“Are you deaf, Nana?” one of the maids sneers, shoving a filthy pot into her hands. “Clean this up, and make it quick. Just because you’re mated to the Alpha doesn’t mean you get a pass.”

Nana doesn’t bother responding. She’s used to this—the dirty looks, the constant orders. Being Marco’s mate means nothing here. If she wants to eat, she has to work like everyone else. Most days, she survives on scraps Felisha sneaks her when no one’s looking.

As she scrubs the ...