The Masked Wolf

Ava’s point of view "I've already been to his office once today, Stephanie. You know how much he hates me. Can you please do it?" I pleaded with the head maid, Stephanie, standing in the rustic hallway of the pack house. Soft sunlight filtered through the large windows, glowing warmly on the weathered wooden floorboards. Stephanie sighed, her tired eyes filled with empathy. No one enjoyed delivering meals to the Alpha. It was her responsibility to assign tasks, and for some reason, Stephanie always seemed to assign me the dreaded job. "I have a lot of other tasks to tend to. It's like a whirlwind in here! The Alpha may come off a bit gruff, but that's just his way. Don't take it to heart. Ava, you seem to get under his skin more than others," Stephanie said, handing me the Alpha's lunch tray - a delightful spread of freshly caught fish, wild berries, and a hearty venison stew. To complement the meal, there was a wooden mug brimming with steaming herbal tea and a crystal-clear stream of water. The alluring aroma of the food mingled with the natural scents of pine and earth, created a cozy and inviting ambiance in the room. Taking a deep breath, I left the bustling kitchen and entered the welcoming hallway, the echo of my footsteps blending with the distant howls of wolves in the surrounding forest. Each step heightened my anxiety, a constant reminder of the weight of my parents' debt that loomed over me for the next four years. Trying to push aside those thoughts, I climbed the worn staircase, finding solace in the smooth wooden banister. Upon reaching the second floor, I strolled down the corridor adorned with hand-stitched tapestries illustrating the pack's history. Pausing at the door in the center, its weathered wood whispering tales of past meetings and consequential decisions, my heart raced as I gave a gentle knock, the sound mingling with the rustling leaves outside. "Come in," Alpha Ace's harsh Alpha tone resonated from within, causing me to flinch with fear. Alpha Ace’s Alpha tone always affected me, sometimes making me stumble. Summoning my courage, I cautiously opened the door, careful not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. The Alpha's office boasted sturdy wooden furniture embellished with carvings of the pack's emblem. Sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the lush greenery outside. Stepping inside, I averted my gaze from Alpha Ace's intense stare. "I have your lunch, Alpha Ace," I murmured softly, my voice barely audible as I approached him, taking in the room's rustic charm. Alpha Ace was undoubtedly handsome, yet my presence seemed to agitate him. I couldn't fathom why being in my proximity put him in such a foul mood. "Well, what are you waiting for? Set it down," Alpha Ace growled in an exasperated tone, his voice reverberating off the walls with a hint of weariness. Despite his brusque and challenging demeanor, there was an undeniable magnetism to his commanding presence. Despite his rude behavior, I found myself strangely drawn to him. "Yes, Alpha Ace," I replied, my voice trembling slightly as I carefully placed the tray on a nearby wooden table. "Do you need anything else, Alpha Ace?" I asked cautiously, my gaze avoiding his piercing eyes. "No, leave so I can get some work done," Alpha Ace replied sternly. The mere presence of Alpha Ace always made me feel small and insignificant. This time, at least, I hadn't made any mistakes. With a sense of relief washing over me, I turned and hurried out of his office, closing the door behind me and leaving behind the imposing aura of the Alpha. As I made my way back through the hallways of the pack house, the echoes of my footsteps mingled with the distant sounds of the forest outside. The familiar surroundings offered comfort after the tense encounter with Alpha Ace. Heading towards the bustling community room, where I was to work alongside Gloria, I felt gratitude for her kind and respectful demeanor. Unlike some other pack members, Gloria always treated me with dignity. "Ava, as usual, they've left a mess in here. I can't stand those high-ranking pack members. I have to rush off to my second job. Is there any chance you could cover for me again if we get overwhelmed so I can leave at 4:30?" Gloria's voice was filled with frustration and weariness as she made her plea. "Of course," I replied with a warm smile, willing to assist and take on the extra work. It was a welcome distraction from the monotony of my daily tasks. Gloria's raven-black hair cascaded like a midnight waterfall, framing her face with a captivating allure. Her deep, soulful eyes sparkled with intelligence and resilience, hinting at a strength within her. Despite the exhaustion evident in her features, there was a warmth and kindness that shone through. Curiosity tugged at me, and I couldn't resist asking, "Why do you have a second job, Gloria? Is everything alright?" Gloria shrugged, her eyes filled with determination. "I'm hoping to save up for university. I didn't study hard enough to secure a scholarship, and the income here isn't enough. But I make good money at The Masked Wolf," Gloria explained, the uncertainty in her voice tinged with a glimmer of hope. "The Masked Wolf? What's that?" I asked, my interest piqued. If Gloria could earn extra money, maybe I could do the same and alleviate the burden of my parents' debt sooner. A mischievous smile played on Gloria's lips as she twirled a lock of her long black hair. "It's a unique bar located in the neutral pack lands. If you're interested, we need another server there," Gloria revealed, her eyes gleaming excitedly. My heart leaped with anticipation. I would do anything to pay off my debt faster. "Yes! I would love to try it," I exclaimed, envisioning the possibility of working at the Masked Wolf and finally having the means to pay off my parents' debt and shed the shame that had plagued me for so long. "Alright, we both need to hustle and clean up quickly if we want to make it out of here by 4:30," Gloria stated, giving me a playful wink as we prepared to tackle the task. We hurriedly set to work, cleaning the chaotic mess in the community room. The remnants of last night's party were scattered everywhere, and we swiftly cleared away the debris, restoring order to the space. As we entered the dining room, Gloria couldn't hide her amazement. "How do you manage to finish everything so quickly?" Gloria asked, marveling at my efficiency. A hint of sadness crossed my eyes as I recalled my past. "I've been working here since I was 10. What about you? Why do you choose to work here?" I responded quietly, memories of starting as a young maid. Gloria's eyes softened with understanding. "Oh, I completely forgot. It's a stable job that allows me to save money faster. Well, let's roll up our sleeves and tackle this dining room," Gloria said, her gaze shifting to the chaos that lay before us. The dining table was now a chaotic mess, with broken plates and spilled food adorning its once-pristine surface. Chairs were scattered haphazardly around the room, adding to the disarray. Together, we set out to restore the room to its former state of elegance. "Let's head to my apartment," Gloria suggested as we finished our task. Gloria took hold of my hand and led me outside to her car. Arriving at Gloria’s apartment, a sense of awe washed over me as I watched her unlock the door and survey her personal space. As Gloria meticulously sifted through her assortment of clothes, her fingertips gliding gracefully over each hanger, a wave of gratitude enveloped me. I had never experienced such genuine kindness from a friend before. With a triumphant smile, Gloria retrieved a fashionable ensemble she believed would suit me perfectly. Handing it to me with confidence, Gloria declared, "I am certain this will make you look absolutely stunning. Trust me, you'll own it!" With heartfelt appreciation, I graciously accepted the outfit, eager to shed my worn-out clothing. Gloria's infectious enthusiasm continued to bubble over, her excitement palpable as she joyfully assisted me. "And don't you worry," Gloria reassured, her nimble fingers tapping on her phone screen. "I'll text Bart right away, informing him of your interest in the job and highlighting your remarkable appearance. He won't be able to resist hiring you!" Gloria’s words filled me with both anticipation and unease. Did her boss have any knowledge of my debts to the pack? Would he reject me upon discovering my true identity?