Chapter 4: The Servant's Wing

The room was barely larger than a closet. Elena stood in the doorway, Maya sleeping in her arms, and stared at what would be their new home. A narrow bed pushed against one wall. A single dresser with a cracked mirror. A tiny window that looked out onto the loud air conditioning units.

​The Luna Suite was three floors above them. Elena had seen it once, five years ago. That suite had huge windows, a fireplace, and a tub big enough to swim in. This room had peeling wallpaper and a bathroom the size of a phone booth.

​"It'll do," Elena said quietly.

​A sharp knock made her turn. A woman stood in the hallway—about sixty, with gray hair pulled into a tight bun. She wore a plain black dress and a look that was cold and mean.

​"Mrs. Gable," the woman said. She didn't offer her hand. "Head Housekeeper. The Alpha has asked me to make sure you understand the rules."

​"Of course." Elena shifted Maya's weight. Her daughter's skin still felt warm, but the fever had finally broken.

​Mrs. Gable stepped into the room without being asked, her sharp eyes checking everything. "You'll wake up at five-thirty. Report to the kitchens at six to help with breakfast. You'll eat with the other servants," she said the word like it was dirt, "and then you'll do whatever jobs I give you."

​"I thought I was here to care for Maya."

​"The child," Mrs. Gable corrected coldly, "will have a proper nurse during the day. You'll see her in the evenings, if your work is done. The Alpha wants her cared for by people who are capable, not—" she looked at Elena with disgust, "—not someone like you."

​The words hit like a slap. Elena's wolf snarled, wanting to put this woman in her place. But Elena had no place. Not anymore.

​"I understand," she said quietly.

​"Do you?" Mrs. Gable moved closer. "Because I served the previous Luna for thirty years. And then you—a rankless omega thinking you were better than you are—tried to get into a position you didn't belong in."

​"I never asked for any of this—"

​"No, you just ran off with a secret and now you're back to use that child to get a life you don't deserve," Mrs. Gable said with a mean smile. "But the Alpha is smarter than that. He saw through you. And now you're exactly where you belong—scrubbing floors."

​Elena's hands shook. Maya moved in her arms, sensing her mother was upset.

​Mrs. Gable's face softened just a little at the sound. "The child will be cared for. She is Blackwood blood. She will have everything she needs."

​Except her mother, Elena thought.

​"Your uniforms are in the dresser," Mrs. Gable said, moving toward the door. "Black dress, white apron, hair tied back. No jewelry. No makeup. You represent this house now." She paused. "And stay away from the Alpha. He has made it very clear that he doesn't want you near him."

​The door closed with a click. Elena stood in the tiny room and finally let herself shake. She refused to cry. She’d cried enough over Xander Blackwood.

​"Mama?"

​Elena's heart stopped. She looked down. Maya's eyes were open—bright green and clear. The fever was gone.

​"Baby." Elena’s voice cracked. She sat on the narrow bed, holding her daughter close. "Oh, baby, you're awake."

​"I had bad dreams," Maya said in a small voice. "Where are we?"

​"We're... somewhere safe," Elena said, smoothing Maya's hair. "Somewhere the healers could make you better."

​Maya looked around the tiny room. "It's small."

​"It is."

​"Are we poor now?"

​Elena’s throat closed. "We're going to be okay, sweetheart. I promise."

​Maya snuggled closer. Then, she whispered: "Where is Daddy?"

​The world seemed to stop. Elena had told Maya stories about a father who lived far away, but she had never used his name.

​"How did you—"

​"I can smell him," Maya said, her nose wrinkling. "He smells like trees and smoke. Like... home."

​The door swung open. Xander stood there. He’d changed into dark pants and a white shirt. His hair was still damp from a shower. He looked powerful and in control.

​Until he saw Maya.

​For just a moment, his cold face softened. He stared at his daughter like she was a miracle. He reached a hand out, then pulled it back.

​"Hi," Maya said, studying him. "Are you my daddy?"

​Xander’s throat moved. "Yes."

​"Mama said you lived far away."

​"I did." His voice was rough. "But you're here now. In my territory."

​Maya wiggled, wanting to get down. "I'm Maya. I'm four. I can turn into a wolf but Mama says I'm not supposed to unless it's an emergency."

​A tiny smile touched Xander’s mouth. "That's good advice."

​"Are you a wolf too?"

​"I am. A very big one."

​Maya’s eyes went wide. "Can I see?"

​"Later, maybe—"

​"Xander." A new voice, smooth and cold. "You've been gone for hours."

​A woman appeared in the doorway. She was beautiful, with blonde hair and a dress that looked very expensive. Diamonds sparkled on her neck. Her pale blue eyes looked at Elena and dismissed her instantly.

​"So this is the little stray you brought home, Xander?" Katerina’s smile was fake and sweet. She moved into the room and put her hand on Xander’s arm.

​Xander didn't pull away.

​"Katerina, this is Elena and Maya," he said. "Elena will be staying as Maya’s nanny."

​"How sweet," Katerina said, looking at Maya. "The child is pretty enough. She’ll need proper training, of course. We can’t have her acting like a rogue."

​"She's four," Elena said through her teeth.

​"Exactly. Old enough to learn how to behave." Katerina smiled. "I'm sure you know the rules? We run a very tight ship here."

​Maya pressed closer to Elena, sensing the woman was mean.

​"Well, I'll let you get settled," Katerina said. She turned to Xander, her voice becoming soft. "Dinner is in an hour. Your mother is expecting us."

​Us. Xander nodded. He looked at Elena for a second, his eyes unreadable. Then he turned and walked away with Katerina.

​The door closed. Elena sat in the tiny room and finally understood. She wasn't just here to be a servant.

​She was being kept here so she had to watch him with someone else.