ROSETTE’S P.O.V

“Mom, Alpha Jason is back!” Kiara, my step sister informed with a brimming excitement.

I immediately stilled, my hands froze unable to move as my chest started beating wildly.

“He’s back? Finally?” I whispered under my breath, while a smile passed my lips.

Thankfully, they both didn’t notice my reaction.

Step-mother had a wild look of joy on her face as she listened to Kiara.

“Really? Then what we are we waiting for? Everyone must be greeting him by now. Come on, let’s go.” She grabbed Kiara’s hands in hers and left the house.

I blew out the breath I had been holding while clutching my chest tight. He’s finally back after three months.

“I have to see his face.”

Without a moment’s delay, I flung the towel away and ran after them, my cleaning and the consequences forgotten. The only thing on my mind was his face. I reached the pack grounds in no time, but there was a problem.

“Um...excuse me! Coming through!” My voice was strained as I tried to push my way through the throng of people clamouring over him.

People growled at me as I tried to move forward. We were all trying to see the alpha. This was normal because he had been away for three months due to some issues that had to be addressed at the pack council. But I didn’t care. I was determined to see his face again, even if its just one glance. Because my case was more than just adoration for him. Its been a while since I had developed this unshakable crush for him and my heart might just explode if I didn’t get to see his face today

“Curse my weak wolf strength.” I could only groan as I pushed harder, until finally I burst forth successfully, just in time to see the slight smile on his face.

The breath in me whooshed out at the sudden heavenly visual. He stood there in the midst of everyone, taller than everyone and strong. His sturdy body and strong arms, a testament of his power. My heart drummed faster against my ribcage as I stared at his clean shaved face. His jet black, long hair was tied up in a man bun with some strands left to lick his forehead and chin. My palms grew sweaty as I watched his blue eyes, which though looked exhausted and cold but to me, shone like the blue ocean waves that shimmered under the sun.

I stayed silent as I drank in his rare, beautiful sight. The ground slipped beneath my feet because just as he was passing, he turned to me and nodded, a rare soft smile on his lips. My hands fell lifelessly to my sides. He looked at me. He smiled at me? It seemed like he also nodded at me. Was I dreaming?

“No. He definitely smiled and nodded at me. Me!” I screamed softly like a teenage girl while still watching his back in a daze. Right now, I felt like I could die peacefully because my crush finally saw me. He saw me. The moment was broken when I suddenly felt a harsh tug if my hair from behind. I yelped in pain while turning.

“Foolish girl! What are you doing here?”

My stepmother glared at me with intense hatred in her black eyes.

Fear shot through me as I cowered in front of her.

“I..I’m sorry mom. I..I just wanted to see the alpha.”

Her lips curled in a sneer.

“For what? Do you think he will ever look at someone as weak and useless and pathetic as you?” I kept my mouth shut, definitely not going to tell her, he actually liked at me. That thought sent a warm rush into my spine. “The only thing you should care about is taking care of the house and earning your stay. Now get back home and make us dinner.”

She pushed me brutally towards the house, I made no complaint. And as soon as we reached the house, she fetched her stick and began to crash it against my body. I was screaming for her to let me go but Kiara came in and kicked me in the stomach. I tried to crawl away but both of them didn’t stop. She kept on repeating that how dare I step out of the house when she forbade me to. And when she was done, I was asked to cook dinner for them. My body was breaking but I had no choice.

If only dad hadn’t chosen to marry someone else after mom dad, I wouldn’t be in this situation right now. And to top it all, he had to die just four years after getting married to her. Of course, with my dad gone, she assumed authority and took over the house, along with Kiara, her daughter. She threatened to chase me out and my only option was to stay here working as a maid in my own father’s house.

A week after the alpha’s return, we got the announcement that the annual masquerade part, the Veil, is scheduled tonight. That meant he might attend, I had to go. I decided to prepare my own dress. It was while I was taking it out to wash that Kiara saw me and immediately glared at me.

“What are you doing?” Her annoying, loud voice bugged me.

I felt my heartbeat increasing. She was not supposed to know this. “Nothing... it’s nothing,” I said and tried to stand up and sneak away from there.

A frown crossed her face, she crossed her arms across her chest.

“What were you doing?”

“Nothing.” I repeated and her gaze fell on the blue dress, “what’s it for?”

“My mum’s. Felt like washing it today.”

“Are you attending the masquerade?” My eyes widened as she guessed it right.

My widened eyes confirmed her suspicion

A scoff escaped her lips as she laughed.

“Mom! Rosette is planning on going to the party!” She has a triumphant smirk on her face.