2 A Part of me

***Henry****

A sharp sting shot through my leg as I tried to stand. I bit my lip, swallowing a groan. Falling back down wasn’t an option—not if I wanted to eat tonight.

I wish I could just lie down and rest and not have to do anything else for the rest of the day. The throbbing ache in my leg was a constant reminder of the pain and abuse that had happened to me earlier.

A cough broke from my mouth as I leaned to pick up the dirty laundry from the ground that Cody and his friend had crushed under their boots. I winced as I straightened up, the weight of the laundry causing a sharp pain to shoot through my ribs. I knew I had to finish this chore or I might not get any dinner tonight. The thought of a warm meal waiting for me was the only thing keeping me going as I pushed through the pain and exhaustion.

I somehow managed to go to the laundry room and put the clothes in the washer before collapsing onto the couch.

My body is aching, and my mind is foggy, but at least the laundry is started. I’ll rest for a bit before tackling the next step of folding and putting everything away.

As my body collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion consumed me. My eyelids fluttered shut, and suddenly... I was five years old again.

*******

"Henry..." Xavier's voice called out softly as I saw a 10-year-old Xavier running behind him, a smile on his face.

“Brother…” a 5-year-old Henry called back, his own smile mirroring Xavier’s. The two brothers embraced, the weight of exhaustion lifting as they found comfort in each other’s presence.

Xavier scanned Henry’s face, noticing the bruises and scratches on it. “What happened to your face, Henry?” Henry shrugged. “Just playing rough with the other kids in the neighborhood.” Xavier chuckled, ruffling Henry’s hair affectionately. “You know, Hendry, you are never good at lying; tell me what really happened.” Henry hesitated before finally confessing, “I got into a fight with Cody. He said I should bow down to him because I am Omega and he is a warrior wolf.” Xavier’s expression darkened, his protective instincts kicking in. “You don’t have to bow down to anyone, Henry. You are strong and brave just the way you are.” Henry’s eyes lit up with gratitude as he hugged his brother tightly, feeling safe and loved in Xavier’s presence.

“Am I? But everyone says I am an omega, not an alpha like you." Xavier smiled reassuringly. “Being an omega doesn’t make you any less important or valuable. You have your own unique strengths that make you special.” Henry nodded, feeling a sense of pride and acceptance wash over him.

“And next Cody fight is going to regret ever crossing paths with you,” Xavier added, his voice filled with determination.

Henry’s confidence grew as he thought about standing up for himself in the upcoming confrontation. With Xavier by his side, he knew he could face any challenge head-on.

Henry nodded his head, hugging Xavier. “I know you will always have my back, no matter what.”

Xavier brushed away Henry’s hair. “Always, buddy. Always. After all, you have an Alpha as your brother.”

“Hhheee...” Henry chuckled. “I love you, brother.” Xavier smiled, “I love you too. Let’s show them what we’re made of." Henry nodded in agreement, feeling grateful for his brother’s unwavering support.

That day, Henry beats the shit out of Cody and his friend, proving that no one messes with his brother. Xavier stood proudly by Henry’s side as they walked away from the confrontation, knowing that their bond was unbreakable. Henry felt a sense of relief and empowerment, grateful to have a brother like Xavier, who always had his back.

Henry whispered Xavier’s name, his voice barely a breath, as a single tear slipped down his cheek. The past and present clashed inside him—once, Xavier had been his protector. Now, he was his greatest source of pain. It was that day, and now so much has changed that brother, who once stood by his side, now hates his presence and avoids him at all costs. Henry is left feeling lost and betrayed, wondering how their unbreakable bond could have deteriorated so quickly.

He can’t help but reminisce about the days when Xavier was his rock, longing for the connection they once shared.

*****

“Wake up, you fool!” a voice shouted, snapping me out of his slumber and back to reality. As ice-cold water was thrown on me, I jolted awake, realizing I had fallen asleep while doing laundry.

“What the fuck do you think you are doing?” The voice continued, full of anger; it belonged to one of his pack members, who, like everyone else, thinks himself superior to me.

I scrambled to his feet. “I am sorry... I...” I shuddered, trying to come up with an excuse for my mistake.

The omega’s eyes bore into mine, filled with disdain and superiority, making me feel small and insignificant at that moment. The omega yanked my hair so hard, my scalp burned. My knees buckled, but I forced myself to stay upright. His breath was hot against my ear, laced with cruel amusement. “Just because you are the Alpha’s brother, don’t think of yourself as invincible,” he sneered, his grip tightening on my hair. “You are nothing but a weak link in this pack. Remember your place.” With a final yank, he released me and walked away, leaving me feeling humiliated and powerless in his wake. “No dinner for you tonight,” he called back over his shoulder, a cruel smirk playing on his lips.

“No... wait..." But before I could finish my words, he was already gone, leaving me alone with the weight of his words echoing in my mind. I stood there, fists clenched, my breath uneven. The room suddenly felt too small, the air too heavy.

My stomach was groaning in hunger, but I knew that the ache of emptiness inside me was nothing compared to the ache of shame and helplessness that lingered after his cruel words.

I didn’t even have lunch or breakfast today as there were no leftovers after everyone’s meal, and now there is no dinner to look forward to either. The emptiness in my stomach mirrored the emptiness in my heart, both aching for something to fill the void left by his harsh departure.

And pain in my body only intensified the pain in my heart, a physical reminder of the emotional turmoil I was experiencing.

I don’t think there will be a day in my life when I have peace after that incident changed everything, taking away everything that was once familiar and comforting. I lost my parents, my brother, and my home all in one fell swoop, leaving me feeling utterly alone in the world. The only thought that is left now is the constant ache in my chest, a constant reminder of the deep loss I have endured. It is a pain that seems to never fully heal, a wound that will always be a part of me. And to make things worse, the abuse I endured before the tragedy only adds to the weight of my sorrow. The pain in my chest didn’t just come from hunger or wounds—it was a reminder. I would rise again. I wasn’t done yet. And when I do, they’ll regret this.