Chapter 4 0004

Days had blurred together, each one identical to the last. The feeling of disgust never lessened, and I refused to let the maids touch me. Every time, I scrubbed my body raw, but nothing washed away the feeling of violation.

Enough. I had to do something.

Angel had delivered what I asked for-a poison laced with vampire blood. A dose strong enough to weaken an Alpha, just enough for me to strike at his weakest moment. Once and for all, I'd end him.

An unfamiliar feeling settled inside me as I stood in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back-empty eyes, lips curled in the ghost of a smile. I barely recognized myself. I was changing. The pain inside me was turning into something else. Something darker.

But I didn't fight it.

Snapping my fingers, the maids rushed in to dress me. It was becoming a norm, this routine, but I would never get used to it. Not when I knew this would be the last time. After tonight, I would disappear, never to be seen again.

Once I was ready, I made my way to the kitchen. The personal chef was busy as always, his hands moving with practiced skill. He had a warm presence, far too kind to belong in this wretched place.

"How can I help you, Luna?" he asked, bowing slightly.

I needed him out. But how? He was too focused on his work.

"Can you do something for me?" I asked softly.

"You don't need to ask, just command," he replied with a smile.

"I haven't seen Angel. Can you fetch her for me?"

He nodded without hesitation and left.

I exhaled, wasting no time. Lifting the pot's lid, the rich aroma of slow-cooked meat filled the air. And there it was-the raw steak, freshly prepared for the Alpha. I cut a small piece, tasting it briefly before pouring the poisoned vampire blood over the rest.

The door creaked open. I barely had time to hide the vial behind my back before the chef returned.

"She's waiting in your chambers," he said.

I forced a smile. "Call me when the Alpha's meal is ready."

---

"Food is ready."

I entered his bedroom, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

Luca barely acknowledged me, too preoccupied with whatever business consumed his mind. But I didn't care. I took my seat at the dining table, waiting.

Minutes passed before he finally sat across from me. His sharp gaze met mine with mild surprise.

"So you're joining me today?" he asked.

"Is that a problem?" I countered, matching his stare.

The chef arrived, setting down the meal. But then, he did something that sent panic shooting through me.

He reached for the steak.

He was going to taste it first.

A calculated man like Luca wouldn't be careless. He had too many enemies. And I-stupidly-hadn't accounted for this.

I faked a cough, desperate to stop him. He hesitated, then turned to me instead, pouring a glass of water and tasting it first before handing it over.

"Are you alright, Luna?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

I nodded, but my throat was dry.

Then, before I could stop myself, I picked up a piece of meat. And ate it.

My heart pounded violently. I waited-seconds stretching into eternity. If the poison was as strong as I feared, I'd be dead within minutes.

But nothing happened.

I glanced at the chef, expecting shock, horror, anything-but he was perfectly fine.

Confusion clouded my mind. Why isn't he affected? The poison was lethal to an Omega. It wouldn't kill an Alpha outright, but it should have at least weakened him.

I forced myself to remain calm, watching as Luca ate with his usual carelessness. My plan had failed. But I needed answers.

The moment I finished eating, I stood and left, making my way straight to the kitchen.

The chef was there, leaning against the counter, a cigarette between his fingers. As soon as he saw me, he put it out and bowed.

"Can I help you, Luna? Or did Angel go missing again?" he asked, amused.

I didn't bother with pleasantries.

"Who are you?"

His expression didn't change. "I don't understand. I'm just a chef."

I took a step closer. "I won't ask again. How did you survive that poison?"

A slow smile spread across his lips. Then, before my eyes, he shifted.

His body melted into an entirely different form. Not human. Not wolf. And then, just as quickly, he changed again-this time into Luca.

Then me.

The realization hit me like a blow.

"You're a shape-shifter."

He nodded. "And you, Luna, have just made the biggest mistake of your life."

I tensed, but he chuckled. "Relax. I'm not your enemy. I actually admire what you're trying to do."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then why didn't you kill him yourself?"

"Because the Alpha is a force. No matter what form I take, he'd smell me out. He could kill me in any shape I take." His voice was calm, but there was an underlying bitterness in his tone.

He had reasons for wanting Luca dead. I didn't need to know them. What mattered was that we had a common goal.

"You want revenge," he said, watching me closely. "And I can help you get it."

A dangerous offer. A tempting one.

"How?" I asked.

A knowing smirk played on his lips. "That depends. Do you trust me?"

Did I? Trust was a foreign concept. But right now, I had nothing left to lose.

Still, he wasn't done. "But first, we need to make a pact."

I stiffened. "A pact?"

"To ensure secrecy. Once we do this, no matter what happens, even if a knife is at your throat, you can never betray me. And I can never betray you."

His words held weight. There was no turning back after this.

He pulled out a small needle, pricking his finger before offering it to me.

I hesitated.

Then, I extended my hand.

A single drop of blood connected our pinkies, sealing our fates.

For the first time since this nightmare began, I finally had an ally.

And soon, Luca would fall.