Autumn
I feel like a forsaken leader, adrift from the pack I once guided, consumed by a sense of desolation... of abject misery.
"How I wish I could help you," Edith whispered, evoking a pang of guilt as I trudged along the path, my hands entwined, feeling utterly powerless.
"As long as you stand by my side," I murmured, raking my fingers through my disheveled locks, gripped by a gnawing hunger and an overwhelming sense of bewilderment.
Edith's inability to aid me is disheartening. I'm struggling to shift into my wolf form, and the reason eludes me completely. I feel utterly powerless, questioning whether Andrew and his pack truly accepted me. Despite Andrew's father's efforts to break the seal, it remains intact.
"I'm truly sorry, Autumn," Edith's voice falters, her pain palpable. "Andrew may be a chosen mate, but I believe our true mate is still out there," she adds, prompting me to gaze up at the sky, pondering her words.
"Let's not dwell on it," I exhale deeply. "I need to secure employment, or risk becoming a rogue, posing a threat in the werewolf community," I explain, my sense of self wavering.
"You're absolutely right," she concurs.
As I entered the quiet apartment complex, I noticed the lack of activity and residents. Suddenly, an older woman with white hair emerged, carrying a trash bag.
"Are you looking for a place, young lady?" she asked, her tone harsh and aggressive, lacking any warmth.
"Oh, um-"
"Only $500 a month, including utilities," she interjected briskly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "That'll be $1000 upfront. And don't worry, there's a TV to keep you entertained since you'll be on your own. Take your pick from any available room."
Her abruptness sent a shiver down my spine. It was too expensive...
I knew I could afford it easily if Andrew had left me the credit card, but I was exiled from the pack.
"Is there any room for negotiation? I'm planning to apply for a job," I offered politely, mustering a smile, though I couldn't help but bite my lip nervously. She remained silent.
"I can assure-"
"Don't you already have a job? Or a pack, a family?" she interrupted, her gaze scanning my body as if she were scrutinizing my entire life.
"Oh..." I trailed off, a pregnant pause hanging in the air. "It's... it's complicated-"
"You're not welcome here," she declared, setting down the trash bag and turning away from me. "You can return only after securing a job."
"Wait, please!" I pleaded, but my words fell on deaf ears as she slammed the door shut, leaving me alone outside.
"Damn it. I can't give up..." I muttered to myself, determination flickering in my heart.
Having encountered rejections from numerous hotels, all citing my reluctance to divulge my background, I eventually found myself standing in the opulent lobby of a prestigious five-star establishment.
I scanned the notice board and my eyes alighted on a vacancy for hotel cleaners. I could feel the hopes up, I made my way over to the woman stationed behind the counter, hopeful that this opportunity would finally provide me with the job and stability I so desperately sought.
"I'm interested," I stated, though the woman behind the counter regarded me with a hint of confusion.
"With the job!" I clarified hastily.
"Ah, I see. My manager has been searching for someone diligently," she replied, her words made me feel a sense of calm and hope within me. "Please, give me a minute," she added before stepping away.
As I stood there, taking in the luxurious surroundings of the hotel, it dawned on me that only the wealthy could truly afford to stay in such opulent accommodations. The occasional guest checking out only served to reinforce this realization, as everything within the establishment exuded an air of extravagance.
"Are you the one seeking employment?" The manager's inquiry pulled me from my thoughts. She was a woman with brown hair, her scrutinizing gaze making me feel as though she were already forming judgments about me.
"Y-Yes," I stammered nervously, but she cut me off before I could finish.
"There's no need to stutter. We have many applicants vying for positions here. Do you have a resume?" she asked bluntly, her tone leaving no room for hesitation. "I want to know-"
"I have extensive experience managing large spaces. I come from a... a unique background," I paused, unsure of how to proceed. "I used to lead in a pack. I'm adept at communication and can demonstrate my cleaning skills," I mumbled, uncertain of how my words would be received.
As the manager's disinterest became increasingly apparent, I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach.
I desperately said, "I really need this job. I know you may not believe me, but right now... I desperately need some money to buy a meal. Perhaps you could give me a chance-"
"Okay," she interrupted, her hand coming to rest on her chest.
"Really?" I couldn't hide my surprise.
"You'll have your first task today," she murmured, finally acknowledging me. "You'll be delivering personal items to a guest room."
"I can do that!" I exclaimed, my hunger momentarily forgotten in my relief.
"I'll be observing your performance. You know how important guest reviews are," she remarked briskly. "Once you've completed the task, you'll receive your p*****t for today's meal," she added, leaving me slightly stunned.
"Okay, sure! I won't let you down," I assured her, but she didn't seem to react as she walked away, leaving me with the woman at the counter whose gaze was fixed on the box before us.
"I'm not sure if you know how to handle this-" she began.
"I've been in plenty of hotels before. I'm confident I can manage," I interjected without hesitation, grabbing the first box in line.
I go through the hotel corridors with confidence borne from past experiences, I located the designated room, 628, on the second floor. However, upon reaching the door, my gaze inadvertently fell upon the box I was carrying, revealing its unexpected contents- numerous condoms.
Oh dear...
I had to myself that such items were commonplace in hotels, I politely knocked on the door and waited for a response. Before I could knock again, the door swung open, revealing a figure that left me utterly shocked.
My eyes widened in surprise at the sight before me. The man standing there was topless, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, showcasing an undeniably impressive physique. Slowly, my gaze lifted to his face, and I found myself captivated by his striking features- blond hair, piercing green eyes, simply perfect.
He held my gaze, and it dawned on me that he was Ethan, the Alpha of The Crimson Pack, whom I had encountered at the banquet.
"Please don't remember me..." I silently pleaded in my mind, hoping to remain inconspicuous in his memory.