Marked by Fate, Hated by the Alpha

Clumsy mistake

~Kael

I paused at the door, watching the scene. Susan looked down as the water spread across her dress, down to the floor.

“I’m sorry! it slipped!” Liana said calmly, expectation clear in her eyes. Her fingers tightened around the tray.

Her voice didn’t shake, neither did she look scared. Susan rose to her feet slowly, looking like she was about to burst into flames. The other servants there went still. Everyone knew an apology meant nothing to Susan, not when she was furious.They all knew what followed. So did I.

“Oh my f*****g godd!! Do you know how much this dress costs?” She said moving closer to Liana, fist tightened. She stared directly at Liana, her eyes burning with rage, but the girl didn't flinch, she rather looked still and composed.

“You incompetent little b***h!” She charged, raising her hands to hit Liana.

“That’s enough Susan!” I said, cutting her off before she could land, her hands froze midair.

Usually, I let Susan handle things her own way. That was how it had always been, as long as it stayed within acceptable bounds.

But this..

This was different. For some reason, my wolf could not stand it. The word left my mouth before I could stop them, even though I knew Susan would feel offended. The hall went quiet in an instant. One after the other, the servants and guards bowed and walked out the door. The shift in atmosphere was enough. Susan lowered her hand slowly, irritation still clearly visible on her face.

Liana stepped back only after the others began to leave, she crouched and reached for the fallen cup, she took the tray with her and without another word, she also walked out, leaving me with Susan alone.

“You didn’t have to interfere,” she said, as she stepped closer, her voice light, but layered.

“You usually let me handle these things, I could have handled it.”

That's right, I never used to interfere, I always let her do her thing. But this time, I just couldn't. My wolf had reacted before I could process it. She adjusted her posture almost immediately, slipping into a stance that had become familiar over time. The irritation had vanished, now replaced with a flirty smile. She stepped closer, her expression softening.

It wasn’t new.

Susan had always carried herself this way around the palace and most especially, around me. She had grown up within the walls of this palace. Her mother had served in this palace for years, she had been my nanny, kind, reliable, patient and calm. Susan was nothing like her mother. When she fell ill, her concern had not been for herself but for the girl she would leave behind, Susan. She had asked me on her dying bed that I take care of Susan and keep her safe. I gave her my word and I kept it.

Keeping Susan here had been the simplest way to ensure that she was safe and taken care of, just like her mother had requested. I put her in charge of the servants to give her a defined role. Over time, she grew comfortable in it. Perhaps too comfortable. But, it suited her temperament.

“Alpha!” She called out, bringing back my attention.

“If I may ask, what brings you here, Alpha?” She asked curiously.

“There will be an event in two days.” I said. Her posture shifted, focus sharpening.

“A formal gathering”.

“The council and visiting Alphas along with the envoys will be received. You will oversee the preparations.” She lowered her head slightly, already focused on the task.

“Prepare the main hall. Organize the servants, ensure the space reflects order”.

“I understand.” She replied.

“The kitchen will prepare meals suitable to entertain my guests”.

“I will make the necessary arrangements.”

“See that it is done properly, there should be no mistakes.” She lowered her head slightly. Her expression remained calm, her focus on the task.

“I’ll see to that.” She replied, almost immediately.

There was no need to repeat myself. Susan knew better than to make mistakes. Despite her tendencies, her competence has never been in question when it comes to managing what was assigned to her. With just a nod, I turned and l left her where she stood. I continued down the corridor as the palace settled back into its usual order.

As I walked down the hallway, my thoughts returned to the scene that had played out earlier. Liana didn't react the way most people would. She didn’t try to explain nor did she look scared, She simply stood there and waited for the consequences of her mistake.

But that wasn't what troubled me.

What unsettled me was the thought that had followed almost immediately after.

She was not just another servant, she was the daughter of the man who murdered my brother. The daughter of the same Alpha who had destroyed homes, lands, and the lives of my people years ago. That fact should have defined my reaction. It should have brought something that aligned with the history between our bloodlines. Hatred. Rejection.

That alone should have been enough to make me reject the thought completely. But for some reason, I didn't feel any form of resistance. That was the problem. The people would never take that lightly if they found out. My jaw tightened as I tried to settle my thoughts.

On the other hand there was Susan who never let things slide. Not when her authority was challenged in front of others.

The way she reacted afterward already showed what was coming. She doesn't deal with it right away, that wasn’t her style.

But when she finally did, she always made sure it was felt.