Chapter Two

Anita Pov

Obviously, one of the cliques laughing, were Nora's friends and they are fond of bullying me all the time, just because they have the back of Nora, who is Ethan's Mistress.

Jennifer started moving closer to me with a smirk on her face, and I know it's for their usual insults and downgrading.

I straightened my face and looked at her eyeballs as she kept coming, and when she got closer, she paused. 

"Look at the poor little omega," one of them jeered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thinking she could actually have a chance with an alpha. What a joke."

Another girl joined in, her laughter piercing my ears. "Did you really think Ethan would choose you over Nora? You're delusional, Anita."

Their words stung, each insult a sharp reminder of my lowly status. I tried to keep my head down, focusing on my tasks, but their taunts continued, relentless and cruel.

"You should be grateful he even talked to you," another sneered. "An omega like you doesn't deserve even that much."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them see me cry. I couldn't show any more weakness. The laughter and mocking words seemed to echo in my mind long after they had walked away, leaving me feeling even more isolated and humiliated.

My legs became heavy and I stretched my back on the wall, slid down and sat on the floor in deep tears. 

"Anita, what's the problem? Why are you sitting on the floor?" I heard a voice from the back which most likely would be my friend and colleague, Maya. 

With my teary eyes, I shifted my gaze to her. Seeing my mood, she quickly bent and embraced me tightly. 

I and Maya became friends right from the first day I was dragged here after the tragic death of my parents who was killed by the Alpha king, Lucas. 

Even though everyone turns against me, I know Maya wouldn't do that. She was the purest soul I've ever met. 

"Ani what happened? Aren't you supposed to be happy, today is your birthday." She said as I continued sobbing and sniffing on her body. 

"I've found him but he rejected me immediately." The terrible experience with the way Ethan came close to me with red eyes, hit me and tore me into several pieces, making my sob increase further. 

"What? Don't mind that fucking maniac. He's so full of himself. Please don't take this to heart." She said, patting my back. 

 ……

Today is the Coronation day and also the day, Ethan would be choosing his mate. Although, having been haunted by his rejection yesterday, I didn't faze about it. 

Everyone in the Hall was busy, some decorating the hall, others taking instructions from Madam Maggie. 

I cleaned the sweat beads in my face and carried the large flower vase to the table, where the Alphas would be sitting. 

After placing it there, I used a damp napkin I took from the kitchen and cleaned the dust on it, so I won't come the second time. 

While cleaning, I tried to lose myself in the routine, hoping to avoid any more confrontations. But luck was not on my side. Nora, sauntered in, a wicked smile playing on her lips.

"Well, well, well, if it isn’t the pack’s favourite omega," she said, her tone mocking. "Still cleaning tables, I see. Guess that’s all you’re good for."

I kept my head down, trying to focus on my work. But she wasn’t going to let me off that easily. She walked closer, her presence oppressive and menacing.

"You know, Ethan told us all about your little encounter," Nora continued, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "How he rejected you so thoroughly. Must be so embarrassing for you."

I could feel the heat rising to my face, my hands trembling as I scrubbed the table. I wished I could disappear, but there was nowhere to hide.

"Look at you," she said, her voice full of disdain. "Still trying to pretend like you matter. Newsflash, Anita: you’re nothing. You’ll always be nothing."

Her words cut deep, and I struggled to keep my tears at bay but the humiliation was overwhelming, and I could feel the eyes of the other pack members on me, judging and laughing.

"Why don’t you just give up?" Nora said, her voice cold. "Everyone knows you’re worthless. Just accept it and stop trying to be something you’re not."

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. The pain and shame were too much. I focused on the table in front of me, scrubbing harder as if I could scrub away the hurt. But the words stayed with me, echoing in my mind. 

"Have you seen a pig become friends with a lion? Have you?" She closed inches between us, bending to look at my eyes. 

"Raise this naughty head up you sly!" She pushed my face up but I struggled to maintain it down and what followed was a hot slap across my cheeks. 

"I said raise this fucking head of yours right now!" With teary eyes and burning cheeks, I raised it to look at her since I have no say in opposing her as she has a higher rank in this pack. 

Nora's family are well known here, her dad is the former beta of this pack and that makes her from the beta ranking of werewolves.

While my family has the lowest ranking(Omega) in the world of wolves. We are usually treated as slaves or captives who are pushed to fight at the war front. 

"You better mind the way you seek to mingle with my property in this pack or else, I will make you pay dearly for it. Do you hear me?" She thundered and I flinched, nodding quickly. 

As Nora turned to leave, her smug smile still plastered on her face, Ethan strode in. My heart sank at the sight of him. His presence filled the room, and I could feel the tension rising. Nora stopped in her tracks, clearly pleased with what was about to unfold.

"What's going on here?" Ethan's voice was cold and authoritative, sending a shiver down my spine. He looked at Nora, then his gaze fell on me, filled with contempt.

"Just giving our dear omega a reality check," Nora said sweetly, a hint of malice in her eyes. She glanced over at Maya, who had been standing nearby, trying to look busy.

"Maya, come here!" Nora commanded, and Maya hesitated before stepping forward. My heart started pounding in my chest but I know Maya, she is my friend; surely, she would defend me.

"Tell me, Maya," Nora's voice still dripping with sarcasm, "Isn't Anita just as useless and nothing as we all know she is?"

Maya's eyes flickered with fear as she looked at me briefly, then lowered her gaze. "Yes," she said softly, "Anita is... she's nothing."

My eyes widened in shock as she said that. Maya, betraying me? Impossible!

It took me some time to realize that I've just been betrayed by my best friend. The betrayal cut even deeper than any words Ethan or Nora could ever say. My best friend, my only ally, had just denounced me. 

Ethan's lip curled up in a smirk, filled with disgust as he approached me, blocking my gaze from Maya, "You again," he sneered. "Why am I not surprised?"

I bent my head down, not daring to meet his gaze. The humiliation from yesterday was still fresh, and I know this was only going to make things worse.

"Did you honestly think you could hide here?" Ethan's voice was sharp and mocking. "You’re just a stain in this pack, Anita. A dirty, unwanted stain!"

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. My hands were trembling from Nora's cruel words, joined with Anita's betrayal and now, Ethan's. 

"I don't know why you even bother showing your face around here," he continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "You should be ashamed of yourself. You disgust me."

Nora watched with a satisfied smile, enjoying every moment of my torment. I felt completely trapped, unable to escape their cruelty.

"Listen to me, and listen well," Ethan said, leaning closer, his face inches from mine. "When the ceremony starts, I don't want to see your pathetic face anywhere near it. Understand?" I nodded quickly. 

He straightened up, his eyes still burning with anger. "If I catch you anywhere near the ceremony, you'll regret it."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, shattered and humiliated. Nora followed him, throwing one last spiteful glance over her shoulder.

As I stood there, tears streaming down my face. The world seemed to be crumbling before me, and I couldn't hold back my sobs any longer.

Suddenly, I noticed a shadow behind one of the kitchen doors. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized my best friend, Maya, hiding there. Her eyes were wide with fear and guilt, and it was clear she had witnessed everything. She had seen my humiliation, my pain, and yet she chose to betray me. 

I had always thought Maya would stand by me no matter what, but here she was, cowering in the shadows. The realisation that even my best friend couldn't muster the courage to defend me made the pain all the more unbearable.