CHAPTER 53: YOU’RE MY DINNER TONIGHT.

"Mrs. Williams. Mr. Jackson. Welcome home," Blonde said as she swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile. "I was just... surprised to see you return so early with the young master."

"Well, I’m back," Mrs. Williams replied curtly as she strode into the living room with confidence, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Jackson followed close behind, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"I didn’t go on a business trip, like I told the others," Mrs. Williams added. "Instead, I left to bring Jackson home. He will no longer be studying in another pack. From now on, he’ll attend the Elite Lycan Academy."

Her sharp gaze shifted to Blonde.

"And since you’re enrolled there as well, you’ll be responsible for watching over him. As my maid, that is now part of your duties."

I’m screwed, Blonde thought, her body tensing as a cold ripple of dread crawled over her skin.

"Do your best to serve the young master well," Mrs. Williams continued. "Serving under me hasn’t been enough to cover your tuition, but if you do a good job with Jackson, it might."

She turned slightly, glancing around the room.

"You’ve done well though. Everything’s sparkling clean. But... where’s the flower vase?"

Blonde froze, then quickly answered, "Oh... I let the dog in not too long ago, and it jumped onto the table and knocked it over. I’ve punished it....it’s in the cage now. I’m really sorry, Mrs. Williams."

Mrs. Williams studied her for a moment, then nodded. "If it was the dog, then it’s fine. Accidents happen."

She began walking toward the hallway, her voice trailing behind her.

"I won’t be having dinner, but Jackson might want some. Make sure he’s satisfied. Also, from tonight onward, you don’t need to sleep in the servants’ quarters. You’ll stay inside the main house... in case Jackson needs anything."

With that, she shut her bedroom door, leaving Blonde alone with Jackson in the grand, silent living room.

"I’ll go get your food ready young master," Blonde said softly, turning to head for the kitchen.

But Jackson grabbed her wrist and pulled her back firmly. In one swift motion, he tugged her down onto his lap, making her sit on him. Blonde flinched, feeling the pressure of his body against hers.

"Young master, please..." she began, her voice shaking.

Jackson leaned in close, his voice low and taunting. "How have you been, my little whore?"

Blonde stiffened as he turned her to face him, his grip unrelenting.

"Please don’t, young master," she whispered. "I don’t do this anymore. And besides... your mother might come out. Please don’t get me into trouble."

Jackson’s smile faded into something cruel.

"I don’t need dinner," he said coldly. "You’re my dinner tonight. And you’d better satisfy me or I’ll go straight to my mother. You know what happens when she’s disappointed in you."

He finally released her, pushing her off his lap and down to the floor. Blonde scrambled to her knees, her breathing uneven.

"She’s already taken her sleeping pills," Jackson added flatly, reclining back into the sofa. "She won’t be waking up."

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"Now... show me how obedient you’ve become."

"Young master, please," Blonde whispered again, her voice breaking. "I told you I don’t...."

Before she could finish, Jackson grabbed her hair, his expression dark.

"You don’t tell me what you do or don’t do. You obey. Like you always have."

***

The next day arrived swiftly, and as usual, Victoria got ready without delay and followed her brothers to school, leaving Mirabel behind since they all still believed she was sick.

"Alright, see you later, little sister," Callum called out with a rare softness in his voice. Before Victoria could respond, he pulled her into a sudden hug, one of his hands gently patting her head before letting go.

The unexpected gesture startled Victoria. She blinked up at him, her lips parting slightly in surprise.

"You didn’t drink any alcohol last night, so I know you’re feeling good today," Theo chimed in, letting out a heavy sigh. "And... please, think carefully about which heir you want to train under while you’re in class."

"Exactly," Callum added with a grim expression. "Those Alphas are dangerous. Even here on school grounds, not even we your brothers have seen the full extent of what they’re capable of. Those who crossed them... some were never seen again. Others? Reported dead, with no trace of their killers. It’s the same story with several influential werewolves."

He placed a protective hand on Victoria’s shoulder, his tone more serious than usual.

"We’ll protect you as best as we can, and yeah, you’re a daughter of the Ashford family...nobody should dare bully you. But that doesn’t mean you should go poking at fire, either. Stay away from those motherfuckers."

Victoria offered them a warm, assuring smile. "You two worry too much. I said I’m fine. I can handle this," she replied confidently. "See you both later," she added, turning on her heel and heading into the school building.

****

"Hi, dear. Good morning!" came Rose’s cheerful voice the moment her gaze landed on Victoria as she entered the classroom. She immediately stood up and wrapped her arms around her in a brief hug before settling back into her seat.

"I’m good. Good morning everyone." Victoria replied afterwhich she took a sit too.

"I feel so wasted, to be honest," Dickson groaned, pressing his fingertips to his temple. "I should have just stayed home, but I can’t afford to. I’m a scholarship student, remember? That means the school board has their eyes on me."

"This is exactly why I told you not to drink so much," Joe muttered with a scoff, crossing his arms. "You never could hold your liquor."

He glanced at Victoria, then continued, "Anyway, today’s the day. The day we train under one of the heirs. You still sure about picking Alpha Darius?"

"Yeah," Victoria answered, exhaling deeply. "I’ve made up my mind. Don’t worry about me. You should be focusing on your studies instead."

"Good morning, everyone," came another voice..Blonde’s, though it was hoarse and strained. Everyone turned their heads toward her, offering smiles as she approached. Her steps were slightly uneven, her walk disoriented, as if her body was still in discomfort.