CHAPTER 2: BULLIED BY THOMAS’S MATE

HAILEY 

  I moved my body tiredly as I walked towards the pack house in silence; looking at the structure from afar, you'd believe the house to be peaceful and harmonious yet the house is a place haunted with atrocities and no form of rest. I walk through the entrance silently hoping to God no one wakes up as I get inside.

  All the garments in the basket were not mine yet I dare not raise a voice in objection as I packed the garments and washed, dried and ironed all. I was worse off than a maid here as all I ever did was to repeat the same cycle of cooking, cleaning, washing and running errands like a clock work.

  However, today felt different. The atmosphere pulsed with tension, an electric sensation I couldn't fully identify. The origin? Marissa Devaro. The pack had dedicated weeks to get ready for her arrival, and now she was present—Thomas's selected mate, his ideal, aristocratic counterpart. She embodied all the qualities I lacked: striking, strong, and completely merciless. The sole heir of a Billionaire Alpha who died in a plane crash alongside his Luna, making her the only successor, but her ambition for more power fuels gossip about her all around.

  Cheers echoed throughout the packhouse, and celebrations took place to honour her arrival, complete with music and vibrant flowers. Except that Marissa wasn't just a guest here for an immediate takeover, she was eager for additional power; her stories were murmured about everywhere.

  Everyone got caught up in their celebrations to welcome their Luna but immediately she arrived, an unexplainable coldness took root in the pack leaving everyone chilled and submissive yet no one dared say anything as the false air of celebration continued around us.

  Immediately she'd arrived, she'd decided to make my life a living hell, like she has a sort of vendetta against me yet despite her evil self, I continuously wondered what she could possibly gain from mating with a monster like him.

  As I moved up the stairs, I stifled my breath in the sharp silence as her voice cracked like a broken whip with harsh volume.

  "Hailey!"

  I stood still, my heart sinking as the basket trembled in my hands. Her tone was like a blade cutting grass and I could already imagine the level of trap she's probably spinning in her head to trap me in as I discover the cold blue eyes of this physically breathtaking heartless creature. Her luscious and beautiful gold hair gleamed and shined brightly in the sun as she stared in coldness at me.

  "Yes, Luna?" I whispered gently, lowering my eyes in surrender, wishing she'd lose her curiosity.

  Her lips formed a derisive grin. "You can't ever call me that, you are way too beyond us to address anyone by their title."

  I exhaled and swallowed nervously, hoping to keep Amenia in place as I took on a posture of mock submission before her. "Understood Marissa".

  Her heels echoed loudly as she intentionally took one step at a time, approaching and measuring me, eyeing me from head to toe like an unnecessary inconvenience.

  "Thomas told me everything" she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness and wicked. "Hailey Quin, unfortunate little outcast." "How unfortunate."

  Her remarks pierced, reopening past injuries I fervently attempted to conceal. I held the basket even more tightly with my nails as I tried breathing normally to keep Amenia calm to avoid trouble. 

  "What is it little outcast?"Were you hoping that Thomas will be your knight in shinning armour? Rescuing you as Cinderella and banishing me? She laughed wildly. "Oh dream on silly girl, that would never happen."

  My nail broke and I felt blood seep through my fingers as I tried to control my anger. "I do not wish to ever have him back."

  "Fine," she remarked, her grin widening. "That's good to know little outcast. As long as things remain so, your life should be fairly as manageable as it is now."

  "Yes, I understand. "

  "Yes, what is it?" She suddenly snapped at me.

  "Yes, Marissa," I replied through clenched teeth and tight fists utilising every strength in me to keep Amenia at bay.

  She exhaled and smiled widely in victory while adjusting her clothing yet even before she spoke, I waited in dread for her next level of torment. "Now, come make yourself useful. "

  She moved sharply on her heel and descended the stairs, allowing me to follow behind. My legs were as heavy as lead while I followed her down, each step burdened with annoyance and fear as I silently prayed to the moon goddess for patience.

  The dining hall is a total disaster, I had known this before she even sweetly led the way over there, this is her sort of warning and declaration of ownership and power showing me beneath her.

  "Clean this up," she commanded, waving her hand at the mess. "Wash the tablecloth by hand." That material is too fragile for the machine.

  My fists tightened, the sharpness of my nails anchoring me as I agreed. "Certainly, Marissa."

  She rested against the doorframe, observing me with a smile that felt more like a predator than a human. "I'm pleased you understand your role."

  Time went by as I continuously scrubbed and clean the whole place while holding Amenia back from snapping her pretty little neck as my body ached, and I felt sore all over my body, yet I never complain

  She came back, her expression as cold as usual, with an unhurried look as she sized me up in complete silence and nonchalance.

  "I guess this will do—for someone like you," she remarked, her words slowly stirring anger in me.

  I bit the inside of my cheek and lowered my head.

  She moved in nearer, her warm breath delivering chilling words: "Remember this always little outcast —you are nothing and you will forever be insignificant to him because he is mine."

  The words struck me like a hit, but I didn't react. I refused to. I breathed out, a calm and consistent sigh as she started to move away from me, heels tapping on the ground. I inhale and exhale soothing Amenia.

  They might ridicule me. They might attempt to shatter me. Yet they never managed to characterize me correctly. Someday, I would show them they were mistaken.

  I made sure my posture screamed submission even as I look at my shadows at the window frame knowing fully well I was no meek maid but simply keeping up the facade of a fool until it was time to go.

  I made a promise to myself; one day, they'd all realise just what they had but threw away shabbily.