#5 When the New Moon Falls
Chapter 4

Austyn

Alpha Victor returned home with his daughter who had a surprising announcement. The packhouse was a buzz as the servants prepared for the arrival of the Full Moon pack’s Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Goddess knows who else.

“Austyn, the Alpha wants you in his office.” One of the other maids said, passing me in the kitchen.

“What? Why?” I asked. She just shrugged and got back to work. I grumbled to myself and pulled off my gloves, stuffing them in my pocket as I went to the Alpha’s office.

“You wanted to see me, sir.” I said, looking at the ground as I stood in front of Alpha Victor.

“I know that you were mated to my son.” He said. I blinked in shock,

“I don’t know….”

“Don’t lie to me!” Alpha Victor bellowed, grabbing my chin forcibly.

“He asked me not to tell.” I mumbled against his grip.

“And I want to make sure that you are clear on the consequences if you do.” Alpha Victor growled.

“Y…yes, sir.” I stammered.

“No one can know that my son was mated to you.” He spat. I nodded my head quickly.

“You have nowhere to go anymore, Austyn, you’ll never escape this pack. I think it’s high time you accept that and learn your place.” Alpha Victor shoved against my face, pushing me away.

“I…I don’t understand.” I gasped, rubbing my jaw.

“You might be a pathetic, wolfless girl. But, you have blossomed into quite the beauty.” Alpha Victor’s voice changed, his expression growing dark. I stumbled backwards, my back making contact with the wall.

“A…Alpha Victor.” I squeeked.

“I know my son rejected you. I had suggested he keep you as his….pet but he declined. I suppose he has someone else in mind for that.” Alpha Victor stalked me like a predator to its prey.

“P…please, Alpha.” I knew my lip was quivering just as my hands were shaking and tears were brimming my eyes.

“Oh, I like when you beg.” Alpha Victor sneered. He was inches from me now, his hand moving towards my face. His greasy fingers caused a chill to run down my spine,

“Don’t worry, time is short tonight. But, I’ll be back for you. Your talents are wasted as a housemaiden.” Alpha Victor’s eyes trailed my body, making me squirm uncomfortably.

I held my breath, repelled by his scent. Mercifully, he backed away. He motioned towards the door and I ran out of the room, as far away from Alpha Victor and his gaze as possible.

The tears immediately began to stream down my face as I stumbled blindly around the packhouse. I ducked into one of the hidden pathways that allowed the staff to travel the house without being seen. I quietly closed the door disguised as a bookcase and sobbed in the darkness.

I will admit to hating every moment of my existence, even when I was in the hell hole that was the all girls boarding school the Alpha and Luna sent me to. But, this was a new low, even for me.

When there were no tears left to cry, I dried my face with the back of my hand and straightened my shirt. I pushed open the door but wasn’t careful enough. I stumbled right into another body.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” I gasped, covering my mouth and steadying myself. I ducked my head, avoiding eye contact so as to not offend the person any further.

“Are you okay?” An unfamiliar voice asked. I snuck a peek upwards and studied the person in front of me.

“I…I’m fine. I should have been paying more attention. I’m sorry.” I mumbled. The man was tall, like all the other wolves I’ve met. He had shaggy blonde hair and blue eyes.

“You really just came out of nowhere.” He chuckled deeply. I blinked at him, startled by his expression.

“I’m sorry, please forgive me.” I said again.

“Hey, honestly, it’s fine. Are you alright?” The man asked.

“Yes.” I nodded.

“Are you…sure?” He looked at me with an odd expression.

“Yes. May I go please?” I asked, already running late. The man looked even more startled,

“Uhm…I guess….”

“Thank you.” I bowed my head in submission and scurried off down the hallway.