•~Chapter 3~•

After everything that happened this morning, I was glad the room was empty when I came back downstairs. Usually there would be a few stragglers or some skipping their morning runs for an extra hour of rest.

'Huh. They must've gone training then.'

I was on my way to the living room to start cleaning after finishing in the kitchen only to find Alpha Ryder standing in the middle.

Gritting my teeth, I bowed slightly while clenching my fists to stop myself from hurling a fire spear at him. He was strangely quiet so I chanced a glance but jerked back in surprise upon seeing him standing right in front of me.

But in one swift movement, too fast even for me, he grabbed me by the neck and hoisted me up. I gasped, scratching at his hand as I couldn't breathe in hopes to release me or even loosen his grip but to no avail. I was on the verge of passing out when he finally decided to let go.

I landed with a harsh thud while I coughed and greedily sucked in the air, 'I'm sure a bruise will form in a minute.'

"If you ever display that kind of behavior again, I'll have you thrown in the cells and chained with silver. Understood?!" His eyes glowed, "Well, not that it would have any effect on you since you're human, and a worthless one at that." He hissed at me.

'That's what you think,' I sneered inwardly.

"Let me at him!" 

My wolf snarled and sat up, nursing my throat, "No! You know we can't! Stay down!" He whined in frustration but did as told.

"But I will personally drag you there myself and make sure the chains will be tight enough to cut off the blood circulation in your legs. Am I clear?"

"Yes Alpha." I replied hoarsely. But if only he knew that silver doesn't affect me at all.

"Good. Now your task for today is clean the entire pack house from top to bottom, including my office. I want everything to be spotless."

"Yes Alpha. May I ask what for?"

"We have visitors later. When you're done, hide in the kitchen or wherever you want and don't even think of showing your face until I summon you. Understood?"

"Yes Alpha." With that, he turned and walked out, leaving me on the floor clutching my neck, still breathless. I sighed, slowly climbing back to my feet.

"Why do you do this to yourself?"

"You know why Axar," I sent him an annoyed look, "If he knew about you and our powers, he would just use us! I will not let that happen!"

Yes, you heard right. I have powers: atmokinesis; which is that ability to psychically generate and manipulate atmospheric and weather-related phenomena, and one of the four elements of the earth; fire.

The first time my powers made themselves known was when a few of the pack kids beat me. I was so angry I didn't even notice that the once sunny day became gloomy and I vaguely heard thunder from afar. I didn't even feel my eyes glow as I was busy glaring daggers at their backs while they walked away.

I imagined in my head that they were hit by lightning and then BAM! That's exactly what happened! Lightning came crashing down, striking the four of them right on their heads.

Their bodies jerked wildly before collapsing and I heard the next day that they slipped into a coma for three weeks. When they woke, doctors claimed that they've suffered from amnesia since they have no recollection of what happened. Not even the time they cornered behind the school.

The incident happened when I was six.

Ever since that revelation, I trained myself every night and had full control of my abilities on the eve of my eighth birthday. I would also run so I can let Axar out when I shifted at nine.

Speaking of runs, "Hey, wanna run?"

Of course he didn't need to reply as I already knew the answer. If not for the way he strated bouncing on his paws, "Yes!! Yes, yes please!" He exclaims, his butt raised and tail wagging vigorously.

"Alright," I laughed, "We'll go tonight. I'm sorry you didn't get the chance last night."

"Oh Zannicus, you don't need to apologize. You can't exactly run in the condition you were in." I smiled at how considerate my wolf is, grabbing the vacuum from the closet.

"Thanks Axar."

"Besides I'm not going to go crazy if we miss a night's run. Also, I'm not too keen on getting caught if you suddenly collapse in the middle of the forest due to your exhaustion. I still wanna live."

Chuckles tumbled out of our lips, 'Ah, I love my wolf.'

"And I love you too." Smiling one last time, I went ahead and began my assignment, ensuring that Alpha Ryder's office was 'spotless'! As he requested ever so kindly~

'Goddess I hate him.'

_____

By the time I finished, I was sweating profusely like a popsicle left to dry out in the sun. Not only that, it was an hour left before lunchtime and I was grateful that the duty of preparing lunch was not assigned to me. Only breakfast and dinner.

I was currently organizing the cleaning materials back into the closet when I heard the front door open. I quickly finished and went out to greet whoever was at the door. But I kinda wished I didn't.

I'd expected Seth, Luna Eve or eve Alpha since they always come back at this time.

"Well, well. If it isn't our favorite omega."

'Great. Ronan's friends.'

These four always corner me whenever they get the chance, "Is there something I can help you with?" I asked politely but inwardly rolled my eyes while Axar growled lowly.

"Actually, yes, there is something we forgot to do," I cocked a brow and glanced up only to find myself suddenly surrounded by the four who looked like they just returned from a farm. The malicious glint in their eyes had me tensing and Dylan's grin was sinister.

'No,' I clenched my fists.

"There are a few moved we forgot to practice and my punches are a bit uncoordinated." One smirked while flexing his hands.

Oh no. 'No, no, no. Not again!'

But I wasn't able to come up with a reply as I was immediately met with a strong kick at my back, the force sent my spine ringing in pain.

'Mother-! The bruises aren't even healed yet!'

A punch was launched at my chest so abruptly, a harsh cough escaped my lips and it was immediately followed by a series of punched to my sides that I already expected. The first two assault was just too fast.

I don't show anything on my face, I will not give them that satisfaction, as any visible reaction just fuels them to do more. One kicked my left side which sent me to the floor. Another pushed me down with their foot when I attempted to get up.

I fell flat on my face, biting the inside of my cheek- so hard to the extent of drawing blood -to prevent any sounds from coming out as this time, a series of kicks were rained on me.   

Then I sensed him.

His sudden presence caught me off-guard and when I fluttered my eyes open, I saw Ronan standing by the door the leads to the backyard. Frozen. Hazel eyes wide and- I thought I saw something flash through his eyes.

'What was it? Concern? Anger..? No. I mist be seeing things.' It must be the kicks because they disappeared as soon as they came.

His expression turned cold, eyes void of any emotion before he turned his back and left me. Again. A feeling I've longed shoved aside resurfaced and for once, I wished he would help me and not stand idly and watch.

'But that's just it. It's wishful thinking.'

I felt something thick, warm and metallic drip out of my lips as I closed my eyes and laid still, waiting until they finished. I felt something out of place in my right side and concluded that a rib or two must've been broken.

I hid my face, this time nursing my heart as a lone tear secretly fell, 'What did I ever do to deserve this? Why did my parents leave me?'

Maybe I'm just a mistake.

______

RONAN'S POV:

I was training with one of our men outside, dodging every punch and kick he threw at me. I barely exerted any energy while he was panting as if he ran a five-mile marathon.

Having enough, I lunged at him pulled his arm over my shoulder and flipped him on his back causing him to groan as dirt and dust exploded from his impact. Every pack member who was practicing that stopped to watch applauded just as I jogged over to Seth who smiled, giving me a high-five, "As expected of our future Alpha."

"Thanks man," We took a break chatting just about anything when we heard high-pitched squeals of our names being called.

I looked over to the other side of the field to see a group of unmated she-wolves trying to get our attention, "I wish I'd have a day's peace without any squealing or screaming or any kind of disturbance at all," I said after giving them a fake smile, to which they giggled at, before turning back to Seth who laughed at my expression.

"Yes, I agree but for now, I'm gonna enjoy the attention." He jogged towards the girls.

I shook my head, chuckling slightly as I walk back to the house to get some water when I heard of voice, "-and my punches are a bit uncoordinated."

I recognize the voice to be Dylan's, who is one of the Warriors but not the one of my personal friends. I snapped out of my thoughts and grabbed the door handle to push it open just in time to see someone being shove to the floor by a foot on their back. 

Squinting, my eyes widened upon realizing who it was just by the color of their hair.

I didn't know how long I stood there but when I came back to my senses, I found that he was already looking at me.

But it was a look of pleading that confused me, like he was asking for help. The longer I watched the angrier I became...? 'What?'

I shook my head taking an unconscious step back and forced myself to look impassive and turned away before those eyes lure me in, and before I might do something out of character.

"What are you doing?! Go back and help him!" Logan yelled, startling me in the process.

"What? No. He's on his own," He whined at my reply as I slowed down, frowning at his odd behavior, "What's up with you?"

He whined some more then cuts me off, 'What the hell? He never did that before. Whatever.'

I returned to the field, forgetting the water and practiced some more in attempt to get those pleading eyes up of my head. No matter what I did it stayed. After a while, I stopped to catch my breath.

I heard someone running then a shadow loomed over my bent form. I looked up, "Hey Seth. What's up?" I frowned at his odd silence, "Seth, stop staring. It's getting a bit creepy."

"Are you alright?" You seem a bit distracted."

"Yeah," I nodded, "Why wouldn't I be?" I asked while wiping my chest with the towel he threw at me.

"I don't think so," He shook his head, "There's something distracting to you."

"What made you say that?"

He raised his brows, pointing behind him, "The three shredded punching bags and the whole three hour run around our territory maybe?"

"It's nothing really."

"Nope. It's not nothing, I know you man," He crossed his arms.

I huffed, "Can you just drop it?!" I scowled, irritated at the moment.

"Alright, alright," He held his hands up, "I'm dropping it."

My eyes softened, "Sorry, you're right. I was just thinking about something but it doesn't matter now."

"Alright," how he wanted to ask more but he stopped himself with great reluctance, "I came to ask you if you will be attending your before-birthday party."

I quirked a brow, "My before-birthday party...?"

"Yes, cause you know, you'll be eighteen soon. And you'll find you mate," He waggled his eyebrows as a smile formed on my face while I think about my mate. I was wondering what she looks like when out of nowhere, a familiar set of orange eyes flashed through my mind.

Surprised, I shook it off, 'Why would Zannicus suddenly appear in my mind?' Unless, no. It couldn't be. Right?

"So?"

"Huh?"

"You coming? To the party?"

"No. Actually, I want to take a shower and rest. Save some energy for tomorrow," I winked, hoping it'll distract Seth and it worked as he laughed.

"Yeah, I got you. You do that."

Chuckling, I called him as he turned to leave, "Who's throwing it anyway?"

"Stacy."

I scrunched my face, "Then all the more reason not to attend."

"I won't tell anyone that," He laughed as I nodded.

"Thanks Seth! Have fun! But not too much fun."

"No promises!" See you tomorrow!"

I went to back to the house and towards the kitchen through the back door to get some water before I remembered what transpired hours ago. I turned and went into the living room to see if he was still here but was met with an empty room.

'Of course he'd be gone by now stupid.'

I was about to head up when I smelled something metallic, 'What the-! Blood.'

Realization dawned upon me as I knew who it belongs to. I followed the scent until I was standing in the middle of the living room. I searched for the source before my gaze zeroed into where a dry puddle of blood stained the brow carpet.

My mind immediately went back to Zannicus, 'How is he? Is he in his room right now?'

Wait a minute. 'Why am I thinking about him again?' I sighed, slapping myself with the water bottle, 'I don't care, I don't care, I don't care.'

"Please check on him," Logan's voice filtered in.

I paused, "Hello to you too."

He growled, "Please check on him."

"What crawled up your ass?" All I got was a growl before he shut off our connection again.

"What the-?" First, I haven't heard from him all day and cuts me off because I wouldn't help Zannicus. Then he appears just to tell me to check on the Omega, I don't agree and what does he do? He cuts me off again.

The acting weird since yesterday.

I shook it off and lingered for a few seconds before running upstairs to my room. But then I remembered my parents were out, visiting my mom's pack after Dad received a call of my grandparents won't the able to come so dad proposed to go there instead. Leaving me. Delightful.

It also means, they won't be here tomorrow for my birthday and I guess my ceremony will be postponed for bit.

Sighing as I entered my room, I yanked off my clothes and rushed into the bathroom to take my shower. I hummed contentedly as the hot water soothes the aches in my body. But I only had a moment of peace before those eyes made their third appearance.

I closed my eyes, bowing my head to stare down at my feet to let the water drizzle down my back, 'Why? Why are you always on my mind? What is it about you look makes me show interest in you?'