Betrayed by Blood, Claimed by the Alpha-Chapter 127

Betrayed by Blood

Avery wiped the sweat from her brow, her hands tightening around the basket she carried. The kitchen was warm, filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and stew. It was just another day, another task, another moment where she forced herself to not think about the ache building inside her bones.

It had started subtly. A dull ache in her limbs, a strange tightness in her chest. She brushed it off at first, blaming exhaustion or stress. Cain had been gone for four days now. Four days of silence. She wasn’t sure why that mattered so much, but it did.

The warriors who stayed behind whispered about the war—how Cain had taken Silvermoon, how he’d crushed Matt, how he’d burned everything down. No one knew when he was returning, only that he would.

And yet... Avery didn’t know if that was something to look forward to.

She sucked in a breath, shaking it off. She had work to do. But her body wouldn’t let her ignore it.

"So we are clear on the breads. Some of the guards are asking for some tea, so Avery, do you mind mixing some milk and cocoa powder?" Julie’s voice rang out through the walls of the kitchen.

Avery nodded quickly, immediately getting on her task. It was amazing, truly. The way the other servants had totally changed their attitude towards her. They weren’t as welcoming, but they also weren’t as rude as they were. Now, they just let her be. Avery had heard the rumors; after all, everything that happened in the courtyard that day was left for all to see and interpret as they wished, especially after Kendra’s words. Of course, most weren’t sure if it was true, but they couldn’t ask either, so they stared at Avery from afar and gossiped.

It didn’t bother her. Avery was already used to the side eyes and talks. Just as she was rounding up with the tea the head maid had requested, Selene stepped into the kitchen with a large tray. "The tea? I was asked to serve them," she said as she rolled her eyes.

Avery couldn’t help but giggle, knowing Selena’s true reason for being like this was only because of the guard. One of them was hitting on her, and she absolutely didn’t like it.

Selena stretched the tray out, and Avery began arranging the cups. She hissed out lowly when she felt a little bit of sweat tickle down the side of her face. "It isn’t even hot, so why am I sweating?" she mumbled to herself.

"I was just about to say, and you..." Selena trailed off, her eyes widening as she stared at Avery like she was just seeing her for the first time. "You look... you look so pale," she said, her voice heavy with concern. Selena stepped closer, head tilted slightly. "Are you okay? Do you need me to help you with anything?" she asked, and Avery chuckled.

"Yeah, serving the tea. It’s probably the heat from the stove that’s getting me hot," Avery replied dismissively. Finally done with setting the tea cups, she went back to cleaning the kitchen like she’d been doing before the head maid stepped in.

Selena nodded, walking towards the door only to pause. She glanced at Avery again, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. The heat from the stove? Selena shook her head, not wanting to overthink it. Avery was right, even though it was cold outside, the kitchen was warmer.

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The next day, Avery woke with a start.

Her body ached. More than yesterday. More than ever. It wasn’t just exhaustion anymore.

She sat up slowly, blinking against the morning light streaming through her small window. Her sheets were damp with sweat. The clothes she wore clung to her skin uncomfortably. A dull pressure sat at the base of her skull, and when she moved, pain rippled through her limbs like fire.

Avery sucked in a breath, pressing her hands against her temples. What the hell was wrong with her?

Then, her gaze flickered to the calendar on the wall.

Her breath caught as it finally dawned on her.

Her birthday. Her twentieth birthday.

A chill ran down her spine as the realization set in.

Her wolf.

She had barely dared to think about it these past few weeks, avoiding the idea altogether and just focusing on the present, but the day was finally here.

She should be relieved, shouldn’t she? This was supposed to be normal. Expected. She should feel excited that her wolf was finally going to be here. She would finally experience what it’s like to shift. To be a true werewolf. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

But instead, fear coiled tight in her chest.

It was like reality was suddenly dawning on her. Cain was going to reject her the second she got her wolf, which was today. And then what? Where does she go? She can’t go back to her home, nor can she continue to stay here. Does she become a rogue?

Avery swallowed hard, gripping her sheets as unease settled in her gut. The thought made her stomach churn.

She exhaled shakily and pushed the covers off, her legs heavy as she swung them over the edge of the bed. A sharp pain lanced through her spine, making her gasp, her fingers digging into the mattress.

Gods, if this was how it felt now, what would the actual shift be like?

A knock at the door broke her thoughts.

"Avery?" Selena’s voice came through, soft but concerned. "Are you awake?"

Avery hesitated for a moment before clearing her throat. "Yeah," she called back, though her voice sounded hoarse. She glanced at where Millie should’ve been, but the other was up and gone already. She probably had more chores to do today.

The door cracked open, and Selena peeked inside, her gaze immediately scanning Avery’s face. She frowned. "You look awful."

Avery let out a weak laugh. "Thanks."

Selena stepped in, shutting the door behind her. "No, I mean it. You’re pale as a ghost. What’s wrong?"

Avery hesitated, her fingers tightening in the fabric of her nightgown. But what was the point in hiding it? Selena would find out soon enough.

"It’s my birthday," she murmured.

Selena blinked, then her eyes widened slightly. "Oh." She nodded then paused suddenly, her eyebrows furrowed. "I’m afraid that doesn’t explain why you look the way you do."

Avery rolled her eyes, "I’m shifting today. It’s my twentieth," she replied quietly.

Selena exhaled, rubbing a hand over her face. "Oh." She paused for a beat, "That explains why you look like death warmed over." She lowered her voice. "Are you okay?"

Avery forced a small, tight-lipped smile. "I don’t know."

Selena stared at her for a long moment before sighing. "Come on, you’re not working today. You need to rest."

"I can still—"

"Avery." Selena shot her a pointed look. "Don’t argue. You can barely sit up without wincing. Just—take the day. I’ll handle the head maid."

"Oh yeah? Handle her how?" Avery deadpanned.

Selena huffed, her hands flailing about. "I just will. Besides, everyone’s been on their best behavior regarding you right now. I think you can take a break today. I’ll cover your work for today."

Avery wanted to protest, but another wave of pain rippled through her spine, making her breath hitch. Maybe Selena was right. Maybe she needed the break.

"...Alright," she finally muttered. "Thank you, though, I know it’s a lot to ask for."

Selena rolled her eyes exasperatedly. "You’re not asking. I’m offering to help because that’s what friends do. They help each other." She huffed out and then turned to leave but hesitated at the door. Then, she glanced back. "And, Avery?"

Avery met her gaze.

"Happy birthday."