Honey Dew

One

I know I'm begging inside / Down in the valley below / Waiting for someone to I know / And I don't, I don't / I don't wanna live just to die / There is a life in this house / Give me something worth the fight

Where Do I Go From Here? - A Year on Earth

   “Mila!” Janice, the Luna, screeched annoyingly from the doorway of my closet-sized bedroom, tearing me from my sleep.

Oh, f**k. I overslept.

   I heard heavy footsteps approaching behind her. Alpha Apollo Usoro, Janice’s mate. At this point, I’m scrambling to get out of bed. “Get your ass downstairs and clean this f*****g house. You know the Tartal Pack is coming today!” He roars. I can still hear my alarm clock going off as I hastily tie my long dark blonde hair into a ponytail. The only thing they ever bought me... and it was to make sure I wake up on time to clean their messes. As I’m slipping my shoes on, my hair is yanked. My wolf, Athena, growls wildly inside of me. “Did you hear me?” The Alpha shouts, an involuntary whimper escaping me as I clutch the base of my ponytail. “Yes, Alpha,” I manage to choke out strongly. He shoves me to the ground and snaps his fingers towards the door. “Five lashes later for your tardiness.” Athena threatens to break free, fighting for control of my body. I suppress her, convincing her we don’t have much longer in this prison. My birthday is in a few days and I plan to leave once everyone is asleep.

   Scrambling to my feet, I quickly make my way down the stairs to tidy up the mess the pack members left for me. Being the orphan of Alpha Gideon Ambersy, he’s chosen to make my life a living hell when I was brought into his territory after they dismantled my pack at age six. I’m basically a slave. I cook for the pack of 150, clean up after them, do their laundry.

   The destruction of my pack was deliberately falsified. Alpha Usoro and Luna Janice claimed they scoured the wreckage in hopes to find any survivors after rogues attacked. No one doubted it, seeing as no one was spared to tell the legitimate story... except for me, apparently. Luna Janice convinced Alpha Uroso, who was kind to me initially, that I’m some sort of monstrosity because my father challenged him for the murder of his Beta. Alpha Uroso claimed the Beta crossed his border but no one knows for sure if that’s the truth. Even though he lost the challenge and later went on to wipe out my small pack of 25 with Luna Janice and a few other ranked members, I’m now treated like this. After she denied me having a standard bedroom here in the pack estate, I was placed in a room the size of a small walk-in closet which was originally used to store cleaning supplies. I have a filthy twin size bed in there that touches wall to wall with a small chest of 3 drawers to keep the clothes I take that other members are throwing away. 

   Luna Janice and the Alpha refuse to provide me with necessities but their son, Finn, takes pity on me and sneaks the items I need, including food every morning and night. He left a new toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, and a bottle of soap inside of my door last night, along with dinner. He even left a book for me to read. Luckily, I’m allowed to use the guest bathroom across from me for hygienic needs. Alpha Uroso and Janice only allow me to do that because they don’t want the embarrassment of their ‘servant’ tending to guests while grimy and smelly. They give me a bar of soap once a month.

   Finn is a kind and undeniably handsome nineteen-year-old man who believes in treating everyone as equals and very verbally disagrees with his father’s brutality. He’s tall, around 6’4 I believe, his hair is black and tossed about in messy strands that fall into his silver eyes. His nose is straight and defined which compliments his bowed lips and sharp, masculine jaw. This man’s body is godly; firm muscles bulge from under his too-tight shirts. He has a serrated scar across his cheek that I assume was received in battle.

   Snapping myself out of my little admiration of his beauty, I return to my reality of cleaning the dining hall. Since we’re having company, the Alpha chose to have the Omega servants cook. Thank God. The smell of fresh rain and oak fill my senses—Finn. Athena is purring in my mind at the sight of him. I carefully raise my head to steal a glance at him, his eyes darting around to make sure no one will see us conversing. He hides our acquaintanceship in fear of me being hurt by the Alpha or Luna... or both. “Mila,” he whispers, “did you get the stuff?” I nodded quietly, mouthing a thank you in appreciation. He flashed a quick smile to me before going into the living room. I sighed, returning to my duties.

   The afternoon goes by fast and I was surprisingly sentenced back to my hideaway room on the top floor. I wasn’t able to shower, brush my teeth, or even change my clothes before having to clean so I’m assuming that’s why my face isn’t allowed to be seen today. I walk across the hall to the bathroom with my clean black leggings and baggy t-shirt in hand, along with undergarments and hygiene necessities. My plan is to get clean and curl up with the book Finn gave me for the night. Carefully closing the bathroom door behind me and locking it to avoid negative attention from the pack members roaming the hall, I undress and start the shower.

   I look at myself in the mirror, sighing at my scar-littered back from whippings over the years and potent bruises from this morning’s toss to the floor. My shoulder throbs underneath the sting of the hot water but I press on regardless. Once clean, I redress and start to head back to my bedroom. I see Finn standing by my door nervously, looking around to make sure no bystanders are near. “Mila,” he ushers me towards him, “I have good news!” I quickly run to him, sliding halfway behind my door in case someone walks by.

   “My father announced he is crowning me Alpha once I find my mate. We’re having some sort of mate meeting with other packs who have unmated males and females through the state in three days. Mila, I promise, once I find her, I’ll never let you be treated this way again. You’ll be a protected pack member and be able to live comfortably or if you wish to leave, I’ll allow it. Whatever your choice is, I will stand behind you and demand respect for you.” He explains this with determination and seriousness in his voice. Athena is whimpering. I find it odd that she chases after him so much, but I ignore her protests. I feel tears prickling my eyes, threatening to escape as I nod in appreciation. “Why are you crying, little one?” He asks softly, touching my hand. His eyes widen as he does, and he pulls back quickly. I initially thought it was strange, but I remembered if he’s seen conversing with me, let alone touching me, it could result in a world of pain for me.

   “I’m just so thankful for your kindness, Alpha Finn.” I choke out, gently wiping the tears that are now falling. “Stop with the formalities, Mila. You aren’t below me.” He gently reminds me. I thank him before he retreats down the hall. I close the door behind me, and I sigh as I lean against it. In due time, this life of torture will be over. Once Finn finds his mate and is crowned Alpha, I’ll be free. I ponder the thought of leaving rather than staying. If I leave, I’ll be a rogue wolf... but staying here holds horrific memories of the abuse and misery I’ve suffered as well as a place to call home with minimal to no danger. I’m torn between the two options, but I do have time to weigh them.

   I drop to my dirty bed and notice a blanket, beige sheet, and two mismatched pillowcases are folded up on the chest beside it. I smile lightly; Finn must’ve left it when he was initially looking for me. I quickly cover the gross mattress and pillows with the sheets and lay down with the clean blanket, ready to get lost in this book. 

   I must’ve fallen asleep reading because the alarm is now blaring in my ears which means it’s five in the morning. I have thirty minutes to clean up before starting the chores. Tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday and I had planned on leaving seeing as I’ll legally be an adult so they can no longer keep me, but Finn’s promise to basically save me from this lifestyle has a tight hold on my decision. Pulling myself out of bed, I make my way to the bathroom to shower, brush my teeth, and change into another set of clothing consisting of a baggy t-shirt and leggings.

   Once finished, I make my way downstairs, on time like most days. I start clearing the table of the plates everyone so rudely left on the dining table and get to work in the massive slop sink. I hear chatter from the living room of this so-called ‘mate meeting’ between Alpha Uroso and Finn. His father is discussing his attire and adamant that he rejects his mate if she’s not highly ranked. I hear Finn denying him, a battle he started that he most likely won’t win. Alpha Uroso’s voice raises as he demands his son not mate with a she-wolf of low status, claiming it will bring shame to their pack. Finn is still standing behind his own decision, saying the moon goddess wouldn’t pair anyone with an unworthy mate. He’s saying whoever his mate is, she’s destined for greatness and made specifically for him.

   The door opens and I turn my full attention back to the dishes. “Mila, breakfast is in two hours. Pick up the pace.” Alpha Uroso barks, slamming his fist on the counter behind me. “Yes-”

“Father, stop. Have you no shame speaking to a woman in such a way? Her birthday is tomorrow, and I request her leave for the day.” Finn interrupts me. He remembered my birthday? “And you know this information about our servant... how?” He growls condescendingly to his son. “Because she is a being with feelings. I remember the birthdays of all members who reside in this estate. I demand she has the day to herself tomorrow.” Finn snaps back, gritting his teeth. “Very well, son. She shall have the day to herself. Inform the Omegas that their duties are needed in her absence.” His tone is mocking and aggressive. I can tell he doesn’t appreciate Finn standing up for me and I’m sure it’ll come back to bite me in the ass later.

   Alpha Uroso exits the room, Finn staying behind. “Thank you.” I mumble almost inaudibly. “My pleasure. Eighteen, right?” Finn asks almost too casually. I nod softly, fearful that he’s talking to me while his father could still be behind the door listening. “Maybe you’ll find your mate at the meeting and leave sooner.” He whispered this. And with that, he steps out to leave me to my chores. I’m almost positive Alpha Uroso and Luna Janice won’t allow me to attend, but a thought hits me. I’m their ‘servant’. I have to be present to serve the guests, so I do have a great chance of meeting my mate and being whisked away from this awful place.

   After serving breakfast and cleaning the mess left behind, I went to the laundry room to sort and wash the clothing. There are chutes that the members have in each of their bedrooms that drop their clothes into their labeled hampers. This room is huge and the 20 baskets of clothes take me all day to finish but this place is a sanctuary for me. No one else but the Omegas come down here to help and they’re not kind to me, but never disrespectful. We chat small talk, gossip about Luna Janice, and poke fun at the stained underwear of our ranked members. I sigh as I load Finn’s load first, followed by Alpha Uroso’s and Luna Janice’s.

   Finishing the last load of laundry, the Omegas and I carry them up to their doors. We never go in, just leave them outside to collect when they wake. It’s now midnight. This is my last chore and I’m anticipating finishing the book hidden in my room. Placing the last hamper outside of Finn’s door, I notice his scent is more potent and appealing than normal. A hint of green apple is laced within his normal fresh rain and oak, piquing my curiosity. Is he wearing cologne? I jump when the door opens. “Thank you, Mila.” He says before scooting it inside of his room. I bow, then turn to walk away. “Mila,” he begins in a hushed tone, causing me to turn around, “have you decided what you choose if you do not find your mate at the party?” I shake my head, turning to meet his troubled gaze. “Would you... would you like to come in and talk with me? My parents are both asleep, I can promise that.” Finn’s eyes hold an emotion I can’t depict. I cautiously accept his offer, taking a seat on the couch placed to the right of his bed. Either I avoid the whippings Alpha Uroso condemned me to before by coming in to talk with Finn, or... I get more. I hear him lock the door, then he accompanies me in the chair across from me.

   “I’m sorry I can’t protect you from them all of the time.” Finn’s face is gloomy as he says this, and I can tell he’s rather nervous. “It’s okay.” I whisper in response. “It’s not okay, Mila. None of this is okay. That’s why I’m vowing to help you escape this life or to live comfortably in the near future.” He has desperation laced in his voice. I nod gently, dropping my eyes to my hands that are folded in my lap. “Please say something,” he begs and stands, approaching me. “I don’t know what to say, Al-“

“Finn.” He corrects. “I apologize, Finn. I’m at a loss for words.” I state, trying to hide the tremble in my voice. Fear engulfs me as he comes closer. I wonder if maybe he’ll hit me too if I can’t find a way to respond appropriately. “I’m not ever going to hurt you. Please don’t flinch like that.” Finn sighs. I nod again.

   “What have you been considering?” He asks as he sits back down, this time beside me. “I-I don’t know,” I stutter, “if I leave, I have nothing but the title of rogue and could be killed if I’m found. I know there’s a possibility a pack could take me in, but that chance is slim. If I stay, I’m stuck here with the memories of trauma.” I answered him honestly this time and I can see the distress in his features. “Mila, if you’d rather leave, I can arrange to have a neighboring pack accept you. I do hope you consider staying as I will not allow you to be mistreated under my authority.” Finn says sternly. Why would he want me to stay? I have no importance to him. “Thank you, Finn, for your kindness and help.” I reply.

   Finn stands and offers his hand to help me up. I take his hand and electricity shoots through our contact. Emotions race through me, a mixture of fear, anger, sadness, comfort, happiness, and... love? Realization slaps me. I feel my eyes widen as I slowly look up to him, tears immediately spilling over. “No.” I whisper, trying to collect myself. 

He’s my mate.