Grace Anderson paced back and forth in her room, her mind a whirlwind of anger and betrayal. How could Chris do this to her? The image of him with another woman burned in her mind, fueling her rage. She hadn't left her room since she saw him openly cheating on her, unable to face the world, unable to face the pack. Her hands shook as she grabbed a vase from the bedside table and hurled it against the wall. The shattering of porcelain echoed in the room, but it did nothing to calm her fury. If anything, it made her even angrier. She picked up a lamp next, throwing it with all her strength.
The noise drew the attention of her attendants, who rushed in, their faces a mix of concern and fear.
"Madam Luna, please calm down," they pleaded, stepping forward cautiously.
"Get out!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "Just get out!"
The attendants hesitated, then slowly backed out of the room, closing the door behind them. Grace stood there, breathing heavily, her rage still simmering beneath the surface.
She looked around the room, now in shambles, and felt a fresh wave of anger and helplessness wash over her. How was she supposed to maintain her dignity and strength when she felt so utterly broken?
Collapsing onto the bed, Grace buried her face in her hands and let out a sob. She had no answers—only a heart full of pain and a room full of broken pieces.
The news of Scott's demotion spread like wildfire through the pack. Whispers filled the air as pack members discussed the turmoil surrounding their Alpha and Luna. They spoke in hushed tones, their voices tinged with worry about the future of their alphas. Everyone knew that Grace had not left her room for days while their Alpha was fucking with any female who was willing.
One afternoon, Grace finally emerged from her room, her face a mask of cold determination. She walked briskly towards the common area, ignoring the sympathetic looks that trailed her. She despised their pity; she wanted their respect, not their pity.
As she entered the common area, the room fell silent. Her betas quickly stood up, their faces etched with concern.
Dolores steeped forwaed. "Madam Luna, how are you feeling?"
Grace ignored her, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Melissa, who was standing nervously by the fireplace. "Melissa," she called out, her voice sharp and commanding.
Melissa's eyes widened in fear as she stepped forward. "Yes, Luna?"
Grace's gaze was icy. "You are Rosalie's friend, correct?"
Melissa nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes, Luna."
Grace's eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer to Melissa, her fury barely contained. "Did you know about them? Did you know what was going on between Chris and Rosalie?"
Melissa's nod was almost imperceptible, her body trembling. "Yes, Luna. I knew."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Grace's anger erupted. "You knew, and you said nothing? You watched as my life fell apart and did nothing to stop it. You all have ruined my life!" Her voice echoed through the room, filled with rage and betrayal.
Melissa flinched. "They were mates, but it was all over when you were mated to the Alpha. I didn't know what to do. I am sorry."
Grace's eyes blazed with fury. "Sorry? Sorry won't fix what you've all done." She took a step back, her voice cold and authoritative.
"Since you have so much free time to observe and gossip, I'll make sure you're busy. From now on, you'll be responsible for all the toughest duties in the pack. Starting with the midnight patrols and the kitchen shifts. And I expect nothing less than perfection."
Melissa's face paled, but she nodded, her voice trembling. "Yes, Luna."
Grace turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the room in stunned silence. Her betas exchanged worried glances, but no one dared to speak. Grace's wrath was palpable, and they knew better than to challenge her authority in this moment.
Grace loitered in the grand hallway of the Alpha mansion, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Amelia Murdoch walking by. Her anger and betrayal made her want to take charge. She had to show who was boss and make someone pay for the hurt she felt.
"Amelia!" Grace called out, her voice sharp and commanding.
Amelia stopped and turned towards Grace, her eyes widening slightly. "Yes, Luna?"
Grace's lips curled into a cold smile. "Since you’re an Omega now, I have a task for you. I want you to sweep all the corridors of the Alpha mansion. And make sure it's done thoroughly."
Amelia nodded, a hint of resignation in her eyes. "Yes, Luna. I'll get started right away."
Grace watched as Amelia walked away to get the supplies. She felt a twisted sense of satisfaction watching the former beta degrade herself with menial tasks. After what felt like hours, Amelia finally finished her task, her face flushed and her arms aching.
Grace walked up to her, her eyes cold and merciless. She looked down at the bucket of water that Amelia had used to clean the floors. She tipped the bucket over, spilling dirty water all over the clean floor.
"Oops," Grace said, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "It looks like you'll have to do it again, Amelia."
Amelia’s face fell, but she kept her head bowed. "Yes, Luna," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Grace walked away, a cruel smile playing on her lips. The sound of Amelia's quiet acceptance fueled her revenge. She needed this. Taking her anger out on Amelia was a way to cope, a way to channel her hurt into something she could control.
In the distance, she could hear the sounds of Amelia starting over and the quiet swish of the broom against the floor. Grace's smile widened. For now, this was enough. She would find her strength again, and she would show everyone that she was not to be trifled with. But for now, she would take what small victories she could get.
Her happiness was short-lived, though, as she saw Chris openly kissing a pack slut and then pull her into his office. The sight made her blood boil, but there was no point in confronting Chris about it now.