Lyra sank deeper into the bed, staring at the ceiling in frustration. Alpha Kael had made it clear: she wasn't leaving. And now, she was stuck here, in a place she never imagined she'd be.
"This will be your room, Lyra," Gina said as she stepped into the room. Gina was the pack servant, an Omega, hired by Alpha Kael to assist her during her stay. She was the same age as Lyra but seemed worlds apart in status.
Lyra sighed, glancing around. The room was bigger than any she'd ever had, and much more luxurious. The bed was large, with plush blankets, and there was a beautiful bathroom attached. It wasn't overly extravagant, but it was elegant and comfortable.
"This is more than enough, Gina. Thank you," Lyra muttered, not knowing how to react to the kindness. It felt strange to be treated this way, like she mattered.
Gina nodded and smiled. "I will prepare your bath and clothes," she said before turning toward the bathroom.
Lyra quickly sat up. "No, you don't have to do that. I can handle it myself."
Gina paused, looking confused. "But… the Alpha asked me to serve you."
Lyra waved her hand dismissively. "Don't mind him. I can manage. And, you don't need to be formal with me. I know we're both Omegas."
Gina frowned, clearly puzzled. "But… does it matter? You're the Alpha's mate. You'll be our Luna soon enough."
Lyra chuckled dryly, shaking her head. "Don't make me laugh. That won't happen."
"But it will."
Lyra sighed, feeling the weight of her own words. She had been saying that Alpha Kael would reject her for days, but every time he didn't, it ate away at her resolve. She didn't belong here. She couldn't.
"I'll prepare your bath now," Gina said, ignoring her protests. "Please rest while you wait."
Lyra didn't have the strength to argue. She watched Gina leave for the bathroom, then dropped her head into her hands. The bed was soft, too soft compared to the rough beds she was used to. For a moment, she closed her eyes and tried to let herself relax, but it was hard with so many thoughts clouding her mind.
'Maybe I can stay here for a while, just until I figure things out,' she thought, though it felt like a futile hope.
Hours later, Lyra stepped out of the bathroom, freshly cleaned and dressed in the simple but elegant gown Gina had laid out for her. As she gazed into the mirror, her reflection seemed foreign. Her hair was neatly combed, and the dress made her look almost regal. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this... put together.
"This…" She smiled softly, a tear almost escaping her eye. "Thank you, Gina."
Gina beamed, nodding enthusiastically. "You're beautiful, Lyra. I'm sure Alpha Kael will fall for you even more once he sees you like this."
The smile faded from Lyra's face, and her stomach twisted. "I'm not sure," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "But I know I won't be living here for long."
Gina frowned, sitting down on the stool beside her. "Why do you say that? You deserve to be here."
Lyra let out a breath, her shoulders slumping. "You don't understand. This? Being a Luna? I don't deserve it, Gina. I'm wolfless. And I'm an Omega. I'm not worthy of Alpha Kael's attention."
Gina's expression softened with sympathy. "Lyra, don't be so hard on yourself. You're the fated mate of an Alpha, even if you don't have a wolf. That's not something everyone has. And it doesn't matter if you're wolfless or not. It means you're special."
Lyra shook her head. "I don't feel special. I feel broken."
Gina gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe, but I think you're stronger than you realize."
Lyra didn't respond. Instead, she stared at her reflection again, her heart heavy with doubt. But before she could say anything more, Gina suddenly stood up, her eyes bright with excitement.
"You know what? I think it's time for you to get to know the pack. I'll show you around."
Lyra blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in direction. "Really?"
"Yes!" Gina said eagerly. "I know you've been here for a while, but I think you should get to see the people you'll be living with. I'll take you out and introduce you to some of them."
Lyra hesitated but then nodded. She was feeling a little trapped, so a change of pace might help clear her mind. Besides, she had nothing else to do.
"Alright, let's go," she said, trying to muster up a smile.
The town bustled with activity as Lyra and Gina strolled through the cobblestone streets. Vendors called out, showcasing fresh produce and handmade goods. Children played nearby, their laughter blending with the hum of conversation. Lyra tucked her hands nervously into the pockets of her dress, glancing at the smiling faces around her.
"You see? Our pack isn't as bad as you might've thought," Gina said, beaming.
Lyra hesitated. "I'm not used to… this. People being kind without expecting something in return."
Gina frowned slightly but kept her tone light. "Well, you'd better get used to it. Blackmoon isn't like other packs. We take care of our own."
Lyra couldn't help but notice the sideways glances and murmurs as they passed. While most members seemed welcoming, a few watched her with barely concealed judgment.
"Not everyone seems thrilled," Lyra murmured, nodding subtly toward a group of women whispering nearby.
Gina followed her gaze and sighed. "Ignore them. Some people are stuck in their ways. They'll come around once they see how great you are."
Lyra didn't respond, focusing instead on the colorful stalls lining the street. A man selling flowers caught her attention, offering a shy smile as she approached.
"Would you like one, Luna?" he asked, holding out a delicate white rose.
Lyra froze, her eyes wide. "Luna?"
Gina chuckled and nudged her. "Take it. It's a sign of respect."
Hesitating, Lyra accepted the rose with trembling fingers. "Thank you," she whispered.
The man bowed slightly. "It's an honor to have you here."
As they continued walking, Lyra turned to Gina. "Does everyone here call me that? Luna?"
"Well, you are the Alpha's mate," Gina replied casually. "It's only natural."
Lyra shook her head. "It feels… strange. Like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not."
"You'll get used to it," Gina assured her. "Give it time."
Before Lyra could respond, a deep voice interrupted. "Enjoying the tour?"
She spun around to see Alpha Kael standing a few feet away, his towering presence commanding attention. He was dressed in a black shirt and jeans, looking more casual than she'd seen him before. Yet, there was nothing casual about the way his piercing eyes studied her.
"Alpha," Gina greeted with a bow. "We were just showing Lyra around the pack."
Kael's gaze flicked to the white rose in Lyra's hand, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I see the town's charm is working."
Lyra resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "It's… nice," she said cautiously.
"Just nice?" Kael stepped closer, his voice dropping. "I was hoping for a better impression."
Lyra squared her shoulders. "I appreciate the kindness of your pack. But I don't belong here, Alpha."
His expression darkened. "You keep saying that. Why?"
"Because it's true," she snapped, surprising even herself. "I'm not like them. I'm not strong, I don't have a wolf, and I certainly can't be a Luna."
Kael stared at her, his jaw tightening. Gina looked between them nervously before stepping back.
"You underestimate yourself," Kael said finally. "And you insult the bond we share."
Lyra clenched her fists. "I'm just being honest."
"So am I," he replied, his tone firm but not unkind. "You're my mate, Lyra. That's not something I take lightly."
"Then why did you let me wander the streets with everyone staring at me like I don't belong?" she challenged, her voice rising.
Kael's eyes softened, catching her off guard. "I wanted you to see what you're a part of now. You belong here, whether you believe it or not."