Chapter 012

I woke up to the warmth of my bed, groggily opening my eyes to find myself in my own room. The events of the previous night felt like a dream, but the soreness between my legs and the memories etched in my mind told me otherwise.

I slowly sat up, rubbing my temples to ease the throbbing headache. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. It was mid day already, the sun shone bright into the room. How did I even get here?

A soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Astrid, are you awake?" Maya's gentle voice called out.

I recognized the voice of my personal maid. "Yes, I'm awake," I replied, my voice hoarse from crying.

The door creaked open, and Maya entered with a tray of steaming hot food. "I brought your breakfast, milady," she said, setting the tray down on my bedside table.

My stomach growled at the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meats. Maya helped me sit up and fluffed my pillows.

"Thank you, Maya," I managed to say, trying to hide my emotions.

Maya's expression was sympathetic. "You're needed in the kitchen today, milady. Cook wants you to help with the day's meals."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and dread. Kitchen duties would be a welcome distraction from my thoughts of Kael.

I stood up, wincing slightly from the ache between my legs, I felt dry and patched, slowly I walked to the shower and got into the bath, dipping myself into the soothing warm water, after a long time the water started to get cold and I shivered.

I stood up and wrapped myself in a soft robe, walking back into the room.

Maya helped me get dressed and braided my hair. "Do you need anything before I go?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No, thank you.”

“Maya." I called stopping her in her tracks,

“Yes?”

“Was Megan in the Alphas room last night?”

“She was called up one, early this morning so I’m not sure if she got in.”

I nodded, “does that happen frequently?”

A look of pity crossed her face before she nodded in response.

My heart dropped.

I nodded, again giving her a tight smile.

With a gentle smile, Maya left me to finish my breakfast before heading to the kitchen.

As I ate, my mind wandered back to Kael and the events of the previous night. Why did he stop? And what did he mean by "you're mine now"? The questions swirled in my head, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the tasks ahead.

I made my way to the kitchen, my feet dragging with each step. As I entered, the room fell silent, and I was met with scornful looks from some of the pack members.

Megan, in particular, glared at me with a mixture of disdain and triumph. I ignored her, focusing on the other people in the room.

The cook, a burly man with a thick beard, stormed over to me. "Ah, Astrid, finally decided to show up," he growled.

His tone was dripping with disdain. "You're late."

I stood tall, trying not to flinch. "I apologize, sir."

The cook snorted. "Apologies won't get the work done. You're assigned to prep duty today. Get to chopping those vegetables." He thrust a large knife into my hands.

I took the knife, trying not to tremble. "Yes, sir."

The cook turned to leave but spun back around. "And don't think for a second that your... extracurricular activities will get you out of your duties. You're still a servant, and you'll do your job."

“Yes sir,” I answered lowering my head, as it was disrespectful to look another wolf in the eyes as long as they were higher than you in rank, as for me even the cubs are considered higher than me as I haven’t seen my wolf yet.

Megan snickered, and I felt my face heat up in anger. I ignored her again, walking over to the table were very large cabbages and other vegetables were placed, I got to lifting them to the sink, one by one rinsing of the diets on their skin, and placing them back on the board, I turned all my attention to chopping them with precise, angry strokes.

The cook's words stung, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

“Chef, since she’s a servant why doesn’t she pack her things to the servant quarters I don’t think the alpha would mind” Megan said, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear without having to strain their ears.

The chef who bulky figure stood over the simmering pot of broth turned to look between me and Megan.

“Huh, That wouldn’t be a bad idea,” he spoke. “After Lunch today, leave the room you are occupying at the moment as it is for our future luna. You will now be staying in the servant quarters like the rest of them.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but it wasn’t going to make any difference. Even though I was the alpha’s s mate, he hasn’t claimed me yet as much as I’m grateful for, and I don’t think he’d like that I’m flaunting it to his pack…….and that will only work if the believe me.

I sighed, going back to chopping the vegetables in front of me, I could feel the eyes of the other people in the room, as the whispered amongst themselves.

Maya was nowhere to be found.

The kitchen went back into it’s normal bustling with activity, the sounds of sizzling meat and clanging pots filling the air.

Megan sauntered over to me, a sly smile spreading across her face. She leaned in close, her breath whispering against my ear.

"You think you're special, don't you? That Kael's interested in you?" Her voice dripped with venom.

I kept chopping, trying not to react.

Megan's grip on my arm tightened. "You're nothing but a plaything, a temporary distraction. He'll tire of you soon enough."

Her whisper grew louder. "And when he does, you'll be left with nothing. No protection, no favors. You'll be just another disposable servant."

I tried to shake off her grip, but she held firm.

Megan's eyes gleamed with malice. "You're no match for me, Astrid. I've been here longer, and I know how to play the game."

With a final squeeze, she released my arm and sauntered away, leaving me feeling rattled and uneasy.

The cook's bark cut through the tension. "Astrid, focus! You're slowing us down!"

I took a deep breath, shutting out every sound around me, it has been an act I’ve mastered and done so many times in the past to help me focus.

Just then, The kitchen door opens wide, and Sophia strode in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. "Astrid, come with me," she commanded, her voice firm.

I hesitated, looking at the cook, who nodded curtly. "Go. Whatever Sophia wants, it's probably more important than chopping vegetables."

I wiped my hands on my apron and followed Sophia out of the kitchen, leaving the tension with Megan behind.