Page 38 of The Alpha Wolf's Bullied Bride

“Maybe it’s 'cause you’re Luna now,” Valerie grins from ear to ear, and I playfully slap her arm.

“Let’s not make a big deal of it, okay?” I giggle.

“Is that why you’re here, at the center? ‘Cause it’s not a big deal?” Valerie hums.

“Eloise appreciates that I still want to be a part of pack activities,” I say, leaving out the part where her son, the Alpha, ordered me not to be here. What does it matter, anyway? He can't expect me to be cooped up in his house all day, just awaiting more emotional blows as if I'm his personal punching bag. “I don’t see the need to act as if I’m royalty now,” I add.

“Technically, you are,” Valerie objects with a huff, when suddenly she looks past my shoulder, eyes growing wide. She murmurs through her teeth, “And you shouldn’t have to deal with this.”

“Oh, look who it is!” Cynthia’s voice sings from behind me.

I throw Valerie a look of apprehension before gulping and turning around.

I'd known the moment would come when I would have to face them—Cynthia in particular, armed with her lackey, Gloria, by her side.

“The Luna of Blood Moon!” Cynthia chimes when I turn to face them, a huge smile plastered on her face. She dips her head, almost like a bow, keeping her eyes on me.

“It’s an honor to be in your presence, Luna Lila,” Gloria adds, her voice laced with sarcasm.

It’s so thick, I can almost taste it in the air. I know I shouldn’t feel unsettled, but I can’t help it after everything I’ve faced at their hands.

I have to remind myself that I am the Luna now—a privilege that means I won’t have to suffer anymore. Perhaps it’s just the post-traumatic stress that has me cowering, but I give little away when I smile at them.

“You don’t have to pretend,” I offer politely. “I do not take my position as an advantage over anyone.” I lift the spoon in front of my face. “That’s why I’m still here.”

Cynthia and Gloria glance briefly at each other. “You’re too sweet, Lila,” Cynthia pouts. “It’s only a shame that you had a very private ceremony. We would have loved to be there.”

“It was a rushed affair,” I explain, glancing at Valerie, who wears a cold look of wariness. “The Alpha needed to complete the ritual to go ahead with pack dealings.”

“I see…” Cynthia nods slowly, her eyes narrowing when they flicker to my neck. “Though he hasn’t completed the ritual, has he?” she presses as she cocks her head to one side.

“What do you mean?” I ask with a frown, prompting her to take a step forward and reach out to my neck. Her fingertips feel like ice shards against my flesh, and I flinch from her touch, pulling away quickly.

“He hasn’t marked you yet,” Cynthia drawls in observation. “Why is that?” She steps back, cocking her head again and frowning, though her lips twitch, toying with a smile.

“It’s…” A hand goes up to my neck instinctively, covering up the scent gland that hasn’t been marked by the Alpha’s canines.

“It’s none of your business, Cynthia,” Valerie interjects, stepping forward protectively. “The Luna doesn’t owe you an explanation.”

From over Valerie’s shoulder, I peep Cynthia and Gloria whispering to each other before quietly leaving the main kitchen.

A sigh of relief bursts out from me as if I’d been holding my breath. “Thanks, Val.”

“Are you sure you still wanna be a volunteer here?” she scoffs. “You’re never gonna get rid of those two,” she points behind her. “You might as well take advantage of your privilege.”

“It’s not much of a privilege if it’s not complete,” I groan.

Valerie frowns. “He hasn’t touched you, has he?”

I purse my lips and shake my head glumly. “It’s worse than that, Val.” I lower my voice and say, “He did touch me. But it didn’t end well.”

Valerie’s eyes widen and she takes a deep breath before grabbing my hand and pulling me out through the back door. Once we’re at a safe distance so that no one hears us, I tell her all about what happened that night after the ceremony.

“Phew….” She blows through puckered lips, shaking her head. “What is it with him? Does he have no morals?”

“Don’t, Val,” I say sternly in warning. “Don’t speak badly of the Alpha.”

Valerie scoffs. “After everything he’s done to you, you’re still gonna defend him?”

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