Chapter 3 (First Friend)

Valeria POV

I sat down on the swing, looking at how the pups played around. I smiled at their little screams and squeal; they all seemed so innocent and full of life. In my former pack, going to the pups’ school or staying in the garden was my favourite thing to do. Although the parents make sure I’m not near their pups, but I just love watching the innocence of pups; I never got to play like them, get my clothes dirty, or play tag. I never had any friends, so watching pups being themselves was pleasing to me.

“Hey!” I heard a high-pitched voice breaking me out of my thoughts. I looked down, and a pup, not more than 3 years old, was looking up at me.

“Me?” I asked, looking around. No pup has ever talked to me or approached me; they avoided me like plague, so this was new.

“Are you new here?” the little boy asked. I smiled at him, nodding my head. His lips formed into an o shape, and his long, curly hair moved around with the breeze. He is such an adorable, chucky pup with blue eyes and bright skin.

“Momma told me we had a guest and we should avoid the guest; are you the guest?” he asked, tilting his head. I smiled at his little and innocent voice, and he speaks well for his age. What he said didn’t affect me; I wasn’t surprised or affected. I nodded my head at him, and his eyes glowed. He giggled, looking at me, intrigued.

“Pretty,” he mumbled, his voice in awe. I was star struck. No one has ever complimented me, but this little child with black coily hair did, and there is no way those innocent eyes would tell lies. I was about to reply to him, but a woman yelled.

“Jared! Come here!” she screamed. The boy who goes by the name Jared turned around, staring at his mother, then sighed, and I was surprised. He definitely acts older than his age; he turned to me.

“See you later, pretty stranger,” he said, waving his hand at me, and he ran along. I smiled as he went. This past month in the pack has been lonely. I am happy someone has put a smile on my face, someone unexpected. I smiled, breathing out content. I guess I made a friend. I continued swinging gently.

I have been here for a month; I haven’t set my eyes on my so-called husband; I haven’t seen his beta, Collin. This pack is a bit different; everyone is avoiding me, but they don’t whisper harsh words as I pass. They ignore me and go about their day. I walk freely in the pack land, getting used to my environment. I sometimes go to the training ground, sitting far away from them, but I learn a few tricks. This pack is awfully big, and no one notices anyone. As big as they are, they are always busy, with parents going about their day working and the pups in school. The pack is peaceful, and no one has noticed me or been unnecessarily rude. I guess Alpha Adrain is different.

My bodyguard walked towards me. As Colin said, he came the next day and introduced himself as Bryan, and that was the last word he spoke to me. He helped me clean the 3rd floor, and anything I say to him, he never says a word; instead, he nods his head. I don’t know if Alpha Adrain instructed him to do so or if he chose to do it, but either way, I am comfortable with it.

“Alpha wants to speak to you; please follow me,” he said, turning around. I rolled my eyes. What is with the men of this pack and not waiting for a reply? I asked myself, coming down the swing. I followed after him, wondering why the Alpha was requesting me after ignoring me for a month. Does he want to date me? Does he want to accept me as his mate? Is he going to mark me? I took a deep breath as my heart started beating loudly. I was nervous. We continued walking; I have never been to this floor before. We got to a door, and he knocked softly.

“Come in,” his deep voice said, making me shiver. I haven’t heard his voice in so long, and I don’t know why I was happy to hear it. My bodyguard opened the door and went in while I followed behind him.

“I have brought her as you asked, Alpha,” he said.

“You can leave,” he said, and I didn’t bother looking back at the bodyguard. My eyes were fixed on Alpha Adrian. Why is he so handsome? Straight hair brushed to the back, light brown eyes that glitter with a ray of sunlight, and round pink lips. I traced my eyes to his sharp jaw. I was so fixated on admiring him I didn’t notice his cute lips were pulled in a frown. He cleared his throat, and I was brought back from my trance. My cheeks heated up as he gave me a long look.

“Take your seat,” he said. I nodded my head repeatedly, walking to a seat. When I took my seat, I breathed out, coming back to my senses.

“You called me Alpha,” I said. 

“Yes, you are aware of the annual ball,” he asked. Annual ball? My eyes light up. The annual ball is organised by Alpha Adrain, where packs invited come and marry with other packs. It is also a ball organised for mates to find themselves. I always stay in my window, watching my pack leave while I’m not allowed to. It always made me sad, as I also wanted to dress up in a beautiful ball gown, wear make-up and heels, and be excited about seeing boys. I never had that privilege.

“Yes, Alpha,” I replied. He nods his head.

“The annual ball is in 2 weeks, and you will stand beside me as my mate. You are already well mannered, except for shyness. You know the title I hold, so on that day, try not to embarrass me. I have called a designer for you, and she will be here soon,” he said, looking at me blankly, but I was sad about his statement. Am I that embarrassing? I was also sad because if by chance I run into my mate, he won’t even come close because I am with Alpha Adrain. An Alpha of power and authority, he won’t move close.

“Valeria,” his voice cut me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him, and I was surprised that he called me by my name, but it wasn’t pleasant. He looked angry.

“You answer me when I talk to you,” he snapped. I blinked repeatedly, looking at my nails.

“I am sorry, Alpha,” I said, biting my lips. He glared at me, breathing out.

“You may leave,” he said. I stood up, bowing my head, and then I proceeded out of the door.

“Wait,” he said. I stopped in my tracks, turning slowly to look at him. He rested on his chair, giving me a long look.

“Do you know how to do paperwork?” he asked. I shook my head. My father never allowed me near his office or study. He breathed out.

“Go,” he said, waving his hand out. I looked down at my feet, walking out and biting my lips. I struggled to hold my tears as I left, blinking repeatedly so I could see where I was going as the tears clouded my eyes. I got to my floor and ran to my room. I collapsed on the bed, crying my eyes out. No mate, no loving family, no friend, and a husband who is irritated by my presence. I was born lonely, and by the looks of it, I will die lonely, and I am just 22 years old. I remembered the little boy, the first person to be nice to me, maybe I have a friend after all.