| Body |
"In preparation for the event I've sent out a mind link to the pack restricting them from further injuring you. Or injuring the visible parts of you at least, so your face should be ok. In addition, I'd like you to eat at least one meal a day to bring you up to a more healthy weight"
They're going to stop hurting me? Well, my face at least. And I can eat without being yelled at, wow. What a generous alpha I've been gifted with. Who was coming to the pack that I had to be presentable for?
"Phoenix" I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. "You are not to tell anyone of your condition here in this pack, and that is an order, which you do not want to disobey." He growled at me, his eyes flashing black for a second before going back to the ugly brown they usually are.
I couldn't wait for Saturday when no one could touch me or say hateful things to me, I would take such advantage of this power for the one day I could.
————————
"Let's leave. And never come back"
June says in our head. We couldn't, we'd get caught. I am fast, but not fast enough to outrun the warriors who have been training for years. The warriors who are not constantly being beat to a pulp.
"No June, we need to go back." I reply coldly, we don't have much time before they realize we're gone.
She reluctantly starts up again towards the pack house, and I apologize to her.
"I'm sorry I'm weak. We'll leave as soon as possible."
June doesn't reply, I guess that answer wasn't good enough for her.
We return to the outskirts of the forest and shift back, quickly throwing back on my stylish outfit. I slowly approach the back door, attempting to look in through the glass to see if anyone was downstairs yet. And much to my dismay, I see the Alpha's son, soon to be Alpha, Taylor.
He looks up, I guess he was able to smell me approaching, and smiles maliciously at me. I can't hold back the whimper that escapes my lips when I see him get out of his chair and walk out the door towards me.
"Phoenix" he greets me, still sporting that evil smile.
I hold my ground, mentally cursing him out over and over again. I used to do it out loud, but eventually I couldn't take the consequences that came with it, and settled for sharing the insults with my wolf only.
I looked up at him, and couldn't help but notice the windows behind him were full of teenagers our age, staring at us. Oh great, an audience.
"Taylor" I reply slightly cocking my head, looking up at him as he towered above me.
He backhanded my face and I winced, but stayed upright.
"That's Alpha to you. As of this Saturday I will officially be taking over as Alpha of the pack." He said proudly.
It wouldn't make a difference, he was just in it for the ego trip and the girls. I rolled my eyes at him, not being able to restrain myself.
A punch straight into my face. I staggered back a few steps, but stood tall, ignoring the stream of blood now falling from my now, most likely, broken nose.
"I will punish you as I see fit for one, going out for a run without permission, and two, disrespecting your Alpha."
I glanced up at him, and without thinking said "you're not the Alpha."
Which is a true statement, he won't be my alpha until Saturday. He would have hurt me regardless of him being alpha or not, but we have a few more days before his ego can have a vacation. I smirked at him, figuring I've already come this far, might as well push a few more of his buttons while I'm at it.
He grabs me by my throat and holds me up to his height so my legs are dangling, I scratch at his hands my lungs immediately protesting.
"Listen here you ugly little bimbo, I don't know why we've kept you around this long, but you should be grateful that you're still alive. I could snap your neck right now" he growls at me.
I really don't know how to stop, I hate being told off by this wimp of an Alpha.
"Do it" I choked out, daring him, my vision looked like it was fading, black creeping around the corners, but I knew he couldn't kill me. The royal family would find out somehow or another that they killed the orphan girl, and they'd have to face the consequences. I smiled at him sweetly as he threw me down to the ground.
My back cracked unceremoniously and I gasped for breath, because I knew there was more to come shortly.
I feel his foot come into contact with my already sore ribs and I grimace, taking in a sharp breath. I attempt to kick him off, but the fact remains, I am just a little weakling with a big mouth.
He sits down on my chest pinning my arms above me with one hand. The fact that he could restrain me with only one hand really speaks wonders for how weak I am.
Hits start raining down on my face in a quick pace, there is no break for me to catch my breath or talk back to him.
Punch, punch, I begin coughing up blood, but he is relentless and continues.
Minutes pass and he begins to slow down, I start gasping for oxygen, until he eventually stops, but remains on top of me, reaching into his pocket he pulls out his signature silver pocket knife. Nothing I couldn't handle.
He grabs my right arm, I don't bother stopping him, I just wanted this to be over with, and I know this is generally how he ends off his torture sessions. He signs his name into my skin with the knife, and I know the scar will stay, forever reading "Alpha Taylor."
They own me.
Taylor was done with me, he left, the audience left. I laid there on my back bleeding out, but unfeeling. I was just a numb shell of a human. I wasn't there anymore.
I struggled to stand up due to my now even more injured ribs, but managed to make it to my knees. I spit a mouthful of blood onto the ground and on shaky legs stand up. No time to recover, if I don't do todays chores I'll get a repeat of this nonsense.
Giggles surround me as I walk inside, I ignore them as usual. I know guys, my ugly swollen face is a terror to look at, just don't look at me.
I wanted nothing more to give payback to all these losers, but I save that for a day where I actually have the strength to do so.
I'm tasked with the usual useless chores making peoples beds, as if they won't be going to sleep 12 hours later and unmaking the bed. Sweeping and mopping the same hallways everyday without any recognition. All the teens like to purposely walk around in muddy shoes so I'm stuck in a pointless cycle of never being done cleaning.
"Hey bimbo, I heard Alpha wants you" I hear from behind me. I turn around to see Naomi, I chuckled knowing I was wearing her leggings.
She glared at me and slammed my head up against the wall growling.
"You're not allowed to laugh at your future Luna, just go back to your chores."
She wasn't the future Luna, she was just obsessed with Taylor and craved power. If they were mates they would have known by now, neither of them felt the mate bond. She released her hold on my head and walked away.
I held my head for a minute trying to stop the dizziness from the impact before dropping the mop and hesitantly walking towards the Alpha's office. I was not a bimbo, I would never stoop to that level, none the less with Alpha Ryan, Taylor's widowed father.
He was the one who encouraged this life for me throughout the pack, and while he's tried stuff with me, I promptly stop him, even if it leads to some of the worst beatings I ever get. It's worth it though, I would rather die than have that cruel man touch me in that way.
I stand in front of the large office door before convincing myself to knock on the door. I felt blood seeping through my hair from Naomi, but I ignored it and stepped into the office when I got the ok from Alpha. I fixed a permanent scowl onto my face to voice my overall annoyance at him.
"Good afternoon Phoenix, come take a seat" he says gesturing at the chair in front of his desk.
This is different. Usually I'm called in hear to be yelled at or hit, neither of which were happening. My facial features twisted in confusion, but I complied and sat down at the chair that was entirely too big for me, but the perfect size for an average wolf. It felt like I was a child with my feet dangling several inches above the ground.
He studied my bruised puffy face for a second before commenting "you look delightful today darling, do something different with your makeup?"
He laughed at his own joke, but I wanted to know what he was getting at.
"Alpha Ryan, I am very busy today being mistreated by your pack, I would appreciate it if you would get to the point" I smile sweetly at him, folding my hands in my lap.
He simply laughed at my response. He had always claimed he loved my fiery attitude, said it made breaking me down more of a challenge, leading to a more satisfying end product.
I expected him to mention me sneaking out this morning and punishing me for doing so, but instead he shadowed me and smiled folding his hands on his desk before beginning to speak.
"Phoenix, as I'm sure you know, I will be retiring by the end of the week, and Taylor will be replacing me. To celebrate these exciting times, we'll be expecting guests on Friday."
Oh, that's what this is about. I know the drill when guests come over. Clean the pack house and cook their food, then hide out in my closet until they leave. I never have to hide my bruises when just around the pack since they all know about my predicament, but when guests come I am not allowed to show my face in fear that someone will rat the pack out to the royal family.
"In preparation for the event I've sent out a mind link to the pack restricting them from further injuring you. Or injuring the visible parts of you at least, so your face should be ok. In addition, I'd like you to eat at least one meal a day to bring you up to a more healthy weight"
This is new.
They're going to stop hurting me? Well, my face at least. And I can eat without being yelled at, wow. What a generous alpha I've been gifted with. Who was coming to the pack that I had to be presentable for?
"Uh... Thank you?" I question, confused.
I stand to leave but am interrupted.
"Phoenix" I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. "You are not to tell anyone of your condition here in this pack, and that is an order, which you do not want to disobey." He growled at me, his eyes flashing black for a second before going back to the ugly brown they usually are.
He used his Alpha command on me. Even if I wanted to ask for help, I wouldn't be able to.
I nodded my head and turned to leave once again, this time without being stopped, thankfully.
Wow! I felt untouchable! My face is protected for the next week and I can eat once a day! I guess it's a win in my book. I couldn't wait for Saturday when no one could touch me or say hateful things to me, I would take such advantage of this power for the one day I could.
Hmm, this is what happiness feels like, interesting.
The week progressed following a similar routine. I was allowed a daily portion of food, but I no longer felt hungry, I felt nothing. I refused to eat, and when forced to do so, I'd end up throwing it up minutes later. Big groups would gather to beat me down day after day until I was unconscious.
I'd wake up where I was left, no one bothering to move me inside to the "safety" of the pack house. I'd be shivering from the cold autumn nights, unable to stand, none the less move.
My wolf hadn't spoken to me all week, whether she was upset with me, or she was just putting all her energy into healing me was anyone's guess.
They had gotten some other omegas to take over my chores for the time being so they could allow this routine to continue until Friday which was quickly approaching.
It was now Thursday morning and I'd expected nothing less than the treatment I've been receiving all week, but I laid outside, curled into a small ball, without any disturbances. I shakily inhaled the cool morning air, before slowly attempting to stand.
I made it onto my knees, my shaky arms holding me up. I found the best option was to crawl over to a nearby tree to help myself up. Eventually I was standing, clutching my aching stomach, breathing heavily, and limping with my right leg which was practically shredded by the Beta's daughter, Fiona, last night.
Once I finally made it back inside, I stumbled up the stairs and made it into the bathroom. I sat up against the sink and began to assess the damage that had been done to my body during last nights festivities
Lifting up my shirt, I grimaced at the black and blue mess that was my stomach. My arms and legs were adorned with deep scratch imprints and even deeper bite marks. I could practically feel the various broken bones as well.
From my seated position I shifted my body closer to the tub where I turned on the faucet to run myself a bath, which I hadn't had the luxury of doing the past week. Dried blood littered my skin and scars began to appear where the oldest scratches began to fade.
I sat with my head rested between my knees before I heard a knock on the door. The mere noise made me whimper and my mind was sent into a frenzy.
"Phoenix" I hear Alpha Ryan say through the door, and I involuntarily begin to quietly cry at the sound of his voice.
"Yes Alpha?" I weakly responded, my voice cracking with fear.
"Phoenix, our special guests are arriving a day early, today. I assume you remember our chat about staying quiet about your predicament?" he asks me, again making no move to open the door, which provided me with some comfort.
I nod my head and repeat "yes Alpha" with a broken voice.
"Wonderful, clean up and change into the clothes I've left in your room. Stay in there until someone comes to get you." He says, before I hear him walk away. I sigh a breath of relief, knowing the next three days will be torture free, hopefully enough time to heal sufficiently to run away from here.
I pulled myself up into a standing position and faced the mirror, I didn't recognize my reflection. Although several scars lingered on my face it was bruise free, it was no longer puffy from being hit. I was almost pretty, if it weren't for the hollow cheeks, dried lips, and dead look in the eyes.
The bath had filled up, so I turned off the faucet and slowly lowered my aching body into the warm water, which would soon be filled with dirt and blood.
Eventually I forced myself to get out of the bath and managed to stand up again wrapping a raggedy old towel around myself carefully. I peaked out the bathroom door, and when I saw the coast was clear I limped to my closet of a bedroom and shut the door behind me.
I sat down on the bed and examined the clothes left out for me, tight black jeans, which would hurt like a bimbo over all my injuries, combat boots, and a baby blue hoodie. Alongside the clothes was a small bottle of concealer, I'm assuming to cover up any lingering marks on my face, and a brush to look presentable.
I got ready and then assessed my appearance in the mirror. I looked like a normal teenage girl, but I didn't feel like one. I feel empty inside, my will to live dwindling, my desire to keep breathing almost non existent at this point.
Recalling the instructions from Alpha Ryan to stay put until further notice, I collapsed onto my mattress, exhausted. I curled myself into a tight ball and attempted to ignore the pain that was pulsing throughout my body.
In addition to the countless injuries from the previous week, I was stuck with a seemingly permanent migraine. My head has been ringing since Tuesday, the only time it's tolerable is when I am blacked out.
Sometimes I just like to imagine what life would be like if my parents hadn't completely up and abandoned me as an infant, but that's simply wishful thinking.
I wonder if they would feel guilty if they knew what my life consisted of now.
I wonder if I ever even cross their minds.
My thoughts are interrupted by the door being swung open. In walks Fiona and Taylor, their faces screaming "we're pretending to be nice."
"Hey Phoenix, our guests have arrived and would like to speak to you in my Father's office" Taylor smiles at me.
Fake. The one and only time Taylor will ever be nice to me, when he is trying to impress their important guests, whoever they may be... Why did they want to speak to me?
I make my way to my feet after a few seconds, holding the wall to support myself. I then exit my "room" and start trudging down the hallway slowly.
With the little progress I've made I hear Taylor quietly growl behind me "Don't mess this up."
On the verge of tears, I knock on the door in front of me.
I was absolutely petrified what would happen to me if I messed up or I didn't convince Alpha Ryan's guests that I was ok. Why did they want to meet me in the first place? As far as I was concerned I was less important than the pet goldfish the Delta's 5 year old son had won at the carnival.
Regardless, I'd have to play the part of a normal teenager who hasn't spent the last 6 years of her life slowly being broken by the entirety of the pack.
I heard Alpha Ryan sweetly call out "come in" and I hesitantly held the doorknob before twisting it open to reveal Alpha Ryan, a grossly handsome man, 2 other men that looked eerily like the first, and another man and woman off to the other side of them.
I instinctively take a step back, instead of forward and I see Alpha Ryan's face harden a bit warning me.
I take several steps into the office, trying my best to hide my limp. I keep my distance from the group and stop pretty far away from them. I see the handsome man's face perk up as he begins staring at me, analyzing me. I didn't like it, so I simply bowed my head in submission to my Alpha and his guests.
"Phoenix, come take a seat" he coerces, leading me towards the couches where everyone else currently sat. The 3 that looked similar to each other sat on one couch, while Alpha sat on the other with the other 2 guests that must have been mates.
Next to the couches was an armchair that sat one. I took the seat still looking down at my hands, but grateful that my aching limbs could rest for a bit.
"You probably don't remember us, as last time we met we were both young" a deep voice speaks out, I'm almost tempted to look up and see who it is, but I already know it's the handsome guy. Wolf instincts I guess.
"When you were abandoned as a baby my father brought you here to a pack he knew would love and care for you, and we're happy to see you've been doing well here" he speaks out again, not sounding entirely convinced.
I nearly smirk at his words. A loving pack? Doing well? If only he knew.
Who is he?
"Do you know who I am?"
I shook my head no, not daring to look up. He oozed dominance and I was terrified of the power he must have held.
"Phoenix, I am Alpha of the Royal Pack. King Maddox of the werewolves."
My throat goes dry, I should not even be in his presence, why is he even talking to me? I can't even speak at this point without it coming out as incoherent babbling, so I remain quiet, my head bowed in respect.
"Does she speak?" I hear the king inquire with Alpha curiously.
"Yes. She does" his voice cold, despite his efforts to act kind.
I hesitantly looked up, "Apologies, your highness. I'm just not used to conversing with someone of such high ranking. Forgive me." I whisper, my voice barely audible to myself.
His head tilts a bit to one side as if confused by my response, and the others who I can only assume are part of the Royal Pack as well sport similar reactions. Perhaps they were just surprised by how timid I sounded.
By the looks of it the 5 of them were mind linking each other, and the room fell into an awkward silence for a minute before the King spoke up.
"Please call me Maddox, no need for the formalities. Let me introduce you to the others as well."
The 2 that looked like Maddox were his cousins Hunter, who was their highest ranking warrior, and Carter, the the Gamma of the pack. The couple across from them were the Beta Isaac and his Mate Zoe. They were all very important to their pack and werewolf kind, I was not.
Just my mere presence in this room of important wolves confused me, I felt out of place to say the least.
Thankfully Alpha Ryan spoke up "Phoenix, you should catch up with the rest of the pack for today's training, we don't want you falling behind do we?"
I suppressed the urge to laugh at him and promptly shook my head, and stood to leave, before saying. "It was lovely to meet all of you."
Maddox POV
I watched as she turned around and left. Although it looked like she was making great efforts to hide it, I could still detect the limp, I wonder what that's from. Training perhaps?
How had she not recognized the bond? It nearly drove me mad ignoring it during that meeting, but I didn't want to make a scene especially since she seemed so disinterested.
I was going to talk to her again, not around this Alpha. He used to be great friends with my Dad, hence why he left Phoenix in his care, but the guy always gave me the creeps. Something seemed seriously off about him and I could almost guarantee he befriended my Dad simply for the power. However I'd respect my Dad's friendship with him and come to pay my respects for his retirement.
It's what my Dad would have wanted.
|