Chapter 6 : Strange Feeling

Milana's POV

 

As the warm water enveloped my skin, I let out a small sigh of relief. I had dreaded the moment Maximus carried me into the bathroom, thinking he’d insist on staying. But, to my surprise, he left without argument, handing the task of cleaning me to two omegas.

 

Those two women introduced themselves when I took a seat before the vanity, then continued to work in silence.

 

They worked diligently, scrubbing away the grime of my fall and the dampness of the prison cell. One of them, Amel, was particularly shy, stealing nervous glances at me as if afraid I might disapprove of her. The other, Erna, seemed more confident, her hands quick and efficient as she washed and dried my hair.

 

Amel finally spoke after drying the ends of my hair with a soft towel. “It’s an honor to serve you, Luna,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

I blinked, unsure how to respond. “Luna?”

 

Her cheeks turned crimson as she nodded. “Yes. We’ve waited so long for Alpha Maximus to find someone. The pack has been longing for its next Luna. And—”

 

“Amel,” Erna interrupted, her voice sharp as she shot her a warning glance. “That’s enough.”

 

Amel shrank back, biting her lip. “I’m sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean to overstep.”

 

“It’s fine,” I said softly, though my heart felt heavy with their words. I was no one’s Luna. I didn’t deserve their deference, nor could I live up to the role they seemed so eager for me to embrace.

 

They finished their work quickly, brushing out the tangles from my hair before tying it into a loose braid. “You look lovely, Luna,” Erna said with a small smile before the two bowed and left the room.

 

I sat there for a moment, staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. My pale face and wide, uncertain eyes stared back at me. Was this truly my life now? The thought of being Maximus’ Luna—of living in this pack as their ruler—was both surreal and terrifying.

 

After dressing in the clean clothes they’d brought me, I walked back to the main room. The soft, inviting warmth of the room was a stark contrast to the cold cell I’d woken up in earlier. My steps felt tentative, as if the luxurious rug beneath my feet might give way at any moment.

 

A knock at the door startled me, and an omega entered with a tray laden with food. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the room, making my stomach rumble. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until now.

 

“Your dinner, Luna,” the omega said softly, placing the tray on a small table near the window.

 

“Thank you,” I murmured, though her use of the title made me uncomfortable.

 

As I ate, I allowed myself to take in my surroundings. The room was large and luxurious, with furniture crafted from dark wood and tasteful decorations on the walls. It spoke of power and authority, yet somehow, it didn’t feel unwelcoming.

 

The plush bed in the center of the room looked inviting, its soft blankets and pillows calling to me. I hadn’t slept properly in days, but the thought of Maximus wiped away any comfort I’d begun to feel. Would he come back tonight? Would he demand something I wasn’t ready to give?

 

I pushed the plate away, my appetite gone, and settled onto the bed with a pounding heart. My eyes flicked to the door every few minutes, my anxiety growing with each passing moment.

 

When the door finally opened, I stiffened. Maximus stepped in, his presence filling the room as he closed the door behind him. His gaze found mine, and I sat up straight, clutching the blanket to my chest.

 

“You look terrified,” he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he walked closer.

 

I didn’t respond, my throat too dry to speak.

 

“I’m not here to hurt you,” he added, his voice softening as he sat on the edge of the bed. “This is my room. I’m just here to sleep.”

 

Relief flooded me, though it was quickly replaced by embarrassment as I glanced around. Now that he mentioned it, the room did have a distinctly masculine feel. The dark leather chair in the corner, the faint scent of musk, and the minimalist decor all screamed Maximus.

 

He gestured toward the other side of the bed. “You can sleep there.”

 

I hesitated, my body stiff as I lay down beside him, keeping as much distance as the bed would allow.

 

“Relax,” he muttered, turning onto his side and closing his eyes. “You’re safe here.”

 

I wanted to believe him, to trust that he wouldn’t cross any boundaries. But as I lay there in the darkness, his presence so close, sleep was the last thing on my mind.

 

I woke to the sound of a door opening. My eyelids fluttered as the morning light seeped through the heavy curtains, casting soft shadows across the room. Blinking against the brightness, I turned my head toward the en-suite bathroom.

 

And froze.

 

Maximus stood in the doorway, his towering frame illuminated by the soft golden glow of sunlight. A towel hung loosely around his hips, water droplets clinging to his tanned skin as if reluctant to let go. His hair, damp and slightly tousled, fell across his forehead in a way that seemed effortlessly perfect.

 

I couldn’t help but stare. My gaze traveled over the sharp lines of his collarbone, the broad expanse of his chest, and the ridges of his abs that flexed with each step he took. I’d never seen a man’s body like this before—exposed.

 

Heat flooded my cheeks as I realized what I was doing. I snapped my eyes away, my heart racing, but the image was already burned into my mind.

 

Maximus must have noticed my reaction because a low chuckle rumbled from his chest. His deep and teasing voice broke the silence.

 

“Like what you see?”