We arrived at my old pack and I felt a strong sense of nostalgia and weirdness. Everyone kept bowing to Milton and not me. I even had to stop myself on several occasions from saying something to some of the guards who were staring at me lustfully And blatantly.
I had to remember I was a servant girl and the notion upset me.
The grounds of the Spiral Moon Packhouse brought back so many memories. Every step I took made me feel like I was walking through my past. I remembered the laughter of old friends, the scent of the pine trees, and the way the moon always seemed brighter here. This was my father's pack, my old home.
But I wasn't Erica anymore. At least, not to anyone else. To them, I was just a maid, a servant who didn't belong.
How was I supposed to get my revenge on this weak body? I didn't know, but I had to figure out a way, and I just knew that to get my revenge, I had to somehow gain power and also take revenge for the body I was currently using.
I walked beside Milton, who seemed to love the attention he got from everyone. He carried himself like he owned the place, his head high and his steps full of confidence. I, on the other hand, felt small.
People surrounded us, chatting, laughing, and celebrating. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander. I saw faces I hadn't seen in a week, friends I used to play with, and elders who used to scold me when I was younger, but I was more interested in seeing my father again. I couldn't help but wonder how he was taking my death, to be honest.
My heart ached to talk to him, to say something, anything, to remind myself of who I used to be.
When Milton's attention was pulled away, I slowed my steps, letting him move ahead of me. I took a small detour, heading toward a familiar face.
"Hi," I said softly to an older woman, my father's sister. She was my favorite aunt and she used to live next door.
"Hello," she gave me a once over, her smile faltering a bit as she assessed me.
"It's me, Aunt. Don't you remember me?" I asked.
"I don't believe I do, child,"
But before I could say more, a hand grabbed my wrist, pulling me back sharply.
"What do you think you're doing?" Milton's voice was low, but the warning was clear.
I turned to him, startled. "I was just…" I tried to explain but the look in his eyes cut me off
"You were just making a fool of yourself," he cut me off, his eyes cold. "You're nobody here. Just a maid. Stay in your place." he spat.
His words hit me like a slap. I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked down, forcing myself to nod. "Yes, my lord."
He let go of my wrist but didn't look away. His gaze was hard, and I could feel the tension in the air. My face burned with embarrassment as I hurried to follow him again, keeping my head down this time. I couldn't afford to forget myself or I'd attract attention that wasn't necessary.
The ceremony dragged on, and while everyone else seemed to enjoy it, I was restless. The whole event felt like a parade of power and influence, with Milton standing at the center of it all.
I tried to focus, but something caught my attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my stepmother, Marian, slipping away from the gathering. She was moving quietly, her head low, and just behind her was Carter, the Alpha of the Spiral Moon Pack and my ex-husband who had been responsible for my death.
My gut told me something wasn't right. Why would they be sneaking off in the middle of the event?
I hesitated, unsure if I should follow, but before I could make up my mind, two figures stepped in front of me.
"Where do you think you're going?"
I looked up and froze. Milton's sister, a tall, sharp-featured woman with piercing eyes, stood in front of me, her arms crossed. Beside her was my cousin, someone I hadn't seen since I was a child. He looked different, older, colder but his eyes still held that same calculating gleam.
"I was just…" I stumbled over my words, glancing toward the direction Marian and Carter had gone.
"You were just trying to leave your duties, weren't you?" Milton's sister said with a sly smile. "How irresponsible. I wonder why my brother had not beheaded you by now. You reek of incompetence."
My cousin stepped closer, blocking my view completely. "Come on," he said, his voice low. "Let's get you back to where you belong."
Before I could protest, they guided me, practically dragging me back to Milton's side. I clenched my fists, frustrated but unable to do anything about it.
That night, after the event had ended, I found myself unable to sleep. The ceremony had been exhausting, but my mind kept going back to Marian and Carter. What were they up to?
I decided to head to the kitchen to grab some water. I hadn't eaten much during the day, and my throat felt dry.
The hallways were quiet as I made my way to the kitchen, my bare feet barely making a sound on the wooden floors. When I reached the door, I stopped. Strange noises were coming from inside, soft moans, and muffled whispers and grunts.
I rolled my eyes, assuming it was just a guard and a maid sneaking around. It wasn't the first time I'd caught people being inappropriate in hidden corners of the mansion.
Still, I pushed the door open and flicked on the lights, expecting to catch someone in the act.
But what I saw made my blood run cold and my eyes bulged out of their sockets.
It was Marian. My stepmother. And Milton.
They were locked together, their bodies entwined most obscenely. Neither of them seemed to care that I was standing there, frozen in shock.
"Are you kidding me?" I said, my voice shaking.
They didn't stop. Marian let out a soft laugh, tilting her head to look at me. Milton didn't even bother to glance my way.
I felt rage boil up inside me. They were mocking me, acting as if I didn't matter.
"Help!" I screamed, my voice echoing through the halls. "Someone, come quick!"
Marian rolled her eyes, and Milton finally turned his head, his expression unreadable. But he still didn't move except inside of my stepmom. The scene was so disturbing that I was trying to stop myself from puking.
Within moments, the sound of footsteps thundered down the hall. Alpha Lucas, my father, burst into the room, followed by several guards. His face was pale as he took in the scene.
"What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice rough.
I pointed at Marian, my hand trembling. "I caught her," I said, my voice rising. "She was… she was with him!"
The guards moved quickly, spreading out, but one of them suddenly spoke up.
"Alpha," the guard said hesitantly, "Milton is in his chambers… asleep."
"What?" I said, turning to the guard.
"It's true," another added. "We just checked. He's in his room."
I felt my heart sink, confusion and anger swirling inside me. I looked back at the scene, but in the blink of an eye, Milton and Marian were gone, as if they had vanished into thin air. What the hell had just happened? They were just here!
"What's the meaning of this?" Alpha Lucas barked, glaring at me, his eyes icy cold as he stared at me with disgust.
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. My stepmother and Milton were gone, and now I looked like a fool.
I clenched my fists, feeling the sting of humiliation burn deep in my chest. Something was
n't right, and I needed to; no, I was determined to figure out what was going on. No matter what it took.