Chapter 2 Who says a woman can't do the job

A faint voice broke through the silence. "You have a bruise."

Instinctively, I covered it with my hand. My gaze met his, and for a brief moment, I caught a flicker of guilt in his expression. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by cold indifference.

"You deserve it," he muttered before walking away, leaving me standing there, frozen in place.

---

Anya's POV

Sunlight streamed through the window, warming my face and stirring me awake. I realized I had fallen asleep still wearing the clothes from last night. A dull ache settled in my chest as I recalled Marcus' order not to leave my room. Had Candice noticed my absence? Would she be upset with me?

With a deep sigh, I pushed myself out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. The emptiness beside me confirmed what I already knew-Marcus hadn't slept here. He never did. He only called for me when he needed a distraction, never treating me as his mate.

I placed a hand over my chest, feeling the weight of my emotions pressing down.

"Stay strong, Anya," my wolf whispered.

"I'm sorry for shutting you out last night," I murmured in response.

"It's alright," she reassured me.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

*Knock. Knock.*

Opening it, I was met with the bright, cheerful face of Lorraine Angeli-L.A. for short. She was Michael's mate, and Michael had recently been appointed as Marcus' beta.

"Good morning, Luna!" she greeted warmly. "Alpha wants you in his office after breakfast."

I nodded. "Alright, I'll be there."

As she left, I couldn't help but wonder what Marcus wanted from me now. Pushing the thought aside, I headed downstairs and found breakfast already set on the table. I grabbed a plate and started eating, my mind still clouded with thoughts.

"Where's your mate, L.A.?" I asked between bites.

She smiled. "Alpha assigned him a task."

I sighed. At least she always seemed happy. Unlike me, constantly yearning for something Marcus would never give-love.

"Sit with me?" I invited, needing the distraction.

She agreed and chattered excitedly about Michael, her eyes sparkling with affection. I tried to keep up, but the stark contrast between her happiness and my own situation drained any enthusiasm from me.

She noticed my silence and her expression softened. "Are you okay, Luna?"

I forced a small smile and nodded before finishing my meal.

---

After parting ways with L.A., I made my way to Marcus' office and knocked on the door.

"Come in," his voice commanded.

Pushing the door open, I hesitated before stepping inside. He stood there, his posture rigid.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked cautiously.

"Sit," he ordered.

I obeyed, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

His sharp gaze narrowed. "Did I say you could sit there?"

I quickly stood, confusion knitting my brows. Did he expect me to sit on the floor?

He sighed impatiently before gesturing. "Here. On my lap."

Blood rushed to my face. "W-What?"

"I said, sit on my lap," he repeated, his voice edged with frustration.

Heart pounding, I hesitated before doing as he asked. His warmth enveloped me, sending shivers down my spine.

"Look at me," he demanded.

I lifted my gaze, my embarrassment growing under his intense stare. Then, without warning, he cupped my face and crashed his lips against mine. His kiss was urgent, almost punishing. But I kissed him back just as desperately, lost in the moment.

His hand roamed over my body, slipping beneath my shirt. His touch sent sparks of pleasure through me. His lips trailed from my jaw to my neck, and a soft moan escaped me as he skillfully unfastened my bra.

*Knock. Knock.*

We both froze.

Flushing, I quickly pulled away, adjusting my clothes while Marcus cursed under his breath.

"Fix yourself," he muttered before calling out, "Come in."

Michael entered, his brows raising slightly at Marcus' irritated expression. Then, his gaze flickered to me, and he offered a polite smile. I returned it weakly.

"I came to report, Alpha. We've located the rogue hideout. Damien is there."

The name sent a wave of tension through Marcus. His fists clenched, and a dangerous fire burned in his eyes. Damien had escaped once, with Veronica's help. Though she was now imprisoned in the Blue Moon Pack's dungeons, Damien remained a threat.

"Prepare to attack," Marcus growled. "Gather the sentinels. That bastard will die for what he's done."

Michael bowed. "Yes, Alpha."

As soon as he left, I turned to Marcus hesitantly. "Marcus-"

I reached out, but he slapped my hand away as if my touch burned him. His glare was filled with barely contained rage.

"Don't touch me!" he snarled.

Pain lanced through my chest. My throat tightened as I blinked back tears. "Marcus, I-"

"Get out, Anya!" he snapped.

I swallowed hard, nodding before hurrying out of the office. On the stairs, I ran into L.A.

"Are you okay, Luna?" she asked gently, concern evident in her eyes.

Forcing a small smile, I nodded before retreating to my room.

I should have known better. I should have stopped hoping.

But no matter how much pain he caused me, I couldn't stop loving him.

And that was my greatest weakness.