I Survived When My Mate Burned Me Alive

The crystal glasses clinked as I arranged them carefully on the silver tray. Each one had to be perfectly positioned, not a drop of champagne spilled. Head Omega Theresa's voice cracked like a whip behind me.

"Faster, Omega! The guests will be arriving soon, and you're still dawdling with the drinks."

I kept my eyes lowered, the way an Omega should. "Yes, ma'am."

My shoulder throbbed where Kameron had grabbed me yesterday, demanding I polish Melissa's ceremonial crown until I could see my reflection in it. The bruise was probably purple by now, but I couldn't check. There wasn't time.

"The Alpha wants everything perfect for his precious Melissa," Theresa continued, her thin lips curling in what might have been jealousy or contempt. "And you'll make sure it is, or you'll answer to me."

I nodded silently, lifting the heavy tray. My wolf, Luna, stirred restlessly inside me. *Stay calm*, I told her. *We can't show our strength. Not yet.*

The ballroom glittered with silver and white decorations. Pack members scurried about, making final preparations for the Grand Luna Ceremony. This would be Melissa's official installation as Luna—a position that should have been mine.

"Harper!" Kameron's voice cut through the noise like a blade.

I froze, tray balanced carefully in my trembling hands. He stood across the room in his ceremonial Alpha attire, tall and imposing. Beside him, Melissa preened in her flowing white gown, diamonds glittering at her throat.

"Yes, Alpha?" I kept my voice soft, submissive.

"Melissa needs more champagne. Now."

I moved toward them, eyes downcast as protocol demanded. My heart hammered against my ribs. Every step brought me closer to my mate—the man who had rejected me, who didn't even know what I truly was.

As I approached, Melissa deliberately shifted her position, extending her gown behind her. I saw the movement but couldn't stop in time. My foot caught the delicate fabric.

"Look what you've done!" she shrieked, though I'd barely touched her. "You clumsy, worthless Omega!"

Kameron's eyes flashed dangerously. "Kneel," he commanded, his Alpha tone hitting me like a physical blow.

My knees buckled instantly. The tray tilted, champagne sloshing over the rim. I struggled to steady it, but Kameron's command was too powerful.

"Lower your eyes," he growled.

I obeyed, feeling the weight of every gaze in the room. Visiting Alphas from neighboring packs watched with amusement or disgust. My cheeks burned with humiliation.

"I'm sorry, Alpha," I whispered, though we both knew it wasn't my fault.

"Apologize to your future Luna," he corrected coldly.

"I'm sorry, future Luna," I repeated, the words bitter on my tongue.

Melissa's laugh tinkled like breaking glass. "I think you should crawl to the kitchen for more champagne, don't you, darling?"

Kameron nodded, his expression unreadable. "Do it."

I began to rise, but his command held me in place. "On your knees," he clarified.

Luna snarled inside me, rage building at the injustice. I forced her down, though my hands shook with the effort of restraint.