
The Alpha's Daughter Wants Revenge
Chapter 2
Aerowyn's POV
A sudden deluge of ice-cold water roused me from my slumber. Startled, I sprang to my feet, shivering uncontrollably. My mother loomed before me, an empty bucket in her hand. "Get ready and prepare breakfast for everyone," she commanded brusquely before storming out of my room.
I let out a resigned sigh.
This could hardly be called a room. It was the pack's old garage, converted into my makeshift living quarters. An antiquated bathroom occupied one corner, and the lack of wardrobe, cupboard, or closet was striking. My personal belongings were crammed into a single, worn-out bag. A solitary chair rested beside a dilapidated table, haphazardly strewn on the ground.
I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, then gathered my clothes and trudged to the bathroom. After a quick bath, I donned my grimy clothes: an old, faded light-blue t-shirt, marred by holes along the sleeves, and a pair of worn-out jeans.
I pulled my brown hair into a bun and stared at my reflection in the minuscule mirror adorning the wall.
My appearance bore no resemblance to my family members. My father sported black hair and dark blue eyes. In contrast, my mother, sister, and brothers all shared dirty blonde hair and sky-blue eyes.
And then there was me—brown hair and matching brown eyes. I was the short one in a family of towering figures. My once-vibrant eyes had lost their shine. The smile that used to grace my face had vanished. The wit that used to define me had dissipated. My body had become markedly thinner, making me look almost lifeless.
I sighed again. Zoning out has become an unwelcome habit.
Shaking off my melancholy, I quickly slipped on my black hoodie over my t-shirt and exited the garage, pulling the hood over my face. Although it didn't completely conceal me, it provided a small measure of comfort.
I made my way into the bustling pack house and dashed towards the kitchen. A few more individuals like me, all fellow Omegas, were already there.
As soon as Shena spotted me, she stormed over, her eyes blazing with indignation. Roughly grabbing my arm, she hissed, "How many times must I tell you to be punctual?!" Her loud outburst startled me, making me flinch.
"I... I'm sorry," I stuttered. Mimicking my stammering, she mocked, "I... I... I... I... I'm sorry," then she callously shoved me into the bustling kitchen, causing me to tumble to the ground.
"Such a disgrace to us," the other Omegas sneered, their laughter echoing as they departed the kitchen, leaving me alone to carry out their tasks along with mine. I wiped my tears, swallowed my hurt, and started working. The door swung open, but I didn't turn; I needed to concentrate on the task at hand.
Then, I felt a gentle touch on my hand. It was soft and immediately familiar. Turning, I enveloped the figure in a tight hug, and warm arms wrapped around me in response. This was the only person who genuinely cared for me, the only person who loved me unconditionally, the only person who truly understood my feelings.
"Grandma."
"My sweet girl," she responded, pulling away to plant a tender kiss on my forehead. Her affection elicited a genuine smile from me.
My grandma was a timeless beauty. Her skin was soft and supple, her light blonde hair, almost white, flowed around her shoulders, and she had my father's dark blue eyes. She was not only physically beautiful but possessed a heart of pure gold as well.
Whenever I felt hopeless, she bolstered my spirit and reinstated the hope that I had lost. She would always reassure me that there was a reason I was who I was, often reminding me, "The moon goddess never makes a mistake."
"Let me help you," she suggested, reaching for the knife in my hand. "No, Grandma," I protested, trying to retrieve the knife. I didn't want her to toil; she was the former Luna. She shouldn't have to work.
"Na-uh. You're not taking this from me. Now stop arguing, and let's work. Together," she declared. I sighed and relented, knowing full well she would never back down.
Together, we prepared the meal and laid it out on the table. "Thanks, Grandma," I gratefully acknowledged her help once we had finished. "Anything for my sweet little girl," she replied, settling into a chair. "You know I'm not a little girl anymore," I chuckled. "But you'll always be my little girl," she said, grinning. I smiled at her in return. Oh, how I loved this woman.
"Come here, Aurélie," she beckoned, emphasizing my middle name. It was a name my grandmother chose for me, overriding my mother's intention to name me 'Linda,' which means 'pretty, beautiful.' But my grandmother insisted, and eventually, my parents agreed.
"Honey, Aurélie! You're zoning out again," my grandmother's gentle voice brought me back to reality. "I'm sorry. What were you saying, Grandma?" I asked, attempting to refocus my attention. "It's okay, darling. Come here," she waved me over.
I walked towards her, and she patted the chair beside her. I settled down, eager to hear what she had to say. "Do you remember what I told you that day when you asked me why I called you by your middle name? You were only four years old then," she inquired.
I remembered. It was a memory that had never left my mind. I had wanted to understand what she truly meant. Why was she bringing it up now? Could this be the day she had spoken of? Was she finally going to reveal the truth?
Flashback
I asked her why she called me by my middle name. She had replied, "Aurélie means 'Golden.' Your heart is golden, my dear. You are very special."
"I don't understand, Grandma," I confessed.
"You will. One day, you will. When that day comes, you will know. I hope you will remember what I said," she said, gently stroking my curly hair.
"Why did you choose 'Auwly' as my middle name?" I asked curiously.
"You will know why when the day arrives," she responded softly, her gaze fixated on the moon. "You will know soon."
End of Flashback