My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 14

14 Chapter 14 Vanished Without Trace

Elena’s POVO

“Do you have any idea what’s inside that box?” she asked, her eyes lingering on the elegant packaging.

“A dress,” I replied simply.

“It looks incredibly expensive, judging by the box alone,” she observed.

“I know. That’s exactly why I need to return it to its rightful owner today,” I said firmly.

“Alright then. I should get going,” she said, gathering her things.

“Please don’t push yourself too hard,” I cautioned.

“I’ll catch up with you later,” she promised.

“See you,” I said.

The moment my mother stepped out, I collected my belongings and headed out myself. The streets of our small town stretched before me as I began my search for any available employment opportunities.

I understood that whatever work I found would likely be basic labor, but my school days were behind me now. The reality was harsh but simple – I needed money to properly clean and return that expensive dress, and I needed funds for my college plans that seemed increasingly distant with each passing day.

Beyond my own needs, I felt the weight of responsibility to help my mother with our mounting bills and the financial strain that seemed to press down on us constantly,

My wandering eventually brought me to the industrial side of town, where the large distribution facility operated as the town’s central hub. This was where all incoming shipments arrived before being sorted and redistributed to local businesses and stores throughout the area.

I pushed through the heavy doors and found the manager seated behind a cluttered desk. His expression shifted to surprise when I appeared in his doorway.

Despite the size of our pack territory, news traveled fast, and most people knew who I

was.

13:01

14 Chapter 14 Vanished Without Trace

“What brings you here today?” he inquired.

“I was wondering if you might have any job openings available,” I said directly.

“I was under the impression you were still attending school,” he replied.

“I was, but I managed to earn all the necessary credits early, so I’ve officially graduated now,” I explained.

“That’s remarkable – finishing several months ahead of schedule. Very impressive

work,” he said with genuine admiration.

“Thank you,” I responded.

“Have you given thought to your next steps?” he asked.

“I’m still weighing my options. College applications are out there waiting for responses, but nothing’s certain yet,” I admitted.

“Fair enough. As it happens, we’re desperately short–staffed right now. Customers have been complaining about delayed deliveries constantly. You can start first thing tomorrow morning,” he decided.

“That’s wonderful. I really appreciate this opportunity,” I said, relief flooding through

1. me.

“Don’t mention it. Tomorrow it is then,” he confirmed.

“Until tomorrow,” I said.

I stepped back into the crisp air and immediately pulled my jacket tighter as the wind intensified around me. The distinctive scent of approaching snow filled my nostrils, and I couldn’t suppress a groan of dread. Winter always made everything more difficult, especially when you didn’t own a vehicle and lived clear across town.

When I finally reached our trailer, I went straight inside and began preparing a simple meal. That’s when I noticed something that made my blood run cold – the elegant box was no longer sitting on our small kitchen table,

Panic rising in my chest, I searched every corner of our cramped living space, thinking perhaps my mother had returned early and moved it somewhere for safekeeping. But after thoroughly checking every possible location, the truth became undeniable. The dress – worth what had to be a small fortune – had simply vanished while under my

care.

13:01

2/4

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14 Chapter 14 Vanished Without Trace

I was completely and utterly screwed.

Grabbing my bag with shaking hands, I left the trailer and took the familiar path through the dense woods that led to the packhouse. When the impressive structure came into view, I positioned myself behind a large oak tree to observe the situation.

An unfamiliar luxury car sat in the circular driveway, suggesting the Alpha was currently entertaining guests. While this complicated matters, I knew I couldn’t delay this conversation any longer.

I approached the imposing front entrance with measured steps and pressed the doorbell firmly.

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