With a loud groan, I slap my hands over my face. Dear goddess, why am I such a spazz? If you could do something about it, it would be greatly appreciated.
Let's talk later, I can swing by your place in the afternoon.
If nothing else, that will give me time to find out what I am and am not allowed to say. Or maybe I'll just tell her what happened and make it clear it has to stay quiet.
OOH! must be juicy then :D c u later babe!
Tossing my phone back on the nightstand, I contemplate staying in my room and never facing anyone ever again. That won't help anyone though so I roll out of bed and get ready for the day.
The clock hanging above the bed shows I only slept a couple of hours. It is still early morning so I'll head to the kitchens.
Black leggings, ballet flats and a slightly cropped baggy t-shirt tied in a knot at the waist will do for today. My curls look more like messy waves from air drying without any product and getting rustled while I slept. The easiest thing is to throw it up in a messy bun and call it a day.
Skipping down to the kitchens trying to appear more energetic than I feel, I can hear more activity than usual. Peeking in I see a group of ladies busy making food. I immediately recognize Lauren, Jonah and Emma's mother. She spots me and waves me over.
"Morning sweetheart, want a little something to eat?" Her greeting is warm and she gives me a hug. "Sure but what's going on? Usually, it is only on the weekends that big breakfasts get made" My curiosity winning against my sometimes shy nature.
"Babe, they may not be letting us in on what's happening but most of us have been married to these men long enough to recognize when there's a problem. Until we're told anything, all we can do is support them by keeping their bellies full. I'm Alesha by the way".
The woman that spoke up has the most beautiful skin I've ever seen. Warm deep ebony with chestnut eyes and gorgeous Senegalese twists going down to her waist. "Nice to meet you Alesha I'm Hope. Since I'm already here I'd love to lend a hand. Is there anything I can do?"
"We can always use extra hands around here" Lauren assures me. "Come help me roll and bake these biscuits and you can get to know the rest of the ladies. Sound good hun?" It's Alesha who lets me help her out.
It feels nice being in the kitchen with the women. I'm introduced to them all, from what I can tell none are from my pack. These ladies are funny, sweet, and warm but obviously strong. Each one is so different and I find myself relaxing and joining in on conversations.
Even without answers or any clear indication they still take action in any way they can to support the pack as a whole. Once again I'm struck by how sad I would be if we had to leave it behind.
"We're a bit much, aren't we? You'll get used to it soon" Alesha jokes and bumps my shoulder playfully. "The one that's a bit much is you, Ale, you're always the one getting the party started" A cute girl probably only a few years older than me named Kaida teases back.
She has regal Japanese features and stunning Almond eyes. "Someone has to!" Is Alesha's response bringing on another bought of laughter and more teasing back and forth.
In no time we manage to finish everything. Half the food is served in the huge dining room while the rest is portioned and packed to deliver to the men now patrolling around the clock. Their efficiency is incredible, I have so much to learn from these women.
"Thanks for helping out baby girl. You're welcome in the kitchen any time". Lauren’s voice is so motherly and I promise to help again whenever I'm free. Saying my goodbyes to the ladies I'm handed a to go bag and sent on my way with hugs. To the library I go now.
Chapter 40
Hope
When I enter the library I'm surprised to find Carter there looking through a stack of books. "Hey, were you trying to find something? I might be able to help".
Setting my food down I walk over to see what he has been pulling. "Actually, your help is exactly why I'm here. Usually, you're here earlier so I've been waiting and decided to start doing some research myself.".
My help? Now he has my full attention. "I'd be happy to help if I can, what's it about?" Dropping the book in his hand Carter motions towards the seating area presumably to talk it over.
"Last night was long and you needed to rest so you weren't given extra details. I wouldn't be giving you any period if it weren't for the fact that you were already involved and know the situation. Not because you aren't trusted but because we are keeping the situation contained. Listen closely until I finish, okay?"
I nod my understanding and get myself comfortable. "When the vampire was apprehended he revealed his reasons for being here". My ears perk up now not wanting to miss a single detail.
"He gave two. One was to find out for his Master how easy it would be to enter our territory and get to the pack house. The second was to find someone within the pack who they call 'the princess'. That is where you come in Hope.
No one knows this library better than you do after all the time you've spent here. Plus, you already know about what is going on. So, I would like you to do as much research as you can on any familial connection within the history of the pack families that may somehow point us in the right direction.
I on my end will be finding any physical links. Anyone that may have directly or indirectly met whoever this vampire answers to. The intruder is being held for questioning and we will receive any pertinent information. David will be working with the tracking team so we can try to figure this out on all sides. Do you think you can do it?"
I hesitate momentarily. Not because I don't want to help but because I doubt I can actually find much of anything out. In the end, that doesn't matter though. If someone is a threat to a member of this pack that has done so much for me then I'll do anything in my power to make sure they are safe.
"I'm not sure how useful I'll be but I'll find what I can. As far as I know, you're not harboring any secret princesses so perhaps an old family link or some forgotten connection to the vampires? It's the only place I can think to start".
"I was thinking along the same lines. I left a file on the table of all our pack members and any family history we may know. I'll leave the rest to you". When Carter walks out I'm left on my own.
Studying the list is overwhelming, they have so many members. The most straightforward path is to focus on researching entire families instead of individuals at a time. Quickly eating my breakfast I concentrate on the monumental task that has been handed to me.
I don't want to let anyone down when Maximus, Carter, and David are putting their faith in me. I'm determined to prove myself. Not only to them but to me. I want to be useful and needed, this is my chance. Well, my dear books looks like we're about to get even better acquainted.
Chapter 41
HOPE
Hours feel like minutes as I work steadily. A bound leather notebook now stands open to record any possible detail I may find. The stack of books appears to grow by the millisecond.
I'm pulling anything that could be even remotely related. On this last trip to the expansive shelves, I spot the book I had been holding when I fell.
Although it most likely doesn't contain anything of use I drop it onto the pile figuring it won't hurt to skim it just in case. After all, the outside is so worn there's no way to know the contents unless I read it.
Letting my eyes drift to the antique clock it is well into the afternoon. I should be meeting Bailey soon but this is important and I can't just leave it.
Of course, when I go to grab my cellphone I notice I didn't bring it with me. Not carrying my phone is an old habit I need to break. If I had it I could text Bai to let her know I got held up. But then if she decided to come here I would need to explain what I'm doing which I doubt I'm supposed to.
When I first began working in here I was given a key to a trunk by Maximus. I was supposed to put important documents that might be left out or books that needed repairing.
At the moment, it will be the perfect place to hide these books while I'm doi
ng my research. Piling them all in I lock it and go fetch my phone from my room.
There it is, on my nightstand, mocking me. When I step out of the room I'm pushed out of nowhere and have to hold on to the wall to keep myself from falling.
"Fucking watch where you're going! bitch". There's a voice I never wanted to hear again. Is it possible the princess the vampire wants is Angelina? Cause if so I'll willingly hand her over.
"I was walking out of a room. If anyone should have been able to avoid that it was you". I make sure to keep my voice level and disinterested. I'm not trying to start a fight I just wanna speak up for myself.
From the way she violently turns and struts up to me though, you'd think I cursed her grandmothers grave or something.
"Did you just talk back to me? Who the hell do you think you are? Maybe I should go call Danny". What I wouldn't give to smack the pretentious tone out of her. Maybe she'd be a little nicer if she knew what it feels like.
"Why? Is your Danny gonna help you apologize? You're pretty rude for someone clearly in the wrong". I know that voice, it belongs to my beautiful fiery new friend and I instantly smile. Angelina looks between us then scoffs a 'whatever' and stalks away.
"Bitches be bitches, am I right?" There's no holding back my laughter. Partly because of her statement and partly out of relief.
I told myself I wouldn't allow her to walk all over me again but there are years worth of mental scars I'm still working through. Bailey showing up to back me up was a godsend.
"Thanks, Bai" the hug I give her is sincere and heartfelt. "Least I can do for my bud. Plus, when you didn't come over to give me the lowdown I figured I should just come to you". Looking around to make sure no one is around, I usher Bailey into my room then into the bathroom so no one passing by can hear our conversation.
Chapter 42
Hope
Shutting the bathroom door we sit in the tub together. "You have to promise not to tell anyone". "Pinky promise!" Bailey holds out her pinky and I interlock it with mine sealing the promise.
"There was an intruder last night and Alpha Maximus along with some of the Enforcers caught and detained him...It was a vampire". My voice is barely above a whisper but I know Bailey heard me by the shock registered on her face.
"Are you serious?! I've only ever heard stories. The wars between our species ended probably before we were even born. What the heck would one be doing trespassing here? Alone at that. That's just crazy".
She's not wrong, its always been clear that werewolves and vampires have been on opposite sides as far back as recorded history goes. Despite that being a common fact all out war seemed to have stopped nearly two decades ago. There's no real information as to why or how which is something I've always found odd.
"Pretty much. As far as I know, he's being questioned at an undisclosed location. Announcing it to everyone would just cause unease when there isn't much information about his motives".
"Man, that's some serious business. No wonder security was bumped up. It is kinda scary but I also sort of wanna sneak in and see the vamp". Bailey gets a mischievous smile but I automatically shut her train of thought down.
"As fun as peeping on a potentially dangerous stranger sounds, its also by far the worst idea I've ever heard". "That's cause you haven't known me long enough. I have bad ideas all the time". Bai playfully sticks her tongue out making me shake my head. "I guess it will be my job to keep us out of trouble then".
"You attract some trouble of your own, what is up with that girl? You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to but I'm not as ditsy as I come off sometimes. Bringing up your Alpha as some sort of threat is pretty sketch and I don't like it".
The normally bubbly Bailey is replaced by a much more serious version. I've never thought her to be dumb, I knew she would pick up on things.
I realized from the jump that Bailey is far more observant than she gets credit for. The problem is the Alpha command prevents me from being able to reveal the truth. Although I'm not entirely sure I would if I could. Truth is, I still feel shame over it all. I can't lie as I stare into the concerned eyes of my friend so I will say what I can.
"It's not that I don't want to tell you, I do trust you. I simply...can't. The most I can say is my relationship with some within my pack is complicated and...not always good. I'll forever be grateful we were forced to come here.
I made my first real friend, I live my life feeling safe and free to do what I please. I'm happy to be under an Alpha who obviously cares about his pack and treats everyone well regardless of their position. An Alpha who protects and values those under him and would never unjustly hurt or ostracize any. Do you understand?"
Bailey leans forward and engulfs me in a hug that brings tears to my eyes but I don't let them fall. "Your secret will always be safe with me. I can read between the lines but I still hope to hear your full story one day. I'm so pissed anyone could hurt someone as sweet as you.
The day we met, I was so sad. I tried to hide it but Finn and Chelsea having to leave was hard. They were like siblings to me and I felt so lonely. Then we bumped into each other and I instantly felt like we clicked. You have no idea how much our friendship has helped me. I'm here for you babe, always".
I hug Bai back tightly and we stay like that for a while. I may not have been able to open up completely but this girl who quickly became the greatest friend I've ever had knows more about me than anyone. There's still a lot I'm holding back but sharing even a piece of it is terrifying. I believe Bailey when she says she's here for me, I can feel how much she means it. I pledge to do the same for her no matter what.
Pulling away we look at each other and laugh a little "Its been a crazy day huh?" "You can say that again, do you have something to do now?" I consider whether I should tell her or not but quickly decide I don't want to keep it from her.
"There's another part to the intruder story I didn't tell you. He was looking for someone in particular. I was asked to help research who they could be looking for".
I can see Bailey processing the information "Why you? Usually, something like that would be done by a head Enforcer or something". Well here goes nothing. I open up and tell Bailey how I was the first to encounter any trace of the vampire.
Then our subsequent attempt to get the message out and finally what Carter told me and why I was chosen. I kept out mention of Daniel because that would require a whole other explanation I didn't want to get into.
"Holy shit! why didn't you start with all of that?! I drop you off and miss all the cool stuff". Bailey is now pouting but I'm relieved I let her in on what is going on.
"Sometimes that's just what happens. I'd rather have missed it. Either way, I now need to find us a princess". "That should be easy. Doesn't every pack just keep a princess on hand?" Bai jokes and I laugh.
"It's honestly so weird. You have to wonder if he's just messing with us. Regardless that is what we have to go on. If I find anything I have to report it in to Carter or Maximus". "Maximus is it? Getting pretty close to our Alpha I see". "Oh god, not you too" I slap a hand over my face to hide the heat rushing to it.
"Someone else noticed?" "What? no, nevermind. It's really nothing". The smirk on Bailey's face shows she's clearly not believing me. "You say that but I've caught you looking at him. I've also noticed him looking at you too. Maybe our big bad Alpha has a thing for you too".
Now that is laughable, shes clearly imagining it all "There's absolutely no way. Not that it matters cause I'm not interested either". "You are such a bad liar. No worries, my lips are sealed but I know I'm right". She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively with a dopey grin earning a laugh from me.
Dropping the subject we make a plan for Bailey to come around and aid in my search whenever she can considering she has classes. We also want to keep the others from realizing she is in on it considering I was never cleared to tell anyone.
"Don't fret my amiga, we will figure it out. By the way, I saw your mom earlier. We talked
for a little bit and she told me your birthday is in a couple of weeks. You should have told me! We have to celebrate! eighteen is a big deal".
For a second I'm confused and have to think about what date we're in "I guess with the move and stuff I totally forgot it was coming up". That's the honest truth. So much has happened in such a short span of time that the days start to blur into each other.
"Leave it to your girl! I'll plan something good. I am the queen of surprises so be ready for an epic birthday". There's no use in telling her not to worry about it, knowing Bailey there's no stopping her now that the idea is in her head. With a hug, we part and I go back to the library to pick up where I left off.
Willow From The Ashes (Children Of The Moon Book 1) Page 13