01

Athena

I groaned as I rolled over to shut my alarm clock off.

« Another day, another beating. » I mumbled to myself as I carefully got out of bed.

My body cringed as I felt a sharp pain in my right side. I slowly lifted up my tank top and sighed as I saw the giant bruise. It was already starting to heal thanks to me being a werewolf. It does have its advantages sometimes.

« Let’s move it ! I know you’re awake ! » I heard Alpha Rick’s voice over the intercom.

I looked at the white plastic box that hung on my wall. I so desperately wanted to tear it off the wall but I know I would get into big trouble if I pulled that little stunt.

I walked over and pressed the small, red button. « I’m coming Alpha. »

After changing my clothes and putting my long, wavy brownish hair up, I tiptoed down the stairs making sure I didn’t make any loud noises. It’s still pretty early so that means a lot of the pack members are still sleeping.

« About time you got down here. » One of the older maids sneered at me.

« I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. » I replied as I grabbed an apron.

« It better not. Now go over there and help with the eggs. »

« Yes, ma’am. » I bowed as I hurried by the stove.

I’m lower than the maids. That’s how much my pack hates me. And I’m not making fun of maids, but I mean these ones are quite bitchy to me.

I don’t even know what I did ? I guess being born was all it took to be the pack’s punching bag. Or maybe they have something against orphans ? Who knows really ? I’ve never asked and I never will. That’ll just give them another reason to beat me and quite frankly, they don’t need any more reasons.

But after three hours, breakfast was finally done. I smiled to myself because that meant dishes. Washing dishes was the only time that I was left alone. I mean, I still had the occasional name calling and members throwing their dishes in the sink. But other than that, I was left alone. The other maids thought that it was too degrading, so I gladly took the job. But I really don’t understand how, because isn’t that part of their job ?

I shrugged my shoulders at my own thought and got to work.

‘Just think.’ My wolf, Artemis, said suddenly. ‘Tomorrow is your birthday.’

‘I’m so excited !’ I chipped excitedly. ‘Maybe I’ll be one of the lucky ones and run into their mate exactly on their birthday.’

‘Just don’t get your hopes up, sweetie.’ She said softly. ‘I know you want to get out of here, hell I do too. But the odds of meeting your mate on your birthday are very slim.’

‘I know.’ I sighed as I picked up the sponge and a bowl. ‘I just want to have a little faith.’

‘I understand.’ Artemis replied. ‘It’s good to hold onto faith. It’s the only thing we have besides each other.’

I nodded. I remember when I first shifted on my 16th birthday. Artemis is beautiful. My pack made fun of me because they thought my wolf looked stupid.

Artemis gave a humorless laugh as if reading my thoughts. ‘I remember that day too.’

‘Don’t listen to them. You are gorgeous. And I’m not just saying that because you are a part of me.’ And I meant it, she really is. She is a pure white wolf with a gold moon in the middle of her forehead.

Artemis giggled. ‘Thank you. And besides, I know I’m hot. They’re just jealous.’

I had to cough so I wouldn’t accidentally let out a laugh.

‘Stop !’ I laughed. ‘You’re going to get me into trouble.’

« What are you smiling about ? » Megan sneered.

I had to resist rolling my eyes. Ever since her and Alpha Rick started dating a couple months ago, she thinks she’s all that.

« Nothing Megan. » I mumbled.

She smirked at me. « It’s Luna to you. »

I bit my lip hard to stop myself from talking back and just nodded my head instead.

She dropped her plate into the sink that was filled with water, which in turn caused the water to splash upward directly into my face.

A small tear ran down my cheek as she turned and walked away laughing.

‘It’s going to be okay babes.’ Artemis softly spoke. ‘Just a little bit longer. Okay ?’

‘Yeah. Okay.’ I sighed as I continued to wash the dishes.

Maybe I really am worthless. I mean that’s how everyone here treats me. Maybe it’s true.

‘Athena !’ Artemis yelled causing me to jump and almost drop the sponge on the floor. I quickly looked around and sighed in relief when I saw that I was alone.

‘Don’t scare me like that !’ I yelled back.

‘I’m sorry but you can’t be thinking like that. You are not worthless ! You are amazing and they just don’t know it yet.’

‘Could have fooled me.’ I said as I rolled my eyes.

‘Don’t roll your eyes at me. Because I can do the exact same thing.’ She sassed at me.

‘Okay okay, I’m sorry. I’m just having a bad time right now.’

‘I know, but it’ll get better.’ She reassured. ‘Just have faith and don’t let go of it. Everything is going to fall exactly into place. You’ll see.’

‘Yeah ? When ?’ I scoffed in disbelief.

‘I-I don’t know.’ She sighed defeated. ‘I’m just trying to help.’

Great. Good job Athena. Way to make your only friend feel bad about trying to cheer you up. Idiot.

‘I’m sorry Artemis.’ I mumbled to her and I placed the bowl on the drying mat.

‘You should really stop apologizing.’ She laughed. ‘You’ve been doing that a lot.’

‘Right. Sorry.’ I replied, but then shook my head with a smile as I just realized what I said.

‘Like I said. You’ve been doing that a lot lately.’ She laughed, but the turned serious. ‘The alpha is coming. I can feel him.’

I put my usual blank face on and quickly picked up the last bowl that was in the sink.

« Athena. Are you almost done yet ? » He asked with an exaggerated sigh as he checked his apple watch.

« A-almost Alpha. » I answered nervously.