| Body |
Chapter 1
Alora’s POV
I tried to clean the stain on the floor but it is not coming off and I’m sure the maids intentionally left it for me to clean when they couldn’t do it.
I let out a frustrated sigh and tuck the strand of my hair away from my face. The hair that is getting me into so much trouble recently that I want to cut it all off.
Adding more bleach on the stain, I tried to scrub some more then I heard the click clacks of high heels and knew I was in for another badge of trouble this early morning.
“Where the fvck is she?" I heard Cielle cursing in a shriek-y voice of hers that startled me.
I rushed out of the bathroom in a hurry before she thought I’m slacking off. I was very tired this entire week because I got up at 5 am every day to do the cleaning under Cielle’s words.
It’s not like I can say no to the princess of the house when she wants to be a brat. No one could actually. She does what she wants anytime she wants to whoever she decides to fck.
Although I was also my parents' daughter, I was more like a servant now in the house. After the truth was uncovered years ago, everything changed entirely. I now live a life I don’t understand anymore.
When Cielle saw me coming out, she scolded as usual, "The kitchen table is so dirty, how did you clean it?"
If I could muster the courage to swing it at her head, it would make my day or in this case, the whole past year. But I knew I couldn't. If I want to live longer than today then I won’t try it.
"Do you know what day it is today? How dare you slack off like that?" Cielle continued, her blue eyes blazing angrily into slits.
“What day is it?" I asked weakly while moving my arms to relieve the soreness.
"It's the day my brother comes back home! How could you forget? Idiot." She glared some more coming to my face like she wanted to slap me so I moved back.
I recoiled in revulsion, a shiver of disgust running down my spine as the words sunk in. The realization hit me with a sickening weight: he’s back.
The thought of his return filled me with a deep sense of dread and unease, twisting my insides into knots. The mere idea of facing him again, of enduring the oppressive atmosphere he brought with him, was almost too much to bear.
I've lived in the Arctic Canines pack for as long as I can remember. I used to be the cherished daughter of the Alpha and Luna, and Rune was my loving brother. But everything changed five years ago.
When my parents discovered I wasn’t their biological child, their world unraveled. They searched tirelessly to find their real daughter, Cielle, and when they brought her home, my life turned into a waking nightmare.
Since then, my existence has descended from a once-coveted place to an unending he-ll. I’ve been reduced to nothing more than a servant to Cielle, enduring her relentless cruelty.
My parents still put on a facade of normalcy, but their once-warm affection has been replaced by barely masked disdain. I don’t know how they could go from loving to hating me.
Every day feels like a cruel reminder of how my life has transformed from one of privilege to a ceaseless ordeal of rejection and exploitation. I have endured all that for five years now.
At that moment, there was a noise outside the gates. Several maids pulled up to the door. My heart raced with nervousness and anxiety threatened to make me throw up my breakfast. He is back!
Alpha Rune was welcomed by the whole family with wide smiles and laughter. Father and mother rose to greet him from the coach like the proud parents they were. They always want to celebrate every small success.
Alpha Rune went to the only powerful and large pack that is bigger than our own to form a new alliance with their new Alpha. The other was dead in a war and a rogue that ki-lled him took over.
I glanced down the stairs and was taken aback by how much more handsome and mature Alpha Rune appeared. It was as if the past two months had chiseled away any remnants of boyishness, leaving a striking, authoritative figure in its place.
His presence seemed to command even more respect and attention, making it hard to reconcile this imposing Alpha with the brother I once knew.
Well, he has been anything but that doting loving brother for five years.
At that moment, I heard my mother scolded loudly, "Where's Alora? Why hasn’t she come down yet? Doesn’t she know that her brother is back?”
I rushed downstairs to stand with the others despite my reluctance. I don’t want to give them any other reason to scold me. Rune stared at me with those piercing eyes of his, and an unsettling shiver ran down my spine.
His gaze was intense and predatory, filled with a dark hunger that made my skin crawl. It felt as if he could see right through me, stripping away any semblance of safety or comfort.
The look in his eyes was enough to make me want to recoil in fear and dread. Oh no.
Cielle jumped into Rune's arms like the little brat she is and asked, "Bro, where's my gift?"
Rune smiled dotingly and took out an exquisite box, handing it to her. That smile used to be mine with so much softness and warmth. Now, I get the exact opposite if at all he acknowledges me not for his needs.
"Wow, it's the limited edition necklace!" Cielle jumped around holding the piece of jewelry
Rune continued to give gifts to his father, mother, and even the head maid who literally brought the two of us up when they were busy. She smiled tentatively then went back to her work.
I saw the smile on Cielle’s face before she could talk and knew nothing good was going to come out of her mouth. I bowed my head so she wouldn't see the hurt in my eyes. She has taken my place.
"Bro, you haven't given Alora a gift yet. Where is her own?" She asked with a smirk directed at me.
Rune turned to me and I was forced to meet his eyes with my bright green ones, completely opposite of his and our parents. That was the first sign they knew something was wrong and I might not be their biological daughter after all.
“I forgot yours." He said in that unapologetic emotionless voice that made a pang hit my che-st.
“Ouuu, you always forget hers.” Cielle laughed and ran up the stairs probably to show her friends her new limited jewelry.
“You need to freshen up then come down and eat. We have made all your favorite meals today.” Mother said to Rune who dragged his eyes away from mine to smile at her.
“Sure.” He kissed her forehead then brushed past me to his room.
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
Chapter 2
Everyone disappeared from the living room leaving me alone. I looked at the expensive suitcase Rune came back with and decided to let the butler take it to his room instead.
I don’t want to go there and cause myself unnecessary trouble when he just showed that he didn’t care an ounce about me. Not that I don’t know but hope is my biggest weakness.
With a small sigh, I went to the kitchen to get the meals I cooked the entire morning along with a few other maids though they were gossiping all around about things I don’t care about and I did most of the work.
I arranged the dining room, kept Rune’s silver utensils the way he likes them. One wrong misstep and I will be punished for it. I hope he doesn’t summon me today because I’m really not in the mood.
An hour later while I was standing beside the wall patiently waiting for them to come in so I could serve them, they started filing in one after the other. Mother and father first followed by Rune and Cielle.
In the middle of their meal while I waited in case they needed something else though I was sitting on the dining table eating, I wanted to be anywhere but here, Cielle brought back the gift subject.
I smiled bitterly at that knowing she won’t let it be then I said it was okay. I mean, this is the nth time he traveled without getting me a gift and he would give Cielle.
Cielle gave me a mocking pitiful look making me feel pathetic. Are my emotions showing in my eyes? I made sure I mastered the art of hiding them whenever I’m around this family.
At this point, father asked, "Why didn't you bring Alora a gift in the first place?"
Uh, is he just noticing that Rune never gives me gifts after finding out I wasn’t his biological sister? Kudos to you father. I thought in my head while biting on a piece of chicken.
Rune said indifferently, "She's not my sister, dad. There is no need to get her anything. I have brought it for my sister and that is all that matters.”
From my peripheral vision I saw father shaking his head but didn’t say anything while mother continued to eat her food like nothing was going on on the table. Cielle, she is smug.
I clenched my fists and bit my li-p to keep from crying. He doesn’t have to keep rubbing it on my face that I don’t have parents or family now. That I have been easily replaced like I meant nothing.
After a moment, mother said in an airy tone that she usually used to brush off the tense atmosphere. She is always good when it comes to that.
“Anyway, it's good that Rune came back at this time, the pack has a lot of things to take care of, and Cielle is going to get married to Beta Dylan soon, you need to help with the arrangements too. I mean, your friend and sister?” She clapped her hands together.
Cielle suddenly turned to me and narrowed her eyes into slits. I don’t know why she is more on edge now than she’s ever been before. Is it because she thinks I’m in her hair again?
I have been avoiding her most of the time.
"Alora, why are you frowning? Aren't you happy I'm getting married?" Cielle asked with a pout of her pink li-ps.
I shook my head and denied it instantly. “Oh, no. I’m thinking about the stain I wasn’t able to clean earlier.”
Cielle sneered, not believing me because yeah I sounded lame giving that excuse but at the same time I don’t care about her marriage. I’m thinking of nothing. I just frown a lot.
My life is defined by that frown now. Nothing makes me happy.
"You're just jealous that I'm marrying Dylan ! You'd better put your little mind away, Dylan can only be mine, he never liked you!" Cielle smirked at her last statement.
"You don’t have to worry about that. I am not jealous of you. Happy wedding to you both.” I responded in a cool voice.
I mentally rolled my eyes and confessed in my mind, "Even though he's my ex-fiancé, I really don't care right now. You can have him. You already stole my family, fiance is nothing.”
My parents got me engaged with Dylan at the age of sixteen. But when Cielle came back five years ago, the bride choice was immediately changed to Cielle. Which wasn’t surprising.
I noticed the sharp look from Rune's eyes staring at me across the table and I swallowed. Those eyes. They have the power to do so many unpleasant things to me and they can change my mood no matter the situation.
I thought to myself, "He must hate me double now. He must be afraid that I'll steal his sister's man?"
It’s not like Dylan was in love with me when we were engaged. It was something only our family knew and we kept it that way for the longest time. They have nothing to worry about.
That night after finishing the dishes, I went to my room and took a hot shower letting the steam envelop me in a brief moment of solace. The water washed away the grime of the day.
Heaviness still settled deep within me holding me down. Exhausted, I slowly slipped into my nightgown so ready for the day to end. I climbed into bed ready to escape into the reprieve of sleep.
But as soon as I pulled the covers, my hands froze midair. There was someone already there in MY bed. My heart pounded in the confines of my ribcage when I saw who it was. Rune.
Before I could think or breathe, Rune’s strong muscled hand shot out and gripped my wrist pulling me down on the bed. I fell on top of him with a whoosh of breath escaping me.
“Still not over Dylan, Red?” He asked in a whisper, his breath hot against my ear.
I shuddered both from the sudden cold and the sickening warmth of his breath. Something rock hard that I’m now familiar with whenever I’m around Rune settled in my stomach.
“No no. I’m over him. I swear.” I answered in a shaky tone, my voice just above a whisper.
“You better fvcking be.” He growled softly, a very dangerous edge lingering in his tone earning another shiver from me.
Without another word, Rune’s li-ps crushed against mine, his kiss forceful and demanding. His hands roamed over my body, roughly pulling at my clothes until I was beneath him.
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to endure, knowing I had no other choice. My mind screamed in protest, but my body, trapped under his, could do nothing but submit as always.
His mouth was relentless, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses along my brea-sts, my stomach, and lower. Every touch was a command, every kiss a claim, and I had no strength left to fight him.
Rune’s hands slid between my thi-ghs, parting them with ease. His fingers moved with practiced skill, coaxing responses from my body that I couldn’t control.
I bit my li-p to stifle a moan, hating myself for the way my body reacted to his touch. He noticed, a dark chuckle rumbling in his arms as he continued his assault on my senses.
Rune’s hands gripped my hi-ps, pulling me closer, deeper. His pace quickened, his movements becoming more frantic. Whenever he travels and comes back, he is frantic.
My body responded against my will, a wave of unwanted pleasure building within me. I fought it and failed as usual because Rune knew my body too well. He angled his hi-ps just right, hitting that spot that made me see stars.
With one final, powerful thrust, he pushed me over the edge. My body convulsed around him, and he followed me into oblivion.
Chapter 3
Rune and I have been having an illicit relationship for three years now though we have been hiding it from everyone including father and mother. Of course, Cielle too.
It started when he found out I wasn’t his biological sister and he wanted to sleep with me. It is forbidden. Rune is someone I have always known to be my brother my entire life.
After I was told I wasn't his biological sister five years ago, Rune's attitude towards me changed drastically. Like this was the leverage he had been waiting for his whole life.
He started touching my body secretly at every given opportunity. Beneath the table. In the car going somewhere. He just started doing weird things I didn’t get.
Until the night of my eighteenth birthday, when he broke into my room and took my first time. He was gentle with me but that didn’t mean he didn’t take advantage of me at the same time.
I had fought back fiercely, did everything I could at that time but nothing happened. I even reported to the principal of the Arctic Canines College. When they didn’t do anything. I took it higher.
I went to court to sue him for ra-pe which was a mistake because I should have known. Rune is the alpha of the pack. Nothing could be done against him. All my efforts were effortlessly silenced.
The entire blame was placed back on me that I was trying to ruin my brother’s image then it turned to a joke. No one believed Rune would do something like that to his sister.
Mother and father on the other hand thought I had hit my head somewhere and sent me to the psychiatrist. Since then, I knew nothing was ever going to work for me here.
And gradually I gave up resisting along the way and sometimes it is almost pleasurable even though I hate it. A forbidden pleasure.
I closed my eyes remembering that first night, a tear fell down my eyes. Every member of the pack looks forward to their eighteenth birthday but not me. I dreaded it.
I have changed to my wolf which was a very very weak ginger compared to Cielle’s strong blonde wolf. I could barely move in my wolf form because she was weak and everyone laughed.
Mother and father didn’t show it but they praised Cielle for a total of thirty two times while they only said well done to me once and turned their attention on their daughter.
It was horrible.
Later that night came Rune who took advantage of my broken heart and forced himself on me. He was my first kiss and first everything because he protected me against all boys my age.
He said he didn’t want them touching his baby sister when they are not married to me. Then accused me of being wet that night.
“Why are you so wet when you are fighting it, Red? You naughty girl.” And then he slid his very big cok inside me.
I swallowed, turning away from the frame I just finished cleaning. Apparently, Dylan is coming to see Cielle this evening to discuss their wedding so she wants ME to clean the house.
I have been doing that since I came back while the other maids slack off. I know she won’t scold them when she comes, she will only do that to me and if I am not careful she would do worse.
I didn’t hear his footsteps and last I saw him, he was leaving the house to go to Goddess knows where but he came out of the blue startling me. I dropped the rag and turned to him.
"What did you do this morning?" He asked in a gritty low voice.
Nervously wringing my soapy hands, I stuttered, "No, nothing special."
Rune smiled coldly like he knew something I didn’t. I hate when he smiles like this. It means I am in trouble and I will only understand that at night.
"The surveillance camera caught you riding to work in Dylan’s car. Aren’t you going to tell me about that? Or are you going to deny it?” He brow up elegently.
I quickly explained my point of view. "No, it's because my car broke down in the morning, and Dylan was passing by, so..."
"Enough! I don't want to hear it. Anyway, I can't believe you didn't report to me this time, it won't happen again. Do you hear me?” He said coming to my face.
I couldn't take it anymore and cursed before I could think things through.
“I've had enough! The driver obviously reported all my trips to you, why do I need to report to you?" My body trembled in anger.
Rune grimaced in surprise. He didn’t expect me to bust like that but even I am surprised. I’m just fed up, okay? This is so dreaming.
"Because I have to supervise you so that you won’t do anything to harm Cielle. She is already uncomfortable having you around him.” He gripped my skull, his fingers tightening around my hair.
I whimpered. “Yes.”
“Never try to seduce Dylan, you don't deserve it. And you won’t like what I will do to you! Understand?” His grip tightened then he roughly let go.
With that, he turned around and left me standing there in the corridor shaken. I swallowed the lump in my throat. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have cursed at him like that.
Tears streamed down my cheeks in rapid succession, each one a silent telltale to the anguish I could no longer contain. As I stood there, the weight of my despair pressing down on me, a fierce determination began to take root in my heart.
I am going to leave this forsaken pack this year, I vowed silently, my resolve hardening with every passing second. I have had enough of this maltreatment. I don’t deserve it!
No longer would I be their victim. I would find a way to escape, to reclaim my life and my dignity. This torment would end, and I would be frree.
Chapter 4
The next morning I woke up feeling a little nauseous and I retched a bit before I went downstairs to make breakfast. I think this has to do with what Rune made me do yesterday night.
He forced me to take his entire length from behind while my head is hanging. All blood had rushed to my head at the new position but as always, I didn’t complain.
Making my way down to the kitchen, I brought out the ingredients for everyone's favorite food while thinking about how I am going to escape from this pack unnoticed. I don’t want drama.
The only person that will create problems for me is Rune. He has been on my tail twenty four seven since they fixed Cielle and Dylan’s wedding date.
While I was making pancakes for Cielle, I suddenly remembered something that made me want to throw up again. I haven’t had my period in two months! The pancake burned while I was thinking.
My heart skipped a beat in fear and terror ...Rune never used comdoms because I was barren. We went to the doctor the first time I felt symptoms and I found out that I won’t be able to carry a baby which is why my wolf is also weak.
No way!
I finished making breakfast for everyone but myself because I have lost my appetite. I don’t think I can keep anything down with how nauseous I feel. Also the fear tightening in my guts uncomfortably.
“Why aren’t you joining us for breakfast today?” Father asked as he cut through his toast.
“Uh, I have errands to run and I ate in the kitchen.” I lied nervously because I want to disappear from this place to know what is going on with me.
“You look tense. Is everything alright?” Mother asked, tentatively sipping her creamy coffee.
“Everything is fine.” I forced myself to smile then turned and walked away.
I could feel Rune’s eyes following me and burning my back but I didn’t turn around to acknowledge him. Not with the wild thoughts trying to take shape in my head. I might be fcked up.
Taking the car myself and dismissing my assigned driver, I decided to not go see the family doctor. I dare not do this because this couldn’t be known by anyone. Even though it is a fifty fifty percent chance.
So I decided to get a pragnancy test strip instead. That is the safest alternative because all the hospitals in this pack report under the family doctor. Not safe.
Just as I left the house after changing into plain jeans and shirt, I bumped into Dylan. I gulped down knowing what happened the last time I was with him. I don’t want Rune and Cielle thinking something is going on.
“Hi, Alora. Were you late for work yesterday?” He asked, referring to the ride he gave her after her car broke down.
“No I wasn’t. Thanks for your ride.” I beamed then rushed towards my car.
I don’t think Rune is going to take it lightly if he sees us together. The CCTV camera will still show this little conversation but at least they exchanged just a few words.
Getting to the closest supermarket, I used a mask to close my face to avoid getting recognized by the pack members, not that I have friends anymore. I avoided them like a plague after everything.
I bought the preggnancy test stick with other items so it won’t be obvious. I quickly went home with shaky hands and a knotted stomach. This better be just a weird coincidence that I didn’t see her period. I CAN'T be pragnant.
As soon as I got inside, I bumped into my mother who beamed at the sight of me. That is weird. Thank God I hid the test inside my hoodie so I held the paper bag in my hand containing fruits.
Mother dragged me to the couch looking excited to share whatever news it is that she has. I don’t know why I don’t like this smile on her face. She hasn’t smiled at me like that in many years.
“Where have you been to?” She asked, tilting her head at me taking in my outfit.
“Just supermarket to get some fruits I have been craving.” I lied straight from my teeth but I was also craving the fruits I got.
My mother’s gentle tug guided me to the couch, her voice a mix of reassurance and dismissiveness. “Don’t take Rune’s words to heart. Rune must have been busy and forgot your gift.”
I forced a smile, shaking my head. “It’s alright, Mother. I don’t mind.”
Mother’s xpression softened, and she reached for a gift box nestled beside her on the coffee table. “Look, I got you a birthday present,” she said, her voice carrying a touch of warmth.
As mother handed me the box, my heart fluttered in my che-st. The gesture was unexpectedly kind. I was touched that mother remembered my birthday, especially given how things had been lately.
“I’m twenty-one now,” I thought, feeling a fleeting sense of normalcy.
Mother’s eyes twin-kled with a forced cheerfulness as she continued. “This year, your father and I decided to find you a mate as well, so that you and Cielle can get married together this year.”
The words hit me like a cold wave. My breath caught in my throat, and the smile faded from my li-ps in an instant. It was clear now: mother’s so-called gift was not a token of love but a strategic move to secure my place and keep me out of Cielle’s way.
My heart sank with bitterness. The reality that mother was merely pushing me into marriage to prevent any interference with Cielle and Dylan stung deeply. So this gift didn’t come from her heart.
Outwardly, I nodded in agreement, masking my dismay like I have been doing for years. “That sounds... lovely, Mother,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.
Feigning exhaustion, I excused myself and retreated to my room. The moment I was alone, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to steady my racing heart. I glanced at the small, white box I had brought with me.
With trembling hands, I fished out the test stick and unwrapped it. My mind swirled with anxious thoughts as I followed the instructions, waiting for the result. Every second felt like an eternity. Finally, I looked down at the stick, and my world seemed to collapse.
Two pink lines stared back at me, stark and undeniable. The reality of my situation settled heavily on my shoulders. I was pragnant. It was over.
A wave of despair washed over me, mingling with the sharp pain of mother’s earlier words. The birthday present that had once seemed so touching now felt like a cruel irony, a symbol of my continued entrapment in a life that had long ceased to be my own.
The weight of my predicament pressed down on me, and I slumped to the floor, overwhelmed by the crushing realization that my life had just become infinitely more complicated.
Should I run away now? Yes, I should.
Chapter 5
Rune’s POV
I don’t know what is happening but there is something off about Alora lately. She has been sluggish and doesn’t like meeting my eyes whenever she works. Even while I am fvcking her.
I plan to find out what is going on with her tonight because ain’t no way she’s going to keep being off and I won’t react. I miss her.
I know what we have isn’t something to miss when it is lost but I do. I realized I was obsessed with Alora when she was just twelve years old. I couldn’t breathe when she wasn’t around.
My parents and even I thought it was because she is my sister and brothers are meant to protect their sisters but this feeling is so deep rooted that I went to therapy in the human world.
Nobody knows about that but after my eighteenth birthday, I knew something was off with what I felt for my red haired sister. The therapist told me there was obsession and I agreed.
There is no way what I felt for Alora is normal.
Then she came to the age where men flaunt all over her. Alora is a true beauty with her fiery red hair and glowing green eyes. She is also amongst the rarest red haired we have in Arctic Canines.
I want to be around her every single second of the day. Sometimes I get annoyed when she gives my parents her time. I usually announce that I’ll be taking her out for ice cream.
I want Alora to myself. I made sure every single boy in the pack stayed away from her using my title. Everyone thought it was because I was her brother, which was the case before I found out she wasn’t my biological sister.
Once I found out, all bars were broken. I knew there was no stopping me now and I went for it. Had I gone through the easiest part? She wouldn’t have agreed so I used my power on her too.
Getting off the bed, I went to my closet and opened the safe. There… so many gifts I have bought for Alora over the years reside. I couldn’t give them to her.
Once is soften up, she will not allow me to touch her again so I don’t. I remain aloof and tough whenever she is around but every waking moment is filled with her thoughts.
I travel around the world? Alora has more gifts than anyone in the world. Not even Cielle could compare. I get her souvenirs everywhere I go because I know what she loves and what she doesn’t.
I was hoping one day I will be able to give them to her. And she will be happy about it. I never forget her. Ever.
I showered, got dressed and made my way to her room for the night. I knocked and there was no answer so I walked in. The room was empty, so was the bathroom.
I asked the maids to check her all over the house but she wasn’t found. I started panicking. She has been acting really weird so something must be up with her.
Checking around the room for evidence that she has run away, I found her drawer empty. The one where she puts her favorite books and memorable stuff. So many emotions attacked me at the same time.
It is confirmed, she has ran away.
I watched the guards disperse into the night, my che-st tight with a mix of fury and panic. "Search everywhere," I had commanded, my voice barely concealing the desperation that gnawed at me. "I want every corner of this territory scoured. Leave no stone unturned."
The echo of their footsteps faded into the distance, leaving me alone with my turbulent thoughts. The hours dragged on, and with each passing minute, the tension inside me grew, threatening to consume me.
Pacing the floor of my study, I couldn't shake the image of Alora from my mind. The moonlight cast long, eerie shadows through the windows, mirroring the darkness that churned within me.
How could she have disappeared so completely? Every forest path, every hidden nook, every abandoned building was being inspected, yet there was no sign of her.
My mind raced with possibilities, each more unsettling than the last. Has someone taken her? Was she hurt, hiding somewhere? The thought of her being in danger sent a chill down my spine, a sensation I was unaccustomed to.
I slammed my fist against the desk, the pain a welcome distraction from the helplessness that threatened to overwhelm me.
“Find her," I whispered to the empty room, my voice hoarse. "Find her and bring her back to me."
As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, there was still no news. The silence was deafening, a stark reminder of how deeply she had embedded herself in my life.
I couldn't breathe without her, couldn't think straight. The thought of losing her was unbearable, and I knew I would tear the world apart to find her.
But as the night gave way to day, I had to face the grim reality: Alora had vanished, and for now, I was powerless to bring her back. And I think I am going to die.
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