Chapter 2
Ella
Forget to say, I was demoted to an omega slave.
I lost all my privileges as a Beta daughter.
“Damm, I’m late! Molly’s going to kil me,” I whispered to my wolf as I hurried into the omega quarters, anxiously hoping that I would make it on time. Too bad luck was not on my side today.
“Well, well, Ella Fisher is late again,” The head maid Molly said as she scanned me from head to toe. She crossed her hands on her chest and continued, “Let me remind you of your position as a maid. You are no longer a Beta daughter so act according to your status!”
“I’m sorry. It will not happen again,” I whispered as I braced myself for another round of nagging. Molly continued to humiliate me. Her insults were a necessary part of my daily routine.
After enduring endless complaints, she finally gave me a task. Lily, who usually serves Luke, was sick. So, I had to step in and be his maid until she got better.
But there was one problem, Luke didn’t want anyone to enter his room except for Lily!
“Tomorrow is Alpha Luke’s 18th birthday and his accession ceremony. Take these clothes to his room,” Molly said, handing me the clothes. It seemed like Molly planned this, as laughter echoed around us.
Luke was fiercely protective of his privacy. Molly could have handled this issue better but she chose not to. She always created situations to make me suffer, as she also felt she had a responsibility to make my life miserable.
“Forgive me for being blunt, but doesn’t Alpha Luke detest anyone entering his room except Lily? I don’t think—”
Before I could finish, Molly slapped me.
“Who do you think you are to defy my orders?” Molly shouted, I covered my face.
It was ironic how this omega leader, now made my life miserable. Molly used to serve me when I was still a Beta daughter. I was kind to her before so I didn’t understand where the animosity was coming from.
I could only stare at her fiercely, desperately wanting to reason with her. But my wolf Flora discouraged me.
“Bear a little longer, Ella. Tomorrow, we’ll find our mate and finally be free of this life. Just follow Mooly’s orders so you will not make your situation worse than it already was.”
In the end, I followed my wolf’s advice. So, I took the set of clothing and made my way to his room. My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I reached my destination after a while.
“Alpha Luke. I have your clothing for tomorrow’s ceremony,” I uttered as I knocked on his door. It still felt weird to address my best friend as “Alpha,” but I had grown accustomed to it over time.
“Alpha Luke?” I begged. But as I continued knocking, I realized the door was unlocked and slightly ajar. Knowing Luke wasn’t inside, I seized the opportunity to sneak in and place his clothing on his table before he returned. The plan seemed flawless until I noticed a picture of him and Lyle on the table. It was a photo from our childhood, taken during a shared beach trip. Memories flooded my mind as I reminisced about those innocent moments we once shared and things weren’t so complicated.
“Why did you have to die, Lyle? Things would have been different if only you were here.”
Tears escaped my eyes as I remembered what happened to Lyle. He had always been more than just a friend, he was like a brother to me. He cared for me and treated me like a sister.
I had no reason to seduce or harm Lyle like Jane was saying to everyone. It simply didn’t make sense, but no one seemed willing to believe me.
“If you are feeling guilty, why don’t you just kneel? Your victim act would be a little convincing that way.”
I was startled by the accusing voice, my hand trembling as I lowered the picture frame.
“Alpha Luke, I…” I began, my voice faltering under his intense gaze.
Luke glanced at my hand and smirked. “Your wound from earlier was healed, while the wound you left when you kiled Lyle is still fresh. How ironic.”
I didn’t know what came over me, but I felt an unexpected surge of defiance rising within me. Gathering my courage, I met his accusing stare and locked eyes with him.
“Lyle was like a brother to me. How many times do I have to tell you I am innocent? I didn’t kil your brother, Luke. When will you ever believe me?”
Luke was taken aback, perhaps surprised by the familiarity of me calling him by his first name, something we hadn’t done in years. Or maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to come to his senses, choosing to believe in the innocence of his once closest friend. For a brief moment, I believed that things might finally take a turn for the better. But the moment he opened his mouth again, all of my hopes were shattered like a fragile glass.
“Three years have passed and you still haven’t regretted what you did?”
He approached my direction, grabbed my arm violently.
“You don’t deserve happiness, Ella. You deserve to rot in hel for taking my brother’s life. On your birthday, I pray that you never find your mate. I will beg the moon goddess to make you suffer for the rest of your days. Now, get out of my sight before I lose my patience. OUT! NOW!”
With that, I stormed out of his room, feeling the weight of Luke’s curse heavy on my shoulders. As soon as I left his room, I heard the constant giggling of my fellow maids. They must have heard Luke’s shout from outside the door while they were listening in.
Melina, one of the maids, stepped forward. “We don’t feel sorry for you, Ella. That’s what you get from kiling Alpha Lyle. You’ve got what you deserved.”
I walked past them, bowing my head in shame. I am tired of this life. When will it all end?
Maybe tomorrow will bring the change I’ve been longing for. Finding my mate could be my chance to change things.
Yep, better days are coming, I hope.
