19. The Packhouse

Max

The next fewdays were agony. The thick scent of lemon drops followed me everywhere I went.

I reported to duty every day hoping to see Demi, but she never showed up. It made sense that she had to resign as the Luna's maiden. Omegas didn't work in the packhouse. Hell, omegas didn't work anywhere. They were too weak, unable to defend themselves or their kin. They belonged in their homes, safe from the outside world.

But I still hoped I'd see Demi, even for just a moment. Every night, I lingered near her bedroom window. She never came out, keeping her window closed and her curtains drawn.

I just wanted to see her. I needed to know that she was okay.

"Good morning, Max." Florence ambled down the hall.

I held my breath, hoping Demi would join him, but just like every other morning this week, she didn't appear.

"Good morning." I nodded as Davon opened his bedroom door, greeting both of us. I should have followed Florence inside, but I stayed put, staring at the wall across from me.

"Dammit." Demi's tense voice made my ears perk.

I opened my eyes wide, staring at the end of the hall. "Please, be here," I said under my breath.

And then she appeared.

Demi looked as stunning as ever, rushing down the hall in a cream-colored dress. It didn't belong to her. It was one of Calia's. Demi used to wear long, flowing gowns with detailed embroidery, but I was sure the material was too much for her sensitive omega skin.

"Good morning." I tucked my hands behind my back, praying she'd stop and talk to me. But she didn't even glance my way, before disappearing into the bedroom.

I followed her, staring at the long braid that fell down her back. My beast wanted me to wrap my hand around it and force her head back. He wanted me to bite her neck nice and deep, marking her as mine.

"Max." Davon beckoned me to his desk.

I marched straight to him, forcing my wolf to focus. "Yes, sir?"

"You needed these, My Lady?" A young chambermaid stepped into the room, carrying a massive pile of clean blankets. Calia thanked her, and the beta rushed past us to put them away.

"Last week," Davon continued in a hushed tone, "I sent a few letters to some of the other villages, informing my family of my mother's failing health." He glanced past me, and I was sure he was looking at Calia. I wanted to turn and look at Demi, but I couldn"t move a muscle without abandoning my position and running off with the beta...omega.

"Yes, sir?" I said, pulling Davon's attention back to me.

The Pack Alpha's dark eyes slid to my face, seemingly broken from the trance his mate held on him. "Yes." He cleared his throat. "I'm expecting visitors over the next few days. Some distant cousins, and my youngest sister's mate from Hund Valley. They are hoping to pay their respects before my mother passes."

I nodded, dreading the fuss it would create in the village. We didn't have much cause for celebration here, so any change to routine tended to cause a bit of chaos in the town square.

"I don't want Calia leaving the packhouse grounds." Davon narrowed his eyes, his expression very serious. "I'm hoping she won't fight me on this, but I'm not willing to risk her health while in such a delicate condition."

"Yes, sir." I gave a bow, then started to turn, desperate to see Demi's face.

"And Max," Davon grabbed my arm, whispering, "Find out why Demi is here." His gaze flickered past me. "I was under the impression her status as an omega was definite. If it is, she's not fit to be Calia's maiden anymore."

I understood his logic. I really did.

If the packhouse was attacked, Demi would more than likely fall into a catatonic distress, unable to protect Calia or her pup. But I had no idea how to explain that to Demi. I wasn't even sure if it was my place anymore.

Davon asked a few more questions about the packhouse security, then he left to start his day.

I turned back to the room, disappointed to see Demi was gone. Her citrus scent drifted from the washroom, telling me she was inside with Calia. Not sure what to do with myself, I walked back to my position in the hallway, standing at attention.

"Max?" Florence popped out of the bedroom. "The Luna is lying back down. She's especially tired."

"Of course." I kept my expression blank, trying to hide my disappointment. I wanted to sit downstairs, where I could see Demi and listen to her talk to Calia.

"Wait!" Demi jogged out of the room, carrying an empty teapot. Her cream-colored dress kicked up around her knees, and I noticed for the first time that she was barefoot. Omegas didn't care for shoes anymore than alphas did, but it was still odd to see her without them.

"I'm going to get Calia some tea to help her rest," Demi said. "Do you want anything from the kitchens?"

"You were late this morning." Florence planted his hands on his hips. "Let's not settle into old habits." He gave her a pointed look, and I swore Demi smiled. "I was starting to like the new and punctual Demi."

"Omegas need to be home." The chambermaid stepped out of the bedroom. Her arms were loaded down with a giant basket of soiled clothes and towels. She looked right at Florence, speaking as if Demi didn't exist, "Omegas simply can't do things like a beta does. They have no dedication to the work, and need constant care. Our kind are better at these things."

Anger bloomed in my chest, and my wolf paced. He didn't like the idea of anyone telling my omega what she could or couldn't do.

"Omega Demi is fully capable of performing her duties as she was before," I said, staring down at the chambermaid. The beta shrank at my harsh tone, ducking her head. "Her change in status doesn't mean anything."

Demi pulled in a sharp breath, her jaw clenched tight.

"To be fair," Florence ignored Demi's reaction, glaring at the young chambermaid, "omegas are poor at manual labor because they have a level of class that you could never understand."

"Now really!" the chambermaid huffed, frowning. "I'm sharing facts while you hurl insults."

"Are you saying Luna Calia has no dedication to the pack?" Florence's voice rose, his tone clipped and his bright eyes narrowed. "Some of the strongest beings I have ever known have been omegas, and I won't let you talk down to Demi simply because her dynamic has changed."

The chambermaid's cheeks burned bright red as her mouth pulled into an angry pout. I could tell she wanted to rage at Florence, but he outranked her by quite a bit.

"I suggest you get downstairs and concentrate on your own work." Florence motioned to the basket in her arms. "Keep your opinion on omegas to yourself, unless you want to be washing socks for the rest of your days."

The chambermaid let out an angry squeak, but she didn"t say a word as she marched off. Her heels clacked on the hardwood floors, leaving behind an angry cloud of emotion in her wake.

The second the girl disappeared, Demi turned on Florence. "I don't need you fighting my battles for me," she said, completely ignoring me. It made my wolf growl and pace. He needed her attention like we needed air to breathe.

"Don't be too flattered." Florence straightened his burgundy tie. "I was just stating a fact. Luna Calia is a mighty force. And while you aren't nearly as impressive, you have your good traits too."

Demi snorted loudly, rolling her eyes. "Oh, Florence." She let out a quick laugh. "I swear you have no other purpose than huffing about and making chambermaids cry." She tightened her hold on the teapot. "Try not to be an ass to Calia while I'm gone." Then she marched off.

My wolf whined and wallowed as her footsteps faded. He was desperate for her to come back. But it seemed the omega was still too angry with me. I couldn"t figure out why.

"What's going on between you two?" Florence looked me up and down. The steely look in his eyes made me bristle. "You two normally joke together and, after what I saw the other day…" He trailed off, giving me a very pointed look. "I can only assume you weren't discussing packhouse security. That is what you do. Isn't it?" His blue eyes flashed, and my claws pushed hard at my fingertips. "Protect the Luna no matter the issues in your personal life?"

"You're an awfully bold beta," I glared at him, eyeing his bald spot down to his shiny shoes. But I still couldn't help but like Florence. He didn't suffer any fools. He'd make one hell of an alpha.

"I'm not being bold." Florence crossed his arms. "I'm just concerned about you two being distracted at work."

"What the hell makes you think I'm distracted?" I flashed my fangs, reminding the beta who the dominant one was.

Florence slowly turned his head, looking past me. "What may I help you with, My Lady?" He bowed and I jerked.

Calia smiled up at me, her presence a complete shock. The slight creature walked right up to my side, and I didn't even notice.

"Ma'am." I bowed low, deeply embarrassed at being caught off guard.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I'm too restless to sleep." Calia covered the slight curve of her belly. The pup inside her seemed to be growing very fast. It was a good sign. It meant a strong babe and a healthy mother. "I think I'd rather sit in the garden."

My wolf perked, hopeful that we'd be able to get Demi alone for a few movements while Calia strolled through the garden.

I immediately cursed the beast, forcing him to focus on the Luna, and not Demi. But the niggling feeling wouldn't leave me.

I just needed to know what I did wrong.