Alpha Of Darkness And The Half-Breed Healer

NIA POV Like a cat drenched in water, I stood in the doorway pleading with my doomed roommates to please let me in after a long day working in the kitchen. The both of them drew a line between the door and the room. They dared me to step forward while they sat on each side of the room with a whip. I thought they were joking about whipping my leg if I tried to move. The first step, a painful sound escaped my lips when both whips landed on my feet simultaneously. I glanced back at the hallway, hoping for help. But I knew no one would come, and I hoped for a miracle. Somebody must have informed the other maids what would become of me this evening, and as usual, none of them would try to stop such wrath from being unleashed on me. I hate that I am getting used to their foul treatment. It would have been better if someone tried to come to my rescue. At least, that might have given me some courage. It seems far-fetched now. Wiping at the tears in my eyes in resolve, I turned my back and left the room. Their evil cackle filled the hallway. I searched my pocket for my phone and walked down the hallway towards the stairs. I was making my way to the garden. It’s not so late yet. The rule is that every maid can retire to their room once their daily job ends. It’s just like any usual job one would take on outside. And for those who attend to the needs of the Alpha. They work on shifts. Everybody is on the list except me, of course. It’s not like I would have wanted it either. I have no intention to woo the damned Alpha. They can all go to hell respectfully. Dialing Kingston once again, the machine said it was unreachable. I sighed in frustration as I settled into the grass and lay there. The sky looks so beautiful tonight. My phone rang calling back my attention. It’s an unknown number. Picking up, I sniffed, mumbling a soft hello. “Nia, is that you?” Kingston’s voice came alive on the other end. I sat up, gasping tearfully. “Kingston is that you? How have you been?” “I have been fine. I am so worried about you. I’m sorry you didn’t hear from me for so long.” “What happened? I was so worried that I almost thought you didn’t want to associate yourself with me anymore.” “Don’t ever think that, Nia. You know that would never happen. I’m sorry once again. Mum found out I was communicating with you, and she threw my phone out in the lake and grounded me without a phone.” “She can still do that?” “Not because I was easily compliant. But my parents locked the doors with some mean-looking guards watching over the house and me just in case I try to reach out again.” “Wow! I guess they are that rich if they can hire the services of vicious-looking guards.” Kingston chuckled, “Your dry sense of humor is still evident.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Ignoring his compliment, I asked. “How then did you get to call me now if you are grounded.” “I got my freedom today, and after getting a new phone, I thought to call you first. My parents thought, with the other phone resting in the lake, I won’t be able to call you. However, I already crammed your contact in my head. I can read it if I’m asleep.” “Wow, thank you for making me feel special,” I said sincerely. “Talk to me, Nia. How has it been there? Are they still picking on you? How can I help?” “Hearing from you is enough help for me, Kingston. I don’t think I would ever take advantage of your sincere concern for me. I am sorry that I always cause you to worry.” “You have nothing to be bothered about, and I will always be here for you. And as regards the money. I’m going to pay for it. Just trust me.” “Thank you.” I mused sniffing back the tears rolling down my face. “Are you crying?” “Not at all,” I replied in a choked voice. “You are lying. Where are you?” “In the garden,” I admitted. “Why? Isn’t it cold out?” His question made me realize I didn’t have a jacket on. That made the cold bite hard at me. “Yeah, it is. But I am wearing a jacket. I like the feeling of the garden.” “Yeah, you have always loved the idea of a garden. I would make sure you own your flower shop someday.” I can’t believe he still remembers my childhood desire to become a horticulturist. I thought it would be a fun thing to do. More because I love beautiful plants. It makes me feel very much at peace. If my dream eventually comes true, I promise the goddess to be a good person. It’s childish, but then it’s all I can offer. “Thank you, Kingston.” “Why?” “For always making me feel like a person. That gives me hope that things will work out eventually.” “Just hold on tight. We will be free soon.” “I believe you,” I replied, chuckling. “I need to hang up now. I will reach you soon. Don’t try to call me to avoid my family finding out. I will get the communication resolved soon. I love you.” “I love you too. Bye.” As soon as I hung up the call, a shiver ran down my spine.

I should get back in now if I don’t want to get frozen out here. At the same time, there is no assurance those crazy two would have gone to bed. I have had enough drama today; I only want to sleep and have a good dream or a considerable nightmare. “Out all alone tonight?” Perry’s familiar voice said behind me. A small laugh escaped my lips. “What are you? A ghost? Why are you always sneaking up on me like that?” She settled next to me, folding her legs. “Err, you make it sound like our meeting has been that frequent.” “Well, I did come look for you the last time. But then, it’s creepier knowing that you enjoy the dark so much.” She snorted playfully, dusting the tip of her jeans. She appears in high spirits tonight, except her skin looks so pale and skinny that it screams malnourishment. “Why are you here again? It’s cold and getting late?” “I could say the same for you.” “I asked first.” She insisted. “Well, I wanted to run in the woods before returning to painting.” “Hmmn, it’s been a while since I tried running.” “How does it feel being a half-breed and shifting?” I blinked slowly, “is there supposed to be a different way to shift? I channel my wolf and run. The only clause is that I am not as strong and fast as a full wolf.” “Are you sure you aren’t, or have you just channeled the inner condemnation that you can never measure up to a full wolf?” I glanced at her in awe. I wonder how she can break things into such pieces. “Maybe, maybe not.” “How about we affirm it by running with me in the woods.” “No, that won’t do.” “Trust me, it will be fun.” The glitter in her eyes was too strong to resist. Moreover, sitting here would only burden my already-filled mind. I nodded in agreement. “Let’s do this then.” And before I could say, Jack Robinson, Perry was already running to the woods, screaming into the late evening like a happy child. The run was the best I have had in a long while. I always thought running with Kingston was the best fun I would ever experience. Until now, I have had a moment with Perry; she is so full of life. The only thing problematic about her is the way she keeps panting. I understand that we are coming from a long run, but I still don’t think it’s good enough to breathe so fast like that. We returned to the abandoned building. And Perry got us water from her studio. “That was so good.” She said after downing the entire content in the bottled water. I nodded in agreement, covering my bottle back after taking enough sip. “It was so refreshing. I can’t remember enjoying a run in the woods that much.” “I should get back to work now. Would you like to join me?” She asked. I would have begged her to have me stay in the first place. I leaped in excitement. “Yes, I would love to.” “You are welcome then.” Perry grinned. She had already set her tools in front of her working stool. She has been at it for a while. I squinted my eyes at what she seemed to be working on. “It’s a snowy environment in Austria. I thought it looked good enough to paint. See.” She showed me the image on her phone. “Oh, this is so beautiful.” I mused. “So what’s these things you have your colours on called?” I pointed at the flat, not much of a circle of wood in her hand with different colors. “It’s called a palette.” “Palette. That’s a nice name. Do you think I can paint too?” “Anyone can paint. It only needs dedication. It’s also very therapeutic. Teaches you mindfulness.” “I think I might like to learn it.” “I will teach you, but it’s for you to have fun. Please don’t get too serious about it. I think it would be a second delight to do what you want.” “Maybe.” Perry laughed, returning her attention to her painting. “you seem unsure of your responses most times.” “Because my future looks bleak from where I am standing. I guess it’s fair enough not to be too hopeful and just live each moment as it comes.” “Hmmn, I like that philosophy of yours.” We kept mute for a while before a question popped into my head while I looked around at her finished work. “I don’t know anything about you, Perry. I want to believe we would make good friends; that’s if you want to be friends with someone like me.” “What do you even mean by someone like you?” She turned to look at me. I shrugged, “I’m an unwanted being, after all.” “Nia, if you know me well. You would know I don’t have friends, and I hate everyone in this pack. You are different, though; you have a clean heart and that is all I desire.” A smile played on my lips, “thank you. I think you are a good person, too.” “Nah! Don’t get fooled by me. I am a little demon who causes trouble for the entire family.” “Is that why you love this place?” “Not really. This place holds a lot of memories for me. My mum and the dead Luna used to work here together, and my mum would always bring me here when I was little. Despite their busy schedules, they didn’t mind me making odd drawings in my sketchbook and putting them on the wall. I loved it here so much. My best moments happened right here.” “It was a clinic, right?” “Yeah, more of an orthodox clinic. Luna was the healer, and my mum who was her best friend served as an assistant. They loved each other so much. Even after my mum’s death, Luna would come to pick me up herself at my home and walk me down here. She felt it was the only way to maintain close contact with what my mum loved doing. When Luna died, nothing was worth holding, and everything felt empty. I’m just glad the building still exists ’cause it’s where I come to find solace.” I was curious about how the two women died, but I thought otherwise. That would be so insensitive of me. “How about the other members of the family? Don’t they come to check up on you? Does anyone know you work here in the packhouse?” “I would have expected my dumb brother to figure it out. But he is also all about himself. He works here in the packhouse. But I don’t mean much to any of them and that’s why I also don’t give a damn about them.” “Who is your brother?” “The second-in-command of the Beta and the Beta is my uncle. My late father’s younger brother.” She winced, reaching for another water bottle in the small fridge beside her. She gulped it down so fast like she was dehydrated. “Easy,” I muttered. “Thanks.” She panted. “I am sure your brother worries about you. He might just be confused about how to handle your situation. You both lost your parents, and he is hurting too.” “You should be my brother’s sister. So considerate.” I laughed lightly, trailing my hands along the smooth board of the wood painting. “I don’t think I recognize the Beta. I try my best to stay away from the officials, to avoid getting any of them angry.” “Why would you think that?” “The Alpha gave me a clear warning to never cross his path. I think everyone, too, would have that thought.” “Not at all. My brother might be an asshole, but I can assure you he shows everyone he comes across respect. It’s one of our father’s legacy.” “I would like to meet him then.” I chuckled. “Is there a market for these paintings?” “Yup. I intend to send my works out to a gallery in Los Angeles and New York. It’s where the market is. I intend to round up on this last piece and get it transported. As soon as I make my big sales, I will leave here and never come back. I have always wanted a taste of another part of the world.” “Aren’t those places in America where most of the humans reside? My father comes from New York.” Her already pale face went extra pale in surprise. “Your real father?” “Yes.” “Oh, my goodness. I never stopped to think of how your parents met. And from your talks, I thought you never met them.” “I lived with my father until his death when I was eleven. He was an explorer and had met my mum in the woods during one of his adventures. They fell in love, and the rest is history.” “That’s so intriguing to hear.” She said it with less enthusiasm than when she started. Holding her waist, she rubbed the side of her head. “Are you okay, Perry?” “I don’t know, I feel faint.” “Probably you need some air. Should I help you up?” “Yes, please.” Moving close to her, I attempted to help her up and she went limp, collapsing to the hard floor. “Perry!” I screamed in horror.