Chloe's POV
My name is Chloe Colins. Yes, you heard it right—Colins, one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most powerful families in the werewolf world, and I am the second daughter of this family, Chloe.
Thirteen years ago, I was adopted by the Colins family as an orphan. Since then, almost every day of my life, I've heard people marvel at my good fortune. But what no one knows is that, for me, the Colins family is a glamorous yet cold cage. I dream of getting out of this place as soon as possible.
"Damn it, Chloe! You burned my pancakes!"
Hearing Maggie's scream from the dining room, I quickly wiped my greasy hands on my apron and rushed out of the kitchen.
"I'm sorry, Miss Maggie. I'll make you another... Aaargh!"
A loud slap interrupted my apology.
"Are you so stupid that you can't make a pancake?"Maggie stared at me with her usual arrogance, her voice as sharp as ever.
This is Maggie Colins, the youngest daughter of the Colins family. Technically, Maggie is my stepsister, but in reality, she acts more like my master. With her bad temper, Maggie often makes demanding and unreasonable requests. If I fail to comply, she insults and hits me without any hesitation.
During these times, Maggie's parents—my foster parents, James and Victoria Colins—never intervene. To them, adopting me was merely a public relations move to show their "kindness" and "generosity" to the media. In their eyes, being Maggie's servant is better than an orphan.
Today is no different. James, engrossed in his newspaper, doesn't even move, while Victoria looks at my outfit with a cold, disdainful expression, as if scolding me for daring to wear a dirty apron in front of the "masters."
"Make another one?! Do you know how much time that will waste? Chloe?! You know the Obsidian pack could be here at any moment! Are you trying to keep me from dressing up and embarrassing myself in front of Alpha Alexandra?!"
"I never intended that, Miss Maggie! I don't even know who Alpha Alexandra is, I—"
"Oh, stop lying, Chloe." Maggie sneers, stepping closer. "Everyone knows Alpha Alexandra. He's one of the youngest and most handsome Alphas in the werewolf world! I bet you dream about him every night, don't you, Chloe, you pathetic—"
"Maggie!"
Finally, something good happens on this dreadful day. I turn my head excitedly to see Ethan standing at the dining room door.
Ethan Colins, the only son of James and Victoria Colins, and the only person in this family who shows me any kindness. Unfortunately, since he came of age, Ethan, the heir to the Colins family, has been traveling frequently and rarely comes home.
Why is he here now?!
Before I can figure it out, Ethan frowns, strides over, and grabs my wrist, pulling me behind him.
"What did I tell you before I left, Maggie? Chloe is your sister, not your servant!"
Maggie dismisses Ethan's admonition, rolling her eyes. "I only have one sister, Ethan, and that's Catherine Colins, who is now Luna of the Blue Blood pack. As for this filthy woman..." Maggie shrugs, a mischievous smile on her lips, "I don't know her."
"That's enough, Maggie." Ethan's eyes flash with anger, clearly enraged by Maggie's words. "Go to your room! You're not attending tonight's banquet."
"What?!" Maggie looks at Ethan in disbelief. "Just because I insulted Chloe?! Come on, Ethan! I'm your sister! She is nothing!"
"If you don't want to be grounded for any longer, I suggest you keep quiet, Maggie."
Ethan's cold tone leaves no room for negotiation. Seeing that there is no turning back, Maggie turns to her parents. "Mom, Dad, look at Ethan..."
"Alright, sweetheart, why don't you go change your clothes? Alpha Alexandra won't be here until tonight." Victoria soothes.
Reluctantly, Maggie glares at her brother and then shoots me a cold look. As she leaves, she deliberately knocks over a glass of milk, spilling it everywhere.
"Maggie Colins!" Ethan shouts angrily after her, but Maggie disappears from his sight.
"It's fine, Ethan. I'll clean it up," I say, kneeling down and starting to wipe the floor. Maggie's bullying has happened so many times; I'm used to it by now.
To my surprise, Ethan bends down, grabs my arm, and pulls me up. "You're a Colins, Chloe. Cooking and cleaning shouldn't be your job. Are you hungry?"
I look up at Ethan. His deep blue eyes are always filled with complex emotions, yet they can make anyone get lost in them easily. His full lips and high-bridged nose give Ethan the divine aesthetic feeling of an ancient Greek sculpture. Coupled with the elegant, old-money character he naturally owns as a Colins, I can't help but think that, despite what Maggie says about that Alexandra, Ethan Colins must be the most handsome Alpha in the werewolf world—or at least, the most handsome future Alpha.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Ethan blinks, "You've been staring at me, Chloe. Do I have something on my face?"
"Oh, of course not!"
I quickly look away, embarrassed that I had been staring at Ethan.
"I-I'm not hungry, Ethan. I have work to do so I better leave now."
My cheeks heating up, I keep my head down and don't dare to look Ethan in the eye again. I hurriedly turn and escape back into the kitchen.