Fern's Perspective
As the knot eased, Giovanni climbed on top of me and lay down beside me. As I sat up partially against the headboard, his arms encircled my waist. He closed his eyes and rested his head on my bare waist.
Did he fall asleep just like that?
I looked down at him in wonder. He was still here with me — intoxicated, of course, but still present.
As the heat began to dissipate, I reflected on what had just occurred. What had truly transpired?
I knew it must have been the alcohol that had made him so uninhibited tonight, and that he had only sought physical fulfillment — yet, he asked me to call him by his name. Did that indicate that perhaps, just maybe, he desired me as more than just Alpha Dylan's daughter?
I gazed at him, unable to ignore his striking handsomeness. When I closed my eyes, he ceased to be a formidable Alpha, instead transforming into a charming man and my once dear "brother".
A whirlwind of emotions engulfed me. He had once been my most trusted brother, only to deceive me and become my Alpha, laying claim to me.
His thick lashes cast shadows beneath his eyes, and his well-defined jawline, paired with his perfect nose and lips, rendered him as elegant as a prince. Yet, even in slumber, a furrow remained between his brows. Was something troubling him?
I wished I could alleviate his distress in any way possible. I knew it was a foolish notion — why should I feel empathy for someone who had shattered my life?
Nevertheless, I couldn't resist gently massaging his temples, hoping to offer some solace from whatever plagued him.
Hmm... His hair was surprisingly soft.
It wasn't long before I heard a low grunt fill the confined space between us. He stirred slowly, then glanced around with a perplexed expression. His eyes eventually met mine.
He hesitated for a moment, seemingly struggling to recollect what had occurred. Then, with a sudden sneer on his face, he withdrew from me, hastily retrieved his pants, and dressed.
I pulled the blanket up to cover my nakedness.
"Alpha..." I spoke softly, attempting to articulate something.
He turned to me, annoyance etched on his features. Slowly, his gaze roamed over my form before he pivoted and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.
It felt as though I could hear the sound of my heart shattering into fragments.
"What a heartless man! You shouldn't feel sympathy for him!" My wolf indignantly accused.
How foolish I was to entertain the notion that I might hold any significance to him beyond what I already was.
I was so wrong.
I had deceived myself. It's all in my head.
To him, I was merely a pawn he used to retaliate against my father.
He would never love or care for me, and the more I denied it, the more I set myself up for disappointment. Hopelessly, I cling to the belief that things will change, yet deep down, I know they never will.
Lost in my thoughts, I can't recall how long it took before I finally drifted to sleep.
Awakening to the bright morning sunshine, I let out a long sigh and slid out of bed, heading to the bathroom. After brushing out my hair, I opted for a long, white cotton dress, prepared to begin my daily routine.
After all, I'm just the lowest-ranking Omega here, and I need to fulfill my duties, as always.
Completing my simple morning routine, I moved from the bathroom to the kitchen, grabbing a small white cup of coffee and savoring its rich, dark flavor. Trying to maintain optimism, I focused on the deliciousness of the food.
However, a commotion outside the door caught my attention.
"Miss Aurora, Alpha isn't available now," I heard a Delta say. "Please return later."
"How dare you? Who do you think you are...?"
I considered investigating, but then thought better of it. I was well aware of my current position in the pack.
But the reality was that the more I tried to avoid trouble, the more it seemed to find me.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before the door slammed open and Aurora's angry, accusatory gaze fell upon me. With her hands on her hips, she seemed determined to cause trouble.
"What did you do?" she demanded.
"Don't just stand there looking clueless. Answer me. What did you do to Giovanni? And why are you in the room where I'm supposed to be?"
Her words were sharp as she approached me.
"I don't know..." I replied helplessly, bewildered by her anger.
She took a deep breath, her eyes darkening with rage.
"But you smell like Giovanni. Was Giovanni with you last night? You damn whore!"
"What did you just say?" I said, feeling deeply offended by her rudeness.
"Let me go out there and tear her throat out!" My wolf growled lowly in anger.
I clenched my fists, not wanting to fight Aurora, yet unable to bring myself to answer her accusations.
"Maybe you should ask Giovanni. Now, please leave my room," I retorted.
"Your room?" she scoffed.
She erupted into laughter suddenly, then strode over and peered at me as though she'd just heard the most uproarious joke of her life.
"Listen, I'm the future Luna of this pack, and this is my room! And you... Giovanni will kick you out when he grows tired of this charade. Don't for a second believe you belong to him; you're never the rightful Luna of this pack."
She went on, "Do you honestly think he'll keep someone like you around, a pawn in his vendetta? You're nothing, and when he tires of you, he'll discard you like trash. Eventually, he'll come to my side, and you'll see just how pitiful you are."
Bitterness coursed through my veins.
I held back the tears threatening to spill, not wanting Aurora to see how she was affecting me. No, it wasn't her affecting me; it was...
"Perhaps you're correct," I met Aurora's smug gaze, my voice brimming with power and confidence.
"Ms. Aurora. Uh... " I chuckled before continuing, "Firstly, I never sought to be Giovanni's mate. Ever. Secondly, if I'm merely a tool for Giovanni's vendetta against my father, then you look more like a doll without thoughts, knowing nothing about the world. Thirdly, I never claimed to aspire to the role of pack Luna, but frankly, neither do you. You might resemble a Luna, but holding such a position entails more than just appearances and cosmetics. It's about identifying and solving problems, something I doubt you're familiar with. Frankly, if you desire Giovanni, I won't stand in your way. I wouldn't want someone who wants another person anyway."
"You!" Aurora's hand shot up in anger.
I swore that if she dared to touch me, I would never tolerate her again.
But in the next moment, Aurora froze.
I followed her gaze, only to find a stern-faced Giovanni. Even from a distance, I could sense his fury.