Chapter 4 Birthday Party

I woke up to my alarm groggily and dragged myself into the shower. Today was Audrey's birthday party and wolves from all over the world would be visiting. They were mainly to be males as it allowed them to find their mates; many hoping that alpha blood Audrey was one of them.

I dried myself with my towel and pushed my damp hair so it flowed down my back. I passed a mirror on my way to the toilet and grimaced at what I saw.

My eye had swelled, and a burning hot pain seared through my jaw. Small and large scabbed scratches lined my arms and chest, my jumper torn and ragged on my shoulders. This was one of the worst ones they had given me. Ruth never touched me. It would hurt her precious Luna reputation if she did. But her friends seemed to relish in the blood lust. Their wolves enjoyed taking the frustration out on me.

I had ten minutes to cover up the black eye I was sporting and the various scratches on my face. The make-up did its trick, a habitually patterned effort for bruises. They usually avoided my face in fear of being caught, but many times, their wolf reacted instead. I was lucky to even have some make-up thanks to my mum.

Five-thirty AM sharp. I bust my ass in the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Today we had to not only make breakfast and dinner but also prepare food for tonight's party. Also, to make sure glasses were polished and ice was ready for the alcohol buckets.

Thankfully, that side of the party was the bar preparation tasks. I was just on kitchen duty as per normal and may be on server duty. Alpha often had me with hospitality, carrying glasses of champagne. Thankfully, most wolves went to the bar for the harder drinks, liking vodka or whiskey, so I was usually not busy.

Breakfast came and went and we prepared a large feast of salads, pasta, loaded fries, chicken and sausages. My mum was the head chef today, so it was easy. The kitchen had a multitude of ovens, grills and hobs to keep up with demand, so it was no surprise there were twelve of us in here. I was mainly on meat prep, something to keep my fingers busy and keep my head down.

Throughout the day, I felt my eye pulsing and a headache growing, knowing it was more than likely because of the trauma. And the fact I refused to eat during the day... But that kept me away from other wolves.

After dinner, we cleaned. I was sweating profusely as my hands cleared the scraps from the plates and I knew my make-up was dripping off. When I touched my skin, it covered my fingers in glittery skin colors. I had to paint it on again once I was done. In the meantime, most people ignored me as I cleaned and I used my fringe as a curtain.

Thankfully, the dinner service was over and it was just a case of unloading the dishwashers in an hour. It was four PM, and the party started at six-thirty. Right now, I had an hour to redo my face and get my bearings before I had to help unload the dishwasher.

Locking my bedroom door behind me, I sighed in satisfaction. Safe.

Making my way to my en-suite shower room, I turned on the water from the two taps. I was ready for a long sleep. The pain in my head was throbbing, but I had no time for that. I downed a couple of painkillers and washed my face. No point in having a shower when I've got to go back to the kitchen.

After fifteen minutes, I finished re-applying my make-up and smiled in satisfaction. I put on some pale eyeshadow this time, knowing I wouldn't have a moment later before the party.

Just as I was about to go back to the kitchen, there was a rapid knock on my door. Pausing, I chewed on my lip again.

"W-who is it?" I asked.

"Harry."

My eyes widened in panic as my breath got caught in my throat. Why does he want to see me?

"Please, can I have a word?" He asked.

"Uh-uh-I-I'm not decent." I stammered.

"Lydia, let me in." He sighed.

I paused, not knowing what to say.

"Lydia, I want to come in. I need to speak with you." His alpha-tone made me shudder.

No matter if I had not shifted yet, I could not disobey the natural order of hierarchy. Alpha wolves could make weaker wolves submit to them with their voice alone. Much to my dismay, I reluctantly unlocked my door and stepped back.

The knob turned and his looming figure came inside, shutting the door softly behind him. I swallowed nervously as he eyed me up and down.

"Lydia, I am concerned for you. Are you okay?" He asked.

"Y-yes I'm f-fine." I stammered.

I internally cursed myself for my stutter, which I always did when I was around someone I was not comfortable with or under pressure. People loved to make fun of it.

"I can smell your fear." He sighed.

I had no answer, so I wrapped my arms tighter around my elbows. "Thank you for the concern, Alpha."

"Please, I am your friend, Lydia. My father loved you as much as his own family when he found you..." He sighed. "Now... I'm uncertain since you were hiding, but you did not look very good downstairs and I-

"I'm fine." I looked away.

"Lydia, what... what are you..." his soft hands brushed the hair away from my face and I grimaced.

I felt him still as a low grumble rose from his chest. "Why all the make-up?"

"I-I can't-

"Lydia, why is your eyeball puffy? ...you do not heal, you know that!" He yelled.

His anger startled me; he never snapped at me.

"N-nothing, no-

"Lydia, I know for a fact you do not take part in pack antics, and I know a wall will not cause this much damage. And I know you do not wear make-up all the time. Now tell me what is going on. That is all I ask." He crossed his arms, muttering.

"I just wanted to wear make-up for t-tonight. I won't have t-t-time... later." I lied.