Weak daughter

"Is this your new way of seducing me?" Lucian questioned, his voice laced with suspicion.

Lily blinked in confusion. That word again. Selena had used it before, but she had no idea what it meant.

Lucian's gaze shifted as he observed her reaction. Was she truly this ignorant, or was this another act of feigned innocence?

Without warning, his hand moved down, grabbing her left buttock firmly. A strange sensation coursed through Lily's body, something unfamiliar and unsettling. Her eyes widened in shock. What was happening to her?

Just as she was about to raise her head, Lucian abruptly let go and strode out of the room without another word.

Lily stood frozen for a moment, utterly bewildered, but quickly shrugged it off. Pushing aside the confusion, she turned her attention to the tray of food. Still unclothed, she sat down and began eating, shoving the food into her mouth like a starved pig.

—

The next morning, Lily was led to the omega quarters and shown to a small, sparsely furnished room. Inside, she found two girls already occupying the space.

Lowering her head, she stood still, unsure of what to do.

"Welcome," one of the girls said flatly, barely sparing her a glance. "That bed is yours. I am guessing you don't need our help, so settle in yourself." Without waiting for a response, she turned and left the room.

Lily exhaled in quiet relief. They weren't interested in her. That was good. It would be less of a hassle if they ignored her entirely. Perhaps things would be easier than she had feared.

Sighing, she walked to her assigned bed and was about to lie down when the door swung open.

"The new omega maid, follow me," a maid announced, not even bothering to check if Lily acknowledged her words before turning to leave.

Lily quickly followed, maintaining a respectful distance as they walked. She kept her head lowered, avoiding the scornful gazes she felt lingering on her.

Then, without warning, her foot caught on something, and she tumbled to the ground. She didn't cry out. She didn't need to. She already knew what had happened.

Bullying. Again. It didn't matter where she went, they always found a way.

"Oops, sorry, I didn't see you there," the omega maid who had tripped her said, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "It's hard to notice a mute." And Laughter erupted around her.

Lily said nothing. She simply picked herself up and kept walking, ignoring the jeers as if she hadn't heard them at all.

Upon reaching her destination, she took in her surroundings without needing to look. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, she had always been able to recognize them easily. They were in a garden within the omega quarters.

"You can leave," came a firm voice from a middle-aged woman standing nearby.

The maid who had escorted Lily gave a small nod before turning and leaving without another word.

"I am in charge of the omega maids," the woman stated without wasting time. "I am an omega myself. If you are unclear about anything, you may come to me, but know this, I do not tolerate laziness."

Lily nodded, remaining silent.

"Your first task is to clean Lord Adrian's room. The supplies you need will already be there, but from now on, you are expected to gather them yourself." With that, the woman finished her brief introduction and got straight to business.

Nodding her head, Lily acknowledged the woman's words and turned to walk away, leaving the woman gaping in shock.

"The location…" the woman called after her, but Lily had already gone, not once looking back to ask for directions.

It wasn't until she had walked a fair distance that she realized she had no idea where Lord Adrian's room was. She hadn't even thought to ask.

Frowning, she knocked her forehead lightly, chastising herself for being stupid again.

Looking back the way she had come, she hesitated. Returning now would only be embarrassing, and besides, she doubted the woman would take kindly to her carelessness. Deciding it was best to find another maid for directions, she kept walking, keeping her eyes open for anyone she could ask.

Just then, a familiar voice reached her ears. Alpha Lucian! Lily's heart clenched in panic. Was he nearby?

Lifting her head cautiously, her breath caught when she spotted him just ahead.

As if sensing someone's gaze, Lucian turned. Lily barely had time to react before she ducked behind a wall, pressing herself against it and praying he hadn't seen her.

"How did the partnership with Alpha Enoch go?" A man standing with Lucian asked.

"As expected. We will have to use force," Lucian replied coldly. "Blame the foolish man for his foolish decision."

"Why do I feel like that was what you wanted?" The man mused. "You are not even trying to hide it."

"I was never going to hide it," Lucian scoffed. "The thought of partnering with those Alpha scums only makes me want to kill. Now they have made it easier for me. Why should I be sad?" He chuckled darkly, and the other man shook his head. Lucian's hatred for the other Alpha's was deeply rooted in his heart and nothing could stop him from getting vengeance.

"Right. I heard you brought her in. How did you manage to convince Alpha Brian?" The man asked suddenly, shifting the topic.

Lily stilled. Since arriving, nothing about their conversation had interested her…until now.

"Convince him?" Lucian sounded almost amused. "I didn't need to. Everyone knows he despises his illegitimate daughter. Even if he objected, the elders of his pack would rise against him. He has no reason to refuse. And what better way to rid himself of his weak daughter?"

Lily's breath hitched, her head dropping slightly. Even a stranger could see how little she was worth.

"And what will you do?" The man continued. "Neglect her forever?"

"That was always the plan. Let's not waste words on her."

"But you know that's impossible," the man snorted.

Lucian paused, his tone turning almost indifferent. "Why?"

The man chuckled. "Because you and I both know that she's your mate."

Lily's entire body tensed. She barely registered her foot slipping before she stumbled, knocking into something with a soft thud.

Both men fell silent.

Lily's stomach dropped. Then she bolted. She ran without looking back, sprinting in the opposite direction until she was certain she was far enough away. Only then did she stop, her back pressed against a wall as she tried to catch her breath.

Mate.

That was why he had claimed her.

But why didn't she feel it? Where was the pull, the bond everyone spoke about?