Chapter 3

LYNE:

A rush of energy surged through me to cry out, and I did. “Help!!!” I screamed. Surely they'll be good werewolves around to save me. But my cry is drowned out by their loud, obnoxious laughter.

“Oh, save yourself the strength, Lyne. You're far into the woods; no one can hear you even if you scream your guts out.” Maverick Chuckles out as they get closer.

Panic gnaws inside me, and I scan my eyes desperately around. He was right. The forest was thick and foggy, with not even the faintest of light in sight. 

“Leon, please,” I whimper, fixing my gaze back to Leon and slithering backwards. How had I not noticed my own brothers hated me so? But who in my shoes would've?

My brothers were the only parents I knew. They cared for me and groomed me to become a suitable mate for Lucien. I thought they loved me; I would've cussed anyone out if they thought otherwise, but now...

“Why are you doing this? I don't deserve any of this, and you know it." I ask, yelling my words. frustrated by the distance between us closing fast. 

“You don't deserve this?” Leon sneers, closing in on me from the side. “Little Lyne, you had us playing slaves for years, hoping it'd be all worth it when you birth a damn Lycan heir and make us rich. Filthy rich!” They all burst out laughing, cornering me like I was their lost little puppy prey.

“But–But…” I tried to speak, but my throat feels dry and itchy. The tears that swelled my eyes seamlessly broke free. Licking my bottom lips, I swallowed a salty streak to wet my throat. 

“But what?! Little princess!” Leon spat, standing beside me. 

“But I never asked for any of it—any of this!” 

A hard slap lands my cheeks. Thankfully, it wasn't on the same spot as the first. Leon's big, hard hands would've left a tear for sure. 

I winced from the pain and ached to smoother my cheek. I tried to slither faster, praying for the goddess to come down already. 

“Of course you didn't, you ungrateful little wench!” He barked, lowering himself with a knee to the ground to meet my level. “And neither is this,” he giggled, holding out a pale green pouch to my face and shaking it. 

My heart quickened hearing the rattling sound of coins. Have I been sold or rented out to these filthy rogues? 

My stomach knots inside. I needed to get away—far, far away from my hateful, selfish, greedy half brothers. Away from these filthy-looking rogues smiling thirstily at me. From the corner of my eye, I caught one clutching his crotch, licking his lips, and staring lustfully at me.

No. I'd rather die than let any of these craze heads touch me!

“You're no chosen one; you're just a pathetic, wolfless loser. How did I even tolerate you all these years?” Leon says, turning his gaze to the pouch. “But for my time's worth, it'll be a waste if I get nothing as a repayment. Don't you think so, Lyne?” He adds, laughing out smuggishly, and then, he throws the pouch up and catches it midair. 

I gasped. How could my own brothers sell me off?! We didn't have the same father, but we shared the same birth mother.

I wanted to do something, but what? 

“Ah, brother,” Maverick sighs, standing behind me. I flinch, startled by the unexpected sound. I hurled my head to the sides to look. I had been completely cornered! With Leon standing beside me and Maverick at the back, the rogues spread themselves all around me.

“I told you she's a waste of time. Ugh, I've been telling you this for like... forever. You just wouldn't listen. I, for one, lost my hopes when she turned fourteen and could've had her bloody damn wolf." Maverick mocks.

I couldn't tell if it was towards me or Leon, but I caught Leon's face twitch.

“Shut your fangs, little brother,” Leon scowls, walking over to Maverick. “I am no idiot. It still would've been Lucien or this. Now let's move, our deed here is done.” 

"No, you can't leave me here!” I cry out, twisting my body to turn around. I could hear their footsteps retreat into the forest and their wild mocking laughter. 

Wiggling my body too quickly, I fell flat on my face. The rogues now behind me snickered. I wouldn't blame them though; my life was a joke. The rumors must be true; I was really the reincarnation of the traitor Mira, who sold off her pack for mere romance with a demigod. And then, broke his heart for a mere mortal. This must be my retribution. The goddess has fooled me into being born under a blood moon. 

My eyes caught sight of a small rock laying purposely on the muddy ground, two walking steps from where I lay. Thoughts to put a stop to this madness flashed through my mind. 

Laying on my sides on the ground, I coiled my body, lunged a stretch, and pushed forward, wobbling frantically towards the rock. 

“I think she still has strength for us tonight. I'll go first.” I hear one of the rogues announce.

“No!. I paid more for her; I have the right to go first!” A second barks in. Soon I hear them start to fight and even draw out their claws.

Was the goddess helping me now?

Taking advantage of their distraction, I wobbled faster. The tight leather rope brushed harshly on my skin as I slithered, bruising me. I held my breath, afraid I'd breathe too loud and remind them of my existence. I dared to turn my head to their side. I breathed out a sigh of relief, seeing them still immersed in their foolishness. 

My body ached, and I instantly felt weak, so I reduced my pace but was still able to make it to the rock. Arching my head up, preparing for a fierce strike, I slammed the side of my head hard into the rock. 

A loud ringing sound blared inside my head. I bit down hard into my bottom lip, strangling out the cry itching my throat. Only a muffled cry escapes my lips. The air around me thickened with the smell of my blood pooling out from the side. 

Tears, sweat, and blood streaked down my face. I feel dizzy; my head throbbed in pain. But one strike wouldn’t be enough.