Chapter 3 Find The Guarda

Chapter 3– Find The Guards

LENA>>>

I laughed. I don't know why. Maybe because it all sounded like a joke.

"What's funny?" My adopted father asked.

"Everything," I said, still smiling. "You really think I'm replacing Melinda? Becoming a slave? That's not happening."

"I know that you all are pulling my legs."

But no one else was smiling.

That's when I knew I was screwed.

My smile vanished. I dropped to my knees. "Please," I cried. "Don't send me there. I'll be good, I promise-"

"Too late," my stepmother cut in. "Your fate is sealed."

I broke down completely.

"I heard that anyone who goes working as the pack's slave never survive it."

"I could get killed," I begged. "You don't even care?"

She smirked. "That'd be a bonus."

That hit me like a slap. She hated me that much?

I wiped my tears and stood. "I'm not going," I said.

I turned to leave, but she grabbed me and slammed me to the ground.

"LET ME GO!" I screamed.

"You're not going anywhere," she hissed. "I'll chain you here if I have to."

I thrashed. Cried. Melinda came and grabbed my arm.

"Lena, don't forget what you promised me," she said. "You said you'd do anything for me!"

"I said I'd help you," I snapped, "not die for you!"

She shrugged. "Too bad. You signed the deal."

I screamed, but it was useless. They dragged me to my room and locked the door.

I banged and kicked and begged. No one answered. There were no windows. No escape.

I slid to the floor and cried harder than I ever had in my life.

Pain. That's all I felt.

They were sending me to die, and they didn't even care.

I stayed there all night, eyes wide open, waiting for a chance to escape the moment the door opened.

But my body was sore. My head was pounding. I was barely hanging on.

Then-a knock.

I jumped to my feet, ready to bolt. The door creaked open, and there they were. My stepmother. My stepfather. Melinda.

I tried to run.

They caught me.

"Did you really think we wouldn't expect this?" my stepfather asked.

I didn't reply. I just let the tears fall.

"The guards are waiting," he said. "Time to go to the pack."

I stared at them, hate burning in my chest. "I hate you," I whispered.

They smiled.

Two guards came in and grabbed me. No kindness. .

Melinda leaned in with a fake smile. "Be safe, Naomi. I'll come visit the Alpha soon... and I'll make your life hell when I do."

I sobbed. "At least let me take a bath."

"Slaves don't need to bathe," she said coldly.

My Stepmother's voice followed me as I was dragged away. "Don't worry about your clothes. I'll throw them out. No one wants them anyway."

She laughed like it was funny.

The front door opened. A black car.

They pointed, and I got in without a word.

I sat in the back, tears running nonstop. I wiped my nose with the back of my hand, embarrassed. I couldn't help it.

One guard finally spoke. "Save your strength. You'll need it."

His voice made it worse. What could be waiting for me that was worse than this?

The drive lasted forever. Trees passed. The world blurred. I felt nothing.

Then... we stopped.

We were here.

They led me inside.

Finally, a door.

"This is your room," one said, throwing rough clothes on the bed. "Get dressed. You have five minutes. The Alpha is expecting you."

Then they left.

The room was tiny. One bed. A cracked mirror. A sink. That was it.

I picked up the uniform. It smelled like bleach.. I changed slowly, staring at my reflection.

Who was this girl?

She looked hollow. Like someone already gone.

I walked to the door-then froze.

I didn't even know where the Alpha's room was.

Panic hit me. I was already failing.

"I'm doomed," I whispered, pressing my hand to my head.

Still, I stepped out.

I wandered through long stone halls, hoping I'd figure it out. But where was I going to start from when I didn't even know where I am going to?.

My hands shook as I ran them along the walls, searching.

Then-I saw it.

A massive door. Dark wood. Gold handles. A wolf emblem carved in the center.

This had to be it.

My heart pounded as I reached for the handle. I didn't knock. I just opened it.

And froze.

I was staring at a man's naked back. Wide shoulders. Muscles. Skin that looked too perfect to be real.

And then-his butt.

I blinked.

Then again.

Oh. My. Moon Goddess.

"Ohhh... shit," I whispered, slapping my hand over my mouth.

He turned sharply.

I didn't even see his full face before he spoke.

"So... you're the one sneaking in to watch me get naked?"

I couldn't say anything as I was so stunned to speak.

"Answer me!!" he barked. The sound of it made my knees wobble.

I gasped, bowed my head instantly and started shaking.

"No-no, sir, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to come in here," I stammered, my words tumbling over each other in fear. "I wasn't the one who always comes in to watch you. I just arrived today, I swear. I've never even been to this side of the pack before now."

I kept my eyes on the floor, afraid to look at him again. My heart was pounding in my chest so hard I thought it would explode.

"And I'm supposed to believe that?" he asked, his voice low and deadly.

His tone wasn't just angry-it was filled with disgust . If voices could kill, I'd already be dead ten times over.

I swallowed hard. My whole body was shaking. My legs felt weak, like I could fall at any second.

"I swear on my life, sir," I whispered quickly. "This is my first time here. If you want, I can call the guards who brought me here. They'll tell you. Please, let them explain. They can confirm I just got here today."

I was babbling now-panicked, scared out of my mind.

My palms were sweaty. My throat was dry. The back of my neck was already soaked with sweat.

"Just started, Lena. You just started this job, and look at you." I screamed silently in my head. "Already in trouble with the Alpha-or whoever this man is. What is wrong with you?"

I didn't even know who he was. The Alpha? His friend ? A warrior? He was obviously important-and dangerous. And I was just a stupid girl who didn't knock.

"So you think dragging some guard over here will magically convince me?" he said sharply

"Y-yes, sir," I whispered. "I just want you to know I'm telling the truth. Please... the guards wouldn't lie. You'll see. I can go bring them here now."

I was trying not to cry, but the sting was already there. My eyes were burning, and my throat felt tight. I had barely gotten here, and the whole world already felt like it was crashing down on me.

Why is my life like this? Why is everything always against me?

If only I had knocked. Just one knock. One small knock. I wouldn't be in this mess.

He went quiet for a moment, and I didn't dare move or breathe.

Then he spoke again, and this time his tone had changed.

"Fine. Since you're so sure of yourself..." he said. "Go. Go outside and find the guards that brought you here today."