“You OK?” I jump when Trey appears next to me; I hadn’t heard him approach. I wipe my cheek roughly, he wasn’t meant to see that. I feel my canines extend and turn quickly, pretending to wipe my eyes.
‘No,’ I tell my wolf.
‘Sorry, he scared me, have you noticed he’s good looking?’
‘Shut up, that is something we are NOT thinking about.’
‘But I’m bored, can I see his wolf?’
‘You’ve barely been awake 24 hours! Calm down.’
I feel my canines go back to normal and run my tongue along to be sure before turning around to face Trey. “Sorry, I’m fine, could… could you get me a brush? If I need to look respectable…” He nods to me and goes out the door. I dress in the clothes I took off – no others had been provided and hear Trey talking to someone at the door. “-brush, yes and some more clothes, she can’t stay in the same set. And I’m hungry, I’m sure she is too.” He shuts the door again as I exit the bathroom.
I sit back on the bed, “Are you Samual’s Beta?” The way he demands those around him suggests he holds some weight in the pack. “No, my father.” I nod, beta-blood, makes sense.
“Are you and Wade friends?” I want to find out about the man who will become my ‘mate’.
“Yes, I’ll be his Beta. We’re like brothers.” I nod, OK so Wade knows how he’s receiving me. That doesn’t really bode well, he’s probably as sadistic as his father. I bite my lip absent-mindedly.
What Trey asked for arrives. He hands me a glass jar, “Rub that on your wrists and neck, it will speed up healing.” I nod. Opening the jar the smell is familiar. I rub it on all the areas the shackles cut into. When I’ve finished I pick up the brush and start brushing through my still wet hair. It took a while before I got all the tangles out.
While I did this Trey had reached for some of the clothes; he picked up a grey t-shirt that looks his size. “I’m just going to change,” I nod, while he’s changing I part my hair how I like it and look through the clothes, I settled on the jeans putting them against me to see if they will fit.
Trey comes back out in the clean t-shirt, he grabs a bowl and sits in his chair eating pasta. He was watching me so I glared back at him as if to say ‘what are you staring at?’ He gives a little cough and looks back down to his bowl.
I took the clothes into the bathroom and change. I could feel Trey’s eyes on me again, “What?” I hate feeling watched.
“Sorry, I just… you’re not what I expected.” He leans forward as I sit back on the bed.
“And… what were you expecting?” I fold my arms defensively expecting him to say the usuals, I’m not as pretty, I’m shorter or taller, or my personal favourite I’m not feminine enough.
“I was expecting you to break, you’ve been locked up for over 4 months. I’d have thought you’d be a wreck, but you’re not.” I look at him, an ‘O’ forming on my lips. I stay silent, thinking of his words. “Your strength when you arrived was incredible,” he continues. “I’ve never seen someone crumble shackles like you did, and when you snapped my father’s neck I-”
“One of them was your father?” I cut him off, shocked. “I’m sorry.” I look away ashamed. I kill for survival, I didn’t like it but I thought I could escape. Obviously, I failed.
Trey shakes his head, “It’s OK, you were scared, I could see that. You don’t show it, but you’re scared now.” I start feeling uncomfortable, he’s reading me.
I swallow, “No I’m not.”
“And I know the wolfsbane is long out of your system.” His eyes narrow towards me. I open my mouth shocked, how did he know? Suddenly he approaches me, a foreboding aura around him. I stand on the bed faster than him and leap off. He changes direction, so I run into the bathroom. Trey follows, turns on the shower and he catches me as I try to run past, “Trey, don’t.” I wriggle as he pushes me against the cool tile wall. I can smell his sweat; he smells musky as he’s been cooped up with me.
His chest’s heaving as he stands there. I’m pinned against the wall, his hip digging into my stomach. “I don’t want to give you to Wade,” he whispers his face inches from mine.
“Well, don’t. Let my brother go, I can do the rest,” I implore as I try to twist my wrist out of his grip but it just hurts my still raw flesh.
“I can’t,” he mutters and suddenly his strong arms are around me; he’s hugging me. I’m bewildered, what’s he doing?
“You don’t remember me do you?” He’s hugging me tighter.
“Trey get off.” I’m wriggling against him. I don’t actually want to hurt him but I will if he doesn’t let me go. He releases me, “Look at me,” he demands. I try to back away from him until my back hits the cool tile again. He hooks his finger under my chin and pulls my face up to his, forcing me to look. “Dely, please remember,” he pleads.
I look up properly this time, taking him in for the first time… those eyes. My face falls, only two people have ever called me Dely; Jesse and… “My Trey?” He nods and lifts his shirt. There lays the bite mark I’d given him when I was fifteen. Of course not a true mate mark, we were too young – and in the wrong place. “Why are you here!?”
“Shh!” He steps towards me and I let him, he laces his fingers in mine, as a finger is placed gently over my lips before he slides the finger to graze my cheek. “The shower will only hide so much of our voices.” He looks deep into my eyes as if he’s drinking in my golden orbs. “My dad brought me. That’s why I disappeared. I didn’t want to, I wanted you, but…” He looks deep into my eyes and I recognised him completely, he’s five years older; he’s filled out a lot since the last time I saw him. He’s been beaten several times, and right now he’s exhausted.
But he’s my Trey.
I can’t believe my Trey’s here! He’s been guarding me all this time. A little of me’s annoyed he didn’t tell me sooner, or speak to me. But in this moment I don’t care. Trey and I sit on the bathroom floor, his hand in mine, our knees touching with our legs crossed.“Why didn’t you contact me? I waited for you.” The shower still on to hide our conversation.“I didn’t think you wanted me to. I was 17… stupid.” Trey leans closer to me, reaching for my cheek. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed him, but his tender touch on my cheek reminds me of everything we had. “But I can’t have you,” he whispers as his lips touch my cheekbone, I hate that he’s right.I turn to lean into him, my back against his chest, his legs either side of mine “How long do we have?” I pull his arms around me, I was always the instigator with him. He had been terrified to touch me when we first trained together, and then we showed a romantic interest. Instead, he would take me on long walks, we would climb trees t
We walk up to the house, my arm in my captors. I try to take in the village they’ve made, but honestly, I can’t. I’m focusing on the house before me. It’s smaller than my home…. obviously. I suppose that’s really not hard. I see three floors, however knowing my own house. I bet there’s at least one floor underground.Samual has styled his house 19th century, it reminds me of a vineyard house. With its pale stone and rosewood windows. A balcony casts a shadow over the entrance. If I was visiting on official business, I would have commented that it was a lovely piece of architecture.Samual grips my hand painfully, “Remember,” he sneers into my ear.“Why, Alpha Blackwood, I don’t ever know what you mean,” I put on my regal official voice that’s only reserved for outsiders. He smiles, I know how to play his stupid little game, oh ye of little faith.I sneer inwardly as he opens the large glass door. A few pack members were around, they appear to work in the house. A dark brown haired man
WadeI watch as she looks apologetically towards me, her jaw tight. I look into her beautiful golden eyes, I feel they should glint more than they are, you know when you look at someone and they’re eyes are dull? Despite her beauty… I could see that. Maybe I can put that glint there.I’m surprised she feels the need to defend herself, the Princess always has guards around her… come to think of it I haven’t seen any. I’d have expected at least one. Her father must really trust us to take care of her.I reach for her hand and place my hand on hers reassuringly, “Of course a princess must be able to defend herself, but I would hope you would never need to, you wouldn’t with me.” I look into those fascinating eyes of hers.Dad told me the princess was coming today to see if she could find a suitor in our packs future alpha… me. Now she’s here, I hope she chooses me, but she could have anyone. And I mean anyone. Nonetheless, she said ‘mine’ to me. I still have to win her though, just becau
AdelaideI couldn’t look at the room, my mind spinning with everything that had happened the last few days.Hell, the last few weeks!I just sit on the floor, my back against the wall. I can’t hold the tears in any more, my brother was probably being beaten to a pulp as I sit here. Why did he ask so many questions about my family and where I’ve been? He was acting like I hadn’t spent four months in his dungeon. And my bags? What bags!?It was like he was trying to trip me up so he could hurt my brother. I was right, he’s just as twisted as his father.I hate him. I hate every fiber of him. His scent, his fashion sense, his eyes. Everything. I don’t care, he’s disgusting. He’s evil behind that mask of pleasantness.I shift over the carpet, my tears flowing far more freely than they ever have in my life. I sit for half an hour or so, crying like a pup when a knock sounds on the door. I hurriedly wipe my face, “Just a minute!” I try to keep my voice level, unsure if I succeed.“It’s me,”
AdelaideThe starter of shellfish arrives. I try to take measured bites but I’m starving, I haven’t eaten since the day before. I finish the starter quicker than Wade and nibble on a dinner roll from one of the baskets that had been placed on intervals up the table. They’re still warm, warm bread tastes the best.I look down over the many tables; I guess there are around thirty wolves, making this a small pack. I recognise some of the faces around the room. They had left our pack when Samual did. Many I don’t recognise, I suspect some may have been bitten in. My eye catches Trey’s, he gives a small smile up to me, I smile back. At least he’s here.The main is soon served, Beef Wellington with roast potatoes and asparagus. It all tastes lovely. Again I try to eat slowly which is a bit easier now I have something in my stomach. Wade engages me in small talk while we eat. He’s trying to impress me, I don’t want him to. What if Wade rejects me? What would Samual do then? I probably should
AdelaideI awake in a cold sweat. The sheets sticking to me.Bad dream.I open my eyes wondering where I am for a moment. I blink a few times before I remember… Hell, that’s where I am. I peel the sheets from me and go to the window, I try it and to my surprise, it’s unlocked. I slide it open allowing the cool night air to flood into the bedroom. The fresh air feels nice, I’ve missed the night air. It’s my favourite time, the moon shining bright above and the lack of warmth soothes my constantly warm skin.‘I want to run,’ My wolfs thoughts invade my own.‘I know, we can’t, they’ll think we’re running away.’ I want to let my wolf free, she’s been cooped up for months. ‘How about we just change in the room, I kn
AdelaideI decide on jeans and a khaki floaty blouse, with the black ballet pumps. Not formal but not informal. I try to find the kitchen guessing that’s where Wade would be. I peered into the kitchen, the brilliant white of the whole room almost blinding me. I never understood when people designed their homes so it hurt our senses. They are all wolves after all.A woman is standing by the hob, “Excuse me, do you know where Wade is?” I ask her politely, she turns on the spot and instantly drops into a bow “Your Highness, I apologise I didn’t see you there. He-he’s in the conservatory, I-I can show you.” She checks on what she was cooking.“Oh. No need, I know where to go.” The woman bows again before I leave.I reach the conservatory and can see Wade thr
WadeI feel like she’s hiding from me, I swear I saw the real her for a flash in that tree. I was so scared she was going to fall, I’ve never seen someone just… well leap into a tree. She’s nothing I was expecting. I remember her on obstacle courses as a child, but… maybe part of me believed she wouldn’t still be climbing.But as we walk through the wood she’s closed up again, she’s a fortress to me. I just need to find the weak points. There’s just something off. Like she doesn’t actually want to be here. But I offered for her to leave, I didn’t say she had to stay. If she wasn’t interested she’s welcome to go to other packs.Although… I feel honoured that she wants to give it a go.I brush my hand against hers as we walk. I feel the tingle tha
Wade18 months later.I open the double doors seeing Marc sat at the desk within the circular room. “My King,” I state in respect before flopping down on one of the chairs pulling a stack of paperwork towards me that needs attention.I never knew the amount of paperwork that occurred in the palace. It seemed to be never ending.Marc sighs in irritation. “Wade, shut up. Or I’ll start calling you Beta.” He screwed his lips in up pure disgust.I chuckle to Marc. He hates it when I address him formally. He’s only been King for six months and I already piss him off constantly. Of course, it is much to my amusement. “Don’t you have your own office?” he snaps.Oh, he was particularly grumpy today. Excellent.“I just thought you’d want
AdelaideI scream and stumble back. Why is he free? Why is he kneeling like he’s getting a medal or commendation… what the fuck is going on!Wade catches me before I fall to the ground, “Alpha. It’s wonderful to see you!” his smug voice turns my blood cold.“That’s all I need, arrest him,” Father commands from his throne. Instantly guards are around the man, “What?… what’s going on? Alpha?” The man struggles against the two guards clasping shackles around his wrists. Wade begins to shake, his hands clenched in fists as he walks from me. I don’t stop him.Wade turns to the man to look at him “You raped her, you bastard.”The colour drains from his face, “W-Wade… It’s not what you think.”
AdelaideWade’s been super sweet and caring the last few weeks… I’m starting to want passionate Wade though. My wolf is desperate for him to mark me because then we’ll be able to feel his emotions and he can influence mine.The Doctor said my arm is healed enough so he’s taken the cast off, he’s suggested not to spar or train for at least a few more days. I suppose that’s OK. I overdid it and thought I was at full strength, it was my fault my arm snapped. Wade and father blamed the guard which I felt bad for. I suppose he probably won’t want to spar me again. I’ll have to build up muscle again.I’ve felt vulnerable for long enough I need to get myself back together again. I’ve moped, I’ve been depressed, it’s time to get back to normal. I go to the main kitchen where a few guards are eating. They stop when they see me
WadeI’m brushing Adelaide’s luscious brown locks. She broke her arm two days ago training for the first time. I nearly tore the head off of the warrior. Normally she should be pretty much healed by now according to Xander… but she fell up the stairs and re-broke the healing bone. So here I am being the best mate in the whole world, helping her get dressed… I’m not complaining. “There you go, darling.” I kiss her temple gently.“Thank you,” she says in her small childlike voice.I miss her strong confident voice, I miss the fire that usually burns inside her. I remind myself though that I just need to be patient. I’m coming to the end of my month here though. I need to go back to my pack and I want to take her with me… but I can’t while she’s still like this. I have no idea how I’m going to break it to her I&r
WadeAdelaide slept after she admitted what had happened. She didn’t wake up screaming. She didn’t even flinch. She just slept. The doctor set up fluids and nutrients on the second day as we were concerned about her. I didn’t feel it was normal for her to be so lifeless. But Doctor James said her body needed to heal; she had worked herself to the ground. Her body had been under so much stress it had just shut down.I sent Trey back to the pack. Christopher wasn’t happy and frankly… neither was Trey, but my pack couldn’t continue without a leader. He’s my beta after all, in the absence of the Alpha, the beta takes over.I got into some kind of routine over the next few days. During the day I trained with the royal guard, then I observed Xander in his duties hoping to learn how to run a pack well. I wanted to run my pack far better than my father ever had
JesseI watch as her tears well up in her golden eyes. I’m pretty sure I know what happened. I’ve got a strong suspicion. She’s not been the same, she’s barely wanted to be around me. And someone has terrified her, she screams at certain guards, she runs from others. There’s one thing they have in common, dark hair and scarred in some way.I’m not ready for her tears to disappear and her face turns blank. My brow furrows at her sudden shift in body language. Then she begins to talk in a voice I’ve never heard from her before. It’s monotonous with zero emotion. It doesn’t sound like her voice.“He came into my cell, he told me he was going to show me what a real man was like. He ripped off my pants. He r-r-r-r- sexually assaulted me. I begged him no. He didn’t listen. He liked that it hurt me. Then he left. Until the next
AdelaideI began climbing up a particularly tall tree. I can see the two guards getting closer, they can’t climb through. I reach the last thick branch and nestle myself safely within a small hollow between two branches and the trunk. Resting my head back against the rough bark, I allow tears to steak down my cheeks. I don’t like people seeing me cry, I don’t like showing weakness.The last three weeks have been hard. It started as dreams and now it’s firmly in my memories. I didn’t realise my family had noticed my behaviour, it was normal for me to train daily… I had just extended the hours a little… OK, a lot. But the more I trained the less I had the energy to remember. Which was how I like it. At least my family has no idea. Wade mentioned sleep talking… but I’m sure it was just mutters that no
Third-person – narratorEveryone looked down at the innocent face of Christopher. His ordeal had forced a regression on the young prince to protect himself from the difficulties he had faced. But his innocent wording had moved all the adults in the room.Trey moved to pick up the youngster, he had grown attached to the boy during his time in captivity and wanted to look after him even now he knew he was safe with his family. Christopher allowed ‘his nice man’ to place him on Trey’s hip. Christopher cuddled into him feeling the comfort that he brought. Christopher couldn’t explain it, but Trey brought a comfort that his parents couldn’t give him.Adelaide wiped her eyes, “Can I go train now?” Xander sighed, exasperated with his daughter. He wished she would just accept her pain and go through a healing process. It had been three months, he at least
AdelaideI awake to feel the calmest I have in a long time. The most relaxing smell is cocooning me. I try to stretch but realise thick strong arms are holding me tight. Then I notice my back is against a warm hard chest. “How you feeling?” a deep comforting voice washes over me sending chills down my arms. “What happened?”“You fainted, then you had some bad nightmares. Do you remember them?” I shake my head, but I do… I remember every one. I know who’s behind me. And as I accept the fact another wash of calm envelopes me. It feels nice to not fight it. My wolf purrs in contentment at being where she wants to be. “Darling, you were talking in your sleep. Do you remember anything from your nightmare?”I untangle myself from Wade’s grasp sitting on the edge of the bed. A small amount of fear sets i