Chapter 2 Starting a new

After preparing breakfast, cleaning the house, and doing the laundry, Selene readied herself to start her day.

Not wanting to experience another mishap like yesterday. This time she wore a plain white shirt, jeans, and sneakers.

Yet because they were old clothes, all of them were hugging tightly, even with her thin figure.

All seemed well, until she checked herself in the mirror and saw how her belly was sticking out, because of how her breast were pushing parts of it.

Not having anything else to wear, since all her other stuff had become faded, ripped, or too small for her, she got left with no other choice but to make do with it.

She mitigated her situation by putting on a jacket, all so she can cover herself. But because of the dry temperature, she ended up only wrapping the thing around her waist.

Satisfied with her outfit on her second look, she finally steps out of the room where she was staying.

This was the first time she’d slept in a soft bed in years since her parents died, so her body felt quite rejuvenated.

Each of her step were fast, drumming on the floor as she made her way into the dining where she caught a sweet and meaty scent, along with the sounds of sizzling.

“Good morning, aunt Penelope.”

Selene’s cheery voice filled the entire room. Almost jumping in glee, her demeanor heightened at the dreamy sight that greeted her.

A basket of steaming bread, a bowl of soup, and a mug of hot coco and coffee. All nicely set on the table, bathe in a warm ray of sunshine from the nearby window.

Her aunt standing near the oven, smiling as she held a pan filled with eggs and bacon, was the image of a lovely mother in a morning.

“Well, hello there. Why don’t you sit down so we can have breakfast?”

Aunt Penelope giggled in reply as she turned to face Selene with a warm greeting.

This completely change Selene’s point of view, seeing how the apron and sun dress hugged so tightly on her aunt’s chest, emphasizing her round bosom. Added there were no trace of wrinkles on her skin as she smiled at her.

She now looked more to her like an energetic housewife, who’ve recently just gotten married because of the youthful glow radiating from her.

If not for the sudden change in the woman’s face changing, her thoughts would have remained within the shroud of her uncontrolled precognition.

“Thank you.”

Selene immediately replied, hiding her embarrassment behind a sweet smile.

Aunt Penelope now had a raise brow, noticing how she had been gazing into nothingness for some time.

“Do not let your visions affect your reality. It can put you in a pinch if you don’t control it.”

She says, waving her spatula after giving her niece an ample serving of bacon and eggs. She then pours her a good amount of soup, along with the bread, before sitting on the seat facing the youth.

“Sorry, aunty. It’s just that my mind wanders off sometimes.”

Selene bit her lower lip, lowering her head from the sudden rush of heat on her cheeks after being caught in a daze.

She ended up munching on her food, wishing to dismiss the topic as they were eating.

Also, it had been such a long time since she had a feast, so she wanted to stuff herself as much as possible for the coming day.

“That happens. You’ll get used to it, eventually. As you remain aware of it.”

Aunt Penelope shakes her head, holding on to her giggle as she understands well her niece’s predicament.

That was when Selene had the courage to raise her gaze. She could not hold her smile, teary-eyed, upon realizing her aunty understood her situation.

“I’ll try to.”

She says with a nod.

That brief exchange lighten up her mood, restoring that warm feeling within the room.

Her appetite returned in an instant, so she began stuffing herself with eggs, bacon, and bread.

“Anyway, why up so early today? Classes don’t start until next week.”

Aunt Penelope’s expression was now calm, somewhat sleepy even as she took a sip of her freshly brewed coffee.

Selene quickly wiped the oil on her face, swallowing her food to clear up her mouth.

“I saw this ad in front of the diner near the bus stop. They are looking for help, so I thought I’d apply.”

Her eyes brimming with energy and hope as things are turning good for her for once.

But that put the older woman in a sudden pause, furrowing at the idea of her niece working after taking her in.

“Whatever for? You don’t have to do that, you know.”

Aunt Penelope was keen to dismiss. Especially since this wasn’t the life she wanted for the girl.

But Selene’s decision was solid, certain of what she needed to do. She did not wish to waste this chance by becoming a burden.

“Do not worry, aunty. I’ll be fine.”

She gave a wide smile, assuring her of her choice. This was her plan from the start, the moment she became of age.

This was the backup she had, since she found that out that cooking, cleaning, and doing all the other chores would not secure her a home.

Though her aunt seemed different from the others who took her in, as she sensed genuine care from her.

She did not want to be too complacent, as she had already experienced being discarded when she’d become a bother of the sort.

So, in order not to repeat that same mistake again, she decided she’ll find a job so she can earn and carry her own weight within the household.

“Why not just focus on your studies? I have enough to get us by.”

Aunt Penelope heaved a sigh.

Worry etched in her face as she put down her cup to look at her niece. With a serious gaze, she tries to read through the Selene, but all the while the girl kept a smile devoid of any kind of life of joy.

“You letting me stay here is already a lot for me, aunty. Let me at least do this much.”

Beneath Selene’s high, energetic tone was hiding a creeping fear that continued to claw at her.

It was taking all her strength to keep her smile up, all so her facade of being okay would remain.

From her experience, showing her emotions was something not allowed, no matter where she was.

“Oh, Selene.”

Aunt Penelope pursed her lips.

Though she could not comprehend the pain her niece was experiencing, the girl’s plastered composure was enough to show it.

After noticing the weakened and saddened tone on her aunt. Selene was keen to finish her meal in one go.

“I promise I won’t cause any trouble for you, aunt Penelope. I’ll see you later.”

She stands in haste, moving for the woman to give her a tight hug, before rushing towards the door without looking back.

Escape was the only option she had at the moment, not knowing how to confront such a situation.

Like her new life, the trees that greeted her on her way out were a breath of fresh air. It provided her with enough courage to take another step, even in that unknown place.

Thanks to that, she could dismiss the piercing glances being thrown at her as she walked those muddied streets.

Throughout her stroll, her head remained high, her movements subtle, her face adorned with that wide smile she’d learned to put on.

She kept this facade until she reached her destination, though her entirety trembled upon touching the knob on the door.

Again, she took in a deep breath, summoning her remaining ounce of courage to push through.

Once inside, she became replenish with renewed strength. So it was a breeze for her to move straight for the counter where a large, bearded man was busy in mopping the floors.

“Hello, good morning. I’m here for the job opening.”

Selene swallowed hard because of how the fellow threw a sharp gaze at her. She ended up fixing a loose strand of hair, thinking it might be something to do with her looks.

“Aren’t you that girl from the bus yesterday?”

The man finally spoke, finger pointed as his brows continued to furrow even more.

“Um, yes. I recently moved here.”

She blurts out her smile, becoming genuine from saying it out loud. Just speaking about it was enough to lift her mood and confidence.

The man’s face lightened up after heaving a deep breath.

“Figures. You’re an omega, aren’t you? So whose pack do you belong to?”

He says with a nod after shrugging his shoulders.

Even with her quick wit, Selene was unprepared for what she had heard. She could not help but frown and gape. Unable to think about an answer.

An awkward silence came between them, as the man threw a questioning stare at her.

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand what that is?”

In the end, she ended up admitting that. Not really knowing how to answer such a vague and unfamiliar question.

Yet that was enough to turn the man's skin pale, swallowing hard as he quickly averted his gaze.

“Oh. I meant, do you have any relatives here?”

He says again, this time giving out a stoic impression.

Now hearing that, along with the sudden thrust of panic and anxiety, together with the fear of losing this chance. Selene lost her composure and absent-mindedly blabber out.

“Yes, my aunt. Penelope Hallow, she lives near the...”

Only stopping upon seeing how the person’s face crumpled with one raised brow.

“The moonlight wench?”

The man unconsciously burst out, almost spitting the words out.

“Excuse me?”

Selene, though surprised, kept her voice soft, but she couldn’t hide the frown on her, having caught the bitterness in the man’s tone.

The man was quick to clear his throat, once more shifting his attention to his chores, all the while avoiding her gaze.

“So, you’re here for the job, right?”

He says, dismissing the previous conversation.

Selene’s eyes were keen to wander, scouring the area for anyone who had heard their exchange.

Even if the place only had a few patrons during that time, all of them were looking at them. They only returned to what they were doing upon seeing how she was glancing around.

With a deep breath, she dismisses all the things she was noticing, once again focusing on the task at hand.

After regaining her composure, she fishes out a piece of paper. Unfold it and show it to the person in front of her.

“Yes, here is my resume, and as you can see, I have experiences and skills that can be of use to you.”

She points out on all her previous jobs written on there. Aware this was the only work available there, after having checked most of the place during her stroll.

There weren’t many establishments there, let alone places to find employment. So she was certain she’ll have a hard time searching for a job there.

That got the man straightening up again, taking the document from her.

“How old are you, exactly?”

He says after a few moments of browsing at the thing.

“I’ve been working the moment I was at age, sir. You can be sure that you won’t find anyone better suited for this. And you don’t need to worry about training me, since my last work was the same before I moved here.”

Selene understood the person’s doubt. As there were so many things written on there. Of course, she couldn’t admit the fact that she’d been working for quite some time the minute she could lie about her age.

“We don’t pay that much, and you’ll be attending to the locals here. Will you be okay with that?”

The man waved a hand to show the people who were there. All of them seeming indifferent to her.

Of course, Selene was aware they remained listening to them, yet they acted like they were eating and chatting.

“Yes, that would be no problem.”

She nods.

From the longest time, she’d perfected the art of not showing her emotions upfront.

Especially if it meant her safety and survival.

And with how good things were going on for her there, she didn’t really want to lose a place that she can call home again.

There was a sudden pause from the silence. As the man pursed his lips while pondering.

“Will you be able to start today?”

He says afterwards.

And with that, Selene finally gave out a genuine smile, teary-eyed from the burst of relief and joy that overcame her.

Hands clasp, she nearly jump, but stopped herself knowing it would be inappropriate to do so.

“Yes, if you need me to.”

She didn’t really have any problem with that, considering she had nothing planned for the day. Also, she wanted to get a grasp of things there while there weren’t many patrons.

“All right. Here, put this on.”

The man gives her an apron and pulls out a pen and pad of paper.

“And go take their orders.”

Then points at the group of people who had just entered the place.

Selene giddily grabs all of it and puts the piece of cloth on. But then pauses, giving out her hand to the person who hired her.

“Thank you so much, sir?”

She widens her smile, feeling awkward when the fellow remained frowning at her. In the end, she pulls it back and shifts to fixing her hair into a bun.

“Its Ben. My brother and I own this place.”

The man answers, waving an arm around. Then immediately returns to mopping.

Selene takes that as her cue to leave, since she already had her orders. With poise and glee, she rushes to the group of young men who took the seat at the far end.

“Hello, sorry for the wait.”

As if dedicated soldier, Selene holds out her pen and paper as if it was her weapon, putting on a faint smile as her armor to face all six strangers.

All of them stop, sniffing around at the same time as they bared their teeth out like a bunch of growling dogs.

She got taken aback by their actions that she ended up flinching, backing away, pale and wide eyed.

“Knock it off, you guys.”

One of them snaps which caused the others to lower their heads.

As the man who spoke removed his hood, Selene’s gaze focused on that individual, gawking upon hearing the familiar voice.

It was Lucas, the guy she met yesterday at her aunt’s house.

Her sights got glued on the fellow, finally getting a good look at the person.

Lucas’s deep set of eyes were a shade of dark gray, the same as his hair. His nose had this nice proportion that went well with his plump lips. And the way he smiled only emphasizes the sharply shaped jawlines on his face.

Even though the others were also good looking. There was something in Lucas’s stares gave out a sense of maturity separating him from the group.

“Hey, it’s the flashing girl.”

A guy with a clean shaven head blurts out, breaking the silence which took over them. His round eyes growing larger along with the grin on his face as he pointed at Selene.

That immediately got the others’ attention, all of them raising their heads to glimpse at her. But before their smirk can even form, they all bowed back, hearing the loud and snappy smack.

“Knock it off, Bruno!”

Lucas growled, throwing a sharp stare at his companion.

The guy named Bruno pouted his lips as he hunched to the side while brushing the part of his head that received the hit.

Selene bit her lip, feeling bad for the fellow who was now teary eyed.

“That was an accident.”

She says, wanting to loosen up the tension that she had caused. But that only garnered questioning looks among the lads who were throwing meaningful glances at each other.

“Sorry about that, Selene. He doesn’t mean any harm.”

Lucas gave out a warm smile, waving one hand to dismiss the thought. That caught quite the reaction from the others, as they all ended up gaping while staring at the guy.

“Alpha, you know her?”

Bruno whispers, closing in on as if none could hear it.

Selene was at a loss for words again, furrowing as she put on a fake smile from the confusion.

“She is Pen’s niece.”

Lucas gave out a bored gaze at his companion, which immediately got the lad to shut, while the others nodded as they let out an aha.

“My aunt seems to be quite famous around here.”

Selene’s lips twitched as she spoke. No longer able to hold back herself. Cause the mention of her aunty stirs a ruckus.

It was now making her anxious and curious why that was.

“I think we’re going to have the house special for today.”

Lucas changes the topic with those simple words, along with a meaningful half-smile towards her. His eyes squinting, signaling her to forget about it.

With Selene’s wits, she picked it up in an instant.

“Okay, so that would be six orders of house specials.”

She writes the order, keeping up her plastered smile to avoid the sudden awkwardness that came down between them.

None of the other men dared to look at her, though they were throwing smirking glances at each other.

It was only when Lucas tapped his fingers on the table did every one of those teens became silent. Their expressions turning straight in minutes.

When all of them had seemed behaved enough, Lucas finally turned to her with a warm and collected demeanor.

“Yes, please.”

He says.

Though dumbfounded, Selene’s lips remained in a smile. Not breaking her character and composure all throughout. Only needing to take a deep gulp to calm her nerves.

“Anything else?”

She says, after gathering her wits.

“That will be all.”

Lucas nods.

“All righty then.”

With that, Selene pivoted towards the counter. Ben, who was behind it, frowned while she approach.

“What took you so long? Is everything good?”

The elder man asks, worry etched on his sweating face the minute she got back.

“Yes, sorry, boss. I have an order for six house specials.”

She was panting, but remained collected while giving the piece of ripped paper from her notepad.

Ben did not bother to check it, instead he went straight for the window, then shouts.

“Heard that, Bernie. They're having the usual.”

From the small opening showed the steaming kitchen, a dancing chubby fellow came out. Spatula in one hand and two eggs on the other.

“Yeah, already on it.”

The man named Bernie gleefully replied before shaking his hips to start the preparation of the said orders.

Relieved that she survived her first try, Selene’s confidence grew. And wanting to show her resolve, she immediately moves the minute she caught the clinging of the little bells attached to the door.

“Oh, we have more customers.”

She squealed in delight before rushing to the crowd that had just entered.

“Hey kid, wait.”

Ben called out, turning pale the moment he recognized the new arrivals. But it was too late, as Selene was already in front of the group.

“Welcome to Ben and Bernies.”

She greets, dawning her sweetest and most lively smile.

But they met her warm greeting with glares, growls, and snaps.

Six towering young men immediately surrounded her before she can say anything else.

Frozen in place upon glimpsing at how their eyes changed. All she could do was stand there and gape.

Also, a sudden flash of beastly images bombard her head, along with an immense heat taking over her entire body.

“Who the fuck are you?”

The person who stood at the very front roared, waking Selene from the instant trance she was in.

But the shock remained with her, that she ended up unable to talk when she lost her courage and voice.

Also, her mind turned blank the moment she recognized the man who looked down on her.

It was the guy with those hypnotic and sharp gaze, the one she notice when she arrived there. Beneath the fear that grabbed hold of her, there was this invisible force that was pulling her, causing her to look straight for the man’s darkened eyes.

“Hey, back off, Duncan.”

Lucas’s voice boomed within the diner. The intensity and authority in it was enough to make the others falter. All except for that mysterious person who threw a challenging stare at Lucas.

Unable to move, Selene got stuck between the two men, as both did not want to retreat.