Guarding Omega

4

A/N: Potential reference to violent actions. Read responsibly.

Ivory's steps felt heavy as she walked through the forest, approaching the area of Alpha's house. She could feel the spiteful eyes of everyone she met in her way but she chose to put her head down, looking away from them. Even the smallest of glances would give them the excuse they so much want to accuse and mock her. Not that this was something they didn't do behind her back.

She was desperate. The news of Alice – the only person she was thankful to meet in her life, the shine of light and hope in her misery – was going to leave. And then every string of hope would collapse as they will devour her. Her end is near, she was sure of it.

She remembered her plea to the goddess the night before. After all she'd gone through, she deserved a peaceful end. But she highly doubted that as well. In the absence of Alice, Drake would throw a party. She was the only one daring to go against him and saved Ivory from severe punishment many times.

Tears filled her eyes and a lump formed in her throat, blocking her breathing. She should be happy for Alice – and deep down she truly was. Finding your fated mate is a blessing and for those who have experienced it, you can see the light in their eyes. It speaks volumes.

But this could also mean that she was not going to see her beloved friend ever again. The promise Alice has given to her will not be fulfilled. She cannot ask so soon mate of such a favour. She had to establish herself as Luna of the new pack, gain the people's respect and then ask for something like this. This was a truth they both intended to ignore.

The suppressed laughs and whispers accompanied her inside the Alpha's house as well. She could hear the happy voices talking and giggling before she open the door and step inside. The enormous kitchen instantly turned into a graveyard. Not even their breaths could be heard. The eyes fell like magnets on her, watching every single move of hers. Without saying a word, she kept forward stopping only when Margo's feet appeared in her sight.

"You're late." Margo's voice cracked the ice block of silence in the room and instantly all the heads returned to their tasks. Ivory opened her mouth to apologise but she closed it again, not saying a word instead. There was no use. Maybe this will piss them off and give harder punishment and succumb to her wounds eventually, gaining her only option to freedom left. "What happened? Cat ate your tongue? Or did Drake cut it out? Anyway, get the bucket and go upstairs. Dusting and moping for a start" she ordered turning back to her chores.

The bucket was very heavy, filled with water up to the very edge. Ivory looked at the bucket and then the stairs. Another day in paradise, she thought. She didn't dare to speak such words out loud. It was instant punishment.

Every push of the bucket up the stairs was draining Ivory's energy faster. Water was spilling out of it, soaking the dark red carpet covering the middle of the marble stairs. She prayed the water dries fast enough for anyone to notice and add it up in the reasons to punish her.

When she reached the top step – after quite a struggle – she dragged the bucket to a side of the long corridor and took the duster from a small cabinet decorating the corridor with a vase of flowers on it.

First was Alpha Remus's study.

She was about to knock at the heavy wooden door when it suddenly burst open. Alpha Remus stood by the doorframe, his large frame covering most of the empty space. Ivory dropped her head down and gave a deep bow at the sight of him. He took a few steps forward and Ivory jolted to the side to make way for him.

"Make sure everything is spotless. It is a big celebration tonight and everything should be perfect. Don't disappoint me." his voice boomed from above, making her tremble with fear. Ivory tried to stand her ground but she was sure he can see her shaking form.