Gianna
"I'm sorry Gian" was the first word that came out of his mouth. There's no doubt he meant what he said but that's not what I wanted to hear. I know him and the Alpha would've discussed beforehand before taking the decision.
"I know it came as a shock to you. And I know you have a lot of question regarding the matter. I know for the fact that you and Elora aren't on good terms. She's still young and full of spite. I have hundred percent trust in you. And I believe you will never do such dirty acts" Like he said Elora is full of spite. We grew up together. So, it's normal for me to master all her personality. The hate is there since day one.
"It's fine Sir Alberet. I know you won't do something that will harm me. I'm more than grateful for all what you've done to me up to this stage" I uttered casting my head down. I don't want to break down, but somehow, I couldn't stop the bitterness inside my chest.
He reached for my hands taking them in his. "The pack house is no longer the same like before. And I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you anymore. Fort Stone pack is a nice place. Your stay there will be safer. I hope you will understand me" He ended letting out a smile squeezing my hand a bit. I managed to force out a smile.
"Thank you Sir Alberet. I will never forget all you've to me"
"It's okay. It's not like you're leaving forever. We'll stay in touch. You will be In good hands" He spared his wristwatch a glance. "I think you should be on your way before the sun goes down" I nodded as we marched back to the car. The driver was already seated inside waiting for me. Before getting in, I turned around to glance around the surrounding for the last time. My eyes landed on Elora. The corner of her lips was twitched up. I know she's overwhelmed with the fact that she succeeded in her plans. That I'm finally leaving the pack house for good.
"Shall we?" The sudden voice of Sir Alberet snapped me back from my short trance. I spared the house a last look before entering the car.
"Take care" Said Sir Alberet flashing me a smile. I flashed back which was undoubtedly a forced one. I lost the joy in me. The driver roared the engine to life. The car making a weird sound. As the car began moving slowly, the bitterness in my chest kept getting bigger.
"It's a long journey. So relax" Came the driver's voice. It was then that I access him. I recognized him as one of Sir Alberet's men.
The surrounding has started getting darker. I could swear my body shudder when I peeked around the side mirror and could not see a single car.
"Don't worry I'm not kidnapping you or selling you off. We're getting there soon" I don't know why but that didn't settle well with me.
A pile of silence fell in the car. The kind of silence that was uncomfortable. I can't do away with the fact that I was eager to reach the destination.
One and a half hour later, the car came to a stop in front of a black mahogany gate. You have to lift up your head high before you can see the edge of the gates. "Are we there yet?" I asked.
"Yes. We have to wait for like five to ten minutes before the gates opens" I didn't hide my surprise at his words. At the same time confused. What sort of thing is that?
"Why? Who will open the gate?" I bombard all together turning to him.
"That's the first rule here. Whenever a guest arrives, it will be inspected first to make sure they're not an enemy. And the gate will automatically open when the inspection is complete"
"Wow" I said aloud. What a rule. I think that should be part of the mysteries he mentioned earlier. "What if they find out that it's an enemy. What will happen?"
"Then action will be taken" The way he uttered the words out made me shudder.
I literally flinch at the sound that resonate from the surrounding. The gate slowly began opening, the inside coming in view. We entered in a slow pace too. A straight long path greeted us. I could catch a glimpse of identical houses from afar. The eagerness in me grew more. The car halted in front of one of the houses.
"We're finally here Miss Gianna" He uttered putting off the engine and sliding out the seat belt. I unlocked the car door and made my way out. I was greeted with chills rippled across my skin. I hugged my body with my arms.
"Fort Stone pack is naturally a cold place. So get prepared to adjust to the change of weather"
"Thank you-" That was when I realized that I don't know his name.
"Call me Gilbert" He profound.
"Thank you Gilbert"
"Shall we?" He said again. And that was when the nervousness that once disappeared surfaces again. I inhale in a sharp breath before following suit as he was almost at the door. Gilbert pressed the doorbell and we waited to get a response from the other end.
After like one minute, we heard the jiggling of kegs and the doorknob was turned around. In less than one second, the door was pulled open. Came in view an elderly woman. Her head was wrapped with a scarf nevertheless, her brown curly hair didn't fail to show themselves out.
"Good day Mrs. Marissa" Gilbert commenced. So he knew her already.
"Gilbert my son. Great to see you" She said. The two exchanged a hug. I formed my lips into a thin line as I watched the two. It was when they pull apart that she turned her focus on me.
"Good day Ma'am" I asserted as calm as I could get my voice out. She exchanged look with Gilbert. I don't know why they did that though.
"Is she the girl from Mega pack?" She asked making me to raise my brows. They all knew. The news has reached them.
"Yes" Gilbert answered shortly.
"What's your name girl?"
"Gianna"
"Gianna. Half human-half omega" I stared at her in surprise. How did she know? "Mismatched eyes" She uttered again rendering me more speechless.
"Mrs. Marissa I will take my leave now"
"So fast. Won't you stay for dinner? I'm almost done cooking" My stomach made a quite reminder at the sound of food.
"Next time. I need to get back before morning. I have some work" He said with a smile.
"Alright then. Goodnight. Drive safely" He turned to me. The look in his eyes somehow felt like he was giving me a signal which I'm not able to point out.
"See you some other time" He said after a while. I could only nod. I watched him get into his car and reverse it back. My attention was diverted by Mrs. Marissa's voice.
"The night is still young. He will find his way back" She ushered me in. I was welcomed with a warm surrounding. Unlike outside that is almost cold as ice.
"Make yourself comfortable" I gently sank down on one of the sofa resting my hands on my thigh.
She went away and came back with a cup of sizzling tea. "Welcome to Fort Stone pack" She said crashing on the next sofa.
"Thank you Ma'am" I muttered which I'm not sure whether it reached her ears.
"I want you to know some few things before you settle in this pack house. First of all, my name is Marissa. The seer of Fort Stone pack. I know you're wondering how I know who you were just by one glance. Rest assured I'm not a bad seer. I will explain everything about the Fort Stone pack”
"Want a cup of tea?" She asked. That was when I noticed what she was doing. "No. I'm fine" I marched back to the sitting sofa. Taking the position of before.
Mrs. Marissa took a sip of her tea. I wonder if it doesn't burn her tongue due to its hotness. "Once again welcome to Fort Stone pack" She said.
"It is one of the best pack and yet, the sacred pack in the city. Meaning, it is known for its beauty and you can find almost every wolf rank. From outsiders to families"
I could tell about the beauty. The trees are enough proof. I was piqued at their beauty. And then the identical houses. Unlike the houses back in Mega pack. Different building with different roofing. "To cut the story short, this pack has its advantage and disadvantage"
Okay, another hint of mystery. "There are two most important advantages; you will learn new things. What I mean by that is, because different people come from different path of the world, you will get to learn new things. Most especially the market days" Sounds interesting.
"Number two; every end of the month, a contest will be held and each and every one will bring out his/her skills. The one with the best skills would be rewarded."
"What type of skills?"
"Anyone. Be it painting, cooking, archery, or fighting. Interesting right?"
I wouldn't lie, it sounded interesting. Coming together to test out what you're good at. I have a thing for painting. I can draw something I pictured in my head. Be it people, a scene or anything nature. I don't know whether I will call that a skill though.
"And for the disadvantage" I was eager to hear the disadvantage. I adjusted my sitting position.
"One; Mind your business. When I say mind your business, I mean whatever you see or what you hear. Be it good or bad, don't meddle. Not everyone will be friendly towards you" Okay this came out somewhat harsh. If different people are coming together, there should be a bound formed. How'd you learn new things if you don't communicate with one another.
"Two; don't go places you were not asked to. There are some certain places that are sacred in this pack. Meaning they are banned. So you should be extra careful. I think that will be all. It's getting late. I will show you to your room. Tomorrow I will take you around the pack house. Then you can start your work"
Now that she explains everything, what Gilbert said about Fort Stone being a mystery is now clear. The advantage is somewhat beneficial and on the other hand somewhat weird.
As we stepped outside, the same cold I felt last night erupt through my skin. Thank goodness I wore a thick dress. Unlike the one I wore yesterday was light. I don't want to start explaining how the surrounding was. One word to describe it. Neat and quiet.
We passed by few houses and shops before taking another route coming in view a gate. "This is the town mayor house where you'd be working" My brows quiver in question as she grab a stone and fisted it on the gate. The gates was being slide open.
"Good Morning Mrs. Marissa" A young man greeted her.
"Morning Nathan" I followed suit as she entered inside. My legs came to a halt seeing people in uniform moving around. Some watering plants, some washing the cars. Both male and female. Everyone advances their greeting to Mrs. Marissa. She must be well known.
We walked our way towards the entrance. Mrs. Marissa pushed open the door herself this time around. And I was greeted with one of the most beautiful living room I've come across. Everything was in white and gold. Like that of a royalty. However I didn't get time to dwell on the surrounding when Mrs. Marissa spoke up. "Good Morning Lady Hera"
For a moment we stared at each other. Each with the thought in mind. "Good morning to you too Mrs. Marissa" She averted her eyes back to Mrs. Marissa who has made herself comfortable on the sofa. I was still staring at her even when I was offered to sit.
"You're an omega right?" She asked. I nodded in answer.
"Mrs. Marissa, are we related in any way with her?" She asked. Somehow, I felt something twitched inside me. The thought of anyone not wanting to associate themselves with me. I was startled when Mrs. Marissa pulled my hand closing her eyes on the accord.
"What's the ruckus this early morning" a voice came through from the stairs and Mrs. Marissa's hold from my hand loosened. A man whose height will be the same with Sir Alberet but a bit taller and thicker walked up to us.
"Good morning Alpha Marco. I'm here with the new girl from the Mega pack" The man called Alpha spared me a glance. His eyes lingers on me. Something flickers in his eyes. I don't know why but all the looks they've been throwing me doesn't settle with me. Is it because of my mismatched eyes or another thing? Some part of me wished Mrs. Marissa was able to finish checking my fate or is it destiny. But then Alpha Marco interrupted.
"Okay. I spoke to Alberet last night. I hope you've been explained the rules here?"
"Yes sir"
"Good then. You will be working under my wife. Make sure you don't do any mistake" He uttered as he marched his way towards the entrance door. Lady Hera followed suit. I don't know what the two exchanged. But whatever it is, it doesn't look pleasant to me.
After a while she came back. There wasn't any form of joy on her face. "Come with me" She said. Mrs. Marissa and I exchanged looks. She offered out a smile. Lady Hera was already halfway towards the stairs when I catch up to her. We passed through a big hallway. I wouldn't lie. I was amazed at how breathtaking it was. Wall painting everywhere.
"You will be in charge of cleaning this floor. There are four rooms" I had to blink twice to be sure I heard her correctly. Four rooms? All by myself?
She showed me around the rooms. From hers to other guest room. "You are not required to clean the Alpha's room. I do that myself. That will be all for here. Let's go" She uttered indicating with her hand. All the rooms aren't small. Cleaning it all by myself will take time.
We descend down and took the left path. She pulled one of the door open. A room containing bunk beds came in view. "This will be your room. You will leave together with your roommates" There are three set of beds. One at the center. One by the left and one by the right.
"Next part is the kitchen. The most important work" We walked small distance and the kitchen came in view. "All what you need are available. What is required for you is to do your work. I want you to dedicate your time please. I don't want any trouble. The kitchen head will explain everything to you later. For now you can have a rest" I formed my lips into a thin line with a nod.
I watched her walk away before proceeding to my said room. It was neat and quietly. So fast how things are changing fast. I will have to adjust to the new environment. Like Mrs. Marissa said. I should mind my business. I will try as much as I can to do that.
"Hey" I turned back to the sudden unfamiliar voice. A girl who will be somewhat the same age with me, stared at me from head to toe. "Mismatched eyes" She uttered. I couldn't help the bitter feeling that settled inside me. I guess, the taunting wouldn't get better here.
"New here?" She said again.
"Yes" I answered shortly.
"What's your name?" Okay, it is becoming weird how the first thing they do is ask my name. What does my eye color has to do with my name.
"Gianna" I replied. She marched forward giving a mere inches between us. "You're the girl my grandmother took in last night?"
"Yes. Are you her granddaughter?"
"Yes. My name is Maria" A smile erupt from her as she slid her hand out for a handshake which surprises me. That's a new thing. Nevertheless, I shook her hand feeling lighthearted at the gesture.
"I'm a sigma. You?"
"Omega" I omit out in a low voice. "I see why you're being transferred here. Lowly Omegas have no choice of their own. Their lives revolves around what they're been assigned to do"
"We are six. One left few days ago. We're left five in numbers. But now that you're here, we're six again. This is my bed. Anne sleeps at the top. But since she's no more around, you can take her spot. Because the rest of the girls won't take it easy on you"
I wasn't expecting them to be. "Do as much as you can to stay away from them. Whatever they do, just let them be" She said much like warned.
"Thank you"
"Don't mention. Which side do you want? Up or down?"
I didn't get to answer when we heard a thud from the door. "What the hell Selena!" Maria exclaimed. "Can't you do things with brain?"
"Well I won't. Maybe you should teach me" She spat back. By the tone of her voice, she doesn't look nice. Spiteful like Elora.
Maria didn't say anything. Her eyes then shifted to me. "And who are you?" She said watching me from head to toe. Same way Maria did the first time we met.
"What concern do you have with who she is? Mind your business" They threw each other daggers. A hiss erupt from Selena. She walk past us almost bumping my shoulder. She carried something from underneath her bed before turning on her heels and walked out of the room not before hissing.
Maria sunk in a sharp breath. "You see why I said you should try as much as you can to stay away from them. Selena, Vanessa and Claire are epitome of trouble. Selena is the worst of them because she's Lady Hera's cousin" I can see the spite in her eyes. Staying away from them is what I should keep at the back of my mind.
"Will you go back to grandma house to get your stuffs?" I need to. Since I will be staying here.
"Yes"
"Let's go together. I want to grab something important" We made our way out. The living room was quite. We sauntered to the entrance door. All the people I saw earlier were no longer there.
We got the things we needed. I carried my bag while Maria took some books with her. "If you get your first pay, I will take you shopping. I know a good store in the town" For some reason, it settled well with me. Having to earn something for myself.
"Are we allowed to go out?" I asked. Judging by what Mrs. Marissa told me about the rules, I don't think going out freely would be allowed.
Maria lips curved up. "I don't always follow the rules" I couldn't help but stared at her wide eyed. She marched her way towards the book shelves.
"You know not what you see is what you know. Everyone has his/her own dark side. I'm sure you do too"
I didn't say anything because I know she's right. Everyone do have a side to them that they don't reveal to people.
Her lips was pushed forward as we left her grandma's house possibly because of what the woman said about her being stubborn "Why are you getting angry? I know she was just joking"
"You don't know the woman. She doesn't joke around. She does that only with her son"
"You know, my mom passed away when I was ten. Dad doesn't really come around. He's busy taking care of Mom's flower shop at the city"
Bitterness was laced in her voice. "Sorry for the loss" I uttered.
"It's okay. I'm fine. My grandma is here for me" Somehow I felt like her okay held other meaning. I can relate to that. I always assured myself that I'm fine regardless of the situation. However, I know that isn't the case.
"What about you?" As the question slipped out of her mouth, I felt like a stone has been thrown underneath my chest.
"They're no more" I don't really feel comfortable talking about my parents when I don't remember much about them. Whether they're alive or not.
"I'm sorry too. Don't worry we'll all be fine" She proclaimed lunging her arm around my shoulder and we embark on our way to the mayor's house. The pack doesn't fail to amaze me. Every minute and second, you will hear a new rule. "What are we to do now?"
"I mean the work" I added noticing the confused expression on Maria’s face.
"In the next one hour or so. The kitchen head will call for our attention before then" I nodded my head in answer. I remembered Lady Hera mentioning the kitchen head. But up till now, I've not set my eyes on her.
I was washed with silence that suddenly resonate through the room when Maria left the room. I sank down on the bed roaming my eyes all over the place. A thought graced through my mind. What will life be in the new place? What if my parents didn't leave me in that shell hole? None of this will be happening to me. Sir Alberet wouldn't have found me or much to say, I wouldn't be in a difficult situation all my life.
Sometimes I used to have that thinking on why Sir Alberet took me in back then. He would've helped me search for them or took me to the nearest police station. I once asked him. And what I got was a simple answer. "Because you deserved that. And I know you'd become something one day" He had said.
I have this hope in me that someday, I would get all the answers to my question. I would be able to find out everything about my life. I jerked back to reality when a voice sounded atop my head.
"Who are you?" The girl asked staring at me with disdain look in her eyes.
"My name is Gia-"
"I didn't ask of your name. I said who are you?" The tone in her voice made me crease my brows in question. Isn't that the same as asking my name? Why do everybody want to know who I am?
"I'm the new girl that will start working here" I answered as calmly as I can.
"Another nuisance to the house" I heard her say as she walked towards her bed. That was expected. I said nothing instead went on to rest my head on the pillow. I didn't get to do that when it was yanked off from the bed.
"What are you doing?" I asserted looking at her in confusion.
"Who gave you the permission to use this pillow?" She spat. For some second I thought I didn't hear her well. "Maria gave me the permission" I answered back. A chuckle erupt from her.
"How dare she take something that doesn't belong to her. All you lowly thieves!"
"Excuse me. Did you just call us thieves?" I asked to be sure I heard her correctly.
"What are you then?" She exclaimed. I tried to calm myself from unleashing with anger. I remembered Mrs. Marissa's words. It's too early to start a fight.
"What will you do you lowly omega" She marched forward her chest almost clashing with mine. I clenched my fist. Tightly. Holding myself back.
"What the hell is going on here!" our eyes snapped to the unfamiliar voice from the door.
"Out!" A voice from nowhere erupt through our eardrums sending shivers down my spine. It was so loud that for a moment my head spun around. Vanessa slowly advances towards the door not before glaring at me. I contemplate whether to speak or sit back down. The woman was still following with her gaze.
"Come to the kitchen too" She said. This time around her voice was calm. I heaved a breath I didn't know I was holding. She has that scary voice.
By the time I arrived at the kitchen, I was surprised to see Maria. She passed me a wink. I passed her a questioning look instead. Silence took place in the kitchen. Vanessa looked at me whispering something to Selena whose eyes was on me. We were six including the woman earlier which if I'm not mistaken should be the kitchen head. "As you all know, Lady Hera announced kitchen rules will change last night" The woman commenced.
"Yes Mrs. Rosa" Maria answered.
"Good. From now on each person will be assigned a particular work he'd be doing in the kitchen. Before it was turn by turn. Which make work quite too much for one person. I will still be inspecting you girls. So you girls should pay attention to the work you'd be assigned to"
“So, you girls will be grouped. Each set will the one to take over the cooking in the kitchen in that particular day. It will be turn by that. I hope I'm making myself clear" She uttered. There was no form of play on her face. The right kind of expression for discipline.
"I will group you now Maria and Vanessa step forward" She said. I could see the disdain look Selena passed Maria. I bet they were not expecting to be grouped together. Nevertheless, they stepped forward.
"You two will start cooking from today. Claire and Gianna" I couldn't label how my heart skipped when she mentioned my name.
Claire and I stepped forward marching up to Vanessa and Maria level. "You two will start tomorrow. From then you will be switching"
"I trust you girls know what you're required to do. All the best" And she turned on her heels and walk out.
Vanessa suddenly yelled out. "I so much hate this house. I hate everybody!" She threw her fist on the kitchen counter in anger.
"You can leave. We want to start cooking" Vanessa announced. This time around, her voice was calm. Unlike few minutes ago, she sounded like she'd murder us.
"See you later" Maria hushed out patting me on the shoulder lightly. Claire was already out before me. Lady Hera and Selena were at the sitting room. They didn't even notice me as their attention was fixated on the soap opera they were watching.
**
My eyes slowly unwind to the sound of my name being called. "Wake up Gianna" I heard the voice of Maria again making me to clear out the sleep from my eyes.
A yawn escaped me as I sat up. "We're done cooking" She said. I stared at her wide eyed. So fast.
"Alpha Marco came back with some guest. So, they're having dinner together" I nodded in answer. I wanted to ask her about Vanessa when she beat me to it.
"We didn't argue much with Vanessa. Although she was pissed all through. Selena is a drama queen. I have a feeling she and Vanessa will fight very soon"
“I brought our food. No need to go to the kitchen" That was when I noticed the bowl of freshly cooked potatoes with egg sauce. My stomach decided to make noise at the right time.
No words were then exchanged as we focus on eating.We were done eating and I followed Maria to help her with washing the dishes. Vanessa is nowhere to be found. We finish up the rest of the work. Making sure the kitchen is tidied up.
Maria changed out of her outfit and made her way to the bathroom. That was when I realized I haven't gone to the bathroom all day. That will be tomorrow. I crashed on the bed reaching for the light bed sheet beside me and cover up my body.
“Goodnight. I'm feeling so sleepy" She climb up her bed. While I went ahead to switch the lamp beside me. I closed my eyes and allow sleep to take me. I'm officially starting my work tomorrow. I just hope everything will go smoothly. I pray I don't get on anybody's bad side.
