Chapter 3: Entering the Viper’s Nest

POV: Roxana

The double doors of the pack mansion swung open, and I stepped into the grand foyer as the newly crowned Mistress. 

Magnus walked a half-step ahead of me, his heavy boots echoing loudly against the hall floor. Waiting in the center of the room was the welcoming committee from hell.

Victoria stood at the front, her arms crossed tightly over her chest and her eyes burning with pure hatred. Next to her was Celeste, the second wife, who wore a deceptively sweet smile that didn't reach her cold eyes. Behind them stood their daughters, Iris and Lyra, alongside a visibly furious Jaxon.

"So, the little stray actually thinks she belongs in the royal wing," Iris sneered loudly, looking at my torn dress. She was my exact age, but her status as Victoria's daughter had always made her untouchable in the pack. "Father, surely this joke has gone far enough."

Magnus stopped walking, and the entire room temperature seemed to drop instantly under his suffocating Alpha pressure. 

Jaxon immediately stepped in front of Seraphine, who was hiding behind him and trembling from the intense aura. Magnus did not look at his daughters; his gaze was fixed on his two wives.

"Roxana is your supreme now," Magnus announced, his deep voice carrying a lethal weight that demanded obedience. "You will bow to her, you will show her absolute respect, and you will obey her commands without question." Victoria’s jaw clenched so tightly I thought her teeth might shatter.

"Magnus, she is just your mistress," Victoria hissed, taking a step forward despite the heavy pressure in the air. "She is a child for goddess sake, she's same age as our daughters, and now you expect us to bow to an omega trash?" She pointed a manicured finger directly at my face.

Before Victoria could finish her sentence, Magnus moved with blinding speed, appearing right in front of her. He didn't touch her, but his dominant growl vibrated through the walls, forcing her to drop her hand instantly. 

"One more word of disrespect, Victoria, and I will strip your titles permanently," he warned.

Celeste, seeing the immediate danger, quickly stepped forward and pulled Victoria back by her arm. "Of course, Alpha Magnus," Celeste murmured smoothly, bowing her head deeply toward me with a fake smile. "Welcome to your new home, Mistress Roxana, we are honored to have you."

Iris and Lyra followed their mothers' lead, bowing their heads with stiff, reluctant movements that showed their true disgust. J

axon stood rigid, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned completely white as he stared at me. He couldn't believe the girl he rejected was now ruling over his family.

"Show the Queen to her quarters," Magnus commanded a nearby servant, not looking back at me as he turned toward his study. "She is to be undisturbed for the rest of the evening until I summon her to my chambers." With those final words, he strode away, leaving me alone with the vipers.

The moment Magnus disappeared around the corner, the oppressive pressure lifted, and the air became hostile once again. 

Victoria shot me one last murderous glare before turning on her heel and marching up the grand staircase. Celeste and the daughters followed her, leaving only Jaxon standing in the foyer.

I started to walk toward the servant, but Jaxon stepped directly into my path, blocking the way to the corridor. "You think you're clever, don't you, Roxana?" he whispered fiercely, his eyes scanning my face for any sign of weakness. "You only did this crazy stunt to stay close to me."

I stopped and looked up at him, feeling absolutely nothing but disgust for the boy I used to think I loved. "Do not flatter yourself, Jaxon," I said coldly, keeping my voice steady and sharp. "You are completely irrelevant to me now, and you need to move out of my way."

"You're lying," he sneered, leaning closer to my face, his breath smelling of the ceremonial wine. "You're trying to punish me by sleeping with my stepfather, but you will never survive this house, you weak little omega." He thought he still had power over my emotions.

"I am your soon to be stepmother, Jaxon," I said, raising my voice just enough to make the remaining servants look over. "If you do not step aside immediately, I will have the guards remove you for assault against the throne." The realization of my new authority hit him hard, making him flinch.

Jaxon slowly backed away, his face twisting into a mask of pure rage as he realized he had no leverage. "Enjoy your little game while it lasts, Roxana," he muttered venomously under his breath. "But remember, my mother and I run this pack, and your crown won't save you from what's coming."

I didn't answer him; I simply walked past him without breaking my stride, following the servant down the long hallway. 

My heart was pounding furiously against my ribs, but I kept my head held high until I reached my room. The war had officially begun, and I had to survive.