Rejected Luna, Vampire Queen

chapter 7

My ears rang like a loud bell. For a few seconds, the world was a blur of sharp pain and Miracle’s smug face. But something snapped inside me. The fire in my chest was hotter than the sting on my cheek. Before I could think, I stood up and swung my palm with every bit of strength I had left.

Smack!

Miracle stumbled back, her hand flying to her face. Her eyes went wide with pure shock. I didn't flinch. I didn't back down.

"Don't you ever touch me again," I bit out, my voice shaking with rage. "Not today. Not ever."

"Are you going to just watch?" Miracle shrieked, turning toward Logan. Her voice hit a high, fake pitch as she forced a few tears to fall.

Logan’s face darkened into a mask of fury. He stepped toward me, his fist curling. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for a blow that would probably break my jaw.

"Stop right now!" The sales manager’s voice cut through the air. She stepped between us, her arms crossed tight. "We do not allow this in my boutique. This is a high-class establishment. One more move and the security guards will throw you all into the street."

Logan froze, his chest heaving like a mad bull. Miracle wiped her face with a silk towel she grabbed from a nearby table.

"Fine," she hissed, her eyes burning with hate. "Watch your back, Amanda. I’m going to get my revenge, and it’s going to be slow."

"Maybe you should worry about your face first. You look like a mess," I countered. For the first time in years, I felt brave.

Miracle let out a frustrated scream, her finger pointing at the diamond gown in my hands. "I want that dress. The one she’s holding. Give it to me."

"I saw it first," I replied, my voice steady.

"I don't care!" Miracle turned back to the manager. "She can't afford it. I’ve lived with her for years—she doesn't have a single penny to her name. Don't waste your time. Wrap it for me."

The manager looked stressed, her eyes darting between us. "We have plenty of other beautiful gowns. There is enough for—"

"No!" Miracle grabbed Logan’s arm and shook him hard. "Baby, you promised me anything! Stand up for me!"

Logan sighed, his eyes full of contempt as he looked at me. "Give it up, loser. My future wife wants the dress. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

A dry, mean laugh escaped my lips. "Future wife? You didn't even wait for the body of our relationship to get cold."

Miracle stepped closer, her voice dropping to a sharp whisper. "So you don’t know? Logan will be the Alpha of the Crestwood Pack soon. I’ll be his Luna. And the first thing I’ll do is kill you myself... if the Devil Alpha doesn't beat me to it."

"Fine, 'Luna'," I mocked. "But you aren't getting this dress."

Miracle’s lips curled into a wicked smile. "Fine. I won't fight you. I want to stay right here and watch the manager disgrace you when that fake plastic card fails."

My heart thundered against my ribs as I reached into my pocket. I pulled out the sleek black card and handed it to the manager.

Miracle started laughing, a jagged, ugly sound. "You don't even own a phone, Amanda! Trying to impress us with a fake card is just pathetic."

The manager slid the card into the machine.

Beep.

A long receipt began to print instantly. The manager’s jaw dropped. Her entire attitude shifted, her back bowing into a deep, respectful curve.

"Congratulations, Miss! The payment went through perfectly. It’s yours."

Miracle and Logan looked like they had been hit by a truck. Their faces were frozen in total shock.

"Impossible! You’re making a mistake!" Miracle shouted, lunging for the counter.

"No mistake, ma'am," the manager said, her voice now dripping with respect for me. "This card has no limit."

I took the bag and walked past them, leaving them standing there like statues. Ava and I spent the next hour moving through the shop. Every time I swiped the card for shoes, jewelry, and more silk, it worked.

"Isn't this enough?" I asked, my arms full of bags.

"One more!" Ava cheered. "The Alpha must be proud."

"Fine," I sighed, feeling the exhaustion in my bones. "But this is the last one."

As Ava ran toward the back section, I slipped away to use the restroom. The hallway was long and dim. As I stepped out of the bathroom, the lights flickered and died for a second.

Two shadows blocked my path.

Miracle didn't say a word. She just slapped me again, harder this time. My head cracked against the doorframe.

"That’s for hitting me back," she growled.

I tried to push past her, but Logan was faster. He grabbed my shoulders and slammed me against the cold wall. My back hit a sharp corner, and I gasped as pain flared through my spine.

"Goodnight, stupid girl," Miracle said, looking at me like an insect. "You think a fancy card makes you special? You’re still a slave."

"Let me go!" I shouted, struggling against Logan’s grip. "Damon is waiting! If I'm late for the ceremony, he'll kill me!"

They didn't care about my cries. Logan shoved me into a small, dark storage closet, and Miracle slammed the heavy door shut.

Click. The sound of the lock turning felt like a death sentence.

"Have a nice birthday, Amanda," Miracle’s voice faded as she walked away. "Let's see if your 'Husband' still wants a bride who can't even show up on time."

I banged on the door until my knuckles bled. "Please! Let me out!"

The boutique grew silent. The ceremony was starting. And I was trapped in the dark.