Acceptance

Chapter 5 - Acceptance

Athena P.O.V

I slowly opened my eyes, letting the light hit my face. The sun was just rising as I woke up. Today was the day I got to leave and venture to my new home. Was it home, or would it be a prison. Would I be locked away for trying to escape, for showing the new Alpha such disrespect? I heard stories of the Bloodstones pack. How ruthless their Alpha was. He showed no mercy to anyone who defied him. My stomach turned at the thought of him only saving me so he could end my life himself.

"Knock knock." A familiar voice spoke with excitement, snapping me from my train of thought. A smile spread across my face as I looked at Greta.

"Greta, what are you doing here so early?" I asked happily.

"I mean, I could leave if you want." She said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes at her response.

"I just wanted to stop in before training. This is a change from the last time I saw you." Her eyes dropped in sadness but quickly changed, looking back up at me with a  weak smile.

"I'm sorry I put you through that. I should have listened and stayed with you." My voice began breaking as regret sunk in.

"I'm just glad you're here and that Alpha Erik got to you in time." She said softly.

"Me too." My voice was trailing off as I flashed back to that night once again. Then, snapping myself free of the nightmare, I looked at Greta and smiled, changing the subject.

"So about Alpha Erik, what is he actually like? I get to come to the packhouse today, and I'm scared he is going to murder me himself." I laughed half heartily.

"He is terrifying, but I'm sure it wouldn't stop a certain she-wolve from acting up to have him punish them." She winked. We both laughed at the idea. I slowly gripped my stomach as a sharp pain shot across it. Then, letting out a slow breath, I smiled at her.

"Hopefully soon, I can join you in training. Can't wait to start kicking your ass again." I smirked

"You wish you could," She stood up, looked at her watch and walked towards the door. "I'll see you back at the house. I have to get my workout on." She laughed as she pretended to punch the air. I shook my head at her and waved her goodbye before leaning back against my pillow with a nervous sigh.

"Is there a reason we're up so early? We're healing. Embrace the slumber." Phoenix huffed, sleep evident in her voice. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Oh, poor you, I have to pee." I laughed

I looked at the bathroom and the help button. I decided I didn't need to bother anyone. If I were going to the packhouse today, I would have to walk on my own. I slowly sat up and, letting my one leg hang off the side, I grabbed my other leg with my right hand, slowly pulling it towards the edge of the bed. A slight pain shot up my stomach as I moved. I'm sure not having this wrap on my leg would have made it easier to move. I scooted my butt to the edge. I could feel my toes touch the cold floor sending a cold chill up my legs into my spine. I lightly applied pressure to my arm, testing how far I could move it. The surprise hit me as I moved it, and I didn't feel any pain as I pushed down.

"Easy now, we don't need any more injuries," Phoenix warned.

"I'm fine. I got this. We're almost fully healed." I said, reassuring her.

I slowly pushed off the bed, lightly pressing down. Waiting for the pain to shoot up my leg and force me to sit, but it never came.

"See, we're golden," I smirked, Phoenix rolling her eyes at me.

The morning went by slow, Claire and Doctor Turner returned to remove my bandages. Only small scars were left on my arm and thighs. My stomach was taking a little longer to heal. They gave me the all-clear to go to the packhouse. I'd be able to begin training on Monday. I realized I had nothing to wear besides the hospital gown. Just as the thought crossed my mind, a knock echoed from the door. A tall man stood at the door. His eyes were dark chocolate, and his sandy blonde hair swooped up in a bun. His body thin but muscle his clothes hugging all the right places. In his hand, he held my duffle bag.

"Alpha Erik has sent me to bring you back to the packhouse." His voice was smooth and friendly. He placed my bag on the counter. "I'll be in the hall while you get changed." He smiled.

"Thank you," I said as I walked over, grabbing my bag. I opened my bag and grabbed a black T-shirt and some sweatpants sliding them on. I brushed my wild hair, putting it into a messy bun. I closed my bag and swung it onto my shoulder. I opened the door to see the man standing there flirting with a nurse. He turned his head and looked at me, giving me a smile nodding at the nurse as I walked over.

"I'm good to go.. uh... "I realized he never stated his name.

"Beta Drake." He added, giving me a smirk.

"Nice to meet you, Beta Drake." I smiled. He turned quickly on his heels and proceeded towards the exit. I followed closely, trying my best to keep up. We stopped in front of a black BMW, and he opened the passenger door. I slowly slid in, and he shut the door behind me. The drive was quiet and felt like an eternity as I thought of all the things that Alpha Erik would do to me. I could feel Beta Drake's eyes on me as I looked out the window. My eyes widened in awe as we pulled up to a huge house. It was covered in black stone and looked like a fairytale—the windows, tall and wide, allowing all the light to seep into the home. The front door was massive and stained a dark ebony.

"This place is beautiful," I murmured, sounding way more excited than I should have.

"Alpha Erik had it remodelled last year after his father stepped down," Drake said as he got out of the car. He walked over and opened my door.

I smiled and turned my attention back to the house. My stomach dropped as I realized This was probably the last thing I would see before I was brought to a cell for punishment or murdered for trying to go rogue.

"He isn't as bad as they say," Drake reassured me as if he could read my thoughts.

"He protects his pack and does what's best for us. Yeah, he has a temper, but he also has a heart. He would do anything for us all. I think people just let the fear control the stories." Beta Drake said, leading me to the entrance.

"Sure, said the lion to the lamb." I managed to let out a small laugh. He smiled and walked to the door opening it. I followed him inside my eyes, taking everything in. The walls were painted dark forest green with gold accents placed around the entrance. The floor was black tile and ran throughout the packhouse. He led me down the south wing, which held six rooms. Each had two bunks. The walls were painted the same green throughout.

"This here is the girl's wing. All unmated she-wolves that are in training reside here. The North Wing is the unmated males. All mated wolves who are in training are placed in the centre of the two." Drake explained as I looked at the eight doors placed down the hall, four across from each other. We proceeded down to the kitchen and the dining room. I followed him to the back of the house. As we turned the corner, a vast wall of windows was revealed, showing the considerable large yard and gym in the back.

"We train Monday to Friday five to eight in the morning and then again at two to four in the evening in our gym back here. We do breakfast at nine, lunch at one and dinner at six. On the weekend, you are free to roam and do what you please, but we do alternate weekend patrols with the other wolves." Drake looked at me as I tried to absorb it all in. A smile on his face as he continued walking.

"We're almost done. The east wing is where myself and Beta Paul are staying, and the west wing is Alpha Eriks for him and his family." We had circled back to the front of the house in front of a set of stairs that I completely missed as I was lost in the beauty of the rest of the house.

"Is that everything," I asked, uncertainty crossing my voice.

"One last thing." He Smirked. "Upstairs is Alpha Erik's office. He is expecting you."

I swore my heart stopped for a second. I was hoping he would have waited to take my life until tomorrow, at least giving me one day to enjoy the beauty that surrounded me.

"Saved the best for last, I see," I muttered, biting my lower lip nervously. I walked up to the stairs turning back to Beta Drake.

"Nice knowing you." He laughed, sending me a wink as he turned around walking down the hall. My stomach turned as I looked at the top of the stairs. There stood a pair of black french doors. They seem so close but so far away. I walked up the stairs, my legs feeling like cement with each step, as fear set in.

"Now, I wish the rogue got us." Phoenix huffed

"At least we wouldn't be tortured. Our suffering would have ended long ago." I agreed

"At least we won't be a pet if he ends us here." She laughed. I rolled my eyes at her.

I reached the top of the stairs and stepped in front of the door. Just as I went for the handle, a deep voice erupted from behind the doors, making me jump.

"Come in." Erik's voice was deep and alluring. I slowly turned the handle and pushed the door forward as I walked in. This room was different than the others, with bright, wall-to-ceiling windows facing the back yard allowing natural light to brighten the room. The walls were a creamy white colour with black accents throughout the room. As I walked forward, the door closed behind me, making me jump as it clicked.

"Have a seat." his voice lower and full of authority. My eyes flickered from the room to him. He stared at me with his bright emerald eyes watching my every move. His onyx hair was long on top and shaved at the side, messy but pushed back. His broad shoulders filled his shirt, stretching it to its max—his shirt, hugging him perfectly. I moved forward and sat in a black leather chair in front of his oak desk.

"Maybe I wouldn't mind being his pet after all," Phoenix purred, sending me a smirk, excitement laced in her voice.

"Until he kills us," I reminded her.

Alpha Erik cleared his throat before speaking again. "How are you feeling?" His question and tone caught me off guard.

"I'm... I'm feeling a lot better. Doctor Turner gave me the go-ahead to start training on Monday." He continues to stare at me, his emerald eyes starting to darken. His eyes narrowed, causing my heart rate to quicken.

"I have already spoken with Doctor Turner." He spoke, his voice sounding annoyed. His whole mood seemed to shift.

" You will begin training Monday night with me. As punishment for trying to run from my pack. You will also clean up the packhouse for the next week with the night staff." He said firmly

My stomach turned at his words, anger strangely washing over me. Then, before I could stop myself, the words shot from my mouth.

"When am I supposed to sleep?" My voice was sharp as I spoke. Immediately I dipped my head in a bow. He let out a low growl before speaking.

"You are walking on thin ice, Athena." His voice was harsh and full of rage. "You will report to Beta Drake after dinner. He will introduce you to the night staff. You are dismissed. Get out."

I couldn't let myself look at his eyes as I got up and all but ran to the door, knowing they were most likely black and full of anger. I felt them burn into my back as I left the room, taking a deep breath as I reached the stairs. Realizing I was holding my breath, I let it out as I proceeded down the stairs to our room.

"Are you trying to get us killed?" Phoenix scowled.

"I don't know what came over me," I said, my voice shaky as I entered the North wing and walked into my bunk room.

"He sure is yummy looking. I want to enjoy that a bit longer. Thank you." Phoenix muttered. I rolled my eyes at her perverted comment.

"I just hope I find my mate right after my birthday and get out of this house." I sighed. "I feel bad for whoever mates with him. He is so harsh and unhappy." Phoenix nodded in agreement.

I headed to the dining room for dinner. I sat with Greta and her mate Tom. He is a nice guy, about five-nine, chestnut-coloured hair and golden-brown eyes. He has a slim build, but it was all muscle; he matched Greta perfectly. Their bodies moved in sync, Tom placing his arm around Greta and always looking at her in awe as they laughed and told me about their week here. They Filled me in on everything I missed. As everyone cleared out of the dining room. I got up, said my goodbyes and reported to Beta Drake.

"This is Veronica. She is head of night staff and will be giving you your tasks for tonight." Beta Drake said as we approached an older woman. Her hair was white as snow, and her eyes bright blue. She greeted me with a warm smile.

"So this is the one who lives to see another day." She laughed as she looked at Beta Drake and me.

"Sure is, she will be with you for the next week. I'm sure Alpha Erik already informed you of that." She nodded in response. They said their goodbyes, and she turned her attention to me.

"We start in the kitchen and dining room, cleaning up after dinner. Next, we move on to the bathrooms and then the common room. After that, we end the night cleaning up the gym for the next morning's training. If it isn't a complete wreck, we should be done by one, and then you can head to bed. We wake at four to start prepping for breakfast, and then you can go on with your day until the following evening." She spoke with kindness in her voice.

"The others are in the kitchen already, so we will head there and start our night." I nodded and followed her to the kitchen. It was going to be a long night.

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