CHAPTER 6 The Next Task

"Alpha?" I chuckled faintly.

My step mom nodded in awe. I shook my head nonchalantly.

"I think you are more tired than me, mom." I scoop my food not minding her concerns.

"You think I have time for jokes, Ash?"

I stopped.

"I am telling you the truth."

I remained stoned. Now, she's sounding so serious that I want to believe her.

"Cunningham's are one of the famous packs around Europe. And it's because of the power that they hold. They became more the talk of the town after Luna and the Alpha died because of an accident. And now, their only son is left."

My heart beat wildly. I don't want to believe her, but the way she spoke convinced me. Mom would never joke this way. Not about werewolves and all that sht.

"And their son is…" I couldn't continue. Because it seems like, by uttering his name, I'll also be admitting that I'm believing her.

"Ace Cunningham."

My lips went in a grim line. I breathed a deep sigh before acting like I heard nothing.

"What's your decision now? You must tell him that you both have a son-"

"No one's telling no one, mom." I uttered coldly.

I heard her gasp. I glanced at her seriously.

"Either you're telling me the truth or not. I ain't gonna tell him, still."

I saw the hint of disagreement in her face. Before she could even tell me anything I cut her already.

"If he's really an alpha then that will be the main reason why I shouldn't tell him that we have a son." I turned into her. "Mom, you know how much I despise my family because of that position right? I don't want my son to suffer what I went through. I want him to grow in peace and in love."

She sighed looking so weary. My heart ached thinking about my words. I can't imagine my son going through the same path I went through.

"And clearly, that man isn't the man who will father my child. Because in the first place, he must have felt responsible for the thing that had happened between us, But where is he now?" I uttered bitterly.

She bowed her head. I know she feels sad about my decision, but that's what I admire about them. They'll get mad but they'll trust me anyway.

"I have both of you; mom, dad, and Aciel. I can do all things when I'm with you all."

She smiled and came in my direction. She opened her arms for an embrace which I gave her too.

I know I can do all this without his help. I'll make sure I'll take that secret into my grave before he could even know about my son, Aciel.

"You're goddamn late, again. Ms. Hartz!"

My boss yelled at me after I went into the locker room to change into my uniform for duty.

"I'm really sorry ma'am. My class ended late and I-"

"Again!? What more reasons could you tell me, huh? I pay you right! So you should at least level your effort into that money that I'm paying you!"

I bowed my head. I can sense the other hostess looking into our direction. I wasn't able to finish my wardrobe because of her sudden outburst.

"I'm really sorry ma'am. I know it's my fault."

"Of course! You've been doing that for weeks now!"

"Yes ma'am. It's because my son had been sick and I had to take care of him."

"I don't care about your son! Either he's dying or what, I don't fvcking care! We're talking about your capabilities to work here!"

My tears welled up into my eyes. How can she be this heartless? I lift my head to her, slightly offended.

"With all due respect ma'am, I think it's not right for you to speak ill about my son." I said strongly.

Her eyes widened a fraction. The surprised facade disappeared after seconds. Her exasperated face is ready to pull some strands of my hair.

"You, thick faced bitch! You are fired!" she yelled and pointed to my face.

Now, it's my turn to be shocked. My knees wobbled in fear of losing my job.

"Ma'am, no. I-I'm sorry. I-I…"

I can't find the right words to say. She turned her back on me, not minding my words. She even went out of the locker. I followed her.

"Ma'am, please. I can't lose this job. I need this, please." I begged.

I tailed her but she won't even lend a glance. So I touched her elbow to catch her attention. She's quick to remove my hands, harshly making me fall into the cold tiles of the restaurant.

I heard the people's gasps everywhere. People are now for sure looking and watching how pitiful I am.

"You filthy human! Where's your audacity now? How strong you acted a while ago and now you're begging for the position? Stop and leave! I don't want to see your face in this place!"

Tears fell into my cheeks. I crawled to reach her legs so I could beg her. But she just shrugged my hold making me fall into the floor once again.

"Ma'am, I'm begging you. I have a son." I cried.

"Guards! Throw this woman out! I don't want to see that face ever again!"

I wasn't able to do anything. That night I went home to my son, and couldn't even bear to look him in the eyes. I'm so guilty to even stare at his mature eyes.

How can I tell him that I've lost my job. That I can't provide for him as of the moment. I cried while he was sleeping beside me.

I can do this. I can still fight for us. I won't ask for his father's help. I can do this alone.

Third Person's POV

In one cold night, Lucas entered the large and tall doors of Ace's room. Ace is topless while bathing and having a deep in his round large tub. The scent of woody and earthy smell is reigning the whole place. The signature scent of the pack, specially the alpha; Ace Cunningham.

"Alpha," Lucas called.

He coldly put down the glass of rum he was drinking. He waited for this day to be done so he can hear the good news he's been waiting for.

"I've had enough of Ulva's shit today. So that better be good news, Lucas." he uttered coldly.

"She was fired." Lucas said.

The side of his lips rose. The adrenaline of wickedness kicked into him. He felt joyous thinking that his plans worked. He told Lucas to manipulate the owner of the restaurant that Ashina had been working on for years. And now that she's fired, it's a mission accomplished for him.

"What's your next plan, Alpha?"

Ace glided his tongue inside his cheeks.

"Silly Lucas," he smirked. "You haven't figured it out all this time?" he sounded sarcastic.

Lucas remained stone-faced. He was just waiting for his master's next command.

"Make her work in the castle. That's your next task."