More than a Surrogate

|Moondor Packhouse, Central City|

I balanced the heavy laundry basket on my hip, the scent of lavender soap trailing behind me as I walked through the winding hallway. The sole of my worn-out shoes padded against the cold floor as I hummed a tune under my breath.

"Morning, Sara," Mila greeted with a bright smile, brushing past me with her arms full of linen.

It was another Saturday morning in the packhouse which meant general cleaning, and as usual, all the omegas would be busier.

The only thing I liked about today was that I didn't have to spend the entire day grovelling at Luna Vera's feet. Being her handmaiden was more terrifying than anyone would imagine but we weren't allowed to talk about it.

"Morning, Mila," I answered back with a smile.

As I passed the kitchen hall, a warm hand reached out and dropped a crumbling cookie into my mouth.

"You need this more than I do. Well done," the cook winked and I grinned.

"Thank you," I murmured, touched by the gesture. It was just a cookie but it meant a lot to me.

I climbed the staircase to the Luna's quarters, careful not to jostle the basket. The corridor was unusually silent. As I approached the door, I couldn't help but notice the tension hanging in the air.

I knocked softly but there was no answer.

Swallowing, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was total chaos. A mirror was cracked down the middle, the Luna's jewellery and perfume bottles shattered on the floor. The chairs were turned upside down.

Oh, no.

I didn't need anyone to tell me what was happening. Luna Vera was having another of her moments and this time, it seemed like it had hit worse.

I had barely taken another step when a lamp flew across the room.

I gasped and ducked. The lamp smashed against the wooden door behind me, sending glass spraying across the floor.

A few maids had already huddled in the corner, pale and wide eyed. I didn't hesitate in joining them, finding a corner to hide myself.

I was well aware of what happened when a maid had interrupted one of Luna Vera's outbursts. It wasn't pretty.

The culprit stood in the center of the room, her golden hair was wild and mascara ran down her face. Her silk robe flared as she turned towards us.

"Clean all of it," she spat. "Before I return. Or you'll wish you were never born."

With that, she stormed out, the door slamming behind her with a deafening echo. I released the breath I didn't realise, I was holding.

The other maids began to move at once, cleaning the mess as instructed with an impressive amount of speed. We were used to it already.

I clutched the basket resting on my hip tightly, heading towards the dresser to arrange all of them.

One of the girls suddenly flung her cleaning brush across the floor, startling the rest of us. "I don't understand why we have to suffer every time she's angry."

"Shh! Don't be stupid," another girl whispered, her eyes darting towards the closed doors. "You want to end up in the dungeons?"

I didn't speak. I knew better. Complaining was useless.

We were omegas, less than nothing in the eyes of the powerful. And worse, handmaidens to a Luna who couldn't bear a child and lashes out on us every time her monthly course came like a shock.

The Alpha and the Luna had been trying for an heir for as long as I can remember but nothing had changed. Luna Vera was unable to get pregnant, and it was beginning to cause agitation in the pack.

Whispers were traveling, and the councillors were already pushing the Alpha to dethrone her and take another that would be capable of fulfilling her duties.

It made Luna Vera tense each time, and she was slowly starting to lose her mind.

But it wasn't any of my concern. I had only one thing to do, and that was my job. I'd learned long ago that survival meant being invisible.

It meant bowing my head and swallowing every Cruz every bruise, every injustice without a word.

I had just finished scrubbing the last of the silverware, my arms aching and my feet were numb from standing all day.

I took the plain dinner in silence, and crept into my cot tucked away in the servant quarters. I wasn't in the mood for small talk with anyone, and I knew Myra wouldn't let me hear the end of it by tomorrow.

My eyes closed the moment my head hit the pillow, and sleep wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I didn't know how long I was out for when the whispers came.

"Sara!"

I felt a soft tap on my arm, and I stirred. Another tap, this time more urgent.

"Sara, wake up."

My eyes snapped open. The head maid stood over me, holding a flickering oil lamp. Her lips were tight and her eyes unreadable.

"Ma'am Cory?" My voice was hoarse from sleep. "Is something wrong?"

The shadows from the lamp danced across her wrinkled face, and I rubbed the back of my knuckles against my eyes.

"No time," she snapped. "Get up. Now."

I moved to grab my robe, but Ma'am Cory yanked me up by the wrist. "Forget that. Come."

My heart thudded as I was pulled into the corridor, my bare feet were freezing against the cold stone floor.

What in heaven's name was going on?

A loud yawn split my mouth open in half, and Ma'am Cory shot me a dirty look while I grimaced in apology.

Outside the room, five other girls stood in a row and just like me, they were all wide eyed and confused.

"Follow me," Ma'am Cory ordered, already turning into the darkness of the east wing.

That was the Luna's quarters. And it made me even more perplexed.

My legs felt weak, and my stomach tightened with dread. The other girls exchanged glances, but no one dared to speak.

Where were we going? And why were we chosen?

My heart was suddenly pounding like a warm drum. Something wasn't right about this.

And I could feel it in my bones. Wherever we were going would change everything.

We walked in silence, only the soft rustle of our dresses against the stone floors echoed down the long hallway.

I kept my eyes on the floor, following the group of girls as the head maid led us deeper into the Luna's wing.

No one spoke until we stopped in front of a carved wooden door. The Luna's door.

One of the younger maids turned to Ma'am Cory with a tremble. "Why are we here?" She whispered, shaking.

Ma'am Cory didn't answer at first. But when she did, her voice was clipped and there was something sketchy in her eyes.

It made my stomach twist.

"Don't ask questions. Just do as you're told."

With that, she opened the door.

The room was pitch black, except for the pale silver glow of moonlight pouring through the high arched window. It bathed the room in an eerie light, falling directly on the Luna.

I didn't know what scared me more. The way she sat upright on her bed like an ice statue or how Ma'am Cory eyed us with pity.

Like we were lambs heading to the slaughter house.

She shuffled forward, bowing. "They're here, my Lady."

I swallowed hard. My feet were moving as I stepped into a straight line with the others, my throat suddenly going dry.

Luna Vera stood slowly, walking towards us with deliberate steps. She came to stand in front of us, her eyes were hard as they swept over every one of us.

When she spoke, her voice was tinged with distaste and fury.

"Strip."

For a long moment, no one moved. Instead, we kept throwing curious glances at each other, unsure if we'd heard correctly.

"I said strip!' Luna Vera snapped again, her eyes glowing this time.

The head maid stepped forward with a stern nod, "Do as she says now!"

One by one, the girls began to shed their thin nightdresses as it fell to the floor. My throat tightened. I hesitated for a moment before following suit.

My dress slipped off my shoulders and pooled at my feet. Goosebumps rose on my skin causing me to shiver.

Luna Vera walked in front of us, inspecting every one of us slowly. Her gaze was sharp as she touched them, squeezing their breasts and thighs.

I froze as Luna stopped before me. My breath caught but I couldn't move.

"Turn around," Luna Vera commanded.

I clenched my fist but obeyed, the chill biting into my back. She hummed low in my throat, a sound of interest.

"Face me."

I turned. The Luna's fingers closed around one of my breasts, twisting my nipple back and forth. She looked up and I swallowed,

"How old are you?"

"Twenty two."

"Have you seen your cycle?"

"Yes," I nodded, squeezing my fingers together. "A week ago."

I didn't know why but the corners of her lips twitched and she leaned closer.

"And have you ever lain with a man?"

My face flushed with embarrassment, but I forced the answer out.

"No, Luna."

She smiled, stepped back with a satisfied nod. "I choose this one. Get her ready and take her up. He'll see her once she's prepared."

The head maid bobbed her head, rushing forward to drape a heavy coat around my naked body. I didn't understand what was going on, even as I was ushered out of the room.

But for some reason, her words felt like a death sentence.

Ma'am Cory led me to an adjacent washroom that looked too regal to belong to the servants. I noticed they were other older maids there, the ones that worked in the kitchens and at the infirmary.

"Ma'am Cory?" I called even as I was being pulled into the dim room. "What's going on? Why am I here?"

She didn't respond, turning to speak with the other maids instead.

"Add enough rose to the water and use the herbs too. You know how much he likes them."

They ripped the coat away from me and different hands guided me to the water. I winced as they scrubbed my skin with herbs that stung.

"I said what's going on?" I yelled, grabbing Ma'am Cory by the wrist.

She froze and something flashed in her eyes. Something that looked like pity.

"You're doing a noble thing," she said softly. "What will happen tonight? It's for the good of the pack."

Her expression hardened again. She yanked her hand away. "So just keep quiet and do your duty."

My heart pounded as the women continued their work, slathering my body with scented balm and combing through my hair.

Something was definitely wrong. I could feel it.

What could be so good for the pack that it needed to be kept from me? And at whose expense?

They dressed me in silk. I had never worn anything like it in all of my life. It was a dress fitting for royalty, and not for a servant like me.

"Come on," One of the women nudged me once they were done. "It's time."

I couldn't resist, not when both of them held each of my arms in a vice grip. None of us spoke a word as we walked down a long corridor lit with torches.

The further we went, the more familiar the place became and I realized where we were when they stopped in front of large double doors.

This was the Alpha's wing.

A foreboding feeling crept in my throat, and I took a shaky step backwards.

Now it all made sense. The dress, the expensive silk dress, bathing me in rose and scented balms.

It was me. I was the sacrifice.

"No!" I cried out, thrashing and tugging for escape. "Please, no!"

They didn't listen. They pushed the door open and threw me inside.

Before I could spin around, I heard a resounding lock echo. I was trapped.

"No!" I screamed with all of my lungs, banging my fists against the door. "Let me out! Please, don't do this to me. Let me out!!"

"It will be useless to keep doing that."

My breath hitched, my fingers freezing around the silver door handle.

"Turn around, slave."

I was trembling, from my shoulders down to my legs. I quaked terribly but I slowly spun around to face him.

Raylor Kane. The Viking Alpha of Moondor pack.

I clutched the handle for my dear life, refusing to move an inch.

He staggered towards me and I noticed how uncoordinated his steps were.

My eyes fell on the flask in his hold. The sharp, pungent smell of whiskey filtering into my nose.

He stepped in front of me, the moonlight illuminating his giant frame. He was completely naked, and I determined to keep my gaze fixed on his face.

Maybe if I pleaded with him... Maybe if I begged, he would see reason and left me go.

"Alpha," the words trembled out of my mouth. "I don't want to do this, please."

Cold blue eyes peered at me and he grabbed my shoulders, "What do you say we have a little fun, hmm?"

"No." Tears ran down my face as I shook my head. "No, please."

His lips curled into a cruel smile, showing fanged teeth. "It's too late, slave." His arm wrapped around my waist and he pulled me into his naked chest.

"You're mine now!"

Content Warning: This chapter contains themes of sexual violence, trauma, and emotional distress. Reader discretion is advised.

I woke up with pain between my legs and let out a soft, broken groan. The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Alpha's chamber.

I was disoriented, my mind swirling until his voice broke the stillness.

"You're awake," he said coldly.

My breath caught.

Memories came rushing back in flashes. Last night, he had gotten drunk before pouncing on me. I could still remember the smell of alcohol on his breath, the way he violently held me down.

He'd forced his way in.

A sharp ache throbbed between my legs, pulling me fully into the horror of reality.

Raylor stood at the foot of the bed, his expression unreadable but distant. He seemed almost irritated by me.

He tossed a half empty flask of ale onto the covers beside me.

"That should help with the pain," he muttered, not meeting my eyes. "The maids will come clean you up."

He shrugged on his coat without a backward glance and walked out, the door closing behind him with a click that echoed.

I stayed there, unmoving. The flask was untouched by my side yet my hands clutched the sheets.

My body trembled, and I could feel the hollow emptiness inside my chest deepening.

My breath hitched once, then again, before the sobs came. I cried like I never had in my life before, yet it wasn't enough.

The Luna had tricked me. The maids had pretended not to know what was happening. And the Alpha-

He was the worst. He treated me as though I was nothing more than a ragdoll to be used.

It hurt. It hurt so badly I could barely breathe.

I had no idea what was going to happen to me now, or what other evil plans they were concocting.

The only thing I knew was that I didn't have a choice. Right from the beginning. I was an omega, after all, so what options did I have?

But I thought if I was obedient enough. If I barked when they wanted me to, and sit when they commanded, nothing would happen to me.

It turned out that I was fucking wrong.

They didn't care how loyal you are or how hard you worked. To them, I was indispensable and last night proved it.

I didn't know when the maids entered. One of them gasped, halting in front of me with a horrified expression.

"Bloody heavens...did a massacre happen here?'

She reached forward, tapping my face gently but I didn't respond.

My eyes stared, unseeing, at the plain brown wall in front of me.

I didn't speak even as they lifted me from the bed. I barely registered the warmth of the water in the bath they placed me in.

I didn't feel anything except the hollow pain in my chest. It felt like my heartbeat was slowly dying and there was nothing I could do about it.

Sometime later, I wasn't sure how much time had gone but my mind had settled. I was in a different room and it wasn't the servants quarters.

The air smelt differently, almost like the room hadn't been in use for years. The decorations were sparse as well, the bed and the little table by the side were the only pieces of furniture in here.

The door opened suddenly, and Luna Vera stepped in, her eels clicking softly. I bristled at the satisfied smile on her face.

"Well," she purred, tilting her head, "How was your night?"

She crouched and grabbed my chin between two of her fingers, lifting it until our eyes met.

I glared at her, hatred burning behind unshed tears. But the Luna only chuckled.

"Don't look at me like that," she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "This is for the best, you know."

She shoved my face away as if disgusted by the touch, and rose to her feet.

"You'll remain here," she said, smoothing her skirt. "Until you show signs of being with child."

She turned to leave.

"And if I don't?" My voice came out hoarse but steady.

Vera paused at the door, placing over her shoulder. Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Then you'll die," she said simply.

She stepped through the door, but before it closed behind her, she offered one last parting gift,

"Enjoy the silence."

The lock clicked.

I leaned into the bed, the echo of her words echoing in the still air. A bitter scoff escaped my lips.

I was ruined. Either way.

........

I spent the rest of the day in the cold room as promised by the Luna and I could feel my toes turning into ice.

She hadn't even given me the luxury of having a blanket.

It was harsh and bitter and cold. I stared at the untouched tray of food at the foot of the bed with disdain, rubbing the sides of my arms for some form of heat.

The door suddenly creaked open and I stiffened. I squinted at the orange glow of light heading to me.

Instinctively, my knees drew to my chest. The silhouette in the doorway stepped forward, and I recognized her immediately.

"Oh, dear child," she whispered, hurrying closer but I didn't move. "Come on, let's go."

My breath caught in my throat. Again. They wanted me to go through hell again.

"No," I shook my head firmly, "I'm not going anywhere. You can't make me."

Ma'am Cory exhaled slowly, the harsh lines on her face had disappeared. "We're not taking you to him, Sara," she said gently.

"The Luna. She said you can return to work. No need to stay here anymore."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?" I croaked. "Why the change of heart? Is she planning something else?"

"No," Ma'am Cory's eyes dropped to the ground. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

"What?"

"I said I'm sorry," she sniffled, her shoulders trembling. "I should never have recommended you. I didn't know..." Her voice cracked, and tears slipped silently down her cheeks.

"I didn't know what they were going to do. Please forgive me."

She was lying. I didn't know why but I could feel it. She knew exactly what was going to happen, but acted blind. And now, she couldn't deal with the shame of it.

I didn't feel anything from her apology. The damage was already done, my body was broken.

"If it's forgiveness you're looking for," I didn't realize I was crying until it slid between my cracked lips. "You won't find it here."

She looked appalled, but she nodded. "I understand," she said, brushing at her wet face. "Come on. Let's get you out of here."

With trembling legs, I stood. Each step felt like a mile and for a moment, I didn't want to leave the confines of the room.

At least, I felt safe here. How was I supposed to deal with the humiliation I had suffered?

But then I remembered. Humiliation was the least of what I should be feeling at the moment.

I had to either get pregnant with the Alpha's child or I would die.

Thinking about it now, I didn't know which fate was more cruel.

One thing was for certain, the moon god was definitely not on my side.