C9 Patience

Days stretched into weeks since when I was confined in the dungeon. I am recovering from a fever because the damp air seemed to seep into my bones, and my mental health has deteriorated. My nightmares have become worse and grown more oppressive and I often wake up gasping for air. The image of piercing blue eyes haunted me.

The dreams were always the same. I would find myself in a shadowy landscape, those eyes staring at me with an intensity that leaves me trembling. The gaze looks like it wants to say something to me but to no avail. I would reach out, desperate to touch the shadow and know what it was and why it was haunting me, but it always vanished before my fingers could make contact. Sometimes I could hear a low, whispering voice, very indistinct.

Isolation was suffocating me, at least back at home even If it wasn't all rosy, I was surrounded and besides, Emily made it her mission in life to frustrate me to death.

I saw less of the Alpha and Xander and Martha told me, that they went on a business trip. It was bearable for me because, in all of this, I still had Martha. She became my solace with her warmth and kindness, she filled the void of loneliness.

The Alpha trusted her enough to put close eyes on me. For I not to do anything stupid. Because it is as clear as day now that it would be a chore trying to escape the walls of this lair.

Not only is it surrounded by guards, but it is also very broad and I could get lost trying to find my way out. When Martha heard that I tried escaping, she reprimanded me with care just like how a mother would do to a child. In that moment for once in my life, I felt like my feelings were validated because she held me close to her chest when I broke down and told me to let it all out. For once, I felt like I mattered.

Speaking of the devil. I felt shuffles outside my room door and she unlatched it with a mischievous smile on her face. Just like a child that was given candy, I jumped on her and kissed her cheeks” Good morning, Martha”.

I have been waiting for her since I woke up because this is the only thing I have looked forward to these past days. Since the Alpha went away, he gave her an order that anytime she is done with work and retires for the day, she should make sure she escorts me back to the room and lock it before going. So, I eagerly wait for her every morning after taking my bath and finishing my business.

“How are you feeling." She touched my forehead. "And your fever?"

“I am feeling much better. "I answered her enthusiastically and she nodded her head.

“I have a surprise for you,” she said, holding a basket filled with ingredients. “Today, we are going to bake a cake”

My eyes widened in excitement. "Really?”

“Yes really. Now, let's get you out of this dark place”. she said playfully and she dragged my hands. “Come on”.

I help Martha out in the kitchen where she teaches me new cuisines and tells me stories of when she was a young, stubborn, and very resilient lady and how her husband hated her guts when they were younger. I could never get tired of listening to her.

“Do you bake often?” I ask as I watch her expertly crack the eggs into the bowl.

“Oh yes. My daughter loves to bake with me." She replied with a wistful smile playing on her lips. Her daughter is about my age and from the stories of Martha, I could tell she is a handful just like how her mother was. Her name is Sandra, she is happily married to her mate and has two pups already.

We sifted the flour and measured the sugar. Thank you, Martha,” I said softly meaning every word. I don’t think I appreciate her enough for willingly attaching herself to a bad omen like myself. “You’re like a mother to me”

Martha's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Oh, sweetheart, you are a daughter to me and I promise we’ll get through this together”. I don't tell her much about me, but she understood deeply how miserable I am.

Not wanting to dampen the mood anymore, I struck my tongue at her and said “Tell the love of your life that I am your favorite and I come first” to which she chuckled and pinched my cheeks. “That you are”

She slid the cake in the oven and we sat down at the kitchen's island continuing our conversation. She taught me the art of patience as we waited for the cake to bake, sharing tips and tricks she has learned over the years.

“Patience is also key in baking” she smiled, “Just like in life, sometimes we need to wait for things to rise and come together”.

My heart twisted at her words to show her I understood but I didn't. How do I tell her that I don't think life ever gets better? “I suppose you're right. It's hard to be patient in a place like this, though”

.

“I know dear. But every little moment of joy, like baking this cake, can help the waiting easier” She patted my head gently, running her fingers through my silky hair.

The kitchen was filled with my laughter from the hilarious stories of how Sandra pranks her dad at this age. With the sweet scent of vanilla clouding the atmosphere.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” turning to the very familiar voice, I looked over at Xander with a teasing smile on his face. Martha quickly dusted her hands on her apron subconsciously. “Alpha, Beta welcome back. I hope you had a successful journey.” She tugged me and we bowed our heads slightly to pay off respect. Not knowing how to act or what to say I mumbled an awkward “Welcome”

While the Alpha stood there staring at me with cold eyes and I wanted nothing more now than to bury myself six feet alive. Xander placed a stack of books on the table motioning for me to come take a look.

I looked at the books in astonishment. “For me?”

“Of course.” He said with a grin. I couldn’t contain my excitement anymore as I clapped my palms, trying to suppress it. “I thought you might like some company during the long hours.

The Alpha stood in the doorway with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. But when our eyes met, I noticed something was different. His usual hostility was subtle this time around.

“Thank you” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

The Alpha turned on his heels after an acknowledging nod, leaving Martha, Xander, and me in the kitchen. As the aroma of the baking cake filled the air, Xander told us funny stories about their trip.

“I have to go freshen up” He rose from the island, throwing a grape into his mouth. I smiled at that little action and watched his retreating back. The moment felt surreal.

Everything in fact feels surreal.