THE ALPHA'S SON FORBIDDEN BABYSITTER

THE NEW BABYSITTER

CHAPTER THREE

BRIANNA'S POV

My eyes fluttered open and I stared at the ceiling for a long second before letting out a slow breath.

It was D-day.

Strangely… no smoke. No screaming. No Hailey clawing at the darkness.

For the first time in two weeks, I hadn’t had the nightmare. Maybe it was fear of the unknown replacing the old horror or maybe finally, my mind had decided one battle at a time was enough.

I pushed myself out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom. If I let myself think too much, I’d chicken out.

As the water ran down my skin, I carefully used the excess time to plan my next few weeks or months.

When the child left for school, I’d attend my lectures. It wouldn’t be easy — I might miss a few classes here and there, but I was used to juggling five things at once. Survival had trained me well and for once luck was on my side, we had no lectures for the day.

I stepped out, dried off quickly, and pulled on the best outfit my stepdad and I had picked the night before — a simple fitted blouse and black trousers. It was clean and presentable, although not expensive, but neat enough to pass. I pulled my hair into a tight ponytail and applied my usual lipstick.

I grabbed my already packed bag, flung it over my shoulder, and walked into the living room.

There in the sitting room was my stepdad. He was sitting on the battered sofa, staring at nothing.

“Good morning,” I said softly.

His gaze shifted to mine and he gave a curt nod.

“Ready?”

“Yes,” I replied, smoothing my blouse

He scanned me for a while, stood up and walked toward me, his expression unusually serious.

“You’re going to the manor so I need you to remember to be extra careful, don’t get into fights. You might have to overlook a lot. Remember, this is our last lifeline and if you get fired from the Manor, no one else will hire you.”

He was right. Who would hire the Alpha’s trash? Once the Alpha rejected you, everyone else followed.

I nodded.

“I won’t be there to guide you, so be good,” he added.

Guide me? I almost rolled my eyes.

‘More like taunt and torment me.’ I almost snarled but I swallowed the remark.

“Show this to the guards.” He mumbled pulling out a small identification tag and handing it over. I took it quietly.

He let out another sigh, stuffing his hand into his pocket and pulled out some folded notes and without a warning, stuffed it into my palm.

“I don’t want it. You need it more,” I tried to push it back into his hand.

“I’m giving it to you,” he snapped. “Not asking.” His voice was stern.

He stepped back, turning his back. "Leave already, you’re getting on my nerves.” He tried to sound harsh but his voice faltered at the end.

I didn’t know where he got the money from but that wasn’t what mattered. It was the way his throat tightened, the way he avoided looking at me, the way he was trying so hard not to cry.

“I’ll head out now,” I said gently.

He nodded without turning or meeting my eyes and I just walked out before my own tears betrayed me.

I wiped at the tears sticking at the corner of my eyes and waved down a cab. After minutes, I was finally able to wave down one.

"Where to?” The cab driver asked.

“Alpha Manor,” I replied, feeling the sweat creeping up my palm even at just the mention.

I got in and soon we hit the road. I focused on the bustling street, trying to push out all thoughts off my mind.

When the car finally stopped in front of the towering gates, my heart thudded violently against my ribs. I stepped out of the cab staring at the Manor everyone spoke about but I never got the chance to see. It looked even more intimidating up close — tall gates and not to mention the stoic guards standing right by the door.

I forced myself to move, heading straight for the guards. They blocked my path as soon as I got closer and even though I expected it, their aura still made my heart quicken.

“A formal introduction? What do you want?”

“I…I’m the new babysitter,” I stuttered.

Their gaze lingered on me and almost immediately, one of them snorted. “And I’m supposed to believe that? You could be a spy for all I care.”

My heart nearly leapt out of my chest but the pure shrillness in his voice and in that moment, I thanked the moon goddess for the fact my stepdad stuffed that tag into my palm.

I pulled it out quickly and handed it over.

He read it carefully, then nodded and returned it. “Follow me.” I nodded.

He pushed the gate open and stepped in and I followed.

The moment I stepped inside, my breath caught. The Manor wasn’t just beautiful — it was breathtaking. Marble floors. Grand staircases. Chandeliers that probably cost twice our entire house.

I clutched my bag to my chest, following closely.

Finally, we stopped when a woman approached us. She smiled politely at the guard and bowed slightly toward me and I did the same.

She was dressed elegantly and had a graceful demeanor. From her appearance, she must be the head maid or assistant.

“She’s the babysitter,” the guard said. “Take her to Miss Lydia.”

The woman nodded and immediately the guard turned and walked off.

I swallowed hard, clutching the bag even tighter as the woman's gaze landed on me.

“Your name?” she asked.

“Brianna… Brianna Jones.”

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

Her brows lifted briefly before softening.

I knew that look. She must be wondering why an eighteen-year-old will be taking up a babysitter job. If only she knew what a last resort was.

I swallowed hard again and almost yelped for joy when she didn’t question it further. “Follow me.” I nodded and trailed behind her.

We climbed stairs, turned corners, and I mentally noted every direction.

She stopped in front of a door and I did too, watching her as she pushed it open. “This is your room. You’ll be staying here.” I nodded, my gaze trailing inside and…my mouth fell open.

The room was damn luxurious — soft bed, polished furniture, a private bathroom. For a second I almost told her there had to be a mistake.

“You’re already late,” she added, drawing me out of my trance. “Miss Lydia isn’t one to play with. I’d advise you to check out your room later, just drop your bag and head over. Her room is next to yours. The Gamma had this wing built so there are no excuses for lateness.” She said pointing to the door next to mine.

I nodded and dropped my bag by the door, pulling it close and walked behind her as she led me to Lydia's door.

“Here we are. I’ve got other things, so I’ll leave you to your job.” She mumbled and turned to leave.

Suddenly, she paused and turned to me. “You’re young, so I’ll advise you. Miss Lydia is highly principled and in two years of her moving into the manor, I’ve seen more than three hundred babysitters come and go. If you want to last, endure and endeavor not to argue with any of her commands, just do it.”

Three hundred? That sounds like a freaky brat

.

I swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

She gave me a sympathetic smile and walked away.

I let out a deep sigh and knocked on the door.