CHAPTER 6

(ATLAS' POV)

As Hera delicately savored the last drops of wine, her praise warmed me like a cozy fireplace. "Wow, Alpha, you've got a real talent for picking out the best wines. This one is just heavenly."

Feeling a rush of pride, I grinned back at her. "Thanks, Hera. This bottle's a personal fave." I poured myself another glass, offering her a refill, but she shook her head, a small frown flickering across her face.

Not wanting her to feel bad, I shrugged it off. "No worries! Hey, how about this? Since you're into wine, I'll take you to this cool boutique winery I've been working on. It's my little side project, separate from all the pack stuff. I'm aiming for it to be the ultimate wine spot."

"Mmhm..." Hera's smile widened as she caught onto my excitement. "I'd love that."

Hera then glanced at her watch, reminding me of the passing time. She said, "Gosh, it's almost evening. I need to head back to the cottage and try on that dress for tomorrow's banquet. What about you, Alpha?"

Caught off guard by her question, I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I don't have any plans." After carefully putting away the wine bottles that were still sealed, I turned to Hera. "Let's walk you back to the cottage then."

But Hera had other ideas. With a playful smile, she handed me her empty glass. "No need, Alpha. I can manage on my own. I've already taken up plenty of your time today." Leaning closer as if to kiss me, she whispered, "I had a great time. Thank you, Alpha," before stepping away, leaving me with a smirk and her meaningful gaze.

Amused by her boldness, I couldn't help but smirk back. Not many dared to tease me like that. With a casual shrug, I placed her glass on the table nearby, watching her leave with a newfound curiosity.

Restlessness gnawed at me now that I have nothing on my schedule. I had put aside my duties to be with the daughter of Geisterfell's pack alpha, but now, with time stretching before me, my mind began to wander.

In the quiet, my thought drifted to a certain omega maid. Rhea Stirling... she came to my room with her bruised face. There was a scent of another wolf that lingered on her and it irritated me. "What a whore..." I muttered. How dare she bring another wolf's scent into my room?

Yet, despite my annoyance, I somehow felt like I knew that scent before... Could it be a scent from my immediate subordinates?

Ah, it was hard to believe. I know by heart that my immediate subordinates were loyal to me and Nightspire rules. There was no way they were breaking the laws.

As I mulled over these thoughts, I called out to my wolf, "Mundus"

I sensed his presence stirring from its slumber within my mind palace.

'So, you've chosen to heed my counsel for once, have you, Boy?' he sneered, his tone dripping with a mixture of sarcasm and derision.

I rolled my eyes, a reflexive response to Mundus's taunts. "I was just bothered by that omega's presence," I retorted, frustration seeping into my words. "I thought maybe you had something useful to say about her."

Mundus chuckled, relishing the tension he created. His cryptic ways grated on my nerves, but eventually, he spoke. "Her scent was enticing. She's close to her heat cycle."

I sighed, torn between conflicting desires. "So that's what it was," I muttered, struggling to reconcile my instincts with my principles.

Omega doesn't deserve status and power. Thus, giving them the chance to connect with werewolves of higher status repulsed me. Yet, the other part of me yearned to claim Rhea, to give in to the primal pull between us.

Despite my disgust for omegas, I couldn't ignore the attraction I felt for Rhea. Her scent, sweet like bread, stirred something deep within me, a mix of excitement and frustration.

"I suppose I could offer her some relief," I said to Mundus, seeking his approval. But he only grinned, unfazed by my decision.

Annoyed by his silence, I added, "But she'll never be my Luna. She's just an omega."

"Boy, think again. That omega you're dismissing might have qualities far beyond your narrow standards for a 'worthy Luna,'" Mundus remarked, his tone casual yet piercing.

I frowned, frustration bubbling up inside me. Mundus always seemed to challenge my beliefs. "I know what I want, Mundus. I have a clear vision of what I need in a Luna to lead Nightspire."

Mundus let out a quiet sigh, dismissing my ideas as usual.

Anger surged through me, and I stormed out of the cellar, slamming the door shut behind me. "I'll prove to you that I'm more than just my instincts," I muttered, determined to assert my independence from my wolf instincts.

--

“You called, Alpha?” Rhea's voice rang through the door, her footsteps quick and light.

“Enter,” I beckoned, eyes scanning the room as she stepped inside, a bundle of fresh clothes in hand. "Lock the door," I ordered, urgency tinging my tone, as I set aside my work and moved to shut the curtains tight against prying eyes.

The click of the lock echoed, assurance that my command was followed. Perched on the edge of my desk, I awaited her next move.

Rhea’s voice trembled with nerves as she addressed me, cheeks tinged pink. "You needed me, Alpha?" Her words stumbled, an endearing mix of anxiety and eagerness. "Did I... Was there an issue with your room yesterday?" she continued, words spilling out in a rush.

Observing her closely, I noted her discomfort. "You were occupied with the banquet, correct?" I interrupted, halting her rambling with a pointed question.

"Yes, Alpha," Rhea rushed to respond, her words tumbling out in a flurry. "I oversaw the food prep for the banquet. Everyone pitched in, and we got it done—"

"Omega," I cut in sharply, my patience wearing thin with her chatter.

I could care less about details of her tasks.

"You're in heat," I stated plainly, my focus shifting to her scent.

Rhea's eyes widened in surprise, quickly averting her gaze.

"Only this once, I'm offering you relief," I asserted, my tone firm with authority. "Decide. If you need help, leave your uniform somewhere clean, and present yourself on my desk."

She hesitated, resistance flickering in her expression.

But before she said anything, I continued, anticipating her objections. "If you're fine on your own, unlock the door and go."

After a moment's pause, Rhea reluctantly set down the clothes and approached my desk, her embarrassment palpable. "Forgive me, Alpha," she murmured softly, lifting the skirt of her uniform and removing her underwear.

The dampness on her undergarments didn't escape my notice, stirring a primal urge within me. I stifled a groan as Rhea positioned herself over the desk, her back to me. My pants felt uncomfortably tight as frustration mingled with desire.

Retrieving a condom from my pocket, I bit it to hold in place while unbuckling my pants. "You're just a lowly omega," I reminded her, controlling my breaths. "you're unworthy of intimacy in my bed. No, you don't even deserve intimacy. You only deserve to be put in your place, here, on the desk. Do you understand?" My tone was harsh, asserting dominance.

Rhea whimpered, obediently agreeing. "Yes, Alpha..."

I pulled down my underwear and stroking myself to full hardness before sheathing myself in the condom. The sight of Rhea's arousal pulled me to slide my manhood along her slick folds, feeling her warmth throbbing against me. Once adequately coated, I entered her, eliciting a groan from both of us.

However, a rustling outside my office door caught my attention, causing me to pause momentarily. I looked at the door, wanting to check what was interrupting me.

Yet, to my surprise, Rhea pushed herself back against me, pleading, "Alpha, please!"

Growling in frustration, I ignored the disturbance, giving in to primal urges as I thrust deeper into her.