Word Count: 1593

~Brielle

Initially, the new job was not that impressive.

For the first few weeks, no one came to the estate. I didn't even see Ren, who had become seemingly elusive recently. A lot of the staff began to wonder if he was even occupying this residence much anymore. It left me with nothing more to do but to make sure staff coming in from the docks were managed okay.

At least I'm getting paid well. Which means I shouldn't have to be here too much longer to get money. Then I can escape.

I was surprised when Rose, the first person to accept into this place, approached me with my next set of work. These past few days I've spent in a side office close to the main door, in case someone would happen to visit and I would have to welcome them.

"I heard something from the kitchen staff that might apply to you," she says as she walks in, making me flinch away from the crossword I was doing.

"Oh. Really?"

Everyone downstairs has been wary of me recently. I hear them whisper, but at least they aren't mean right to my face. I can just pretend they don't have suspicions. Mabel told me one night Della had been telling everyone that I seduced Ren into giving me a better job with more money. I don't say anything. They wouldn't believe me if I told them the truth.

Rose steals the seat next to me, a rather cunning smile on her face. It only has me more curious, considering the small amount of anything interesting happening recently.

"So the kitchen staff have been given and order from high superiority to cater an entire dinner for some very special guests," she tells me excitedly, as thrilled as I am to see something interesting happen here.

I sit up a little more in my seat. "Guests? Is there an event happening here?"

Rose nods. I've never seen her look so excited. I may not know her well, but everyone has been unsure of what to do these past few weeks. The gossip about why Ren has been hiding away has ranged from him being sick, or him being a crazed killer who transforms during the night.

"Apparently he's invited a few Alpha's over. We haven't exactly been told that, but we have been given specific menu preferences," Rose explains to me. "Apparently Malik is allergic to citrus. And would you guess, it's on the menu. Who else would need something like that? No one but Alpha's."

I blink a few times, trying to process this. "So you're saying Alpha's are going to be visiting here? And I have to look after them?"

"We aren't completely sure, but I thought I would warn you," Rose says quickly.

Glancing at her watch, she stands. Rose seems to always be on her feet, dealing with everyone and their wellbeing. As much as I'm grateful or the warning, I know I'm going to be anxious about this. Alpha's? I already embarrassed myself in front of Ren. Who knows what I would do in front of a group of them.

It turns out only the next day, I was given instructions from those higher up in the offices to help prepare rooms for a specific number of people. And then I was to make sure other staff prepared the dining and entertainment area.

Something is happening this weekend. Even if no one is telling me.

Each room was to be prepared immaculately. Girls left freshly picked flowers in vases propped on dressers. Beds were made and everything was polished. There wasn't a thing to be left out of place for these guests. It is imperative they have a enjoy their time here, since no one ever seems to visit.

It wasn't till the day, that I knew for sure. And it was Ren, who told me, approaching me while I was giving last minute touch ups to the foyer, checking the list to ensure when I greet them tomorrow, I won't be making any mistakes.

Although I can't imagine it's too easy to get Alpha's mixed up. Not when I spent a good portion of school learning a lot about them.

I spotted Ren first. He was leaning against the stairway banister. Watching me.

There's something about being watched by that pair of eyes that is unexplainably unnerving. That blue eye, that seems to have a different personality behind is completely. One that I don't want to explore, but to hide from. All these stories Mabel feeds me have been getting to my head, clearly...

"You're doing very well," Ren compliments, once I catch sight of him and raise a skeptical eyebrow. "I don't regret hiring you for this job."

It takes a significant amount of will power no to blush. "Thank you."

Some girls wander in and out of the foyer, looking at us curiously. I try to keep my gaze pinned to my clipboard, as if the words aren't swimming inchorently in front of me. I work for Ren, he isn't my friend. I will serve him tonight, and until I need to. I owe him this night for giving me this job.

"I hope the Alpha's don't give you any trouble," Ren says smoothly, stepping across the recently polished marble floor. "They haven't been here in awhile, but they are polite. Well, most of them."

"I'm sure it will be great," I say, still not looking up from my clipboard. "We have everything planned immaculately, Alpha."

"You can call me Ren."

Swallowing nervously, I glance up for just a second. He's much closer now, looking at the brilliantly red roses a garden hand had supplied me, his fingers brushing down the stem, until it reaches the thorns. Then he pulls away, concentrating back on me. When he does, my gaze flutters away.

"I don't want to disrespect you Alpha," I tell him promptly. After that night a few weeks ago, when I nearly exposed myself to him, I've told myself I wouldn't supply any more evidence that I want him.

I don't. At least I think I don't.

Shaking my head at myself, I turn away, heading to the stand by the door, where the invitations will be stacked. Ren follows a few steps behind me.

"It's not disrespecting me, I would prefer it," he tells me. "Everyone thinks they are a slave to me. I have mutual respect for you all. I just wanted to come here to see how you were handling this job. I want this to go well."

Finally, I look at him. "I promise you Alpha, I'll ensure all the Alpha's are comfortable here, and enjoy their time."

Ren seems relieved by that. Dark circles line his under eyes. He's stressed about this. I don't know where he has been in these past few weeks, but his skin doesn't look sallow from lack of sun. In fact, he seems healthy, aside from the sleep he has failed to get. I would be nervous about hosting all the Alpha's too.

Once I ensured the space was clear, I moved onto the next thing that needs checking. The entrance. On the outside it has been adorned with a variety of flowers and appealing fixtures to impress them. It wasn't my idea.

"Can I ask you a question?" Ren asks, surprisingly still following. I had assumed he just wanted validation that this is going well. Or maybe he wanted to make sure I was actually doing a good job.

"Of course."

"What made you come to my island?" he asks me. "I notice most get onto the supply ship. I've never really asks what appeals to those who work here."

How do I tell him I'm just here for the shortest time possible, and when I can leave, I will without a second thought. If he knows, would he tell me to leave right now? My prerogative is similar to most of the girls here. Aside from Mabel, who is just here to get with Ren, which seems to be harder than she thought.

I decide to stay safe. "If you knew what happened to me on the mainland, you would understand."

He's smart. He knows not to question me anymore on what I mean by that. Maybe, if I get to know the Alpha better, he can know about my parents. It's enough to make anyone angry if they knew about it.

"Well I'm glad you're here. You're doing a great job," he assures me, to which I shake my head at him, not believing that for a second. The one who came before me must have been pretty useless.

"No really, I owe you, Brielle," he says warmly. He remembers my name...

Again, I shake my head.

Ren sighs deeply, looking down at himself for a moment. His clothes are rather frumpled and casual, wearing just a dark blue tunic and black pants. He still has a few hours to get ready for the Alpha's assumed arrival. At least he seems to look good in everything he wears...

"I better get ready," he says, as if he could read my mind. "I'll see you tonight, Brielle."

I watch him go. Tonight is going to be interesting.

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Want more of Ren!? On the site Radish, Ren is considerably ahead, so go check it out (:

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I've also just posted the second novel in the Immortal series (in no way in correlation to book one which is Fate

It's Time!

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~Midika 💜🐼