Claimed by the Vengeful Alpha

Maya tried to keep her worries about cooking from her thoughts as she made her way to her bedroom. However, all this did was make her worry about Keenan more. He was the center of all her concerns.

She had parted ways with Winnie in front of the dining room. She didn’t want to bother her for any longer, as Winnie had stated how tired she was. They had both said goodnight and headed in different directions.

She walked down the floor of her room and if Margaret hadn’t opened the door the moment she got close, she would have gone past before remembering this was her room now.

"Lady Maya," the maid said with a pleasant smile.

"Margaret," she grinned. It really was nice to see a familiar face.

The maid stepped to the side to let her into the room. Maya took a deep breath as a nostalgic smell reached her nostrils. It smelled just like her room in Father’s mansion. Was it because her things were here now?

"Did you go somewhere?" She asked as the maid shut the door.

"Well, I looked around the house. I wanted to familiarize myself with the way things are done here. Thankfully, the maid I ran into was nice enough to help."

"That’s good."

"Would you like to get ready for bed?" Margaret asked.

"Please," she mumbled.

Her stomach twisted; the hour was drawing close. She was sure this was a bad idea. She almost asked Winnie but she didn’t because she was worried she would lose her courage and Winnie might scold her for it.

However, it was mostly because she knew exactly what Winnie was going to say and she wanted to be proactive without seeking approval for her actions.

After the bath, Maya felt less anxious and a little more clearheaded. The water had been as warm as Keenan and for some reason, that had convinced her. She palmed her face.

Margaret gasped. "What’s the matter, My Lady?" Her voice was filled with concern as she looked down at her.

Maya pulled her hand from her face. For a moment, she had forgotten she wasn’t alone. "There has been a slight hiccup and I was hoping you would give us a hand."

"Anything, My Lady. Please, don’t hesitate." She smiled smugly as she gently brushed her long hair.

"The cook will be unavailable tomorrow," she explained. "I know you only just arrived—I should let you rest."

"Lady Maya, what’s the task? I am only here to serve."

"I am to cook the meals for the household tomorrow."

"They want you to cook?" Margaret looked down with wide eyes. "How dare they?"

Maya chuckled. "It’s not as bad as you think, Margaret. It would be just like the mansion."

"You don’t cook in the mansion, My Lady. Do they think you’re perhaps some servant? You’re the first daughter of the High Alpha. For them to ask you to cook—"

"No, Margaret. It’s not as extreme as you think. They simply need a hand. The cook’s son is having his first shift." Her voice got lower at this part. "She has to stay home to take care of him."

Margaret’s face softened as she recalled her mistress didn’t have a wolf. "Are they treating you badly here?" She queried.

"No," she lied.

Margaret glanced at her injured arm and sighed. "Do you want to help them?"

"Yes, Margaret. I’d love to."

"Very well, My Lady. I couldn’t refuse your orders even if I dislike it. They don’t treat you accordingly here. The Alpha King’s orders or not, that doesn’t mean they can do as they like."

"I understand, Margaret, but I promise it’s not what you think."

"I want to disagree," she replied. "But I am here to do whatever you want."

"Thank you, Margaret."

"Is there anything you want to prepare in particular?"

"I am not sure yet, but some chicken soup would be nice for breakfast." A smile slipped out as she spoke.

"Yes, bread pairs very nicely with it. Would you like to add something sweet?"

"Sweet?"

"I could make the pie you like."

Maya started to nod but stopped herself. "I’d prefer we make that for lunch. I’ll make some tea instead, and we can add whatever they have in the kitchen."

"Oh," Margaret said with a disapproving look on her face.

"What is it?"

"I forgot our options are limited to what’s in their kitchen."

"Margaret."

"I apologize, My Lady." She smirked. "I know this is your husband’s house, but I can’t exactly say I approve."

"Well, I am sure you understand our circumstances," she added.

She knew Margaret would know exactly what she was talking about. She was quite aware of what Keenan had gone through in the mansion.

Margaret went quiet. "Yes," she said, softer now. "I apologize."

"It’s okay, Margaret. I chose this and I promise I am fine."

The maid held her gaze in the mirror, then she slowly nodded her head. She let go of Maya’s hair and placed the brush on the dresser. "Would you like me to braid it away from your face?"

"No, this is just right. Thank you, Margaret, and goodnight."

The maid bowed low. "Goodnight," she mumbled and slipped out of the room.

Maya grabbed the robe tightly as she glanced at her expression in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled.

She didn’t mean to chase Margaret away so early but since she had the idea, she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. Her maid’s presence was distracting and she needed to focus.

What am I thinking?

She stood up and wrapped her arms around herself. What if he chased her off? It would be shameful to make the walk back to her room.

Sit!

However, no matter how loudly she screamed in her head or the pounding of her heart, her legs carried her to the door and out of her room.

The hallway was quiet; the torches were out and she had to make her way with the soft moonlight floating in through the window.

She stopped and stared at the full moon. Her mind drifted toward Arlo and she prayed to the Moon Goddess that he would have a painless first shift.

She walked toward the stairs and soon enough she was on the first floor, only a few feet away from his bedroom door. The walk was shorter than she would have liked. She needed more time to get braver.

Maya bit her cheek as she stood in front of his bedroom, one hand holding her robe close while the other lifted and slowly knocked twice on the door.

Silence.