The morning sun illuminated Katherine's face as she stretched, yawning away sleep. Slowly rising from the bed, she rubbed her eyes and sat up, feeling a slight soreness. Glancing beside her, she noticed the absence of Alpha Riccardo.
"I hope he's not upset with me," she murmured, getting out of bed and slipping on fluffy slippers before heading to the bathroom. Catching her reflection in the mirror, a smile played on her lips—transformed from an unwanted omega slave to the Luna of a powerful pack.
After washing up, she donned a simple black gown. Stepping out, she found two maids at the entrance, heads bowed.
"Good morning, Luna. Breakfast is served," one maid announced, and Katherine nodded, inquiring about Alpha Luciano's whereabouts.
"He has already left for work, Luna," came the response. Nervously biting her fingernails, Katherine followed the maids to the dining table. Her jaw dropped at the sight of a lavish spread.
"Is someone else joining me?" she asked in surprise.
"Not at all, Luna." the maid replied.
"Seems a bit excessive, a waste of food," she muttered, cutting into the chicken breast. After a taste, she smiled, "This is delightful."
Completing her breakfast, Katherine strolled around the pack house premises, surveying the surroundings.
"Milady!" Esther bowed her head as one of Alpha Luciano's concubines came in.
As Alpha Luciano's first concubine, known as the First Lady, she addressed Katherine with a cold tone, "You must be the omega who sold herself to Alpha Lucinao." Katherine lowered her gaze under the scrutiny.
"Luna, this is the First Lady," Esther introduced.
"Just to make things clear to you," the First Lady stepped closer, her voice cutting. "I don't like you, and I won't rest until you're dragged out of this pack. Low life." She withdrew, offering a fake smile.
"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of leaving anytime soon," Katherine asserted, holding her head high. She refused to let others perceive her as weak and became a target for bullying.
"I'm here by Alpha Lucinao's choice, and I won't let anyone dictate my place in this pack," she declared with a calm voice.
The First Lady scoffed dismissively, "You can play the defiant omega all you want, but you won't last long here. Know your place." With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving.
As the First Lady departed, the surrounding maids exchanged subtle glances, acknowledging the tension in the air. Katherine took a deep breath and turned to face the maids.
"Ignore her, Luna. She's always been like that," one of the maids whispered to Katherine, offering a reassuring smile.
"Alpha Luciano has concubines?" Katherine questioned, feeling a bit hurt.
"Yes, he does. I'm reassured you know there have been Lunas before you," Esther said, and Katherine shook her head, narrowing her eyebrows.
Esther leaned in, her tone sympathetic. "Don't let the First Lady's harsh words get to you, Luna. It's a challenging position, but you're not alone. We've had other Lunas facing similar trials."
Katherine nodded appreciatively, "I appreciate your support, Esther. Why does she dislike me so much?"
Esther sighed, "The First Lady is possessive and protective of her status. She sees any newcomer as a threat. It's not about you personally, but rather the challenge to her position."
Katherine frowned, "I never intended to challenge anyone. I just want to fulfill my role and contribute positively." She lied.
"Leave this place immediately!" She heard Alpha Lucinao growl and turned.
"Huh, Alpha Lucinao?" She mumbled, narrowing her eyes to see who he was talking with.
"I won't move an inch until Katherine goes with me!" The moment she heard Alpha Klaus's voice, she smiled brightly. Hopefully, he will come to take her back to the pack.
Without a second thought, Katherine rushed to the spot. The moment she laid eyes on Alpha Klaus, her eyes brightened.
"Get inside now!" Alpha Lucinao retorted.
"Not an inch, Katherine. You're coming with me," Alpha Klaus declared, holding her hands, and Alpha Lucinao coldly stepped back.
"Kat, you belong with me," Alpha Lucinao stated coldly, his gaze piercing. Ignoring the tension, Katherine hesitated for a moment, torn between the two Alphas.
Alpha Klaus tightened his grip, determined, "She stays with me, Lucinao."
"Why doesn't she make her choice?" Alpha Lucinao smirked as Katherine withdrew her hands, caught between both Alphas.
"I..."
"She doesn't have a choice; she's mine." Not waiting for her response, Alpha Lucinao pulled her away. "Leave, your time is ticking. I don't mind killing you here." His jaw clenched.
Alpha Klaus departed, and Katherine's heart raced; she longed to leave with him, despite being a maid in her pack.
"Next time I say something, you obey. Do you understand?" He tightened his grip on her neck, and she gasped for air.
"Yes... yes, Alpha."
"Good." He patted her hair before letting go. "To your room now."
His mobile buzzed abruptly, and he lethargically picked it up. Observing it was an unfamiliar number, he contemplated ignoring it, but the persistent caller persisted until the fourth attempt, prompting him to answer.
"Ugh, why did it take an eternity to respond to my call?" His jaw dropped upon recognizing the familiar voice.
"Elijah?" he uttered, glancing around.
"Did you miss me? Let's catch up today," Elijah suggested, and Alpha Lucinao scoffed.
"I'm occupied, no time," he retorted, on the verge of entering indoors.
"Don't lie, you're currently idle. I wouldn't mind detonating your cars," Elijah chuckled, his tone icy. Alpha Lucinao halted, hands tucked into his pockets.
"Where are you?" he inquired.
"Somewhere nearby," Elijah replied before ending the call. Alpha Lucinao ran a hand through his hair, then checked his wristwatch.
He exhaled deeply before leaving for his car. He entered inside and drove off speedily.
After half an hour's journey, he arrived at the restaurant, an inviting haven. Spotting his long-lost brother, a smile adorned his face.
"You arrived earlier than expected," Elijah remarked, and Alpha Lucinao nodded.
"I'm always punctual," he replied, savoring his ice cream.
"But not for Rebecca," Elijah noted, and Alpha Lucinao shot him a look.
"Keep her name out of your mouth, you rascal!" He began licking the ice cream. "This is delightful. What flavor is it?"
"What if it's poisoned? You might keel over in the next few minutes," Elijah quipped, his tone dripping with rudeness.
Alpha Lucinao smirked.
"You wouldn't dare," he retorted, pushing the remaining ice cream towards Elijah. Elijah wiped the spoon on his suit and continued indulging in the dessert.
"Why summon me? I was actually occupied," Alpha Lucinao questioned.
"I heard you tied the knot with an omega. Aren't Alphas supposed to settle for nothing less than a princess or Luna of a pack?" Elijah taunted, lighting a cigarette.
Alpha Lucinao forcibly took a drag." Children shouldn't be smoking!" he exclaimed, tossing the cigarette away.
"My wedding is none of your business, Elijah, and now for the second time, why have you called for me?" He raised his eyebrows.
"To share a little secret with you, brother", he smiled deviously.
SILVER FANG PACK, THE FOLLOWING EVENING
As night descended, the sun receded, and a brisk breeze swept through the pack house, Alpha Luciano rested. His door creaked open slowly, and despite sensing a dark aura, he found nothing.
Noticing his closed window now ajar, he closed it before leaving the room, summoning Beta Damien.
"You summoned me, Alpha," he said, arriving with a glass of whiskey.
"Yes, I did. I had a troubling dream," Alpha Luciano shared, expecting a response.
Narrowing his eyebrows, he pressed Beta Damien, "Didn't you hear what I said?"
"Keep it down. I wasn't in your dream. Don't devour me whole," Beta Damien hissed.
"You bet I would." He licked his canine, and Beta Damien swallowed nervously.
"So, in your dreams, what exactly happened?" Beta Damien asked, relaxing in his seat.
"I don't know... it didn't really feel like a dream. Someone was in my room, and when I woke up, I didn't see anyone!" He sighed.
"Feeling unwell? Maybe you need a royal doctor," Beta Damien suggested.
"So now you're calling me a pup who doesn't know when he's sick?" He growled.
"I'm not saying—"
"Shut up!" He rolled his eyes. "Why on earth are you so clueless and unsupportive?"
"Unsupportive? We've been friends for twenty years, and you still don't find me supportive? I was there for you when you got bitten by a snake, when your grandma died! The day you saw your—" Alpha Luciano silenced him, rolling his eyes unnoticed.
"Enough!" He shouted, looking around. "You are supportive, but right now, you're not helping at all!" He retorted, and Beta Damien smiled.
"Let's call the Witch. She might have answers to the Eclipse, strange dreams, and all the peculiar things happening to you," Beta Damien suggested, and he nodded slowly.
"Okay, which witch do we call for?" He asked, and Beta Damien cleared his throat, staring at him.
"We don't have a choice right now, but I still think we should call Lilith," he said and moved backward.
"What? Lilith? Never!" He yelled. "I won't invite that manipulative, selfish, seductive serpent into this pack."
"Alpha, are you, by chance, scared?" Beta Damien asked, knowing it would upset him.
"Scared? Of a little witch? How dare you say such a thing! I could get you beheaded for that!" He raised his voice.
"Luna has returned!!" The maid shouted, and Alpha Luciano raised one of his eyebrows.
"Did she run off again? How can someone be so childish?" hissed Beta Damien.
A subtle knock echoed on the door, and both turned simultaneously. "Who's there?"
The door swung open, revealing the Old Luna named Rebecca. She stood before them, a hint of weariness in her eyes.
"Rebecca, is that you?" Alpha Luciano stammered, disbelief evident in his eyes.
"Yes, it's me, Rocco. It's me," Rebecca mumbled, tears rolling down her eyes.
Beta Damien's jaw dropped as he observed her. For the past five years, they never stopped searching for her. Luckily, she's back, but the question lingered – how?
Alpha Luciano enveloped Rebecca in a tight embrace, reluctant to release her.
"I missed you so much. Never disappear on me ever again," he whispered, and she nodded, sniffing in.
"I waited for you for so long," he cupped her face and kissed her tenderly from her forehead to her eyes, lingering on her lips, savoring every moment.
Beta Damien excused himself instinctively, sensing the intimacy in the air.
"All these years, I waited for you. I'm glad I'm back," she cried, and he gently kissed away her tears.
"It doesn't matter anymore. I'm just glad you're back," he said, pulling her into another comforting hug.
Rebecca clung to Alpha Luciano, her tears staining his shirt. "I never wanted to leave, Rocco. I thought I'd lost you forever," she whispered.
Alpha Luciano stroked her hair gently, his voice filled with emotion. "You're back now, and that's all that matters. We'll figure out everything together."
As night descended, Alpha Luciano and Rebecca strolled around the pack house, Rebecca delighted to find her flowers thriving. "You cared for them," she remarked, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I never stopped watering them; I know how much you love flowers," replied Alpha Luciano, causing Rebecca to blush deeply.
"Alpha?" Katherine's smooth voice emerged as she stepped out from the backyard. Standing before them, her gaze immediately caught Rebecca tightly clinging to Alpha Luciano.
"Who's she?" Rebecca inquired, and Alpha Luciano locked eyes with Katherine, responding, "Not someone you should worry about."
"What?" Katherine met his gaze, and suddenly, his obsessions seemed to vanish, treating her like any other.
"I don't like her; she should leave the pack house immediately," Rebecca declared. Katherine furrowed her eyebrows.
"Why should I? And who are you to decide about such?" she countered, arms crossed.
"I should be asking you? Who are you?"
"I'm the Luna of this pack," Katherine asserted.
"Lies, because I'm Luna and wife of Alpha Luciano, the only Luna of the Silver Fang pack." Moving closer, Rebecca made Katherine step back, fear registering on her face.
"What?"
"Enough, let's return to the house. I'll explain everything," Alpha Luciano intervened, attempting to grab Rebecca's hand, but she pulled away.
"I want her taken away from this pack right now!" Rebecca ordered, and Katherine looked at Alpha Luciano, afraid she would be cast away once again.
Katherine spoke with a hint of defiance, "I won't leave without an explanation. Alpha Luciano, you owe me that much."
Rebecca scoffed, "Explanation? You were just a placeholder, a temporary Luna while I was away. Now, step aside."
Alpha Luciano sighed, trying to ease the tension. "Rebecca, let's discuss this calmly. Katherine deserves an explanation, and we need to understand each other."
Rebecca shot a cold glance at Katherine, "Fine, but make it quick. I don't have time for unnecessary drama."
As they walked back to the house, Rebecca kept a distance from Katherine, making it clear she wasn't welcome. The air was thick with unresolved tension.