The Lost Goddess, A War On Mates

Chapter 6

I looked at myself in the mirror and frowned at what I saw. Sunken in eyes that looked dull muddy red, bland and ugly white hair, deathly pale skin marred with bruises, and bones jutting out enough to make a rotting corpse concerned for how thin I was. Sighing I washed my face and braided my hair into an intricate fishtail. I forced a smile and it felt strained today. I started school today and I had no supplies or any idea why I even had to go when Jake showed me everything they taught him. I knew it already. It felt like I was just alive and going through the motions anymore. I grabbed a cute hoodie Basil gave me. It had an angel giving her heart to a wolf. I thought it was beautiful and it was the nicest thing I owned.

Sliding on my hoodie I also threw on my jeans and tennis shoes. I put my hood up and decided I would not make any more friends. I would be busy enough and I only needed Jake, Adrian, and Basil. I smiled at the thought of my boys. Thinking about them always made me happy. Walking out of my room the hall was silent. No one was awake yet with it being so early. I never understood how they could all sleep so well, then again, they feel safe in their home, and this is not my home.

 In fact, the other night I had a dream of a beautiful man and woman. They were dancing together and seemed so happy. The man was tall and had midnight black hair with eyes like mine. They sparkle more though. He had sharp teeth when he smiled, and his face was narrow and harsh.  His features seemed to soften when he smiled at her like she was everything he ever needed. She was laughing and saying things to him. I could not hear what she said. He twirled her and she had glowing white hair with piercing blue eyes. It made my breath hitch when we made eye contact. She seemed sad seeing me and pulled the man’s hand. He looked just as sad, and they both smiled while hugging. I reached out but they faded away.  It made my heart break when I woke up and they were gone. They felt familiar, but I had never met anyone like that. I am sure I was just dreaming of being loved. What love should look like.

Shaking it off I started to cook pancakes, sausage, and eggs for the pack. After I finished cooking, I headed out to school. The walk was about an hour from the pack house. All the student’s normally run as wolves to school, I suppose they forgot I was not a wolf. I smiled at the idea of being a wolf. I had never seen any of the guys in wolf form. They never wanted to be naked in front of me and I always laughed at their embarrassment. Thinking of the boys made the walk seem easier. It was hilly in some parts. I knew I would be sore because I was not used to this type of terrain. After what felt like an eternity, I popped out of the forest trail and onto a football field. Huffing I mumble, “I guess I made it in one piece” and start heading across the field. I had no idea what time it was and hoped I was on time.

I entered the building, and it was noisy. Shockingly no one looked towards me, and I was relieved. I started to head towards what looked like an office when I was slammed against a wall. I fell to the ground groaning. I did not see that coming.

I heard a bunch of girl’s giggle and then was yanked up by my hood. “So, slave, you have to follow my orders according to the Alpha. You will be doing my homework from now on and getting me lunch. I expect straight A’s and I do not want you to speak to anyone while you are attending here. Understood?” He smirked.

I whispered back, “Yes, Alpha Lucas.”

He smiled and threw me against the lockers again. It knocked the wind out of me, I gasped loudly and realized everyone was staring at me like I was the one attacking their alpha. I shivered in fear and slowly stood up. The office was only ten steps away. I could make it there. Heading towards the office with shaky steps I opened the door and was met by a young women no older then twenty-five. She half smiled at me as I pulled my hood back up.

“Can I help you with something, dear?” She seemed nice and friendly.

“I need my class schedule, a locker, and supplies?” Mumbling embarrassed about not having a clue what to do she nods frowning.

“Here is a lock for your locker along with the number you can use, I need your name and I am sorry honey but what supplies do you need? We normally don’t provide the supplies.” She hands me the lock and the paper.

I stiffen and understand I was set up for failure by the Alpha. “Oh, um, my name is Aeris. I am the pack slave, I don’t think I have a last name? The Alpha did not give me any supplies. If I could just have three pens and three notebooks, I will be fine.” I gave a pleading smile hoping they could help. She nods with understanding and hands me a class schedule that I am kind of happy with.

I have chemistry first, second english, third history, fourth was geometry, fifth was art, sixth study hall, and seventh is gym. I cringe at being in gym with a bunch of wolves. I would look weak no matter who was in the gym but next to literal superhumans was intimidating. I smile as the secretary hands me some pens and notebooks.

“Thank you so much for these. I will be better prepared next time.” She smiles and waves me off.  Heading towards chemistry I looked around the halls and felt unsure of the atmosphere. It almost seemed like none of the other students were here to learn. They only wanted to talk and be around friends. Knowledge was power, I remember someone telling me that. I tried to gain all the knowledge I could. Stepping into the class I take the first seat in front of the teacher’s desk. It was nice to see a room so colorful. The teacher had the periodic table in neon colors on every wall and different types of atom structures. It was covered in informational posters, and I thought maybe this would make my day less monotonous.  

Pulling out my first notebook and putting down it was chemistry, I waited patiently for the teacher to start the lesson. She seemed bored herself and took roll call. As she got to me she looked at me with a brow raised and skipped me. I blinked and raised my hand. She looked at me and turned away towards her computer. Dread was pooling in my stomach.

“Um, ma’am? You must have missed me during attendance. I am Aeris…” She glared at me as I mumbled out the last of my sentence.

“Everyone, this here is Aeris. She thinks it is okay to speak out of turn and tell me how to do my job. Because she knows so well how to do my job, she will be teaching you how to do molar equations.”  She gave me a menacing smile “If you cannot do it then leave my classroom.”

Quickly I shuffled up to the board and started rapidly speaking on how to form and break down molar equations. The class was silent. I held a breath and looked to the class after finishing writing the rest of the information on the board.

 “Are there any questions?” Looking around no one raised their hand, and the teacher had her mouth agape at me. I shifted from foot to foot nervous when suddenly a hand shot up in the back. I pointed at them, and Lucas stood up. My face paled.

“Yeah slave, why does a freak like you know so much about chemistry already.” The whole class laughed, and the teacher smirked again. She motioned for me to sit down and when she asked for any questions the whole class raised their hands. I was mortified.

The rest of the day went similarly, teachers ignored me and even tried to make my life harder. Lucas was in a lot of my classes. We even had the same lunch period, and he smacked my tray down in front of everyone. I was the laughingstock of the school for the day apparently. He also said the lunch I brought from the line was disgusting so he threw it on the floor in front of me and pulled out his own lunch he brought. It was frustrating and I thought he was a year above me, but I found out later that day he was held back a year after his mom died because of family issues. I felt bad for him knowing he lost his mom. I finally made it to art class and felt like I belonged somewhere. I sat down and the teacher was a man named Mr. Drew Steele. He looked like a hippy if I was honest with his carefree attitude and his long brown hair in a man-bun. He had light blue eyes and was tan.

“Alrighty everyone, I have put out drawing pencils and sketch paper on your lab stations. I want you to draw something that makes you happy. It can be anything, anyone, an idea, anything. It will be due at the end of class.” Smiling he went to stand next to an easel and started painting.

I grabbed a piece of paper and found myself daydreaming with the pencil moving naturally. I was jostled out of my thoughts when the bell rang to signal the end of the period. I looked at my drawing and was surprised to see the picture. It looked like me and Jake. We were holding hands and laughing. It was well done to. I did not notice Mr. Steele come up behind me until he snatched the paper. I winced and hoped he would not through it out. I could not take another mean teacher.

“You drew this?” He shifted the picture towards me. I nodded feebly. “This is amazing detail, I feel like I could find you and him in a sea of people. Amazing work Aeris!” He smiled and handed it back to me. I teared up at the praise.

“Thank you, Mr. Steele.” He smiled and went back to his easel. At least I have a class to look forward to. Humming thoughtfully to myself I walked out of class and bumped right into Lucas. I fell on my butt and watched in horror as he grabbed my drawing. He seemed angrier then normal. He looked at me and folded my drawing in half and put it in his pocket. He walked away and I scrambled to my feet. It was my last period and I dreaded it already.

Heading into the locker rooms I noticed no one was in them. They probably already changed and with that I put on some random lost and found gym shirt and shorts. They were size extra small and they were still a bit big. I didn’t have time to think about it much though as I went out into the gymnasium and saw them setting up for laps. I could do this; I wasn’t as fast as the wolves, but I had more stamina than most of them. I was on par with the youngest elite warriors in terms of stamina. To say the gym teacher was impressed was an understatement. By the time the bell rang I was sweating and needed a shower.

I walked into the locker room and everyone looked at me. I was sweating more then them, I was human after all. I smiled at them and they looked disgusted and turned back to their conversations. Sighing I went to the nearest stall and stripped. I sat under the hot water for about thirty minutes just trying to relax my muscles and mind. It felt great to be in the water and it never got cold. Grabbing a towel that sat on the bench I went to the little locker that was mine and opened it to find nothing. My locker was empty. I shrugged and just went back to grab the gym clothes but they were gone to.

Biting my lip I went to the lost and found and couldn’t find anything. Tears started to pool in my eyes. Sighing I stood tall and walked out of the locker room in a tightly wrapped towel. I kept my face blank and went straight to the office. The halls were filled with snickering kids and some pointed phones and cameras. I did not care too much. I was still covered and it was not my fault they took my clothes. I walked into the office and everyone had a look of shock.

“Someone stole my clothes.” Quickly the secretary from earlier grabbed a shirt and shorts from the back and guided me into a private room. I put the clothes on and laid my hands in my face. Anger began to settle into my heart. It felt heavy, I ran my finger over my bracelet and felt myself buzzing with energy. I had no idea what to do but I knew what I wanted to do. Smiling I imagine them all bowing down before me begging for mercy like how they want me to beg for mercy. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and gasped. My eyes and hair were glowing. I rubbed my eyes and looked again to find them dull again and my hair back to being normal.

Shaking my head I thought, ‘I needed to get some sleep…’Heading out of the office I started the long trek home.

Lucas watched Aeris from a corner with his arms over his chest as she walked without shame down the hall to the office. He tsked the fact she did not seem as weak as she let on. Leaving for the pack house he unlocks his jeep and drives off. Walking into the house he walked past the kitchen noticing Aeris was not back yet. She would not be for an hour or more. He headed up to his room. Once inside the door he flops onto his bed and groans. Rolling onto his back he pulls out the picture he took from Aeris earlier in the day. Frowning he stares angrily at the drawing. It was just a drawing; I do not get why she even likes Jake. He is so old in comparison. Maybe she was a slut like some of the girls in the pack say. 

This made Lucas’ wolf growl low. His wolf did not get along with anyone yet he always wants to think about Aeris. Lucas scoffed at his stupid wolf. She was a lowly human, his property. That calmed down his wolf enough. She was his. Not in the way his stupid wolf wanted but it was enough for him. Lucas tore the drawing in half and crumpled Jakes image. He slid the one of Aeris into his nightstand drawer. She looked pretty smiling in the picture. He did not think she would be so audacious to ask the teacher to draw that for her but it was his gain to have a picture of her. Shrugging he smiled to himself as the smell of dinner wafted into his room. He sat up and headed to the dining hall excited for his dinner.

Finally getting back to the pack house she walked out of the woods and into the kitchen, tonight was Thai food. She loved cooking now. It was a stress reliever anymore and the smell satisfied her. She could not be all that useless, she fed the pack and they always seemed to like it. After an hour or so of cooking she puts the food out and then starts cleaning the dishes. She could hear the bustling of the dinning room and smiled. It was all becoming so comforting. Finishing the dishes, she left looking for the boys. They were at the end of the dining room table with half full plates. I frowned, “Was it not any good? I can cook something better?” Jake stood up and grabbed my hand. This elicited a deep growl and I jumped. I had no idea where it came from, and Jake just smirked. He pulled me onto his lap, and I squeaked stiffening.

“Um, Jake…?” he smiled and put a fork in my hand and wrapped his arms around my waist in a hug while putting his chin in my neck. He mumbled, “You are way to skinny Aeris. You can eat what is left on our plates. I am getting worried about you.” I relaxed knowing this was just his way of forcing me to eat. Technically anyone can give me orders and he just gave me one to eat.

“Thank you! I love you guys” They all looked at me with shock and then giant grins. Jake hugged me a little tighter.

In unison the boys said, “We love you too!” Giggling I took a hesitant fork full of Thai noodles into my mouth. I had not had a flavorful meal in a long time, so I let out a loud moan when a burst of sweet and spicy tang hit my tongue. Everyone stiffened while I just kept eating afraid my food would disappear. They seemed amused that I was enjoying my own cooking so much. After eating the rest of Jakes plate, I was full. I could not stomach a lot and they just nodded solemnly when I stopped. I sleepily yawned which made them all chuckle.

“Thanks guys, I have to go and do homework and then I can hang out later if you want?”

Looking at each other Adrian Spoke first,” Aren’t you tired honey? Why not head to bed and wake up a little early to finish your work?” I beamed at being called honey and felt compelled to go to Adrian, I jumped up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I think I will do as you suggest Adrian. Good night guys!” Adrian smirked while Jake and Basil looked on with envy. Walking up to my room and laying on my mat I sighed. It was a long day, and it still feels like it will never end. Drifting off I smile about my boys.

After Aeris headed to bed Jake, Adrian and Basil went to Basil’s room to hang out and play on his Xbox1. Adrian could not stop smirking while Basil and Jake pouted.

“Oh, come on boys, she loves ALL of us. She probably does not even understand the love you want to give her. Plus, she is still too young…” Sighing they all nodded.

“She just looks so tired and thin; I want to give her a break. She deserves better.” Jake mumbles and flops onto the bean bag chair.

“I think maybe you should take her away from here sooner. They have been getting worse to her in the pack. Now she must deal with people at school. She did not come gushing to us about how great it was which means it probably was a s**t show?” Basil yells over his shoulder setting up the Xbox1 game.

“We can help her with any issues she has, we can not take her she is still a slave after all. She must be eighteen before we can do anything legally. Besides, Jake said she isn’t human remember.”  Adrian directs the conversation at Jake whose slumped over.

They all look at each other sighing,” Yeah but none of us know what she is. If the pack finds out she is not human, she could be abused worse or killed. Is it okay for me to be upset she doesn’t trust us enough to tell us what she is?” Basil asks saddened.

“ I think she has no clue she is not a human.” Jake said frustrated.

“That would make sense why she never fights back and why she isn’t dead from those wolf beatings.” Adrian mumbled.

“Let’s move on for now we have four years to figure it all out.” Jake smiled and grabbed a controller.

Lucas panted and gritted his teeth beating the punching bag in the pack house gym. He could not stop thinking about dinner and how much he wanted to kill those three warriors. They were all too close. How could anyone love a freak. It irked him to no end how she just willing sat on his lap. If he did that, she would have been petrified and tried to get away. A growl ripped through his throat with the thought of her getting away. She even moaned for his food, sharing food was one of the most intimate moments wolves shared with mates or close family. On top of that she then got permission to sleep and gave that other bastard a kiss! How could she be such a slut under her innocent face. He pummeled the bag until it broke in half. He had to get rid of the three warriors and make her suffer for being a little slut. He demanded respect as the future Alpha, she would never respect him with those guys around.

Suddenly his wolf Adonis growled out, ‘She fears us. Want her as a friend.’ Lucas could practically see Adonis’ tall swishing at the idea of her being our friend.

Scoffing he yelled back, ’We do not lower ourselves to that. She may be pretty but that is it. She is literally a worthless and weak human.’

Adonis’ ignored me and flashed images of Aeris humming to herself and smiling. It calmed me and I clenched my fists. This is not happening.