Chapter Six

Joan's POV

Her cottage is something out of a fairy tale and the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.

In contrast to its rough exterior, the interior looked like the walk room of a royal family.

The couch looked like something made out of the finest timber and clothing. From the ceiling, hanging down is a lovely chandelier and the bookshelf on the wall held different books from across all packs.

"My son. He loves to read"

I took another look at the countless books, just about what percentage of thus has he been able to read?

From the furniture to the fittings, it looked way too pleasant for an average old woman.

"I have a son who thinks it's a wise decision to spend a lot of money to make this place look homely. It's looking like a guest house, not a family house"

"It is…really beautiful ma'am"

"Ms Anna is just fine!" She cautioned with a smile "And yes it is lovely. Not so lovely if you live alone"

"Your son. He doesn't stay home?"

"For his own safety, he visits once on a while. I'm sure you'll get to meet him one day"

There was something really warm about her that was beautiful and…homely.

She reminded me of my family….

A family that was long gone and dead.

"Sit child, you must be hungry."

She walked into the kitchen and I sat down on the couch. I didn't realise how tired I was until my back leaned on the sofa.

My feet ached badly and the shoes I had were covered in mud.

"Here"

She handed me a tray which held bread, bacon, butter, cheese and French toast.

I dived into the meal without thinking, I was so hungry from walking for days without food or water.

"Slow down dear"

I was too hungry to slow down. Soon,my plate was empty and I was more than satisfied with my meal.

She handed me a glass of water and I gulped it down.

"Thank you Ms Anna"

"You're welcome"

I knew I had to explain myself to Ms Anna. Maybe then, she would allow me to stay in her cottage.

"Ms Anna, I…"

"You don't have to talk now, child. You must be tired. Get some sleep and we will talk tomorrow alright?"

She led me into a room and as soon as my head touched the pillows, I drifted into a deep sleep.

****

Sunlight seeping through the curtains and on my face, I forced my eyes open.

Where was I?

I took a look around and slowly, the incident from the night came flooding in.

I was rescued by Ms Anna. If she hadn't appeared in the woods at that time she did….

I couldn't tell what would happen to me.

"Are you up?"

I hurried out of my bed and out of the room. She was standing by the door with a tray of food in her hands.

"Good morning dear"

I took the tray from her hands, a smile on my face. "Thank you so much Ms Anna. You saved my life last night and have me a place to stay"

"Eat. Take a shower so we can head out. The earlier I open the store,the more chances we have at selling our treats"

Ms Anna heads towards the table where she had freshly baked bread on the table and a few sweeties as well.

"They smell marvellous Ms Anna"

"I sell this to the kids. Many of the women here love bread and bacon for breakfast. If I'm fast enough, I will sell all this"

I didn't want to hold her back so I hurried to get my food and took my bath. Ms Green had my clothes arranged, she was such a kind hearted old woman.

I took a dress and was soon out in time to help her carry the breads that were neatly placed in a basket.

This pack was vibrant with life. The kids run around with bright smiles on their faces….

I couldn't say the same for Blood Moon Pack. But whatever the case, this 0ack seemed delightful.

"What is your name dear?"

"Joan ma'am"

She turned to face me, her eyes scanning me closely. My heart raced wildly in my chest at a thousand possibilities.

Is she going to change her mind about me? Did I do something wrong?

"Is…is everything okay ma'am?"

"Yes. Everything is fine. You have nothing to worry about" she smiled and turned away from me.

Something was wrong and she wanted to tell me.

"What is the name of this pack?"

"Dark Stream Pack. Ruled by the notorious Alpha Jerome"

"He sounds like a nobleman"

Ms Anna said nothing.

"Where are you from Joan?" She asked as we approached a small store.

"Blood Moon Pack. I…I was a maid to the Alpha"

"You ran away"

I stared up at her, my fear evident in my eyes.

"Please don't.. don't send me away Ma'am"

She chuckled, "It must have been horrible for you there. '' she pushed the door open, welcoming me to a lovely bakery store.

"I could use some help, keeping this place running" she offered

"I will do everything ma. Clean, bake, sell…anything you want me to do"

"Alright. It's good to see how eager you are" Ms Anna said

"Thank you so much ma'am"

"Get to work. Line the bread out on that tray and the treats over there. The store needs to be wiped clean and the the sign flipped once you're done"

I made my way to the back and returned with napkins and a broom. The store was cleaned in minutes and the bread on display. I flipped the sign over and watched as customers trouped in one after the other .

With the price tags on each product, sales were easy. It is surprisingly refreshing to do this, handing the bread to satisfied customers.

All through this, Ms Anna watched my every move.

I wouldn't be surprised if this act is as a result of past employees stealing from her..