Alpha Jax

"They're coming! Hurry!" shouted the Head Maid, rushing in with her skirt gathered in her hands. "Get those desserts out immediately! Hailey, move aside! We need all hands on deck!"

Hailey brushed a tear from her cheek and left the unwashed dishes to Layla, who shot her a disdainful look, muttering under her breath about Hailey's seeming naivety.

With two trays thrust into her hands, Hailey was quickly swept into the line of maids making their way to the Main Hall, the venue for the most prominent gatherings. Her chest tightened, her breaths sharp and shallow. Despite another tear escaping, she pressed onward.

She was jostled until they reached the hall, where it felt nearly impossible to breathe. The women there were strikingly beautiful, moving with a poise she could hardly imagine. Their voices were melodic and their laughter carried an air of power and grace.

A significant decision had loomed over the pack for weeks. Alpha Rowan had yet to find his mate, accepting the gloom possibility he might never succeed. Hailey hoped this would grant her a chance—that he might one day notice her in her simple dress, always observing from the shadows.

But that hope was fading. Today, Rowan was hosting female Alphas, searching for his Luna.

Meanwhile, Hailey was stuck washing dishes that these invited women would soon use. The clatter of glassware in the sink mirrored her frustration, her whole being trembling with indignation. She found it unbearable. Why couldn't she be the one? Was it her lack of Alpha lineage? Because she hadn't yet shifted? Was her beauty lacking?

Her mother always assured her of her captivating eyes, eyes that could seize attention and charm. She claimed one day they'd be valuable, but it seemed doubtful when Rowan never looked her way.

Frustration burned inside Hailey as she recalled others mocking her. Everyone knew how she felt, except the one her feelings were for. She was branded foolish, deluded for thinking she could be noticed. Women flocked to the castle, vying for Rowan's attention—beautiful women from powerful families and packs. They all wanted him.

Rowan was the richest, most commanding Alpha in Maldivian, his looks as if chosen by the Goddess herself. But that was never why Hailey fell for him.

Desperation gnawed at her. She couldn't fathom waiting twelve years since first seeing him, only to lose Rowan to one of these cunning contenders.

Alpha Rowan belonged to her. He just didn't know it yet. Call her delusional or out of touch, but being an Omega didn't mean she was weak-minded. Hailey knew she could dream, desire, and fight for what she loved. She aspired to be the Alpha's partner.

Her gaze swept over the crowded hall, taking in the maidens dressed resplendently, gowns with cinched waists and elegant necklines. She noticed Beta Ruel overseeing and checking off names of the new arrivals.

She had a plan.

Her mind overflowed with ideas, often landing her in trouble.

As she served, her fingers slipped, and tea spilled onto one of the candidates. The woman reacted immediately and harshly; she stood abruptly, her fan striking Hailey across the forehead. "Clumsy fool! Do you know the value of this dress?!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Ruel?" the woman called, her gaze dismissive and scornful. The Beta appeared swiftly at her side. "Is this how your servants show respect to guests?"

Hailey frowned. "But I didn’t even—"

Beta Ruel's stern look silenced her. "Apologize to Lady Moressett."

She resisted the urge to empty the teapot over Lady Moressett's pristine hair. Knowing she needed to execute her plan before Rowan and his mother arrived, she bowed her head. "I apologize for my error, Lady Moressett. Is there anything I can do—"

Lady Moressett brusquely dismissed her mid-apology. When she looked up, she met Beta Ruel’s critical gaze. She attempted a smile but received a sharp rebuke. "Not today, Hailey. Behave."

As he moved away, her eyes remained fixed on the scroll he carried—the list of prospective Lunas. Her name had to be on it.

"Don't even consider it, Hailey," warned Lovie, her only friend there, while they placed trays on another table. Lovie frequently scolded or warned her about her impulsive plans.

Feigning ignorance, Hailey responded, "What are you talking about?"

Lovie narrowed her eyes, wiping sweat from her brow. "You've got that look again."

Hailey offered a sheepish smile. "What look?"

"The kind that says you're about to do something reckless. For the love of the Goddess, please not today," Lovie pleaded, pulling her out of the hall.

Once outside, Hailey freed her hand. "I'm not up to anything," she insisted, pouting. "Nothing beyond the usual, anyway."

Lovie scoffed. "That's what you said before sneaking into the Alpha's room and getting locked in his bathroom. If I hadn't been cleaning that day, you'd be in the dungeons now!"

Hailey covered her mouth with her hand. "Do you want the whole world to hear?!" She released her grip as passing maids and sentries began to take notice.

Grasping Lovie's shoulders, she whispered, "Just cover for me, five minutes after Rowan arrives."

"Why?" Lovie's gaze drifted to the bustling hall where elegantly dressed maidens were gathered. "You can't be serious, Hailey! Joining the selection? Only those with Alpha blood qualify!"

Hailey bit her lip, nerves evident. "This might be my only chance for him to notice me, as someone of significance. Today, Lovie, he'll truly see me!"

A small laugh escaped Lovie. "You've lost your mind."

Hailey brushed it off. "I've got nothing to lose. He'll either reject me or acknowledge me."

"Oh, he'll definitely reject you. Are you insane? If this backfires—and it will—you'll be exiled."

Hailey heard her friend, but love and determination eclipsed caution. "Rowan is worth the risk. Please promise you'll help."

Lovie sighed. "I better not get in trouble for this, Hailey."

......

Stealing the scroll turned out to be surprisingly easy. Hailey provoked a skirmish between another contender and Lovie, prompting Beta Ruel to intervene. Amid the chaos, he unwittingly slipped the scroll into his back pocket. With a smug grin, she retrieved it, scribbling her name in a secluded corner just beneath Alpha Rowan's official stamp. After a gentle caress of the parchment, she returned it to its resting place.

As she set down another tray of desserts before a male Alpha in his mid-thirties—who eyed her with interest—an unmistakable tension filled the room, prickling her skin.

Hailey always seemed to sense when Alpha Rowan was near. His presence was as essential to her as air, sending warmth coursing through her body and making her heart skip a beat.

His scent was intoxicating—a mix of snow, musk, and something earthy. Whenever he was near, the aroma enveloped her, causing her insides to melt. On three occasions, she had sneaked into his room to "borrow" his clothes; he had so many, he wouldn't notice a few missing. She'd wrap his garments around her pillow, falling asleep to his irresistible scent.

Hailey was unabashedly in love with him and felt no shame in wanting the world to know it.

"Clear the way! The Alpha is here! Exit the hall!" ordered Head Maid Lesley, ushering everyone out the back door. With a quick glance at Lovie, Hailey discreetly slipped behind a broad pillar, grateful for its cover to keep her concealed.