Chapter 3

LEONA’S POV

Sophie and I arrived early in the office. The CEO’s secretary, Fiona, introduced us to some of the employees and showed us our space. She gave us our contract, and we happily signed it and waited for the next instruction.

“We have our own desk!” Sophie gasps softly. Her eyes are popping out of excitement. I just laugh at all her reactions.

Shortly, Fiona came back to collect us and led us to the training room, where all new employees were gathered for the orientation.

“Good morning, everyone, my name is Glenda, and I am the training manager of the Flame Corporation. I welcome you all to our company, and I hope you all sit back and relax as we begin our orientation.”

The projector started, and the first topic was the company’s background. On the screen, it flashes the humble beginnings of the company. Then goes to the owner that I almost fainted.

The Flinch family owns Flame Corporation. Since Don Rafael stepped down as CEO, Darren Flinch took over. Darren Flinch, the name explodes in my ears. My fiancé. Truth is, I didn’t read the files Mommy Rose gave me, even the one Amanda handed me. I didn’t read the company’s profile. And here I am, an employee of my fiancé’s company.

I heard my Mommy Rose’s name and her late husband’s. They are shareholders. My best luck is for them not to mention my name as the next owner of Eldrich’s asset. Flame stands for Flinch, Lewis, Alden, Monroe, and Eldrich Corporation. The Flinch owned the biggest share. I’m doomed!

After the orientation, our one-week training will start the following day. I didn’t join the office tour and left hurriedly. I texted Sophie that I will wait for her in the car.

“Shit! How stupid of me! Why didn’t I read my fiancé’s profile?” I cussed out. I feel like I’m going to have a fever at the moment.

I ran through the company’s profile again to ensure that I heard the correct name in the orientation, but there were no escapes.

This is a disaster! Why did I let this happen? I didn’t graduate from college to be demented! I slapped my forehead many times. I can’t back out anymore. I have signed the contract.

I rest my head in my seat to relax. Nothing to worry about. I convince myself that everything will be fine. I breathe deeply and recall school days with the beast—my escape when I get stressed in the human world.

****

One thing I like about our pack, all members are entitled to attend the training. Whether you’re a slave or with ranks, we all need to learn to prepare ourselves for any battles or for higher ranks in the future. But I doubt if one of the Omega can replace the ranking officials. Not with our derange Alpha.

“Are you ready?” Ellen, my only friend, peek in our door.

“Yes, I am,” I glance in the mirror and head out.

In training, we study archery, self-defense, hunting, reading, counting, arts, and all other stuff. Rumors said the training was established by the late Alpha, who lived with the humans and learned their ways. He incorporated what he had acquired into our pack, so we know little about humans besides the fact that they are dangerous. Why? Because once they find out that werewolf exists, they will hunt them down.

But my Mama Thelma used to tell me a story about humans. Not all humans are bad. I am an example of my kind. Just like werewolves, they kill to protect their family and themselves. And humans are gentle and loving by nature, but there are also evil.

“I can’t wait for my next day off. I was extending my tree house and made a bridge that enables me to cross on the other tree.”

“Really? I can’t wait to see it. But what about the Moonsbeams’ preparation? I doubt if Alpha Riley will allow you to take an off.”

“He will, Ellen. It’s in our law.”

“What about Victoria?”

“That I don’t know. But I hope they will allow me.”

We went to the field with our swords on hand. Fencing time. One of my favorite activity. Actually, I love everything they teach us. In training, we are all the same. No one is above everyone, and I felt like it is my domain. I beat them all, including Victoria. That is why she makes my life miserable.

As usual, Victoria picks me as her opponent. She is relentless. She only wants to prove to everyone that she can beat me. We face each other.

I carefully watch her every step. And with her every strike, I shield it with my sword. She is so eager to win but easy to read. Her moves are all the same. Keep charging to spook her opponent. But I’m not scared of her. I can take her down with one hand, which is what I did.

I fended all her attacks; stepping back, I flashed to her side and made a turn going to her back. I pointed my sword at her neck as she turned around to face me.

“Good job, Leona! Nice move!” our pack teacher, Beta Howie, clapped his hands. Victoria threw her sword, pissed. I didn’t plaster a smile, for I knew she would retaliate later.

“Prepare yourself again,” Ellen whispered as I go back to my post.

I wanted to let her win, but my Mama and Papa told me never to show weakness during training. For that is the only place where I can be above everyone and where I can be who I am. No wonder everyone hates me. At least I can let out all my frustrations without worrying about punishment.

Walking home, the smell of my Mama’s soup and steak makes me hungry.

“Catch you later, Ellen,” I hurried inside, “Mama, that smell is so g…,”

Stunned. Victoria and Alpha Riley are in our house. I lowered my head and kept my eyes to myself, facing them.

“Um, Leona, you’re home! We are just talking about you,” Mama stuttered, “Your performance in your training class pleases Alpha Riley, and we are discussing a possible position as his guardian.”

“Yes. Since you always beat me in school,” Victoria walked to the table where my Mama had already prepared the table for dinner, “Steak. I love steak. Is this for Leona?”

Mama nodded.

Victoria took the plate, “Hmm, it smells good.”

She approach me with the plate and dropped the food on my feet.

“Oops, sorry.”

“I~It’s okay, I’ll clean it,” Mama turned away to get a broom, but Victoria stopped her.

“No! I have a better idea. Leona, why don’t you eat it?”

“What?” Mama and Papa were stunned and glanced at Alpha Riley, but he is at the window staring outside.

“Did you hear me? Eat!” Victoria glared.

“But it’s on the floor, Miss,” Mama reasoned.

“I am fully aware of that slave,” she cast a stern look at Mama Thelma, “She lives with us. A werewolf despite being a human. So now she should show us that she is one of us.”

“But…,”

“It’s okay, Mama,” I squat on the floor.

I lower my head, so my mouth can reach the steak. Tears started flooding my cheeks as I ate the food on the floor like an animal. Victoria is laughing triumphantly, folding her arms together. She grabs my hair, pulling it backward.

“Remember your place. You are born a slave and will die a slave.”

“Let’s go, Victoria,” Alpha Riley uttered. The offer about the position was just an excuse so his daughter could get back at me.

“That is for beating me today, you piece of shit!” Victoria kick my stomach.

I curled, gasping for air.

“Oh, Leona,” Mama and Papa cried, helping me while I squeaked.

“Shh, hush now, Leona. I promise you all this hardship, this maltreatment; it will all pass.”

“I don’t believe in miracles, Mama,” I collected myself and ran into my room.

****

“Leona?” Sophie got in the car, “Why the heck did you leave? What happened back there? You’re lucky they didn’t notice you were gone.”

“Are we done for today?”

“Yes!” she rolled her eyes annoyingly.

“I made a terrible mistake.”

“What did you do now?” she held her breath with wide eyes.

“Remember the fiancé of mine?”

“Ah yeah, the mister snobbish and arrogant guy. Why?”

“He’s Darren Flinch. The CEO of the Flame Corporation!”

“Oh, shit! You didn’t read the company profile?”

“I didn’t! Even my fiancé’s file that Mommy Rose gave me.”

“You idiot!”