I stepped into the sleek, modern bathroom, my eyes caught the full mirror's reflection. I cranked the shower handle, hot water thundered down enveloping me in warmth. As I stepped under the spray, a contented sigh escaped my lips, the heat melting away my tired muscles. I reached for the body wash on the rack, lathering my skin with gentle strokes, giving myself a thorough wash to sweat and the smell of the cold cell. The fragrance of lavender and vanilla filled the air, calming my senses. With each rinse, I felt my worries washing away, leaving me refreshed and renewed.
But when I stepped out and caught myself in the mirror, something else snagged my attention. There, on my lower backside, was that tattoo Lisa had talked about— a symbol of double circle with two upside-down triangles inside. It shimmered weirdly, almost pulling me in. And suddenly my mind spun with questions. Where did this come from? Was it tied to my wolf showing up late, right on my twentieth birthday? My thoughts direction dragged me to the memory of the night of my eighteenth birthday, when I didn't transform like others did around that age, it was sour and painful.
My stepfather's disappointment had cut deep, his words had been too brutal and harsh. "A disappointment, just like your mother." He had commented with disdain. The abuse had escalated after that, making every day a struggle.
My stomach churned at the memory, the familiar ache of anxiety and fear resurfacing. I felt a pang of unease, The weight of his abuse still lingered like a festering wound that would never heal. I will never forgive him for the pain he'd inflicted on my body and mind, the misery he'd brought into my life making it bland.
My fingers instinctively reached back to touch the symbol, as if seeking answers to the secrets it held. As soon as my skin made contact, a jolt of electricity shot through my body, like a scream in my veins. A high-pitched whine pierced my ears and my head threatened to split open. I doubled over, tears streaming down my face. The pain was intense, but it was gone as soon as it came. It stopped, leaving me gasping for breath like I had ran a marathon.
What just happened? I wondered, my mind boggling with questions. The mark seemed to be calling to her such a strange thing.
I stepped out of the bathroom to the simple room, the cool air coming from the open window was a welcome respite from the steamy warmth I'd left behind in the bathroom. Taken unawares I was shocked to see someone in the room. I clutched my heart. I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here. Maybe I'd been lost in my thoughts in the bathroom, I didn't hear the knock on the door.
The young omega servant greeted me meekly, she bowed her head and offered a shy smile. Her round face had freckles, her boobs appearing too big for her small frame but it gave her a soft feminine look. She was attractive, I noticed.
"I've brought you some fresh clothes, miss," she said, holding out a stack of soft, clean garments.
My stomach growled, reminding me hadn't eaten anything for long. "Thank you," I replied, taking the clothes from the omega. "I'm starving. Is there food?"
The omega nodded, her eyes moved to my wet hair splattered all over my face. "I'll get you something to eat, miss. Please, make yourself comfortable."
When she left to get food I dressed quickly, I was just finishing up when the omega returned, with a tray full of delicious-smelling dishes my mouth watering at the sight and aroma.
"Lunch, miss something to build your strength," she said, setting the tray down on a nearby table.
The aroma wafting from the food was incredible I moved towards the table there was roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and a warm, flaky bread that made me moan just at the sight. I quickly dug in, savoring the flavors and textures of the dish.
The omega hovered nearby, watching me eat, and I felt a pang of gratitude to her. "Thank you, what's your name?" I asked, after devouring everything on the tray.
The omega smiled, looking relieved. "I'm Aria, miss. If you need anything, just ask."
She nodded, after eating I felt a little more human, the food and fresh clothes working their magic. But the symbol still lingered in the back of my mind, like a mystery waiting to be unraveled.
The warm shower and delicious lunch had been my undoing. My body felt relaxed, my muscles surrendering as I laid down the soft bed, and soon I was out cold.
Hours later, a knock on the door jolted me awake. I sat up, disoriented, but managed to call out, "Come in."
Cole was looking handsome as ever as he strolled in with a charming smile on his face. "Rising from the dead, I see," he teased, making me laugh. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"A bit past 7. You missed the whole afternoon," Cole commented sitting on the bed the foam pulling down with his weight.
My eyes snapped to his. "Wait, really? Why did you let me sleep so long?"
Cole shrugged. "You looked like you needed it. I sent an omega earlier, hope she served you well?"
I chuckled, my real for once. "Thanks she did, I guess I owe you one."
Cole's expression turned serious for a beat. "No debts, Elvira. It's just a nice thing to do and you looked like you needed it. 'Oh so he had noticed but her Mate the Alpha hadn't' she thought.
I hesitated but I was curious about him and the Alpha. "What's your relationship with Alpha Gabriel?"
Cole's eyes lit up his blue eye shining with amusement. "Ah, the big man himself. I'm his Beta, and his friend, the good and the bad times, you know?"
But his expression turned thoughtful when he noticed her curious look, "Gabriel's...complex. He's a good Alpha believe me, He strong and fair, but he's got his demons."
'Fair indeed' I snorted. "What Demons?"
Cole's gaze snapped back to mine, and he leaned in, his voice dropped to a whisper. "Let's just say Gabriel's got a past that still haunts him. But he's working through it I think."
My mind was boggling now, but before I could ask another, Cole stood up to leave. "Sorry, Elvira, something's come up. I gotta go."
My eyes widened in surprise Did I push him away?. "Oh, okay..." that was abrupt though. Did he purposely want to end the discussion?
Cole flashed me a quick guilty smile and hurried out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
The silence he left behind was deafening, and my mind began to whirl around. What was Cole talking about? What past was it about Gabriel trauma or demons? And what was that symbol on my lower back?
I stood up, pacing the room, trying to process everything. The more I thought, the more questions I had. And the more I felt like I was in over my head.