Chapter 6

***Chastity***

I will admit that I was thankful that the night of my graduation Fiona, and the rest did not come back home until very late that night. Only Alpha Joseph ate dinner in the dining room that night. I didn’t see Aurora or my father. Alpha Joseph went as far as Alpha command me to sit at the table, and eat with him. We didn’t speak to each other, but I did actually eat something. He promised that he would not tell Aurora, and said if she found out, he would deal with it.

I did also end up going for a run that night, after the Alpha went to bed. I snuck out thru the back door, and ran off into the woods. Leila and I ran for hours. We chased a rabbit, watched an owl fly thru the sky, and starred at the stars while sitting near the lake. Leila took over while she allowed me to curl up in the back of her mind to cry, and lick the wounds caused by my father’s words. Leila encouraged me thru the whole thing not to give up. That I could still become a nurse, but instead of going to school, just to start helping at the pack hospital to learn since my days are now free without high school in the way.

By the time we made it back to the pack house I felt better, and I had a new plan. I was just getting ready to change back, and go in the house when I spotted something I hadn’t expected. It was Ross, nuzzling the only other Omega I went to school with. She graduated with me. I had to hope he wasn’t using her, or just playing games with her. I’ve heard that ranked members tend to do that. I hoped this wasn’t the case with her. I had just changed, and was getting dressed when I heard Ross call out to me.

“Chastity.” Ross called quietly.

I was shocked as no one in the pack house called me by name.

“Chastity, I know you’re over there as I can smell you. Now please come over here.” Ross called again.

Quietly I went to him with my head down, and a slight tremble, “Yes Gamma Ross?”

“Chastity, this is Melissa. She is my mate, just…well..no one knows yet.” Ross explained, sounding regretful.

I almost asked why he was hiding her, but it wasn’t my business so I kept my mouth shut.

“Chastity, look at me please.” Ross asked quietly.

Slowly I looked up at him then glanced at Melissa. She had straight black hair, and brown eyes. She was a little taller, then me, and had a better build. She was very pretty. She smiled at me.

“I know you want to know why I haven’t told any one. It’s not because I want to hide my mate. Not at all. It’s just that…well…I see how the females treat you in that house. How they treat everyone of lower rank then them. I know if they treat Melissa like that I’m likely to rip their heads off. I’m planning on moving out soon. Of getting a place for Melissa and I. Until I’m out of there, and I can be sure she is safe from them, I need you to keep this secret for me. Can you do that please?” Ross begged me.

I only nodded at him. I won’t tell, not like I have anyone to tell any way. He smiled at me, as did Melissa. I smiled, waved, and slipped into the house. Quietly I went to my room, and went to sleep.

The next morning I woke up feeling like nothing in my life had changed. Like the previous day, the biggest accomplishment of my life didn’t happen. My life went on as normal. The only change being I didn’t need to do lunch prep, and I wasn’t running of the house to get to school on time.

That is until 10 am. I was in the laundry room, ironing some shirts for Gamma Peter, when I heard click clack steps coming toward the laundry room. I jumped when the door slammed open. I peaked up to see Naomi, and Aurora standing there. I quickly put down the iron, turned it off, and bowed to them.

“How may I help you today?” I asked quietly, keeping my eyes down.

“Where the hell have you been you disgusting Omega?” Aurora snapped.

“I’m sorry ma’am. I was making sure Gamma Peter’s shirts were ironed before cleaning the dining room.” I responded softly.

“I don’t really care what you’re doing. When I’m looking for you I expect you to answer. There is no excuse for you ignoring me.”

“I’m sorry ma’am. Did you need me to do something?”

“Yes. You can get everything on this list done for Alpha Rowen’s party!”

“Yes ma’am.”

I reached out to take the folder, when Aurora dropped it on the floor, letting the papers flutter every where. I watched helplessly as they slid along the floor. I didn’t move to pick them up until I heard the door slam behind them. With a sigh, I went to pick up the papers, and organize them. I was a little confused though as I was pretty sure almost everything was done for the party.

After collecting the papers, I took the folder up to my room to get the folder the Alpha had given me. I wanted to compare the lists to see what was missed. As I reviewed the two I realized that almost everything for the party had been changed, and nothing was marked off as completed. It didn’t make any sense to me, as I didn’t remember Alpha Joseph telling me anything had been changed.

Finally I decided to ask Alpha Joseph about the changes. I quietly made my way to his office with both folders, and knocked on his door. After a moment I heard him calling out for me to come in. I quietly entered, and closed the door then bowed.

“Hello Alpha.” I said quietly, keeping my eyes cast down.

“Hello Omega. How can I help you?” the Alpha asked.

“Well sir, I was given this folder with plans for Alpha Rowen’s party, just a bit ago. It seems that there have been a lot of changes made. I just wanted to verify the changes before I started calling to cancel the original caterer, DJ, and florist, and hire the new ones.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Well the new plan has a complete change in all of those sir.”

“Let me see that please?”

Nervously I approached the Alpha’s desk, and put the folder down. I quickly stepped back, and kept my head bowed. I waited quietly as Alpha Joseph reviewed the new folder. After a few minutes, I heard him set the folder down, and sigh.

“Can I ask where you got this?” Alpha Joseph asked.

“From Aurora, and Naomi sir.” I replied.

“I see. There have been no changes made to the original plans. Everything stays the same, and forget about this new list.”

“Yes sir. Thank you sir.”

I quietly left the room, took the original file back to my room, and went back to the laundry room to finish the ironing. Thankfully I didn’t see Aurora, Naomi, or Fiona the rest of the day. I didn’t see anyone all day actually, until after school let out.

Braxton came storming in the kitchen, and slammed the door. I jumped at the noise, and quickly looked down at the floor, backing into a corner to avoid his temper. Braxton in a good mood was bad enough. Braxton when he is mad is dangerous for me. Once, in a fit of rage he broke my arm. Needless to say I was trembling as he was raging threw the kitchen. It took a few minutes for him to see me backed into the corner.

“YOU! YOU PIECE OF WORTHLESS TRASH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!” Braxton roared at me has he stalked toward me.

I trembled and shrunk back as far as I could. I tried to make myself as small as possible. I didn’t know what he was so angry about, but I knew I was terrified. I had never seen him so angry. I yelped and crumbled to the floor as his fist connected with my cheek. Next thing I knew he was kicking me in the stomach, legs, and even my head. I tried to curl myself into the smallest ball I could, but it didn’t seem to help. I knew he was yelling, but I couldn’t understand a word he was saying over Leila howling in my head trying to break free to protect me. I did everything I could to stop her as I knew if she hurt Braxton in any way Aurora would kill me.

At one point he picked me up and threw me across the kitchen counter. My shoulder connected with the hard surface, and I slid across, knocking dishes and food along with me. I had hardly hit the ground, having the wind knocked out of me, when he lifted me up by my throat, slammed me against the wall, and started slapping me as he tightened his grip on my throat. It wasn’t long before I started seeing black dots in my eyes, and I knew I was minutes away from losing consciousness. I tried prying his hand of my throat, but it didn’t work. Just before I passed out, I heard a roar, and Braxton was ripped away from me.

I fell in a heap on the floor. I couldn’t move a single part of my body. I knew I had multiple broken bones, and my throat was sore. Thru the tears in my eyes, I could see some one dragging a struggling Braxton away, and heard them yelling about breaking laws. I blacked out just as I saw Ross coming into the kitchen, and putting his fingers against my throat. I guess he was making sure I was alive.

I don’t know how long I was out for, but when I tried to open my eyes, I was blinded by a bright white light. I hurt every where, and all I could smell was disinfectant. Slowly I attempted to open my eyes again, blinking multiple times, before they adjusted enough to look around. It didn’t take long for me to figure out I was in the pack hospital. I had no idea how long I had been here, but I knew if it had been long I was in for serious punishment. I had responsibilities, and there was no excuse for not completing them.

Looking around I realized I was completely alone. Carefully I sat up in the bed. I groaned from the pain, and really just wanted to lay back down, but I knew I couldn’t. I was just starting to shuffle off the bed, when the door opened. I looked up to see Doctor Deb walk in. I knew her well from the times I’ve been called in to sit with patients, or to watch pups while mom gave birth.

“Oh good. Miss Chastity you’re finally awake.” Doctor Deb said brightly.

“Hi Doctor Deb. How are you?” I asked quietly, looking down as she is higher rank than I.

“I should be asking your that Chastity. How do you feel?”

“Fine.”

“No pain.”

“No ma’am.”

“Now we both know that’s not true Chastity. Lets try this again. How do you feel?”

“A bit sore.”

“I’m sure just a bit more than sore. You had 2 broken ribs, a fractures arm, and more bruises than unmarked skin.”

“Oh.”

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“No ma’am. I…I don’t remember.”

“Do you know who did this to you?”

“No ma’am.”

“Chastity, you know I hate when my patients lie to me. I think I know what happened so I’ll stop the questioning.”

“Thank you. How….how long have I been here?”

“Two days. Your broken and fractured bones have healed, but your wolf is weak so she isn’t able to heal the rest. Do you know why she is so weak?”

“I haven’t been eating enough lately. I’ve just been so busy with trying to get ready for Alpha Rowen’s party, graduation, and my responsibilities at the house, I forgot. I get distracted, and sometimes forget to eat.”

“I understand. Chastity you can’t do that. You need to make sure you are eating 3 meals a day, as well as getting enough rest every day. Not doing those things makes not only your wolf weak, but you as well.”

“Yes ma’am. I understand.”

“Now you need to lay back down, and get some more rest. You need at least another day or two of rest before you healed enough to go home.”

“Oh no ma’am. I need to get home. I have things that need to be done.”

“No Chastity, you need to rest, and heal.”

“I….I will rest better at home, ma’am.”

No sooner were those words out of my mouth that the door opened. I looked up to see Aurora, and Fiona standing there. They glared at me until Doctor Deb turned to see who was at the door. She slowly stood, and looked at the two women standing at the door.

“Aurora, Fiona, how can I help you?” Doctor Deb asked with a slight edge to her voice.

“We came to see if the Om….she was awake yet.” Aurora answered thru gritted teeth.

“As you can see she is awake, but she needs to lay back down, and rest for at least another day or two. She also needs a few proper meals so she can heal.”

“I’m sure she would be more comfortable resting at home where her family can be there to take care of her.”

“While that may be true. I would feel better with her staying here, where she can be monitored. We’ll take good care of her here.”

“I’m sure you can, but Alpha’s orders are she is to come home, and be cared for by us.”

“In that case, I will go get her discharge papers as well as the medications she will need in case of pain. There will also be instructions with foods that will aid in her healing.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as Doctor Deb left the room, Aurora’s face soured, and she glared at me. Fiona was no better. I swallowed thickly, and stared at the floor. I knew that as soon as I left this building whatever they planned to do to me would be horrific. I trembled slightly, waiting on Doctor Deb to come back. When she finally arrived, she brought a nurse with her. Doctor Deb forced Fiona, and Aurora to leave the room while the nurse helped me dress.

“Who brought me in?” I whispered to the nurse.

“Gamma Ross. He, and his mate have checked on you quite a bit over the last two days. Alpha Joseph also stopped by once each day.” The nurse, Judy I think responded.

I just nodded, and slowly stood up after finally being completely dressed. She helped me into the wheelchair. She insisted on pushing the wheelchair to the doors of the hospital. Once outside, I stood on shaky legs, and started to limp back to the pack house, discharge papers, and medicine in hand. Before I knew it, Aurora, and Fiona were on either side of me, gripping my arms, hard. I could feel their nails cutting into my skin. I did all I could to bite back the whimper of pain bubbling up in my throat.

“You stupid piece of trash. As soon as we get back to the pack house. You’re going to pay for what you did to Braxton.” Hissed Aurora.

I trembled, and tried, again not to whimper. I was terrified. I knew they were surely going to kill me for whatever happened to Braxton.

“Because of you, my baby cousin is sitting in the dungeons for nothing. It’s all your fault, and you’re going to pay for it.” Fiona growled.

All I could do was shake, look at the ground, and shuffle along with these two practically dragging me back. Going up the stairs to the back door was a struggle as I was weak, and in a lot of pain. They were dragging me thru the kitchen towards the dungeon when I saw the shadow of a figure materialize in front of us.

“WHAT DO YOU TWO THINK YOU ARE DOING?” Alpha Joseph’s voice boomed.

“We’re taking her to her room, Alpha.” Aurora responded, digging her nails into my arm even more.

“Last I checked her room is NOT in the dungeon. Let’s try this again. What do you two think you are doing?”

“I….uh….we….she wanted to see Braxton before we put her in her bed.”

“No. She will NOT be seeing that law breaker. Let her go! I will make sure she gets to her room. You two are not to be trusted any where near her!”

“But Alpha. I’m sure she would be more comfortable with a female caring for her.”

“NOW!”

Before I knew what happened both females let me go, and I crumbled to the ground before I could catch myself. I felt the Alpha gently weave his large hand around my arm, and help me to stand. Without a word he helped me up the stairs to the Beta’s family quarters. He was about to knock on the door to my family’s quarters when I spoke up.

“Alpha, my room is not here.” I said quietly, looking at the floor.

“What do you mean? Are you not Beta Dimitri’s daughter?” Alpha Joseph questioned.

“Yes sir, but my room is in the attic. It has been since my rank as Omega was scented.”

“I see. Very well.”

The Alpha lead me to the attic door. He went to lead me up to my room, but I quietly stopped him, thanked him for his help, and entered the attic. For the first time ever, I locked the attic door before going up the stairs. When I reached my space, I went to the box with my family pictures, pulled out my favorite, laid on my mattress, wrapped my arms around it, and cried. Leila whimpering in my mind as I cried.

When I finally calmed down, and my tears dried, I realized I needed to figure out a way out of the pack house. I didn’t have any friends, so I had no one I could ask to let me stay with them, until I could pay for a place of my own. I was determined that as soon as Alpha Rowen’s party was over I was going to get a job during the day so I could save up to get out of here. I couldn’t live here in fear any more.

The next several days were spent doing my usual chores, as well as working to make sure everything was ready for the welcome home party for Saturday. I was moving slower than usual, but I was healing. My meals were still seriously restricted by Aurora as much as possible, but both she, and Fiona were Alpha commanded to stay away from me until after the party.

I did find out from Ross that Braxton received 20 lashes, and 5 days in solitary confinement for breaking one of our fundamental laws. It did not matter that he was a minor, he still knew the laws against harming a female. He received the same punishment any male would receive for such an act. Apparently what set him off in the first place was that someone at school told him his scent marked him as lower regular wolf, not the Beta he claimed to be. He flipped out, was insulted, and decided to take his anger out on me instead of risk being suspended or possibly expelled from school. He was already behind enough from slacking off. He couldn’t afford to miss days.

By the day of the party the major injuries had healed, and I was moving around better. I still had bruises, but they were healing. I had just made it out to the back patio to help serve drinks for the night. I was adjusting the uniform I was provided when I heard a great deal of commotion coming from the front to the house. That must mean Alpha Rowen, Beta Jax, and Beta Jax’s mate had finally arrived. I found myself very nervous, and for some reason Leila was very restless. She kept pacing in circles in my head. Nothing I said could calm her down. Every time I asked her what was going on, she just said she didn’t know. She just felt off, that something was different. Something was about to happen, but she didn’t know what.

The pack started filing out onto the patio. I figured such a large group of people was what had Leila so on edge so after trying to block her out, I got to work getting glasses set up, and filled with the punch I would be serving. I was completely focused on what I was doing when suddenly an amazing scent hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an amazing mix of cedar, and fresh cool water. My head shot up, and I started searching the crowd with my eyes for the source of the scent. My eyes connected with the most beautiful set of blue eyes I had ever seen. I could get lost in those eyes. Mine instantly widened, and my jaw dropped.

Leila began howling in my head, happily. Repeating one word over and over again.

“Mate. Mate. Mate.”

It was our mate. He would definitely save us from the hell we have been living for the last 6 years. No way would he let anyone treat me the way I have been. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a trickle of sweat slip down my back. Suddenly my heart fell because after a minute, I saw those blue eyes shift from awed happy and excited, to hard cold and angry.

Alpha Rowen was my mate, and his didn’t want me. I wasn’t good enough for him. I lowered my eyes to the ground, sniffed back my tears, and tried to stay focused on my work. The whole time fighting against Leila who wanted me to go to our mate right that second, and wrap myself around him.

She didn’t understand, or believe he didn’t want me. That he was going to reject me, but I knew it. I saw it. Life just went from bad to worse.