"Have you made breakfast?" Those words are spoken with warning, bitter loathing that immediately makes my bruised skin prickle.
"Yes ma'am." I say softly, lowering my gaze from the sharp green eyes glaring at me. If looks could kill, I'd have been dead a thousand times over. "Leave." She commands.
Not needing to be told twice, I high tail it out of the house immediately, as if hell is on my heels. I didn't care for a thank you, being able to walk out unharmed says more than a mere word ever will.
With the school just down the road, I pull my hood over my head and quickly shimmy my way through the other students. They didn't shove me or give me abuse, most of them leave me be, they've seen the bruises covering my flesh, bruises that our Alpha and Luna have given to me without shame. It's no secret, the entire pack knows what they do to me, and they can do nothing even if they wished too. A mere wolf barely in his adulthood is no match for the Alpha.
"Kali! Hold up!" A familiar voice shouts.
Sighing lightly, I pause for a few moments to allow him to catch up. Like always, he swings his arm over my shoulders, his form towering over my 5"6, while I'm technically taller than average, he still says I'm small.
"Jackson." I greet with a small smile, relaxing slightly under the weight of his friendly warmth.
His brown eyes are kind, gentle as he stares down at me while we walk. "No fresh marks."
I give a small, slightly forced smile before looking away. Jackson hates that our leaders hurt me, it makes it worse for him knowing there's nothing he can do or say to help me. I presume the Alpha will merely toss Jackson in the cells for a few weeks to teach him a lesson.
"How did it go with Cici?" I ask, changing the topic as we head into the school building.
"It didn't, she wants to wait for her mate." Jackson sighs, the disappointment in his voice obvious.
"You tried to sleep with her on the first date?" I ask with raised eyebrows, surprised that he'd try such a bold move.
"Not exactly, I kissed her when I dropped her at her house. She freaked, assuming it meant more than what it was." Jackson says with a small shrug.
"It's your birthday next week, aren't you excited about finding your mate?" I say with a smile, staring up at him curiously.
Jackson scoffs. "Mates turn us into monsters, I'll pass."
I didn't question his words, even if I don't fully believe them. Wolves become more dominant once we have mates, become confident and less gentle. Males change far more, they become more animal than man when it comes to their mates, fiercely protective, extremely aroused, but there's a certain gentleness that we show to only our mates. A kindness, a love that no other will ever see or have.
"I'll see you at lunch." I say, breaking free from
Jackson and giving a small wave as I head off to the back of the school. Jackson is on the basketball team, while I prefer track, it's peaceful, and there's far less conflict.
After changing in the locker room, I head out to the field and begin stretching, ignoring the slight throbbing of yesterday's beating that covers my body from my ribs down. When I feel loose and a little more relaxed, I set off jogging.
There's only four other wolves that run track, it's uncommon for a wolf to dislike being challenged in strength and speed, which is why the rest of the school choose more aggressive sports.
As I run, I drift off into my own blissful world, sweating off my pain and anger, putting the thought of reality behind me if even for a short while. Track is enough to keep me fit, without bringing my wolf out. Alpha Kade and Luna Sasha don't like acknowledging my wolf, they can't stand me.
go through the school day like I would any other, rushing straight home from track without showering or changing.
The second I enter the house, I rush to my room and toss my bag on my bed. Despite being sweaty and in desperate need of a shower, I know I don't have time. So I head back downstairs, to begin cooking.
Scrubbing my hands, I route through the kitchen andplace theingredients on the side. For the past ten years I've been cooking, forced to slave away at the stove for hours at a time, beaten when it wasn't perfection. I'm practically a personal chef for them.
Giventhat I was 'asked last night to prepare classic Italian lasagne for tonight, I presume they'll be having guests over. Not someone they want to impress, no, someone they simply wish to enjoy themselves.
It takes almost forty minutes to prepare the food, before the whole cooking process even begins. Given that I have roughly three hours before my parents come home, I don't waste a second. My mind blurs as I cook, adding ingredients and flavours without the need to check a recipe book. Even still, I rush around for almost two hours before finally sliding the dish into the oven.
Setting the timer, I quickly fill the sink and get to washing up. Even if my shoulders ache and my hands are sore, I know showering or resting for even a minute is out of the question. They'll be home any minute.
Just as I begin drying the pots, I hear the front door open. I couldn't help but immediately become stiff, my eyes lowering as I carry on with my task. Drying, and putting the pots away.
Their small talk grows louder as they come into the kitchen, wanting to ensure that I'm cooking what they've asked. Sharp green eyes calculate the kitchen, eyeing the soapy pots resting on the side.
"This house reeks of sweat, I suggest showering before you even attempt to come near our guest tonight." Mother glares, scrunching her nose in disgust.
Inod faintly. "Yes Luna." My voice is soft, without argument as I hurriedly dry the pots.
My fathers eyes linger on me for a brief moment, could feel the intensity of their glares burning through my skin. My palms sweat a little, anxious until I hear them walking down the hallway, only then do I raise my head.
How much longer must I endure this?
Finishing off the pots, I put them away and head up for a shower. With only fifteen minutes to spare, I rush to scrub the manky sweat clinging to every inch of my skin. Knowing I have no time to blow dry my hair, I towel dry it and put on skinny jeans with a fitted hoodie and ankle boots.
Rushing back downstairs, I toss my hair up into a messy bun. Grabbing the oven mitts, I take the lasagne out of the oven and leave it to settle for ten minutes. Turning the oven off, I chop some fresh salad and sides. Placing it into Luna Sasha's casual tabledishes,I carry them through to the dining area and begin setting the table.
By the time I carry the plates of food to the table, my parents are sat in their usual seats, along with my only brother, Sebastian. He's a year younger than me, and treated far better than I ever have, but I love him no matter how different our parents make us.
"It's about time." Mother bestowed me with her famous glare, one that most would tremble beneath.
"My apologies, Luna." I say softly, setting their plates in front of them, including the strange man that I dare not even glance at.
Another business meeting I presume, my parents loath me being around the guests.
"Katalayha, eat with us." Seb voices, giving me a small smile as he gestures to the chair on his left.
My steps freeze for a brief moment, my eyes flickering to our parents that seem to double in size simply with anger. I could see the warning in their eyes, telling me to not accept, I didn't dare go against them. The consequence would be rather brutal.
"I've already eaten, but thank you." I respond with a convincing smile.
Not waiting for a response, I high tail it back to the kitchen as fast as I can. Grabbing a bottle of wine and the jug of water from the fridge, I head back into the room and fill their glasses before leaving. Heading upstairs, I pull out my study books and papers, knowing next month will be my final year at the school as long as the Elders see me fit to graduate. They have to ensure we're in control of our wolves before we go out into the world amongst humans, rumour has it that the final testing challenge that decides our future, is brutal.
Placing the small piece of leftover lasagne into a dish, I sit and eat, alone and hungry while listening to the sound of chatter and laughter echoing from the dining room. I didn't bother trying to fit in, I know I'll never be welcome at the Alphas table.
I was drying the pots from dinner, minding my ownbusinesswhen a strange smell fills the air, a stranger.
"May I help you, Sir?" I ask softly, my palms sweating as I glance up at the largeman.
His scars and tattoos instantly make me weary of him, the fact that he's so big doesn't help. A wolf, definitely, but not one with Alpha blood, he's most likely a messenger. It makes sense, my parents have no need to impress a messenger, anyone that isn't of Alpha status is below them by their social standards.
"Who is first born of Alpha Slovak's lineage?" The mans menacing voice startles me slightly, so much that I find myself answering without thought.
"Katalayha." I whisper. Oh god, please tell me he's not about to rip my head off for lying.
"A female?" The man scowls at the thought, disliking the mere idea.
"Yes." I confirm with a small nod.
"Carry on with your duties." The man grunts, rather rudely I might say.
Before I can utter a word, the colossal man briskly exits the kitchen. While finding his behaviour and question a little strange, I quickly get back to work, pleased that he assumes I'm merely a maid. It's a little insulting, but I'm used to it by now. I know better than to correct another wolf.
After clearing up the kitchen, I head upstairs to my room. My parents ensure my brother is well entertained, distracted with talk so he doesn't pay me a visit. I think they assume I'll somehow corrupt their perfect child with a conversation.
Changing into a set of pyjamas, I crawl into bed and slip off to sleep, knowing I have to be up bright and early to prepare breakfast.
"You've always been our greatest shame!" Mother spits, slapping me hard across my already bruised face.My hands snap to the side, throbbing with pain. My eyes water slightly, but I refuse to cradle my cheek. I may be silent but I will never allow them the satisfaction of submission."Honey, we're going to be late for our meeting." My father checks his watch, not a flicker of remorse for my bust lip or purple cheek bone."Go to fucking school." Mother growls at me, cheeks red with irritation."Yes Luna." I whisper, averting my eyes as I scramble away from the wall. As quick as my feet will carry me, I sprint down the stairs, snatching my bag from the bottom on my way out.Not wanting to deal with anyone today, I pull up my hood and keep my head down, burying my hands into the pockets as I move quickly through the other wolves, unnoticed. I didn't bump into Jackson, so that was a plus.After my brother left again last week, my parents as usual are taking their loss out on me, like it's
"This pink would look great on you."The fabric is fitted, sequins designed to have eyeson every aspect of my body, exposing my flesh to the hounds. I didn't like the idea, nor do I like the pink. Of course the wolf girl assumes I'm interested in whatever 'costume' I'll have to wear in the morning, like I actually care about this forced marriage."Maybe yellow? I think the lemon yellow will suit you perfectly!" Triss gushes, holding yet another shred of fabric against my exposed bra.I remain a statue, allowing her to measure and work without flinching. Fighting will onlymakethis so much worse, and I've been humiliated enough."I'd like to wear white." I finally speak up after a while of silence.Triss stares at me, briefly before nodding."That's fine, what about this?"She holds up a piece of her flimsy fabric, like the few centimetres are going to cover all of me. Blankly, I shake my head."It's tradition for every bride to dress this way. Every wolf will want you, and every female
I expected noise to consume the huge pack house, and yet it was eerily silent as I begin to descend from the bedroom. It gave me chills, finding it strange that everything is so quiet on such a rare day for their Alpha.With no even a full day to plan, I thought it would be chaos. Apparently this pack exceed as wedding planners too. I thought with slight bitterness, hating that nothing is going to postpone today.Triss remains a step behind me, guiding me from the mansion and out into the woods. At first I didn't feel much of anything, until we got further into the barely lit trees, far enough that Alpha Hardins begin to show through the space in the distance.My legs falter."Stand tall, chin up, shoulders back." Triss whispers to me, adjusting my rigged posture.Nodding faintly, I quickly do as she says knowing first impressions are everything. If this pack doesn't see me fit, I'll be walked all over and Hardin won't be able to stop it.For my benefit, I keep my eyes forwards and s
" The union has been accepted." Those words burn into my memory like poison, awakening me from the darkness. I wasn't certain on how long I'd been out, but I knew the pain had knocked me unconscious. It's not the first time it's happened, despite this being the first time my brain hurt instead of my body. Blinking as I strain to open my heavy eyelids, I quickly realise there's a rather sharp ache still pulsing within my skull. Bearable, enough so that I push myself up off the stone slab, slowly. The last thing I want is to go dizzy right now. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" Alpha Hardin questions me, his tone clipped with anger. Lowering my aching eyes, I give a small shake of my head as I brush tiny stones off of my palms gently. Even if I don't get what the big deal is on his end, I know I have to give some response that shows a flicker of remorse, or guilt. My father never liked it when I didn't take the blame, it made him feel like it was his fault, which it was. "I
He was right, once he started touching me, my body didn't resist. Now knowing that there's no denying him, I feel more trapped, more humiliated and used than I ever have.Slowly I cover myself in the thin fabric, after spending all night nude outside on the grass, clothes feel great even with so little coverage. It wasn't long before Hardin woke too, silence surrounding us as he dresses himself. The fact that I'm keeping my back to him clearly speaks louder than words,I don't wish to converse with him, I'm glad he doesn't attempt to do SO. "Come, lets get you cleaned up." He says after minutes, expecting no response. I could feel his warmth behind me, his hand that he outstretches for me to take. Did he hit his head? I side glance his hand with bitterness, a glare he didn't see. Without a word, I turn on my heel and walk straight past him, blanking his very existence. I wanted to storm off, but given that every step only adds to the uncomfortable feeling between my thighs, I don't
"It's been almost a week since anyone saw you, Luna." Lacys concerned voice isn't surprising.Staring blankly at the closed curtains, I give no sign of response. I'd stopped responding a few days back, after giving the same answer time and time again, I didn't see the point in talking.Three weeks.Three weeks since I arrived here, and it feels like a lifetime ago. At first I carried on smiling, I talked with the pack and held up the act of the gentle Luna that I know they all believe. I tried so hard to keep them happy, I tried to pretend like I wasn't stuck here, I tried so hard to just be happy. But I couldn't do it, every minute it got harder, every day my smile began to fade and after a week ... I considered ending it all.The pack expected perfection through the day, and by night Hardin comes in and does as he pleases with me. The past two nights he hasn't been back, I tried to deny him, which resulted in me slapping him. I assume he's still enraged, and I'm still frightened of
"Luna-" Lacys familiar voice fills the empty room. "Oh my god!" She gasps. I stare at the mirror in utter disgust, anger brewing inside of me as I poke at my flesh. The bruises are long gone, but the weight I'd lost in the past week has taken a huge toll on my body. My skin is paler than usual, far more bones poking through than ever before. Dark circles rim my eyes, thoroughly making me a monstrous sight. Fact is, I wanted to blame Hardin. He's the reason I'm here, he's the reason I don't sleep, the reason I can't eat. At the same time I didn't have the energy, blaming him is tiring, and it's not like I'm not to blame too. I refused the food, I stayed awake at night, I didn't converse with the pack or even leave the room. I've been clinging onto my old life, the person I was only last month due to a promise I made to my brother. In the end, that promise is going to kill me, holding on is hurting me more. I want to keep my promise, I want to be the person my brother expects me to
Before my mind registers what I'm doing, my hand wraps around his wrist, shoving him away with all my strength. Hardin squeezes my throat, just enough to make me gasp a little, his face nearing mine as his eyes grow darker.I know what he wants, and if I don't act then he'll take it, again. No amount of refusal with words has worked so far, he acts like he hasn't even heard me. But pushing him away, that gets to him."I strongly suggest you don't repeat that." Hardin growls sinisterly, eyes ablaze, bright red.Every nerve in my body screams at me to submit, but at the same time I feel powerful being able to deny him. Even for a short moment, being able to finally tell him no, and mean it, gives me huge satisfaction."Then I suggest you don't touch what isn't yours." I say, my voice ringing with clarity.Damn Kali, when'd you get so brave?My entire body freezes over the second I see Hardin's face contort with anger, the utter fury that burns within his blood red eyes. Until now I'd no