My Badass Secretary

Bella Manuel faced the mirror, her fingers gliding across the smooth material of her blue gown. The shade accentuated the warm glow of her caramel skin, and for the first time in a long while, she felt lovely, unique, and worthy.

Marcus would love it.

A hidden smile curled her lips as she ran her fingers along the tiny mark on her shoulder made by his kisses the previous night. His voice echoed in her mind.

"I will claim you as mine because I plan to reveal everything about us to the whole pack tomorrow."

Excitement twirled in her gut, blending exhilaration with anxiety. Today was not just Agnes' 18th birthday celebration; it marked a day when everything changed for Bella.

No more being treated like a ghost in her own pack. No more hushed whispers about her being an Omega. No more being ridiculed by the very people who should have been her family.

She was about to be the Beta’s mate.

“Bella Manuel! Hurry up, or you’ll get us all punished!” her mother’s sharp voice cut through her thoughts, making her jolt.

She fought the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she grabbed her coat from the chair and hurried downstairs. The moment she took her last step, she received a solid knock on the head.

“Mum!” Bella groaned, rubbing the sore spot while shooting her mother a wounded look.

Linda Manuel, a woman weathered by years of servitude in the pack, didn’t spare her a glance as she stormed out of the house, her youngest daughter, Amanda, trailing behind her.

“I’m sorry, Mum!” Bella called, hurrying after them.

Amanda shot her an unimpressed glare before sprinting ahead. “Race ya!”

Bella smirked, lacing her fingers through her mother’s as they picked up speed, laughter spilling into the cool evening air.

Upon their arrival, the packhouse was already bustling. Sparkling lights were hung between the trees, giving a warm golden glow. The aroma of grilled meat and fresh bread filled the air.

Yet, just as swiftly as the scene's warmth surrounded her, reality began to intrude.

“Linda!”

Alpha Cyrus' wife, Luna Helena, stalked toward them, her face twisted in disdain. Without hesitation, she grabbed Linda’s arm, her nails biting into the older woman’s skin.

“Follow me to the kitchen! Now!” she barked, dragging Bella’s mother away.

Bella clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath her skin. She hated this. The way they were treated. Like they weren’t part of the pack. Like they didn’t matter.

“I hate this,” Amanda whispered beside her. “Omega or not, the Moon Goddess made us all.”

Bella sighed, ruffling her sister’s hair. “It will all be over soon.”

Amanda turned to her with cautious hope. “You think?”

“Yes.” Bella smiled, thinking of Marcus. “I know it.”

Her friends, Eve and Joy, beckoned her over from the far side of the hall, their eyes glimmering with excitement.

“Bella! Amanda!”

For the next thirty minutes, Bella danced with her fellow Omegas, their laughter and chatter filling the space. But Agnes and her minions never let up, throwing taunts and snide remarks whenever they passed.

Then, like a scene from a dream, Marcus appeared.

He strode toward her, his presence commanding, drawing the attention of the entire hall. The music slowed, the air thick with curiosity.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked, reaching out his hand.

A collective gasp resonated across the audience.

Joy nearly squealed. “Oh heavens, he just asked Bella for a dance!”

Eve clutched her chest, eyes wide. “Wow! This is huge!”

Bella’s heart pounded as she slipped her fingers into his. Hilda, her wolf, practically purred in delight.

His hand settled on her waist, her fingers on his shoulder, and as the music swelled around them, they moved in perfect sync.

He stared at her with something soft in his (deep emerald) eyes, and for the first time in forever, Bella felt seen. Chosen.

When she leaned in, seeking the warmth of his lips, he smirked.

“Not now, baby,” he murmured, licking his lips. “You don’t want to ruin the surprise, do you?”

Bella shook her head quickly. “No.”

The promise in his gaze made her dizzy. No matter what happens tonight, I will be the luckiest girl in Greywolf Pack.

Then the music changed, signaling the Alpha’s traditional dance.

Marcus released her and turned—toward Agnes.

Bella’s breath hitched as he extended a hand to the very girl who had tormented her for years.

She forced herself to breathe. They’re just friends. That’s what he’d told her.

She moved back to her friends, watching as the crowd turned their attention to the pair.

Eve nudged her. “That was incredible! You guys have insane chemistry.”

“One would think you were mates,” Joy giggled.

Bella bit her lip. “We are,” she murmured, her heart betraying her need to keep the secret.

“What?” Eve and Joy froze.

Amanda, who had been silent, narrowed her eyes.

Bella swallowed hard. “I was just kidding,” she covered quickly. “Obviously.”

Eve laughed. “You almost got me there! As if the Moon Goddess would ever pair a Beta with an Omega.”

Joy sighed dreamily. “I’ve read so many stories where powerful mates fall for Omegas… maybe even a Hybrid.”

Eve scoffed. “This is real life. Hybrids wouldn’t fall for Omegas.”

Joy swatted her. “Oww!”

Bella barely heard them. Her eyes were locked on Marcus and Agnes.

Her wolf, Hilda, let out a warning growl.

They better just be friends.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed.

A hush fell over the hall as a soft melody played.

Marcus stepped forward, and Bella’s heart fluttered.

Then he dropped to one knee.

His hand reached into his breast pocket.