Elodie's POV
I paced in the room like a maniac. I didn't know what to do. My father would kill me if I returned, and Ryder didn't want me in his pack. I hadn't left my room since I arrived, scared he might kill me.
A soft knock hit my door, and it opened. It was the maid. She smiled weakly at me, and I resumed pacing.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Pacing," I answered honestly.
"And what would that do for you?"
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't know what to do.
She walked over to the bed and placed the clothes down, then turned to me. "You're scared, aren't you?"
I nodded. She smiled. "I'm Jane, your personal servant. You should have noticed that by now."
I bit down the urge to raise an eyebrow and stayed silent. I had no idea why she was being nice to me, but I decided it was best to have someone to talk to.
"I'm Elodie," I said, shaking her hand.
"You don't have to be scared. Lord Viktor won't let him harm you. The Alpha's not as cold as he looks. He's just…"
What? My mind grew impatient with her pause.
"He wasn't always like this. Ever since his mate ran off with another man, he became this way. Trust me when I say he doesn't hate you."
With the way he looked at me that night, I'd say he did. I cleared my throat and focused on her. "What are the clothes for?"
A bright smile appeared on her face. "The pack is having dinner, and as the Alpha's fiancée and soon-to-be Luna, you're welcome to attend."
"I am to do what?"
"Lord Viktor's orders were for you to be dressed in the best clothing possible. We can't have our Luna catching a cold on her first appearance," Jane said. The excitement in her voice was a bit scary.
"Put this on," she said quietly. "You'll be the main attraction tonight."
I blinked, wanting the ground to swallow me completely. What in the world? I didn't know what to do or how to greet them. My father had never let me attend any of the pack gatherings, even when I was his heir—all because I was the weakest and a useless Omega.
I was ready, dressed in a red midi cotton gown, cream-colored cashmere scarf, brown leather gloves and boots, and a long dark green fitted wool coat.
I was led to the mansion's main hall, and it was filled with people. The music stopped the second I arrived at the door, and all eyes fell on me.
I saw Viktor smile proudly, but to his right was Ryder, dressed in black, and he didn't look pleased.
His eyes followed me as I walked down to his seat. Viktor welcomed me, took my hand, and led me to the open seat. "I thought you'd never join us."
Viktor stood to his feet and announced loudly, "Everyone, I present to you your new Luna, Elodie Wynters from the Crescent Pack."
The crowd cheered, but then Ryder spoke. "She's not my Luna."
The room went silent, and I held back my breath.
No. This cannot be happening. They're all looking at me. He couldn't choose this moment to disgrace me.
"Ryder, now's not the time to joke," Viktor cautioned him.
"Do I look like I'm joking? You bought her, didn't you? Why not keep her?" he spat, and whispers instantly flooded the room.
And worse, I was facing it all. I wanted to disappear and never return, but it wasn't possible.
He continued, "A worthless Omega like her isn't worth my status."
The crowd started laughing. I sat still, not lifting my head.
"Ryder !" Viktor's voice went deeper. "You cannot insult her like that."
"Why not?" Ryder responded. "I told you she's not my Luna, and I reject her. Take her back to where you got her from."
That was it. The last bit of my dignity was broken, and I rose to my feet. I started walking away, the tears clouding my eyes, and I didn't see it coming.
Someone crashed into me, and I fell, the glass shattering on the floor. "I'm so sorry," I said, my voice breaking. I tried to help him up when my hand fell on the glass, cutting me.
It hurt. "Ow," I groaned.
The laughter rose, and I felt more crushed than before. I rose to my feet with the man.
A maid walked in and started cleaning when Ryder's voice rolled. "Stop."
He rose and walked up to me, his eyes on the broom. Then he picked it up and handed it to me. "Clean it."
"Huh?"
"Ryder," Viktor called, but Ryder silenced him by raising his hand.
"You want to be Luna so bad, don't you? You want to stay? Then clean it up," he ordered.
I gulped. My heart pounded fast. If I accepted, the pack would disrespect me until my death, and if I refused, I'd have to leave.
My heart bled, and I looked at him. My eyes turned angry, replacing the fear, and I moved my lips. "I will leave."
His eyes widened in surprise, looking down at me. I picked up the broom and threw it at him. "You can do it yourself. Asshole!"
The old men laughed, and I walked away. He could be the bloody demon he wanted to be. I was nobody's servant. Not anymore.
I walked back to my room, panting, fuming with anger and I grabbed my suitcase. He could go to hell. I dragged my bag to the door and opened it.
My head hit something hard first sending me stumbling backwards. "Damn it," I cursed.
"I didn't know you had a fiery mouth."
I shuddered. That voice. Slowly, I raised my head and saw Ryder standing right there, his hand crossed on his chest.
Oh God.