Alpha Temptations

04 | To The Camp

"Please, at least be of great use to my son, Maya," Luna Therese said, flashing a sarcastic smile before heaving a sigh.

She called me into their room to talk about the things I will do when I arrive at the camp. If I were to summarize it, I just have to be Hunter's slave; follow his orders, and never complain. Well, she could have worded it that way because I'll get it faster rather than giving me a list of dos and don'ts.

"That way, you can repay the favor you owe us for saving your life," she added.

I wanted to roll my eyes at her and tell her that the only savior I acknowledge is Alpha Lancer and no one else, but of course, I had to play the nice, little girl for I don't want to get on her nerves right now because she might change her mind, knowing how unstable her decisions are.

"I will, Luna Therese," I assured her and faked a smile. But I don't really plan on doing everything she told me to. I will serve her son but not to the extent of becoming his slave. My service is my way of thanking him and his mum for giving me a chance to breathe from this intoxicating pack.

"Good. Now, go and pack your bag."

I just gave her a nod before I went out. And just right after stepping out of their room, I bumped into Hunter who was just about to enter his mother's room. He is still in his pajamas.

He ran his fingers to fix his messy hair before looking at me while yawning. "Good morning, slave," he teased but I just passed through him, ignoring his remarks.

I can't have him ruin my day. Today is one of the best days of my life. Finally, it's just hours before I leave this goddàmn pack!

I wanted to say goodbye to Alpha Lancer but he's out doing his duties. I don't know when he'll be back, but when that happens, we're already in the camp.

I couldn't stop myself from grinning in excitement. But I tried my best to hide it. I don't want Luna Therese to find out that she made a terrible mistake; that she failed to make my life miserable.

I went to the attic to check my things. I don't really have so much to bring since I only own a few pair of clothes so I was able to fit them all in a single backpack. I don't have to worry about other stuff since it will be provided by the institution. And if ever we need something more, I know Hunter will just buy it. His momma would never let her dear son face any inconvenience during his training camp.

After making sure I brought everything I need, I went down to check on Hunter. My service starts today so I should go and serve my master. I knocked on his door and waited for him to respond but I got none after a few seconds. I tried knocking again but got no response at all.

"I'm coming in!" I announced, opening the door.

I was welcomed by a messy, untidy room. His room reeks of his annoying scent. His clothes were everywhere. I don't even know what's new and what needs to be washed!

How can I expect this bàstard to manage the pack when he can't even organize his room?

I aggressively puffed some air before shaking my head. "He's hopeless," I murmured, picking up his clothes. I grimaced when I accidentally picked up a used underwear. I felt a surge of disgust all over my body as I threw it away.

Shaking my whole body, I continued picking up his clothes. I need to make sure that he brings everything he needs or else the blame will be put on me.

I am almost done picking up his clothes when I heard the clicking sound of the doorknob before the door creaked open and Hunter came out with nothing on but beads of water dripping down his body.

I screamed when I saw something I wasn't supposed to see.

"Look away!" he screamed in panic, gesturing his hand as if he's pushing me away. "Fùck!" he exclaimed as soon as I looked to the other side.

My whole body is shaking. I'm traumatized. I just had a nightmare even though I am wide awake. Oh, how I wish this to be just a dream, but hell, it's not. I saw it! I freaking saw his little wolf!

"What the hell are you doing in my room, you wolfless slave?" he coldly asked, but when I turned around to see him, his face is almost as red as freshly picked tomatoes.

"I came here to help," I responded, trying my best to sound calm and unbothered. I don't want to make things awkward between us, especially now that we have to stick together. "Luna Therese told me to help you check your bag."

"You could have done that later," he said, looking away.

I couldn't stop myself from grinning. Did I just witness the ever-great Hunter lose his might? He couldn't even look at me in the eyes. Is he embarrassed because I saw his little wolf?

"What are you grinning at?" he pointed out, narrowing his eyes at me.

"Nothing. I just remembered a funny memory,” I answered before getting up. “Should I leave the room or stay here while you get changed?” I teased.

“That shouldn't even be a question!" he exclaimed, pointing to the door.

"Right," I said with a teasing grin before going out. And just before I closed the door, I heard him curse under his breath, probably out of embarrassment.

Well, it seems like fate is on my side today. Can this be a sign that something good is waiting for me in the camp?

---

I thought nothing could ruin my day not until the time for us to leave came. We were supposed to use a carriage to go to the camp, but there has been a last-minute change of plans. The warriors who will be escorting us have suggested to just go there in our wolf forms. But how the hell am I supposed to do that when I couldn't shift?

I looked around. Everyone was getting ready yet here I am, frozen on my feet and totally clueless on what to do. When I looked at Luna Therese, the was this hint of satisfaction on her face. "My, my, dear Maya. I forgot you couldn't shift," she said and made sure it was loud enough for everyone to hear. "But that won't be a problem because I am pretty sure one of our brave warriors will surely give you a ride."

The warriors looked at each other and started whispering, pushing the responsibility toward each other. None of them seems to want to carry me on their back.

I was about to tell them that I will just use the carriage alone when Hunter suddenly spoke, "I will carry her."

"Hunter!" Luna Therese reacted. Objection is evident on her face, but she quickly smiled after everyone looked at her. "Son, you are the future alpha of this pack. Let the warriors handle it."

"Luna Therese is right, Hunter. You can't carry that wolfless girl or else you'll get cursed, too!" Karen exclaimed and the others started to agree with her.

I clenched my hands and bit my lower lip. This. This is the main reason why I wanted to leave so bad; why I am even willing to be Hunter's slave just so I could escape this goddàmn pack!

"Enough!" Hunter's voice sounded like a roaring thunder, silencing everyone. He sounded like his father. His voice was overflowing with authority. Just this once, I acknowledge him as the next alpha of the pack.

"We are wasting time here," he said, finally calmed down. "Just like you said, Mother, I am the next alpha of this pack. So I should embody my father's ideal—to see every member of this pack equally," he added, looking at me. "Let the warriors carry our bags," he instructed before he shifted to his wolf.

He shares the same color as his father's wolf— obsidian. And when the others shifted to their wolves, I got the chance to compare Hunter's wolf to them. His wolf is way bigger and taller.

"No! No! Please don't let that cursed one get on your back, Alpha Hunter!" Karen exclaimed, putting up her drama again.

I don't know what got into me but I gave smirked at her and show her how I went on top of his beloved Hunter.

"You!" She's gone hysterical so her minions consoled her.

And when I looked in Luna Therese's direction, displease was written all over her face. She surely didn't like how things turned out, but she couldn't do anything because it was her beloved son's decision after all.

Hunter's wolf let out a loud howl before he started to move. Our escorts then started leading the way.

I looked behind to see their reaction. And as the distance between us grows bigger and bigger, I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I can feel it. I can sense my freedom getting closer to me.

---

The Central Region is miles away from our pack. It usually takes at least three days for us to get there using a carriage. But with their wolf forms, it would probably take us more or less than a day.

However, since we left the packhouse at dusk, we have to spend the night in the woods and resume traveling at dawn so we could reach our destination before sunset.

"You can come out now," I heard Hunter say.

They had me hiding behind a tree so I wouldn't see them butt nàked as they shift back to their human form. As if I would enjoy watching them. It's more like a torture; a poison in my eyes.

I rolled my eyes before coming out. "I suggest you avoid tearing up your clothes, Hunter. You can just remove them before you shift," I told him as I sit near the bonfire to warm myself.

"You are in no position to tell me what to do, wolfless," he responded before approaching me. "Don't get còcky just because I defended you in front of the pack earlier. It was just for show."

I just gave him a nod and didn't bother responding at all. Was he really expecting me to think that he shielded me from those asshòles? As if I don't know him. I basically grew up with him. I know him more than anyone else. Taking my side is the last thing he would ever do. He hates me just like how her mother despises me, and I don't think that would ever change.