Chapter 2: Happiness  

 (Freya POV)

Today is my eighteenth birthday, and I didn’t get even a wink of sleep because of excitement. Finally, the day came when I will get the permit for my freedom. I jumped out of bed and ran towards the washroom to get a bath. The water was freezing cold as always, but I didn’t mind it today. I just wanted to freshen up and look my best because it's my day finally. Alpha Andrew already informed all the omegas yesterday that I would no longer work in the kitchen. He just asked me to help them with dinner because there will be a big feast tonight in which several other alphas are invited from the nearby packs. I happily agreed because it would be like a farewell gift for them. 

I quickly checked my clothes and pulled on a white crop top with a black high-waisted skirt that ended up above my knees. I have a pair of long shoes which will look best with this outfit. I got all these gifts from the thrift store, but who cares about me and my dresses? I dressed up for myself today and will cheer myself up with a cup of coffee today. I tied my chocolate brown hair in a high ponytail and smiled after looking at my dress. 

“Wow! You are looking really beautiful today,” I looked towards Claire and thanked her with a blush. She was the daughter of an omega, but we are childhood friends, but we have to keep our friendship a secret because we don’t want any fuss in our lives. 

“I think you need a few more things,” she said, and I furrowed my brows in confusion. She pulled me into her room. 

“A little touch up of makeup will make you glow up,” She said before looking for the makeup.

“No, Claire! I don’t want any unnecessary attention in school, but I promise, I will let you even paint my face after coming back from school, Okay?” I wanted to refuse her but her sad look made me change my opinion. Her face lit up after hearing my words. 

“Okay! I would love to give you a demo of my makeup skills and I am sure that you will love it,” I nodded before getting up from the couch and we quickly walked toward the school. The day was feeling like a blur that passed before we knew it. I entered in the Kitchen straight after coming back from school and started helping the other omegas. I received a few compliments and was beaming with happiness. Only half an hour was left for dinner. 

“I should get going because Alpha Andrew didn’t ask me to show up in front of the guests and will certainly not approve of me serving them,” I said and they nodded with a sad look, but I was not feeling any sadness at the moment. I planned to spend some time with Claire. 

I quickly ran towards Claire’s room and she was sitting on the bed while scattering a few beauty products around her. 

“Hey girl! I have already been waiting for you. Are you ready?” She asked, and I nodded but was feeling a little nervous because I have never put anything on my face before. 

“Don’t worry! I assure you that you will look good,” She said before making me sit on the edge of the bed. I closed my eyes and yelped when she pulled the hair out of my brow. 

“What is this? It certainly is not included in makeup,” She giggled before looking towards my horrified face. 

“No need to worry! It will help you look good,” She said, and I again closed my eyes. After plucking a few hairs, she finally started putting different creams on my face. It felt quite relaxing and then she tapped my shoulder. 

“Done,” She said in an enthusiastic voice and I hesitantly stood up before looking at my reflection in the mirror. 

“Oh My Sweet Goddess! Is it really me?” I asked while making eye contact with her through the mirror. 

“Yeah, My love! It is really you,” She said while winking toward me and I giggled after hearing her sweet comment.

“You really did a great job, Claire,” I said, and she smiled proudly. My Lilac eyes were really looking good with this winged liner and the pink tint on my lips and cheeks were giving them a natural glow. I couldn’t believe that makeup can change someone’s appearance so much, but It did a surprisingly good job.

“Let’s go out for a stroll because everyone is busy with dinner and will not mind our little sneak-out bit,” She suggested, and I thought about it for a few seconds before nodding in yes. 

“Good! But, wear these, otherwise, you will be freezing cold,” She said while handing me her jacket and a scarf around my neck. She also covered herself and we were ready to go out. We decided to choose the back door because it would be safe. We went to a nearby shop and ordered two cups of mocha and started walking around while cracking jokes. It was looking so different yet so refreshing and strange. I have never spent a normal day like this in my whole life and I sure will remember this day and Clair’s friendship while moving to some other place. 

“What are you thinking, Freya?” She asked while nudging me with her elbow. 

“Nothing! Just thinking about my miserable life. I feel so happy and lucky to have a friend like you in my life. I don’t know how to thank you enough for being my friend,” I said earnestly, and she smiled while looking towards me.

“No need to thank me. I am also lucky to have an honest and lovely friend like you. You are the most pretty girl I have ever seen,” She said and I blushed after hearing her words.

“Thank you so much,” I thanked her, and I didn’t realize when we came back.

“I will come after a few moments. Just go ahead,” I said to her, and she agreed and headed inside. I waited for a good ten minutes before opening the backdoor and entered in the pack house. I walked straight to the stairs and turned around but bumped into a wall. 

“Easy Love!” Someone held me and circled his big masculine arms around my body. Oh, sh*t! I bumped into a guest. My face blanched as I looked towards the person and Oh My f*cking Goddess! He looked like Apollo. I have never seen someone like him, such a handsome, sexy, and strong male. I can feel the muscles of his washer board like the abdomen.

"I… I am soo… sorry! I should go n-now," I said before quickly heading toward my room in the basement. My heart was thudding like a beating drum. I remember that person and a smile appeared on my face. Such a handsome hunk he was. I quickly shoved my few belongings in the backpack and closed the zipper.

"I can do that. I deserve a better life than this," I said and started waiting for the guests to leave our pack. After about an hour, I heard the sound of engines and screeching tires. I had to find shelter before midnight because, as a hybrid, I didn't know what to expect about my shift. I quickly left the pack house through the back door and ran towards the south side because the south side of the pack border is surrounded by the forest and it would be easy for me to leave this pack along that route. 

Although this side was way more dangerous than the others, especially at night time but I had no other way but to take risks. My speed was not so fast, but I was running as fast as my feet could carry me when I felt a nasty smell around me. I furrowed my brows in confusion and closed my eyes to take a deep sniff and my body tensed when I opened my eyes and only one word was running through my mind… Rogues.