Chapter 2: The Envy

Emery

I hang the sparkly gowns on the rack to let them dry. Sweat dripped from my brow, so I wiped it with the hem on my shirt. I smiled as I finished all of my tasks—all of the conditions I had to fulfill in order for me to attend the party. 

The incoming Alpha’s birthday celebration was tomorrow. Excitement flooded in my veins for this will be the first time that I would be going out of the house. I never really knew the exact reason why they stopped me from going outside. I never really had that many chances to go out, but it significantly lessened on my 12th birthday. 

I got up early, knowing that it was my 12th birthday. Although I never really had a party, or visitors, or even birthday cake, it was still a special event when the Beta’s family would rarely give me a gift. Last year, they got me a piece of chocolate so I was excited about the thought of another new gift from the family.

“Emery, stop fussing around. You’re going to wake Caitlyn up.” Carrie’s shrill voice scolded me quietly in my room. “Come down, your gift is in the living room. We made this gift extra special so make sure to be a good girl. Don’t break any rules and always listen to our commands, okay?” I innocently agreed and bounced down the stairs. 

On the living room couch, a sparkly pink dress was sprawled over its cushions. The dress seemed familiar. It was the beautiful dress that Caitlyn once wore in her ballet recitals. I didn’t really mind receiving any hand-me-downs. A beautiful dress was a beautiful dress. I was happy even without any greetings. I excitedly put on the dress in the bathroom and twirled around, admiring the flowy skirt that twinkled in every turn. I went out to the bathroom, thrilled to show the fit to Carrie and Beta Armad, when I saw Caitlyn on her parent’s lap, rubbing her eyes awake. 

I was shocked when her squinted eyes suddenly became wide, and she let out a scream. “No! That’s my dress. That’s the one I wore in my recital! Why are you wearing it? Mommy, Daddy! Did you give my pretty dress to that dirty girl?” 

“I thought this was a birthday present.” I said, looking down.

“Mommy, daddy, she’s a thief! That’s mine.” Caitlyn said while pulling on the straps of the dress.

Carrie approached me. “Emery! Why did you put on Caitlyn’s dress? You didn’t think that the dress was your gift, right? You thick-faced child! We even put in the effort to buy you a candy bar and this is what you do. Remove that now and go to your room.” 

The time that I was allowed to go out lessened after that. Caitlyn was like the boss of this house. I still remember, back when it was our first day of freshman year, she had rambled on and on about the guy she met from summer camp. 

“No, you don’t understand! He’s like the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. He’s got blonde hair and green eyes, and he knows how to play the guitar!  Can you believe that? I would give up everything to see him again. I’d definitely have him if we had more time.” Caitlyn spoke in a high-pitched tone.

“I’m sure he also likes you, Caitlyn.” I said, smiling at her.

She groaned. “Ugh did I ask for your opinion? And duh, he definitely likes me. Who wouldn’t? And why am I even sharing these with you when you don’t have any clue about boys and relationships?”

I only nodded at her words. It was the first day of freshman year and the nerves were getting to me. We arrived at the school and walked to our first class. Caitlyn and I were classmates. We both sat down, Caitlyn going to her friends at the back and I, settling down on the middle rows. Chatters filled the room but it was halted when an unfamiliar guy came in. A distinct gasp was heard in the back of the room—it was Caitlyn. “Eric! Here, come sit here.” Caitlyn said. I finally looked up and caught a glimpse of the new guy. His features were familiar, he’s the guy that Caitlyn was talking about. 

Eric walked slowly and threw a quick wave at Caitlyn. I thought that he was going to sit by Caitlyn and her friends but I was stunned when he sat down next to me. “Hi pretty, my name’s Eric.” 

From that day on, I was homeschooled. By the time we were fetched from school, Caitlyn went on and on about how I embarrassed her and how it was humiliating to be in the same class as her “maid.” She suggested that I should just stay at home and take care of the house, since that would also ease Carrie and Beta Armad’s chores. Unsurprisingly, her parents both agreed, and I’ve been acting as their “maid” for more than a couple years. 

I let out a tired sigh as I recalled the past; but instantly felt happiness when I saw the dainty white dress hanging on my closet. This was my mom’s dress, and I never had the chance to wear it until now. I was elated to go to the party and explore the pack house, which I’ve never been to. 

I wasn’t originally supposed to come with the Beta’s family to the incoming Alpha’s party, but the current Alpha and Luna contrived a treaty that mandates all individuals from the Northern Packs to attend their son’s special day. I still remember the feeling of delight when the treaty was publicly announced. I couldn't wait to see new houses and new people, especially the incoming Alpha. 

Kairo Huxley Ford. I’ve never met or seen him in real life. I’ve only ever heard of him from Caitlyn’s rants about hot guys and when the Anual Alpha Olympiads would be playing on television. He was powerful, undefeated, and good-looking to say the least. He won the Olympiads at the age of 16, becoming the youngest Alpha to ever win the tournament. Because of that, he was given the title, “The Alpha of Alphas,” and many people were looking forward to his future endeavors. I’ve never seen a lot of men, but I could tell that Alpha Kai was definitely one of the most attractive wolves that I’ve ever seen.

I sighed dreamily, holding the white dress to my chest and twirling around the room. I could not wait until tomorrow.