Playing the Role

LYRA

Zane walked into the room with maids following behind. They didn’t spare me a glance as they placed some clothes, shoes, jewelry and styling products carefully on the bed.

“What is all this?” I asked 

“We are going to the Annual charity gala babe, have you forgotten already?” He asked sweetly and my brows furrowed in confusion. 

“Will you excuse us for a minute?” He said and the maids quietly walked out of the room. 

“What is this about a gala? I haven’t seen you all day and now you want to drag me along to God knows where like I’m your puppet?” I asked and his face darkened. 

“You keep forgetting your place, Omega, do I need to carve it into your skin?” He stepped closer and I gasped as his scent filled my nostrils. 

“You are mine to command and claim Omega. You gave yourself to me the moment you signed the contract. So you’ll do as you’re told. No question asked, do you understand?” He growled, his eyes dark with dominance.

“Yes, Alpha.” I whimpered with my neck bared to him. 

He gave me one more warning growl and walked out of the room.

I felt uncomfortable as I tried to pull the dress up to cover my boobs but nothing was working. I felt so exposed as the gown tightly hugged my body with my boobs slightly exposed and my thighs exposed by the slit.

“What are you doing?” Zane growled as he glared down at me from the door.

“This is too much. I can’t go out wearing this” I said with an exasperated sigh and his face darkened as he walked closer to me and pulled me into his chest. 

I yelped as his hands wrapped around my neck and pulled my face up to look at him. “If you’re going to pretend to be mine, you must look like you belong to an Alpha. Keep your head high and don’t fucking disappoint me.” He growled and the sound sent shivers down my spine.

“Only if you’ll keep your hands off.” I spat back and I gasped as his hands tightened slightly.

“Don’t push your luck Omega. Everyone will see you on my arm tonight. They need to know who you belong to.” He whispered dangerously low and I shivered as his face took on that blank look again.

“You’re a Luna, stop acting like a sloth and get moving.” He spat and walked out of the room. 

I gritted my teeth, my chest rising and falling like I’d just survived a storm. My fingers shook as I adjusted the dress again. It was still too tight. Too revealing, but I didn’t have a choice. 

“Don’t mess this up.” He whispered as he wrapped his hand around my waist. I wanted to snap but I couldn’t as shivers wrecked through my body. 

“Smile like you love me and don’t you dare leave my side.” He whispered as we stepped through the doors of the large hall. My steps faltered as I took in the large crowd of people. They were all dressed extravagantly and I felt so out of place. 

I felt like a defenseless kitten surrounded by wolves but I refused to allow them to see me as someone that is weak and easy to pick on. I was Luna and I’ll not act otherwise.

I straightened my posture and flashed a dazzling smile to him as we walked deeper into the hall. Eyes followed us and I felt so self conscious but I knew not to act on my feelings out here. 

“You got this Lyra. Just act like you are walking down a busy street.” I thought.

“Is that an Omega?” 

“Is something wrong with my sight? Pinch me, Mae I must be dreaming!” 

“Zane Kingstone with a plus one?” 

“What an odd pairing.” 

I refused to back down as we were stopped by a group of people. I felt overwhelmed just by being beside them and I felt like disappearing when the chatter died down as all eyes fell on us.

“Zane, you finally decided to join us.” A woman said in a clipped voice as she looked at me from head to toe. It felt like she was studying me and a part of me wanted to shrink myself and hide behind him.

“Yes mother, I had to wait for my mate to finish getting ready.” He said and gasps resonated around us.

“Your what? Why am I just hearing this? How?” The woman asked in shock.

“We met two days ago, Mother and you know how exciting a new bond is. I couldn’t take my hands off her and even now I can barely stand her being outside with so many people.” He sounded so sincere as he stared at me with a gentle smile.

“Mother, meet Lyra, my mate.” He said and I gave her a sweet smile. 

Her face looked stiff but I didn’t allow it to bother me. “Hello, ma’am. It’s lovely to meet you.” I said softly.

“These are the elders of the pack along with their spouses.” He pointed to the other people and I bowed my head politely.

Others looked at me with interest, some with scorn, and his mom looked like she wanted to snatch me away from him. Like I was the dirt beneath the shoes.

“I’ll bring her to your home one of these days, mother. For now I have some people to meet.” He said and dragged me away.

It felt like a rollercoaster of fake smiles and laughter as he dragged me from one table to another, showing me off like a trophy.

“Excuse me,” I whispered as I tapped his hand that was wrapped around me. 

“Yes?” 

“I need to use the restroom,” I whispered so only he could hear.

“What did I tell you about not sticking by my side? Make it snappy.” I shivered as his breath hit my ear. I didn’t wait a second longer as I walked away from him.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked towards the empty hallway that led to the bathroom. My mind was reeling, I felt drained from all the interactions and whispers. 

I could feel the heated eyes that followed my every move and I was glad I could finally take a break from it all.

I gasped as I felt myself being yanked into the hallway beside the bathroom. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Gem sneered and my heart started beating rapidly.

“You look like you were having a hard time playing pretend little Omega, tell me are you always so good with faking smiles and trying to fit in or is it all because of him?” Her grip tightened around my arm and I winced.

“Let go. You’re hurting me!” I said as I started struggling to get out of her hold. 

She chuckled. “I fucking warned you to stay away, didn’t I? But you like playing with the big wolves so I’ll just have to show you your fucking place!” 

My eyes widened as she raised her hands to slap me. “What is going on here?” A low voice growled.

I looked up expecting to see Zane but I saw someone entirely different. He moved with such grace and elegance that it felt like the air itself reacted to him.

“What are you doing holding her like that Gem? Have some fucking respect for the Luna and step away from her.” His voice was stern and yet I could hear a softness to it. 

“Sorry Alpha.” She muttered, retreating without another word.

I stared at him in shock as he gave me a gentle smile and offered me his hand. It felt like I was in a trance as I stretched my hand to hold his. 

His eyes were a soft blue color, a big contrast to his all back appearance. Everything about him screamed danger but I felt at ease standing with him.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

He tilted his head slightly, studying me like I was something delicate he didn’t want to break. “What are you doing, hiding in the hallway when everyone is waiting to meet you?”

A small smile tugged at my lips. “I just needed a moment. It’s… a lot.”

His smile deepened, and something flickered in his eyes. “Come. You don’t have to face them alone.”

And somehow with his hands in mine, I believed him.