From Rivalry to Romance The Game of Hearts

[Elena's POV]

I woke up suddenly, my eyes barely open, and stumbled into the bathroom when the alarm sounded at 7 am. I quickly closed the door, unbuttoned my shirt, and turned on the faucet, hoping the steam would fully wake me up. After removing my black sweatpants, I stepped into the shower, bracing myself for the cold water. Despite the initial shock, I felt more alert and lively. Wrapping a towel around myself, I turned off the water when I finished showering.

When I looked in the mirror, my eyes appeared completely awake. I didn't get a good look because I was so busy getting dressed. I chose to wear my Converse sneakers with my blue medical scrubs. I enjoy how it enhances my pale complexion. I haven't worn dark colors in a long time, but that will change this year. I'm returning to my normal self. I spent the entire summer learning how to put my long, blond curly hair back into braids.

I say bored because having no friends and having to work all summer is really unbearable. I used light makeup, a little highlighter on my cheekbones, mascara, and a little lip gloss. "Let's do it Elena, you look good," I said to myself in the mirror. After my parents died in a car accident, I traveled to America and lived with my aunt. Not my real aunt, but Aunt Liza, my mother's best friend.

I grabbed my folders and CV as I went down the stairs. My aunt and her son, Michael, one of the (S.S) Silver Shine pack's Lycan princes, are already at the table eating breakfast. I say one of the pack's Lycan since he has two other brothers who are still working the night shift. All three were triplets and famous neurosurgeons in America. Michael is reading the newspaper while drinking his coffee. He looks just like his mother, with black hair and blue eyes. He is 12 years older than me, attractive, but rude and arrogant. In the absence of his mother, he is always attempting to irritate me and make harsh comments. But I don't care because, due to my breakup with Marcus, I'm no longer interested in men's things. Well, how I met him is another story.

My aunt sings, "Good morning, honey," from the table.

"Good morning Aunt," I told her as I slid into a chair at the bar top.

She passed me a plate of bacon and eggs, and I smiled warmly at her. She is so sweet. Always taking care of me. Her long black hair is tied into a sloppy bun on top of her head. She's still wearing her jammies. As a mother of triplet Lycans, she really doesn't need to work. The triplets earn enough to sustain her.

"Are you excited for your job interview?" She asked, her beautiful blue eyes beaming with a smile.

I gulped hard. She had no idea what happened to my pack or why I came here for the job instead of doing it in Brazil. All she knew was that my parents had died, and I needed a fresh start, so I relocated here. I had to tell her this since I was so depressed afterward all. Thankfully, she did not press me on it. My aunt just informed me she would always be available if I wanted to talk. I honestly wish I could have. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone. Besides, I got through just fine on my own.

"Yeah, I'm excited for my interview. And since 'HE' is Michael's senior, I am looking forward to it." I told her with a warm smile plastered on my lips.