It has been two days since I started working at the mansion. Everything was nice and not difficult for me, even though Manang and I were the only two who cleaned the whole house. Cleaning, cooking, and rest, repeat. That's how my days went by.
"Raya?" I heard the lady call outside my room.
That's what she has called me ever since I came to the mansion. She was having difficulty with pronouncing Faraiah, so she gave me a nickname instead. Well, that's okay with me because it's not ugly to hear.
I got up quickly from my bed and went to the door. I opened it for her. "Do you need anything, Manang?" I asked as soon as I opened the door.
"I will be buying some stuff at the market. I will be right back before lunch." There I noticed the folded eco bag tucked into her armpit.
"Okay, Manang. Do you want me to go with you?" I suggested.
She shook her head quickly. "No, I can do this by myself. Make sure you take care of the house while I am not around, understood?"
I answered her with a sparing nod. She then turned around. I watched her walk away for a moment before I closed the door again and went back to my bed.
"Shit!" I exclaimed after realizing that I had a schedule for today.
I moved quickly to chase the old lady, but I didn't even see her shadow when I got out of the house.
"Today is the schedule of my enrollment at the nearby school," I whispered and slapped my forehead.
Unconciously, I looked at the mansion. I am allowed to leave the house, but since I didn't inform Manang in advance about my plan, she might look for me when she gets home.
Suddenly, someone popped inside my mind.
There are only three of us living in the house. If I couldn't ask permission from Manang, maybe I could ask him instead?
I bit my lower lip when I recalled Manang's order. I hesitated quickly.
But if I left without noticing anyone about my disappearance, I might lose my job, right?
Though she ordered me not to go up to the second floor. She didn't say that I was not allowed to meet Seniorito, did she?
"Argh! Faraiah," I said frustratedly and pulled my hair. "It's just the same! You're still going up to the second floor to ask for permission!" I added.
I heaved out a sigh and decided to just wait for the head maid for an hour. If she couldn't come back right away, my second choice was to go to Seniorito and tell him about my plan. Even if I disobeyed Manang's order not to go upstairs, that's much better than being scolded for leaving without telling anyone. Someone might have mistaken me for a thief who stole something and suddenly ran away.
I was about to go back inside the house when I heard a faint whimper. I frowned and walked towards the source of the noise until I reached the backyard of the mansion. I was momentarily stunned by the image that unfolded before me.
In my twenty-two years of existence, this was the first time I saw this kind of . . . dog?
Its fur was a mixture of white and black. It has ears, a tail, and feet that look like an ordinary animal. But to compare it with a normal dog, it seemed like it's five times bigger. It was lying down on the ground and frowning.
It was only then that I noticed his bloody stomach. I immediately got nervous that it would almost overwhelm the fear I was feeling. I walked over to him and examined his wound.
The wound was deep, but it could still be healed. I quickly stood up and ran inside the mansion to find a first aid kit. When I found one, I went back to the wounded creature.
"Sssh, it's okay. I'll treat you," I comforted him while cleaning his wound.
It was still mumbling, but unlike before, it was calmer. After I cleansed his wound, I applied medicine all over the wounded part. I don't know if that will work for the animal, but it is much better if I do something. Next, I put the bandage around the dog.
I smiled sparingly when it stopped moaning. I gently and carefully stroked its lush fur. I was amazed.
"I can't carry you. You can rest here until you get well," I said.
I stopped caressing him and my lips parted as it slowly nodded its head. It seemed to understand what I have said.
"You look like a well-trained dog," I said excitedly.
I was startled when he suddenly barked at me, followed by a faint howl.
"What happened? Is there anything hurt?"
I am crazy to speak to an animal that can't talk.
"Ssshh. That is okay. Behave now, someone might hear you and later think that you brought some bad news." And I stroked its fur again to calm it down.
I couldn't help but laugh because he suppressed his barking. It seemed like it was quietly complaining because of what I said.
I wonder who the owner of this dog is?
Surely someone owns it because its fur is well-cared for. Moreover, it was smart and looked well-trained. I just hope he recovers quickly so it can go back to where it came from.
I stayed a few minutes next to the poor creature. When I noticed that he was asleep, I decided to go back inside the mansion to prepare for my departure plan.
The old lady has not come back yet. It is turning eleven o'clock already. I had to get back right before lunch. I had no other choice but to go up to the second floor to tell Seniorito about my errand.
My knees almost twitched as I climbed the stairs. I am just thinking about the head maid preaching to me. I am already nervous.
I let out a deep breath as I finally reached the top. It felt like a thorn had pulled out from my chest despite the problem that I was about to face. I roamed my eyes across the second floor for a moment and was stunned to notice that there was nothing unusual there — except for the three consecutive rooms.
I scratched my head, wondering which one belonged to Seniorito. I can't open all the doors without someone's permission.
Soon I noticed the difference between the three of them. The two rooms have a normal handle, while the latter is gold. I don't know if that was real gold or just paint spray. And because that one was quite different, I decided to go there.
I prepared myself for a few seconds before trying to knock. "S-señorito?" I called.
My heart almost pounded in my chest waiting for his response, but a minute passed by, yet I still didn't get an answer.
I bit my lower lip because of the weird ideas that entered my mind.
What if he really has a disability? What if he is mute? Lame? Blind? Of course, he couldn't answer me right away.
I sighed before knocking on his door once again. "Seniorito, this is Faraiah. I am your new maid here. I am sorry but I am coming in, if you mind."
I still waited a few seconds for his response but, just like before, I heard nothing. If he objected to my entry in his room, maybe he would make a noise to let me know that it was against him?
I bravely turned the door lock and gently opened it. "Seniorito?" I called softly, informing him about my presence.
The masculine smell of the room kept coming to me. The room was dark and the only light showing was from the door that I was slowly opening.
"I guess I chose the wrong door," I whispered to myself.
But then I took a deep breath when the light consumed the whole room because of the widely open door. A shocking image exposed before me that I never thought was ever possible.
So maybe the old head maid doesn't want me to come here to the second floor because she is abusively mistreating our boss!
A man was handcuffed and unconscious, sitting on the floor. His top coat was bare and he was only wearing his pants. Even though, I was still far away from him and it wasn't that bright, I could still notice his ruddy wrist. Maybe it was caused by the iron handcuffs attached to him.
"S—Seniorito..."
I quickly approached Seniorito's place. He was still unconscious even when I held his arm to check. There seemed to be a pinch of pain in my chest as I saw the bruises on his wrist. "What did Manang do to you? Since when did she imprison you here?" I exclaimed as I looked at the chain attached to him. There was a shiver in my chest, but I was more consumed by pity and apprehension for the man in front of me. Just thinking of his suffering in this room was already hurting me. The chain attached to him was no joke. For one man, it was even worse than a tiger tied to the wall. I stood for a moment and looked around, searched for the bathroom and then went there to get a bimpo. When I got back, I turned on the light switch. Now, I can clearly see him. I went to his place again and started wiping his face. In a few seconds, I was able to scan his entirety. He was darker, muscular, and had fluffy lashes. His jaw is in perfect shape, as is his lip. Even though he is pale, I can say that h
The man's laughter echoed throughout the household. Manang immediately gave him a slight tap to stop him from laughing. "What? Isn't it funny?" the man said to the old lady. Manang just shook her head with disbelief and then faced me again. She opened her mouth to speak, but she immediately stopped midway. It was as if she couldn't find the right answer to my question. "Raya, I can not answer you right now," she stated. "The only thing I can tell you is that Senyorito's situation is difficult. You should not approach him carelessly, so I forbid you to step on the second floor." I bit my lower lip at the conscience flowing through my system. "I'm sorry. I did not follow your instructions," I said shyly. Manang just smiled at me sparingly. "But how did you do that?" the man inserted. I frowned at him. "Which one?" "What did you do? How did you get him back to normal?" Then he turned to Manang. "He's still... okay?" he asked the old woman. Manang nodded slowly and then turned her
"W-Werewolf?" I repeated, and then looked at Seniorito who was now unconscious. "Yeah, you heard it right. We are werewolves," the guy confirmed clearly. We? All of them! I unknowingly swallowed and looked at him. "You mean... that dog? Is that so?" His face immediately went bad. "Excuse me, we are not dogs!" "It's the same. You are still barking the same awoo awoo!" I answered back. He palmed his head and shook it unbelievingly. "It's different. Stop calling us dogs, lady. We're greater than them." "High breed dogs?" I know he'll be annoyed by what I said, but that's probably the only way I could reduce the creeps I'm feeling right now. "Damn. If you hadn't just treated me earlier, I might have bitten you." I was stunned and gulped slowly. I hesitated to laugh and then took a step away. I might cut his patience if I continued. "As for you, don't be silly," I said. "Aren't you scared, Raya?" Manang interrupted. They were both silently watching me now, waiting for my answer.
Manang shook his head at what I said. I don't know if she's laughing or running out of patience with me. "Now that you know us, I will introduce you to the Gammas," she stated. "Do we really have to?" Miro interrupted. Manang heaved a deep breath and looked at him sternly. "You heard the Alpha. He may have chosen Raya or she's a second mate." "We are still not sure about that. She's a human! The lowest creature for Pete's sake," Miro hissed. "Hello? I was right in front of you, I can hear you," I said sarcastically. I am the lowest thing for a creature like him just because he is a high breed dog. Tss! "Beta, I know you're wondering why the servant I hired was a mortal. We have to take care of Alpha's secret, our family could be ruined if another werewolf finds out about his condition." Although I'm confused by Manang's words, I couldn't avoid being proud in front of the guy she called beta. "Alright, let them out," Manang added. Miro could not do anything but leave the house
Even though it's well past midnight, I'm still up. I'm just contemplating stuff that I don't even know how to comprehend while gazing up at the ceiling. It's absurd. After a while, when I still didn't feel asleep, I made the decision to step outside for some fresh air. I held the cup of tea while leaning my elbow on the verandah sill to survey the area. 'They're here, right?' I sighed and then took a sip carefully from the cup in my hand. I sensed a presence later. I could see his figure out of the corner of my eye even when I'm not looking at him. The beta. "Still thinking about us, lady?" he asked; I don't know if it was a good approach or not. He went to my side and imitated my position. "Is it true?" I wondered while not looking at him. "Is it true that I'm the mate of your alpha?" I heard him scoff. "Why? Are you thinking about how to reject him?" I didn't answer right away. I drank some tea again before looking at him for a moment. "I just don't understand. How did I be
Even though I fell asleep early, I still woke up early the next morning. As I always do; I cleaned the house and cooked breakfast. If it used to be Manang who prepared Seniorito's food, now, I voluntarily arranged it on a tray. Manang entered the kitchen just as I finished. "Oh, Raya. You wake up early?" she commented and looked at the food I prepared. I saw her expression soften before she focused her gaze on me again. "I'll take it upstairs." I just nodded, even though I wanted to wince. She's the only one who can go upstairs, right? Manang approached me and carefully took the tray of food. She examined it for a moment before turning to me and smiling. "Thank you, hija," she said. I hesitated to smile back and scratched the back of my neck. "It's okay, this is my job." "Thank you anyway," she insisted, then patted my shoulder. She was about to walk away when I couldn't help but ask. "Manang . . ." I called. She immediately looked at me. "Hmmm?" "I am only wondering how yo
I was delighted and amazed previously, but now I'm anxious. Not because of the large school or my wealthy classmates, but rather because I felt like someone was keeping an eye on me. I looked all around, but no one was there. There are students who occasionally gaze at me, but it's not them who are giving me the uncomfortable feeling. Weird. "This will be your room," the gamma I was with informed me. I automatically looked around the room. I snorted when I noticed that they had their own world. Some are talking, some are sleeping, and some are studying. I want to laugh because I could not imagine that other awoo awoos are really modern now. I couldn't even tell which of them was my mortal likeness. In fairness, they also want a diploma. Come to think of it, does awoo awoos also need a college degree to become a waitress/waiter? That's how it is with us mortals. Just by searching for a dishwasher, they need a degree holder. Like, hello? What course is that? Bachelor of Arts in Bubb
"Do you really think you can escape from me?" I suddenly found myself cornered against a big tree. The scene happened in a flash. How he effortlessly chased and pinned me. I dropped my phone and my eyes widened, looking at the man in front of me. "S-Señorito . . ." I stuttered, calling his name; hoping he would come back to his senses. I caught my breath when he brought his face close to the side of my ear. I could feel every breath he let out. My knees wobbled when his tongue slowly licked my skin. Even though I didn't mean it, my hands dropped on his chest. "Your skin tastes different," he whispered. Then his nose trailed down to my jaw; he was sniffing my scent. "Señorito," I said when I felt his face on my neck. My grip on his chest got tighter. I am more and more weak with fear. My vision was getting dark and I was almost out of breath. The scene from earlier came back to my mind again and again, how he kissed the girl until he bit her. I felt him open his mouth. Even his f
The fear returned to my chest as Miro approached us; he was behind Konnor, locking each of his hands there. My attention immediately turned to Cleon when he slowly stood up. I was supporting him when he almost fell. Yes, I had a plan to let him die, but not this way. As much as possible, I don't want to be chased by my conscience, so even though I have doubts about him, I'm still looking for clear proof. Stupidity? Maybe that's what I have.My eyes widened as Cleon quickly grabbed Konnor's collar, followed by unleashing a powerful punch to his jaw. Konnor fell down, and the fear reached my chest because of the fear that he might retaliate against Cleon, but that didn't happen. He just grinned, obviously mocking."You broke the rules, Konnor," Cleon said deeply and firmly.Konnor smirked, then slowly stood up and faced Cleon. "I'm sorry, I just got lost, and I didn't know she was marked already."Cleon's jaw tightened as his vision darkened. Who will believe Konnor's excuse? I gasped w
I frowned the next day as I walked down the hallway of the building. I don't know if it's because I have Cleon by my side that the students I pass by can't look at me properly or if there's something really wrong with them. I just shrugged it off and adjusted my scarf while looking for my room.I still don't feel very well. Even though I was able to move normally, there was still heat that spread over my body. It also doesn't help that I'm with the alpha right now; I feel like I'm going to kiss him at any moment.I remembered our last conversation again. He denied my accusation against him. Although there was a trace of confusion on his face as to why I asked that question, he was sure of his answer. It was crazy, but there was something inside of me that held on to it even though my mind was against it.I was stunned when I entered the room and saw Aica in the front. I was immediately nervous when our eyes met. I was about to pay my respects, but my head was left in the air when she l
"What are you saying?" I asked Miro blankly.I have no doubts about he said, maybe because of the images I saw. All I want to know is how he knew all that. Why does he know about my parents?Since I was a child, it was not really clear to me what my parents were doing. I thought they were rescuers. Mommy and Daddy often leave every time someone comes to the house, and when I ask them, the only answer they always give me is that they will help someone. I have no idea about my mother's personality because the whole time we were together, she never showed anything different to me. We lived like a typical family.I raised my eyebrows when Miro gently undressed in front of me. Later, his chest was exposed to my eyes, and his wounds were healing. He met my eyes and took a deep breath."The wound we get from Alpha is no joke to us werewolves. It takes almost a month to heal, but because you treated me, my wound has healed a lot in just a few days. I could smell the witch blood on you the fir
Everyone was quiet for a few hours. Cleon, who was next to me, was peeling an apple while Manang and Miro were sitting on the three-seater couch a few meters away from us, watching. I was a bit conscious because I felt like they were all waiting for me to speak."Here," Señorito said while handing me the bowl with an apple that he had peeled.I accepted it without saying a word. To this day, the scenes I saw in my dream are still running through my mind. I'm not sure if that's true, but part of me believes it."How do you feel now?" Cleon broke the silence seriously.I tasted the apple before looking away. "I'm okay. It doesn't hurt anymore, but I still feel hot," I answered."Well, that's normal because you're in heat," he said, making my mouth fall open."W-What?" I stammered. "What do you think of me? A dog?" I couldn't stop speaking.I heard Miro's sigh and his faint cursing. Cleon quickly frowned while looking at me in surprise. He doesn't seem to understand why I said that."Are
Fourteen days. That's all I have to make up my mind. I groaned and snuggled up on the bed as the strong heat swept through my body once more. I was sweating profusely, and I was gasping for breath. I feel like I'm going to die."Can she handle it?" I heard Cleon's worried voice near me."She has witch blood. You know it, too. She'll definitely pass through this," Miro answered."Manang, call our pack doctor," Cleon commanded.Witch blood?Manang didn't answer; instead, I heard fast footsteps that I was sure were coming from her. Seniorito and Miro talked for a few more seconds, and I couldn't focus any more because of the heat that spread over my body. I feel like I have the flu and malaria.Damn. These dogs are very noisy."Ready the wolfbanes," Cleon said seriously."Are you crazy?" Miro shouted, obviously disagreeing with his brother's order.I felt something cold touching my forehead and neck. I slowly woke up and saw Seniorito with blurred vision. He was staring at me seriously,
I woke up feeling weak and nauseous. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and Senyorito's worried face immediately appeared to me. He sat next to me. I also saw fear in his eyes, and I don't know why."Are you okay? How do you feel?" he asked softly.My last memory of him suddenly came back. Even though I was weak, I quickly moved away from him, causing me to close my eyes when I felt the pain in my neck and shoulders. I stiffened in my bed and stared back at him with wide eyes."W-What did you do to me?" I stuttered.I saw him swallow hard. His jaw also tensed before he looked away. If earlier I was the one who moved away from him, now he is the one who has voluntarily retreated."I'm sorry," he whispered.I don't know, but I feel a little remorseful and confused by that. I have nothing to regret, so why did I feel that way?"I know you're scared. I can feel it," he said again.I frowned. Yes, I'm scared now, and maybe it's obvious on my face; that's why he's aware. I looked around and found th
It's late. I've been gazing at the ceiling of my room for a while, but until now I wasn't sure what was actually making my thoughts so uncomfortable. Is it my parents' death? The potential connection between them and werewolves? After I treated Miro's wound, I never left the room. Manang came to invite me to eat earlier, but I didn't join them either. I want to be alone to think. I sighed before slowly getting up. I felt thirsty, so I decided to leave the room. It was eleven o'clock at night, and the house was quiet when I went to the kitchen. I got some water from the fridge before sitting on the high stool. I continued my thoughts while swirling the water inside the glass I had strained. I just stared there, dumbfounded, while remembering some of the things Miro and I talked about earlier. *** "ARE you worried that you might be bullied again at school?" he asked, as I felt him looking at me apprehensively. I didn't answer. My attention was only focused on his wound while I put
I was unaware of how we got home to the mansion. I was just dumb the whole flight; even when we were walking into the house, I felt like a floating soul. The scene from earlier at school kept going back and forth in my mind.Do they smoke?"What happened? Why do you look so weak, hija?" Manang said when she met us in the living room.I looked up at her, not blinking or speaking. Later, her eyes widened when I quickly walked the distance between us and hugged her. I growled loudly into her chest."Manang... Señorito—" I let out a sob. "—he's even more crazy now," I said."What?" I heard her mumble while not knowing whether to hug me back or not.Miro's chuckle didn't escape my ears either. I looked at him badly. With each laugh, he held his chest as though it were hurting.I avoided focusing my attention on Cleon because my chest ached at the thought of his situation getting worse."Do you agree with that, brother? Your maid just made fun of you. Shit!" Miro's laughter echoed again."S
The coldness was sipping through my skin when I woke up. The surroundings are quiet; I didn't even sense any movement. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a white ceiling in front of me.Why am I here at the clinic?I groaned when I felt pain all over my body. Trembling, numb. It was like I was beaten by ten people.Well, I'm just exagerating, only about three.Two? Ah, whatever!My attention went to the door when a human entered. I was immediately stunned when Seniorito met my eyes. My memories gradually returned as to why I was lying here in the clinic.Wait, let me rephrase. Awoo awoo, not human.I want to slap my forehead because my craziness is kicking in at this time. I heard a sigh from him that got my attention again. He slowly walked toward my seat."Just rest," he said when I was about to get up.I feel like a fool with my elbow propped up while my body is slightly raised. In the end, I just dropped myself back on the bed and averted my eyes from him. I don't know why, but I