Chapter 1 Omega who love her Alpha

"They're arriving! Hurry!" the Head Maid shouted, rushing in, raising her skirts as she ran. "Get the desserts out! Now! Hailey, move from there! We need everyone on deck!"

She wiped a tear from her cheek, abandoning the dirty dishes to Layla, who gave her a hostile look, muttering something about her being hopelessly naive.

Hailey was handed two trays and quickly found herself shoved into the line of maids headed toward the Main Hall, where the most significant gatherings took place. Her lungs felt constricted as if she couldn't breathe, her breaths were sharp and rapid. Another tear fell, but she forced herself onward.

She was jostled and crowded until they reached the hall, where breathing became near impossible. The women were breathtakingly beautiful, moving with a poise she couldn't fathom possessing. Their voices were melodic, their laughter insidious, carrying the weight of power and elegance.

There is a decision looming over the pack for weeks now. Alpha Rowan has yet to find his mate, and he's resigned himself to never finding her. Hailey had hoped this might mean she had a chance; she thought that perhaps one day, he would notice her in her simple attire, hidden in the corners, always watching him from afar.

But that dream was shattering. Today, Rowan was hosting Alpha females, seeking a fitting woman to take as his Luna.

And Hailey? She was stuck here, scrubbing the plates that those invited women would soon dine from. The clattering of glass plates in the sink echoed her frustration as she shook with indignation. She found it unbearable, truly unbearable. Why could she not be his bride? Was it because she lacked Alpha lineage? Because she hadn't shifted yet? Was it her beauty that was lacking?

Her mother always said she had the most captivating eyes, eyes that seized attention and held it fast, eyes that could enchant and allure. One day, she claimed, they'd be of use. But it hardly seemed so when Rowan never glanced her way.

Hailey showed her teeth in frustration, as she remember others joined in the mockery for her. Everyone knew of her feelings, except the one she held them for. They called her foolish each day, an idiot and deluded for believing she could ever be noticed. Women swarmed the castle, vying for Rowan's attention—beautiful women from influential families and powerful packs. They all desired him.

Rowan was the wealthiest, most commanding Alpha in Maldivian, his looks befitting a deity, the kind of beauty meant for the Goddess's chosen. But that was never why Hailey had fallen for him.

Desperation clawed at her. Hailey couldn't fathom waiting twelve years since she first laid eyes on him, only to lose Rowan to one of these artful temptresses.

Alpha Rowan is hers. He just doesn't know it yet. Call her delusional or out of touch, but being an Omega doesn't equate to being weak-minded. Hailey knows she can dream, desire, and fight for what she loves. The woman she aspires to be is the Alpha's partner.

Her eyes sweep over the crowded hall, observing the seating of the maidens, adorned with their elegant gowns, corset-cinched waists, and flattering necklines. She notices Beta Ruel, ticking off names and overseeing the new arrivals.

She has a plan.

Her mind is always brimming with ideas, often landing her in trouble.

As she serves, her fingers slip, spilling tea onto one of the candidates. The woman's reaction is immediate and harsh; she stands abruptly, her fan striking Hailey on the forehead. "Fool! Do you have any idea what this dress is worth?!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Ruel?" she calls out, her piercing gaze filled with disdain. The Beta swiftly appears by her side. "Do you train your servants to disrespect your guests?"

Hailey frowns. "But I didn't even—"

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

She fights the urge to empty the entire teapot over Lady Moressett's glossy hair. But knowing she must implement her plan before Rowan and his mother arrive, she bows her head deferentially. "I apologize for my mistake, Lady Moressett. If there's anything I can do to—"

Lady Moressett huffs, brushing Hailey aside mid-apology. As she looks up, Beta Ruel's critical stare is fixed on her. She attempts a smile; he responds with a sharp gaze and advises, "Not today, Hailey. Behave."

As he walks away, she's focused on the scroll he's holding—the list of prospective Lunas. She needs her name on that list.

"Don't even think about it, Hailey," Lovie, her only friend in this place, warns as they set down trays at a new table. Lovie often scolds or cautions her about her impulsive ideas.

Feigning innocence, Hailey asks, "What do you mean?"

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

Hailey smiles sheepishly. "What look?"

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

Once outside, Hailey pulls her hand free. "I'm not going to do anything." She pouts. "Nothing out of the ordinary, anyway."

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

Hailey claps a hand over her mouth. "Do you want everyone to hear?!" She lets go when they start drawing curious glances from passing maids and sentries.

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

"Why?" Lovie's eyes flit to the bustling preparations in the hall, the grandly dressed maidens milling about. "You can't be serious, Hailey! You're thinking of joining the selection? You know only those with Alpha blood qualify!"

Hailey bites her lip nervously. "This might be my only chance for him to notice me, to see me as someone important. Today, Lovie, he'll really see me!"

A small laugh escapes Lovie's lips. "You've truly lost it."

Hailey brushes off the remark. "I have nothing to lose. He'll either reject me or acknowledge me."

"Oh, he'll definitely reject you. Are you out of your mind? This is serious. If this backfires—and it will—you'll be exiled."

Hailey hears her, but love and determination blind her to caution. "Rowan is worth the risk. Promise you'll help me. Please."

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

......

Stealing the scroll proved to be quite simple. All Hailey needed to do was provoke a fight between another contender and Lovie, prompting Beta Ruel to rush in. Amid the commotion, he unknowingly slipped the scroll into his back pocket. With a triumphant grin, she retrieved it and scrawled her name in the bottom corner of the page, just before Alpha Rowan's official stamp. After a gentle caress of the parchment, she returned it to its hiding spot.

As she lowered another tray of desserts in front of a male Alpha in his mid-thirties—who was eyeing her like prey—she felt an unmistakable shift in the room. The air crackled with tension, raising the hairs on her neck and skin.

Somehow, Hailey always sensed when Alpha Rowan was nearby. His presence was as vital to her as the air she breathed, sending jolts of warmth through her body that made her heart race to the brink of stopping.

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

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

"Clear the way! The Alpha is here! Exit the hall!" Head Maid Lesley ordered, ushering everyone through the back door. Stealing a quick glance at Lovie, Hailey slipped behind a pillar, grateful for its broadness to keep her hidden.