Chapter 2

"This is your room"

Alyssa dropped the box on the floor with a thud, taking in the appearance of the maid's bedroom assigned to her with a heavy heart. The air was thick with humidity, making it difficult to breathe. The small window barely allowed any natural light to filter in, casting an eerie shadow over the room. It was far from the comfortable living space she had anticipated.

"This is where I'll be sleeping?" She almost whispered, stunned at the sight of it.

Lydia rolled her eyes "What is it? Do you want to complain? If it doesn't suit your preference, you could just leave."

Alyssa was startled. If this was Ace's mate, then she was sorry for him. She had no manners at all. She knew almost immediately that they would never be chummy with each other. Lydia didn't rate her and didn't bother disguising her contempt.

"It's so dark and there's barely space for breath. What if I suffocate?"

"Let me guess, you die..then your body is hung on the trees for the birds of the air to feed on. I haven't got all-day slum"

Alyssa frowned.

"It's Alyssa. I've got a name you know. I won't have you call me whatever you want" She growled.

Lydia was taken aback by her audacity. She felt so disrespected. Does this little wolf not know who she was?

She charged at her "Listen Alice –"

"It's Alyssa"

"Well, I don't care. Just in case you have no idea who I am, I am Ace's girlfriend; The soon-to-be Alpha. I'm sure you wouldn't want Alpha Larole to know what sort of uncultured swine you are. He sees everything "

"Get settled in, I have other things to do"

Alyssa threw herself on the bed. Her eyelids felt so heavy. Maybe she was tired and all she needed was to sleep, maybe that was why she was seeing things.

"Before you fall asleep there's something I need you to know" Lydia started, then reached into her pocket and brought out a big piece of cotton cloth. "Take this."

Alyssa took the huge pink piece of cloth, loving how soft it felt to her touch.

"Is this for my hair? It's really big"

"No, it's for your face. All through your stay here, you have to cover your face. No one must know what you look like."

Alyssa couldn't hold back her laughter. What a joke Lydia was. "You didn't tell me you love playing blindfold."

"I am not playing games, outcast. I'm dead-ass. All through your stay at Alpha Larole's house you have to stay blindfolded. Every maid that has ever worked here, used one. It's the rules"

Alyssa's confusion grew, as she wondered why such extreme measures were necessary. The cloth handed to her was large enough to cover half of her face, ensuring her identity remained concealed. The rule just didn't sit right with her.

"I don't understand," Alyssa stammered, clutching the cloth in her hands. How will she be able to perform her duties and establish contact with Ace, she wondered.

Lydia's expression turned cold, her voice laced with a warning. "Listen outcast, you don't want to know what I'm capable of. Remember, Ethan would suffer dearly, just think of what would happen to him. If you value your safety and your brother's position here, you will comply."

Anger swelled in Alyssa's mind as she realized the tough situation she was in. She had no choice but to accept Lydia's condition. Reluctantly, she tied the blindfold around her eyes, obscuring her vision and inhibiting her ability to navigate her new environment.

"Beautiful" Lydia purred, pleased with herself "Bye outcast"

Left alone in the comfort of silence and thick darkness, Alyssa released the tears she had been holding back. She hoped her brother was fine. Six months and it would all come to an end; she comforted herself.

- **

Days stretched ahead, with Alyssa struggling to adapt to her restricted living conditions. Each step she took was accompanied by uncertainty and the fear of accidentally breaking something in unfamiliar surroundings. Despite the challenges, she was determined to find a way to make contact with Ace.

The limited freedom and constant blindfold felt like an unbearable burden. Alyssa's inner wolf longed for a connection with Ace, yearning for intimacy. The passing hours felt like an eternity, with the ticking clock reminding her of the impending deadline.

With only two days until Ace's return from the conference he was said to have attended, Alyssa knew she had to act quickly. She brainstormed ways to overcome her constraints and reach out to him, considering every possible opportunity that might present itself. Her mind raced, seeking a glimmer of hope in the darkness that surrounded her. She had a plan.

She would get Ace to fall in love with her and not just her body, that way she and Ethan would have the life they always longed for.

It may have sounded selfish but it was only fair game. After all, if they took her baby, she needed support. Alpha Larole had said she would leave after the child's birth. But if she got Ace to fall in love with her, that way she could stay and nurse the baby, if she got pregnant.

Her determination grew stronger. She resolved to break free from the invisible chains that held her captive. Whether through subtle gestures or finding an ally within the household, Alyssa was determined to make her presence known to Ace. She wasn't desperate but she knew she could and she would.

With each passing minute, Allysa's anticipation mixed with a rising sense of rebellion. She felt like a teenager again. That part of her she had always known but concealed, was seeking freedom. It wanted to be unleashed.

She knew she couldn't remain confined forever. This contract was a blessing in disguise, fueling her courage to challenge the circumstances she found herself in. Will she find a way to make contact with Ace before his return? What obstacles will she face on her path to liberation?