Brief
866 Words
"Lorraine, is something amusing you?" Mrs. Martha asked, her gaze piercing.
I hastily shook my head, "No, nothing, ma'am.”
Mrs. Martha raised an eyebrow. "Then why the persistent smile?"
I faltered, "I...I wasn't smiling, ma'am."
The class snickered, and I felt my face flush.
"Since you seem distracted, stand up," Mrs. Martha instructed.
I sighed inwardly, not again.
"For the remainder of the class, you'll remain standing," she declared.
The class chuckled, except the Lycan twins, who maintained their stoic expressions.
My wolf's restlessness made focus impossible. I stole glances at the twins, particularly Jordan, whose piercing gaze met mine.
For a fleeting moment, our eyes locked, and Jordan smirked, his wink sending my heart racing.
My face ignited, and I swiftly looked away.
What's wrong with me? Or rather, what's wrong with my wolf?
The class dragged on for thirty minutes, with Mrs. Martha finally addressing me again.
"Lorraine, I hope you're prepared for the assignment?" she asked.
I hesitated, my mind blank.
Jordan's subtle smile and encouraging nod helped me regain composure.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray my confusion.
Mrs. Martha's skeptical gaze lingered before moving on.
I breathed a silent thank you to Jordan, unsure why my wolf found solace in his presence.
As the teacher departed, I exhaled deeply, relieved. But my respite was short-lived.
"Lorraine!" Josh, Alpha Taylor's eldest child, stormed into the classroom, his face twisted in rage.
The class snickered, anticipating a spectacle.
Josh towered over me, his voice dripping with venom. "Do you see my attire? This isn't my usual Monday outfit!"
I shrugged, trying to defuse the situation. "I didn't wash your clothes, Josh. You never asked me to."
Josh's anger boiled over. "You're an ungrateful orphan! My family took you in, and this is how you repay us?"
Just as Josh's verbal assault escalated, Jayden, one of the Lycan twins, stood up and delivered a swift punch to Josh's face. The classroom fell silent.
Jordan grasped my hand, his touch sending a jolt of surprise. "Come with us," he said, leading me out of the classroom.
In the storeroom, Jordan released my hand, his eyes blazing with anger. "How often does Josh bully you?"
I hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Jayden's voice was low and menacing. "We won't let anyone harm you, Lorraine. You're under our protection now."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Jordan's gaze locked onto mine. "You're safe with us.
The twins' departure left me with mixed emotions. For the first time, someone had stood up for me, but I knew the consequences would be severe.
"Please, let time pass slowly," I silently pleaded, but school ended all too soon.
As I packed my belongings, Jayden bid me farewell, and Jordan's wink sent my heart racing.
"Focus, Lorraine," I reminded myself. "The twins are the least of your worries."
With a deep breath, I mustered the courage to face the Alpha's mansion.
The 15-minute walk felt like an eternity. I entered through the back door, reserved for servants like myself.
Josh awaited me in the kitchen, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Took you long enough," he sneered, grabbing my throat and pinning me against the wall.
"J-Josh," I stuttered.
His grip tightened. "Don't dare speak my name, you filthy orphan."I struggled to breathe, bracing for the inevitable punishment.
Alpha Taylor's voice echoed from the hallway, "Josh, what's going on here?"Josh's grip relaxed, but his eyes still simmered with malice.
"Just teaching Lorraine her place, Father," he replied, releasing me.
I gasped for air, knowing this was only the beginning.
Alpha Taylor's gaze pierced through me. "Lorraine, you'd do well to remember your position."
I nodded, submissive, but my heart seethed with resentment.
The twins' protection now seemed like a distant memory, leaving me to face the harsh reality of my life as a lowly servant in the Alpha's mansion.
Josh's anger boiled over, his fingers digging into my neck. "Those Lycan twins humiliated me because of you, you worthless orphan!"
I stuttered, desperate to appease him. "I-I'm sorry."
Josh's grip tightened. "Sorry won't erase the shame!"
Alpha Taylor's commanding voice interrupted, "Josh!"
Josh released me, and I crumpled to the floor, massaging my bruised neck.
"Father," Josh replied, his tone laced with resentment.
Alpha Taylor's eyes narrowed. "I warned you against wasting time on petty squabbles. We have more pressing matters. The Lycan pack arrives tomorrow, and we must prepare."
Josh's scowl deepened. "Why are they coming?"
Alpha Taylor's expression turned grave. "We'll find out tomorrow. Let's go."
Josh complained, "But Father, it's just the Lycan pack. Why make a fuss?"
Alpha Taylor's voice rose. "The Lycan pack is the oldest and most powerful. Their visit is an honor and a potential threat. Come, Josh."
As Josh reluctantly followed his father, Alpha Taylor turned to me, his gaze cold.
"Lorraine, your inability to shift makes you a liability. Don't draw attention to yourself. Keep a low profile."
With that, he departed, leaving me shaken and reminded of my precarious position within the pack.
The Lycan twins' protection seemed a distant memory, and I wondered if they knew the danger their actions had unleashed upon me.
- Writer
