Chapter 8: Being Childish!

E M B E R

A loud knock at the door wakes me up with a jolt. Then, with a groan, I drag myself out of bed and walk toward the door.

I open it and snap, "What?" only to be greeted by the poker-faced Fiona. I grimace and mutter, "Ugh, what now?"

She doesn't answer me immediately.

Instead, she takes a deep breath and then looks back at me, "It's five in the morning now. I am here to wake you up —" "Oh, is it?" I interrupt her as I raise my eyebrows and peek my head out the door to check for myself. It indeed is darker outside compared to the shithole with a dimmed bulb I am currently thrown in. Ugh, cold too.

A shiver runs down my back, and I cough up, "So, come back later, then. It's only five." "Exactly! What are you waiting for?" Fiona states with her deadpan expression.

I stare at her for a while before I sigh and proceed to close the door, only to be stopped by her as she grabs the knob and asks, "Where are you going now? I said it's —" I interrupt her as I take a deep breath and step up with a fake smile, "Don't I have to change? Or would it be okay for me to wear my own clothes, huh?"

Fiona gives me a once-over and immediately lets go of the door as she leans back and sighs, "Fine! But get out in five minutes. We have a lot to do before Alpha gets up."

I roll my eyes and shut the door behind me, irritated at Rayne's fangirling at the mere mention of him.

Until the sun's rays penetrate the thick woods, I work myself in the stables and help the omegas carry things here and there when Fiona assigns me cleaning duty, starting with his room. That's right. I am going to clean my mate's room.

This is a nightmare!

I stare at the closed mahogany door and grit. This is madness. Pure madness to be an Alpha of one of the strongest packs yet to work as a maid in the house of one's rival. I can't believe my awful luck! What are the fucking chances that he even ended up being my mate? I groan under my breath as I lift a hand to knock, but the door creaks open on its own.

Uh, okay!? I tilt my head and peek before I step inside.

I notice the room to be very simple compared to the extravagance of the mansion. It's a black-and-white bedroom with a floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobe.

But is this our mate's room? He sleeps here. I wonder when he will let us be here as lovers.

I snort at my wolf's ridiculous wish and then take a quick scan, only to notice the scattered papers and clothes almost everywhere.

Did he spend the night working here?

Oh, my! He works hard for his pack.

That's when I hear someone let out a groan. Cautiously, I turn my head and let out a low gasp at the sight of someone — shirtless.

"Hey, you!" Sebastian glances over and smiles flirtatiously.

Oh, my, my... look at him shirtless.

My heart unwillingly skips a beat, and I clench my fist.

He seems tired, yet he still looks so fresh!

I wish I could have him already.

I shake my head and clear my throat as I grit, "Excuse me, sir, I heard that you called for me?" I actually did overhear Fiona talking about sending me to his room because he asked for me.

"Oh, indeed, I did call for you." He says in a sheepish voice, but it sounds so hot. Ugh! The more my heart acts out, the more I dig my nails into my skin. "Anyway, come on in." I find myself obeying him. What the heck! He straightens and smacks his lips, "You can start by picking up my clothes."

I stop and throw him a glare.

What an asshole!!!

I do another quick scan of the room before picking up clothes with total and utter disgust, cursing my stupid wolf for finding time to fangirl over him and wanting to hurl my guts out right now. Why, God, why?! Still, I thoroughly mop, wipe and clean the room until I stumble upon something that wouldn't definitely be his... and shouldn't be in his room.

A bra. What the fucking hell! I growl and clench that garment in my fist as I face him. Oh, so Rayne, see, he wasn't working all night? Can I kick him in the nuts?

Sebastian notices me immediately and sits up straight as if caught doing something utterly wrong. He gulps, gets off his couch and then moves to explain, "Uh, it's —" "Save it! I don't want to hear anything." my determined voice makes Rayne whimper in pain and Sebastian's facial expression falls.

Our mate... he was with someone else last night.

Yeah, see, he wasn't working. He was just working if you know what I mean.

Anyway, it's a good thing I'm almost done! I am going to ask to be assigned to a different room. I grab the laundry bag and walk toward the door, not before he calls out, "Emmy!" I flinch more at his voice than the name, which pulls my heartstrings as I bite my bottom lip and look over my shoulder when he continues, "It's not mine, and I don't know how it got here. I —"

I scoff, "Of course, it's not yours unless you are really into cross-dressing but seriously, I told you to save your excuses!" I groan and run a hand over my hair before I snap at him, "I'm not interested in you, so you are free to do whatever you want with whoever you want to, okay?" bravely.

With that, I make my way out and slam the door behind me. I lean against the wall, my legs giving away. I didn't want him to see how shaky my hands were or how my heart ached to even think about what could have happened between him and some girl last night.

I can't believe... our mate... he didn't save himself for us.

I grunt at my wolf's whimpering and snap back at her. You got to stop being naive, Rayne. It's stupid to expect people to care about love when all they care about is lust and the desires that need to be fulfilled at that moment. Also, do not forget that even I have made out a couple of times with mateless male wolves at parties, so what's the big deal!

The big deal is that he slept... Oh, please! Don't be a hypocrite, Rayne!

"Oh, there you are!" Ivory makes an appearance and links her arm with mine. "I have been looking for you for the past twenty minutes."

I blink and frown as I ask. "Why?"

As if surprised by my question, Ivory laughs and then snorts, "Why not? I want to hang out, that's why. Is it wrong to spend time with one's best friend?"

Best friend? But I already have Dexter and Flora.

Ivory clicks her tongue and continues, "Anyway, the real question is, are you really going to wear that now? Don't you have something else?"

I raise my eyebrow, and she unlinks our arms as she claps, "You know what we should do today. We should go shopping! We can drive to the local mall and have a blast —" I interrupt her as I sigh, "I don't think Fiona would allow me to do that. It's still quite early, and I have my chores." Alpha or not, I like to work and finish the tasks assigned to me.

"Oh, don't worry about Fiona." Ivory waves a hand and scoffs, "She won't say anything to you when you tell her it's me you are hanging out with." I become a bit suspicious after listening to her, but it's good to hear that it makes me smile — but then again, what about that monster I just left in his room?

My expression turns grim at the thought, and I want to do anything to piss him off for some reason. I straighten up and turn to her, "Well, if you want to hang out, we can meet up after my shift. I can ask Fiona to give me a longer lunch break."

Ivory pouts and then nods, smacking her lips, "Yeah, sure, if that's fine with you. You won't be breaking any rules, and since Fiona is such a real stickler for those, I guess that'll do." she holds my hand and grins.

I nod and grin back.

Ivory squeezes my hand when someone calls out, "What the heck is going on here?"

I roll my eyes and turn to face Fiona walking toward us. It's a little surprising to see Fiona greet Ivory with a slight bow, who beams her usual way before she turns to me, "Don't tell me you are lounging here when you are already lagging, Emmy. If you are done with the rooms, you are requested to help in the kitchen. So stop loitering around and wasting time, and go!"

I let go of Ivory's hand and press my lips in a thin line as she tilts her head and grins. "Off you go!" Fiona butts in when Ivory leans in to whisper, "Will be waiting when you get free." I nod and head back downstairs but not before overhearing Fiona saying, "I apologize for her idiosyncrasies, Ms Ivory —" I wonder what position Ivory holds that the head of housekeeping bows down to her and apologizes for any mistakes.

***

"Take this to the study."

What? Before I can respond, Fiona shoves a tray into my hands. I blink and glance down to see a tea set with a plate of cookies in front of me.

What the heck is this now? I frown and look up at the head housekeeper, who realizes my confusion and answers in her monotonous voice, "I know I asked you to make some tea since it's time for tea. So, hurry over to the study now."

I groan. What a hardass housekeeper this lady is! "Can't I have a break, Fiona? I have been working nonstop for eight hours now. It's against the labour laws to make people work without a break."

Fiona takes a deep breath and looks at me. "I would have given you a break, but it's the Alpha."

"Alpha?" I blurt out at the same time Rayne jumps out of her mini depression and purrs. Fiona sighs, "He wants you to come."

Excuse me? He wants us — oh, shut up, already, Rayne! If you continue to disturb my system, I will cut you off for a while.

I straighten up and raise my eyebrow. "But You can even ask anyone else to give it to him. So why does your Alpha want me to —" "First thing first, it's your Alpha too. You work here. You live here." despite not wanting, my heart skips multiple times. "Second, he is the Alpha, and we do not question Alpha's decisions. If he wants you, you have to do it."

Fiona, you got to stop saying those types of words. Rayne purrs like the horny little bitch she is. It badly affects my sanity.

The head housekeeper taps her shoe on the floor, only to grab my attention back at her. I glance over at her and sigh. "Fine! But you must tell Ivory that our hanging out plans have been postponed."

"You are hanging out with Ms Ivory?" she looks in disbelief.

I shrug and scoff. "So?" With that, I march my way toward the study. I lean in to take a peek but immediately feel a sense of deja vu when I straighten up and push the door open. I scan the room and let out a relieved sigh. No one's here, for heaven's sake. Thank God!

I look at the brown walls with murals and paintings, the medium hardwood flooring, the coffered ceiling, the mahogany-panelled desk, the octopus-shaped chandelier, and the bookshelves filled with millions of books. I am in awe of the room until I am forced back to reality when someone clears their throat, and that voice makes me freeze for a moment and sends weird waves to my toes.

"If you are done gawking, you may set the tray down."

I slowly turn to face him as his smirk widens, and then he steps inside, walking past me toward his desk. Then, I snap, "Excuse me?"

Sebastian looks over a file he has in his arms and tilts his head with his eyes glinting amusement, "Excused." he then raises his eyebrows and asks, "Do you have something to say?"

I narrow my eyes and clench my fists as I glare at him.

He looks smug yet so fucking good. I love his scent. I, what the heck! Love? Snap out of it, Ember. Don't let Rayne take your mind over.

Hey!

I chuckle internally when he grabs my attention by continuously drumming his fingers against the surface of his desk. I gasp and clutch onto my chest when I catch him staring at me, and our eyes lock for a brief moment. "Why are you standing there? Why do I have to ask for a cup of tea, and don't you have work to do?"

I notice his lips move, and the moment is gone.

I let a deadpan expression set on my face and then put the tray down. With the tea in my hand, I move toward the desk and clear my throat, "If you don't mind, sir." with a sarcastic smile directed at him. He looks at me as if he has got the chills or is actually scared of me. I wouldn't mind that, though. The most ruthless Alpha shit scared of me. It would be a great piece of news to brag about.

I smile a bit, faker, as I watch him murmur, "Okay!" and then take a sip of his tea.

But the expression I watch him make turns out to be a little surprising. No, that actually surprised me a lot. He stares at the liquid as if it's an elixir, and it's the first time he has tasted it. So how come someone like him makes an expression that makes him look so vulnerable, like a baby?

Because of this, even for a fraction, it makes me wonder what kind of person Sebastian Knight is.

"Do you like books?"

His sudden question and voice startle me, and I blink back to reality with a gasp. "Huh?"

Sebastian turns his head and states, "You intently stared at the shelves, so I wonder if you like to read." Oh. I take a deep breath and answer, "I do like to read." To the point. Perfect. But why do I sense his gaze burning my face, and why do I feel he wishes to ask more? To talk to me?

Because we are his mate. He wants to know about us. No matter how much you deny it, you want to know about him too. So what are you waiting for, then?

I don't know. I sigh and turn around to avoid his gaze when I feel my foot caught onto something, and I find myself falling. I hear a faint voice calling out, "Watch out —" but my eyes widen, and I gasp in horror. Did I trip over nothing now? How come I am so clumsy suddenly? I close my eyes to brace myself for the fall, but it never comes.

Instead, I flutter my eyes open a second later, only to find Sebastian in front of me. Like literally his face so close to mine that I can feel his hot breath, and I feel his arm around my waist. I shudder at my pounding heart and the spark that rushes through my body as I blink and lock my eyes with his dark green eyes in utter astonishment when the door opens and someone barges in, "Yeah, did you see — Emmy, you're here!"

Ivory.

I immediately push him away and straighten back up on my feet as I turn to her. She lets out a relieved sigh but then raises her eyebrows at us. "Was I interrupting something?" That's when I notice that despite pushing him away, Sebastian is still close enough to create absurd misunderstandings.

I step away and clear my throat. "No, I just —" "Were you bullying her, Sebby?" Ivory blurts out, surprising us, and Rayne growls at using that nickname.

What?

"What? When did you think so?" he frowns and snaps, but Ivory interrupts him by swatting his arm and stating, "What's the point of asking me like that? Don't you think I don't know you? Sebastian, I know you well. I know how cruel you can be to those who help you. I hate it when you torture people, but I won't let you torment her."

Ivory startles me by linking our arms together and pulling me toward her. I stare at her when Sebastian glowers, "What the fuck! Since when did you get so close to her?" I frown as I look back and forth between them. Do they have a relationship I don't know about? Well, I don't know anything about him. So why does my heart feel like sinking, though?

She tilts her head and scoffs, "What is it to you? I'm happy that I finally found Emmy, who doesn't seem fake and befriends me just because I'm your cousin."

Wait, what? I stare back at Ivory in disbelief and stutter, "Cousins?"

Both of them happen to look over at me as Ivory rolls her eyes and states, "I know it may sound a bit unbelievable, but yes, the Alpha of the pack is my cousin." she looks over at him for a moment and then shakes her head as she sighs at me, shrugging, "I know we both are very different, but what can I do?"

It's a bit surprising, but now I understand why Fiona acts in a way in front of Ivory. Ivory has a somewhat important position in this pack, being the cousin to the Alpha and all.

"Hey! How dare you talk like that about the Alpha!" Sebastian glares at Ivory, who rolls her eyes and waves a hand. "Oh, please! I know you won't do anything to me, so quit it already. You love your family so much that it has become your unhealthy obsession now."

"Ivory, don't test my patience." he grits, only for her to pull one eyelid down and stick out her tongue at him. "Anyway, it's lunchtime, and I'm taking her with me," she exclaims and pulls her with her.

"Excuse me? No one goes without my order. She is working under me, and as long as what I say —" "Get lost. It's final that I'm taking her with me." she interrupts the Alpha himself. I don't mind, though. It feels a bit uncomfortable to be under his blazing gaze for quite a moment since the fluttery feeling, my heart pounding, and Rayne doesn't feel like stopping anytime soon.

"Listen to me, Ivory! I'll have you punished. You'll pay for this indiscretion to your Alpha!" Sebastian roars as Ivory chuckles and drags me out of the door behind her. However, I can't help but look over my shoulder for one last glance, only to shudder. Not in fear. But I worry at how mad he looks before I close the door behind us. I can hear his heavy breathing, to which Rayne butts in. Wow, he is even hotter when pissed.

I roll my eyes and decide to stop as we reach the stairs.

"Hey?" I call out, and Ivory turns to me, smacking her lips, "Yup!" "I didn't know you are family with the —" I say when she waves a hand and sighs, "I know. I didn't tell you, and that's why you didn't know. But now that you know, will it change anything?" she looks at me with a fading smile and hopeful eyes.

"Change what? We're not even close friends. I work here, and you happen to meet me." I shrug.

Ivory takes my hand and squeezes it. "I really wish for us to be friends, Emmy. I hate the people that I have to hang out with. They are so annoying. You felt normal to me and the girls — they all want a piece of my cousin, and it's disturbing. Eww!" she grimaces, and I mirror her expression before we look back at each other.

A moment passes, and I subconsciously squeeze her hand back. Smiles appear on our faces before the laughter echoes through the hallway. "Well, let's go. We have to get lunch together."

I nod as the two of us grin and make our way downstairs.

J E N N A

I skip and hop through the hallway in my three-inch heels, and Alpha will like how Jenna is dressed today!

I flip my hair and beam.

Jenna can't wait to meet Sebastian.

I blush and giggle, only to stop when I hear loud cacophonous laughter outside his study.

Wait, what?

I hide behind the wall as I take a peek and see a familiar blonde. I frown and grit. That's that annoying cousin of Sebastian with — a maid?

No, wait.

That's that girl.

I narrow my eyes and watch those two bitches go.

What is she doing here? Did Sebastian call her?

Why would Sebastian do that? He can call Jenna.

I clench my fist and growl under my breath.

That rude maid.

S E B A S T I A N

I watch the door close behind her as my cousin drags her out.

I tighten my grip and glance down at the cup when a small smile accidentally materializes on my face. Because of my vicious nature and reputation, I forgot the taste of tea that someone else had made for a long time. I don't remember the last time I let anyone get me a cup of tea, but today, I could sense her sincerity and annoyance. I chuckle.

We were about to bond, and I wanted to tease her but also to clarify what had happened earlier.

Not that I needed to explain, but I still wanted to clarify.

You needed to.

Whatever. But, you know it, Duke, I am not lying about how that piece of garment ended up in my room when I was working late last night and didn't even know when I fell asleep.

It still breaks my heart to see our mate so dejected.

She didn't look that way to me.

I shrug and sigh.

Because of her, I have been distracted all day and spending the rest of the day watching her like a fucking creep is definitely an understatement. Yet I can't help but notice the little things about her.

Anything she does, she does with class and elegance, unlike the girls who readily and desperately throw themselves on me.

I notice how she tucks her hair behind her ears and her eyebrows furrow when too focused. Her striking blue eyes sparkle like the ocean. There were times when I thought she caught me staring, and when I believed she was looking at me, I saw that face and her plump red lips that seemed so inviting.

So damn inviting.

Usually, I would focus on a girl's body, but Emmy ... has a sexy body and a beautiful face. I want to bury my face in her neck and hold her tight in my arms.

Man, I sound so whipped.

I wistfully smile, but my amusement halts the moment I remember Ivory's interference, and I then punch the desk and growl.

I look up and glare at the wall. How dare Ivory disobey me and take her away? She has taken me for granted for as long as I can remember. I need to punish her. What should I do? Should I send her away to guard the borders? Or a delegate to a different territory? Anything to make her realize who's the boss here?

I smirk.

There is a knock on the door.

I look over before I straighten up and turn around to face the window.

I hear the door open.

"Alpha!?" Oh, it's Clayton. He continues to speak. I can hear him, but my mind and attention are suddenly outside when my eyes land on a certain brunette.

She is smiling at something my cousin said, but I frown when I notice that she is in those tattered clothes I saw her in on the first day I met her.

"Clayton?" I call my Beta.

"Yes, Alpha!" he says.

"I want the best clothes to be sent to the maid's quarters by the end of the day," I order.

"Yes — wait, what? Alpha!" he sounds surprised. I look over at him for a moment, "Why? Is there a problem?" not keeping my eyes off her.

Clayton clears his throat. "No. There is no problem. The job will be done by the end of the day."

"Good," I mumble, staring at her.

Wow, you're already whipped.

Look who's talking. I scoff at my wolf.

Duke beams.