CHAPTER 2

I managed to find some almost spoiled food and filled my stomach with it.

Lady Bianca wouldn't notice it so I ate it because if she knew about it, she would rather discard it than let me eat it. Hell if she found out that I ate it, my back would be sore by tomorrow from a whipping.

With some food in my stomach, I was able to function properly for the rest of the day without running into any trouble. I did my duties while managing to stay out of their line of sight.

Night came and I did all I was supposed to. After dinner, I scrubbed the kitchen clean. I was supposed to retire to bed and have a good sleep but I wanted to go to the forest.

It was the only place in the whole pack where I could be free where I could spend hours alone and forget the horror my life was. Where nothing mattered. Not any mother, father, or the rest of the pack who hated me. I made sure they were all asleep and I crept out of the house. I didn't want anyone to find out about that place because once they realized how happy I could be there, they would take it away from me. I felt my body come alive as I arrived at the river hidden in the heart of the woods. Nobody ventured out this far so I could enjoy it in peace. I stripped out of my clothes and climbed into the water, soaking myself and just enjoying it.

The moon shone brightly, illuminating the water and giving it a soft glow. I washed my body and then just swam in the water, wishing I could stay forever.

My moment of quietness was interrupted when I heard a loud creak. My body tensed and I looked around. I'd never heard any sound in these parts before. I wanted to go back to enjoying the water but I couldn't. Not when someone else was here with me. Someone in the shadows.

I felt all the hair on my body rise since I was hyper-aware of my surroundings. I made a slow movement to the bank. I heard another sound, closer this time, and then Jonathan appeared from the woods. He had a wide smile on his face as he stared at me.

Creeps ran down my spine at the look on his face. I looked at my clothes, taking my eyes off him for a brief second. I wanted to grab it but half of my body would become visible to him and I didn't want that. It was very subtle but I noticed a change in Jonathan's behavior towards me. I found him staring at my body for way too long and giving weird smiles when he thought nobody was looking.

"Don't you feel cold in the water" he drew closer.

"Stay back. Don't come any closer"

"You can't tell me what to do. But because I'm feeling generous tonight, I'll give you two options. Come to me or I'll come to you" None. I chose none but I didn't say it out loud. I looked at my clothes one more time. Maybe I should risk flashing him if that is the only way to get out of here.

"You're thinking too hard sister. It's a simple thing" he said, taking a step further.

"I'll come out. But can you please turn around?" From the look on his face, he wasn't pleased but he turned around anyway.

'It's now or never Ava' I said to myself. I was surprised by the speed at which I moved, grabbing my clothes in a flash and taking off in the other direction before he could notice. I pulled the large shirt over my head as I ran. I could hear him rushing behind me but I didn't stop. I ran faster, with all the strength my lithe body possessed but it wasn't enough. I was thrown on the floor by a large weight. I instantly rolled onto my back and tried to push him off me but he was too heavy.

"I gave you an option you bitch" he hit my face. I would never dare to go against Jonathan, but in this moment, I knew what he wanted and I couldn't let it happen. I scratched with my nails and bit his flesh with my teeth. A satisfying howl of pain filled the night and I took the time to push him off me. I took off running again but I didn't get far this time. He hit me from behind, smacking my face twice in succession and stomping his feet over my stomach. I curled into a ball full of pain as he paced in front of me.

"Why did you have to run? I wanted to help you. To take you away from this miserable life" there was nothing like help from Jonathan.

"I'm going to be mated to the alpha's daughter soon. You can come with me to the pack house. You don't have to endure my mother anymore" I said nothing.

"I can help you Ava" he brushed his finger across my forehead.

"But I only want something from you. Let me be your first" his breath hit my face as he spoke, leaning closer.

Never. I wanted to scream in his face but I moved away from his touch. He didn't stop smiling but the look in his eyes changed. The false kindness was replaced with a sadistic look.

"I'll be generous and give you until the end of the mating party with my mate. I want my answer by then or I'll send you to the slave camp to serve the other wolves. Don't test me" and with that he was gone, leaving me in pain on the floor and the worst kind of fear I have ever experienced.

No matter what, I had to look for a way out. I couldn't be sent to the slave camp. Being a rogue was frightening, but the slave camp was hell on earth.