Chapter 3

-ALIYAH-

"Such a lovely day," Grandma Estelle commented as she wiped her brow. "Perfect for working in the garden."

 "It is." I nodded, sniffing their calming scent that filled the air. We were spending the morning renovating the garden  into a tranquil haven. Our activity helped to calm my rushing thoughts,  but I was still distracted by Brayden's smile from our previous encounter in the kitchen.

 It had been a week since he offered me his friendship, but that didn't mean we spoke every day. In fact, I hadn't seen him at all since then. I admit that his absence left me yearning to know more about him. And now , as I worked alongside Grandma Estelle, I couldn't help but wonder if our paths would cross again soon. Would he remember our brief conversation and seek me out? Or was it just a short moment that held no worth to him? He was the first one to make a move and offer friendship, wasn't he? It might be stupid of me, but I was clinging to that small hint of hope.

 As I snipped off a few extra twigs from the rosemary bush, I asked Grandma again. "Grandma, how old is Brayden?"

She paused at her work and looked at me with a raised brow. "Brayden is twenty-five  now.  He just became a beta after extensive training from Alpha Theon a few months ago. Now he's still under training, but it's much more serious.”

“What’s the next training about?” I asked.

“It’s for him to become the next alpha. Why do you ask, dear?"

"Nothing," I whispered, avoiding her gaze and getting back to trimming the rosemary bush. "It's just that he seems too young for such a big responsibility." 

Grandma smiled knowingly and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Well, that's because werewolves mature at a faster rate than humans. Brayden has already proven himself to be strong and capable, which is why he was chosen for this important role. Age is not the only factor considered when determining leadership within their pack."

"Is the son of the alpha automatically his beta?" I inquired again, curious about their hierarchy.

Grandmother Estelle shook her head. "In some other packs, a beta is not related by blood, and the title is earned because of their abilities and skills. But since Alpha Theon didn't want to give the rank to others, he trained Brayden when he was eight. That's what I know since Ruben, your dad, worked with the Connors."

"Are humans in a pack always made into low servants?" I wondered aloud, seeking more understanding of my place in this world.

"Actually, not always," Grandma Estelle explained. "If there is a human in the pack who is very capable and intelligent, they might be chosen to be a consultant or mediator between the pack and the human community."

Her words brought some comfort to my conflicted heart as I tried to find my place in this new life. Would I and Grandma be servants all our lives, or was there a chance for us to contribute in a different way? I couldn't help but wonder if there were other roles we could fulfill within the pack, ones that would allow us to showcase our unique skills and talents. Would I be able to practice my medical skills here and help heal injured pack members? Perhaps Grandma could use her knowledge of herbs and plants to assist in the pack's healing rituals. I have actually read about how some wolf packs have individuals known as "healer wolves" who play a crucial role in tending to the health and well-being of the pack.

 I was lost in deep thought when I noticed Grandma Estelle's labored breathing and the sweat on her brow, so I rushed to her side and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's it. Grandma, why don't you go take a rest in the room? I can finish up the gardening for today."  

"Alright, dear," Grandma Estelle agreed, giving me a warm smile. She hugged me tightly, whispering in her ear, "Take things easy, okay? And tell me, are you beginning to like Brayden?"

"Um, no," I stammered, avoiding eye contact with her. I could feel my cheeks heat up at the question. "But you can't blame me for being curious, though. This is the first time I've lived with werewolves.”

 Grandma Estelle chuckled softly, patting my back. "Oh, dear, there's no need to feel defensive. It's natural to be curious and take your time adjusting to new surroundings. Just remember not to fall in love with him. He could become an obstacle to your goals in life. Keep your head clear."

 "I will, Grandma. I promise," I replied, feeling a rush of guilt in my chest as I watched my grandmother leave. 

 Alone now, I continued pruning the roses, but my thoughts drifted to Brayden. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but seek out Brayden's presence, his laugh, and the way his steel blue eyes seemed to see right through me. Why couldn't I stop thinking about him? No. It couldn't be love since I had only seen him a few times. And to think that he was not a human but a black ball of claws and fur, it was just impossible! 

But maybe it was just a crush since Brayden was handsome, and I had always been drawn to good-looking guys. It was normal to feel this way, wasn't it?

 I just couldn't entertain the thought of being in love—not now. I needed to focus on my goal; once we have paid our debt, we're out of here, and I will forget about Brayden. Plain and simple. I couldn't let myself get distracted by these feelings, especially when there was so much at stake. Besides, Brayden and I came from completely different worlds, and it was unlikely that anything could ever come of it.  

 As I continued my work in the garden, I suddenly heard a low, rumbling sound from the distance. I looked up from the roses and squinted into the fading sunlight. My eyes widened at the sight of men running in my direction. They were shirtless, sweat glistening on their torsos as they raced towards me. 

 Anxiety bubbled up inside me, so I grabbed my basket and started walking away, trying to put some distance between myself and the approaching group. Unluckily, I stumbled as a thick vine tangled around my feet and brought me to a sudden halt. 

 "Oh, no. No. No." I struggled to free myself all the while keeping my eyes on the herd of men. But they seemed not to notice me. And then my stomach clenched when they shifted into growling, huge wolves right before my eyes. 

 Though I had seen Brayden transform from wolf to human form, witnessing these men change made my body cold with dread. I wanted to scream for help, to make them stop and see me, but my voice failed me, and I remained silent, mentally blocked by fear.

 Just when I thought the pack of wolves would trample me to death, a massive black wolf lunged forward, blocking their path. The familiar figure growled aggressively at the other wolves, causing them to stop in their tracks and back off. As I felt like I might throw up, the black wolf turned its gaze toward me. I realized it was trying to communicate, but I couldn't understand the message. 

 The black wolf seemed dismayed as he roared at the others once more, and they all retreated into the woods.

 My hands were trembling as I looked down at my trapped foot, and the sight of a little cutter blade glinting in the sunlight caught my eye. I choked out a sob as I reached for it. Why on earth didn't it show up when I needed it the most? 

 "Useless cutter!" I gritted, cutting the vine that had ensnared me. The blade sliced through the thick vegetation effortlessly, freeing my foot. 

Trying to regain my composure, I stood up and glanced back. But then my heart jumped when Brayden appeared next to me in a bare sweated torso and pants. His nose seemed to be flaring as he glared at me and yelled. "You've almost killed yourself. What the hell are you doing here in the first place?"

 "Were you... the massive werewolf who saved me from getting hit?" I managed to stutter.

 "Of course I was!" he scolded, baring his teeth. "But you shouldn't have been here in the first place. This is the werewolf runway, and I can't always be here to check if someone's blocking the way." He glanced down at my bruised foot and I caught his eyes softened. But he immediately regained his stern expression as his chin jutted out defiantly. "I was kilometers away, shouting for you to move over... but then I remembered that you're just a human girl who can't hear me from that freakin' distance and has no particular skills at all!"

 My heart ached as Brayden's harsh words echoed in my ears, and I couldn't help but feel like my entire world had come crashing down as he turned away from me. How could he speak to me like that? I thought we were already close friends, but his hurtful words made me question everything. Clenching the basket firmly in my hands, I suddenly hurled it at him, watching as it collided with the back of his head. I knew it wouldn't hurt him, but the anger bubbling inside me demanded some form of release.

 "What the fu—"

 "Thank you for saving my life, Brayden. But you have no right—no right—to insult me just because I'm human. I can do a lot of things. I'm literate and educated, and I knew how the world worked until I stumbled across you wolves!"

 I turned away from him, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill, and walked away. The pain in my foot only intensified, both physically and emotionally. It was as if his insults had seeped into my very being, leaving me questioning my worth and place in this world. 

 "Okay, wait..."

 To my surprise, Brayden was quick to reach out and grab my shoulder before I could get far. His touch startled me, causing me to freeze in my tracks. I hesitated, unsure if I should give him another chance to speak. But when I turned and looked up at him, the way his blue eyes dilated made me pause and listen. 

 "I'm sorry, Aaliyah. I didn't mean to lash out at you like that. I was just having a bad day at training."

 It was then that I remembered that he was being trained to become the next alpha. It must have been challenging for him. Undergoing such drills must have taken a toll on his emotions.  

 Taking a deep breath, I nodded slowly. "I accept your apology, Brayden. And... I'm sorry for screaming at you," I whispered, feeling a pang of guilt for my own outburst. 

 A small, tense silence settled between us before Brayden suddenly took my hands in his, causing my heart to skip a beat. His frown deepened as he noticed my trembling. "Are you okay?" 

 "I'm fine," I assured him, attempting a smile. "You should go back to your pack training."

 But Brayden shook his head. "I won't leave until I know you're okay. Let me show you around, so you don't end up in trouble like this again."

 I hesitated, worried that Beta Brenda might scold me. But Brayden quickly reassured me, saying, "I have a higher command since I'm next to my father—no one will question us."