“Shit! Shut the damn curtain, Nadia!”
“Waky, waky, sunshine! It’s morning…” I cringed within, knowing the only person who sings that every morning.
Mary!
I snapped the cover off my face, to regret it instantly. I winced with the impact of not just the sun on my eyes, but my pounding head. It felt like a log of wood was deposited on my head while I slept.
“Waky, waky, s-”
“I heard you loud and clear, Mary! I am a second away from having your hide.” I held my head while complaining, almost meaning my words.
She chuckled that rich resonating sound I really love, the bed dipping as she came to sit beside me. “I woke up this morning then I was like, ‘why don’t I surprise you by coming to prepare you today like old times’ How about that, mm?” I gradually peeled off the quilt to access her. Her face was stretched in indiscernible glee, her upturned nose making her look so much like a baby.
“Okay… Has Nadia been here?” I searched the room.
“Oh, I linked her to busy herself with something else while I take care of you.” She flung the remaining cover away, standing up. “So, first thing first, you have to prepare for breakfast after which I would wait till you return, to prepare you for work.”
Mary could never stop astonishing me with her diverse behaviors each day. I searched her face for any signal that maybe she wanted something from me, or someone might have put her up to this, but she twisted her face about, still beaming. Okay, maybe I was overthinking this. She is just being my friend. Gad, what did I do to deserve the friends I have here? Muse, can you see this? People are finally liking me… Please just talk to me.
“What? Hurry up already!” she urged, flicking her fingers on my face.
“Okay.” I sat up and made to climb out, the pang in my head returning with full force. I winced, my hand going to my forehead where the pain was centered. That was when the occurrence of last night came back to me.
“Are you okay?” Mary’s weary voice drifted to me
I nodded slowly, not wanting to cause more harm. “I think I have a strong migraine. Can I get an aspirin, please?”
“Okay, be right back.” Mary scurried out of the room while I flicked my eyes around the bed, around the room, remembering vividly that Alonso had brought me in last night and I had begged him to stay with me. Gad! He must think I’m a wanton. A desperate wanton.
Mary came back with the aspirin and I was close to asking her if she saw anyone when she came in, but didn’t, suspecting if she did she would have asked me. I have come to know her that much.
“Do you still feel sleepy or need to rest a little?” Mary was fussing about me, behaving like a mother hen. I shook my head slightly and stood from the bed, after taking the drug.
“I will just take my bath and go down for breakfast as you said,” I said, going into the bathroom.
When I came out, I saw a booty short and red laced top which she placed on the bed for me. I blushed when I saw it, imagining how I would look in them. It reminded me of Paisley and her flair for red wear.
“I don’t think I can wear that,” I informed Mary, applying my lavender lotion.
She scoffed, going to drop something in the closet, coming back with flat red slippers.
“You should start looking hot rather than dry.”
“I look hot,” I defended.
“In long gowns all the time? Hardly.” She clipped, flatly.
If I was a mean high ranking wolf, that statement would have attracted a severe punishment, but Mary is my friend and I don’t take whatever she tells me to mind, instead, it makes me like her more that she was trying to help me get better, just like Alfred.
The other day, she told me she didn’t like the way I dressed and made my hair to work. She said it doesn’t give off a good image of a Beta wife. She even went ahead to tell me to inform Alonso I would need a driver to drop and pick me up from work every day. I understood what she meant by all that, but I also know this is all a cover and knew the role I am supposed to be playing. I wouldn’t want to cross the boundary or get on the wrong side of Alonso. So I can’t do most of what she asked. If only Lance was my true mate then I would have considered them.
To avoid getting into an argument with her and risk explaining why I shouldn’t wear what she brought out, I obeyed and wore it-my curves showing off like that of Paisley on her dresses. I blushed a million folds staring at my luscious self in the mirror. What will Alonso say when he sees me wearing this? What of Alfred? Alonso might refrain from saying anything, but Alfred…
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Mary? I don’t want any trouble.” I shifted from side to side still checking out myself.
She grabbed my shoulders and pushed me down in front of the mirror. “Let’s get your hair done. You look absolutely gorgeous!”
By the time she managed to twist and turn me around, my red hair was no longer the hair I used to know. I don’t know how she managed to wrap it into a very neat bun at the top of my head, some of the tendrils falling to my face to cup it. It was so elegant.
“Perfecto! Just like a princess. Now go down and show them the beauty that was locked within! If only Beta Lance was around to see you.” She nudged me to the door.
I stood in the lobby trying to gather the courage to go in before the front door slid open and I pivoted to see Alfred walk in.
“Woo! Girl, you look edible! Are you having breakfast in the morning?” I knew it! My cheeks were growing hotter now.
“I think this is a bad idea. I told Mary.” I made to bypass him and he held me, the action sending a shot of adrenaline shooting up my body. I rapidly withdrew from him, maintaining a good distance.
“What is a bad idea?” His eyes sparkled with mischief. Alfred can never let me off easily.
“This! My dress!” I pointed at it.
“Girl, you look spiffy! Elegant! Exquisite. Should I continue?”
My face was tomatoes by now. “Lower your voice! Do you want them to think… never mind.” I faced the entrance door, with a thudding heart.
“C’mon, let’s go in.” He grabbed my hand and before I could protest or react, dragged me inside. The first person’s face I located was Alonso whose eyes were ball-sized now, taking me in- specifically his brother’s arm on me.
I discerned he wanted to say something, and rapidly withdrew my hand from Alfred. I don’t want trouble. Not this early. If Alfred noticed my action, he didn’t show any sign of it. He helped me uproot my chair and pushed it in when I was seated. I mouthed my thanks and greeted Theresa who smiled at me, showing likewise favor to Paisley who was twirling on her seat with a full-blown smile at me. As for Alonso, he only gave me his signature scowl and focused on his meal.
My guts twisted. I didn’t expect him to shower me with praises or smile adorably at me as Alfred does, but returning my greeting shouldn’t be a big deal, particularly after last night. I was certain he slept in with me.
This is all a game to him.
After managing to contain my anger and taking my breakfast, thankfully there was no family drama this morning so I excused myself and took off, not giving any room to be the center of attraction.
I couldn’t go to work today because according to Mary, I needed to rest so I don’t break down. To her, she thinks it was my work that caused the migraine and I didn’t want to change her opinion and tell her I had taken alcohol for the first time in my life. It would have led to other stuff I couldn’t share with her for now. I don’t think I trust her that much not to put me in trouble.
This evening, I changed into my trainers and made my way out of the house, going to the parking lot to ask one of the drivers to take me to the training site where Alfred had told me to meet him when I called earlier.
When I got there, he was engrossed in his training as usual and had only given me a single nod and continued with his activity. Getting the cue, I got into position and joined the others in today’s training which was on dodging. I just pray Alfred forgets my push up punishment.
By the time we were through, I was as usual sapped to the marrows.
“That was amazing, Danika. Well done.” Alfred appeared beside me on the ground where I was panting, his hands on his waist, not showing any physical sign of tiredness. I allowed my eyes to roam on his ripping stomach abs, the sweat glistening on him giving an edge to his six-packs.
“Stop eating me alive,” he teased and I rolled my eyes. This is our first daytime training, and the first time I am seeing his torso properly undressed. I averted my gaze, not wanting to lust after another man that wasn’t my mate, although it was becoming difficult these days with us being constantly together.
“You think my dodging is cool?” I asked to avert the awkward moment.
He nodded. “You have greatly improved and can begin to kick asses henceforth, mine exclusive.” I giggled, not even planning to.
I owe my gratitude to Alfred, seeing he was the brain behind my progress today. If not for him, I would still be that wimpy weak she-wolf who couldn’t even box the air, not to mention speak up boldly. I wasn’t perfect yet, and still have a lot to learn. But now, I can tactically defend myself from any enemy.
“C’mon, let’s go freshen up and go grab a drink!” He reached down to help me up.
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