One day at a time

Kyas POV

Awakening to the shimmering sun gleaming in the ceiling-length window from the corner, my eyes peered open. I slowly lazed up then everything hit me. 

I was truly no longer in my pack.

‘How am I still here? It wasn’t a dream?’ I thought panicking and looking around. The velvet couches, the fireplace, it was all real! That means… 

My stomach started grumbling as I put my hand on my belly I thought “The food was also real” and I started salivating. I still couldn’t fathom why this pack has brought me here and shown such kindness. 

My body is slowly recovering already. I can feel a little bit of energy growing within me. After a rejection from a soon-to-be alpha, I still do not understand how my weak body could endure the bond breaking completely. 

How could Caleb be so cruel? How could the moon goddess curse me even more in this life? For years all I dreamed of was Caleb being my mate, being my savior from the position the pack placed me, being a person in this world to wholly accept me with love.

My heart started aching in my chest again. I needed to accept that he was no longer a piece of my future but only a horrid pain from my soon-to-be past. My father as well. 

They are nothing more than dead to me now.

I walked around the room examining things and wondering how I ended up in this extremely lavish place compared to my wooden floor and tattered old blanket. I rubbed my face on the long drapes inhaling a fresh linen smell from them and admiring their silky threads.

A loud knocking came from the door “Miss are you awake? Vivi sent me some items.” A woman bellowed from the other side.

‘Why is this Vivi woman caring for me like this? I wonder what she will want from me…’ I thought. ‘Any “friends” of mine have always shown to betray me in the end. Could this be different?’ 

I dropped the drapes and froze. Was she truly speaking to me even? 

“Uh yes hello?” The door opened and the two maids bowed as they entered.

“we are here to clean up and deliver these” One of the maids pushed a few shopping bags onto the table and started withdrawing the items inside. She lifted them one by one from the bags and started laying each garment nicely on the bed, I admired each one with wide eyes.

So many colors of clothes started to exit the bag. I noticed they were all new clothing and even a few lavish dresses. I walked over and touched one of the pink shirts. 

The cloth was so smooth and inviting. As I stared down I felt the eyes of the maid next to me and jumped back “I-I uh I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to” I started stuttering.

“My lady these are all yours! You need proper attire to visit the pack house officials and what you came in unfortunately we tried to wash for you but they fell to pieces, I truly apologize,” the maid bowed her head deeply looking terrified.

“Apo-apologize? To to me?” I said astounded. As I stared at the clothing my eyes welled with tears and I grabbed the maid in a hug “Th-thank you so so much! I’ve never had girls' clothing before!” The maid looked at me stunned. 

What’s wrong with her? She’s just given me the most precious of gifts and she’s staring at me in bewilderment. I let go of her instantly and jumped back “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to touch you I just I just I’m so thankful thank you.” I said carefully.

The maid bowed and then looked up at me “It will all be okay you will see, our alpha is a good man he will help you.” She smiled. 

“But I don’t need..” before I could finish my words the maid bustled off and left the room leaving the other maid who just exited the bathroom.

“My lady here are some restroom accommodations” she stated walking towards me and gesturing me to the bathroom. She showed me everything as she put them in their place in the large walk-in glass shower. “Here use this to clean your body” She showed me a white squeeze bottle and turned the shower on.

All of the previous lavish bottles were gone now. Replaced with my accommodations. That’s what I must’ve heard earlier in the night when I was sleeping my pain away.

Compared to bathing in the creek outside the pack my whole life this is magical. The smells, the bubbles, and even the beautiful design of each product were astounding. My whole life I’ve wondered what magic other girls in the pack possessed to smell and look so good. 

“Get in my lady I need to get you cleaned up” At her words I started removing the outfit beta Alex gave me a night ago. As I stepped into the shower the water burned my skin. 

I heard the maid exit the bathroom. I looked around scrubbing the pain away from my body. ‘Clothing? A shower? They might kill me when they find out I’m a mere slave but this is a great ending and I will take it over the cold prison floor.’ I thought to myself while the water ran smoothly down my curves.

My rejection rushed back to my memory and my heart started to ache. Before I knew it I was on the floor sobbing into my knees. I tried to console myself and get it together to not be more embarrassed in case someone heard me but the sobs just wouldn’t stop.

After a while, I heard the bathroom knob click. I looked over terrified someone entered while I was in this state. 

In came Alpha Max. He sidestepped not once looking up or at me directly.

“Uh er, Kya… can I help you?” He said in a confused tone.

Embarrassment swelled in my chest. I could feel my body getting hotter and my cheeks flush.

“I’m sorry” I bowed my head in shame trying to hide my naked self and make myself as small and invisible as possible. 

He moved to a cabinet and removed a candle and some matches. He hesitated for a moment. Then he lit the candle and left it on the marble counter. 

“This always helped..” he paused and looked to the ground, “a friend of mine when she was upset, maybe it will help you too” he stated as he sidestepped back to the door.

“When you're ready I would like to speak with you. Also, I’m sending Vivi to check with you.” With that, he shut the door quietly.

I inhaled deeply with the scent of the candle filling my nose and another… a mixed deeper scent filled my nose. I instantly felt a sense of calmness wash over me. 

Why is this pack helping me? Do they have any idea I’m just scum ol scummy? Why is this man being so gentle toward me? My brain spun as the tears slowly faded.

My wolf became jittery. I haven’t felt her since the rejection. She’s been taking a lot of the pain so I can stay alive. ‘ATHENA! I’ve missed you, why so distant?’

No answer. 

Athena was there but as a wolf, her instincts were on high alert. Athena has protected me my whole life almost sacrificing herself many times to endure the pain the pack members inflicted.

“Don’t stray too long. I’m feeling very alone and lost Athena” I hummed to her.

No response.

I sighed. ‘Why have you been acting so odd? When I need you the most it seems you withdraw from me’ With a frown I decided to move forward. 

I stood up, grabbed the bottle the maid left, and squeezing it, too much came out. I hurried up to try to disperse the sudsy liquid all over my sore scarred body to not waste a drop. But as I turned to scrub my back my foot slipped out from under me and darkness came.

As I slipped into unconsciousness I felt two large arms scoop me up. I could smell that calming smell again. Off my mind went into the sheering pain of complete darkness.