*MIKAYLA’S POV*
Tremors filled my insides as I knocked on the door of the second study, west of the pack house. Closing my eyes, I inhaled sharply to quiet my nerves, though the rapid drumming of my heart prevailed. Lowering my head, I longingly stared at the door handle in my hand before entering the room.
“Is this her?”
After entering the room, I stood the standardized seven feet from the seated Luna. My hands were to my sides, fidgeting with my uniform. The heat of the Luna’s gaze filtered into the room, and multiplied my anxiety.
“Yes, Luna,” Cecilia answered.
My head was slightly raised to acknowledge the beautiful black hair Luna before me. She sat with her legs crossed on the white leather love seat. Matron Cecilia ceremoniously stood at her left side, overlapping her hands.
Luna Phoebe had a clean complexion and highlighted her blue eyes with beige eye shadow and black winged eyeliner. Nude lip gloss painted her full lips and she wore a slim-fitted denim dress with a turn-down collar and vintage metal buttoned down front with belt.
“Why do you look so untidy and beaten?” Luna Phoebe inquired. Her normally bright eyes wore a dulling concern as they inspected my physique.
“I fell down the basement stairs.” I did not wish to tell her that Warrior Pam had attacked me earlier. Pam would lie her way out of it, anyway. They would probably accept her account of events which would lead to punishment. I clutched my hands to stop them from shaking.
Luna Phoebe’s eyes fixed on me, she tilted her head to the side as though she was reading me. “Is she a clumsy one?”
“No, Luna,” Matron Cecilia added with a half-smile, “She is very hardworking and will not slack in her duties.”
On hearing her praise, the heaviness seated on my heart lifted. I was surprised that the matron would speak this highly about me to the Luna, even though her words were true.
“Leave us,” she told the matron.
Now, nervousness plagued me. To be alone with the Luna was petrifying. Jumbled thoughts clouded my mind. I wondered if she desired me to be her new omega to clean the Alpha’s suite or office daily.
At the pack house, there was tons of work to conduct daily, because the residence had to maintain its cleanliness and splendor like a hotel. Being given the floor of the Alpha family would therefore be a disaster because everyday diligence was required with little margin for error.
She did not speak until I heard the door close behind me, “What is your full name?”
Yep, this sounded like an interview. At least I wasn’t in trouble because the matron would have stayed and administered the disciplinary method. Without making eye contact, I answered softly “Mikayla Redridge, Luna.”
“Did you really fall down the stairs, Mikayla?” She sized me up.
Lying to the Luna was punishable, so I chose to be direct, “No, Luna. I-I had an altercation with an old friend. I’m sorry that we fought in the pack house.”
She sips her drink and gives me a stern look, “Do you always fight with this particular friend? What is the relationship between the two of you?”
With quivering lips, I mumbled, “A misunderstanding destroyed our friendship.”
“Who is the person?”
Immediately, I fell to my knees with my forehead touching the floor, “Luna, I beg you not to interfere. I will take the punishment for both of us.”
“Is that how you think it’s going to be?” Her Luna aura spilled out to surround me, engulfing me in its tightness.
“Please Luna, I….” I trembled in fear and wanted this topic changed. Swallowing convulsively, I continued, “It was my fault. I provoked her.”
I wasn’t expecting her to say, “Rise, and have a seat.”
Happy to be off my knees, I sat in the armchair furthest from her, drying my sweaty palms into my uniform.
“Your makeup is ghastly,” Luna observed and was unamused, “I expect you to wipe off that ridiculous mask from your face.”
Using my hands, I gently wiped my face so that much of the powder would be removed. I imagined that my face looked terrible after that effort, unless it was washed.
“My son lives at the cottage in the woods. I fear that he might need a womanly touch around the house. Living with his male officers cannot be good.” She tells me, taking another sip from her glass. “As of today, you will work for me at the cottage. It will be your responsibility to ensure that it runs smoothly.”
My ears were hot from hearing this news as my eyes widened and my lips tightened. It could be considered a promotion of some sort.
“Yes, Luna.” I’m terrified because the young Alpha was not easy to deal with. He was ill-tempered and a monster. Rarely have I seen the handsome demon, but countless tales of his brutality are disseminated around the pack.
“He must have daily cooked meals,” She paused, taking up her mobile from the side table, “As a matter of fact, I will send your job description. Do you have a phone?”
“Yes, Luna,” With shame, I took out my chappy android phone that had cracks on the screen from my pocket.
She sighed at the sight of my vandalized device. “I will have Matron provide you with a proper phone. You will need to pack your things and reside at the cottage. You may call upon omega Nikki at least twice per week to assist you there.”
Pursing my lips, I hoped to obscure my consternation. I did not think that I was doing a good job because I was sure that my tremors were visible. Her eyes glazed over and I knew she was mind-linking, someone.
“We will have dinner later. I will summon you when I announce to Heron of your new post.” Referring to my appearance, she warned, “Do not let me see you looking like a rat that a truck ran over again.”
I nodded. Words were at a loss because I was not over the shock of working directly under the Alpha. Was my life about to improve or deteriorate?
“Take the rest of the day off to gather your things,” She instructed in finality, “You may go.”
Bowing, I uttered, “Thank you, Luna,” and left the room. Finally, I could breathe normally. Being in her presence was very suffocating. Though she was nice, her presence was too intimidating for me.
Popularity was overrated. I liked being in the shadows and that was one reason for me to do my job well. Once I got everything done, no one would have to see me or take notice of me, until today. Omegas were not favored and can be subjected to bullying like what Pam did to me and got away with.
Quickly, I went to the changing room in the basement to get out of my uniform. My tattered backpack would not be able to carry all of my clothes. Some garbage bags might have to contain the rest of my stuff unless the orphanage loans me two. I helped at the orphanage on my day off, so they allowed me to room and board there at a meager fee.
I walked across the pack house grounds until I got to the main road, waiting for a cab. My thoughts drifted to everything that my Luna had told me. Dread slithers through me and I worry about making blunders. The Alpha was not likable. He was grouchy and always in a foul mood. Should he be hard to please, punishments from him would be horrifying, and I might not survive. My hands reflexively covered my throat as I visualized him ripping it out.
Damn! I am cursed. I’m convinced that the moon goddess was angry at my bloodline. I would rather withstand Pam’s assault than be in this adverse situation. My mind felt fatigued and I prayed that tomorrow would never come.
A brown sedan stopped at my feet. I scowled when I saw who the driver was.
“Hop in,” he commands with a broad smile, “I’ll take you home.”
“No thanks, Archie.” I was not walking into that trap. Pam would be able to smell my scent if I rode in his car. Who knows how much harm Pam will do to me the next time she comes after me?
Frowning, he responds sympathetically, “I heard what Pam did to you. I am sorry that she’s that way.”
“Isn’t that your fault?” I gritted. It was disrespectful for me to speak to him in this manner. He was a warrior and, therefore, my superior. Only, Pam won't stop mistreating me until he starts to avoid me. “Stop talking to me. Just go and leave me alone.”
“I want us to be friends, Mika,” he muttered suggestively. “I could tell Pam to stop attacking you if we were friends.”
“Don’t call me that!” I retorted. The shortening of my name was only for people who cared about me, and those were few or zero to be exact. “Please stop trifling me. Go and chase a rogue.”
He snickered and gave an arrogant smirk, “You’ll change your mind soon.” The sedan leaves me in smoke, coughing as the smoky fume engulfs me.
Another ten minutes and a cab picked me up. Once at my destination, I explained to the orphanage director about my new job as the Alpha’s maid. That’s exactly what I am now. My phone beeped and I got a message:
Matron: Be at the pack house by five o’clock and collect a new phone from me. Be properly dressed and cleanly attired. You will meet the Alpha family at dinner.
Me: Yes, Matron.
Getting busy, I packed and took a short nap. The alarm woke me up and I grabbed a shower, then headed to the pack house to be officially introduced to the devil.
*MIKAYLA’S POV* In the enormous dining room, I walked over to the Luna’s side. Everything that they said twirled round and round in my head as the conversation carried on. There were three angry people at the table after she made the announcement that created the raucous. With my head kept lowered, I nervously fidgeted as the Luna spoke, “Heron, this is Mikayla and she will be your new maid.” “What the hell for?” he snapped, his face contorting with revulsion and I felt my gut twist. “Don’t speak to your Mom like that,” Alpha Hudson warned his son, and he emits a growl. Then he carved into his steak. “Omega Nikki will be permanently assigned here while Mikayla takes over at the cottage.” The Luna frowns but continued to tell the young Alpha, “She will prepare your meals and do daily housekeeping. The purpose of her being there is to free up Forbes and Sage for other matters." “So you are giving me another fucking babysitter?” He glares at me and my wolf whimpers as his aura becom
*MIKAYLA’S POV* Early the following morning, after a fitful night, I got dressed quietly in a state of inflated dismay. The only things I had with me were my backpack and two old medium-sized duffle bags in which I had to sew the holes closed before I could utilize them. Sad to say, but money was a constant strain. Pam and I both graduated from high school but were unable to attend college. Wages from the pack house were minimal and only catered for fundamental necessities. My room was a 7x8 old, drafty room. A single window, dark, unpainted walls, and a two-inch mattress on the floor made the containment. Curtains and other furniture were absent. I did not ask the matron for anything because I refused to be a bother, unless they offered, though my meals there were free. I chose this on the premise of having privacy, rather than sharing rooms with bratty kids and bunked beds. I had hoped to buy a small bed although I knew that I'd have to move out eventually. Whereas some Omegas res
*MIKAYLA’S POV* Why did I roll my eyes at the Alpha? When did I get so brave? Based on his major dislike of me, I’m sure that he won’t let me off. I exited the cottage with Forbes leading the way to a white open-top jeep wrangler that was parked under a large oak tree. He got into the driver's seat and I stood there like an idiot. His eyebrows raised at me, "What are you waiting for? Get in." Climbing in the passenger's seat increased my apprehension. I inhaled, then exhaled harshly. An Uber could have taken me to the supermarket and back. I had no problem with that. Although the fare would be costly because the cottage was in the middle of the forest, which is a nowhere town. The presence of these powerful men made me feel like I wanted to pee myself, so I was not asking to be chauffeured. He fired up the engine and back out of the driveway. Making a curved turn, he steered the jeep onto the graveled path for vehicles leaving the dense forest. I was quiet. Forbes was a commandin
*MIKAYLA’S POV* “You are late, Mikayla,” Gamma Axel beckons me over to him. He was standing at the entrance of their office under the long balcony of the training center that overlooked the training field. I waited a few feet away since he was talking to his Dad, the current Gamma Chad. Both men looked so identical, with his father maintaining that youthful look. “Go and handle your business, Axel,” Gamma Chad tells his son and leaves, “I will see you at home.” Axel assumed a militant rigidity as he looked me over with his light brown eyes. “So, you’re here on punishment.” “Yes, Gamma,” I nodded and swished my right leg back and forth in the dirt, to reduce the apprehension. My eyes roll over his brawny eight pack body, and I’m in awe that his wavy flop top black hair looks so good despite his training sessions. “Have you ever trained?” He questions austerely. “No, Gamma,” I told him, straightening my body like a soldier. “Training is for everyone and you should have started fr
*MIKAYLA'S POV*The mobile phone brightened its screen to display notifications of incoming messages. A bright smile appeared on my face as I unlocked the phone to view them.3: 59 am Nikki: Rise and shine. Get to work!4: 10 am Nikki: Congrats by the way. I’m glad that you aren’t stuck in the basement anymore. Pam’s been looking for you but no one tells her anything. The Luna reprimanded her for attacking you and left her with a warning.4:22 am Nikki: Seriously, Mika! Aren’t you up yet?4: 30 am Nikki: I need to know how your first day went. Girl, are you okay?Heeding her alert, I ran to take a quick shower, then to the small closet. I sighed at the bland attire on the hanger and searched for a good jeans pants and a decent top.The waist of the jeans was loose. Have I lost weight? After searching for a belt, I pushed it through the loops and tightened the buckle to have the jeans sit on my hips. Using a brush, I bundled my blonde strands into a ponytail, making it as neat as possi
*HERON’S POV* “Boss, we are here.” The Beta announced. Sage and I sat in my Bentley in the parking lot of Luckingham College. Based on the information that Gamma Axel reported, she was due for lunch in the next ten minutes. Additionally, Dean Vassell supplied us with her class schedule. Most girls would jump at the notion of being mated to an Alpha. Did she not know who I was? She had a wolf, so my dominance should have been detected by her. Not that I wanted her to be with me because of a title. “Bring her to me when you find her,” I told him. Sage opens the car door and gets out of the driver’s seat. I remained at the back so that she could join me. The intention was to go for a drive to discuss the mate bond. It was best to see her now and get the first talk out of the way. My wolf is restless and anxious to see her. The distance between us was a cruel issue. After dinner with my parents, my father learned the truth about Charlotte. He intruded on my conversation with Axel and
*HERON’S POV* My wolf is eager and enthralled to be spending this time with our mate. She had finally drawn closer to me on the back seat. My wolf, Tyr and I are in a vehement battle not to go further. Seeing right now, I wonder how I was able to live all my life without her. Like a new man, I feel reborn, finding my long-lost happiness in her. To restrain myself, I changed the topic to a pressing one. "Tell me why those men chased after you." She shifted in her seat and stared out the window at my Beta, taking a smoke as he leaned against a tree. Her silence made me aware that she was not comfortable enough to confide in me. Winning her trust was another area to work on. My deep dimpled smile met her hazelnut eyes as she rotated her neck to face me, which relaxed her. I caressed her cheeks gently and raised her chin, "Were they assaulting you? What harm have they done?" The tingling feeling erupted from the spark made my wolf purr. "I grew up with Omar and his parents, but I have
*HERON’S POV* Overloaded with work, I stayed up all night getting the paper work done. My Dad oversaw two states, which is not an easy task. The work does not scare me, but operating a pack as a mateless man does. My soon-to-be Luna gives me mixed signals. The initial impression of her was that she wanted to reject me. It fills me with ambivalent apprehension and I hate it. Quite frankly, I would have allowed her to do the rejection, but the chance existed that my parents would have been disappointed if I did not at least try to make it work. A soft knock disrupted my work mode. Her pineapple scent hits my nose. A slight smile came to my lips. "Enter." She walks in with my breakfast on a tray, "Good morning, Alpha." I remained silent but watched her as she moved. I must be a sadistic beast to enjoy seeing how vulnerable and afraid she was. There was something about her that made me feel entertained. Sometimes I'm amazed at how clumsy she can be. We do not talk much to one another