Chapter 4

Ashley, fourteen years old

It will probably take Mom about an hour to return from town. She has to cross the valley to reach the butcher's store. Greenway's pack is in a secluded territory in Valira's valley.  As soon as Mother left, I began to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen. I put on my buds and shuffle music on  Spotify until I find the song I like and start singing.

I like to do it when I'm alone in my room, but like Ma' said, no one is allowed in the kitchen, and the helpers are going and coming, so they are paying me little attention.

Anything can go wrong, right?

I’m minding my own business washing the dishes and utensils to leave the kitchen clean. Mom taught me that you should clean up as you cook to avoid more dirt. I’m listening to my favorite Taylor Swift song on Spotify, singing at the top of my lungs, and shaking my body to the music.

 

Say you’ll remember me Standing in a lovely dress

Staring at the sunset, babe

Red lips and rosy cheeks

Say you’ll see me again

Even if it’s just in your wildest dreams, ah-ah, ha

Wildest dreams, ah-ah, ha

 

Twenty minutes after Mother left, a rowdy boy burst into the kitchen. The Omegas immediately dispersed, leaving me alone at the mercy of the intruders. Cowards. They will get scolded when I tell Mom they’ve left themselves at the mercy of five boys older than me. Robust, tall, shirtless and sweaty. Gross! Thank the goddess, at least they are wearing shorts.

I stopped in my tracks. There is a strange feeling bubbling inside. Like fire has lit up in my chest, illuminating a space I did not know was empty. Is that how attraction should feel?

One of those young men had messy blonde hair and aqua-blue eyes. He looks like an angel fallen from heaven, “Hey! Look what we have here. The blonde said.

"What do we have here, a Little Mouse?" Another one of the boys from behind the gorgeous blonde.

How rude! Coming uninvited and insulting people. The nerve!

But I was so enthralled I didn’t realize they were attacking my tray of cupcakes. I shook my head and yelled at them, “What do you think you’re doing? That’s for tonight. Could you not eat it? Gluttons.”

I was furious and didn’t care that they were bigger than me, I won't let them bully me. A tall, dark young man made me jump with the timbre of his hoarse voice, “What did you call us, little mouse?”

“Don’t you know who we are?” A tall redhead questioned me. My bravery vanished in a flash when the brawny guy invaded my personal space.

"Who do you think you are to give us orders?" The black hair boy pressed so close to me that I backed away only to find myself bouncing off the chest of one of them behind me. "What are you going to do, Jax? I think the little mouse needs to be taught a lesson.

 

Something in the way he looked at me made feel uncomfortable. These people were high-ranking wolves. Unlike Omegas, their wolves manifest before their 18-year-old birthday. I have to wait for another three years to meet my mine. But if she doesn't resurface, it is considered the biggest shame among the shifters community, and you are treated just like a human. You are no longer welcome in the pack and must find your life in the cities.

"Leave her alone; she is a little girl," Jack said. 

"You are always looking out for the most vulnerable. Is that your mission in life now?" I mocked this, friends. The black-haired boy was the most silent, staring from the door frame. "What do you plan to do with her?"

It is not a good sign to be at their mercy. I immediately lowered my head in submission and began to back away. I didn’t feel safe. Being alone with those boys is a recipe for disaster.

"Where do you think you are going, Little Mouse?" The one named Reese spoke.

With unusual speed, he pulled my arm. I screamed and struggled to free myself in vain.

"I'm not a Little Mouse. Let go of me." I fought and tried to pry myself from his grip, but he was stronger.

"Enough!" Jax’s voice echoed through the kitchen walls, making the stainless steel utensils over the counter tremble. His authority emanated in waves. Everyone "stood still when the beautiful blonde spoke, and the guy grabbing me immediately let go of me.

"I’m sorry, Jax. It’s just that-" Jack raised his hand and cut off his friend, not allowing him to explain. "Let her go." For the moment I was free, I resumed my escape and found Blondie standing before me to prevent me from leaving the kitchen.

I looked at his blue eyes and found him smiling down at me.

"What’s your name? His velvety voice was soothing. I know I shouldn't, but I clenched my legs as I felt a current of electricity directly in my core. I'm almost fifteen and know precisely how it feels when something burns you from the inside out. Yet, I will not give him the satisfaction of having me melting in his arms. I'm not a needy Omega.

I stood in silence, waiting for him to get tired and leave. He stepped closer, "I don't like repeating myself, Cupcake."

"Ashley, my name is Ashley Dawson-Perez."

"Ashley." he hummed, "You have a lovely name. How old are you, Cupcake?"

"I'll be fifteen in a couple of weeks. And I'm not your Cupcake either." She furrowed her brow and stood proudly. I answered, looking into his eyes. He was behaving defiantly toward me, something I had never been to. I am very aware of my position as an Omega.

The others laughed mockingly, but Jack took me by the chin. Had they told you that you were a very daring young woman? Her voice is soft like a whisper, her breath carrying mint; it smells delicious, too.

Had they told you that they are morons?- I answer with a harsh tone. Again. He looked me up and down. I may be sixteen, but I look more mature for my age.  I am well proportioned, with wide hips, and my bust is starting to show. Mom says I look older.

"I’ll tell you what I do to feisty young girls like you. I’m going to give you a challenge or a question. It’s your choice; what will it be?"

When I did not answer right away and stood with my mouth wide open in a gape, he continued.

"Unless, of course, you want a few spankings to correct them." He whispered in my ear. His hot breath made my nipples stand erect, and I clenched my tights at the feeling of strange tingles in my innocent core. I was still speechless. He cleared his throat, and I finally answered, “What is my challenge?”

"That’s better, Cupcake." he laughed cockily, -This is what we will do. If you give me a kiss, my friends and I will leave. But if you don’t meet my challenge, we will eat this tray of cupcakes.- He signaled the tray of fresh cupcakes over the counter. Anger surged in my body. How dare he? After all my hard work, he and his friends barged in as if it were their pack house.

"But, but-" I began to protest, but he put his dainty finger over my lips to shut me.

"Shh. You won’t say anything to anyone; you will tell them you ate the whole tray of cupcakes all by yourself. Now,  be a good girl and kiss me."

Goddess, it was so tempting that I almost gave in, but I would not fall so easily for him. Dream on, blondie. I pushed him hard to get him out of the way, and to my surprise, he moved to let me pass.

"Hey! Aren’t you going to give me a kiss?"

Just as I’m walking past him, I feel a sting in my ass.  -Ouch!

I heard the guys laughing as I left in a daze to hide in my room until Mom arrived. An hour later, I was called to explain what had happened in the kitchen. I told her everything, well, not everything. I omitted the part of the challenge. She made me stay behind anyway for leaving the kitchen unattended and not seeking help. Though I told her infinite times, the blonde guy must have shut off the oven, and the cupcakes were saved from burning.

I was appalled and hurt that my mother did not believe me. On the other hand, I learned my lesson; I was not supposed to run away from my problems, but I faced them. The thing is, I did not participate in the party as I was supposed to after being in the kitchen all morning preparing desserts. I was kept behind in case more food was needed. All I remember about that night is that it almost ended in chaos. The Alpha and Luna were very upset their son arrived late after he first shifted. He got sidetracked in the woods after running with his parents and forgot his party completely.

As for Blondie, I never saw him again. Not that I wanted to after what he and the others pulled off today.