2. Through the Packhouse

Demi

Alphas are simple creatures.They fucked everything, fought like savage beasts, and bragged every chance they got, but not Max. He was quiet for the most part, and slow to anger. I had seen Calia push his buttons many times, but he never snapped or snarled.

Glancing over my shoulder, I stole a quick look at the alpha. Max walked with purpose, keeping his attention focused on Calia's back.

My wolf liked the look of the alpha, and I couldn't blame her. Max was a very handsome man. His black hair was short, buzzed at the sides with a few inches of length on top. His one good eye was dark brown, and the other was pure white. When his beast moved through him, his entire damaged eye would glow a vibrant red. Coupled with the deep scar on the alpha's cheek, it made him look fierce and wild, like he was the kind of alpha that would sacrifice his whole body to defend what was his.

He was simply fascinating.

"Careful, My Lady." Florence rushed ahead of Calia helping her down the last few stairs. He held out his hands as if she might pitch forward and fall on her face any second.

"I'm more than capable of making it to the dining room without holding your hand," Calia said warmly. She had known Florence for most of her life and was used to his fussing. I found the beta to be quite obnoxious, but he seemed to truly care for Calia. So he wasn't completely horrible.

"Of course, My Lady." Florence stood to one side, letting Calia pass him. I gave the beta a wide smile, and he scowled. "I'm not in the mood, Demi," he mumbled under his breath.

"I didn't say anything," I said as I stopped at the foot of the stairs.

Max marched past us, following Calia. A swirl of his oaky, warm scent washed over me. My wolf kept her attention on the alpha, while I tried to figure out why Florence was so on edge.

The second Max disappeared deep into the Packhouse, Florence's head snapped to me. He edged a little closer, whispering, "You didn't notice?"

"Notice what?" I asked, mimicking his hushed tones.

"The Luna's scent." The older beta cut a wild look around the entryway, making sure we were alone. We were always alone.

There were many guards that patrolled outside the packhouse, but inside we only had Calia's personal guards to keep us company. This place was nothing like our old, vibrant village. Casin was too small. Too drab. I missed Hala.

"I think the Luna is…" Florence sucked in a quick breath, then mouthed, "...ill."

"She's sick?" I asked far too loudly, making the beta flinch, then frown.

"Keep your voice down, woman," he snapped, whipping his head in one direction then the other. We were still alone.

"My apologies," I said, hoping to keep the beta from spiraling into a complete meltdown. But the wispy white hairs around his ears were already standing on end. "She didn't act like she was sick," I point out. "A little tired, but taking a knot can be exhausting."

Florence's eyes closed at my crass words, curling his fists tight. "Her scent was off," he spoke with a stern voice, clearly annoyed that I hadn"t noticed. I was used to it. Florence was always annoyed with me. "Did you seriously not notice the Luna's aroma when we entered her room?"

I shook my head, hoping he couldn"t tell I was embarrassed. The truth was, I couldn"t smell anything outside of alpha cum the second we entered the upstairs corridor. I couldn't concentrate on a damn thing the whole time we were in her room. It was gross and wildly inappropriate given it was Alpha Davon"s scent that was distracting me, but I couldn't help it. It had been seven months since I felt the weight of a mighty alpha on top of me. I went from having sex multiple times a day, in every position possible, with the most lovely she-alpha to the longest dry spell of my life. And while I had zero interest in Davon, that didn't make it any easier for my wolf to smell his dirty sheets ten seconds after he came.

My poor beast was just so restless…and lonely.

Maybe it was time for me to move on from Casin.

"Luna Calia smelled sharp," Florence's tight voice cut into my thoughts. "Maybe even spicey?" He shook his head, clearly not happy with his choice of words.

"She looked happy and bright," I said, hoping to ease his worry. "I'm sure she's fine."

"Omegas have very delicate systems," Florence snipped. I would have been annoyed with the beta if it hadn"t been for the deep worry flowing off of him. "I understand an omega's body was made for an alpha, but I find the bruises Davon leaves on her body to be very concerning." His voice dropped, less hushed and more tender. Maybe even sad. "I just worry about her."

"Omegas are stronger than they look," I said, fighting the urge to tell him that Calia probably loved those bruises, as well as every inch of painful pleasure Davon gave her. "Even if Calia is sick, she's going to be okay." I patted his arm, smoothing my hand down the beta's cream-colored shirt. I admired the pearl inlay buttons and matching cufflinks. Florence really was an impressive dresser—all he was missing was a smoking jacket to match his stiff slacks. But he had stopped wearing jackets last summer. The packhouse was far too stuffy, even in the winter. No air flowed in or out of this damn building.

"I don't want to be rude." Florence's tone told me he was absolutely going to be rude. "But you don't actually know anything about omegas. You didn't study?—"

"Actually, I have been studying." I cut him off. The beta's brows shot up and his eyes went wide, but I couldn't tell if it was from shock or disbelief. "I know I didn't receive a proper education on how to be a Lady's Maid," I held my head high, determined not to feel bad for being gifted such a prestigious position. "But I take my job seriously."

Florence narrowed his eyes, pressing his lips into a firm line. "Really?"

"Yes, really." I planted my hands on my hips. "You are extra pissy today," I said, glaring right back. I wanted to tell the valet that I had been staying up very late, reading up on how to be a proper Maid as well as packhouse etiquette. While I still had a lot to learn, it was hard to find many books on the subject. The library here was lacking.

"I wouldn't be so pissy if you'd actually wake up at a decent hour," Florence said flatly.

There was just no making this man happy.

"See?" I said with far too much sass. "Pissy."

Florence groaned loudly, rolling his eyes. "You know, if you let your wolf out once in a while, maybe you wouldn"t feel the need to attack me."

Cold shock ripped through me, and my mouth fell open. "I'm…" I licked my suddenly very dry lips, "...I'm not attacking you," I whispered, praying he wouldn't mention my wolf again.

"Seriously, Demi." Florence's voice edged softer, kinder. "We've lived here for a while now, but I've never once seen you shift during the full Moon. I know this is a dangerous area, but it's not healthy for a beta to keep their beast contained. You have to let her out."

Heat spread across my face as Florence continued to lecture me. I knew in my heart, he had no idea it was my deepest shame, but I still hated him for bringing it up: I couldn't shift. At all.

Not once in my life had I been able to shift into my wolf.

In my teenage years, it caused a lot of worry for my mother. She arranged all kinds of appointments with healers and witches. Each one promised to fix me, and every single one failed. There was simply nothing that could be done. I was locked in my human form, never able to embody my beast. There was a time when all I could think about was what a pathetic excuse for a beta I was, but not anymore. After all, omegas couldn't shift into their beasts either, and they were as impressive as any alpha or beta.

"I get it." I cut Florence off as he droned on about wolf psychology and the advantages of shifting. "I'm the pissy one."

Florence stopped mid-sentence and his bright blue eyes went wide, shocked by my outburst. "Fine." He turned on his heel, marching straight into the belly of the packhouse. "Hurry up. We have a long day ahead of us," he said, his temperament fixed and his voice stiff once again. "And try not to get the Luna worked up."

It took everything in me not to point out that I never got Calia worked up. I simply listened to the omega, then provided my best advice when she asked for it. It wasn't my fault that he always hated what I had to say.

Florence pushed open the dining room door, not bothering to hold it open for me. But before it could slam shut in my face, a big hand curled around the edge, then pulled it open. Max's striking face came into view, and I instantly smiled.

"Thank you, Alpha." I bowed my head in thanks, and he nodded. So quiet. I wondered what the big alpha was thinking when he was standing all alone. Did his mind wander? Was he bored? I would be.

"No." Calia scrunched up her nose in disgust as a plate of eggs and bacon was set in front of her. "May I have some toast instead?" She looked up at the service beta, pleading with apologetic eyes. "I'm so sorry. I just can't do a heavy breakfast today."

"Of course, Luna." The beta removed the plate, then quickly rushed around the long oak table, back to the kitchens.

"Everything okay?" I asked, taking my seat next to Calia. The plush red cushion sunk as I settled. "Not in the mood for eggs?" Florence's worried eyes met mine, before setting intensely on the omega's face.

"Not today." Calia rubbed her stomach, adjusting the blue sash tied around her middle. "I feel tight."

"Tight?" I asked to make sure I heard her correctly. A server moved to my side, placing my usual cup of coffee and oatmeal in front of me. The black liquid steamed as the warm aroma filled my lungs.

"Yes." Calia glared at my drink, clearly not happy with it either. I moved the cup to my other side, far away from her. She was acting so oddly. "I feel tight. And restless." Deep lines settled between her brows, almost as if she didn't understand either.

I take a quick look at Florence, but he looked just as confused as the rest of us.

"Are you in pain, My Lady?" Florence leaned toward her, lowering his voice. "Was Alpha Davon…" he swallowed thickly, clearly working up the courage to finish his question, "...was he…um…" The beta's mouth hung open, his mind not allowing him to say anything else.

"Was he what?" Calia urged him to speak. She always welcomed an honest opinion. It was one of the many reasons I liked her so much.

"Was he…" Florence licked his lips and closed his eyes. He looked like he was about to take a blade to the gut.

Understanding what the poor beta was trying to ask, I placed my hand on Calia's and whispered, "Was Davon too rough with you this morning?"

Florence's bright blue eyes snapped open. But instead of looking at me with disgust for such an undignified question, he stared at Calia, waiting for her answer.

"Too rough?" A smile lifted Calia's soft features and she laughed. "Oh, my. No!" She placed her hand on mine, squeezing affectionately. "Davon is always very respectful," her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in, "even when giving me his knot."

I bounced my brows up and down, urging her to say more. But I knew Calia too well. She'd save that kind of improper talk for when we were alone.

"I'm just feeling a little off," Calia said as a simple plate of toast and a cup of black tea was set in front of her. The omega gasped with excitement, beaming up at the maid. "Thank you so much."

"Of course, My Lady." The service beta bowed low, then retreated to the corner of the room.

"Perhaps a walk around the garden would make you feel better." I picked up my coffee, taking a small sip. The hot liquid spread across my tongue, warming my belly and settling my worry. Nothing in this land was as good as coffee. Not even a cock.

"That sounds lovely." Calia sighed, taking a big bite of her toast. She hummed as she chewed, clearly very happy with her plain breakfast.

"Ma'am?" Max spoke up from his station next to the door. It was unusual for him to talk during meals. Hell, it was unusual for him to talk at all. "Alpha Davon would like for you to stay inside today."

"Inside?" Calia tilted her head to one side. "Davon didn't mention that to me."

"He spoke with me before leaving for the day, My Lady. He asked that you stay inside today."

Calia's dark eyes narrowed, almost angry. "Did he say why?"

"It's not my place to ask, My Lady." Max bowed his head respectfully. He looked so official in his pressed green uniform. The thin material clung to his muscular arms and chest, making my wolf whimper.

My goodness, I thought, annoyed with myself. I need to get laid.

"Surely, the Pack Alpha didn't mean for his mate to sit in a parlor all day," I said, hoping to get some fresh air too. "The spring sun is healing," I pointed out to Max. "And while the roses won't be in bloom for a few more months, there"s a path of daffodils that are on the verge of blooming."

Max kept his face blank of any emotion, continuing to speak softly. "I'm so sorry, Beta Demi. But not today."

Calia slumped in her chair, crossing her arms. "I sincerely doubt my mate meant I couldn't leave the packhouse. Surely he meant the grounds."

"He was very clear, My Lady," he said in a gentle tone. His expression was so delicate. Soft. It was very different from when he spoke to the other alphas or staff. "Davon said not to leave the packhouse."

Calia's tiny body went tight as she sat tall. "Where is he?" She glared around the room as if she could see through the walls. "I need to speak with him."

Max bowed his head again. "Alpha Davon had business outside of the packhouse today."

Calia let out a frustrated growl. "So he told you to lock me up, then he ran off?" Her voice rose and my brows shot up. Calia was a feisty omega, but she was never aggressive with the staff. She was polite and calm…most of the time.

"My Lady," Florence spoke up with a gentle, calm tone. "I'm sure Alpha Davon?—"

"This is ridiculous," Calia snapped. Her face flushed and her hands curled into tiny fists. I cut another worried look at Florence.

Her reaction was so out of character.

Maybe she was sick.