The Alpha’s Rebellious Fiancee novel Chapter 3

Lyra’s POV

I walked back through the hall like nothing had happened.

Like Alpha Magnus hadn’t just told me he was sick. Like Lucien hadn’t growled at me like I was some stray dog begging for scraps. Like my heart hadn’t clenched so tight, I almost forgot how to breathe.

I gripped my cleaning rag tighter, kept my eyes on the marble floor, and swallowed everything else down.

Again. Just like always. The door to Lucien’s quarters was cracked open. My steps slowed.

I heard laughter inside. High. Sweet. Familiar. My stomach dropped before I even pushed the door open the rest of the way.

And there she was.

Strutting out of Lucien’s bedroom like she owned the entire estate.

She wore one of his shirts—only his shirt—barely long enough to cover anything. Her lipstick was smudged. Her hair was perfectly messy, like she spent hours making it look like it hadn’t taken any effort. She was the kind of girl wolves howled for.

She spotted me, and her smirk spread like poison.

“Oh,” she said, voice thick with mock sweetness. “Didn’t know he already sent you in.”

She took one look at my plain dress and ragged apron, then laughed under her breath.

“Oops. Guess that’s your cue, servant.”

She brushed past me, slow on purpose, the scent of roses and sex trailing behind her like a slap in the face.

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t flinch. I just bowed my head and walked inside. The place was a mess. Again.

***

In the kitchen, the air was hot with steam and oil. I carried the used linens to the laundry cart and moved toward the sink to wash the blood off my finger.

But before I reached it, someone stepped in my way.

Her. Again.

The same girl from Lucien’s room. She had changed into silk now. Pale blue. Expensive. Her eyes locked on mine with fire.

“Didn’t I tell you your cue was over?” she sneered.

I didn’t answer. Didn’t breathe. I just tried to step around her. She moved faster. Snatched the kettle off the stove—boiling water sloshed from the rim—and swung it close to my face.

Scalding heat kissed my skin, just inches away.

“Stay in your place, rogue,” she hissed.