Chapter Six

*Fernanda's POV**

I wiped my sweaty hands on my apron. There was a lot to do today and it wasn't over yet. Every single day was exhausting and I worked to my bones.

The official announcement was yet to be made but I had something bigger to look forward to. I have been enduring everything while waiting patiently for this very day.

Today, I would put an end to my suffering and become free. It wouldn't be easy, but I was prepared. I have waited 12 years for this day.

I picked up a towel and cleaned my face. I was drenched in sweat. The heat from the fire made it unbearable and standing in front of it for a full day made it like being in hell.

The Omegas were of great help as they served the dishes while I remained in the kitchen, attending to other things. At this point I was done cooking, as I was the head chef.

We have been busy, tediously preparing for this party. I could feel my energy draining as I have not slept a wink since last night. I had not even eaten anything as I was forbidden to eat from the meal I prepared.

"It ends after tonight ", I assure myself.

The laughter of the guests could be heard from the kitchen. They must be having the time of their lives. From the sounds of the cars piling up, I could tell that influential people from other packs were present here.

" I should have been there, not here working as a slave", I began to think. But what's done is done, I just need to escape this hellhole as soon as possible.

I was also forbidden from going to the field where the party is being held. A group of girls who went to serve the dishes came back in giggling.

"Have you seen Alpha Sergio? I'll sacrifice my virginity just to have a closer look at his face" Sophia, an Omega, said while grinning.

Fantasizing about a man, was something I had no time for. I alone can help myself. And besides it was men who put me in this hopeless situation. The pain within my legs throbbed. " I'm never trusting any man", I muttered to myself as a tear dropped from my eye.

"Come Helen, I'm done with the last batch" I beckoned to Helen. As she disappeared with the desserts along with Sophia, I heaved a sigh of relief. I was so done with this place.

I took one final look around the kitchen. I had no fun memories to cling onto. I do no want to remember this place or the pain I went through. "I want to leave this place. Help me, take me anywhere safe" I said a silent prayer.

As I took off my apron and was about to head to my room, someone stopped me. I turned around, it was Hilda. I didn't tell her anything but I know that she was aware of what I was trying to do.

Fear engulfed me, if she doesn't let me go I will never get another chance. And, if I am caught the Alpha will have my head. But she knew what pain I had gone through, she would understand.

She gently squeezed my hand and pointed at the door which leads to the garden. "There are guards at the back door. Go through the garden. Next to the bed of daisies, there's an opening. Make sure you make it out alive."

I smiled and gave her a hug. I went to my room. The little space that was given to me. Here I lay on the cold floor, hungry and soaked in tears.

In less then a minute I was back from my room. I didn't have much with me, just a hood and a little sling bag.

I walked quietly to the garden, not expecting to find anyone there. Everyone was gathered at the back of the house, where the party was being held.

Right next to the bed of daisies grew fresh strawberries. I was the one who planted them. I bent down to pick some for the road. I could use a little something to ease my hunger.

"Well, I don't know but what you're doing right now looks like theft to me", I heard a mysterious voice say from behind me.

Someone is here. Who is it? The voice didn't sound familiar, but if it is a friend of Damian's then this is the end of the road for me. Whoever this was, should clearly be at the party not here.

"Well, only a bad guy will leave such a fancy party to hide here in the dark" I replied cockily. I placed my hands over my mouth immediately.

Why was I being rude when I could be in danger? Did leaving the kitchen make me outspoken, I rarely said a word while I was enslaved. Or is this my true personality?

"You must not know who I am." He said approaching me. It was dark so I couldn't see his face. I assumed he was one of Damian's friends, who were all jerks by the way. I didn't have time for this, so I began thinking of what next to do.

He stopped right in front of me. Without thinking, my body moved. In one swift movement my legs connected to his groin. He tried to block it, but he wasn't fast enough. So it seemed.

"That was not nice, Berries ", he said, grabbing my hands. Berries? Nice of him to give me a nickname in this situation.

As his hands touched mine, fear engulfed me. Memories of how I was abused by Damian came rushing in. I became scared of him, at the same time I felt like I shouldn't be.

"No, not again." I said while sobbing quietly. He immediately let go of me.

"I didn't mean to scare you, I'm sorry", he said.

Seizing this opportunity, I balled my hands it a fist and using all my energy I landed a blow across his face. He staggered backwards, falling into the bushes. Since I'm not physically strong, he just has to be a weakling.

I crept over him, heading towards the little opening in the wall. After successfully crossing over, I let out a sigh of relief.

This must be what it feels like to be free. I’d never been free. I’ve never inhaled air that was this fresh for the past 12 years.

I stared ahead of me and saw nothing. No kitchen. No Alpha Drexler. No Damian. None of the people who made me sorrowful. Just the woods in a dark forest.

A cigarette butt landed before me. Trouble. I can sense trouble. Someone else was out here smoking.

I started walking towards the woods and then I heard it. An all too familiar voice coming from somewhere in the woods. "What do you think you're doing, slave?"