Alora’S POV.
I decided to go out and take a walk against my better judgement. The last time I was out, I had an encounter with a crazy elderly woman and I’m still shaken by her words, but that won’t make me stay in doors like a prisoner.
I know I’m not courageous yet, but I’m going to be the Luna of this pack and I’m not supposed to be intimidated by anyone. It’s going to take some time for me to learn to stand up for myself, but with time, I know I’ll eventually be able to do that and I have to start by learning to leave the building without being afraid.
The servants insisted on accompanying me, but I refused. I now know my way to the garden and back, so I’m not going to get lost like I did last time.
This castle is huge and every part of it is perfectly neat and organized. I cannot wait for the ceremony to be over so I’ll officially start my Luna duties.
Speaking of Luna duties, I have no idea what it is all about. I’m pretty sure it’s not just about wearing expensive clothes and looking pretty. I hope that whatever it is I have to do, I will learn fast and excel.
“Alora.” I hear a voice call my name from behind and I stop in my tracks. I can hear footsteps coming up close so I turn around to see who it is. A young girl, about my age stops a few meters away from me. She’s apparently the one who called my name.
I don’t even know her. I have never seen her before. How does she know me?
“Alora, it is, right?”
I would’ve told her Luna Alora, but I haven’t been crowned as Luna yet, so, Alora will do, for now.
For some odd reason, I’m not comfortable being in this girl’s presence. The way she’s posed before me and the look she’s giving me makes me understand that she is not a friend. She dislikes me and I don’t even know what I’ve done to her.
“Yeah, it’s Alora.”
“I hear you are our Alpha’s mate.”
“Yes, I am.” She scoffs and folds her arms over her breasts, giving me a condescending look. It’s the same way Daphne used to look at me pack at the Blue Pearl pack when I used to be her servant.
“The Moon was definitely drunk or exhausted when she made this pairing. How could she make a lowlife like you, our Alpha’s mate? This is completely unfair to him, the entire pack and even me!”
“Excuse me?” I asked, confused.
“Oh you heard me right, tramp! You are a good for nothing piece of garbage who doesn’t deserve to be in this pack.” She raises her voice at me and I can feel anger boiling in my veins.
I understand that I’m a lowlife and it’s true that I’m no match for the Alpha, but I’m not a worthless piece of garbage. She has overstepped the line.
“I don’t even know who you are or what name I can use to address you and I don’t care. All I want is for you to stop calling me names. You don’t know who I am. You have no right to insult me ”
“Oh yes, I do!” I clench my fists by my side when she takes a step closer to me. She has no idea what she’s tempting me to do.
Right now I could do to her what I’ve always wanted to do to Daphne, but I don’t want to cause a scene.
Most importantly, I don’t know who she is. She might be a very important person in this castle. Maybe Alpha Jayce’s relative. I wouldn’t want to hit her and get into trouble with him.
“I have every right to say whatever it is I want to you and I know exactly what you are. You are a good for nothing orphan. A slave who got lucky. You don’t deserve to be here!” The girl who’s name I still do not know scolds and I take a step back in fear.
I want to tell her she’s wrong, but I can’t because she is excruciatingly correct.
Firstly, I am an orphan, just not good for nothing. The reason why I haven’t been able to do anything great is because I’ve not had the opportunity to do so. I know I’m not a worthless or a good for nothing person. I have something to contribute to this world.
I am an orphan, but not a good one for nothing.
Secondly, I used to be Daphne’s slave and lastly, being Alpha Jayce’s mate was pure luck. The Moon goddess was definitely drunk or exhausted when she made our pairing.
I unclench my fists, my jaws relax and my shoulders sag in dismay.
Coming out here was a mistake. I should have stayed indoors.
“Did the truth make you speechless?” She chuckles in mockery and I stay still, my head bowed down. “With a Luna like you, this pack will be damned.”
“Says whom?” Another voice chips in and we both turn to see who it is. I almost take on my heels when I see the arrogant Omega, making his way towards us. He’s dressed in an all black outfit just like the other day and he also has a file in his hand.
“Omega Reed.” I shoot the girl a surprised look when she calls respectfully and bows down to him.
Oh, so she has it in her to be humble and respectful.
“Did I just witness you raising your voice at the Luna?” The omega asks and the girl quickly raises her head up and shakes it vigorously.
At least I’m not a shameless liar like her.
“No Omega. I wouldn’t dare to do a thing like that.”
“Do I have “lie to me” written on my forehead?” He asks calmly and I fight my urge to smile.
His voice is quiet, but dangerous. I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one capable of being intimidated by his dark aura and spooky aura. The girl looks like she’s about to piss her pants.
She doesn’t even know what to say to defend herself.
“Go now and prepare to confess your crime before the Alpha. I’ll summon you when it’s time.” He instructs and the girl scampers away like a scared rodent.
I let a heavy breath and look at him. I’m tempted to smile, but I don’t. I’m too scared to smile In Front of this man who reminds me so much of my mate.
Goodness!
Why do they have so many similar features?
“Thank you.” I flash him a small smile. He doesn’t smile back. Not a single muscle on his face shakes. His scorching gaze is drilling holes into my face and I can only imagine the mean words he’s cooking in his mind to say to me.
“This pack needs a brave Luna who can stand up for herself, not a crybaby who will cower at the feet of her oppressors.”
I said it.
“I’m not a cryba…wait a minute! Why do you hate me so much?”
“And who said I hated you?”
“Your actions tell! What did I ever do to you? Why are you always being so mean to me?” I ask, trying hard not to raise my voice at him, but the tone I’m using will make anyone understand that I’m furious!
“Because you don’t have the qualities of a good Luna. This Pack needs a …”
“…a brave Luna, not a cry baby, yaddi yaddi yadda!” I rudely cut him off. He steps back in surprise. He didn’t see that coming. I smirk internally and ride on. “And what makes you think you have the right to say that to me?” I take a step closer to him. He doesn’t bulge. My heart is pounding hard in my chest, my palms are sweaty and I’m almost trembling. I’ve never had to stand up against anyone before. Most times I’ll just let them say whatever it is they want and go, but now it’s different. I don’t know where this sudden courage is coming from, but I like it and I’m going to use it. “I understand that I’m poor and weak and not qualified for this role, but it’s my role anyway. I didn’t ask for it. I didn’t even know I was ever going to reach this level in my life. I’m going to be a good Luna. All I need is training and you may not know this, but I’m smart! Yes… it could sound like I’m bragging, but let it be so… I’m smart, dear Omega! And I will learn what I have to do and I will become the perfect Luna for this pack and you will be shocked. I’m going to show all you haters what I’m capable of, so watch out!” I’m almost breathless by the time I’m done talking.
The Omega chuckles.
He fucking chuckles and takes a step back and nods his head.
Why the hell is he nodding his head?
“Now I know exactly what to do to get that fire in you burning as it should. I look forward to working with you, Luna.” And then he walks away. I stand there like an idiot, watching him till he disappears into a corner.
I look down at my trembling hands and suck in a deep breath. I still can’t believe I just defended myself.
Maybe.
Just maybe I’m a true Luna.