***Henry****
I shook my head, trying to get up, but the pain in my leg was too intense. But I somehow managed to stand up, gritting my teeth through the pain. 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. Before I knew it, my eyes got heavy as sleep overtook me, the exhaustion finally winning out. ******* “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. “Brother...” Henry mumbled as a lone tear escaped his eye, overwhelmed with emotion. 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 omega of his pack members, who, like everyone else, thinks himself superior to me. I scrambled to his feet. “I am sorry... I...” I shuttered, 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. He pulled my hair roughly, forcing me to stand up straight and face him directly. “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, trying to shake off the feeling of defeat that threatened to consume me. 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. Despite the darkness that surrounds me, I hold on to a glimmer of hope that one day I will find peace and healing amidst the pain.****Xavier*****“Did you find the culprit behind the incident?” I asked, brushing my hair in front of the mirror. “No, not yet,” my beta replied with a worried expression.“Five years have passed since the incident, and we still have no leads,” he added, his tone filled with frustration. “Maybe you should let go of the past and focus on the present,” he suggested, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.I closed my fist, turning my head towards Dean, my eyes filled with determination. “I will rest until I catch the one responsible for what happened,” I declared, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “Just do what you have asked to do,” I stated, wearing my shirt and heading out the door, ready to start my day.Dean bowed his head in understanding, knowing that I was not going to give up until I found the one who ruined everything in my life.As I walked out into the morning sun, staring at the horizon with a steely gaze, “What day is it?” I asked, walking towards my car.Dean opened t
***Henry****A new day, a new beginning. I thought of pushing myself out of bed even if I didn’t want to. My body is still aching from the abuse from last night, and the lack of food only increases my fatigue. But I know that I have to get up and do my work or I might get punched yet again, and I don’t think my body is strong enough to handle any more abuse. So, I take a deep breath, muster up my strength, and slowly start my day, hoping for a better tomorrow.I took a cold bath in the common bathroom that is shared by the entire floor, feeling the chill seep into my bones; it was so cold that I could barely feel my fingers. I wish I could have warm water for a change, but that luxury is far out of reach for me. Despite the discomfort, I remind myself that this is just a temporary situation and I must stay strong.I made my room, changing and wearing the same clothes that I had been wearing for days now, but I didn’t have any other options at the moment. As I look around my small, dim
****Xavier*****“Mate,” my wolf growls, recognizing the scent before I do.But my world shook as a similar face came into view—the one I thought I would never see again. My heart raced with a mix of emotions, unsure of how to react after all this time apart.“Henry...” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. The memories flooded back, both painful and beautiful, as I struggled to process the sudden connection that had reignited between us. Henry’s eyes held a mixture of regret and longing, mirroring my own conflicted feelings.Henry is my mate. How can this be possible? I thought to myself in disbelief. The bond we once shared seemed unbreakable, yet here he was, standing before me. As our eyes locked, I could sense that he, too, was grappling with the same overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume us both.But before I could say anything, Henry ran away from me, leaving me with an overwhelming thought of our new connection and the unanswered questions that lingered in the
***Henry****“It’s you,” Xavier whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the pouring rain outside as his lips connected with mine in a soft, gentle kiss. For a moment, my mind went numb with shock and disbelief. The feeling of his touch sent shivers down my spine, making me forget about everything else at that moment. His smell fills my nostrils, making my wolf howl in approval, recognizing its mate.But the human in me knew this was wrong and dangerous. I pushed Xavier on his back, breaking the kiss abruptly, and took a step back, trying to regain my composure. “What are you doing? This... this doesn’t seem right,” I stammered, my heart racing with conflicting emotions. “We can’t do this.”Xavier rubbed his chin, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes dark with desire. “I know it’s wrong, but I can’t fight this pull between us,” he whispered, stepping closer. “I need you.”Xavier’s words made my mind race with desire and confusion. Despite knowing the consequences, I coul
****Herny****Tears started forming on my face as I struggled to hold back the flood of emotions overwhelming me. Xavier’s words: “You are bound with me forever; I will not mate, but also not allow you to mate with anyone else. You are mine, and that is not a choice you get to make.” Echoes through my mind, leaving me feeling trapped and suffocated by his possessiveness. The weight of his declaration settled heavily on my shoulders, making me question if I would ever be able to break free from his control.I lowered my head, trying to hide the tears streaming down my face, as I realized there was no escape from Xavier’s possessive grip. His words echoed in my mind, haunting me with the realization that I may never truly be free from his control.I always wanted a mate, and I always wished that my mate would be loving and supportive, not suffocating and controlling like Xavier. Not someone who is my stepbrother, not someone who hates me for reasons I can’t understand. I yearned for a l
****Xavier****“Reject me….” Henry’s voice echoes in my mind as I struggle to comprehend the pain in his words. His eyes, filled with hurt and disappointment, pierce through me, leaving me with a sense of regret and longing. And the bruises on his body who could have hurt him so badly? And the bloodstains on his shirt, evidence of the physical violence he endured. My heart aches at the thought of someone causing him such harm, and I vow to punish whoever is responsible for hurting him in such a cruel way.But even so, why do I care if he rejects me or not? Why does it matter so much? Was it because we are mates or because, deep down, I know he is the one who truly understands me like no one else ever could? His rejection feels like a betrayal of the bond we share, making me question everything I thought I knew about our connection.“You looked stressed...” Dean’s voice broke through the silence in the car, bringing me back to reality.“It’s nothing serious,” I replied, forcing a smil
*****Henry****A whole day has passed since the last time we spoke. And his words still echo in my mind: “I will make you feel rejected and unwanted every day if that’s what you truly desire.” What does he mean by that?And why is he soon keen about the mate bond? He hates me more than anyone else. But he still wants me, his stepbrother, to be his mate, even though the thought of it digs me.It’s not like I don’t feel any bond with him; I do, and my world is jumping and howling when he smells our mate bond. But the idea of being with Xavier in that way is unsettling. It’s a confusing and complicated situation that I’m not sure how to navigate.If there was anything that I wanted more than anything, it was someone to love me, a mate who would cherish me and make me feel complete. But the thought of being with Xavier in that way makes my stomach turn. I’m torn between my desire for love and my discomfort with the idea of him as a mate. I don’t even know why he is back in my life after f
****Henry*****The wolf’s eyes glowed in the darkness, its snarl revealing sharp teeth that glistened in the moonlight. Cody and I exchanged a look of silent understanding before slowly backing away, knowing that our chances of survival had just become even slimmer.“Rogues...” I mumbled under my breath, recognizing the dangerous predator in front of us. Cody’s grip on my arm tightened as we continued to retreat, hoping to escape without triggering an attack.“We don’t know how many they are or where they might be hiding,” Cody whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves. “Let’s stick together and stay alert,” I replied, my heart pounding with fear as we navigated through the moonlit forest.I nodded my head. No matter how much Cody bullied me or hurt me, I knew that he was a warrior, and trusting him right now was best for our survival. Letting go of my fear and placing my trust in Cody’s instincts, we pressed on, determined to make it out of the forest safely.“S