Chapter 21
The Alpha mansion buzzed with whispers as Giana settled into the Omega quarters. I’d barely been back from the hospital for two days, but the staff’s loyalty was clear in every subtle gesture–the way they conveniently “forgot” to deliver Giana’s meals on time, or how the housekeeper accidentally “misplaced”
her laundry.
I hadn’t orchestrated any of it, but I couldn’t deny the small satisfaction it brought me.
I was reviewing Luna duties in the study when Bernard, the butler who had served the Alpha family for decades, knocked on the door frame. His usually impassive face was tight with indignation.
“Miss Aurora,” he said, voice rigid with formality, “I’ve discovered something concerning that requires
your attention.”
He produced a small velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal Giana’s delicate but intricately designed ring.
“This was hidden in the Omega quarters, in that rogue girl’s possessions,” Bernard explained. “It appears to be a ring meant for a Luna. Given its quality and design, I believe she may have stolen your engagement ring.”
I stared at the ring, my heart sinking. This was exactly the kind of discovery that could unravel
everything.
“I intend to inform Alpha Marcus immediately,” Bernard continued. “Such disrespect cannot be tolerated, especially from a rogue. She must be expelled from the pack.”
Before I could respond, Raymond burst into the room, panic evident in his eyes. He must have been alerted by one of the maids who still harbored affection for him.
“Bernard, there’s been a misunderstanding,” he said, his voice strained.
Bernard stiffened. “With all due respect, Alpha heir, there is no misunderstanding. This ring-”
“Is a private matter,” Raymond interrupted, his tone hardening. “Please leave us.”
The butler hesitated, clearly torn between his duty to the Alpha and his loyalty to the heir. Finally, with obvious reluctance, he bowed and left, though not before giving me a meaningful look.
As soon as the door closed, Raymond turned to me, desperation in his eyes. “Aurora, please. You have to help me.”
“Help you?” I repeated, incredulous. “You brought Giana into the pack house, gave her a matching ring, and now you want me to clean up your mess?”
“Aurora,” he pleaded, stepping closer. “Remember when we were ten, and you broke Luna’s favorite vase?
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Chapter 21
+15 BONUS
I took the blame for you. Remember when your father caught us sneaking out at midnight to watch the meteor shower? I said it was my idea.”
I turned away, hating how easily he could pull on the threads of our shared past. “This is different.”
“It’s not,” he insisted. “We’ve always protected each other. That’s what friends do.”
“Friends,” I echoed hollowly. “Is that what we are now?”
“We’ve always been friends,” he said softly. “No matter what else changes between us.”
I closed my eyes, steeling myself against his manipulation. But in the end, I knew I had no choice–not if I wanted to keep my mother’s treatments secure.
“Fine,” I said finally. “I’ll handle it.”
Relief washed over his face. “Thank you, Aurora.”
Bernard returned with Alpha Marcus and Luna Elena in tow, his expression grim but satisfied. I could see Giana hovering anxiously in the hallway, Raymond trying to shield her from view.
“What’s this about stolen rings?” Alpha Marcus demanded.
I stepped forward smoothly, my face a careful mask of calm. “A misunderstanding, Alpha. The ring Bernard found is indeed a match to Raymond’s, but it’s not what he thinks.”
I held up my left hand, displaying the ostentatious diamond Raymond had purchased at the jewelry store. “This is my official Luna ring. The other one is simply one of a few friendship rings Raymond had made as gifts. He wanted Giana to feel welcome in the pack.”
The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.
Alpha Marcus’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, but Luna Elena seemed relieved by the explanation.
Bernard, however, wasn’t satisfied. “Miss Aurora, with respect, these rings are clearly a matched pair, and
they resemble traditional mate rings. That rogue girl has been flaunting hers around the Omega quarters,
claiming special status.”
Giana stepped forward, unable to contain herself any longer. “It’s not fair!” she burst out, tears welling in
her eyes. “Everyone here hates me, treats me like dirt. I’m Raymond’s-”
