That night I had trouble sleeping. An uncomfortable cramp kept me up at night that had me counting the weeks and days since I had been here. The urge to escape became stronger as the sleepless hours went on.

I needed to get out.

I had Alpha blood in my system. I healed exceptionally well, so now was my time to escape. Before it wore off and I became feeble once more.

Of course, my monthly bleed would come when I woke after a night of painful stomach aches that had me gasping for breath. I had never had such strong pains before. Perhaps the night in the magical lake decided it would be a good cleanse for my body...

Perhaps my body just wanted me to get eaten by the wolves...

That morning I climbed my way out of the bed, ripping the blood-stained sheets off with me. I carried them into the bathroom and ran them under the tap before I showered.

I hoped the blood wouldn't stain, but I had not done my laundry here before. I could not find any cleaning products, not even salt, in the bathroom.

Once I was clean, I rifled through the cupboard once more in search of some sanitary products, only to come up short. I usually wore a cup, being the most comfortable and discreet option back home. Plus, Darius had enjoyed it. It meant he would never have to see blood in my underwear. Such a strange man... But here, I couldn't even find a sanitary towel, so I had to make do with toilet roll and hope I found Eve quickly.

Dressing in the largest clothes I had available, I breathed through another wonderful stomach cramp as I gathered the sheets and made my way downstairs. It was early, around seven, and I hoped that meant there would be less traffic around.

I stumbled across a female in the kitchen, dressed in soft cotton clothes as she organised the kitchen. I assumed she was one of these 'maids' Eve told me about and cleared my throat softly to announce my presence.

"Excuse me," I mumbled, and she turned to face me. "Could you help me find the laundry room, please? I've forgotten where it is."

Her eyebrows creased in confusion as she wiped her hands on her apron. "You don't need to do that, Lu-Miss, someone will come round later."

I shook my head, stepping away from her outstretched hands. I felt embarrassed, heat flushing my cheeks as I let out a shaky laugh.

"I know, it's just... I would rather do these... by myself..." I worried.

Her head cocked as she studied me and then the white sheets in my hands. I watched with pained horror as her nose wrinkled and nostrils flared before an understanding took over her features.

"Oh, I see!" She smiled bashfully. "Nothing to be ashamed of. I'll show you where it is."

I breathed an awkward thank you and followed her as she led me out of the kitchen. She had light blonde hair in a ponytail and warming brown eyes. She was more petite than some wolves I had come across, around my height with soft curves. Perhaps the hierarchy was like wild animals? Eve said they were primal creatures, so perhaps the weaker wolves became the maids? Asra was strong and large, and he was the Alpha so...

Made sense, right?

We walked through the kitchen, my hungry eyes taking in the gleaming white countertops and shining golden wolf shaped handles. I loved this kitchen.

Opening a door at the bottom of the room, we walked into a brief hallway before realisation dawned on me. Eve had taken me around the house before, sure, but I had only been in here once and my brain forgot. But now I was here, I soon remembered this room.

The washing machines were foreign to me and the maid must've noticed because she hesitated on her way out.

"Are you sure you don't need my help?" She wondered.

I chewed on my lip, eyeing the shiny sink and various machines. There were eight washing machines along one wall, stacked upon each other, and opposite were eight drying machines. All were a shiny silver with black details. The cupboards and floor were still so bright and clean, the sides empty and organised. How this place was so tidy... I need all of their secrets.

I swallowed down my pride and gave her a soft nod. She beamed, coming towards me to take some sheets out of my hand.

"We'll scrub what we can by hand in the sink first, then I will show you how to use the machines." She smiled, turning on the hot tap to wet the blotchy stains.

"Thank you." I muttered. "I've just... never used machines before."

She cocked her head as she scooped some powder and rubbed it in with the scoop itself. I watched her intently, the powder foaming and bubbling.

"You're from the secret village, right?" She wondered. "What did you use there?"

"Not machines." I shook my head. "We did our clothes by hand. Growing up, we had little, and couldn't afford machines. When I moved out... uh, someone came and did laundry twice a week for me."

She nodded slightly, studying me again. "Well, I'm Serenity, but people call me Ren. It's nice to meet you..."

"Ailia," I smiled in return.

She grinned again before rinsing the soap from the fabrics. She bundled them in her hands and guided me to one of the lower washing machines. Opening the door, she pushed the fabric in before clicking the door closed.

"Right, so this is whites, which means we wash them solo. No colours." She explained. "This button here is on, then we turn the dial to cotton, since your sheets are cotton. Each garment has a label with how to wash. Yours are the nice Egyptian sheets, so we wash them on a low spin and temperature. Pre-washing them in the sink helps the stains."

I followed her instructions silently, noting where things were kept. There were so many kinds of soap and washing aids, I think I may need labels. Once she hit start, we stepped back to admire her handy work. I thanked her for showing me, awkwardly shifting my weight.

"Anytime," She smiled.

She never seemed to not be smiling, a slight buzz of radiant energy surrounding her. She helped me without judgement, and I really respected her for that.

"Do you need any more help?" She asked.

I hesitated, taking in her kind face as I debated on asking her my next question.

"What is it?" She wondered, noticing my hesitance.

Damn lack of poker face.

"I uh... where do I find the... sanitary products?" I cringed.

"Oh! We have a storage in here actually, but most of the stuff we get ourselves from the store." She explained, walking to a corner cupboard and opening it.

Inside there were a few boxes full of sanitary products, but none of them took my eye. I hated the feel of pads and did not want to wear a tampon. Heck no. I grabbed a box of pads anyway, deciding it was better than nothing.

"I'd be happy to take you to the store, but I have to finish in the kitchen..."

I raised to my feet, shaking my head at her. "Oh no, please! You've already helped me so much. I will go ask my friend to take me. Don't worry about it."

"Okay, thank you Ailia!"

"No! Thank you. I would've been lost and embarrassed without you." I blushed.

She gave me another award-winning smile before leaving the room. I exhaled heavily when the door swung close behind her, my stress levels evaporating with every slow breath I took. Clearing my throat, I made my way into the toilet next door and sorted my wonderful situation before I looked for a familiar face.

Washing my hands, I left the room feeling a lot better. The sheets would take another hour before they were done, which would be enough time for me to find someone to show me where I can get supplies. Sure, I didn't have any money, so I would have to figure out how this whole thing worked.

I came across Eliza first, her wide, happy eyes peaking at me from the top step.

"Ailia! Good morning!"

Ah, that was a morning person if I ever saw one.

"Hey, Eliza. I was wondering if you could help me?" I smiled.

"Sure, what's up? How are you feeling? Did the lake give you a good sleep?"

"The opposite." I shook my head, a laugh bubbling out of my chest. "I had cramps all night. But I just spoke with Serenity in the utility. She showed me where the... feminine supplies are, but I was wondering if you could show me where the store was?"

She blinked for a moment, taking in the mumbling of my words. "Oh! The pharmacy? I can take you, want to go now? I was about to go for a jog, anyway."

Scanning her appearance, it only just clocked to me she was dressed in shorts and a tank top. I blushed, but nodded and thanked her as she led me out of the door. Apparently, the 'village' is a small plaza, with pretty tiled floors, small green shrubbery, and white flowers littered with quaint brown benches. It was something out of a fairy tale. I was just waiting for the butterflies and white doves.

"In here," Eliza ushered me into a sterile store with a large green plus on the outside.

She led me to an aisle and gestured dramatically to the various, and I mean various, assortment of products. My cheeks flushed as I took in the vast amount of things to choose from.

"They're so... bright and... plentiful." I commented.

She snorted. "A lot different from human world, huh?"

"A lot different." I nodded, bending down to pick up a couple of options. "I'm surprised they even have cups."

"I've never actually tried one," Eliza hummed, plucking one out of my hand. "Don't you like... feel it?"

I snorted, shaking my head. "Not if it's in right."

She hummed, scanning the box once more before depositing it into my hand. "You'll find there is a lot more openness in this world. The men truly do care for you and monthly bleeds aren't a taboo. They practically worship you. It's great."

Her laughter had me smile, mostly in disbelief. "Where I came from, they locked us away for most of the time. Men didn't like it."

The smile on her face dimmed, a twitch of a grimace showing on her mouth. "That's human males for you. Can't appreciate what a God-given child-bearing body is capable of."

We laughed again before I decided on a cup type. Looking for a price, Eliza noticed my predicament.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'll put it on the tab."

"Tab?" I murmured as she led me to the front desk.

Her hands gripped the edge as she peered around the various electronic equipment and assortment of papers. She plucked the box from my hand and passed it to the male behind the computer, rattling a total to which Eliza just clicked her tongue.

"On the tab, please." She smiled sweetly.

"Uh..." The young male glanced at me. "Which one?"

Eliza looked at me too, a smirk coating her features. "Alpha please."

My eyes widened, but the boy only nodded, pressing a few buttons before dispensing a receipt.

"Luna," He bowed his head, passing me the paper.

I went to reply about how that wasn't me, but Eliza had her hands beneath my armpit before I could even mutter a no. She pushed me out of the store, a laugh escaping her as I stumbled over a broken tile.

"Alpha's tab?" I gasped.

Looking down at the receipt, my eyes widened when I saw Asra's name along the bottom, along with what I had purchased.

"You are his mate, it's obvious. Most of the pack knows it now, so may as well use that to your advantage." She shrugged.

I pocketed the receipt, my hands clutching the box in my hand so hard it dented. "It's not right."

"It will be, eventually." She took my arm, squeezing it tightly.

If only she knew what was to happen later that day.

****