Serving the Cursed Alpha Prince

4

Gina

An uncomfortable silence fell in the room as we eat. The only sound making out was that of the spoon fisting against the plate. And that was from Mrs. Marissa. I was extra careful not to make any sound. It’d look uncomfortable. The food is not that bad. Mashed potatoes sprinkled with sesame seed. I’ve never eaten a combination like that before. When she first set it on the wooden table, I couldn’t help but stared at it weirdly. But after tasting it, it doesn’t seem that bad. “You don’t like it right?” Mrs. Marissa voice disrupted the silence making me to raise my head up to look her.

I forced out a smile. Saying that it’s bad straight to her face wouldn’t be good. “It’s normal” I uttered. What a good way to give an answer Gianna. My she-wolf ushered in my head.

“Liar” I had to blink my eyes rapidly at her words. “Anyone could tell you’re not enjoying the food. Just by the expression on your face. Don’t worry this is not the first time I get such comments on my food”

I didn’t say anything instead dropped the spoon gently by the side. “But trust me, I make delicious food based on the mood. Like any joyous event, a funeral or other stuffs”

Unknowingly, my brows creased up. “Finish up your food and we’ll get to work” Only if she knew I have no appetite to finish up the rest of the food. “I’m okay” I uttered. The look she gave me was that of dissatisfaction.

“Alright then. Help me take them to the kitchen. I will get to them later” I did as told. The kitchen was surprisingly small. Not the way I expected it to be. The living room is bigger that the kitchen. It got me wondering what the room would be like.

“Don’t worry I will give you the tour of the house” Why do I feel like she’s reading my mind. First it was the food, now this. I didn’t dwell much on the matter as she spoke up again.

“Want a cup of tea again?” She asked. That was when I noticed what she was doing. My stomach is already full. “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.

I was still not much convinced with the explanations. Nevertheless, I followed her. We passed through a hallway. Darkness greeted me and I somewhat felt chills down my spine. “That path is where I do my works” She switched on a candle light turning it towards a quite path of the hallway. An old black door came in view.

I was cautious of my surrounding all of a sudden, the air surrounding. The hallway doesn’t look pleasant to me. She took the path towards her left where two door were facing each other. “This is my room” She pointed to the one with black door. I see. Identical the other. “And this will be your room for now” She pointed to the brown one pushing it open. The door made a creak sound as it slid open.

The light were on which got me curious why the hallway doesn’t have light. “Why are the hallway dark though?” I asked.

“That’s because I want them off while I’m working. I work in the dark. This is the only room that has lights on and that is because of my granddaughter”

“You have a granddaughter?” I asked on the accord accessing the room.

“Yes. She works at the town mayor mansion. She comes back home every weekend” I nodded my head in understanding.

“I will introduce her to you tomorrow. That’s where you’d be working too” She cleared up the bed sheets positioning the pillows on their required place.

“Thank you Mrs. Marissa” I realized I’ve not properly thanked her. Most especially for the food.

“Don’t mention girl. Have a rest. We’ll talk tomorrow”

I formed my lips into a thin line. “Alright. Goodnight”

“Goodnight” I watched as she walk her way out that was when I noticed she was whimpering. As soon as I heard the sound of the door closing, I heaved out a sigh. I set my bag pack on the small chest drawer and proceed to sit on the bed. The mattress is quite soft to my liking. Although it can’t compare to mine back at the Mega pack.

Talking of that, I wonder how the people are doing back there. By now Sir Alberet should be back from work. And for Elora she must be having the best day of her life since I’m no longer in the picture.

I heaved out yet another sharp breath as I rested my head on the pillow. My eyes were facing the blank ceiling. No fan. I wanted to check around the room but I’m too tired to do that. I needed the rest. I closed my eyes and allow sleep to engulf me.

**

I unwind my eyes to the rays of sunlight illuminating through my eyes. I used my palms to block it from my view. A yawn escaped me followed by a pain on my neck. It seems I slept with my neck titled. I stretched my neck from left to right and proceeded to get off the bed. I didn’t get to do that when a knock sounded from the door followed by the presence of Mrs. Marissa.

“Good Morning Ma’am” I ushered another yawn escaping me. I managed to lift myself off the bed.

“Morning Gina. Hope you had a great sleep last night”

“Yes. I did”

I marched my way towards her. She was dressed in a new set of outfit.

“Shower first and come out for breakfast”

Wow so fast. “The water is running normally”

“Okay” I formed my lips into a thin line. Now that its morning, I was able to have a clear view of the room. It was moderate room was few things here and there. A book shelve caught my eyes. It has a collection of old books. And that of history. I didn’t waste time to dwell on that remembering Mrs. Marissa is waiting for me.

I changed out of my old dress and went for simpler one. It didn’t reach down to my toes. I wore a leggings underneath to cover my legs. By the time I went out, my nostrils was filled with aroma of what I could labeled as pancake or scrambled egg.

However it wasn’t any of the stated. I was greeted with a bacon and hot dogs. I would have to say, she has a weird cooking taste. I’ve gotten an impression last night. At least bacon wouldn’t sound so weird. I just hope it will taste better than last night.

“I don’t have much foodstuffs in the house. Manage this please” The way she said ‘please’ made me want to have a taste of it. I grabbed the fork resting by the side and took a bite of it.

“I love it” I uttered with a smile. All of a sudden, I casted my head down when my heart swept up with emotions.

“What’s wrong girl? You don’t like the food?”

I shake my head in no. “What’s wrong then?” She asked again.

“I’m not used to getting this treatment. So, it reminded me of that”

“Oh dear. Don’t worry you will enjoy your stay here. So relax and finish up your food so that we’d leave for the mayor’s house” I sunk in a deep breath clearing off the tiny lone tear that escaped out of my eyes.

I finished up the rest of the breakfast and we proceed to embark on our journey to the mayor’s house.

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.

“Why aren’t there people around? I thought you said different people from different places come together” I said accessing the quite surrounding.

“Yes. Now everybody is curled up inside. By day break you will start seeing them around. Remember what I told you about the rules” She ushered.

Sounded weird to me.

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.

What’s the use of the doorbell then? “Why didn’t you use the bell?” I couldn’t help asking.

“They don’t open on time if I press on the bell. It’s better to use a much louder means”

I didn’t get to answer when the gates was being slide open. She’s right.it didn’t take more than three minutes.

“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”

As the woman called Lady Hera turned around, the first thing that catches my eyes was her eyes. We had the same type of eye color. A mismatched eyes.

**

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.

“I see we have the same color of eyes. 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. What’s your name girl?” He asked.

“Gina”

“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. A particular one catch my eyes. One with Chinese character. I might not understand the meaning behind it yet, the aura seems powerful.

“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. But then I didn’t come along with my bag. That means I have to go back to Mrs. Marissa’s house and get them.

“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.

“Gina” 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”

I know all of that. I don’t want to be reminded of my low status. That enough is a drawback to me. Then my eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to trigger something. Have you been shown your bed?” She asked walking around toward the bed that was positioned at the right part of the room. “No”

“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. I don’t hate you. I like your eye color. It’s unique” Okay that was unexpected. I didn’t try to hide my smile. It seems Maria and I will get along quite well.

“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.

“Watch your tongue with me Selena! I won’t go easy with you just because you’re Lady Hera’s cousin” Maria warned pointing at her with her index finger. Selena charged forward nose flaring. “Whatever. You can’t do anything. And you can’t change the fact that I have more privileged than you”

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.

A light silence fell in the room. “I will take the down part” I said after a while. I don’t fancy height. I’m not used to it. Even back at the Mega pack, my mattress is on the floor.

“Alright then. 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.

“Does everyone has a specific time for their work?” I asked as we got out of the gates and embark on our way to Mrs. Marissa house.

“Yes. Some are working part time. While some full time. Like us” I nodded my head in answer.

We walked past people each mind their business. My mind wandered to what Mrs. Marissa said earlier that I will see them during daybreak.

“Why does Lady Hera hire many workers then?” I couldn’t help asking the question that has been bothering me.

“Let’s say it’s in her bloodline. Lady Hera is from a rich family. She’s used to that luxury”

“I heard that some certain places are banned. Why-” I didn’t get to complete my statement when she covered my mouth with her palms.

“Don’t. No one is allowed to talk about it” She whispered her eyes scanning the surrounding. I was left in a more confused state.