"Scrub those shoes properly, you skunk!" Betty, my superior and most dreaded nightmare
scolded me.
She adjusted her leg on the foot stool that happened to be my bare knee while I used the hem of my skirt to clean the wine I had accidentally spilled on her, which wasn't entirely my fault—if her friend, Suzy, hadn't placed her leg in my way I would have devotedly carried the drink without spilling a drop of it like I always did.
"That's enough!" Betty retorted just when I was putting in more effort into ensuring it was squeaky clean.
"Thank you" I mumbled almost inaudibly as I got off the floor to leave.
"Hey" Suzy called, smacking bubble gum provocatively.
"How May I be of service?" I scurried to her at the plush sofa where she sat with her legs sprawled around.
"Get lost. You disgust me" she spat.
"I'm sorry. I'll leave now" I said.
I ran out of the room before I irritated them more than I already had. It was the full moon party and everyone was in high spirits, it'd be disastrous to dampen anyone's mood considering how they were all looking forward to finding their mates.
I was the only one who didn't care about these things. No, scratch that. I was the only one who wasn't allowed to think about these things, let alone get all giddy over them. That's because I was constantly reminded of my spot in the pack—a wolfless outcaste who wasn't even qualified to be tagged an omega.
The same way I didn't have a place in the pack was how I didn't belong in the hierarchy of my kind.
As I walked down the archway, almost melting into the wall with my head down just to make way for the nobles, I heard my name.
"Hurry up, Athena. We are short of servers!" A maid called.
"Not a server tonight. I'd do anything but serve these monsters" I prayed to the Moon goddess, but just like every supplication I've ever mustered it fell on deaf ears.
I scurried down the archway since there were very few people now. The full moon party was in the grand hall designed specifically for ug.
It was a mighty hall with a ballroom aesthetic and lighting, with an automated roof that paves way for the moon to showcase its splendor on days like this. While on other days it's closed off.
As I stepped into the hall, soft hum of rich conversations and subtle clinking of glasses hovered the room.
I walked brusquely, my head hanging low to avert their gaze and at the same time high enough to spot whoever needed my service.
Just as I headed toward the bar to fetch more drinks for guests, a hand from the sea of nobles seized me. I shrieked in terror, then I collapsed into the sturdy thighs of Maxwell, the best friend to Caesar.
Caesar was the son of my pack's Alpha, and Maxwell being his friend enjoyed all the perks that came with it, especially the ones his father's title couldn't give him.
"Where have you been hiding? I've looked for you everywhere" He muttered, peeking around to ensure no one was paying attention to us before fondling my boobs quickly—like anyone would care even if I was being slaughtered in front of them.
Caesar glared at us, I mistakenly locked eyes with him but quickly looked down.
"I wonder how you do it, man. Doesn't she disgust you?" Caesar's expression was that of disgust mixed with pure disdain.
"Nah. Not with that mad ass head game" Maxwell smirked.
"Meet me at the restroom after the ceremony" he whispered to me before slapping me to get off his lap.
I did as I was told, and as I walked away in shame, everyone's eyes were on me, the little whore who'd do anything to belong.
Well, that's what they always say when any werewolf sexually harasses me like this. They are quick to forget that I'm just a helpless nobody who can't say no, but they never hesitate to remind me of my place when it's time to unleash hell on me.
The seer, alongside the Alpha and pack elders trudged into the hall. Upon seeing them everyone adjusted in their seats.
Betty, Suzy and Kendra rushed in, moving to the seat reserved for them at the front gracefully.
When they settled in and the room was still and quiet, the seer mounted the podium.
"As revealed to me by the moon goddess, the fated mate of Caesar Redskins, the heir apparent to Redskins IV of Eastside pack…" the seer paused to examine everyone's faces.
I stole a glance at Caesar, then Betty.
Caesar was obviously desperate to hear who it was, not like he cared, he was just eager to find a mate and get married. It was the only way to get his father to hand the throne over to him.
Betty on the other hand leaned back in her chair with an air of pride. She knew she was the one. Hell, everyone knew it would be her, I mean, she's the only one befitting the status of Luna in the whole Eastside Pack.
"Caesar Redskins fated mate is Athena Jade" the seer announced and an uproar took over.
At the mention of my name as Caesar's mate my legs gave way and I was about to collapse to the floor when he popped out of nowhere and seized me by the throat.
"You—you nasty piece of trash" he snarled, his eyes turning crimson. "How can you be my mate?!"
He lifted my frail frame up with one hand, holding me in the air as I kicked and scratched his arms for breath. When he realized none of it was easing his frustration he flung me to the ground, a few of my bones broke the second I contacted the hard floor.
As I winced and rolled on the floor they circled around me, those judgemental eyes shooting daggers my way.
Just when I thought I had seen enough Betty pushed through the crowd, standing in front of me with her fists clenched.
"How dare you?" She growled, her teeth grinding against each other.
"No—no please" I begged before she raised her leg high and stumped me in my chest.
I coughed out blood and everyone became hazy. She did it again, and again, and again. Then my mind started to go blank, it felt like I was floating and my soul was gradually leaving my body.
No.
I can't die yet, at least not on my 18th birthday.
I'm yet to experience what it feels like to have a wolf, to shift, to rummage the woods aimlessly on random nights. Most importantly, I want to experience a mate bond.
"Please don't take me yet" I cried out to the Moon Goddess in a low whisper before I passed out.