noun ~ a white sparkling wine, usually drank at special functions

NOVA

I woke up to my alarm and dragged myself into the shower. Today was Rosie's birthday party and wolves from all over the world would be visiting. There were mainly males, as it allowed them to find their mates; many hoping that alpha blood was theirs.

I dried myself with my towel and pushed my damp hair so it flowed down my back. I passed a mirror on my way to the toilet and grimaced at what I saw.

My eye had swelled, and a burning hot pain seared through my jaw. Small and large scratches lined my arms and chest, my jumper torn and ragged on my shoulders. This was one of the worse ones they had given me. Sophie never touched me. It would hurt her precious luna reputation if she did. But her friends seemed to relish in the blood lust. Their wolves enjoyed taking the frustration out on me. I was an easy target; if I fought back, my repercussions would be worse than theirs.

I had ten minutes to cover up the black eye I was sporting and the various pink lines on my face. The make-up did its trick, a habitually patterned effort for bruises. They usually avoided my face in fear of being caught, but many times, their wolf reacted instead. I was lucky to even have some make-up thanks to my mum.

At five-thirty sharp, I bust my ass in the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Today we had to not only make breakfast and lunch but also prep food for tonight's party. Also, make sure glasses are polished and ice is ready for the alcohol buckets.

Thankfully, that side of the party was the bar preparation tasks. I was just on kitchen duty as per normal and may be on server duty. Alpha often placed me in hospitality; carrying glasses of champagne. Thankfully, most wolves went to the bar for the harder drinks, liking vodka or whiskey, so I was usually not busy.

Breakfast came and went and we prepared a large feast of salads, pasta, loaded fries, chicken and sausages for lunch. My mum was the head chef today, so it was easy. The kitchen had a multitude of ovens, grills and hobs to keep up with demand, so it was no surprise there were twelve of us in here. I was mainly on meat prep, something to keep my fingers busy and keep my head down.

Throughout the day, I felt my eye pulsing and a headache growing, knowing it was more than likely because of the trauma. And the fact I refused to eat during the day... But that kept me away from other wolves.

After dinner, we cleaned. I was sweating profusely as my hands cleared the scraps from the plates and I knew my make-up was smearing. When I touched my skin, it covered my fingers in glittery colours. I would have to paint it on again once I was done. In the meantime, most people ignored me as I cleaned and I used my hair as a curtain.

Thankfully, the dinner service was over and it was just a case of unloading the dishwashers in an hour. It was four o'clock, and the party started at six-thirty. Right now, I had an hour to redo my face and get my bearings before I had to help unload the dishwasher.

Locking my bedroom door behind me, I sighed in satisfaction. Safe.

Making my way to my en-suite shower room, I turned on the water from the two taps. I was ready for a long sleep. The pain in my head was throbbing, but I had no time for that. I downed a couple of painkillers and washed my face. No point in having a shower when I've got to go back to the kitchen.

After fifteen minutes, I finished re-applying my make-up and smiled in satisfaction. I put on some pale eyeshadow this time, knowing I wouldn't have a moment later before the party.

Just as I was about to go back to the kitchen, there was a rapid knock on my door. Pausing, I chewed on my lip again.

"W-who is it?" I asked.

"Steven."

My eyes widened in panic as my breath caught in my throat. Why does he want to see me?

"Can I have a word?" He asked.

"Uh-uh-I-I'm not decent." I stammered.

"Nova, let me in." He sighed.

I paused, not knowing what to say.

"Nova, I want to come in. I need to speak with you." His alpha-tone made me shudder.

No matter if I had not shifted yet, I could not disobey the natural order of hierarchy. Alpha wolves could make weaker wolves submit to them with their voice alone. Much to my dismay, I reluctantly unlocked my door and stepped back.

The knob turned and his looming figure came inside, shutting the door softly behind him. I swallowed nervously as he eyed me up and down.

"Nova, I am concerned for you. Are you okay?" He asked.

"Y-yes I'm f-fine." I stammered.

I internally cursed myself for my stutter, which I always did when I was around someone I was not comfortable with or under pressure. People loved to make fun of it.

"I can smell your fear."

I had no answer, so wrapped my arms tighter around my elbows. "Thank you for the concern, Alpha."

"Please, I am your friend, Nova. My father loved you as much as his own family when he found you..." He sighed. "Now... I'm uncertain since you were hiding, but you did not look very good downstairs and I-

"I'm fine." I looked away.

"Nova... what are you..." his soft hands brushed the hair away from my face and I grimaced.

I felt him still as a sigh fell from his mouth. "Why all the make-up?"

"I-I can't-

"Nova, what is this? You do not heal, you know that." He scorned.

His anger startled me; he never snapped at me.

"N-nothing, no-

"Nova, I know for a fact you do not take part in pack antics, and I know a wall will not cause this much damage. And I know you do not wear make-up all the time. Now tell me what is going on. That is all I ask." He crossed his arms.

"I j-just wanted to wear make-up for t-tonight. I won't have t-t-time... later." I lied.

Please believe me, please believe me.

He sighed, running a hand over his face. "Okay. I don't have the time right now. If this happens again, I will demand it from you next time."

"Y-yes, Alpha." I stammered, my eyes widening.

He grunted and left me alone, leaving my door open. I let out my shaky breath, feeling crap about lying to my alpha. But I had to, right? I couldn't rat them out or else they'd get me even harder.

I shook myself out of it and made my way back to the kitchen to prepare for the night.

***

It was busier than I thought.

The party was in full swing and packs from across the globe had arrived with the mateless high-rank wolves. I was in a black dress and sheer tights with a black apron like the other omega females. I had a tray I had to top up with champagne glasses from the kitchen. The bar was busy and I could see five omegas serving drinks there. All females, again. A way for my pack to show off their numbers.

I was unsure why it was so busy, so took it upon myself to listen in. My eyes scanned the crowd but couldn't really see through the mass of bodies nor hear far through the music playing through the speakers.

A male gestured me over and, despite my nerves, I approached him with a curtsy when I could sense the power coming from him. He smelt of gamma blood; a third in command or warrior wolf.

"Champagne, sir?" I asked, thankful my stutter was at bay.

"No thank you, sweetheart. Could you please bring me a whiskey on the rocks?" He asked.

I nodded without looking at him and made my way over to the bar. Rattling off his order, they handed me a whiskey within a heartbeat. Thanking the girl named Rebecca, I took the glass on the tray with another two champagne flutes and made my way back to the male.

He had sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, but I didn't meet his gaze when I got closer out of respect.

"Your drink, s-sir." I chewed my lip, looking only at his shoulder.

"Thank you..."

My eyes widened when I realised he was gesturing for my name. "S-sorry sir, I-I am not supposed t-to-

"Oh, what old coot ordered that!" He laughed, taking a swig from the glass.

In shock, my eyes flew to look into his, and he smirked. "There are the pretty green eyes I was hoping to see."

The man beside him laughed.

I chewed my lip and dropped my gaze. "Anything else I can get you, s-sir?"

He smirked. "No, my dear."

Just as I went to walk away, someone roughly grabbed me from behind around my waist and pinched me on the ass. I shrieked in surprise and the tray of champagne I was carrying clattered to the ground. Luckily, the sound of music drowned it out, but didn't stop the fact it poured all down the back of another wolf.

The wolf groping me suddenly let go when the male turned around with a harsh growl that had the gamma recoil. I staggered to my feet, but the angry, now-wet man caught my arm.

"I'm s-so-s-sorry." I hiccuped, tears threatening to stain my cheeks.

"Wasn't your fault." He muttered quietly, taking off his blazer. "Some people just need to learn respect. This can wash."

"S-sorry." My eyes blurred as I tried to pick up the remnants of broken glass.

He bent down to help me pick up the shards and put them on the tray. I smiled up at him in thanks and his brown eyes furrowed in concern. They felt warm and comforting, and even though he reeked of power, I didn't feel on edge. I glanced away, confused.

"Are you okay?" His gentle voice asked.

I shrugged it off, dabbing at my tears and make-up. Suddenly, an omega wolf with a mop came and helped clean up the remnants of the champagne. They did not dare to raise their head regarding the high-ranking wolf, especially knowing that he was a beta. Thankfully, it was only two glasses and champagne flutes were never full, anyway. It only took them seconds to finish cleaning.

I stood in unison with the other omega, who ran off quickly. "I'm s-sorry again."

"Are you sure you're okay?" He whispered, and I met his gaze.

I could feel his power, but for whatever reason, it didn't bother me. Usually, any power of status had me not look at all, but I just stared right into his eyes. He was just as surprised as I was before his brows furrowed in thought.

Strange.

"N-no, it's okay." I blushed and looked away.

I walked away from him in a hurry before he could comment more, and dashed my way to the toilet. Cleaning myself up, I composed my fears before getting back to work. Throughout the night, I could sense the beta follow me with his eyes. The scorned gamma had long disappeared, and no longer summoned people for drinks. His shoulders drooped in shame, suggesting that he had already faced a reprimand. The two men were not of the same pack, so I assumed the beta was from a higher pack to punish him.

I was thankful that midnight had passed, as it meant this would all be over soon since it was now Rosie's official birthday. The music suddenly cut off, and I stopped walking to look up and see Alpha Damien standing with his glass in the air.

"Your attention, please!" He called and everyone hushed. "I am pleased to say my daughter has found her mate, Beta Liam of the Nightshade Pack! Let us all celebrate!"

Howls cut out from everyone here, but being the only one unable to shift, I grimaced at the feeling of being left out. I was envious of everyone; that they had wolves for themselves. And I was envious of Rosie, who had found her mate straight away while wolves like me hardly ever had the chance. Just because she was an alpha blood pup.

Another hour passed, and I was growing tired. I could feel the beta close by wherever I went, his attention often causing my hair to prickle on end.

Deciding against staying, I made my way over to Steven, once again followed by brown eyes. Clearing my throat politely, my alpha turned to me.

"Alpha Steven, may you excuse me to bed? Most of the wolves are leaving, and I have to be up in a few hours for breakfast." I wondered.

"Yes, of course, Nova." His hand came onto my shoulder.

I flinched automatically. "Thank you, goodnight."

"Goodnight, Nova."

***********

wc: 2233

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