Chapter 7

From Alessia's POV

I was filled with dread as I walked back to the packhouse with Jackie. I wanted to crawl into the earth's core rather than going back. The thought of having to serve Jared or anyone else made my skin crawl.

After losing my wolf, I no longer healed as fast. I had been ordered to take antibiotics and pain medication. The medicine made me tired, but since I was going to be working, I didn't take anything. The pain I felt from being kicked and beaten was unbearable.

As I walked into the packhouse, I heard the sounds of laughter coming from the living room. Jackie and I quietly made our way to the kitchen. The eerie familiarity set in as I stepped inside and stood in the spot where Jared had rejected me.

I felt a cold chill run down my spine as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Are you alright?" Jackie asked.

"Yeah, I'm just a bit tired, that's all," I replied as I headed toward the pantry and grabbed an apron.

As much as I didn't want to be here, I decided to put on a brave face and get the night over with. Jackie grabbed the other apron, and after putting it on, she grabbed the tray of appetizers and walked out to the living room. I followed her with a pitcher of tea and a few glasses filled with water.

"Well, Beta Dominic and Beta Jonathan, thank you for joining us today. Although it is such a shame that neither Alpha Hector nor Alpha Daunte could make it tonight," Alpha Markus said.

"Yes, well, as you know, Alpha Hector and Luna Maliyla are very busy with the twins and running the business, so they wanted me to personally tell you that we should set up a meeting at a later time," said a man with black hair and gray eyes. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, and I could tell he was mated because of the mate's mark on the small of his neck.

"Very well, after dinner, we can go over a few dates and make arrangements," Alpha Markus said, then turned to the other man. There was something about that man that drew me in. For whatever reason, I felt like I could trust him.

"What about Alpha Daunte?" Alpha Markus asked.

"Alpha Daunte said he will come in due time. Currently, he cannot come, which is why he sent me instead. I speak for both Jonathan and me when I say that Hector and Daunte trust that we make the best decisions regarding Benatti Industries," Beta Dominic replied.

Alpha Markus nodded in understanding just as I approached them and handed them a glass of water each. Suddenly, Jared's voice made me jump, and I dropped the tray, spilling water and tea everywhere.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? Are you stupid?" Luna Helen shouted at me as she stood to her feet.

"I-I'm sorry, Luna," I mumbled as I dropped to the ground and began to pick up the shattered glass.

"Be careful," I heard a voice say as they tapped my shoulder.

I glanced back and saw that it was Beta Dominic. I smiled slightly when suddenly I noticed Jared standing behind him, glaring at me. I turned my gaze back to the ground and began to pick up the broken glass.

"You realize this will come out of your pay? That was my mother's finest china that you destroyed," Luna Helen said, adding, "Beta Dominic, please stand. You should not be down there with the help. That's her job."

A growl emanated from Beta Dominic. "You should treat your employees a hell of a lot better than this. Clearly, this was an accident, and you yelled at this poor girl as if she had murdered someone," Beta Dominic replied.

"I fail to understand why this omega, who isn't even a member of this pack, is of any concern to you"? Jared growled.

"I speak for Crystal Blood and Onyx Fang when I say that we will not tolerate anyone disrespecting another wolf, regardless of rank. If this is going to be an ongoing problem, then we will cut ties now. As far as her not being a pack member, Daunte will want an explanation as to why. We have a strict policy against having rogues as servants," Beta Dominic replied.

Everyone was silent. I felt a cold chill run through the room as I stood to my feet and turned to walk out.

"Miss," Beta Dominic called out to me. I froze in place as I heard his footsteps as he approached me.

"Miss, please tell me why you are not a pack member?" Beta Dominic asked.

I wanted to respond, but Jared's glaring eye bore straight through me. I knew if I responded, I would never see the end of it. However, if I didn't answer, the consequences would be the same.

"Miss?" Beta Dominic said.

"I-I'm sorry, umm, my parents died in a car accident. Luna Helen and Alpha Markus took me in," I replied. I didn't want to tell him anything else. I knew I would face their wrath no matter what I said.

"And your name?" Beta Dominic asked. His eyes held concern and kindness, something I had not seen from anyone else but Jackie in many years.

"Alessia," I replied.

He smiled and nodded at me, then extended his hand to me. "Alessia, nice to meet you. I am Dominic Beta of the Onyx Fang Pack," he said.

I shook his hand and returned the smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Dominic," I said.

He nodded and released my hand.

"Alessia, you may go," Alpha Markus said, his voice cold.

Nodding, I headed straight for the kitchen, taking a deep breath once I was alone. After throwing away the broken glasses and hanging up the apron, I made a beeline for the back door and headed back to the western side of the pack.

It was a cold night. There were no lights in the area where I was going. As I walked down the dirt path, I felt like someone was watching me, which sent a cold chill down my spine. Refusing to look back, I walked faster to the house. Once I arrived, I quickly opened the door and closed it just as fast.

I quickly locked the door and peered out the window. I was relieved to see that no one was outside. I didn't want to be here by myself. I took a few deep breaths and prepared to spend the night alone.

The only light was that of the candles that I had left on before heading to the packhouse. I took a deep breath and looked around the room. I was relieved to find that I was all alone. I lit some more candles and tried to settle in for the night. I could feel the anxiety in the air. I was so scared, but I knew I had to stay strong. I slowly drifted to sleep, hoping the morning light would bring some peace.