Chapter 1: Running Away

“Congratulations, bitch, you are about to become Arthur Morgan's sixth wife."

Iciness filled my chest as I nearly doubled over in shock. My life was never my own. I was always being pushed around.

But that was how life was for me, Ophelia Clark. And the person who was sneering in my face was my stepsister, Margaret Davis. As things stood at the time, I was officially the most hated wolf in my pack.

My first shift was when Margaret's husband Mike, the brother of our soon-to-be Alpha, tried to rape me. My wolf had severely hurt him and as a result, I was paying the price. Ever since that day, my pack had mistreated and bullied me. My pain had been going on for weeks, months, or maybe even years.

I had lost track by now; it was so regular. But that wouldn’t keep me down.

But this contract marriage with Arthur brought things to a brand new level of abuse. I asked in bewilderment, "Wait, Dad sold me to Alpha Arthur?"

Before Margaret could answer, I obstinately shook my head. "Either way, there is no way I’m doing that," I said with indignation, crossing my arms. I had heard that Arthur was a merciless psychopath. Many of his wives had been tortured and killed by him.

"I guess you have a hard time listening, Ophelia. You have no choice. Dad sold you to Alpha Arthur." She paused, a sadistic smile crossing her lips. "You know, I heard he was in a car accident a few years ago, becoming disfigured and limping. He doesn't have much time left. Probably will be dead by the time you marry him," she said, with goading laughter.

I couldn't believe what was happening. I was silently baffled as I shook my head.

Margaret continued, "I mean, look at you, a cripple. You're lucky someone like Alpha Arthur would give you the time of day, much less marry you." She stood closer to me, her lip curled up, revealing her agitation. "Or are you holding out for Mike? Is that the real reason that you're saying no? You think my own husband would simply fall for a pretty face? He’d never go for you, especially after you attacked him."

"I don’t want him! And I only attacked him in self-defense!" I shouted.

But Margaret was blinded by her jealousy. She forced me to the floor. A hot curling iron was on the sink, already at its maximum temperature. Terror filled me as my stomach ignited with anxiety. I watched her curl her hand around the end of the iron.

I knew I couldn’t get away if I tried. She raised the iron and placed the singing hot metal on my supple skin.

Shrill sounds of agony erupted from my throat with each press, the fiery iron sticking to my skin. I could already feel the blisters forming.

My screams echoed throughout the gym for all to hear.

I refused to cry. The entire time she was burning me, I held onto the hope that Margaret was lying. When she let me go, I hobbled home, fully intent on confronting my father. But I was nervous. Things have been so strained between us lately.

After my mother passed away, my father and I were no longer as close as we used to be. Still, I wanted to believe he wouldn't harm me.

As I stood at the front door, I waited briefly, took a deep breath, and entered. Once I was inside, I confronted him.

"Dad, Margaret told me that you sold me to Alpha Arthur. Is that true?"

My father glanced at me and said, "Yes, what Margaret told you is real. Being married to the wealthy, powerful Alpha Arthur is for your own good." He gave me a curt nod.

I was stunned at his critical tone of voice. I turned to my stepmother.

"If Alpha Arthur is so great, why don't you have Margaret marry him instead?" I quipped.

"Shut up, Ophelia," my father said with a serious growl.

His words were cutting and final. I pursed my lips, feeling defiant.

He continued, "Margaret already has a husband. Besides, I'm doing you a favor. You're a cripple who nobody wants."

Again, I couldn't speak. He always favored Margaret over me and didn't mind blatantly flaunting that in front of me whenever he had the chance. My chest squeezed in pain as I felt my heart breaking. I couldn’t believe he still had the power to hurt me.

"How can you speak about your own daughter with such critical, scathing words? Ever since Mom died, it seems like I don't exist to you anymore. And let's not forget how Emily Davis is treating me. She's cruel—”

My father slapped me without hesitation, whipping my face to the left. I gasped, holding my stinging cheek and glaring up at him.

My eyes met his icy irises as he answered in a stern voice. "You are to marry Alpha Arthur, and that is final!" he shouted, pointing at me.

My heart became stormy as I accepted my father's words, but I would no longer shed tears for him. I’d never let him see me cry again.

It was ironic. Officially, I was the Alpha's daughter but at home, I was regarded as less than a dog. I had a strong work ethic, and nobody, not even my father, could take that from me.

But we weren't a family. That house was not a home. I'd never even had the privilege of eating a full meal there. And every day it felt like they were noticing me less and less… either that or they were beating me senselessly.

All I had to look forward to in my dismal existence was being tormented by my stepmother and stepsister, Margaret. Nobody was going to help me.

I took a deep breath. Despite being hit, I still had to cook for the entire family. That realization sunk in as I watched everyone’s expectant faces waiting to be fed. I felt tears welling in my eyes, but I refused to let them get the better of me. There was no room for weakness.

I just had to bide my time. One day, I was going to leave this place. As soon as I was eighteen, I'd start over somewhere else.

While I was serving everyone their meals, my wolf Nina sensed that there was a person who could help—David Smith, our soon-to-be Alpha, and my crush. If Nina had the instinct to trust David, I knew I could too.

David had always been a good person to me, with his caring, genuine nature. I’d had feelings for him for a very long time. He was one of the only pack members who had never beat or hurt me… not to mention he was sweet and attractive.

The only way to get out of the Moon Pack and bypass Alpha Arthur was to elope. It would take bravery, but I knew I could secretly ask David. I pondered this idea over and over.

The more I thought about it, the more I believed it would work.

He was the key.

Later, when everyone was distracted and fed, I found the perfect moment to speak with David in the next room. I made his favorite drink, took a deep breath, summoned up all my courage, and then approached him as he was reading on the couch.

I stood in front of him with an air of caution and respect before saying warmly, "Hi, David. I hope you’re having a good night.” I handed him the drink I’d made.

A curious smile crossed his lips as he took the beverage. “I am now,” he said. “What’s up?”

“I‘m wondering if we could talk.”

His eyebrows knitted in confusion as he looked at me with concern. “Of course, we can,” he said, patting the couch cushion beside him.

I slowly sat down.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked, then he took a sip of his drink.

“Things have become a bit rocky lately,” I said cautiously, with a slight wince.

After taking another gulp of the drink, he leaned in closer. “Rocky?” he asked.

I slipped one of my shirt sleeves up to reveal the burns that Margaret had inflicted earlier that day. He sucked in a breath of disbelief and then looked into my eyes; his face twisted in a grimace.

“I need to leave, and I was really hoping you could help me. I’m completely trapped here and you are the only one I trust. I know how smart and resourceful you are.”

I watched him purse his lips as if he didn’t want to answer. Then he said, “I’m not exactly in a position to help you right now.”

My heart sank.

Wringing my hands in desperation, I said, “But I haven’t a dime to my name, and I don’t know how to drive. You’re such a strong, powerful wolf with the experience and means I need.”

My chin was trembling as I held back tears and continued, “I’ve admired you for a long time and I would love to be with you. I’m begging you for help just this once. I promise that if we're able to find a way out, I most certainly will pay you back in the future and we will have a wonderful life. I’m willing to do anything!”

I clasped my hands, interlocking my fingers, pleading.

I watched David's eyes soften as he turned to face me. My stomach flipped in anticipation.

I held my breath waiting for his answer.

“What are you suggesting?”

“That we elope, as soon as possible,” I said, “secretly and far away from here.”

His face relaxed into a smile.

"All right, Ophelia," he began. "I can see how badly you've been treated. I don't want you to go through anything more. I think we can make this work. Let's elope," he whispered.

I stifled a squeal in utter relief, struggling to keep from crying. My instinct had been correct about him.

Nina had told me he could help me, and she was right.

"I can’t thank you enough, David! Now, what’s our plan?" I asked, beaming.

He seemed just as anxious as me to leave. He had a grin from ear to ear.

"Let's leave at three in the morning," he said, holding up three fingers. "You can head to town and catch the train before me. I will follow you, taking the six o'clock."

"And we can meet there?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Yes," David whispered with determination in his eyes.

“Perfect! I can’t thank you enough.”

“Meet me at my car a little before three,” he said.

“I’ll be there!”

Once I was in my room, I quietly took my suitcase from the closet. I set it on my bed, unzipping it slowly so as not to make a sound.

It was exhilarating! I rushed to my closet gathering as much clothing as I needed, packing some toiletries, and sneaking in a few keepsakes.

As soon as I was packed, I began to fidget in anticipation. Every minute felt like an hour.

When it was finally a little before three in the morning, I slipped out the back door. I dashed to David’s car, smiling brightly as he took my suitcase and put it in the trunk.

“Let’s go,” he whispered.

He started the engine, quietly left the driveway, and then floored it once he was on the highway.

My heart was pounding each second. I could feel my hands sweating as I flicked my eyes at him periodically.

What if I couldn't trust him? What if Nina was wrong?

Adrenaline was pulsing through my veins, but I found relief once crossroads were in sight. It was finally happening, the dream I'd had for so long.

If I could just get on that train, I'd be free from the Moon Pack forever!

The car’s wheels scraped the gravel as it came to a halt. As I stepped out, I saw someone in the distance waving.

"This person will help you board the train," David said, returning the wave to the stranger.

"Wow, David," I gushed in surprise. "You really are thoughtful. I don't know how you knew, but this is my first time on a train. It's really unexpected and nice to have a traveling buddy.”

"Of course, Ophelia. I arranged this for you, so you’d be comfortable. I have no doubt you'll be taken care of," he assured me.

I glanced at him one more time, smiling graciously.

Filled with hope, I walked toward the figure, but as I drew closer and saw the person’s face clearly, my smile vanished. I watched as out of the shadows the person was in full view.

Dread filled my stomach like a lead weight.

That familiar sneer, the coquettish laughter…

This couldn’t be happening! The person waiting at the crossroads wasn’t just anyone—it was Margaret!