Samantha's POV:

I was carrying the last tray of washed utensils when a shoulder slammed into me.

“Watch where you’re going, slave,” the person sneered, and I turned back to look at her. 

It was Lydia, a young, sharp-tongued maid, who was always desperate for attention.

She had pretty eyes, but her attitude made me consider her ugly.

I ignored her and bent to pick up the fallen plates before I shot back. “You pushed me.”

“Oh, I did?” Lydia scowled, folding her arms. “Then push me back if you dare.”

A few maids stopped their work to watch, the air growing heavy with anticipation. 

“She thinks she’s special because Elder William brought her in.” Someone snickered.

I scoffed, ignored them, and continued gathering the utensils.

Only for Lydia to slap the tray again from my hands, the sound of falling utensils echoing through the room.

The maids jeered, giving Lydia their support.  

“Pick it up again, demon,” Lydia taunted, grinning.

Something inside me suddenly snapped. My breath came out in pants, and my hands trembled as a low, deep growl escaped my throat. My pupils had dilated, leaving only a faint red glow.

The laughter quickly died, and Lydia’s eyes widened in horror as I moved slowly towards her.

Before I could raise my hands and probably rip open her stomach, the kitchen door banged open and the head cook stormed in. A short, stern woman named Marta.

“What the hell is going on here!?” She barked in anger. Her apron was stained with soup, and she looked rather dirty for a head cook.

“Nothing, ma’am,” Lydia said quickly. “She attacked me!” she exclaimed, pointing her fingers at me.

Marta looked at Lydia before turning to me. The other maids were visibly trembling. 

Without warning, she walked up to Lydia and hit her hard across the face.

Lydia fell back, clutching her cheek. “But—”

Marta raised her hand again, this time toward me.  But the hands stopped midair when she saw my eyes. The faint red light in them burned like coals.

Marta stepped back, visibly intimidated. “You devil,” she said, trying to regain her stern composure. “You think you can scare me with those eyes? Fine. Let’s see if you’re as bold before the Alpha himself.”

I scoffed, “Meaning?”

“You’ll serve him tonight,” Marta shot back. “Maybe he’ll teach you some humility.”

“Try not to get in his bed, though,” one of the maids sneered, drawing muffled laughter from the others.

I kept my hands fisted, appeasing the insatiable hunger to chop off their heads.

The mansion glowed under the moonlight as I followed Marta through the endless corridors, carrying a covered tray of food.

The servants had retired, leaving only a few guards on patrol. Some of them appeared to be drunk.

‘stupid humans' I cursed. 

We got to the Alpha’s door, which was heavily guarded and I quickly recognized one of the guards. 

Michael, the man I’d humiliated in the courtyard.

He gave me a cunning smile and stood in front of me. “Well, look who’s here; it's our powerful princess,” he said, laughing out loud. “I thought they’d locked you up in the cellars.”

 “Move.” I snarled.

Michael's grin only widened. “You’ll address me properly, slave. You're in the Alpha's lair. Elder William wouldn't be able to save you here.”

“I don’t address worms.” I retorted.

He stepped forward, blocking my path further. “Careful, maid. The Alpha doesn’t like disrespect.”

 “Enough, both of you.” Marta snapped, “We’re all here to serve, not fight.”

The guard leaned closer. “I’ll be watching you,” he whispered.

I scoffed, “That's funny. I guess that phrase is really common around here.” 

The guard looked confused, but I brushed past him and entered the room with Marta.

The room was large and dimly lit by a couple of torchlights, but it was easy to spot him, Alpha Ken.

He was on a large bed, caressed seductively by three naked women, obviously prostitutes.

My heart ached at the sight. He had probably been cheating behind my back then too.

“Your dinner, Alpha.” Marta said, bowing.

Alpha Ken’s gaze moved to me, and his jaw tightened. “What is she doing here?”

“She caused trouble in the kitchen,” Marta said quickly. “I thought serving you would remind her of her place.”

Alpha Ken leaned back on the bed, his eyes still locked on me. “Is that so?”

Marta blinked. “I'm sorry?”

“Leave,” he said.

Marta hesitated, a look of surprise on her face. “But—”

“I said leave. All of you,” he ordered, gesturing to the women. “Except you,” he said, his gaze fixed on me.

The women scurried out. Marta was the last to leave, but not without giving me an evil glare. She was probably hoping to see the Alpha announce my death.

The door was shut, and a deafening silence filled the room.

Alpha Ken’s eyes followed me as I moved to set the tray on the table. “You’ve been here less than a week but have already caused so much chaos.”

“I didn’t start it,” I said.

“You don’t need to. Trouble follows you like a scent.”

I looked up, meeting his gaze without fear. My eyes slowly trailed down his body, and I cursed silently. He was half naked, and his perfectly carved body was tempting.

My hands ached to trail down his body, just like those whores earlier.

I didn't realize how much I'd missed him, how much my body had missed his hungry touches.

He seemed to notice I was staring and gave a low smirk.

“Tell me, slave. Have you been acting out all this while because you want something?”

I frowned and looked up at him. “Like what?”

He stood up and moved towards me, slow and deliberate. “You probably want my attention. Or perhaps, a space in my bed,” he said, grinning. 

I stiffened. At that moment, I felt like clawing out his intestines and be done with it. “I’d rather end up with one of your useless guards than get in your bed,” I remarked.

He studied me for a little while, a small dangerous smile forming on his lips. “You’re either brave or stupid.”

“But I'm still alive, aren't I?” 

He moved away from me, walking back to the bed. “Then tell me what exactly you are.”

“A maid,” I said flatly.

 “No,” he said quietly. “You’re something else.”

I didn’t answer. The air between us grew tight, and the silence charged.

Alpha Ken’s hand brushed the edge of the bed.  “Leave now,” he said. 

I got up and turned toward the door, not bothering to bow like the others. I glanced back, and his gaze was still on me, intense and searching.

He was obviously wary of me.

My lips curved faintly as I whispered under my breath.

“Don’t worry, Alpha Ken. When I’m through with you, you won't just remember me; you'll beg for me.”