Chapter 10 Her friend, Perry
NIA’S POV I looked around the path again to be sure no creepy individual was coming behind me. I don’t know what I was thinking before making my way here. One thing was sure, though. I want to meet Perry again. Her presence would probably give me the strength to keep pushing through the hurdle of living here. My eyes darted back to the fresh cut on my upper arm. One of the kitchen maids tested her throwing ability today while cutting out the vegetables. I got slashed by the knife where I was innocently washing up the dishes. I couldn’t do anything as I bled; nobody came to my rescue. Instead, they kept laughing at me, calling me weak. For days now, I have been trying to reach Kingston, but to no avail. I’m starting to think he abandoned me. But then, I reminded myself of all the good things he has done for me. He even risked getting disowned by his parents to find me. Probably, he is too busy or lost his phone. Also, whenever I try to ask Darien if he heard from my brother, he shuns me like we have never met. I guess he dreads being seen with me so much. I am hoping Perry wouldn’t mind being my friend; at least she helped me from the very first day we met. I like to believe that I am pretty popular in the packhouse. Full wolves can fish me out with their ability to pick my scent. But that didn’t matter to her when she offered a helping hand. If Penelope had seen someone trying to take advantage of me, she undoubtedly would have supported him. Standing in front of the abandoned building, it sure looks like a place with many memories. I thought for a moment why it was left devoid of any life. It looked like a place that once had a bubbling life to it. But on second thought, it’s the right place for someone like Perry to stay in and smoke her blunt in peace. A small smile appeared on my face as I entered the reception. I froze at the person standing in the middle of the reception with his head hanging loosely. Hearing my footsteps, he turned around, and my heart jumped to the pit of my belly, realizing who it was. His face morphed into a vicious one. “What are you doing here? Are you following me? What did I tell you about showing your ugly face to me?” Alpha Gael bellowed. The air he emitted from his nose seemed to be blowing me away from the spot. My legs remained glued to the ground, despite how much I cursed at my inner soul to grow wings and fly or, maybe best idea, disappear. But nothing happened, and I was subjected to staring at the ground weakly with a shaky breath. “I… I am-so-sorry, Alpha. I-didn’t-” “Shut the hell up!” He screamed as I stuttered to give him what I thought might be an appropriate response. “The rest of my day is in shambles.” Stomping his foot like a drama queen, he pushed past me and left. The shove was so hard that my body hit the wall. The Alpha sure has some hidden anger issues. Sometimes, I like to think being a half-breed isn’t the problem. These people are just cowards taking their frustration out on me because it may make them feel better. I guess I am helpful after all. My wolf grunted, “Stop fooling yourself. They hate you.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
“Well, thanks for reminding me,” I said out loud, rolling my eyes. “You look beautiful when you roll your eyes.” Someone said behind me, and I jolted. Placing my hand on my racing heart, I gulped in difficulty and relaxed almost immediately at the sight of Perry. “You are here. I thought you weren’t around.” She hummed, walking towards the chair to sit. “Yeah, I had gone on a stroll. Only to return and realize I have many unwanted guests in the house, and for a moment, I thought you both were about to fight for the space. What does the Alpha have against you?” She had an amused look that almost made me believe she knew and was teasing me. I sat on another chair, relaxing my tattered nerves. Giving Perry a suspicious look, I pouted. “Are you saying you are unaware of the story between the Alpha and I? Before I left the hall where he sealed my fate, everyone already knew the story.” Perry shrugged, killing off her smoke on the table next to her. “I don’t go around wasting my time to hear gossip. And if you aren’t interested in telling me, it’s all good. It would be of no use to me anyways.” I waved my hands quickly, “No, that isn’t what I meant. I am a half-breed, bought off by my adoptive parents in a bid to become one of the Alpha’s concubines. But it turned out he has a buried hate against people like me. Everyone in these pack houses has half-breeds allergy.” My voice fell. “And my family, I guess.” She smacked her lips, “It’s not your fault you are a product of true love. These people are just pathetic losers who don’t know how to be happy.” A snort escaped my nose, “including the Alpha?” “Not excluding him.” I laughed softly, “Do you sleep here?” “No, I go home every day. Here is just my safe space. I get to work and be away from the toxic people that surround me.” “What do you do?” “I paint. I am an artist.” That pricked my curiosity, “really? I would love to see your works.” “Alright, come with me.” She said, standing up. Perry walked to the far end of the building, and I followed suit. She opened a door, and it seemed like I had stepped into a world of nature in its raw form. Each board had either the painting of a breathtaking forest or the sea in different forms. The room has a veranda separated from the room by a glass. The veranda oversees the lake, and a mini garden that I am sure must have been Perry’s handwork. I gasped in amazement, “These are beautiful and breathtaking.” She chuckled, showing a bright smile proudly. “I thought so, too.” “I am so jealous of you. I have never been able to decide what I might enjoy doing. I’m either preoccupied with chores or worrying about paying the Alpha off and finally gaining freedom.” “All that you wish for will come to you.” “Thanks for the encouragement. Why here, though? Aside from the fact that no one else uses this place, you get to be alone, but I feel there is more to your stay here.” “You are quite the inquisitive one, aren’t you?” I shrugged, smiling shyly. “It’s just my way of wanting to get close to you. She stared at her wristwatch for a brief second. “I think this is my cue to leave. Let’s meet some others, and maybe I will be free to talk to you then.” “But, you only just got here.” My voice faded when she ran off again. It is the second time it has happened. She didn’t even ask me to leave the room before going. Looking around one last time, I sighed heavily and shut the door behind me on my way out. Coming here wasn’t such a bad idea.