fate's celestial blueprint

torment

I gazed at the photo on my bedside table, admiring those stunning azure eyes and the flawless grin on the face framed by rich, flaming coils of crimson hair. I lifted it and softly ran my thumb across the dusty pane. I could sense the tears rising in my eyes as I exhaled a trembling breath,

"I hope I haven’t let you down, mama. I swear someday, I’ll escape from here and I’ll be free to become the person you always believed I could be. Just hold on, I’ll be there soon." I murmured before wiping away the tears that began to fall.

I placed the photo back before picking up the black slippers and slipping them on. Once I reached the lower floor, I quickly darted into the restroom and examined to ensure that the cosmetics I had ‘borrowed’ from one of the female wolves was still intact. I needed to conceal the bruise that was beginning to appear on the side of my face, thanks to Maria, because of earlier events.

I figured while I was at it, I might brighten up my weary, gloomy eyes with a touch of pale eye shadow and chestnut eyeliner. I gave myself one final glance in the reflection. Adjusting my bun by securing the loose strands back into place, I scratched the crown of my scalp beneath the tight knot I was forced to wear. I straightened the black servant dress that had been borrowed for the evening for what felt like the thousandth time and stepped out into the dining space.

I had just completed arranging the supper table when the chime echoed. I smoothed the ivory apron and dusted off the hem of the outfit before moving toward the entrance corridor. I extended a trembling hand and tugged the door open. As it swung wide, I was struck by the most incredible fragrance that reached my nostrils, the aroma of sandalwood and fresh rain.

I sensed my wolf, who rarely surfaced, leaping with excitement at the back of my thoughts, shouting *mate*.

Standing in front of me were four males clad in different styles of ebony suits. Each gave me a grin before stepping through the entryway. I could sense the intense aura emanating from them and immediately recognized they had to be the Alphas arriving for the gathering. I fought the impulse to stretch out and brush against one of them. I was certain that one among them was destined for me, but I couldn’t tell which. Instead, I lowered my gaze to the ground and motioned for them to enter.

"Kindly step inside, Alpha Tavros will join you soon," I murmured softly as I shut the door behind them.

They all remained closely gathered until I requested their outerwear and signaled for them to proceed into the sitting area. One after another, they began removing their jackets and stood uncomfortably until I extended my hand toward them.

As each Alpha moved nearer, I did my utmost to identify which one carried the scent drawing me in. The first three carried agreeable aromas, yet none of them matched the one destined for me. They also lacked the commanding presence I had initially expected. As each presented me with their coat, which I accepted courteously, I gave a respectful nod and ensured my gaze remained lowered. When the final Alpha offered his jacket, my senses were flooded by the aroma of sandalwood and rainfall.

His fingers gently grazed mine as I accepted his coat, and a jolt of energy surged through my frame. His touch lingered on my skin just a heartbeat too long, and it took all my strength not to visibly respond. I resolved to sneak a brief look in his direction, I chose to steal a quick peek at him, curious about his appearance. I was utterly stunned by his rugged handsomeness. His tousled brown hair matched the scruff beginning to form on his defined jawline. His complexion was sun-kissed, and his striking gray eyes were locked onto me in astonishment. When he caught me staring, he swiftly replaced his expression with a neutral one. He gave me a nod and proceeded to join the others in the sitting area.

I observed his well-built back shift beneath his finely tailored Italian outfit as he strode away, estimating that he had to be no less than six feet five inches tall. That placed him a bit more than a foot taller than I stood at five feet three inches.

I quietly and swiftly stored the men’s jackets in the coat cupboard and gently closed the door. Inhaling a deep, trembling breath, I gathered my composure before stepping into the space now filled with Alphas. I moved toward the liquor shelf and retrieved a tray and four tumblers. I placed some ice into a pail and then rose up on my toes, reaching for the pricey bottle that had been set aside for visitors on the highest shelf.

After I secured it, without dropping or damaging it, I poured a little into each of the tumblers. I could sense gazes fixed on me as I slowly moved throughout the space with the tray, inquiring of each of the men if they preferred ice in their beverage. I eventually reached the ruggedly attractive man and leaned in to pose the same inquiry when the aroma of his breath met my face it carried hints of mint and cocoa.

“No, thank you,” he replied in a deep voice tinged with a Southern drawl.

I flushed as I straightened up and returned to the cupboard, gently setting down the tray and the ice pail. I lingered there for a moment, my back partially angled away from the gathering as I attempted to appear as though I was occupied. I snuck a few brief peeks from the corner of my eye to see him glaring intensely at me, observing my every motion. I couldn’t quite discern the look on his face.

*Perhaps he’s let down to discover his partner is a servant,* my inner thoughts criticized me.

*You’re mistaken, you know,* my wolf murmured softly.

Her tone was faint and delicate. I gasped and gazed wide-eyed at my reflection in the cupboard door’s glass. That was the very first time I had ever heard her speak directly to me. I had always sensed faint traces of her lingering in the depths of my thoughts. But I could never truly connect with her, and she had never attempted to reach me. I could sense the Anxious energy crawled up my frame all the way to the tips of my toes. I was overjoyed that I could at last hear her, and that this man, this Alpha, was meant to be my destined partner. Maybe he would rescue me from this place. But with the unreadable expression on his face, perhaps he didn’t feel the same. Maybe he’d turn me down before departing, and I’d be trapped here, in this tormenting house.

"Gentlemen, appreciate you being here tonight!" a voice thundered from the entrance.

Alpha Haden Tavros entered with a wide grin stretched across his face. Brent strolled in beside him with a self-satisfied expression. He came to stand next to Haden, stealing glances in my direction with something in his gaze I couldn’t quite interpret. I eventually faced the room, arms placed neatly in front of me.