Claimed by the Alpha Beast

013: Hope and the forgiver's call

Kerris POV

The dull ache lingering between my thighs is a constant reminder of what I did on Christmas eve. It's boxing day, though the Pack's Chemist will be open. That means I have to be at work this morning.

I pick up my cellphone as I climb out of the bed in the morning. The number from last night stare back at me when I open the call log. Another reminder of the Christmas eve saga.

I can't believe the Matron called me. How the hell did she even get my number? The only mandatory information they required were first name and pack. That is enough information to track anyone, but not on such short notice.

I toss the phone back on the bed and hit the bathroom, resolving not to think or worry about the Flower Den anymore. The Matron can't reach me now. Her number is block, and I'll just keep blocking if she calls with other numbers.

To make up for my absence this past week, I decide that I must leave early for work and do extra hours despite the holidays.

After washing up, I sit on my dresser to detangle my hair and almost fall back in the chair at the sight in the mirror.

At first, I don't recognize the girl staring back at me with amber and green iridescent eyes. They give off that otherworldly, preternatural glow that all werewolves have.

Then I blink, and my eyes go back to the normal, unremarkable light brown that they always were.

Abandoning my favorite lipstick, I grab my satchel and rush out of the house, straight to the hospital. Too bad I can't be as early for work as I hoped. Those eyes could only be my wolf's.

Within ten minutes of arriving at the hospital, Nurse Nura has taken my vitals and done the usual scan for people who have their wolves. Then she let doctor Miles know why I'm here. I don't wait long since he's already familiar with my case.

Moments later, I'm sitting across from him as he stares at my file.

"Miss Hart, I'm afraid it's nothing. It's just you and no other self in there. I'm sorry."

My heart slumps.

"But the eyes..."

"They changed colors,” he finished gently. “I get that. You know that's not uncommon. We have wolfless omegas in the pack. I'm sure you've seen them when they're excited. Their eyes light up.”

Was I excited when my eyes did that? Maybe. But it's the first time.

“I'm sorry,” he says again. “There's nothing in the scan that indicates you'll shift soon. Look, the past few days have been pretty exciting for you with your dad nearly dying and all. You should be resting.”

He means I'm seeing things due to exhaustion or restlessness. He could be right on both counts. I mumbled thanks, and leave his office, feeling too depressed to go check on dad.

What's the use? He'll sense my mood and complain, or worse, worry about me.

Thank Fate, I'm able to make it to work on time and keep all my focus on the herbs and drugs. It doesn't take long for the pain of false hope to vanish.

It's the middle of the day, and I'm busy pouring medicinal liquid through a sifter into some vials when my cellphone screeches on the table.

'Must be dad. Or Doris.' I slide the answer button without checking the number.

"Hello?"

"It's me again," says the caller.

"I'm hanging up--"

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The Matron's voice is firm and laced with threat. My hand shake from gripping the phone too tight.

"You were sleepy last night," she says gently. “I forgive your rudeness and absence from work. That's why I'm calling you now. It daylight, so I'm sure you're wide awake. We don't blame you for anything. You were right. It's not your fault your client's wolf nearly lost control. You should be flattered that someone like him got carried away by merely touching you. It was your first time. I understand you must have been terribly frightened. I assure you, butterfly, there's nothing to be afraid of. Hope you understand what I'm saying?"

"Not quite!"

"I'll see you tonight, and I won't be so forgiving if you're absent again!”

I take a deep breath so I can mimic her calm, firm tone when I speak,

“Look, Mrs… Matron, I'm sorry if I ever gave you the impression that I would be back another night. I didn't mean to do that. Don't expect me. I'm done!”

"No, you're not," she replies confidently. "You owe us twenty nights, KERRIS HART. It's in the pact you signed, dearie."

My legs go weak at the sound of my real name. They know me. How?

"Twenty what?" My voice is barely audible. My heart hammers, muffling all other sound around me.

"Oh, you didn't read the pact? Most girls don't. They just check the money part. Well, that's too bad and not our fault. You agreed to give us three weeks minimum before quitting or hopping brothels! Now, I'll see you tonight at 10:30, and not one minute late!"

"I signed no such pa...”

She hung up before I begin to reply. I hold the phone away with shaky hands, staring foolishly at the number. I tap the block icon, but who am I kidding? She knows my name? From her tone, she'll come for me.

Twenty night? Impossible. Never! What the hell am I supposed to do now?

“Is everything alright?” Mrs Morrison asks from behind me. I jump. The phone slips and lands on the floor.

“Uh... no. I mean, yeah.”

Her frown raises my fear. She couldn't possibly have heard the call. Was she eavesdropping?

“I need you to arrange those drugs in the box. The hospital needs them as soon as yesterday. Nurse Drake will be here in twenty minutes for pickup.”

“Yes, ma'am,” I snatch my phone from the floor and got to work.

I don't like the look on her face. She didn't overhear that conversation. Please, Goddess, let her not.