Chapter 7

• As I stepped into the palace, my footsteps echoed softly on the floor. I reminded myself that this place was now supposed to be my home, at least for as long as he tolerated me.
• Dragging my feet into the living room, I pulled my backpack closer to myself. I needed a distraction—something to calm myself. So, I headed to the kitchen for a drink, hoping that a simple glass of water might soothe my nerves.
• Inside, I saw the maids walking up and down, making meals. I said hello to them and walked over to the fridge. To my surprise, I saw an unfamiliar woman leaning on the counter.
• She was stunning. She had long brown hair that fell down her back. Her aura was filled with confidence and power. I couldn’t help but stare in admiration, though something about her made my stomach tighten with unease.
• She was on her phone but looked up the moment I walked in. She eyed me with a frown.
• "You're Rose?" she asked with an attitude that caught me off guard.
• Why did she seem to dislike me already? We’d never even met before.
• "Yes," I replied cautiously. "Is there a problem?"
• She moved closer. Her eyes raked over me as if I were something insignificant. Her scrutiny made me feel small and I could feel myself getting insecure.
• "I thought as much," she said with a smirk.
• "And you are?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
• Her lips curled into a smile. It was the kind of smile that said she knew something I didn’t—something that would hurt me.
• "My name is Lucy," she replied smoothly "I'm Alpha Kyle's mistress."
• The word ‘mistress’ cut deep into my chest. My heart sank. I felt a mix of emotions - hurt, subtle anger, jealousy. I had foolishly hoped that maybe, just maybe, Alpha Kyle would grow to care for me in time. But standing before this beautiful, confident woman, I realized how naive I had been.
• Why would he want someone like me when he had someone like her by his side?
• Lucy’s presence shattered the last illusion I had of love. The little hope I had was now crushed. Looking at her, I could tell she was determined and she didn't seem like an easy person to deal with. There was no way she would let him go.
• "I didn’t know he had a... mistress," I muttered
• "Well, now you do," she said "Stay away from Alpha Kyle."
• I opened my mouth to respond, but she cut me off sharply.
• "I get that you’re mates, but he’s mine. He always has been and he always will be. You’re young, inexperienced—you wouldn’t understand our connection even if you tried."
• Her words hurt me deeply, making me feel insignificant. I stared down at the floor, unsure of how to respond, feeling utterly lost.
• "He brought me here," I whispered "I can’t just stay away from him."
• Her smile widened "You don’t have a choice. Trust me, you don’t want to have a problem with me. I don’t care how you do it—run away or kill yourself if you have to."
• Her words sliced through me. My cheeks burned with humiliation. I couldn’t believe I was being warned to stay away from my own mate.
• "Do I make myself clear?" she asked.
• I couldn’t bring myself to answer. I just wanted to leave, to escape this nightmare. But as I turned to go, she yanked my hair back viciously, causing me to wince in pain. The maids gasped.
• "Get out!" she snapped at them.
• Without saying anything, the three of them hurried out of the kitchen.
• "Ow!" I cried out.
• Lucy snarled, tightening her grip on my hair.
• "You think you’re tough, don’t you?" she hissed. "When I ask a question, I expect an answer, you stupid bitch."
• Before I could react, the kitchen door opened and a man stepped inside.
• "What’s going on here?" he asked.
• Lucy immediately released my hair, and I crumpled to the floor, clutching my throbbing head in pain.
• "Oh, nothing," Lucy replied sweetly, batting her fake eyelashes as if nothing had happened.
• The man’s eyes narrowed as he looked between us.
• "A little chat?" he repeated "That resulted in her falling to the floor?"
• I looked up at him through tear-filled eyes. He was tall and muscular, with the same aura of authority that Alpha Kyle possessed. It didn’t take long to realize he was likely the Beta of the pack.
• "Leave. Now," he ordered Lucy.
• Lucy hesitated for a moment. Then, without another word, she scurried out of the kitchen.
• The man turned to me with a soft expression. He extended a hand, which I accepted as he helped me to my feet.
• "Thank you," I whispered.
• "No problem," he replied with a small smile. "My name is Taylor."
• I managed a weak smile in return. "I’m Rose."
• "I know," he said gently. "Come on, Alpha Kyle wants to see you."
• I followed Taylor as he led me upstairs. I wondered why Alpha Kyle wanted to see me. We walked down a long corridor until we reached a door. Taylor knocked lightly.
• "Come in," Alpha Kyle’s deep voice called from within.
• Taylor turned to me "You can go in,"
• "Alone?" I asked.
• He nodded "You’ll be fine."
• Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped inside, closing it gently behind me.
• Alpha Kyle was seated at his desk. He was focused on some papers in front of him. When he looked up and saw it was me, his expression remained unreadable.
• "Good day, Alpha," I said quietly, bowing my head. "You wanted to see me?"
• "Yes," he replied, not looking up from his work. "Have a seat."
• I moved to the chair opposite him and sat down. I had no idea what he wanted to talk about, but the tension in the room was suffocating.
• After what felt like an eternity, Alpha Kyle stood and walked around his desk to stand in front of me. His arms were folded across his chest, and he regarded me with an intense look.
• "You went to school today, correct?" he asked.
• "Yes, Alpha," I whispered.
• "Then explain to me why your assignment wasn’t completed,"
• My gaze dropped to the floor. How did he even know about that?
• "I believe I’m not talking to a log of wood," he growled "Answer me."
• I felt ashamed of myself now. I should have been more diligent, but the events of the past few days had made it nearly impossible to focus on anything.
• "I have no excuse," I whispered "I’m sorry, Alpha."
• His expression darkened and I could feel the anger radiating off him.
• "You are my mate. That means you represent me and this pack. When you fail in your responsibilities, it reflects badly on me. I will not tolerate a subpar Luna."
• Tears pricked the back of my eyes but I blinked them back, not wanting to look weak in front of him. The last thing I wanted was to bring shame to him or the pack.
• "I’m sorry," I whispered again.
• His anger seemed to intensify at the sight of my tears. "You have a duty, Rose. As my mate, you must excel. I will accept nothing less than the best. Do you understand?"
• I nodded slowly "Yes, Alpha."
• "Good," he said coldly. "Now, get out of my sight."
• Fighting back the tears threatening to spill, I stood up and left his office.