The Heir: Encounter
1038 Words
Mira couldn’t sleep that night. She tossed and turned on the narrow cot tucked into the far corner of the servants’ quarters. The packhouse was eerily quiet, except for the faint hum of cicadas outside and the occasional creak of footsteps overhead. Her wolf was restless, pacing within her as if warning her of something.
Andre’s words echoed in her mind.
No one had spoken to her like that in years—not since she had been Luna. She’d grown used to the condescending tones, the dismissive glances. But Andre had looked at her differently, like he could see the woman she used to be. It unnerved her.
By dawn, Mira was already awake and dressed, ready to tackle another day of work. She tied her apron tightly around her waist, squared her shoulders, and headed to the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as she prepared breakfast.
The door swung open, and Mira froze, expecting Alayna or one of the other pack members. Instead, it was Andre.
He was dressed casually this morning, in a fitted black t-shirt that hugged his muscular chest and dark jeans. His presence filled the room, and Mira couldn’t help but notice the way his amber eyes immediately locked onto her.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice deeper than it had been the night before.
“Good morning,” Mira replied, keeping her tone neutral. She focused on arranging the plates of food on a tray, hoping he wouldn’t linger.
Andre leaned against the counter, watching her. “You’re up early.”
“I always am,” she said simply.
He tilted his head, studying her. “You’re very… disciplined. Not what I’d expect from someone in your position.”
Mira stiffened but kept her focus on her work. “I take pride in what I do.”
Andre chuckled softly, the sound rich and warm. “I can see that. But I can’t help wondering why someone like you is here.”
Her hands stilled. She turned to face him, her expression guarded. “What do you mean, ‘someone like me’?”
“You carry yourself like a leader,” he said, his voice steady. “Not like an Omega.”
Mira’s heart pounded. He was treading dangerously close to the truth, but she couldn’t let him uncover it. “You’re mistaken. I’m just a housekeeper.”
Andre straightened, his gaze never leaving hers. “I don’t believe that for a second.”
Before Mira could respond, the sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor interrupted them. Alayna swept into the kitchen, her designer dress clinging to her curves, her makeup flawless. She glanced between Mira and Andre, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“Andre,” Alayna said with a bright but forced smile, “what are you doing in here? Breakfast is usually served in the dining room.”
Andre didn’t take his eyes off Mira. “I wanted to see where the real work happens.”
Alayna laughed, a shrill sound that grated on Mira’s nerves. “Well, you’ve seen it. Now come, let’s eat. Your father’s waiting.”
Andre hesitated, his jaw tightening, before finally turning to follow Alayna out of the kitchen. But just before he left, he glanced over his shoulder at Mira, his gaze lingering.
Mira let out a shaky breath once they were gone. She gripped the edge of the counter, trying to steady herself.
What does he want from me?
Later that afternoon, Mira was in the garden, pruning the rose bushes. The Packhouse grounds were vast, with manicured lawns, tall oak trees, and blooming flowers. It was one of the few places she could find some peace.
She was so focused on her task that she didn’t hear Andre approach until he was standing right behind her.
“Do you always work this hard?” he asked, his deep voice startling her.
Mira turned, nearly dropping the pruning shears. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
Andre smirked, his hands in his pockets. “Maybe you should pay more attention to your surroundings.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, her irritation flaring. “What do you want, Andre?”
He stepped closer, his expression turning serious. “I want to know why you let them treat you like this.”
Mira froze, her wolf stirring uneasily. “What are you talking about?” I’m just an Omega.” Trying to concentrate on her pruning.
“You’re not just some Omega,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I can sense it.”
She huffed in disbelief. “You don’t know anything about me but you’re ready to assume everything based on a few encounters.” she said, her tone sharp.
Andre’s eyes flashed with something primal, something Alpha.
Before she could react, he reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. The touch sent a jolt through her, and her wolf hummed with pleasure inside her.
Mira stepped back, her heart racing. “You need to stop doing stuff like that.”
“Stop what?” Andre asked, his voice soft but dangerous.
“Stop whatever game you’re playing,” she said, her voice firm. “I’m your ...” she started but switched to, “This is… inappropriate.”
Andre’s lips curved into a small smile. “Is it? Because it doesn’t feel that way to me.”
Mira clenched her fists, trying to hold onto her resolve. “You don’t understand the consequences of what you’re doing.”
“All you have to do is explain it to me,” he counter, stepping closer.
Mira shook her head, retreating. “I can’t.”
“Andre!” His mother’s voice rang out. “You have business to attend to—the Klaus’s, remember?”
Mira exhaled, relief washing over her for once.
Andre’s jaw tightened as he caught the flicker of gratitude in her eyes. His gaze stayed locked on hers, unreadable. After a beat, he gave a slow nod.
“Until next time, Mira.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the garden, her heart pounding.
- Writer
