Chapter 7

KEIGEIGH

Blood. It was everywhere my eyes landed on. On the floor, splattered on the walls, and even on the ceiling.

I saw my father's corpse before me and my heightened tastebuds could taste the copper in the air, lingering like a reminder.

Then I saw him.

Alpha Jake, his face morphed into the semblance of a monster I didn't know before.

His face had been carved into with the dagger of darkness, revealing a hateful expression.

He had found me.! How?!

HOW?!

I jerked awake, pressing my hand to my chest as I tried hard to take in breaths and exhale.

It was such a hard thing to do that my chest hurt. My vision blurred and I reached up to touch my face.

Tears.

"Even in my sleep," I whispered out hoarsely, my voice thick. "Even then, can't you let me rest? Do I not deserve some reprieve from my mistakes?"

I didn't care for the darkness of the room, or if a monster hid beneath its depths. Memories flooded me, pushing through all my defenses that it felt like I would drown in them.

It was the sound of the door opening that made me return to reality, and I rushed to run my eyes and cheeks with the blanket, to hide the fact I had been weeping.

"Good morning miss," I realized it wasn't the older woman called Kara that

was here this time, but another, much younger girl. She carried a basket full of bedding and towels and a scent of perfumes detergent emanated from it.

I didn't say anything to the girl who busied around with the laundry, and instead tried my best to look and feel as cool and collected as possible. I would need all my wits to handle staying in this place for six months.

The girl walked up to me, reaching out her hand.

"It's time to prepare for breakfast," she stated, clearly intending to take my hand, and help me out of bed.

My senses screamed out of me and I promptly slapped the girl's hand away with a loud thwack!

"Don't touch me," I firmly said. "I can get myself out of bed."

I did so moments later and followed the girl to the bathroom where the scent of perfumes oils and bath soaps filled the air.

Finished with bathing and dressed in a lavender shimmery gown, I was led by the girl towards the dining hall.

As I neared, I heard the sound of Selene's and Arnold's boisterous, happy voices. They were so pleasant sounding when I wasn't around.

I didn't care, but it did make me on edge to constantly be on the receiving end of derision and sneers.

Preparing my mind, I entered, and silence and tension replaced the laughter I had previously heard.

Spotting the Lady of the house seated in between Ryker and Arnold, I decided to sit as far as possible away from the trio.

That would make us all happy, right?

However before I could take my chosen seat, I heard Ryker's voice calmly speak,

"Keileigh, your place is right beside me." I looked to him and saw the definitely not pleased looks on his twin brother and Selene.

However he looked resolute, ignore

Pring them both and keeping his gaze on me.

I couldn't bring myself to refuse and mutely I changed direction, moving to sit by his right side, as Selene was on his left.

I stayed silent as the meal went on, only nodding to a maid who brought me my meal.

I had hoped to leave this breakfast unscathed but then...

"So, Keileigh, isn't it?" Selene spoke up again, ber voice sounding sweet and innocent. However there was a barbed feeling to it that I could tell. "You never did say where you're from last night.

How did you get here? I heard you were brought into the pack. Don't tell me...

you have no family?"

I swallowed the spoonful of porridge with difficulty as her words cut deep.

But Arnold also added to the flames.

"For someone who looked as haggard as she did when she came in? I doubt she knows the meaning of it," he chuckled as he said the last words.

"Arnold, enough," Ryker's voice rang out in warning. "And Selene, you should behave. If you can't act as a good host then what use are you?"

He sounded less gentle than before, this time his words spoke volumes to his disapproval, and Arnold grunted in displeasure.

Selene looked furious and glared at me silently through the rest of the meal. I stayed staring down at my half-finished plate. Any hints of an appetite had left long time ago. There was no use being here, I decided.

and stood up with a sigh and silently walked out ignoring Ryker calling me back. I didn't want to return to that table.

This entire place was a minefield, from Arnold's clear distaste for me to their woman's dislike of me. I didn't want any part in it, and was determined to stay on my own for the most part of this six months.

As I walked out my ears picked up the sound of Selene's snigger.

"Does that girl really know any respect?

How can she act like that, to you of all people?" She sounded gleeful to taunt me even behind my back. I pursed my lips and increased my pace until I was out of earshot.

Just like last time, I forwent going to my room and instead stepped out to the courtyard. I was hoping to see Roman there but after keeping my ears and eyes open, all that surrounded me were the sounds of leaves rustling with the warm morning breeze, and the birds chirping their hearts out.

He must be busy, I told myself. Feeling disappointed regardless, I sat on a stone bench under the shade of the trees and

stared out blankly forward.

Now that I was alone for the first time today, the remnants of the nightmare was returning to me.

I clutched the shimmery fabric of the dress in my palms tightly, as I fought the feeling of tears prickling my eyes.

It felt just like yesterday, and might as well have been. Never had I known the meaning of loss before this.Everyday was becoming increasingly harder to go on living. If not for my child... I would have died already, and given in to despair.

I sniffled, raising my hand to rub at my eyes only to freeze when I heard a twig snap.

Standing at once, my heart pounding my, I saw Selene's sneering expression as she glared at me.

If looks could kill I would have been strung up and had my heart cut out.

I pursed my lips thinly, breathing in the warm air, and waited for her to speak.