SECRETS

CHAPTER FOUR

He asked in a measured tone, "How is Arabella doing? How's she preparing for the next moon ball? I hope she's finding suitable prospects for a mate."

His stepmother's face softened, a hint of an understanding smile playing on her lips. "Ah, Arabella's doing well, Orion. She's excited for the moon ball and hopes to find her mate there. She's been practicing her courting rituals and is confident she'll make a good impression."

Mr Orion's gaze seemed distant, his thoughts elsewhere, but his tone remained polite and interested. "I'm glad to hear that. Please give her my best wishes and support. I hope she finds a suitable mate."

Just as the tension began to dissipate, Mr Orion's phone rang, shattering the brief silence. His gaze darkened as he glanced at the screen, his expression unyielding. "Beta Jay," he answered, his voice firm but controlled.

As he listened to the caller, his eyes seemed to gaze into space, his expression unreadable. He responded with a simple "hmm" before hanging up the call. The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken tension.

Mr Orion sighed loudly, his chest rising and falling with the effort. He stood up, his movements fluid and graceful, and leaned over to kiss his stepmother's forehead.

"I have a pressing issue to attend to, Mother. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call on The maid."

With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving me feeling like an outsider.

I composed myself immediately, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping. But before I could even take a step back, I heard a sound that made my heart sink. Someone was laughing uncontrollably behind me.

I turned to see Mr Orion's stepmother pointing at me, her eyes shining with mirth.

"You...you..." she choked out between laughs, her body shaking with amusement.

My face burned with embarrassment as I realized I had been caught. I tried to play it cool, but my cheeks betrayed me, flushing bright red. Mr Orion's stepmother's laughter was infectious, and soon I found myself smiling, trying to laugh off the awkward moment.

Mr Orion's stepmother finally composed herself, still chuckling as she asked, "And you are...the maid, I presume?"

I nodded positively, trying to maintain a neutral expression, hoping to blend into the background once again. "Yes, ma'am. I'm Selene, the new maid."

Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I wondered what she found so entertaining. "Ah, yes. Selene!.

Mr Orion's stepmother's gaze narrowed slightly as she asked, "And why were you hiding, Selene? Eavesdropping on our conversation, perhaps?"

I kept my head bowed, saying nothing, hoping to avoid drawing more attention to myself. My heart raced as I wondered if I had been too obvious, if I had crossed a line. The silence stretched out, and I could feel her eyes on me, scrutinizing me.

Finally, she spoke up, her voice firm but measured. "Very well, Selene. I'll let it slide this time. But remember, discretion is key in this household. See that you practice it."

Lady Evelyn seemed to sense the tension and effortlessly lightened the mood. "Selene, dear, could I trouble you for a glass of juice?"

I hastened to the fridge, grateful for the distraction. As I opened the door, I realized I hadn't asked which flavor she preferred. I began to call out the options, "We have apple, grapefruit, cranberry—"

But Lady Evelyn cut me off with a gentle smile. "Orange juice will do, thank you, Selene."

I quickly grabbed the orange juice and filled a glass, feeling a bit more at ease. As I handed it to her, our fingers touched briefly, and I was struck by the contrast between her cool, smooth skin and my own warm, nervous hands.

She took a sip, her expression serene, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

As I set the cup of juice on the table, Lady Evelyn fixed me with a piercing gaze. "Werewolf or human, Selene?" she asked, her voice low and mysterious.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much she knew about me. But something about her piercing eyes made me feel like she could see right through me. "Human," I answered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lady Evelyn smiled warmly at me, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light.

"You're welcome to the werewolf world, Selene," she said, her voice gentle.

"You should be calm with Orion, though. He can have some...issues with his wolf. He's yet to find a mate, and it can make him a bit...testy."

I nodded, unsure what to make of this revelation. But before I could respond, she continued,

"But you're human, and as part of the humans we've allowed into our midst, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time here."

She stretched out her hands, and I instinctively placed mine in hers. Her grip was firm and warm.

As she held my hands in hers, I felt a sudden surge of energy flow through me, like a jolt of electricity. My vision blurred, and my legs gave out from under me. I fell to the ground, my arm beginning to itch and prickle.

As I looked down, I saw the birthmark on my arm - the one I had always thought was just a strange tattoo - begin to glow. It pulsed with a soft, blue light, and I felt a strange sensation, like it was awakening something deep within me.

Lady Evelyn squatted down beside me, her eyes fixed on the mark. She reached out a finger, tracing the glowing pattern, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

She looked up at me, a smile spreading across her face. "Ah, Selene," she said, her voice full of wonder. "You're one of us, all right. The mark of the moon is upon you."

I stared at her, confused and scared. What did she mean? What was happening to me? And why was my birthmark glowing like that?