Chapter 5

Louis POV

It's been five years since my mother passed away. During that time frame, my father became the most feared Alpha. It wasn't my father they were scared of, but his wolf Derrick. Derrick was someone who would kill first and ask questions later. Derrick ran a strict community.

My father's excessive drinking habit gave Derrick ultimate control, whereas my father struggled to contain him. Derrick kept his word to my father; Derrick would hit me regularly in places where my clothes would hide the bruises and scars; he continued emotionally and physically manipulating me to get his way. I've been living in fear, repeatedly taking the brute of Derrick's anger to protect Libby; even though he has never hit Libby, he has this look of resentment when he looks at her. Libby is a constant reminder of our mother.

Beta Anthony became our second father. He took over my father's position in our school activities, and he treated us with the love and care we craved from my father. Beta Anthony allowed us to train with him secretly, especially after Derrick broke several bones. It took my body six to eight weeks to heal after each incident. Beta Anthony put me through extensive self-defense and hand-to-hand combat training.

I tried to commit suicide again by taking too much depression medicine. Each time Beta Anthony was there to save me. He was determined to make me stronger and wiser. Beta Anthony taught me to take over the pack under my dad's nose. Even though Beta Anthony was teaching me how to be an Alpha could not wait until I got a wolf because I intended to run away with my twin sister until I came of age to challenge my father for his title.

As the summer approaches, I know it's time to go to Alpha camp again. Anthony has been sending me to Alpha camp during the summers to get me away from my father. It was the only time I got to act my age and spend time with kids who didn't know about my personal life, unlike school, where everyone pitied me. In camp, I would read Alpha history, mates bonds, wolf mental illness, and rogues.

Something about this particular summer was different; I didn't feel self-conscience. I was still socially awkward, but I enjoyed being around the other future Alphas my age. I felt like a kid again, living a carefree life. I made so many friends. I wish this summer would never end. This year, we learned about artillery. I learned to use several weapons and methods to make my enemies submit.

During camp, I met Alpha James's son Levi. He is Alpha James, an only child, and often Levi gets lonely; although he has friends at school, none can relate to him. Levi hung out with me every day. He was an older brother I wished I had; Levi will be turning seventeen in September. He's a year older than me. The bond we shared was unique.

He taught me the essentials to camp, fish, swim, and more. We talked about she-wolves and sex-ed. He was very open with me. We became best friends. I trusted him enough to tell him about my personal life. He was speechless that my father would do those things to me. I showed him the scars I received from my father. He just hugged me. He didn't know what to do or say as I told him my whole life story. We had so much in common.

Levi was my sparring partner every day. He taught me some new techniques. I couldn't wait to return home and show them to Beta Anthony. He will be happy to hear I made a friend this year, unlike every other year I used to come here.

When camp ended, I was overjoyed to return to Anthony's house. Libby and I both had endless stories to tell them about camp. Seeing the joy on Beta Anthony's face is all I ever wished for. Demonstrating a few new moves to show him I could kick his butt during training. Pulling out the Vosteed Nightshade knife I won during a fighting competition. Hearing a creaking outside the front door, little did we know, my father stood on the porch listening to the entire conversation.