The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 47

apter 47

Years of living here had taught me the hierarchy. The unspoken protocols nobody bothered explaining to outsiders.

Apparently my brain had filed all that information away for safekeeping.

“Ms. Harper raises a valid point,” Elder Morrison interjected at one stage. “We should probably adjust the schedule like she’s suggesting.”

Jason’s eyes found mine. Those impossibly green eyes that still saw too much.

“You understand pack operations remarkably well,” he observed. Casual tone. Loaded implication. “For someone outside our world.”

My heart did something complicated. “Research is crucial. I make it a point to understand how my clients operate structurally.”

“Impressive research.”

Finally, when a lunch break arrived, I practically launched myself out of my chair.

“I need to return some calls. Claire, can you coordinate the catering?”

“Got it.”

I escaped into the corridor before anyone could protest. I needed air. Needed distance from Jason’s penetrating stare that seemed determined to peel back every layer I’d built.

Muscle memory guided me down corridors I knew well. Soon, I found one of the back doors that lead outside into one of the courtyards. There, I knew I would find fresh air.

I ended up in the garden. Familiar in a way that made my chest ache. The flowers were blooming, well–tended and beautiful.

I had only just stopped to admire them, and to finally breathe, when voices erupted somewhere ahead.

“You clumsy, worthless idiot!” The shriek carried across gardens like shattered glass. “D’you know how much this dress costs? More than you’ll make in a year!”

Brittany.

Against better judgment, I stopped. Curiosity overriding survival instinct.

Two Omega servants cowered before her. One clutched a tray–wine glasses rattling with her trembling. The other had tears

blood. streaming freely down pale cheeks. Wine stained Brittany’s designer dress, spreading across silk like blo

“I’m sorry, Luna. It was an accident-”

Brittany’s hand cracked across the girl’s cheek. Sound echoing like a gunshot through afternoon air. “Accidents have consequences. Maybe if you’d paid attention instead of daydreaming like the pathetic creature you are-

The girl stumbled backward. Nearly fell. Her companion caught her, both of them shaking like leaves in a violent storm.

Something snapped inside me.

Vanessa’s voice echoed in my mind–weak, dying. “My family treated anyone they considered lesser like dirt. Like they weren’t even human. I was never strong enough to stop them. Never brave enough.”

But I was strong enough now. Had to be. For Vanessa’s memory if nothing else.

My feet moved before thought could catch up. My heart hammered against ribs.

“Excuse me.” I stepped between Brittany and cowering servants. “Is there a problem here?”

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Brittany’s face cycled through expressions. Surprise. Confusion, Seftling finally on outrage. “How dare you interfere? This is pack business. You have no right

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“Hitting someone defenseless?” Voice level. Ice cold. “That’s not pack business. That’s abuse. Plain and simple.”

“They’re Omegas, and they need discipline-

“They need respect. Like any living being deserves” I helped the crying girl stand. Her cheek was already swelling where Brittany had struck her.

“Apologize to her. Now.”

Brittany’s laugh was pure venom dripping. “Apologize? To a servant? Must be joking. D’you even know who I am?”

“I know exactly what you are.” Words came harder than intended. Angrier. “A bully who likes to use her power to hurt people weaker than herself. Someone who mistakes cruelty for strength.”

“I’m Luna of this pack-”

“If that’s true, then act like it. A real Luna protects. She doesn’t terrorize.”

The confrontation drew a crowd. Pack members gathered for a spectacle. Some looked approving. Others were horrified that anyone would challenge Brittany so directly.

“You’re that pathetic human saleswoman, aren’t you?” Brittany’s voice climbed higher. “The one thinking she’s important because of business connections. You have no right interfering with how I handle my pack members.”

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