The feeling of doing something remotely wrong touched Ava’s spirit, but she stemmed it down. Wherever Alpha Jax was, he would have spies around to update him on every slight movement of hers. She couldn’t afford to risk it, and it would surely be foolhardy on her part. Now, it was important to have a feel of her environment.
With that in mind, she decided that her first stop would be at the maid’s quarters to return the outfit she’d worn earlier. Raven had seemed nice, so a bit of small talk seemed feasible at this time. The more people she was able to befriend, the better her stay and plan of escape would be solidified. Though Benjamin had annoyed her, he did have a point when it came to that.
She made a dash for the bathroom, and grabbed the outfit, putting it under her arms, and then leaving the safety of her room. There was silence. This pack was always quiet, like people didn’t live in it, and that was sometimes very uneasy. She could only see a couple of guards at their spot, standing like statues, and waiting for any unpleasant things to happen.
“You must be Ava,” Someone mumbled behind her.
She turned around quickly, almost scared that she might get attacked by the stranger, but instead she noted the kind smile that touched her lips.
“Yes, I am,” She said with a smile of her own.
“I said it,” The girl bubbled excitedly.
“Em, I don’t understand,” Ava said as politely as she could mutter.
The girl flared her hands about. “Well, duh, you’re the new sex slave. Everyone has been talking about you since you got here. And the fact the Alpha wants to initiate you this early, breeds rooms for more dialogues,” She said in a hush.
Ava frowned, suddenly not willing to be put under the stethoscope by these people. “I have some errands to run,” She mumbled.
The girl rolled her eyes. “You mean that?” She pointed at the clothes. Ava nodded. “Oh! Come on! Raven can handle that. It’s her job. I’d like us to hang out with my friends. It’s important.” She said firmly.
“Look,” Ava started and stopped as the girl looked at her with eyes filled with sadness. “Ok, I don’t even know your name or anything about you. Plus, if you’re trying to hang out with me to know more about the Alpha and me, you’re asking the wrong person,” She mumbled as politely as she could.
Without warning, the girl entwined her hands with hers. “Jeez, you want to act mean, but you need lessons on it,” She said with a soft laugh. Ava didn’t find that funny, so she didn’t laugh. “All right, I’m Emerald, Raven’s step-sister. I’m in the war department,” She said easily.
Ava stopped in her tracks, stunned. “Really?” She took a good look at the girl and noted that she barely had any breasts, and she was wearing vests. Her hair was the color of sand dunes, and her eyes were mismatched, but she was beautiful. She couldn’t even imagine her fighting or doing anything at all.
“Aww! Look at your face. You look so stunned. Now, do you understand why we’re all curious about you? You’re not the type of girl who does these sorts of things. Yet, you were chosen by the Alpha.” She said with a grin.
Ava looked away from her, and kept walking, pulling Emerald along. “It’s not like that. I was just surprised, that’s all.” She said offhandedly.
“I know you were. I was just pointing things out.” She explained easily. “Well, how about we meet my friends behind the woods when we keep the clothes with Raven,” She asked.
Ava frowned. She didn’t want to go anywhere with Emerald. The girl had a loose tongue on her, and only the moon goddess knew what she might say about Ava in front of her friends. It didn’t sound like such a great idea.
“I… I just wanted to keep these clothes and head back to my room,” She explained.
Emerald nodded. “I know you’re just dodging. Don’t worry, we don’t bite. At least, I don’t,” She said with a little laugh.
They’ve arrived at the place, and Ava could see Raven buried in a sea of clothes. She frowned slightly, This duty was just insane for her, and it wasn’t fair.
“Hey, sister,” Emerald called out, untangling her hands from mine, and then snatching the clothes from my underarm.
“Hey, troublemaker,” Raven shot back, as she removed half of the clothes from her, only for more to fall on her.
“I’ve told you not to say that! Now, you’ve said that in front of my new friend,” She grumbled.
There was a soft laugh, then a pause. “I think you’ve made another porn-star as a friend,” Raven said snottily.
“Remain buried,” Emerald shot back.
Raven groaned in response. “Oh! Come on,” She whined.
Her eyes pushed past Emerald’s and rested on Ava’s. This time she looked really apologetic over her comment. “Fuck!” She cursed. She removed more outfits on her, and surprisingly came out easily. “I talk too much,” She wailed.
“You won’t get away with it by just saying that. You will never change,” Emerald complained.
Ava watched the two, amazed at their banter. Honestly, she should have been mad at them both for their words, but she wasn’t. All she felt was complete emptiness that she could never experience something as pure as this friendship.
“Ava, I’m really sorry. I wasn’t really imagining it was you. I really am sorry. Please,” Raven whined.
A soft smile touched Ava’s lip. “It’s ok. Things like these happen most of the time. It’s not a big deal,” She said softly.
Raven looked at her sister, then switched her gaze to Ava. “You’re the best. Is there something you wanted me to do for you?” She asked politely.
“Yes, if it’s not too much, can you help keep that with you?” She asked kindly, pointing at the clothes.
Raven laughed nervously. “I’m sorry, I can’t do that.”
Baffled, Ava said, “I don’t understand. It isn’t mine,” She contradicted.
“It’s yours. The Alpha told me it’s now yours. And-” She pushed into the room, bringing out a bundle. “I would also send the bundle over to you,” She said kindly.
“Oh!” Ava said simply.
“This is freaking serious. I don’t think this has ever happened before,” Emerald cooed beside her.
Ava didn’t miss the look that Raven gave her sister. It was icy. She wondered if Emerald had been right. But, the man barely treated her like she was an equal. So, she was quite sure, all these were to bring her down more.
“Come, let’s go meet my friends,” Emerald gushed.