Betrayed by Blood, Claimed by the Alpha-Chapter 45

Betrayed by Blood~

Martha adjusted the hem of her dress as she barked out a laugh, the tips of her ears turning red from how much she was laughing. She walked across the training field with a couple of maids, enjoying the stories they were sharing when she wasn’t in the pack. Just as they rounded a corner, a hand shot out, gripping her arm tightly and pulled her into another corner.

Martha gasped, stumbling from the force of the pull. Still struggling to regain her balance, she gawked when she saw Alpha Matt in front of her. He didn’t release her, his grip firm as he stared at her.

"Alpha Matt," Martha stammered, glancing around the field. Although they were near a corner, they still weren’t out of safety, just out of earshot. Anyone could see them if they looked closely enough. Martha’s heart beat sped up at this fact. How was she ever going to explain being seen with a guest alpha in the pack? Especially Alpha Matt? "What are you doing here?" Martha stammered out.

"Looking for you," he said smoothly, his eyes sharp as he stared her down. "You’re awfully good at dodging me, Martha. Why is that?" He asked. The former head maid had been out of his sight for some days now after their deal. It was a shame, really. Matt thought she was smarter than that.

"I’ve... been busy," she whispered.

"Busy doesn’t excuse forgetting your obligations or have you forgotten our deal," he asked, his eyebrows cocked up. Martha snapped her eyes at him, shaking her head. "No, I didn’t," she replied.

Matt hummed, "So, tell me—what news do you have for me?"

Martha’s heart raced. Her eyes darted around, hoping someone might interrupt, but no one approached. "I... I can’t tell you anything here. It’s too open, and I don’t want anyone overhearing me," she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "But I will. I promise."

His lips twitched into a humorless smirk, his eyes holding no emotion. "Promises are only as good as the person making them, and you, Martha... You and I know you have nothing to tell me, and it’s such a pity seeing how many chances I’ve given you. But now, I’m losing patience."

"No, I’m not lying this time. I do have news for you, but I can’t tell you here. It’s too open. The walls have ears, you know," she whispered. "I’ll tell you later, I promise, but I cannot be seen here with you unless you want rumors flying about," she rushed out.

"Later?" His voice dropped an octave as he frowned, his jaw clenched hard. "No. I’m done with that. After the hunt tomorrow, you will do something for me. No more stalling."

Martha flinched, shaking her head. "I’m not doing anything to harm my alpha or my pack."

Matt chuckled darkly, his grin widening. "Loyal to a fault, aren’t you? It’s admirable. Foolish, but admirable." He leaned closer, his tone dripping with mockery. "You should remember who holds your little secret in his hands. If you think for a second that I won’t use it—"

"I understand," Martha interrupted sharply, glaring hard at him. "I get it already!" She gritted out. Anyone could easily overhear what they were discussing, and this man was really going to threaten her this way?

Matt smirked, holding her hands for a second longer before stepping back. "Good. Don’t make me remind you again," he said and then turned to leave.

As he walked away, Martha let out a shaky breath, gripping the edge of a nearby bench to steady herself. Matt was fast becoming a problem. How did she get herself into such a situation? She had been avoiding him, doing it with all her might only for the man to corner her today. It was as though the moon goddess was against her.

"Martha." A familiar voice called out to her.

Martha stood up straight, her heart pounding hard in her chest. She turned around only to find Kendra behind her, her eyebrows pinched in confusion, arms crossed over her chest.

"M-Miss.." she stammered.

"What were you doing with Alpha Matt?" Kendra asked.

Martha swallowed hard, forcing a smile on her face. "Nothing important. He just wanted to know about dinner. He wants something different tonight," she replied. Of course, it didn’t make sense. Martha wasn’t in charge of the kitchen anymore since she lost her title.

Kendra raised a brow but seemed to accept the answer. "He’s an odd one, isn’t he? Anyway, you should get back to the pack house. You shouldn’t be out here when we have pending matters," Kendra said quietly.

Martha nodded. She was to be given her instructions tonight for the hunt. "Yes, miss."

____________________________________

"Okay! That’s it for tonight," Avery mumbled to herself as she got up to her feet. Since it was the night before the hunt, there was a whole lot more to do. The entire pack had been bustling with people. Avery walked to the running tap and washed off her legs.

Other maids were now taking over for the night. They had been split into batches to make their work easier. Avery finally pulled off the apron she’d been wearing and made her way out.

Avery’s body ached as she trudged back toward the servant quarters. She sighed wistfully as she glanced at the sky; the moon was out and bright tonight. Tomorrow would be a full moon, which would mark the blood hunt. It was weird, though, that even with everyone bustling in and out of the pack house today, Avery didn’t see Cain. Normally, she’d catch at least a glimpse of him around, but not today. She shook her head, forcing the thought away from her mind. She wasn’t going to think of Cain tonight.

Every muscle in her body protested as she walked; she wanted nothing more than to collapse on the bed and sleep. She turned at a corner leading to the house when she heard it.

Voices.

Avery halted in her tracks, her eyes darting back and forth, trying to see who was speaking. Their voices were low, almost like a whisper, yet they reached her ears. She could instantly tell no one was supposed to hear whatever it was they were talking about.

She shook her head, her eyes straying towards the shed behind the trees. It wasn’t far from the pack, but it was abandoned. She wondered, though, what anyone would be doing there. The place wasn’t conducive, and she knew this after missing her way once and ending up there. She moved to leave, only to pause again, her eyebrows furrowing when she heard his name. Instinctively, she stepped back, pressing herself against a nearby tree.

"...it’s set, then. Tomorrow during the hunt. No mistakes this time," one voice said, gruff and impatient.

"We can’t afford to botch this, not with Alpha Cain watching everyone so closely. Are you sure the distraction will be enough?" a second voice replied quietly.

"It will. He won’t see it coming."

Avery’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded so loudly she worried they’d hear it. She dared to peek around the tree but could barely make out anything of the voices. She squinted her eyes, but could only make out the shadow of two men.

"Good. Once he’s gone, the rest will fall into place," the gruff voice continued. "Just make sure you’re where you’re supposed to be. No slip-ups."

"Everyone will do their parts. Cain won’t leave the forest alive."