chapter 17

Mira's POV.

My blood ran cold. Ellen would take it to the Alpha? Why has my life been so damn unlucky? First, it was my father pressuring me to kill my mate, and now Ellen is pressuring me to explain the content in the vials.

Life was beginning to tire me. All I ever wanted was love, not endless trials. What could I say to escape this mess? Besides, Ellen is just the head cook; if matters escalate, I could get Mama T to make her give it to me.

“Can you be quick with your answer!” Ellen snapped impatiently. “I don't have all day, not all of us are jobless like you are!”

Her words irked me, and I flipped out.

“Then go to hell, and give me back my pouch, you evil witch,” I angrily signed, stubbing my foot on the floor in frustration. I wished I could speak aloud and curse her. I was tired of being pushed around and intimidated.

“What did she just say?” Ellen asked, amusement in her eyes. She found my hand gestures funny, and it frustrated me that I couldn't speak.

I had never felt so humiliated in my entire life until today. Why wouldn't my tongue and throat work when they were perfectly structured?

“I…… s….” I forced out the words, but it only came out like wordless stammering.

“Did the mute just try to speak? I believe she just said, 'I. Am. Stupid. And. Can't. Speak…..' No, wait a minute, did the mute just sing? I believe she did.”

The room erupted with laughter once more, and I desperately wished for the floor to swallow me whole. Shame and embarrassment washed over me as I struggled to comprehend how they could find joy in my suffering.

And the worst part? A wave of nausea hit me, threatening to bring me to my knees. I was supposed to be in my room resting and recuperating not dealing with horrible swine.

A tear escaped my eyes and that only made them laugh harder. “Oh she's about to cry.”

“That's enough! You should all be ashamed of yourselves for ganging up on a defenseless girl. What kind of people are you?” Cole's face contorted into a deep scowl as he pointed at them, then turned to Ellen. “How could you be so wicked? You all know she can't speak, but you expect her to answer your questions, how is that possible? You, of all people, should know how it feels to be in her position.”

His words piqued my curiosity. What could be the story behind his conviction? For a fleeting moment, Ellen looked away, her eyes reflecting remorse as if she felt ashamed, but the expression vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a steely glare.

“Stop trying to make us sympathize with her. If she won't answer my question, l’ll toss it into the fire!” She spat.

“Thank you very much,” I gestured towards the fireplace, my voice icy calm as I gestured toward the fireplace. “Please, go ahead. Remove this weight off my shoulders.”

Relief washed over me. If she were to toss it into the fire, I wouldn't have to worry about the Alpha discovering its contents. As for Father, I could simply tell him it had been lost.

The worst he could do was kill me—an Idea I welcome. I'd rather face death than live in hell as the Alpha's killer. That would be killing two birds with a stone.

My relief didn't last for long as Cole said, “Then be prepared to answer to the Alpha, I'll take this matter to him myself.” he said. Startled, I stared up at him, mouth wide opened in shock.

What?

“You idiot, please let the matter go. Ellen is giving me a way out and you're ruining it. Ruining me.” I gestured to him, palming my face in frustration. I was tired and about to faint any minute from now. I need this matter to be overrrr.

Of course he took it as a go-ahead. “Do you think he'd be happy to see you treating her this way?”

“Ypu think that scares me, scares us? Everyone in this pack knows the Alpha hates her more than he hates Rogues. Why do you think she is the lowest maid in this pack?” Ellen said cruelly, each of her words sending a dagger to my chest. They knew of my shame and rejection.

It hurts!

“Do you think he cares about her, anyone can kill her and Alpha Navier wouldn't even bat an eye as she takes her last breath.” Ellen continued. “He can never accept her, not when he already has a mate. Not this whore.”

At that point, I have had enough of being the weakling, of being lorded over like a fucking doormat.

Smack!!!

I slapped her hard on the face with the last strength I had in me. I felt drained and dizzy now but it was totally worth it.

“You dare slap me?” Ellen screeched, raising up her hand to land a slap on my face when a loud earth shattering growl boomed through the room.

“What the hell is going on here!”