02 A Luna On The Way

Raina's POV

When I woke up, it was already past eight o'clock. I had been so exhausted that the alarm hadn't even stirred me.

I hurriedly put on my uniform and rushed to the kitchen. I was late for breakfast service, and I knew Tristan would be furious.

I was relieved when Alison, the head cook, informed me that she had already taken care of the breakfast service. The other servants hardly dared to help me, but Alison, a family friend, was an exception.

Having someone who sympathised with me and helped when necessary was uplifting.

I thanked Alison and rushed to the dining room, where Tristan was already seated, sipping coffee and reviewing some documents.

The room was otherwise empty; his Beta, Alec and the other officers hadn't arrived yet. The two maids from the night duty were setting Tristan's breakfast on the table.

"I apologise, Alpha, for being late," I said, lowering my head respectfully.

Tristan remained silent, and I didn't dare to look up at him.

"Why did you get up late today?" he asked deliberately.

"I'm lazy and negligent; please forgive me," I said, silently walking to his side to set the dishes from the dining cart on the table.

"Oh, really? But I've heard you're quite dedicated to your role as head maid, especially when it comes to disciplining the others."

I glanced at the two maids serving the dishes. They were the ones I had reprimanded in the kitchen last night. They must have told Tristan about the incident.

"Alpha, I was just doing my duty. As head maid, it's my responsibility to enforce the rules," I explained.

"A traitor still knows the rules." Tristan suddenly gripped my chin, his voice icy.

"Did Dean teach you to address your Alpha like this?" he demanded.

His hand felt like it was crushing my chin.

"Please forgive me," I pleaded.

Bringing up the past would only darken his mood and make him more cruel.

I have given up any hope of earning his understanding or forgiveness. Now, I only wish that my patience might bring peace to my imprisoned family.

"Next time you talk back or try to be bold, I will publicly put you in your place. Now apologise to them," he commanded, and my eyes widened.

I wanted to shake my head and refuse. He hadn't heard what they said, but I knew he didn't care. The more pain for me, the better for him.

I held my tongue as he squeezed harder—defiance in my eyes.

I would do anything to ensure my family's safety, but I wouldn't apologise to those maids.

Tristan noticed my reluctance.

"I see you've started liking my punishments. Maybe I should turn it up a little," he said. I didn't know what he meant, but whatever it was wouldn't end well for me.

"Please," I managed to whisper. "Please, Tristan," I whispered, pleading with silent tears streaming down the corners of my eyes.

He growled, and I felt his body shake with rage and something else. He abruptly released me.

"Get out of my sight," he ordered, his voice commanding, and I trembled.

I ran, sprinting for my life. I knew there was no way I was lucky. I knew he would make me pay.

After completing my tasks, I collected Tristan's dirty clothes to wash. As I made my way to the laundry room, Beta Alec intercepted me, forcing me to stop with the laundry cart in tow.

Alec was often rude and treated me with disdain, but I never let his attitude get to me.

"Servant," he said harshly. He never used my name, and I was used to it. But the sinister glint in his eyes made me wonder what he was thinking.

"Your bed warming days are numbered, whore," he stated, mockingly. I wondered what I ever did to him. I guess hating me was a requirement to be on Tristan's good side.

"Alpha must be quite bold to let a treacherous, gold-digging whore like you into his bed. Soon enough, he'll tire of you and toss you aside like yesterday's news. But I highly doubt anyone would be interested in a person of such insignificance," he said, and I refused to keep my head down.

"Maybe you should tell him yourself," I suggested, knowing he wouldn't dare. He raised his hand as if to strike me, holding his fist in the air with a smirk.

"You don't know, do you?" he asked.

"Know what?" I inquired.

"All in due time," he replied, nonchalantly placing his hands behind his back as if he hadn't just attempted to hit me.

"Alpha has esteemed guests. You're to entertain and ensure their comfort. They're in the guest lounge," he informed me, and I swiftly pushed the laundry cart past him.

Rushing to the Guest lounge, I found Tristan already meeting his guests. I was surprised to see Beta Alec's family: his father, mother, and sister, Natasha, a pretty blonde about my age. Natasha was blushing, and I wondered what was making her shy.

"Are you just going to stand there? Serve them," Tristan's voice was harsh, but I avoided looking at him, still haunted by our earlier encounter during breakfast. I knew I wasn't in the clear.

With my head bowed, I greeted him and the others respectfully, hoping he wouldn't find fault. Old Gamma Irvin, his mate, Jennifer, and their daughter Natasha looked at me with disdain.

"What would you like to have?" I asked politely.

"I won't let you serve my daughter," Jennifer said.

"You can't trust this traitor to serve your Luna, Alpha," she addressed Tristan, and suddenly, it dawned on me. I understood the glint in Alec's eyes.

Tristan was going to mate with Natasha.

It was ironic because my father used to criticise Gamma Irvin's behaviour when I was younger, claiming he caused trouble for Tristan out of spite. I suppose, in Tristan's eyes, Irvin was still preferable to me.

"She knows better; tell her what you want," Tristan replied.

Jennifer looked as though she wanted to object but relented, "Some tea is fine."

"Yes, ma'am," I acknowledged, instructing the maids to prepare tea. Then Tristan addressed me.

"When you're done with the service, prepare a room in my home for Natasha," he commanded.

"Yes, Alpha," I replied, keeping my head down.

I realised she would be the one sharing his home.

Leaving the lounge, I went to prepare a room for Natasha. I knew I should be relieved that Tristan would have someone now and might never come to sleep in the pack house again, but I wasn't.

While I made the bed for Natasha, tears streamed down my face. I was alone, so it was okay to cry.

I remembered the look on Tristan's face when I told him what my parents required of me. He wanted me to reconsider, so he asked us to run away. I wasn't brave back then. I let him down.

I looked around the room and swallowed the lump in my chest, knowing I would be the one serving the two of them onward for the stipulated time of my punishment.

Would I be able to make their bed, clean their sheets and tend to them? Would my heart bear it?