Chapter 4

As I lay on my bed, feeling sore all over my body, I wish I had died. The sun rays dance into the room, illuminating everywhere with each step it takes.

A knock interrupts my thoughts. Nella comes in with tears in her eyes but says no word as she helps me clean up and gets changed into a yellow dress.

“Nella” I finally speak to break the tension. She looks at me with tears welling up in her eyes. “I'm hungry” I chuckled and raised my hand to wipe her tears. I don't want her to be burdened by my problem and I never wish for anyone else to see me break down.

It seems to have worked because Nella brightened up. This is all I need now. Together we walk outside of the bedroom, down the stairs and into the dining room.

Nella arranges my breakfast and I'm glad that Valtor has gone out. After my meal is set, I beg Nella to have breakfast which she hesitantly agrees.

We eat and chat, getting to know each other and relate more as friends. I've never been so close to anyone since Eva and Madison left and I'm glad I can be free with Nella.

Valtor won't be home till midnight as I was informed so I take the opportunity to escort Nella to the marketplace to buy groceries.

Chatting all the way to the marketplace, I discovered we have many similarities.

After the grocery shopping was done, Nella recalls she had forgotten something in the meat store and saying she didn't want to stress me and she could go alone and be back in a few minutes, she leaves me at a fruit store when I overheard some ladies in the next store talking.

“Oh! How I pity her. I hope she doesn't get pregnant for him…” says one of the ladies. I don't know why I'm interested in this conversation that isn't my business but I still pay rapt attention to them to listen more.

“Rumors fly around that he has unhidden sexual affairs and when he's bored of his mistresses, he kills them and moves to the next.” Another voice, barely above a whisper, interrupts.

This conversation has nothing to do with me so why should I eavesdrop. My attention shifts to a little boy playing with a dog but something pulls it back to the conversation.

“I wonder how anyone would survive with that ruthless alpha as a mate. He is so evil. Nothing speaks good about him.” One of the ladies whispers before they stand up to leave.

So the topic was about me and Valtor. I have always known how evil Valtor was but I didn't see this coming.

I am not safe here and I know it. Standing here, frozen at a spot, with my eyes fixed on the fruits but my mind spinning with thoughts.

Nella comes back, fast enough to pull me out of my thoughts. “Kaidara, I'm sorry I took your time. Can we go now”

Nodding and forcing a smile at her, without a word, we walked back to the house.

Getting to the house exhausted, I retire to my bedroom. The words from the ladies coming at me with much force, drained me of any energy I had left.

With days, weeks and months passing, Valtor's assault intensifies leading to my constant nightmares and sleepless nights.

How would I have to endure all these tortures? How long do I keep living in this darkness?

Regardless of my situation, the bond between Nella and I grows stronger. My life goes on with Nella brightening my mood throughout the day and Valtor breaking me at night.

It is a new day. And although Valtor didn't visit my room last night, I feel very tired. Still struggling to get out of bed, Nella knock resounds through the quiet room.

“Kaidara, are you alright? You have been asleep for almost half of the day” she says, concern etched on her brows.

“Half of the day!...” Struggling with the blanket, I managed to sit upright on the bed.

“...I think I'm just tired, probably I didn't get enough sleep last…” before I could finish my sentence, I was already on the run to throw up in the bathroom. Nella stands looking at me. Speechless.

“...I think I'm just sick. I'll be fine in a day or two” I try to convince myself.

Walking up to me, Nella holds my hand. There are tears in her eyes. My greatest fear.

“Kaidara… you are pregnant.” She says, breaking down in tears. Why is she crying? This is supposed to be good news. Right?

“I hope she doesn't get pregnant for him…” the words from those ladies ringing in my ears, making my head spin.

“What are you not telling me? What are you hiding from me?” I say, placing my hands on her shoulder and shaking her.

Nella avoiding eye contact with me confirms that something isn't right. Placing my hand on her cheek, and pulling her to face me, I look into her eyes.

“Nella, please you have to tell me if something is not right. My life is in danger. Please” I say, pleading as tears well up in my eyes.

“Kaidara… you and the unborn child are not safe here. I don't know if you know this… Valtor was once married. She wasn't his mate. She was pregnant and when she gave birth…" At this point, Nella’s hands were shaking and I know what she is about to say won't be good. Placing my hands on hers, I manage to calm her down.

“When she gave birth, the baby was a girl. An..and Valtor was angry. He wanted a son, a son that would take over after him. So he killed her and the baby saying she was useless to him. Kaidara, you need to leave. We don't know what the gender will be but we can't risk the wait. You have to leave before news of your pregnancy leaks throughout this house” she says, breaking down in tears

Standing here, feeling numb, I can't think straight. I don't have enough time. Valtor won't be home till midnight. What should I do?

It is 10pm. Valtor will be back in two hours. Looking out of my window, I notice the moon emitting her light gloomily. Standing solely high in the sky without the stars to keep her company.

Moving towards the closet, I thought of packing some of my clothes and treasured items, but later decided against the idea. I don't need anything slowing me down on my track.

Looking once more outside my window, I'm grateful for the darkness. It will serve as a blanket, making me invisible to anyone.

Taking just a scarf to hide my face, I make my way to the back of the house. Examining the environment, I note that the guards are not patrolling here tonight, they are probably too busy with something.

Without wasting any more time, I take flight towards the woods, letting my wolf take over to quicken the pace. Not stopping for a second, I continue in my pace and after running for hours, I'm sure that I am very far away from Valtor. I am finally free

But where am I? Raising my nose, I try to sense if there is danger lurking around.

Standing still for a clear hearing even if my hearing ability is superb, my senses are rising on high alerts.

Examining the environment, I notice the towering trees blocking most of the moonlight, leaving the forest with little or no lights.

Suddenly, a faint snap of a twig echoes through the quiet forest, activating my defense mode.

Loud and bloodthirsty howls follow after the long silence, causing fear to run down my spine. Rogues I growl, ready to defend myself.

With five big wolves jumping out of their hiding place and circling me, their eyes glowing with all traces of bloodlust, baring their sharp teeth at me, I realize I'm no match for them.

Without hesitation, one of the wolves lurches at me, but being fast and alert, I dodged but not fast enough to miss the next attack.

A black burly wolf pounces on me, swiping its sharp claws on my chest. Another biting out a chunk of flesh on my thigh, causing me to howl in agony and pain.

I struggle with the wolves but I am obviously outnumbered. Maybe this is my fate, either I die in the hand of that ruthless alpha Valtor or I die by the claws of these rogues.

Another wolf bites down on my arm. I struggle with it but it doesn't seem ready to let go. With so much force I could gather, I pushed it away from me as my arm went numb.

The biggest wolf slams into me, crashing me to the rough ground. As his claws dig its way into my chest, I feel life sneaking out of me and my vision gets blurry. But suddenly it stops and silence takes over. Bone cracking erupts through the silence and howls of pain following each crack. The silence takes over again.

Lying on the floor, now in my human form weak and battered, I feel a set of strong arms lifting me from the ground and a pair of green eyes staring down at me in panic before darkness envelops me.