raises an eyebrow. "Dust? What about it?"

I stumble over my words, desperately trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "Oh, um, I'm just trying to protect my face from the dust... you know, allergies and all."

Alpha Xavier's gaze lingers on me for a moment, his eyes filled with an intensity that makes me squirm under his scrutiny. I feel the weight of his presence, his authority casting a shadow over the room.

"Well, make sure you clean it thoroughly," he says, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "We wouldn't want any dust allergies causing you trouble."

I nod, grateful that he doesn't press further. "Of course, Alpha Xavier. I'll be extra careful."

He turns to leave but stops and turns to look at me again. "Before I leave, how about you show me your face once? As the Alpha, I should know what everyone looks like."

Oh, dear Moon Goddess, I am in trouble now!

"Well? How about it? Uncover your face," Alpha Xavier orders.

I feel panic rising in my chest. No way I can disobey the Alpha. I will finally be exposed, it seems.

DING, DING!

My heart jumps at the loud noise outside.

As the dinner bell rings, interrupting Alpha Xavier's request, relief washes over me like a cool wave. I seize the opportunity, grateful for the distraction it provides.

"Apologies, Alpha Xavier," I say quickly, my voice laced with urgency. "It seems dinner is ready. I should attend to my duties."

Alpha Xavier's gaze flickers with a hint of frustration, but he nods in acknowledgment. "Okay but..."

I give a quick bow. "Thank you, Alpha Xavier. I will see to dinner. Goodbye!"

Hastily, I run away, can't wait to escape from the room. Phew...that was close!