A SLAVE FOR THE ALPHA

ALIYAH

After I neatly folded up my clothes in the wooden dresser, I carefully arranged my medical books on the polished wooden shelf. Seeing them lined up neatly helped me feel more at home in our new room.

Grandma Estelle paused from making our beds and asked, ‘Darling, why did you bring all these heavy books?"

I turned to her and smiled. “Even if I have to stop school this year, I can’t just give up on learning.”

Grandma sighed, then crossed the room to wrap me in a tight embrace. “If your father hadn’t passed so soon, you wouldn’t have to worry about schooling or working for the Connors. I’m so sorry, Aliyah.”

I bit my lower lip, preventing myself from tearing up. The sadness in her voice made me accept the reality of our new life ahead. Grandma was right. If only Dad were still here, things would be different. Perhaps my bachelor’s honors degree was hanging on the wall, and I had already graduated from college. To be honest, Grandma didn’t know that I brought my books with me, both so I could read them in my spare time and to make myself feel better about not being able to march across the graduation stage.

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m twenty-two already. It’s time for me to take care of you, not the other way around. And even if Dad were still here, I would’ve wanted him to stop working eventually too.” I whispered, wiping away her tears. “I promise you that once we’ve saved enough money, we’ll leave the Connors. We’ll go back to our ranch house, and I’ll continue my studies. We deserve better than just being servants our whole lives.”

Grandma Estelle said, “You’ve always been wise beyond your years. I just wish things were different for you, my dear. But we’ll make the best of what we have.”

“Of course. I can do anything if you are by my side.”

Grandma nodded and reached out to cup my face in her hands. Her touch was warm and comforting, and I couldn’t help but close my eyes.

A knock on the door broke the silence between Grandma and me. I wiped my eyes fast and opened them to find Brenda Connor standing there. She had an air of authority that made me apprehensive, but I tried to keep my cool.

“Miss Connor,” I began, my gaze drawn to her steel-blue eyes. “H-how can I help you?”

She crossed her arms, saying, “Bring breakfast to my brother Brayden’s room. He’s not feeling well and needs something to eat.”

“Of course, Miss Connor. I’ll take care of it right away,” I replied without hesitation. Despite being flustered by her presence, I needed to please her and secure my position in their household.

“He doesn’t really come to breakfast with us. He sleeps during the day and stays out late.” She looked through the door into our room and spun around to leave, her long blonde hair swishing behind her. But before she left, she added, “Oh, whatever you see in his room, don’t say anything. Act like you didn’t see anything.”

Brenda’s warning made me feel even more scared. What does she mean by that? With a glance at Grandma Estelle, I could tell that she shared my unease. But she motioned for me to do what the sophisticated woman said instantly as if there was no time to waste.

***

With a tray of food in my hands, I reluctantly climbed the grand staircase. Although there was an elevator available, I preferred to use the steps, hoping to familiarize myself with the mansion I would be working in for months. Or should I say, years?

As I walked along the balcony overlooking the grand hall below, my mind raced with curiosity about Brenda’s cryptic warning. What could be so strange? Does the Connor family have some bizarre tradition or routine that new maids must participate in? Or is Brayden hiding an unusual collection of items in his room? The thoughts only served to heighten my anxiety, but I reminded myself that I was here to perform a simple task: bring breakfast to Brayden’s room. I couldn’t afford to mess this up. I needed this job to save for medical school.

I steadied my breathing and knocked gently on Brayden’s door before turning the handle. As the door creaked open, the smell of cleanliness filled my nostrils. It was inviting, almost as if the room itself was welcoming me inside. Brayden must be a meticulous guy, I thought, feeling slightly more at ease.

“Brayden?” I called out softly, stepping into the room with the tray of food. My eyes scanned the well-organized space, searching for any signs of life.

But then the small smile I forcefully curved across my face began to fade as I spotted a moving object by the bed. Panic bubbled up within me as a massive ball of fur, glistening in the dim light, gradually transformed into a tall, muscular man.

“W-who are you!” I shrieked, and the tray slipped from my trembling hands. It had crushed to the floor and shattered into pieces, scattering food everywhere. “What did you do to Bray—”

“Shut up, will you?” the naked man commanded, moving toward me in a flash. His hand clamped over my mouth, cutting off my scream.