Eleanor, the fairest

 Chapter 2

 

   

      

    After an hour of several grueling treatments to several parts of her body, Cassy was made to wear a long garment that barely hid anything beneath. It hid nothing at all! She felt so naked and she hugged her chest, shivering.

    "You may leave now. Beta Kayden awaits you outside," Jessica said.

   She turned to leave the room when a stunning woman walked in. Her steps were slow, unhurried, and graceful. She moved like the wind and her lithe form made it much more surreal. Her blond curls bounced about her head as she walked and her honey-brown eyes sparked with ire. Her deep purple robes flowed about her like pools of water and her heeled slippers clicked against the marble floors as she walked forward, toward Cassy.

   Cassy dipped her head in a bow, instantly recognizing the woman and the emblem on her chest. She was Alpha Lino’s mate. Eleanor, the fairest. Everyone knew her as that. . .and the ballads sung in her name did her no justice. She was the most beautiful woman Cassy had ever seen, even more so in person. Though she was not Luna yet, Cassy could feel the power rolling off her.

     "Is she the one?" Eleanor asked and Cassy resisted the urge to sigh. Even her voice was beautiful. Cassy could never hope to compare—not that she wanted to.

   The clicking of heels drew nearer to where Cassy stood and she raised her head to find the woman inspecting her. Eleanor went around Cassy twice, murmuring something along the lines of, “Hips. . .just the perfect width. . .the chest might be a tad too big but. . .”

      Cassy missed the rest of it.

       The woman stopped in front of her again and Cassy held her gaze. It was cold. Cold enough to make Cassy shudder. "You do know who I am, yes?” 

   Cassy nodded swiftly.   The woman’s blood-red lips curled into a cold smile. “Good. It will do you well to remember your place. After tonight, should you bear him an heir, you will remain as you are. A worthless Omega.  It is an honor to grace the Alpha’s chambers. The greatest honor you will receive in your life. Do not presume that it will buy you favor with him. I am after all his mate, and if I decide you be gone, it will be so.” Eleanor stated.

    Cassy’s blood ran cold. Grace his chambers? Bear him an heir? Goddess spare her. What was Eleanor talking about?

"I will be Luna soon. I suggest you do not cross me. It will end terribly for you," Eleanor added. 

   Cassy nodded, even if she didn’t quite understand any of it. She had never dreamed of meeting the Alpha, or the Luna. . .not to even speak of what Eleanor was trying to insinuate—taking her place as Luna. . .like that was even possible.

    She was an Omega, the lowest among the pack members. Standing before the mate of the Alpa was the greatest honor bestowed upon her. Why would she want to anger her? It didn’t make sense. None of it did.

   "If you could speak a bit clearer, I’d be grateful. I don’t understand--," Cassy was saying when the door swung and Beta Kayden strolled in.  He inclined his head in Eleanor’s direction in a curt bow. "I'm sorry Eleanor, but Alpha Lino awaits the girl in his chambers," Beta Kayden said and air whooshed out of her lungs. Chambers? She was meeting with the Alpha? That too, in his chambers? 

    Cassy didn’t miss the anger that Eleanor tried to hide with a soft smile that didn’t reach her brown eyes. She tapped Beta Kayden’s shoulder in a friendly gesture. “You may take her. The tonic has been prepared, yes?”

     The Beta nodded and Eleanor waved at him dismissively.”You must go. The Alpha doesn’t like being kept waiting.”

    The Beta bowed his head again and extended his hand towards the door. “Hurry now,” he said to Cassy.

    Cassy followed him but not before she caught the nasty smile on Eleanor’s lips.

    She followed Beta Kayden down the hallways and she stared at the vast rooms with pure fascination, fears completely forgotten. The palace was beautiful. She had never seen so many stone structures in one place. She might have stopped to stare at a statue of the Goddess Luna surrounded by pups if the Beta hadn’t growled at her to move faster.

   Soon, they came to a stop before an oak door and the Beta knocked gently. “I have brought her, Alpha."

   Cassy didn’t hear a reply but the Beta jerked his head towards the door. “You may go in. You must do whatever he requires of you. Do not make him angry. Do not look until you are told to. Do not speak until you are asked to, or spoken to. Do not steal from his chambers. Your life will be forfeit if you do." Beta Kayden warned. 

  Cassy swallowed. “I don’t understand what is happening, Beta.”

  The man’s dark eyes narrowed but his features remained calm and cool. “The Alpha needs you. He will explain whatever it is you need to know. You need just enter.” 

   Cassy trembled but she managed a nod. She started to move towards the door but her steps faltered. She was scared. She was starting to get ideas of what was happening in her head, but she couldn’t believe it. Wouldn’t believe it. Beta Kayden noticed her fear and his eyes softened. "Go in. He doesn't bite.  Not unless he is upset," Beta Kayden said and urged her on. Cassy sucked in a sharp breath and she slowly pushed the door open.