“How dare you speak to me like that you ungrateful bitch? I am your husband! You are bound to me, and I am sick and tired of your excuses!” The slap is precise and hard, snapping my face to the side with its force. The tears in my eyes don't spill, because I know if they do he’ll just be even angrier than he is.
“Honey, just leave her already! You don’t need her anymore.” Jocelyn says from beside my husband. She has been his mistress since just after we got married 2 years ago, and he never treats her the way he does me. He never raises his voice to her or his hand. All his anger is aimed towards me, and I know why - because I am trash!
“No! She needs to learn her lesson. She is nothing to me or to anyone else! Her family married her off to me, knowing she would suffer the consequences of my wrath. She is ugly, unworthy and stupid!”
“I know, babe. But.”
“I said no, Jocelyn!” His angry eyes switch from me to her, and she takes a step back in sheer fright. I understand the sentiment, but I don’t have the privilege to do that. He would just hunt me down and beat me to death. I’m sure I will die by his hands one day. That is my destiny. Why it chose to be so cruel to me, I do not understand, but here I am.
“Baby, I’m sorry. I only meant she is your wife, and by that she has more power than me in this house and in your company. I am nothing. She said so herself.” Jocelyn lets the tears run down her cheeks, and Bane takes her into his arms. He consoles her before turning his black eyes on me once again. This time the slap is so hard I fall to the floor, and then he kicks me until I am almost unconscious. He leans down with a sneer.
“You will never be loved, never be good enough for anyone! I loathe you, Annabel, and I will kill you just to prove my point. You are mine, and no one will ever touch what is mine.” I only whimper from the pain. “You will never be free. Never! Do you hear me?” His face is so close I can feel the breath on my face. He grabs my hair, yanking me back, so I have to look at him. “You are my wife, and I will never let you go!”
I woke up in a sweat. The nightmare of the night where I truly thought I was going to die plays over and over in my head. I tumble out of bed, hissing at the pain in my ribs and my stomach. It’s been a month since that night, and Bane has almost not been home, unless he wanted to take off some steam by beating the crap out of me, or worse, rape me. He takes immense joy in taking me over and over again when I’m not even ready for him. He relishes in my cries of pain and agony, and since they have fated along with my will to live, he tries to hurt me even more to get them back, but at this moment I don’t care. I would rather be killed by him, than let him have my cries.
My name is Annabel Simmons, and I was sold off to Bane Hassle to be married because my father and his stupid wife owed him a ton of money. They were so far gone in debt, he offered them to let it all go if they gave one of their daughters to him. They knew what kind of sick bastard he is, and they chose me mainly because my stepmother hates my guts, and she would never have agreed to sell one of her own precious girls. You see, I look a lot like my mother, and this has always irked my stepmother, but then people in school and social life started to compliment me on my looks at wits in front of her and her devil's spawn, she lost it.
She started turning my father against me, and he was a willing victim. He wanted nothing to do with me after I had a final fallout with his wife, and cut me off in all ways. I started working to earn my own money, and when he saw I could handle myself, he was furious. He even got me fired from my job because of lies.
I roll my eyes at my reflection. The girl I once was is completely gone, and the life and spark my hazel eyes once had is dimmed to the point where you would think they were eyes of a dead person.
My father remarried when my mother died. I was 5 at the time, and at first I was so happy to have a new mother, but Estrella soon showed her true colors. When she got pregnant with my eldest step sister Estelle, she started to orchestrate accidents in our home, and every time she would blame them on me. My father didn’t believe her at first, but as time went on and I kept being at the scene of the crime, he got suspicious. It ended in a big blow out 3 years ago when I turned 20. Estrella had invited me home to celebrate my birthday, and I naively thought she was trying to make up for all the times she has hurt me, but it was a trap. She and my sisters were all there when I walked in, and Estelle screamed at me for showing up unannounced. As I tried to explain that her mother had invited me, Estrella laughed and said she would never invite trash into her home willingly. Estelle grabbed my arm to drag me out, but I yanked myself free from her grasp just as my father came in. They rounded on me faster than a hyena does on a carcass. Estelle started begging me not to hit her again, tears down her cheeks. Father was furious and said that was it! The drop to tip the cup.
“I am done defending your rude behavior, Bella! It is time you do something useful for this family, and you will therefore marry Bane Hassle tomorrow.”
“No, I won’t. They are lying and you are too blind to see it!” He slapped me so hard it left a mark for the next day. He had his guards grab me and force me upstairs where they locked me in a room until the next day. So, there I was standing in a short (too short) white dress and was forced to say “I do”, so my father could keep pretending he hadn’t gambled away our fortune. Well, his! Because my mother and grandmother left everything they had to me, not to be touched before my 22nd birthday. An odd number now I think about it, but of well. No one knew. Only my father who was outraged, but his hands were tied. He couldn’t touch it.
My 22nd birthday was yesterday, and today I had a lawyer call my cell phone, but I know Bane has it bugged, so I played dumb, hoping against hope I can meet with the lawyer in person tomorrow on my designated out time. Bane needs to keep pretenses up, so I have time everyday where I don't have men following me or my phone on me. It's half an hour, but it should be enough.
I know I am not going to get out of here alive without a serious fight on my part, but lately something has stirred inside of me. A rebellion against my hostile situation, and I find myself speculating if I could somehow get out? Could I get Bane to divorce me and kick me out? I wonder what I would have to do to make this happen?
After washing my face in cold water, I know I can’t sleep anymore. The clock at my bedside says it’s 5am, so I have time before anyone comes to get me for my outing. I’m not allowed to eat today - which I’m used to, because Bane doesn’t want a fat wife. I’m only allowed to eat three times a week, and only what he decided I can have that day. I sigh. I really hope this is going to work, because otherwise I would have to take my own life instead.
As the time goes by and the sun rises over the horizon I decide today is going to be where I get out of this hellhole. I’ll meet with the lawyer and have him help me get ahold of my funds. I’ll need a new identity, but first I’ll need to get away from here. Anywhere, as long as it’s far far away. If Bane ever finds me, he’ll for sure kill me for running away.
Annabel P.O.V.The restless energy swirls through my body as I pack a bag with the things I need to take with me. I have put on make-up to conceal the bruises, and turned off my phone. I always turn it off before leaving the house, but I also always have it with me to turn it on when my half hour is up. Pete knocks on my door when the clock says 10 am, and I open with the bag in hand. He looks at it suspiciously, and I give him a smile. “Some things for the red cross.” I have done this before, and Bane thinks it’s to keep up pretenses, but it’s actually to help me today. This day has been coming for a long time, although there were times, like that night, I was sure I would never see this day. Pete grunts an answer and walks down in front of me. Neither of the men ever speak to me. They know it’ll be fatal if they try. Yes, Bane is that insane. Downstairs I don’t waste any time. I walk directly out to the car, going into the backseat. I know where my lawyer is located, and luckily
Annabel/AllisonAfter what seems like a lifetime, I finally hear footsteps outside the conference room. Outside the sun has gone down, and I am sure I have been sitting here for hours. “Annabel, are you still here?” Mr. Felton’s hush voice echoes in the empty room. I peek out and it’s only him. “I’m here.” I say, crawling out from my hiding place. “What time is it?” “Almost midnight. I brought you food, and something to drink. You must be starving.” I looked at him for a second, before realizing what he said. The smell of the food invaded my senses. “I’m used to..” I shut my mouth and Mr. Felton raises an eyebrow. “Used to what exactly?” I shake my head. I am not going to say it out loud, because once said I can’t take it back. “Alright. Let’s get this show on the road.” He sits down at the conference table, food, drinks and paperwork in tow. “I made a call to the bank today, after your husband left - which wasn’t an easy feat by the way. Someone tattled, and I will make an inqu
Bane P.O.V.“Boss, there is still no sign of your wife.” Pete says. I throw my coffee mug at him, and he dodge as per reflex. He knows my temper better than anyone as my Beta, and he knows how much he fucked up letting that little slut to my mate slip away! I need her back. My wolf has not given me any time to rest the last three weeks because he is pining after her. At least he gave me peace, more or less, when Annabel was here with us, even though he would scold me for how I treated her. I kept reminding him who’s in charge by holding him in a tight mental cage. He’s only let out when I allow him to be out. ‘I can still speak to you, dumbass.’ The flea infested mutt says. I growl out loud, the lack of sleep really annoys me as much as my stupid wolf and stupid Beta. “And why is that, Pete? She can’t just disappear.” I answer, my black eyes staring him down. He cowers under my stare. “I’ve personally looked over every camera there is in and around the law firm, and there is nothin
Allison P.O.V.The morning is beautiful when I drive into the town of Marigold. I have driven all night to reach here, and I have prepared myself as well as I can for what the cottage looks like. I’ve bought cleaning stuff, a vacuum, bucket, gloves and other house stuff. I don’t even know if it has a washer and dryer, or anything else about this place. But right now it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I’ll be there in a few minutes and I’ll be home. A new home, a new start and new life. A life away from Bane and his abusive ways. I still have nightmares almost every night, but I am getting better at going back to sleep. Listening to quiet meditation music and soundscapes helps as well. The town is a decent size from what I can tell from the main road. I have to go straight through and do a right turn on the other end of town. Then I’m down a forest way, used frequently as there are fresh tiremarks, and then I’m there. The cottage is a little way into the forest, with a view
Allison P.O.V. Moving back into the entrance hall, I walk through the door opposite the living room. It’s the bedroom which has an en-suit bathroom, and a walk through closet, which can be closed from both the bathroom and the bedroom. The queen size bed is in the middle of the room, with bedside tables on either side of the bed and reading lamps in the tables. The bed even has clean bed sheets, blankets and pillows on it, so I don’t have to go out today and buy that. The big window overlooks where my car is parked, and the curtains are blackout curtains which will be very nice for the lighter time of year. I go back outside to the car, bringing in my stuff. It takes a couple of turns back and forth, and while bringing my things inside, I also get a look outside. The lake is beautiful, and the forest is full of sounds of life. I’ll need to go shopping later, but right now I’ll unpack and start washing my dirty things. The time has flown by, and soon I find myself staring at the
Blake P.O.V.So far this day has been boring out of my mind. We have had endless meetings with other packs concerning the growing numbers of rogue activity, but no one can come up with a solution to get rid of them for good. I have nothing against rogues per se, but I do when they attack and steal from packs. It’s been a growing problem since before I became Alpha 8 years ago, and seeing as I am Alpha of the largest and strongest pack in the region, the Council counts on me to be a leader in all of this. “Alpha Blake, are you with us still?” Head Councilman Eddar asks into the camera. We’re doing this on a zoom meeting, just because of the nightmare of assembling all the Alpha’s in my region, let alone the whole damn country. “Yes, sorry. I was contemplating how we may proceed to prevent these unprovoked attacks. Because I assume they are unprovoked?!” I answer, looking at the little pictures of my fellow Alpha’s. Especially some of those in the East region who have been complainin
Blake P.O.V.“Are they serious?” Tristan asks, staring at the blank screen. I just shrug, closing down the computer. “They held a lunch break, just for us to come back for this. Sometimes I don’t understand people.” Tristan nods while moving to a chair opposite my desk. “So, what pack matters were you handling?” “Fucking Lucy and her stupid fantasy about me accepting her as my chosen mate.” Tristan chokes on the air. “You’re not, right?” “Fuck no! I’m waiting on my mate, you know that.” He sighs dramatically, leaning back in the chair. “Good, because I am telling you man, I’m not going to be your Beta if you take Lucy as our Luna!” I laugh. “Alright, alright. So, what were you texting me about this new girl?” Tristan's eyes cloud over, and he tells me to wait on our Gamma Elliott. I decided to sign some papers for work while we’re waiting. A few minutes later there’s a knock on the door, and Elliott pokes his head in. “Am I disturbing the bromance?” He asks, and Tristan scowls
Allison P.O.V.My shopping trip went well and I brought home a lot of new things. Book, food, drinks and other necessities. I also bought earbuds for my phone, so I can listen to music whenever I want. Not that it matters a lot out here in the forest, but I like it when I’m out in public. It’s a good way to stay out of trouble. I park in front of my cottage, bringing in some of my bags. I have a lot to carry in, so I decide to put some music in my ear and enjoy myself while working. The music blasts into my ears, and I sing out loud although I can’t hear myself. I’m not much of a singer in public, but out here I don’t even think about it. I walk outside again when I’ve put on my girl power playlists, and Aretha Franklin - Respect makes me do some bad dance moves. I really enjoy my freedom, and being able to do whatever I want when I want it. As I walk outside again I’m going over the list of things I need to get done before tonight. It’s late in the afternoon, and I’ll have to work
Bane P.O.V. “You will never get away with this absolute batshit crazy plan of yours, Bane.” My prisoner says in a disgusted voice. She is on the backseat of the SUV, scowling into my side as I’m driving. Today is the day, and we are moving everyone out to be in position when we get the signal to attack. I have been planning this for a lot longer than anyone knows. I always knew I wouldn’t keep my position as Alpha. Not with my tendencies, and it was only a matter of time before Blake or one of the other idiotic Alpha’s who believe in equality in a pack and ‘the pack is a family’ bullshit, would bring me up to the Council. They have been edging to strip me of my title since I gained it, but I managed to keep one step ahead for a long time. “Did you hear me, you son of a bitch? You will never succeed. They are way too many, and..” “Either you shut up yourself, or I will have you shut up.” I growl, my patience wearing thin. After everything with Tabatha went down, and she managed to
Allison P.O.V. Everything happened so fast. Athena crying. Me going to sooth her. Picking her up from her pram to check if she needed to have her diaper changed before a feeding. The yell from Blake. I felt the magic thrown at me and I screamed, turning to protect my child from harm. Who dared to try to harm me or her in our own house? I could not be anyone but the Council member who was blessing Pete and Dia a moment ago. Everything is chaos as the magic slams into something, but I don’t feel a thing. Did Blake manage to get in front of me? I fucking hope not. I will kill him if he tries to sacrifice himself for us. Well, no I won’t, but I will scold him about foolish acts! Dust all around me. I can’t see a thing. Someone yells my name. “ALLIE?!” I didn’t even notice I was crouched on the floor with my child. I stand, and then I see it. A amethyst colored shield bubble all around me. I look down to see my daughter with her silver eyes shining. I guess not all magic in her is bound
Blake P.O.V.An uproar follows my statement. People are shouting over each other, but no one is shouting as loud as Elias. “How dare you! I’m here, aren’t I? Even with the knowledge of my son being after me and my Luna, I still came to this Goddess forsaken debate club. You are all fools to think you can win over him, but I came anyway. To show my allegiance to all of you.” All at once people shut up and glare at the Alpha who is breathing heavily now. He talked over, and he knows we know he did. I smirk. ‘We’ll need them to vote in Pete favor babe.’ Allie mindlinks me, and I have just the right thing to push this along nicely. I look at our table where Greyson has been sitting amongst my pack members unnoticed. I nod to him. He swallows, stands and walks to my side, Tabatha at his side, her hand clasped tightly in his. I hadn’t noticed she had switched tables in all the comotion, but looking at our table again I see both Talia, Dia and Athale amongst my family. I smile internally.
Allison P.O.V. “Alpha Blake, the joke with your womenfolk burying us is not really funny.” Alpha Issac says from a couple of chairs down our own table. Blake just looks at the Alpha with a bored expression. “No, that is why it was not a joke, Alpha Issac.” He answers, taking a bite of his BLT sandwich. Dawn snickers in my mind. She loves how our mate just takes for granted that we can beat all the Alpha’s present - I mean he is probably not entirely wrong either. Most of them are cocky and arrogant creatures, who will underestimate me and Dawn and lose a fight. My wolf did swoop the ground with Bane’s rogue Alpha wolf not that long ago. ‘We’re not some simpering Luna, we’re an Alpha female and they don’t believe that one bit. They think Blake is trying to intimidate them. I can’t wait to prove them wrong.’ I snort out loud, harnessing the attention of the table. Blake’s eyes have that glint of not well hidden amusement, so Shadow probably told what Dawn said to me. “Something you
Blake P.O.V“Are you sure you’re okay, bro?” Tristan asks for the millionth time since yesterday, laughing and dodging my swat when I turn around. “If you ask me one more time, Tristan, I am going to make sure you are seated with the most irritating, old fashioned and persisting of the Alpha’s throughout today and tomorrow.” I growl back, making him laugh even more. Allie gave me a really hard time after she slapped my face. My cheek was red for almost an hour, that was how much force she put into it, telling me exactly how pissed she was. Then she proceeded to stand up, walk over to Talia, thank her for having her and the packs back, asking for our daughter and sitting down again with Dia and Pete. She ignored me for the rest of the day, except if she had something Athena related or pack related to say. She actually didn’t say much at all now that I think more about it. She listened, observed. Something about her had changed when she came to, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Eve
Allie P.O.V.The world goes dark. My body feels limp and numb as someone or something brushes me from behind. The anger of the indication that Talia should put me to sleep just because I want to protect my child is ridiculous, and I feel betrayed by both her and Blake. Darkness. Quiet.Something stirs from the darkness. I’m aware I’m still trapped inside my own mind. I still can’t feel anything other than my own breathing, and the sparks from the matebond - which means Blake has me in his arms. I can’t hear anything. Just feel little things. The something moves closer to me. I look around with my mental self. ‘Come on, little one. We are awaited somewhere else.’ I recognize Dawn’s magnificent figure and presence. “Are you just okay with them doing this to us?” I ask her, all my initial deflated anger, flaring up again. ‘Our mate was right. We were not ourselves, and he acted as an Alpha to protect us and the pack. I don’t care if you kick his ass for not explaining properly, I wou
Blake P.O.V. “Are you sure, Dia?” I ask, looking down at Allie with worry filling my entire body. She is my mate and my everything. Athena is our daughter, and I love her, but Allie is my mate and number one concern at the moment.“I’ll need some more information from Princess Tabatha, but yes I’m fairly certain I’m right about this.” Pete grabs her hand, lifting it and kissing the backside with a small smile. Dia blushes. They are a great pair, and Pete deserves some happiness at last. He has been struggling so much with having a crazy Alpha, then a weak one if Greyson is to be trusted, which I do, and everything with his sister. Something hits me - their ranked members; if Greyson goes back with them they are going to be mainly magical on the female side. Well, that is certainly going to be a change for the pack. A good one I think. Definitely a needed one. Pete doesn’t know, but I have all intentions of having him instated as Alpha of the Night Howl pack instead of their current A
Blake P.O.V. After fifteen minutes we’re all back in the room. Allie has borrowed a pram from one of our nurses, who was keeping it from her first child, and was very happy to be able to help her Alpha’s. Athena is sleeping soundly with Allie’s hand on her, and everyone else is getting situated - with food and drinks. “Baby, how about I keep an eye on Athena and you get some food? When did you eat last?” Allie shrugs, but I’m not really sure she’s hearing me. “Allie?” Talia comes to our side, removes Allie’s hand from Athena and cups her cheeks. Allie growls, probably because of the lack of physical contact of her child, for the way Talia is cupping her cheeks - who knows?“Allison! You need to eat, and you need to pay more attention! She is fine. Athena is right here with you and with us. No one is going to hurt her or steal her. I promise on my life and on that of my sister.” “HEY!” Tabatha protests from the bed, but Talia shoots her a glare over one shoulder. “But you need to
Allison P.O.V. “Everything that is said in this room is to stay between the people in this room. Are we clear?” Blake asks when everyone is situated on chairs and the floor. People nod silently. Their looks vary from intrigued to concerned to suspicious. Pete is in a wheelchair, and is looking better than when he arrived at our pack borders. We’ll need to get his story as well. This is going to be a long ass day with lots of talk and planning. It’s necessary, I know that, but it doesn’t make it any less tedious. “We’ve planned for breaks and meals - we need to get the full picture from Tabatha and Talia and then hear what Pete has to tell us. It’s vital we are on top of everything when the Summit starts tomorrow. We all know Bane is a crazy motherfucker, and he might decide to attack with the Alpha’s here only to prove a point - whatever that might be.” I say, rocking Athena in my arms. She’s babbling in baby and looking up at me. I look down into her silver eyes, smiling at my litt