Chapter Four

Loretta:

 “Loretta.” Henry’s voice echoed throughout their small one bedroom cabin as he entered. 

Alice walked in behind him, looking around. It was small but at least it was there she thought. Loretta came out from the kitchen, her face wondering why Henry yelled for her.

‘What is it Henry?” Loretta asked, her blue eyes landing on Alice.

“Alice? What has happened to you?” Loretta asked, moving towards her.

“Why in god's name are you wearing a red collar?” Loretta demanded.

“They branded her and are sending her to the pack.” Henry answered shortly. 

“No.” Loretta said, her hand going to her mouth, as she really saw Alice. 

Alice stood in the doorway cradling her arm, twigs and dirt all through her hair. Loretta opened her arms to her and Alcie walked over to her. Loretta had always looked out for her the best she could since her mother died.  Loretta wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into her chest.

“That woman needs to get what's coming ehr. She is beyond cruel.” Loretta whispered, holding Alice. 

“It’s fine Loretta.” Alice whispered but her voice cracking betrayed her. 

``It is not fine. She is the most horrid person I have ever met.” Loretta said, pulling back.

``Let me see your arm.” Loretta said softly. 

Alice had not looked at it since it happened. She held her arm out for Loretta to see the brand. The skin burnt and swollen. The number 523 pressed into her arm. Alice fought back a cry as she saw her arm. Her skin disfigured and the knowledge that she was no longer going to be Alice. That her name will be 523. The fact they were still doing this to people. Alice became angry. 

“I don't understand.” Loretta whispered her eyes welling up with tears as well, she shook her head.

“They are monsters.’ Loretta said quietly. 

“James is going to be Alpha.” Alice said quietly.

“What?” Henry’s voice came from the kitchen, he was making Alice something to eat. 

“He 's Eliza' s mate.” Alice said quietly.

“I told them I would leave. They just want me to suffer. She hates me because I look like my mother. My father ignores me because of it.” Alice whispers. 

“The pack is already under tyranny with Leon and now James. James will send us all to ruins.” Henry whispered, shaking his head as he carried a plate of food over to Alice.

“Are you sure?” Alice asked, looking at the sandwich in front of her.

“Yes, eat, when was the last time you ate something?” Loreatta said, squeezing her hand. 

“You have enough?” Alcie asked quietly, as her stomach grumbled.

“Alice, don't you dare ask me again.” Loretta said sternly as she pulled her red hair up into a ponytail as she stood.

“Alice eats.” Henry said, setting down a tall glass of lemonade, hsi dark brown eyes smiling at her.

“Ok. Thank you.” Alice said and picked up the sandwich biting into it, her stomach jumping for joy. 

Loreatte smiled and walked over to the sink. She turned the warm water on and let a bowl fill. She then got some clean bandages. She walked over to the table and set the bowl down. Alice had devoured the turkey sandwich and was downing the lemonade. She ate far too fast and drank far too quickly. Loretta frowned knowing it was a survival thing. When they did feed her she knew they set  a time limit for her. Loretta looked over at her , seeing all the grime, dirt and debris all over her. She glanced at Henry and he nodded knowing what she was thinking. Henry disappeared into the bathroom and began running a bath.

“Alice, are you still hungry?” Loretta smiled asking her with a soft tone.

“No thank you so much. I should get back before I get you guys in trouble.” Alice said standing.

“Don't you worry about us. Go take a bath, get cleaned up and then I'll take care of the burn.” Loretta orders her to clear the plate from the table.

“But-” Akice said but Loretta shook her head and pointed to her bathroom. 

Alice walked into their bathroom, Henry smiled at her and walked out shutting the door behind her. She looked at the tub, it was small compared to the baths that Sarah had installed but it looked amazing. She had to bathe in the river most of the time and as quickly as possible. She took her clothes off pieces of gravel and dirt falling out of her clothing. She stepped into the warm water. Her bones instantly craved it. She hadn't had a warm bath in years. The water quickly turned dark from her. She was careful not to get her wound on her arm in the warm. She knew there were scapes and cuts on her back as they stung from the water. She pulled pieces of twigs and leaves out of her hair. She bathed quickly and got out. Pulling the plug out of the tub she watched the brown water disappear. It left a ring around the tub, which she turned on the force and rinsed the tub out. She would have loved to run the water again and oak in it but she didn't need any more time to herself. She didn't need time to think. If she could focus on what was happening around her she would break. She couldn't do that. Lenore was right there still might be away. She looked around and saw Henry had set out towels for her. She wrapped herself in the towels and looked at her dirty clothes laying on the floor.  She picked them up and was about to put them back on. She heard a knock at the door.

“Alice don't you dare put those clothes back on.” Loreata called from outside the door.

“I don't have anything else.” Alice said quietly. 

“Can I come in?” Loretta asked.

“Yes.” Alice said, holding the towel tight around herself.

“Here.” Loretta said bring in simple clothing.

“Before you say anything, look, they look like your old clothing. I know you will get in trouble if you wear something that wasn't yours. But see they won't notice.'' Loretta said showing her the clothing was very similar. 

“Ok. I don't want to get you guys in trouble though. You and Henry have always helped me whenever you could.” Alice whispered.

“You won't, they won't know.” Loretta smiled. 

“Get dressed and come out when you're all set.” Loretta said with a nod and exited the room. 

Alice touched the clothing, it was softer than the ones she had worn. She wondered why Loretta had such simple clothing. Only servants and slaves wore the beige color plain clothing. She knew Henry was afarm hand but that was high then a servant and much higher then a slave. Alice pulled the shirt over her head and quickly finished dressing. She went out to the kitchen, her hair wrapped in a towel. Loretta had a basin of water , bandages, and a jar of some type of ointment on the table. She smiled seeing her and patted the seat. 

Alice walked over to the chair and sat down. Loretta motioned for ehr to hold out her arm. She gently cleaned the burn. She looked it over carefully as she did.

“It will heal nicely with this internet. I’ve used it on mine.” Loretta whispered.

“Yours?” Alcie asked her, confused.

Loretta nodded and then slowly rolled up her sleeve exposing a number brand on her inner arm. The numbers 143 were scarred on her inner arm. Alice looked down at the beige color clothing and then looked to Loretta with her eyes asking her questions that she didn't need to speak. Loretta nodded.

“I was until I met Henry. He was able to free me. Your mate can do that.” Loreatta smiled.

“So it's not alway a doomed sentence. Alice, you have to be strong. I know this is not the life for you. I can feel it.” Loretta said, opening the jar of ointment. 

“We were taught how to make it. My mother taught me and her mother. I came from a line of slaves. It also does wonders on lash wounds.” Loretta said as she smeared the ointment on to Alice’s brand.

“Loretta, I am so sorry.” Alice whispered to her, shaking her head.

“The slavery thing needs to end.” Loretta nodded as she took a strip of non adhesive gauze and applied it to the brand.

“Hold here.” Loretta instructed Alice, who slightly pressed on the gauze.

Loretta then began wrapping it very  lightly. She made sure that it was secure but not pushing on the wound. She then nodded at Alice to move her hand so she could finish wrapping it. When she was all done she smiled.

‘Alice when you get to the pack house, do not show weakness. The slaves that have been there a long time can be vicious. Stay away from the men. They might be slaves as well but they think woman slaves are beneath them. You're turning eighteen tomorrow so maybe you will find your mate and won't even need to stay in the pack house. You'll just have that ugly scar. Which you can hide.” Loretta said, kissing the top of her head.

“Maybe, I will figure it out regardless, don't worry about me.” Alice said standing.

“I should head back before you know super doesn't get cooked and they have another reason to hate me.” Alice smiled softly. 

“Be safe.” Loretta said hugging her, Henry walked up behind Loretta and hugged them both.