chapter 2: Jane

Jane's POV

I don't like the blood moon festivals because it leaves the whole house in chaos. Unfortunately, today is just the second day and we have one more day to go.

Every corner of the house buzzed with activity, footsteps echoing across the hallways, trays clinking loudly, servants dashing back and forth like headless birds. Festival season was always like this, hectic, exhausting, and never-ending but blood moon festivals were the worst.

I’d barely gotten four hours of sleep in two days. And now, the floor sparkled from my fifth round of mopping, my back ached, and the head maid had just asked me to take fresh towels to the guest wing.

Still, I kept going because people like me don't have a choice. We have to work hard to earn our keep.

But since last night, my mind has not been working well.

Last night something happened. Or maybe it didn’t happen. Maybe it was a dream because how would Alpha Liam, the aspiring president, offer me a job? A man with stormy eyes full of pain and history. I remembered the way his voice sounded in my ears. How he asked him to lay beside him until he fell asleep.

I laid beside him because I had no choice. I was scared that he might report me to Alpha Theo.

Then I woke up this morning in my own room with zero sign of him, like it never happened.

I wasn’t looking for him because his appearance screams danger. The blood moon was enough trouble, I don't want to add Alpha Liam to the list of my troubles.

I was lost in my thoughts until I heard the sharp crash of glass hitting tile, followed by the sound of it shattering.

I winced and slowly, I turned toward the source of the mess.

“Mia,” the name sounded like poison.

Mia is the girlfriend of alpha Theo. She wasn't his fated mate but she was glued to his like a pet. He likes her too with what I see them do but alpha Theo was another breed of a man. Well, they make a perfect couple because Mia was a different breed too.

Her red dress hugged her body too tightly for comfort, and her red lip stick was so much that you would think she dipped it into blood. In her hand, the stem of a now broken wine glass. And on her face was a smug, satisfied smile.

She had done it on purpose, even a kid could tell.

I tried to turn back to my business but Mia is just Mia, another incarnate of trouble.

“You,” she said with mock innocence. “Clean it up, maid.”

I took a deep breath, biting down on the irritation rising in my chest. “Mia… you know I just mopped that place.”

“And so?” she shrugged. “If I say clean, you clean.

“Don’t complain, just obey. That's your work, maid,” she said, laying emphasis on the last word.

I dropped the mop and straightened up, looking her in the eye. I wasn’t looking for trouble, but I wasn’t a doormat either. I have the right to defend myself especially if I'm being bullied.

“What if I say I’m not cleaning it?” I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible. “You created the mess… on purpose. You should clean it.”

Her smile dropped. Her eyes flared with challenge.

“What did you just say?” she spat

“You heard me clearly, Mia.” I answered with a calm voice.

“Look at you,” she hissed. “Feeling all mighty lately. You think you're special because of that crap the moon goddess said? That you’re the true mate of Alpha Theo?”

My stomach twisted when she said it. I've never for once considered myself as alpha Theo's mate despite the moon goddess confirmation. Who wants to mate a maid with no origin?

“That has nothing to do with this,” I said firmly. “I’m not even running after him like you do.”

Her nostrils flared as anger etched on her baked face. “Are you trying to say I’m throwing myself at him? Are you insinuating that I'm a cheap whore?”

“I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth, Mia,” I said, defending myself.

“You’re a lowlife,” she sneered, stepping closer. “You don’t know your place. I can see it in your eyes that you’re looking for a way to seduce Alpha Theo. But I swear, I won’t let it happen. It won’t work, Jane.”

I folded my arms. “I’m not interested in Alpha Theo. I’m not concerned about any prophecy. I just want a peaceful life. That’s it.”

“Liar,” she spat. “Who doesn't want to be the mate of one of the most powerful alphas in the North?”

“I don't want to be,” I said.

“Liar,” she repeated. “Girls like you pretend to be humble, but deep down, you’re desperate. Pathetic little thing.”

The words stung, but I refused to show it. I don't want her to have the satisfaction that she hurt me.

“If you’re done, can you leave me alone? I have work to finish,” I said, keeping my voice even.

But she wasn’t done. She had time to bully me but she didn't have time to get a proper job that would keep her busy.

“No,” she said. “I’m not done with you. And I'm not going anywhere until you clean up the broken glass. With your bare hands.”

My eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind?” I snapped.

“Oh, now you have a voice?” she laughed, her tone sharp and cruel. “You think being the Alpha’s so-called fated mate gives you the right to talk back?”

“With or without the prophecy, as a member of this pack, I have the right to talk. It is called freedom of speech. And I'm telling you to clean up your mess because I won't do it for you.”

“Wow,” she said with a scoff. “You are full of surprises, ain't you?”

Before I could respond, a voice cut through the hallway like a blade.

“What did I hear you say?” the familiar voice echoed through the walls. And the air changed instantly. It became cold and still. Mia and I turned at the same time.

Alpha Theo stood at the end of the hallway, towering and furious, his eyes locked on Mia. He wore a black shirt rolled up at the sleeves and dark blue slacks, looking like a storm on the verge of erupting.

“I don't like to repeat myself,” he said, this time, his eyes were on me.