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.

My Aunt rolled her eyes at me. "I told you to have some fun while doing this task later. You've just broken up and lost your parents, but no why do you have to listen to me," she teased.

"That's not a bad thing mom, at least she will distract her mind like this," Michael said without looking away from the paper. I sigh and bite into my egg, always rude and arrogant.

"Yeah, Aunt, Michael is right; it is not a bad thing. Besides, I haven't broken up now; it has been a year, and I've moved on." I blinked quickly as I lied, attempting to cover my emotions. It is true that I hate Marcus and do not want to love any man again, but I have not moved on. I loved him wholeheartedly. I even gave him my virginity, but he went without saying anything after killing my parents.

"I know you're very brave, honey, but you should also socialize a little," she remarked, smiling warmly. My aunt thinks I should be sneaking out, breaking curfew, drinking, and all that. Even before I became a social outcast, I was not interested in all of it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed hanging out with my pack mates, but I was also focused on my pack as the future Alpha. Getting a new job and earning enough money for my pack was a big deal for me now. I know my pack mates can earn their own money, but I still want to save enough for hard times like these.

Despite what happened last year, I wanted to stay close to my pack, but I had no other choice except to move to America. My pack, the Blood Rose Pack, was not like this. We were strong and capable among other wolf packs, but something happened last year that forced me to move on. I now want to be a capable Alpha for my pack.

After that, we ate breakfast silently. Michael set the newspaper aside and checked his wristwatch for time. Just then, there was a loud car horn outside. Michael rushed to his feet, grabbing his white lab coat.

"That is my ride. See you later." He said as he left the room.

"Why don't you drop Elena for her job interview?" My aunt called after him.

Michael paused near the door and stared at me with a serious expression on his face. "You want to come with me, Elena?" He asked. He knew I would say no. I'm not sure why I'm scared of him. My heart was racing when he gazed right into my eyes. When a voice interrupts us, our eyes lock briefly.

"Of course, she will come, she is new to this city and doesn't know the location of our hospital where you recommended her a job," I turned to see David, who looked precisely like Michael, with dirty blond hair and light blue eyes. However, his personality was diametrically opposed to Michael's. He isn't rude or pompous. David has genuinely provided a safe haven for me in his presence. He is the only person in the house who knows the truth. Or I could say that I only trust him in this house after my aunt. He's also 12 years older than me and has always protected me, which I appreciate.