Claimed by the Vengeful Alpha

"If I didn’t know better, I’d say your Ladyship doesn’t want me here," Margaret said with a sad laugh.

"No, Margaret," Maya replied while vigorously shaking her head. "That’s not true."

"I know, my lady. Please don’t let my statement bother you. I know you’re just concerned but please worry about yourself more. You’re in a strange place without even proper clothes—let me help. If the High Alpha didn’t think the mansion would fare without me, he would never have sent me here."

"You’re right," Maya mumbled as she didn’t want to discuss this topic much longer, let alone in front of Keenan’s door.

"Good. Then look a little happier to see me. This is our reunion after so long."

The corners of her eyes crinkled as she looked at the older woman. "I am so happy to see you, Margaret. You know that."

"I do and so am I, my lady. Shall we head to your room? I heard you have been out all morning."

"You did?"

"Yes, one of the servants was kind enough to tell me. That’s how I knew you had arrived and were on the first floor."

"Oh, I see," she said as the maid stepped in line with her. Her stomach twisted. She would have to lead the maid to that room.

"When did you arrive?" She asked, trying to distract herself.

"About an hour ago," she replied. "The trip was less hectic than I expected. We left before dawn and were here before noon."

Maya nodded her head as they walked side by side. She found herself slowing down as they approached the stairs leading to the second floor.

The house was mostly empty as they made their way upstairs. With it being almost lunchtime, the servants were busy and would be around the kitchen area.

She glanced at Margaret, who walked next to her with an eager expression while anxiety tore at her. She had several questions, but the maid had only just arrived; she would give her some time to get acclimated. Verlassen was very different from the High Alpha’s mansion.

She didn’t understand what the High Alpha was trying to do by sending Margaret. She couldn’t help but be a little suspicious. However, she trusted Margaret and the maid had proved herself multiple times already. She was the reason she had been able to deal with Mother’s death while also simultaneously managing the house.

This didn’t change the fact that Margaret was an important asset and the High Alpha wouldn’t easily let go of her. Perhaps these two worked hand in hand instead of being separate.

She opened her mouth to ask but was immediately cut off as Margaret abruptly stopped walking.

"We are here," Margaret said as she stopped in front of a strange room.

"No, this is not my—" she didn’t finish the rest of her words as the maid was already pushing the door open.

The room in question was the one Alpha Claude had stayed in during his visit. The room didn’t change from when she cleaned it, except for the curtains and bedding.

"Are you sure?" Margaret asked with concern as she turned around to look at Maya. "The maid Palmer told me this is your room."

"My room?" she asked with a frown as she reluctantly stepped in and looked around.

Was this room given to her because of the maid’s arrival? Did Keenan try to put her in a better situation because the High Alpha was going to hear about it?

He didn’t have any reaction when he saw her in that empty room; rather, he had asked her humiliating questions. She was grateful she had a better room but it was almost impossible to get the sour taste out of her mouth.

The maid stood a few feet away, staring at her oddly. Margaret was dressed as usual, in the clothes her father’s servants wore. A black dress with white frills around each opening. She stood out in comparison to the main house maids, who wore grey dresses.

"Yes, am I wrong, my lady?" There was concern in her expression. "I already arranged the wardrobe with your clothes. I can’t believe you didn’t have clothes all this while."

She walked toward the wardrobe and flung it open, revealing Maya’s clothes. Maya crossed the room to the wardrobe to get a better look.

A significant number of her dresses lined the wardrobe. It wasn’t all of them but it was more than enough. She did have more clothes than she could possibly need in Father’s mansion.

"I also brought some of your personal items. The paint and ink you like, and some paper. I am sure you have none of that here."

Maya jerked from the wardrobe and looked at Margaret with wide eyes. "You brought them?"

"Of course and your favorite jewelry too. I brought everything I thought you might like while you’re here."

"Margaret," she cried as water pooled in her eyes. "Thank you."

"My pleasure, my lady. I am sorry you had to go for so long without them. I can’t imagine what you have been through," her eyes darted toward Maya’s bandage.

Maya was surprised she didn’t say anything about it as soon as she saw it. Her dress was long enough to cover some of it but it was still visible.

"There was a slight accident," she mumbled. "But it’s healing. Since you’re here, would you be kind enough to help take the bandages off?"

"It will be my pleasure. Is there anything you would have liked for me to bring that I didn’t? The High Alpha said you can include it in your letter and he would send it. Please don’t hold back, my lady. You tend to be too selfless."

"I am fine, Margaret. What you brought is more than enough."

"You say that but there is a bandage on your arm. Your Father would not be happy to hear this," Margaret said with disapproval. It was obvious she was doing her best to hold back.

Maya shivered at the mention of the High Alpha. "I’m fine, really. If I had a wolf, this wound would have healed a long time ago."

A strange look passed across her face but Margaret simply nodded. "Very well. Shall I help you out of your bandages and that dress? I brought far better clothes."

"Thank you, Margaret."

---

"Maya!" Winnie’s voice echoed as she burst into the room.

"Winnie," she called back and set aside the book she held. Margaret had been kind enough to bring some for her. "Welcome back."

Winnie rushed toward the bed and sat next to her. She was dressed in a different dress from this morning and her hair was slightly wet. Maya could only figure out that she had cleaned off all the clay from work.

"I can’t believe you had to leave so early," she whined and leaned closer to Maya.

Margaret cleared her throat and walked closer. A displeased look on her face as she watched Winnie’s interaction with Maya. Winnie turned her head in shock. She hadn’t realized there was another presence in the room.

"This is my maid, Margaret. Margaret, would you excuse us for a bit?"

"Of course, Lady Maya," she said with a bow before turning away and exiting the room.

"Was that why Alpha Keenan asked you to return to the main house?" She asked, reluctantly turning her gaze from the door to Maya.

Maya nodded. "Not only that," she said and started to get out of bed.

"What are you doing?" Winnie said as she got out of the way.

"I got a letter," she replied as she walked toward the dresser and pulled it open. She took out the envelope and walked back to the bed.

"From your adoptive father?" Winnie asked.

She nodded and handed the letter to Winnie as she sat down on the bed.

"Your bandages!" She yelled out absentmindedly, accepting the letter.

"Yes, I took them out."

"How’s your hand?" She asked eagerly as she leaned forward.

Maya nodded and turned her arm so Winnie could take a look. "It doesn’t hurt as much as it first did."

"But it still hurts, doesn’t it?"

She shrugged in response. "It’s bearable."

Winnie sighed. "The wound is closed and the surface is dry but it will still take a few days for it to fully heal, at least."

Maya laughed. "Why do you sound familiar with it? I’m sure your wounds heal faster."

"Yes," she replied. "But before Asher, I used to spend a lot of time in the orphanage. I did live there until Alpha Keenan built the main house. I am familiar with how long it takes the children to heal." She shook her head. "They are always getting into trouble."

"You don’t go there anymore? You sound like you miss them."

"I do?" She laughed.

"Yes."

"I haven’t been there in a while but a few of them come by the workshop to learn whenever they can. I still see them."

"Oh really, that sounds lovely."

"Anyway, let’s get back to the issue here. What does the letter say?"

"Read it."

Winnie opened the envelope but didn’t take her eyes off Maya. "You don’t know that I can’t read?" She asked with a chuckle.