Chapter 2 Chapter 002: A Mate’s Worth

CALISTRA'S POV

"This can't be." Rafael muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

"You?

An omega?

My mate?"

He scoffed.

"What kind of sick joke is this? I can't be mated to a slave."

I rolled my eyes.

"You say that like being your mate is some kind of honor."

I muttered under my breath.

"What did you just say?" He asked, stepping closer.

I didn't flinch. I straightened my back and met his gaze head-on.

"You act like being mated to an omega is a curse. But omegas aren't cursed. They don't deserve to be treated like dirt."

He scoffed again.

"Easy for you to say. To an alpha’s son, it's a curse. I refuse to accept this bond. And if you dare tell anyone about it, I'll make you regret ever being born."

His voice was low, threatening, but I wasn't scared.

"Don't worry, Rafael." I said, my tone laced with mockery.

"Being your mate is nothing to brag about. In fact, I should be the one complaining being tied to a man like you is the real curse.''

I gave him a mocking bow, picked up the laundry basket and trash bag, and turned to leave.

The look on his face speechless, stunned filled me with a quiet satisfaction. I doubt anyone's ever dared to speak to him like that.

He looks down on omegas like they're beneath him. If only he knew who I really was.

If only I had my powers... I'd make sure he never forgot it.

As I stepped out of the mansion, balancing the laundry basket and trash bag, I barely made it a few steps before a maid walked toward me with a fake smile.

Something about her felt off.

Just as we passed each other, she stuck out her foot.

I didn't see it in time.

I stumbled forward, crashing to the ground. The basket slipped from my hands, and clothes spilled across the floor.

My palms scraped against the rough surface, and a sharp sting shot up my arm.

"Oops.

I'm sorry, Zara.

I didn't see you, or maybe you should watch where you're going next time."

She let out a soft laugh and kept walking like nothing happened.

I stayed there for a second, staring at the scattered clothes. My jaw clenched.

I wanted to let it go, but knowing she'd purposely tripped me and also seeing the blood on my palm fueled my rage.

I took a slow breath and stood up, turning to the direction she walked in.

"Hey!" I yelled out, and she stopped dead in her track, then she turned around.

"You forgot to apologize. I know you tripped me on purpose." I said, forcing myself to stay calm.

I saw her scoff before walking back to me.

"What did you say?"

She questioned as if she hadn't heard me the first time.

I took a deep breath before repeating myself.

"You forgot to apologize." I said, and she instantly burst into laughter like she's just heard the funniest joke of her life.

"Oh, Zara.'' The maid sneered, stepping closer.

"Looks like you've grown some nerve. Have you forgotten your place?

Should I beat it back into you?

I would mind, I need something to take my anger out on. You'd make a perfect punching bag."

She smirked, clearly enjoying herself.

I didn't respond. I just stared at her.

Even if I wanted to fight back, this body was too weak. And honestly, I owed Zara more than that. I wouldn't misuse her body not like this.

The maid smirked again, satisfied.

"That's what I thought." She said.

"Once trash, always trash. Don't ever think about standing up for yourself, Zara.

We both know how that ends. Just keep being the lowly dog you are, and everything will stay nice and easy, okay?''

She flashed one last fake smile before walking away.

My body trembled with rage. I wanted to hit her, to wipe that smug look off her face.

But I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn't afford to do something reckless.

Not yet.

One day, they'll all regret thinking I'm someone they can step on.

I gathered the scattered clothes, placed them back in the laundry basket, picked up the trash bag, and walked away without looking back.

When I got back to the maid's quarters, I went straight to washing Rafael's clothes. The pile was huge, and by the time I finished, my arms and legs ached badly.

I quietly slipped away before anyone could hand me another errand, I needed the rest, badly.

I had just laid down on my bed when a knock came at the door.

I groaned, balling my fists in frustration. "What now?" I whispered.

The knock came again, louder and more urgent. I dragged myself to my feet and opened the door.

A guard stood outside. "Rafael has requested to see you in his room. You must go there immediately."

He said, then turned and walked away before I could ask a single question.

I sighed deeply.

"What does that dollop head want now?

Is he going to punish me for talking back earlier?" I muttered.

As I walked toward his room, my mind raced with thoughts. But I wasn't afraid.

Thanks to the mate bond, I doubted he could do any real harm to me.

I reached his door and knocked gently.

"Come in." Rafael's voice called from inside.

I opened the door and stepped in. "Rafael, you..." I stopped mid-sentence when I saw him.

Rafael stood shirtless, facing me. His body was lean but powerful, every muscle was well defined.

Broad shoulders, strong arms, and a chest that rose and fell with slow, steady breath. His abs were sharp and tight.

I didn't even realize I was drooling over him until he spoke.

"Are you done enjoying the show?'' He said, a smug look on his face.

I blinked, snapped out of it, and quickly looked away.

"Y...you called for me?"

"Yes."

Rafael said flatly.

"You'll be working here from now on. You'll get a room, but you'll be more like my personal maid than a regular one. You're to be at my beck and call at all times."

I frowned.

"I don't understand. Why?"

"Because I need to make sure you keep your mouth shut. I don't trust you not to expose the truth about us."

I scoffed.

"You already told me not to say anything.

Why would I?

It's not like being your mate is something to brag about." I folded my arms and stared him down.

His eyes flared with anger. He took slow, deliberate steps toward me until he was just inches away.

"You need to watch your tone, slave." He growled through gritted teeth.

"No, Rafael." I snapped.

"You need to watch your attitude. You want me to stay here? Fine. Whatever. If you're done talking, I'll take my leave."

He stared at me, stunned.

"You do realize I'm the alpha’s son. I can have you punished for this insolent behaviour."

I didn't flinch. "And what punishment would that be?

Whipping?

Starving me in the dungeon?

Asking your guards and pack to beat me?

Go ahead. I've lived through worse. There's nothing you can do that hasn't already been done to me."

My voice shook with rage, but I held his gaze.

"Instead of looking down on every omega, maybe try being a better Alpha son.

All you do is chase after women and throw your weight around. If you want to punish me for speaking the truth, be my guest."

I turned to leave, but I hadn't even taken two steps when he grabbed my wrist and spun me around. His hand shot to my throat, and in a flash, I was slammed against the wall.

I winced but didn't back down.

"Go ahead, Rafael. Kill me to soothe your bruised ego." I said with a bitter laugh.

"Just know I'm not going down alone. I'll take you with me."

My words only seemed to fuel his rage. His grip tightened.

Then suddenly, he let go, stumbling back and clutching his throat, coughing hard.

He stared at me like I'd done something to him, and then he launched forward again, grabbing my neck once more, but the same thing happened again.

He let me go, coughing hard once more.

My hand instantly went to my neck as I stared at him in confusion.

"You!"

Rafael spat, glaring dangerously at me.

"What have you done? What the hell did you do to me!?" He yelled.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about." I yelled, but he didn't seem to believe me.

He kept staring at me with those eyes that seemed to accuse me of something I know nothing about.

Why had he stopped choking me?

Could it be...

My eyes widened with shock as the realization dawned on me.

"No, it can't be...."