Chapter 9
I decided to be as honest as possible.
“My family recently fell on hard times, and we could use the extra money. I saw the salary you’re offering, and it was too good to pass up. Plus, I can work after my school hours, so my studies won’t suffer,” I explained.
“Are you free this afternoon?” Adam asked. “I’ll text you an address so you can meet Master Matthew before making a decision.”
I smiled. This was better than nothing.
“I’d like that,” I said.
Shortly after we hung up, Adam sent me the address. It was still late morning, so I had a couple of hours to get ready. I quickly showered, dressed in comfortable clothes—something easy to move in—then made a light meal. I left some extra food for my mother in case she felt up to eating today before calling for an Uber.
The ride didn’t take long. Soon, I was on my way to the Silver Crescent pack.
The Silver Crescent pack was the largest in the world, known for its wealth and modern luxuries. Its members flaunted their prosperity, ensuring the surrounding packs knew just how powerful they were.
Crossing into another pack’s territory required proper identification. Gammas guarded the borders, checking IDs before granting entry. Both the Uber driver and I had ours ready as we approached the checkpoint.
This was Gavin Landry’s pack. Though it wasn’t far from my own, I had never set foot here before.
When the car pulled up to a massive estate, I thought there had been a mistake.
The villa in front of me looked like a luxury resort, complete with a grand marble fountain at the entrance.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” I asked the driver, still staring in awe.
“Yes, ma’am,” he confirmed.
I thanked him and stepped out, making my way up the grand staircase. As I reached the doors, they opened, revealing a tall man with graying hair and pale blue eyes. He had a kind smile and bowed slightly as I approached.
“Good afternoon. You must be Judy Montague,” he said in a deep, familiar voice.
“Yes, sir,” I replied with a smile.
“I’m Adam Conners,” he introduced himself. “You may call me Adam. I’m the butler of this estate and Master Matthew’s caretaker when his father is away.”
I hesitated before asking, “What about his mother?”
Adam’s expression shifted slightly. “It’s… a complicated story,” he said. “But she’s not in the picture. Master Matthew is out back practicing archery with another potential tutor.”
My stomach dropped. Another tutor? That meant I had competition.
I followed Adam across the vast green lawn toward the archery range. In the distance, a young woman—probably a few years older than me—was struggling to instruct Matthew.
He wasn’t making it easy.
He yelled at her, his small face twisted in frustration. She looked visibly shaken, her pale complexion growing paler by the second.
Then, suddenly, she broke.
“I can’t do this!” she cried, stepping back. “I’m sorry.”
Without another word, she turned and ran, her sobs the only sound as she disappeared.
Adam sighed, looking as though he had aged a few years just from watching.
Matthew, however, was unfazed. His thick brows furrowed as he attempted to shoot an arrow, only for it to land a few feet in front of him, sticking into the ground. He grunted in frustration and tried again, with the same disappointing result.
“Can I see?” I asked.
He turned, sizing me up with a deep frown. His sharp gaze traveled from my feet to my head, assessing me like I was the one being tested.
I had never felt so judged by a seven-year-old in my life.
But I held my posture, offering him a soft, patient smile.
After a moment, he relented and handed me the bow.
Effortlessly, I pulled back the string and released the arrow. It flew straight, striking the bullseye with a solid thud.
Matthew gasped.
“Woah…” His eyes widened in amazement.
I smirked, grabbing another arrow. This time, I shot even faster, landing the arrow right next to the first.
Matthew’s mouth fell open.
Adam looked just as stunned.
Matthew turned to Adam in awe.
“What’s her name?”
