Betrayed by Blood, Claimed by the Alpha
Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Chapter 90

Betrayed by Blood

It had been two days since Cain yelled at her. Two days of silence, two days of avoiding his presence like her life depended on it. Avery ensured she was nowhere near him—never in the same room, never breathing the same air. She’d become a master at slipping through corridors unnoticed and finding reasons to stay busy in places Cain rarely frequented.

But the goddess clearly had other plans for her.

Unfortunately for her, she was assigned to clean Cain’s quarters for the entire week. It was like a curse, like a cruel joke—a punishment sent by the goddess herself. What other explanation could there be? After the argument with Cain, the thought of being in his room made her chest tighten with dread.

Thankfully, Millie had come to her rescue. When Avery hesitantly asked if they could trade chores for a few days, Millie had agreed without hesitation. She even offered a comforting smile.

For two days now, Avery had taken over Millie’s assigned tasks, which mostly involved tending to the guards stationed at the outer grounds. It was hard work—hauling firewood, cleaning weapons, and preparing meals, but Avery was glad she didn’t have to face Cain.

Now, Avery knelt by the bonfire pit, carefully stacking pieces of wood. The flames flickered against the cold breeze, and she shuddered internally. She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, shivering as the cold crept into her bones. She puffed air into her mouth, hoping to be done with the fire quickly so she could head back to the pack house.

Tending to the guards was physically exhausting, but at least it kept her mind occupied. She focused on arranging the firewood in neat rows. "Avery," one of the guards called out from a nearby table, where they were cleaning their blades. "Any chance you’ve got more coffee brewing? It’s freezing out here."

She nodded. "I’ll get it started in a minute," she replied, brushing stray hair from her face with the back of her hand.

The guard grinned. "Thanks. You’re a lifesaver."

She smiled faintly and turned back to the fire pit.

"Careful, Avery," a familiar voice drawled behind her. "Wouldn’t want to burn yourself."

Her hands stilled. She didn’t have to turn around to recognize that voice.

Martha.

Avery’s jaw tightened, and she focused on the wood, deliberately ignoring her. It’s been two days, and surprisingly she’s been rid of Martha until now. Deep down, Avery wished Martha was banished alongside Kendra, even if it was for two months.

Martha stepped closer, her gaze pinned on Avery. "You’ve been busy, haven’t you? Running around, doing chores like a good little servant. It’s almost admirable."

Avery continued stacking the wood, refusing to speak. Martha was like an attention-deprived soul. She thrives off attention, and Avery wasn’t going to give it to her.

A flicker of annoyance flashed across Martha’s eyes as Avery ignored her. "I heard you’ve been trading chores with Millie." Avery stiffened at this.

Martha smirked, "Does your precious head maid know about that, or is this some top secret that mustn’t get out? Does she know you’re actively deceiving her and pretending to be doing your actual chores?" Martha grinned, she stepped closer. "Tell me, do your little friends know you’re Alpha Cain’s mate? Do they know you’re taking advantage of them, their naivety, and making them work extra all because you had a fight with your mate?"

That struck a nerve. Avery’s hands froze mid-motion, but she quickly recovered, grabbing another log.

Martha’s smile widened as she nudged a piece of firewood with her boot. "What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

Before Avery could react, Martha’s hand shot out, bumping Avery’s arm just as she was reaching for another log. Her hand slipped, brushing the flames a little.

A sharp hiss escaped Avery’s lips as pain seared through her skin. She jerked her hand back, cradling it against her chest.

"Oh no, did I do that?" Martha said, feigning innocence. "You really should be more careful."

"Martha!"

Both women turned to see Selena approaching, her sharp gaze locked on Martha. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Selena snapped.

Martha’s expression hardened, "Stay out of this, new girl. It’s none of your business. You just arrived in the pack and are already making enemies for yourself. How tacky." Martha spat out irritably.

"So you agree you’re the enemy. You’re nothing but a bully, Martha. I saw what you did, and it’s disgusting. How do you live with you-"

"Oh, spare me the sermon. I did nothing wrong! Or did I, Avery?" Martha sneered, directing her question at Avery.

"I saw you, and you’re going to gaslight me? Have some shame, at least! You’re this old and still haven’t outgrown your mean girl status? It’s pathetic really. You act like you’re so much better than the rest of us, but you’re exactly like us. A maid. A servant. You’re nothing special, and if you really have the guts, then take on someone that would give it back to you hot."

Martha’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. She took a step closer to Selena, "What did you just say to me?"

Just as Selena stepped forward, ready to repeat everything she just said, Avery stopped her, wrapping her hand over Selena’s wrist.

"Selena, please, just leave it," Avery said quietly, her voice trembling slightly as she cradled her injured hand.

Selena turned to her, frowning. "Avery, you’re hurt. Let me see—"

"I’m fine," Avery interrupted, pulling her hand away. "It’s nothing. Just let it go."

"Yes, new girl. It’s nothing! Let it go and stop poking your nose in things that don’t concern you," Martha spat out, then glanced at Avery one last time before storming off.

Selena looked at her and sighed exasperatedly. "You can’t keep letting her walk all over you," she said after a moment. "Martha is just a maid, just like us. You can’t keep letting her treat you like this," she said firmly.

Avery gave her a small, tired smile. "It’s fine. I’ve dealt with worse. Forget about Martha and help me with this fire. I need to get hot coffee for the guards over there," she said.

Selena shook her head and bent down, ready to help Avery. She paused for a second to look at Avery. "You’re sure you’re not hurt? I could’ve sworn I saw-" Avery quickly cut her off.

"I’m sure I’m not hurt," she interjected quickly and turned to leave. She didn’t want Martha’s trouble for Selena. Avery still remembered how bad sleeping in the dungeon was, and it all happened because of Martha. Selena was greatly underestimating how evil Martha can be.

_____________________________________

The next day, Avery was out of the room as early as possible. She had to generate with collecting the plates all the guards used overnight and wash them all. Avery had barely begun her morning routine when Millie found her outside the pack house.

"Avery," she called out, and Avery paused, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Normally, Millie should already be in Cain’s room, cleaning. She was out of the room earlier than Avery.

"Hey, Millie, what’s-"

"You need to go back to your chores," Millie blurted out, taking Avery aback. "I just heard from the head maid... She found out about us trading chores, and now she’s livid."

Avery’s stomach twisted inexplicably. Of course, Martha wasn’t okay with just making her burn her hand. She had to go tell on them too.

Millie bit her lip, glancing around nervously. "She said... if we do it again, there will be punishment. But right now..." She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Avery, I’m sorry. You’re back on Alpha Cain’s chores. The head maid is insisting you go clean his room."

Avery’s breath caught in her throat. The thought of going back to Cain’s quarters filled her with dread. Avery nodded stiffly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "It’s fine. I’ll do it."

"I’m sorry..." Millie mumbled guiltily like she had made the mistake, but she wasn’t at fault here. She’s helped Avery so much already.

"It’s fine, Millie, thank you again," she said, turning to head back into the pack house, but she paused, turning to face Millie again. "Alpha Cain—" she began. "Is he- will he be in his room at this time?" she asked.

Millie seemed to think about it for a second. "Every time I go in there, he’s not there, so it shouldn’t be different today. Don’t think too much about it."

Avery sighed in relief, at least she wouldn’t have to face him today.