The Luna Queen Awakens

_Leah's POV_

Today was my eighteenth birthday. For most werewolves, it is the day we look forward to our entire lives-the day we first shift into our wolf. It is supposed to be magical, exciting, and life-changing. But for me, it was just another day. I was Leah, the omega, the one no one cared about. I was an orphan. I lost my parents when I was young in an accident. This only made things worse. I was used to feeling alone, forgotten by everyone in Alpha Kayden's pack.

Everyone treated me lowly because I was an omega. I had to do all the chores, clean, cook, serve, and take care of the pack house. The pack members barely noticed me unless they needed something. Their eyes were always filled with pity or, worse, disdain. But I had gotten used to it. It didn't matter how they treated me-I found my happiness in the little things. And today, even if no one remembered it was my birthday, I held onto the thought that tonight I would shift for the first time. That was enough to keep me going.

I headed to the kitchen early in the morning to prepare breakfast for Alpha Kayden. He liked pancakes, and they had to be perfect. I was focused, flipping the pancakes just the way he liked them, when Selena, the Alpha's girlfriend, walked in. She was beautiful, confident, and everyone in the pack admired her. But to me, she was a nightmare.

"Make me a coffee," she demanded, her voice sharp.

I quickly moved to prepare her coffee. I handed her the cup, hoping it would be to her liking. But as soon as she took a sip, her face twisted in disgust.

"You didn't add sugar, you stupid bitch," she snapped. Before I could apologize, she threw the hot coffee onto my hands.

I gasped in pain as the liquid burned my skin, but I didn't say anything. I couldn't. Complaining to Alpha Kayden would do no good-he would never believe me. He would always side with Selena. So I just bit my lip and endured it.

"Hurry up and bring breakfast to us," she said, her voice dripping with irritation as she walked away, leaving me standing there with red, burning hands.

After a moment, I took a deep breath and continued cooking. When the pancakes were done, I brought them out to the dining room. As I entered, I saw Selena sitting on Kayden's lap, kissing him deeply. They looked so happy, so in love. For a moment, I wondered if the Moon Goddess would bless me with a mate. Would he love me? Would he treat me with kindness, unlike everyone else in this pack?

My thoughts were interrupted when Selena pulled away from Kayden's kiss and glared at me. "What are you staring at? Do you want to take a picture?" she sneered. "Get out of here."

I hurried away, my face flushing with embarrassment. I finished my work quietly, avoiding the other pack members as I went about my duties.

In the afternoon, Fred, the Beta, approached me. "Leah, the Alpha's room is a mess. Clean it up before he comes back from his meeting," he ordered.