CHAPTER 3: HAILEY SNEAKS OFF TO WORK WITH HUMANS

HAILEY

Late one evening, as I gazed at the fissures in my small room's ceiling, the idea struck me. After Marissa's most recent act of cruelty and the pack's unrelenting disdain, the familiar weight of powerlessness weighed against my chest more than before. I was no longer able to do it. The packhouse was a jail, not a home, with its high walls and oppressive regulations. I would waste away, invisible and unloved, if I stayed. However, fleeing was insufficient. I had to find a way to live. I had heard rumours of the human settlement outside the pack's domain. People constantly seemed to need labourers for jobs that didn't need a lot of thought. I could save money and establish a life apart from here if I could find employment.

I needed a way to survive, though, and I had heard rumours of a human town just outside the pack's territory. Humans seemed to always need workers for jobs that didn't ask too many questions, so if I could find work, I could save up and start a life far away from here. It was risky, but what did I have to lose? The idea sat in my head for days before I finally plucked up the courage to do it. It was nighttime when I slid out of bed, my heart thumping as I dressed in basic jeans and a faded shirt, moving through the dark hallways like a shadow, my breath catching.

"Amenia?" In a scarcely discernible whisper, I said. She answered, "I’m here," in a steady, quiet voice. "Be silent. We must not be heard by anyone. "I’ll keep watch," she promised me, our relationship brimming with a quiet strength. I paused as I got to the rear entrance. I would be brutally punished if I were detected. However, the idea of being here indefinitely was even worse. Wincing when the hinges squeaked, I took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. I stood frozen, listening carefully. Not a thing. I strolled outside into the cool night air, the damp grass feeling nice against my bare feet. The only way out of the forest was through it, despite its ominous and dark shadows. The walk to the human town took only twenty minutes. I took slow, cautious steps, keeping my senses sharp. My heart raced with each snap of twigs and rustle of leaves. At night, the patrols didn't often come this far, but I couldn't afford to be irresponsible. "We’re almost there," Amenia remarked quietly, breaking the uneasy silence. I nodded, growing more determined. My nerves were still jangled, but I felt a wave of relief when I finally arrived at the town's edge. Ahead was the diner I had seen on previous visits, its neon sign flashing like a beacon. It was unassuming yet welcoming, with a touch of warmth in contrast to the darkness. After inhaling deeply, I pressed my palms against my jeans and entered.

I inhaled sharply, pressed my palms to my jeans, and entered. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cooking bacon filled my nostrils. The cafe had a black-and-white checkered floor and booths made of old leather. A woman in her middle years was cleaning the counter behind it, her piercing gaze immediately focussing on me. She said, "Can I help you?" in a neutral yet pleasant tone. I seemed confident as I said, "I'm looking for a job." She looked over my unkempt appearance, her brow raised, suspicion darting across her face. "Your timing is good. Yesterday our dishwasher broke down. Do you believe you can manage it? "Yes," I hurriedly said. "I'll put in a lot of work. “I swear.” She gave me one more look and then nodded. "My name is Helen. You begin this evening. I felt a wave of relief as she ushered me into the kitchen. With the clamour of pots and pans and the hiss of the fryer, the room was small and disorganised. I was met with a massive pile of soiled dishes. "It's honest work, but it's not glamorous," Helen replied, passing me an apron. Simply keep going, and there won't be any issues. With a heart full of thankfulness, I vowed, "I will." The labour was draining. I didn't care that the hot water burned my hands or that my muscles ached from the fast-paced activity. There was a glimmer of hope for the first time in years. I wiped countertops and washed dishes for hours on end. Helen gave me an envelope at the very end.

Like the pure essence of freedom, the crisp dollars within weighed more than they should have. Helen said, more subduedly now, "Good job tonight." "Until tomorrow, see you?" "Yes," I replied emphatically. "I'm grateful," As I stepped out into the cold night, I felt a surge of pride. I had, indeed. I had taken the first step towards living my own life. But the triumph was short-lived. The quiet was disturbed with a low groan. Two people stepped out of the shadows, and I froze my blood freezing. The moonlight illuminated their faces—pack warriors. In a sarcastic, frightening voice, one of them replied, "Where do you think you're going?" Panic set me, and I gripped the package tighter. I started running but didn't shift as the illusion of a wolfless wolf must be maintained to all, and presently, all I can think of is how to keep the little I've made tonight safe because it represents just one step closer to freedom for me.

Two people stepped out of the shadows, and I froze my blood freezing. The moonlight illuminated their faces—pack warriors. "Where do you think you're going?" one of them said in a threatening, sarcastic tone. Panic set me, and I gripped the package tighter. How had they found me? "The Alpha will be so pleased with what we'd take back to him tonight; since you can sneak out, I'm sure you're capable of taking the punishment". I am suddenly overpowered and subdued by them.