"Wake up, Michelle!" Micha's voice echoed through my sleep.
I frowned, pulling the blanket over my head. "Just give me a few minutes, Micha."
"We don't have time," he said in a frustrated tone, shaking my shoulder.
With a groan, I finally opened my eyes. Warm sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting the room in a golden glow. My feet dangled over the side of the bed as I let out a deep sigh.
The sound of birds chirping outside filled the quiet morning air but something in Micha's voice told me today wouldn't be an ordinary day.
"Today is a very important day you can't keep sleeping," Micha said.
I wasn't fully awake yet. "What's happening today?" I asked in a groggy voice.
Micha sighed in frustration. "Everybody in the pack knows what today is. Today's the day Levi is going to mark Clara."
"Oh, you mean Alpha Levi?"
"Yes, Levi. He's going to mark Clara today as his mate."
"Was it confirmed that she's his mate, or is it just because they're dating? Is that why he wants to mark her?" I asked, annoyance clear in my tone.
Truth be told, I wasn't happy about it at all. I didn't like Clara one bit. God knows the only reason she doesn't bully me is because my elder brother, Micha, is the Alpha's best friend. If not, I'd probably be everyone's punching bag.
Why? Because I'm a freaking omega a very weak one.
Not just that our parents died when rogues attacked our pack. That was also when the current Alpha lost his parents. It was devastating. If not for my caring brother, I'd probably be a maid by now, with no one to help or support me.
"Stop spacing out," Micha said in annoyance. "Your best friend is downstairs waiting for you. Be quick get ready and don't keep Kate waiting."
After I finished getting ready, I climbed down the stairs and saw Kate my best friend and the only one, apart from my brother, who supports me. She had her hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a plain white shirt and blue jeans, with brown sandals gracing her beautiful feet.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," I said.
"It's fine. We have to go now," she replied.
"Um… go where?" I asked, confused.
"Hey, have you forgotten so soon? We have to go to the pack house to help with the Alpha's birthday preparations. Almost every lady and woman will be there it's our pack's tradition."
"Oh, I see… I didn't remember," I said honestly. Truthfully, I forget a lot of things. Tradition or not, I wasn't happy about going. It hurt knowing I was helping my crush plan his marking ceremony with another woman.
I've liked Levi since I was a kid. To think I'll be there when he marks his mate… the thought alone makes me sick.
"Let's go. What are you thinking about again? Always spacing out," Kate said, shaking her head.
We got to the pack house, and everywhere smelled of roses. Everyone was busy with the decorations and arrangements. The moment Kate and I arrived, we weren't even given a chance to rest we started working immediately, running errands here and there.
I was tired already, but that wasn't the worst part. My mood completely soured when Clara came to inspect the preparations.
"What's wrong with this girl?" Kate whispered under her breath.
Clara must have heard her because of her sharp senses. She turned to us with an expression that mixed anger and pride I couldn't tell which. The way she looked at us, it was as if she had found her prey… someone she could hunt and hurt.
Kate stared back, her eyes daring Clara to try anything. Of course, Clara wouldn't dare annoy Kate. My best friend wasn't only strong; her parents were still alive, and her mate, Zaki my brother's friend was also close to the Alpha. Clara wouldn't want to offend someone like that.
But I was wrong. She didn't go after Kate she targeted me.
I didn't even know what I had done. I was only doing what I was told. I didn't cross any lines.
Clara swayed her hips elegantly as she walked toward us, full of arrogance, as if she were already the Luna of the Red Moon Pack.
I looked at her in open disdain I didn't bother to hide it.
She glared at me, expecting me to cower like the other omegas. Hell no. Why would I act like a slave to an idiot like her? If only she knew how much I despised her.
Not because she's dating the guy I love, but because she's too cruel to be our Luna. How many omegas and maids has she killed just because she was in a "bad mood"? She's too cruel, too power-hungry and if you ask me, she's not fit to be Luna of this pack.
But our Alpha seems blinded by love. If he were in love with a good woman, I'd be happy for him. But Clara? What a joke.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Clara hissed. "Do you want me to pluck your eyes out for you?"
Before I could say anything, Kate stepped in. "You wouldn't dare," she said, fuming. "Mess with her, and you'll face my wrath, vixen."
Whoa. Kate really had guts. I wasn't surprised, though she's always been feisty. That's how my dear Kate has protected me from bullies all my life. I'm so grateful I met her; only God knows what my life would be like without her.
"How dare you call me a vixen!" Clara shouted, clearly furious.
"Why can't I call you a vixen? Isn't that what you are?" Kate shot back. "You pretend to be innocent when Alpha Levi is around, but once he's gone, you're back to your arrogant, stupid self. Now, if you'll excuse us, vixen, we're busy. Unlike you, we actually have something to do."
I didn't get to see Clara's expression, but I knew she couldn't be happy.