Chapter 4: Under the Watchful Eye

Ariana's Pov

My anxiety builds as I get closer to the new building. I had to put on my act and confront Ashford, not because of what I would be asked to do. As Alarik and I approach the building, I can't help but notice that it appears respectable. Ashford presented blueprints for this construction less than a year ago, and the fact that it has already been completed suggests that either the pack members genuinely wanted the extra room, or he worked everyone to the bone. Most likely, it is the latter.

The building's style is similar to the other pack houses in Twilight, which are modern, structurally sound dwellings with dark mahogany wood accents and gray stone exteriors. Alarik sops in front of me, and my gaze shifts upward. This new housing may be able to hold an entire small pack!

It looks good, doesn't it? Alarik asks. Yes, Beta, it looks great. The pack performed wonderfully.

Ashford is inside, waiting for you. Come on.

I follow him through the two large mahogany doors. I instantly look around and notice that where I am standing matches the hotel reception area. A reception counter is in front of Alarik and me, and various tables and seating areas are organized around a large lobby. A few bookcases may be found on the far right, while a bar/café is located down a little alleyway on the left. Two sets of steel elevators that plainly lead to the upper floors are positioned behind the reception desk.

Ariana and Alarik. That voice sounds so familiar that I recognize my name.

Ashford.

As he approaches, I carefully breathe in and out, keeping my gaze locked on the ground.

Alpha. I speak without turning to face him or looking up. As he approaches me, I can feel his Alpha power coming from him.

How are you feeling about this Alarik? Ashford asks, his voice full of pride.

It's incredible, Alpha. Anyone who stays here will get the best in luxury.

It makes sense as the Alpha prince will arrive in a few months.

Was it authenticated? Ashford did not quickly answer Alarik's inquiry, so I can only assume he nodded.

Which brings me to you. Ashford remarks icily, and I try not to cringe.

What questions do you have for me Alpha? I asked, As he fiercely clutched my face, I begged and then regretted it.

Did I mention you could speak? I avoid gazing into his angry eyes as he sneers at me. He lets go of me when I shake my head. My fury is growing, but I control it once more. Today, I do not require a beating. Ashford hasn't changed much from what I recollect; he still has enormous, menacing eyes and a uniquely amber physique, both of which are Alpha qualities.

As previously stated, Alpha Prince will be arriving to negotiate a pack transfer and check on Twinlight's well-being. It is one of his obligations before becoming King. Ashford keeps going although he was about to hit me just a few seconds ago.

Fantastic. There will be another Alpha, this time a king.

You must prepare every room in this building for guests, Ariana. This includes cleaning, making beds, and performing any other necessary activities. I've made you a to-do list. You've got three days to gather yourself. Do you have any Questions?

What is the total number of rooms? I question, unsure whether I genuinely want to know.

One hundred and ten stories.

Screw me.

You will also care for the Alpha prince and everyone else that stays here. Every phone number from each room in this building has been programmed into a phone for you. You'll need to become used to identifying which room belongs to which visitor.

I got it, Alpha. Feeling defeated, I retort that I am effectively a slave now. But Ashford would never call me that. To give the idea that I am somewhat significant to visitors, he would give me a silly title such as "building assistant" or something.

No other packs are aware of how Ashford treats me, in particular, and the rest of us here. Because, with Alarik's help, he successfully covers it. Even though they are not permitted to discuss pack matters with anybody outside the pack, our pack members are aware of this. Given that no one has come to question his leadership or investigate any of his practices, he has presented a credible front. The Alpha prince will surely notice something, even if the pack is still rich and appears to be performing well on paper.

For you, Ariana, the phone is at the front desk. Get to work or you'll get fired.

Indeed, Alpha. After taking up the phone at the reception desk, I proceed to the elevator and enter when the doors open. I sigh as the doors close, shielding myself from Ashford's stealthy look, and hit the button for the first level.

A jerk.

After working for more than three hours on two floors, I decided to prepare the Alpha Prince's chamber so that it would not be left until the last minute.

I think about the Prince as I enter and start making the bed. Aside from the fact that I met him at a pack party before finding myself in this circumstance, I don't know much about him. He probably doesn't remember me, although he is well-known now. He is known as the coldhearted prince.

When he ascends to the throne, packs are concerned about whether he will bring us prosperity or tragedy. If his parents are willing to quit so that he can take power before their terms expire, I have no doubt that he is capable of accomplishing so. King Darius appears to have complete faith in his son's abilities, despite the fact that the prince would ordinarily have to challenge the present king for the title. According to reports, Alpha King Darius and Luna Queen Seraphina are retiring to serve as the northern Reigns on the council, relieving their son of the task of supervising the entire werewolf race as well as the northern packs independently.

It's a good decision that reminds people that, in addition to the other reigns from the east, south, and west, our species is ruled by a whole family. Nobody would challenge their son.

As I walk into the bathroom to clean it, I sigh. It will take three more days to prepare all of these rooms. As the cleaner settles over the shower, I pull my phone from my back pocket and contact Lyra.

Hello there? Ariana, Are you OK?

Apart from the fact that Ashford has asked me to prepare and clean every room in the new building, I'm good.

Is it a lot? Before I react, I hear her take a sharp breath.

Each of the ten storeys houses ten rooms. A total of 100. In three hours, I've barely finished twenty. I check my watch around four o'clock.

He imposes too much on you, my God. Please continue, and I'll contact Derik so that we can come help.

Thank you. All right.

I don't need your gratitude. We're aware. He overworks you, and if he wants things done on time, he cannot say "shot." I will see you shortly.

I'll see you.

With a sigh, I return my phone to my pocket, grab a cleaning cloth off the counter, enter the shower, and begin cleaning it.