Chapter 10
Ciara's POV
"Thanks, I have to go,"
I avoided his gaze as I walked away from him. I wish he didn't have to see me like that.
After embarrassing myself and setting whatever pride I had left on fire, I made my way back to the mansion and headed straight for my room. It was somehow dark and no doubt, Orion wouldn't bother entering this room since he knew I would be here.
I still don't know what connection he has to Alpha Bryan but I am still curious to find out. However, no matter what connection he might have, I can see that Orion would love it if it didn't exist.
The tension between them during breakfast earlier had been thick, thicker than clouds during a rainy day. I was curious about it but at the same time, I didn't want to be caught in the middle of it. Orion already hated my guts, I didn't want to give him any extra reason to do so. I flopped down on the bed and sighed, closing my eyes as the thought of everything I had been through today rolled through my mind.
Lucas shouldn't have tried to talk to me today, especially not after my almost heart attack when I thought he was spreading my gist around the pack. I wanted to keep a low profile despite being the future Luna but if Lucas kept trying to chat me up, that would be impossible.
At first, people might chalk it all up as pack duties discussions but Bella wouldn't let the situation sleep and might spread rumors that had actual truths to them.
I just wanted to mourn my broken heart in peace. Why couldn't I do that? I sighed and leaned up. I slowly slid to the floor from the bed and buried my head in my lap. Why did I end up with this kind of fate? Couldn't the goddess have paired me with someone else?
And even if she had to pair me with Orion, did he have to meet and fall in love with Soph first? No matter what I did, I would always be walking in her shadow and nothing I did would ever matter or be good enough.
I raised my head and wiped the tears that had rolled down my cheeks. I had to stop feeling sorry for myself and work on myself. If Orion said I was weak, I had to do everything I could to be stronger.
I had to focus on my training and get better at it. I had to be able to take down the likes of Bella so I would stop getting picked on. I had to kick Lucas out of my mind and my heart and work on getting my happiness and peace of mind.
I had to ignore Orion and his actions geared at frustrating me. I had to slowly ease into my role as Luna and work towards being the best Luna I could be before Orion found Soph and I was removed from the picture. I had to leave my mark so I would be remembered for something.
I never want to be remembered as the weak Luna or the girl who never quite got over her cheating ex. I had to be tougher and stronger. I got up from the ground and walked towards my wardrobe. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I could be of use in the kitchen and help prepare lunch.
With that goal in mind, I picked out a simple dress that hugged my curves and stopped at mid-thigh. It was probably too sexy for the kitchen but I had to start looking and feeling strong and this was a start.
***"Thanks for helping Luna, we wouldn't have finished in time." The chef, Laura thanked me and I flushed. She has always insisted on keeping things professional and calling me Luna instead of Ciara like everyone else.
"I'm glad I could help," I said and I meant it. This would keep me occupied and less focused on anything else. "if you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask me."
She nodded and curtsied. I opened my mouth to correct her and insist that she would treat me like everyone else when the door of the dining room opened and Orion walked in, his beta, James behind him.
Orion ignored me as he walked in but James sent me a polite nod. I wasn't expecting him to acknowledge me but it still hurt that he was treating me like this.
"You can go, I'll finish up here," I told her and she eyed Orion, fear swimming in her grey eyes. "It's okay."
I don't think Orion would have a problem me with waiting on him. Sighing, I gave a gentle push and she bowed before retreating. I waited for her to leave the room before I joined Orion and his Beta at the table.
They were engaged in a heated conversation so they didn't notice when I joined them. I quickly served the food before they could finish their conversation noticed me and walked out.
I would be eating in the kitchen, it was much more peaceful and I didn't have to endure Orion's constant attempts to berate me. I wasn't going to give him the pleasure of seeing the effect his words had on me.
Some might say I was running away from my problems and maybe I was, I just wanted my peace of mind. I opened the kitchen door and all the servants paused what they were doing and greeted me.
I won't lie it felt good to be respected for once even though it felt uncomfortable at the same time. I nodded at them as I walked over to the pot to serve myself. Two of them rushed towards them and attempted to help me but I ignored them.
Luna or not, I was Ciara and Ciara could do house chores.
"You should serve yourselves too," I told them and they stared at each other. Was the current Luna witch or something? Why did the servants fear me so much? Or perhaps it was merely just their way of showing respect.
I ignored them and took a stool, placing it close to the table. I cleaned a part of it and placed my plate of food down. I sat down and began eating aware that the servants were now watching me.
Frustrated, I glared up at them. "You are dismissed."
Immediately, they all scurried away and I sighed feeling guilty.