Unfeeling Luna, Ruthless Alpha

CHAPTER 9: The One Unnamed

FORSYTHIA’S POV

"It wasn't bullying," I said nonchalantly. "She lunged at me with scissors, and I believe I have the right to remind them of their place, don't I?"

Mak walked slowly into the room. He touched the part of the dress at the hip that had been cut away. His eyes traveled from there up to my chest. The dress was a size too small for me; the tight bodice accentuated my natural curves. I had never tried to hide them.

"Why are you wearing this dress?" he asked, his eyes fixed on my chest.

My flesh burned hot. Covering my chest with my hands, I glared at him. "Your people brought it to me. It’s a bit small for me."

"Then take it off!" His voice was a bit gruff.

He looked toward Unila and the other omegas. A judgment seemed to be forming in his mind. He threatened, "Do not bully the people of my pack without cause."

What was he talking about?

Swallowing hard, I looked down at his chest and asked, "Is she your lover?"

If that were true, I wouldn't be surprised that Unila was so arrogant.

There was a sound. I sensed soft footsteps approaching. It sounded far off, but Emarine suddenly appeared at the door. She smiled as she walked in.

"Oh, come on, Mak. It’s not appropriate at all to let your Luna think that way." She didn't spare a glance for the bleeding Unila. The only sign that she recognized the situation was her suggestion. "Go bandage the wound, then follow through with the Luna's punishment."

"Yes, yes." Unila was helped up by her friends. Only three female omegas remained. Confusion was written on everyone’s faces.

"Get out," I said. They weren't being useful by staying anyway.

Ema waited until the omegas had all left before slowly closing the door. "We need to talk for a bit, don't we? I feel like the atmosphere is a little tense."

"I’m fine if he has a lover; I just need to know." I moved away from him, putting on a jacket to shield myself from that burning gaze.

"I don't. You are not to use what I give you against my people." His eyes fell on my dress again. This time, I realized there was an indescribable sorrow in those eyes.

For some reason, my heart tightened. This was the dress of Charlotte, the previous Luna of Vanguard. Looking at Mak’s expression, was the girl who wore this dress the reason he rebelled to become the Alpha?

"Bullshit! Unila was the one who started the trouble. You know that," Ema cut in.

This time, the two siblings looked at each other. A silent conversation passed between them that I couldn't understand.

"She is a clumsy person; she didn't do anything serious enough to have her bonus cut," Mak explained calmly.

I just stood to the side and watched how the Alpha of Vanguard would handle this.

"She hasn't contributed enough to earn a higher salary than others either," Ema waved her hand. "You’re just prioritizing her because of that person."

Mak's teeth ground together, his hands clenching into fists. "Her family is in the palace, always present when I need them. People like that are invaluable members to me!"

"Right, as if it has nothing to do with—"

"Shut up! Ema, I will kill you if you mention that person," Mak growled.

"Fine, her death wasn't my fault." Ema stomped her foot, then pointed directly at my face. "Goldie has been the subject of malicious rumors spread by Unila. She told the other omegas not to respect Goldie."

I am Forsy, I wanted to say, but clearly, this wasn't the time.

"It’s just rumors!"

"And the Luna is the one to end it. You have to understand how terrible being abandoned by others is for a werewolf. You love your Luna; you can't be angry just because she reminded an omega of her place."

"Well, a reminder is different from bullying. Isn't it?"

"I can assure you, it was a reminder of her place, Alpha." I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to diffuse the tension between the siblings. "I believe that being clumsy alone doesn't merit such a harsh punishment. But she clearly has influence over the omega group; using her as an example for everyone... I venture to think it was the right thing to do."

"You two talk so distantly. Everyone says your feelings for each other are great. And Goldie..." Ema stepped toward me, cupping my face. "She is a miracle. You can't let her suffer through the nonsense Unila always pulls with the girls you're interested in."

Mak didn't say a word. I raised an eyebrow. "Were there many?"

Ema winked. "Many approached. No one is as beautiful or wonderful as you."

I admit, hearing someone flatter me felt very good. I liked Ema for that reason too.

"I’m out." Mak ran his hands through his hair, letting out a weary sigh.

"No. I'm going." Ema stood up and pushed her brother toward me. She walked out and raised her voice like someone truly in control. "Make up... or make love."

At the mention of that, my face flushed hot again. Ema let out an "Aww" before slamming the door in our faces.

Mak straightened himself and adjusted his clothes. As he turned to leave, I finally found the chance to speak to him. "I will fix this dress. If you want, we can hang it in our room... What do you think?"

His gray eyes looked at me in stunned silence. "Why?"

"Just because it looks very beautiful, doesn't it? The person who wore it must have been very beautiful too." I realized bitterly that what he had been looking at earlier wasn't my chest, but the dress that belonged to someone else.

Mak smiled gently. "Yes, very beautiful."

"Then, I’ll fix it for you. Who wouldn't want to see beautiful things appearing in their room?"

"What’s wrong with the dress?"

"It’s too small for my fat waist. Unila cut it."

"Yes, she was quite petite," Mak blurted out instinctively. Then he nodded, looking down at the ground. "Indeed, she deserved to be punished."

"Do you really want me to stay with you?" I approached him, taking his hand. "I am part of Vanguard now, an omega protected by you. Don't try to endure anything you don't want to. I can stay in another room if it makes you uncomfortable."

His hand was much larger than mine. His palm had thick, tough calluses, while the back was covered in scars of all sizes.

He suddenly pulled his hand away, hiding it in his pocket. Turning his back to me, he said, "If you're uncomfortable, I’ll have someone arrange a room for you next to mine. We don't need to sleep together in the beginning."

the man's large silhouette vanished behind the door. For some reason, my stomach twisted with an unspoken pain. I had only just met Mak, and I hadn't even gotten over Draco yet; there was no way I could have feelings for him.

It was all because of this damn fated mate business.