Abigail had never been called into the Alpha's residence before. When the summons came, she thought perhaps it was a mistake. Omegas like her were rarely noticed unless they had done something wrong. Still, with trembling hands and a heart pounding in her chest, she obeyed.
The mansion loomed before her like a fortress, its walls gleaming under the morning sun. Inside, the air smelled of polished wood and lavender oil, so different from the smoke and sweat of the servant quarters. Abigail felt out of place, her worn dress and calloused fingers betraying her status the moment she stepped through the door.
Lady Helena was waiting. Regal in posture, her silver hair twisted into an intricate knot, she looked every inch the Alpha's mother commanding, untouchable. Her gaze swept over Abigail with thinly veiled disgust, as if she were assessing a stain that refused to wash out.
"So," Helena said at last, her voice sharp enough to cut. "You are the one I keep hearing about. The omega who cannot seem to stay in her place."
Abigail swallowed hard. "I… I don't understand, my lady."
"You do," Helena replied coldly. She rose from her chair, the soft swish of her gown echoing in the silent room. "Do not insult me with false innocence. Rumors travel quickly in this pack. Whispers that you linger too close to my son, that you seek his attention. An omega daring to look at an Alpha."
The words stung like lashes. Abigail lowered her eyes, wishing she could sink into the ground. "I've done nothing wrong," she whispered.
"Nothing wrong?" Helena's laugh was humorless. "You exist where you do not belong. That is wrong enough. Do not mistake my warning for kindness, girl. I will not have you humiliate this family, nor drag my son's name into gossip with your… desperation."
Abigail's chest tightened, shame pressing heavily on her shoulders. She wanted to protest, to say she never asked for the bond, never sought out the cruel twist of fate that tied her to Steve. But the words refused to come. Speaking of the bond would only make things worse Helena would never believe her.
Instead, she bowed her head. "Yes, my lady."
"Good." Helena's eyes narrowed in satisfaction. "Stay away from him. Whatever foolish dreams you hold, abandon them now. A Luna must inspire respect. You are nothing more than a servant."
Dismissed, Abigail stumbled out of the mansion, the sting of Helena's words echoing louder than the whispers of the pack. They had always looked down on her, but to be despised by the Alpha's own mother was a fresh wound. As she walked back to the servant quarters, head bent and heart aching, she realized that no corner of this pack would ever be safe for her not even in silence.