My bedroom had become my oasis. My hidden world away from the rest. My isolated tundra. My mini home away from home.

My phone? My friend. My bed? Now my lover. My television? My child. My food? All of the above.

I made it this way.

After being put on the 'unavailable' list by Alpha Xavier, I have become obsolete. I have become a figment of someone else's imagination. I began to believe the coffee machine received more attention than me. Ima shame to say no one drinks coffee here.

Communication with others has become scarce. The only real communication I have received was from the ones that could care less about breaking Alpha Xavier's command. Brittany, Allen, and Angela.

What the hell did he say to the others to force them to pull away from me as if I carried a contagious virus?

It had its benefits though. I used it as an excuse for skipping out on training. I always stated that I did not get the memo.

It lasted for a while until that excuse became useless so I had to find another tactic. Sickness became my 'go-to' excuse for the time being. I even purchased a novelty thermometer for safety measures just in case someone wanted proof.

My cellphone vibrated across my small wooden nightstand before I snatched it up. Highlighted across the screen was a small message from Kevin.

After I gave Kevin my number, he and I have kept in contact regularly. Small text messages here and there. It helped us both stay entertained.

I had to admit, talking to someone outside of this pack has been enjoyable. It was good to speak to someone who knew nothing of my current situation.

"You're going to get fat." Her long legs pranced across my room and over to the window before she drew back the material. The sun shined in, giving the room some much deserved light.

"Seriously?"

"Blah blah you did not knock Brittany." She mocked me in a voice that did not resemble mine at all. "You need some sun. Come out."

"I do not feel like it."

"You never feel like doing anything but I think it is best. You're going to sit here and get fat a-and moldy and-"

"Moldy?"

"Look, I did not think the comment through, now get dressed and come downstairs." I slouched deeper into my fluffy oasis. "Now!"

"Fine." I kicked the cotton sheets from my legs. "If it will get you off my damn back."

I shoved passed her. My eyes narrowed in on the bubbly red head, I dragged my weak frame into my bathroom....

I admired my curves in my white blouse and high waist acid washed jeans before I slipped into my wedges. My nerves a little on the edge, I found myself nibbling on my bottom lip as I put on my stud earrings and a necklace.

Brittany, all so anxious to get me out, stood at my bedroom window as she overlooked the trees. Occasionally, her eyes would shift over to me as her small foot tapped against the floor.

"Will you hurry up?"

"Oh shut up." I huffed back.

I slipped on a bracelet and grabbed my cellphone before I dragged myself to the door.....

We stepped onto the side patio. I sighed before I inhaled the lingering smell of chlorine from the in-use pool.

Laughter. Splashing. Yelling. Loud voices screamed and shouted as they swam around in the pool.

"What's going on?"

"Today was the splash pool party. Remember?"

Remember? I don't even remember receiving the news. How could I? Isolation kept me uninformed.

I watched as men and women played and danced around the pool deck. Their bodies bumping to the rhythm of the beating speaker. Red cups in hand, they seem to drown in the intoxication of their beverages.

Food. Liquor. I began to miss my home and the college parties that left Eric and I sprawled out on his living room floor the next morning.

"Mmm." My mind left my thoughts to follow the alluring scent of food. Grilled food. Cooped up in my bedroom with nothing but snacks at hand would do that to a girl.

I followed the tempting smell to the smoking grill. Allen stood over the mouthwatering temptation as he flipped the succulent meat.

"Hey?" I greeted the chef.

"Shit!" He jumped. "Where the fuck did you come from?"

"From the house." I sent a charming smile.

"I thought you were sick?" I watched as his metal spatula flipped the sizzling meat.

"Huh?"

"Don't look too sick to me."

"But I'm, cough cough."

A smile crossed his charming face as he continued to tend to the food.

"You hungry huh?" He stared into my hungry eyes.

"Yes!" Drool nearly slipped from my mouth.

"Okay, hand me some of those buns over there." He pointed toward a table. I picked up two hotdog buns and two burger buns and skipped back over to him. He placed two burgers and two hot dogs on my plate.

"Thank you." I nudged him before I turned away to find a section to sit at.

Grouped at a small bench table, I noticed Angela and Brittany drinking and talking along with another male. I strolled over to the table and sat down before I dug into my food.

"Hi to you too." Angela laughed.

"Oh hey?"

"That's what happens when junk food becomes your dinner." Brittany teased.

"Amira this is Steven." Angela introduced me to the male that sat beside her.

"Hi?" I said.

"Hello." He smiled. "Nice to meet you finally."

My eyes narrowed into his smiling face. Something about him seemed to surprise me. Why is he not running for the hills yet? Did he not get the memo?

I finished off my food as I listened to the conversation of the others. Satisfied with my meal, I eased into my seat as I sipped the drink Brittany offered me.

"Wait, who are these people?" I looked over the many faces that walked around.

"Oh, there are different packs here. The White Water, the Blue Moon, and the Black Mountain are here." She assured me.

Black mountain pack? Kevin is part of the Black Mountain, so I wonder why he's not here.

I looked over the unfamiliar faces in search of him. It would be nice to see another welcoming face.

The people at my table grew quiet before I looked to them. Their eyes were on something in particular and I just had to find out what.

I turned and glanced over my shoulder. Big mistake. Standing tall and broad with a look that read superior stood Xavier.

Oh fuck, now what?

His eyes. Green snakes that shifted from one face to the other before they landed on Steven. Laced with a look that could kill, he watched Steven until he stood. I watched as his once amused smile vanished, leaving behind a look of tension.

"I'll see you ladies later." Steven's eyes remand fixated on Xavier's as he dismissed himself.

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?

"I see your flu has passed." I felt a chill creep up my spine from the ring of his voice. So deep. So powerful. A voice I have not heard in days.

I cleared my throat as I thought of the perfect response.

"I'm feeling a little better." I mustered up a smile.

"So I assume you will be resuming training soon?"

Aahh Dammit!!

"Um yes, very soon." I responded through gritted teeth.

With a slight nod, he dismissed himself from the area.

"Thanks a lot Brittany." I hissed.

"Hey, what the fuck did I do?" Her eyes grew wide in wonder.

"If it was not for you, I would still be in my room."

"Sorry." A small smile appeared on her lips....