Chapter Three

"Please understand, Elena. Alpha Bernard, Luna Gladys, she's in bad shape, so she accidentally threw the food," Samantha's voice was earnest, her eyes pleading for forgiveness.

Elena's gaze remained locked on Prince Adrian, disbelief coursing through her. The man who had held her captive last night, declaring her his Mate, sat there unperturbed.

Alpha Bernard's brow furrowed as he turned to Samantha. "If she isn’t feeling well, why is she still working here? She should be resting," he said, his voice filled with concern.

Samantha’s shoulders tensed as she tried to explain. "She insisted on serving today, Alpha Bernard. We're short on staff."

Alpha Bernard shook his head. "No, I don’t think so. She needs rest," he stated firmly.

Elena felt Alpha Bernard's eyes on her, but she couldn't look away from Prince Adrian, who seemed oblivious to the turmoil he caused.

"It's Elena, isn't it?" Alpha Bernard’s voice finally broke through her haze.

She bowed her head slightly. "Yes, Alpha Bernard. I apologize for the mess. I’ll get more food and clean up," she said, her voice trembling.

Alpha Bernard’s expression softened. "There’s no need to apologize. Return to your room and rest. I’ll have someone else clean up."

Elena glanced at Samantha, who gave a reassuring nod. "Thank you, Alpha Bernard," Elena said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Assist her and ensure she gets to her room safely," Alpha Bernard instructed, and Samantha moved to support Elena.

As they walked back to their rooms, Elena's mind raced. The man who had kidnapped her was Prince Adrian, the son of Alpha Bernard and Luna Gladys. He had claimed her as his Mate!

Elena couldn’t fathom it. How had her life changed so drastically overnight?

"Elena, what happened? Why did you throw the food? We rarely serve Alpha Bernard's family," Samantha’s gentle reprimand pulled her from her thoughts.

Elena forced a weary smile. "I’m sorry, Samantha. I was just exhausted after avoiding the wild beast last night," she lied.

Samantha sighed, her expression softening. "Elena, you’re usually so meticulous. Just rest today. Alpha Bernard is understanding; others might not have been."

When they reached their room, Elena changed into more comfortable clothes and sank onto the bed. Samantha headed back to the dining room, leaving Elena alone with her thoughts.

Staring at the ceiling, Elena whispered, "If I'm Prince Adrian's Luna, does that mean my life will improve? Will I no longer be an Omega when he announces it to the Bloodlust Pack?"

A hopeful smile crept onto her lips. "If that happens, I can return to the Blue River Pack. I can find the former members and rebuild what we lost."

Memories of her childhood flooded back. When Elena was eight years old, she was brought to the Bloodlust Pack with the help of a loyal member from her own Pack. At that time, she was part of her father's Blue River Pack, which he had founded.

Over twenty years ago, during a sudden attack by Rogue werewolves, many members of the Blue River Pack perished, leading to its complete destruction. The Pack was small and new, with fewer than two hundred members. Due to a lack of warriors and the overwhelming number of Rogue werewolves, Ella's parents died trying to protect the Pack. The attack was so sudden that other Packs couldn't offer help in time.

In response, many werewolf packs joined forces to fight the Rogues, eventually bringing peace to the Lyrous Kingdom.

Exhaustion finally claimed her, and she drifted into a deep sleep, a smile lingering on her lips.

Elena was jolted awake by Samantha gently shaking her shoulder. "Elena, how are you feeling?" Samantha asked, concern etched on her face.

"I’m feeling better," Elena replied, sitting up.

"I brought you some food. Eat while I take a bath," Samantha said, placing a plate on the table.

"Thank you, Samantha. I’m sorry I couldn’t help today."

"Don’t worry about it, Elena. You deserve to rest," Samantha replied with a smile. "Just repay me by finding a handsome, high-ranking werewolf," she joked, lightening the mood.

Elena laughed as Samantha headed to the restroom. As she began to eat, a knock on the door startled her. She opened it to find Lycia, the head maid, standing there with a stern expression.

Without warning, Lycia stormed into the room and slapped Elena across the face. "How dare you make a mess of the Alpha's family dinner!" she snarled, her voice dripping with contempt.

Elena's cheek burned from the slap, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm sorry, Lycia. It was an accident," she stammered, trying to hold back her sobs.

Lycia's eyes narrowed. "You think an apology is enough? You’ll be denied food for a week and will do double the chores," she declared, her voice cold and unyielding.

Elena felt a wave of helplessness wash over her as Lycia stormed out, leaving her crying on the bed. Samantha hurried over, trying to console her.

"It’s not fair, Elena. But we’ll get through this," Samantha whispered, hugging her tightly.

Elena nodded, wiping her tears. Just as she began to calm down, another knock on the door startled her. Samantha, having left briefly to retrieve something from the kitchen, was not present to answer it.

Elena hesitated for a moment before opening the door. To her shock, Prince Adrian stood there, his presence both commanding and unexpected.

Her heart raced as she quickly bowed her head. "Can I help you, Prince Adrian?"

"Come with me," he whispered, his voice deep and calm.

Without hesitation, Elena followed him through the corridors and out into Luna Gladys' magnificent butterfly garden. The air was fragrant with blooming flowers, and butterflies flitted gracefully around them.

"Why have you summoned me here, Prince Adrian?" Elena asked, her voice trembling as she tried to steady her nerves.

Prince Adrian turned to her, his expression solemn. "Let’s settle this once and for all," he said.

Elena's heart pounded. "What do you mean?" she asked, her fear evident.

"I, Adrian Jacques, the future Alpha of the Bloodlust Pack, reject you as my Luna!" he declared, his voice echoing in the tranquil garden.

---