LUNA’S SECRET

Marcus had woken up the moment she started trying to escape and held onto her for a heartbeat, wondering if he should let her escape or not before letting her go. He laughed at her clumsy attempt not to wake him and went back to bed as soon as he heard the door to her room shut and her shower start running.

Luna threw in a simple gown and raced to the kitchen, she knew she was late and had no excuse that would be valid, considering her friend was no longer a servant in the kitchen they would miserably be short staffed and they had a lot of mouths to feed even though most people would be leaving today to go back to their pack. They still had to prepare and serve breakfast and maybe lunch. 

She was still weak but feeling a lot better than yesterday, she got to the kitchen, She received a stinky eyes from the other omegas and a loud scolding from the chef telling her not to expect breakfast and admonishing her for spilling wine on the alpha, and then coming late for work, tears spilled from her eyes usually suck things didn't get to her but for some reason it did today maybe because she missed Erica.

They chef brought five bags of potatoes and handed it to Luna ordering her to peel them all , Luna gasped at the size of it but said nothing, she knew it was an impossible task but speaking up would do her no good so she quietly began peeling the potatoes while the other girls probably green with envy that she had fainted and the alpha carried her kept gossiping her not caring that she was there, and heard every word and it hurt.

The kitchen was dimly lit, the sound of pots clattering faintly in the background. Five young women Sarah, Mia, Jenna, Claire, and Olivia huddle near the kitchen, their voices a mix of hushed whispers and spiteful laughter as the house keeper and other omega's looked on completely delighted by they fact that Lauretta was being humiliated.

Sarah: Did you see Luna today? She looked like she the whore that she was, the alphas kept toy, maybe she thought he would be marrying her after her little acting.

Mia: (laughing) Oh, you mean her ridiculous attempt to snag herself an alpha? Pathetic. She thought Marcus would actually choose her, just because she fainted.

Jenna: (rolling her eyes) As if. He probably just used her like the rest of the males in the pack.

Claire: Honestly, she should take lessons from Erica. That witchy slut managed to snag herself a beta, didn't she? Maybe Luna needs a crash course in spellcraft.

Olivia: (sneering) Spellcraft? More like cheap tricks. Erica's "witchcraft" won't last. When it wears off, she'll come crawling back to us like the beggarly omega she is.

Sarah: And when she does, we'll deal with her. Can't let her forget her place.

They burst into mocking laughter, completely aware that Luna was completely aware of everything and cutting sweet potatoes as the knife cut into her skin severally, tears streaming down her face. She wondered why they were being so callus as she clutched her apron tightly, her chest heaving with silent sobs. As she turns to leave, to take a restroom break, anything to get away from the toxic atmosphere, the door behind her creaked open. The laughter stops abruptly as Alpha Marcus strides in, his commanding presence making the room fall silent.

Alpha Marcus: (coldly) What's going on here?

The girls freeze, immediately bowing their heads in submission. Luna wipes her tears hurriedly but doesn't lift her eyes still extremely shy from the fact that she shared his bed and her naked bosom had literally been on his chest.

Sarah: (stammering) N-nothing, Alpha. We were just

Alpha Marcus: (cutting her off) Save your lies. I heard enough from outside.

The girls exchange nervous glances, their confidence replaced with fear.

Alpha Marcus: (turning to Luna) Lauretta, is this how you've been treated?

Luna: (sniffling, voice shaking) I... I don't want to cause trouble, Alpha.

Alpha Marcus: (firmly) You're not causing trouble. They are.

He glares at the group, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

Alpha Marcus: As of today, Lauretta is being promoted to the role of a doctor's assistant. She will no longer work with the likes of you, in fact she would be above you all.

The girls' eyes widen in shock, but none dare to speak.

Alpha Marcus: And as for you five... you will each spend the next week cleaning the packhouse from top to bottom and still perform your duties in the kitchen. Alone. No help, no breaks. Maybe that will teach you to keep your mouths shut and stop bullying others.

Murmurs of protest bubble up, but Marcus raises a hand to silence them.

Alpha Marcus: (sternly) If I hear so much as a whisper of disrespect again, your punishments will be far worse. Do I make myself clear?

The Girls: (in unison) Yes, Alpha.

Marcus turns back to Luna, his tone softening.

Alpha Marcus: You deserve better, Lauretta. Don't let their jealousy and pettiness dim your light. Report to the clinic tomorrow morning. 

Luna nods, tears of gratitude mingling with the ones of sadness, she made to return to peeling the potatoes and Marcus snapped leaves them, take the rest of the day off and he made sure to leave the room with Luna by his side, without another word, his presence lingering like a storm dissipating. 

The girls, now pale and shaken, exchange uneasy glances before silently resuming their tasks. Luna was silently relieved, her heart a little lighter knowing she wouldn't have to endure their cruelty anymore and she had gotten to where she wanted to work without having to do anything about it, she sent a silent prayer to the moon goddess that her new work place would not be as toxic and she would make friends if possible.