Ophelia's POV I had always loved jazz music. It was a passion that I didn't share with most people. It seemed to me that jazz was a polarizing art form. People seemed to either love it or loathe it. And I always seemed to have far too much going on in my life to waste time arguing about its merits with those who fell into the latter category. Nonetheless, from the time I was a child, I would pull on my earphones and be swept away by the sounds of my favorite musicians. Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few. They felt like friends to me. No matter what was happening in my life, I knew that I could always turn to their music in my time of need. Listening to the sweet sound of Coltrane's ‘Cousin Mary’ would always bring me some measure of peace. It was one of the few things I could count on during that dark period of my life. I don't know exactly how it came up in conversation with Allen, but yesterday I confessed to him about this guilty pleasure of
Ophelia's POV The next morning I woke up early and decided to start my day with a cappuccino from my favorite coffee house ‘Rosalyn's’ before rehearsal. As I opened my door I smiled, turning my face to the warmth of the sun. It was a beautiful morning, and I had plenty of time to walk down to my destination before I had to get to work. One of my favorite things about my new home was the variety of charming shops located within walking distance of my house. I passed my favorite bakery ‘Daily Bread’ and deeply inhaled the fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread wafting into the street. I thought about stopping in for one of their luscious croissants but decided against it. Even though my mouth watered at the idea of the flakey, buttery consistency of their pastries, it wasn't practical. I had some time, but not enough to make two trips. And the coffee was non-negotiable if I was going to get through my morning. I always enjoyed practicing my cello, but rehearsal could be in
“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 h
I whimpered in utter disappointment and confusion. My stomach was in knots. I couldn't budge. "I told you she'd run away," said Margaret in a snarky tone. "And look at what happened. You drove her right to me." She held her hand out in a haughty manner. "Just as we planned," replied David with a teasing tone. I began to tremble. I couldn't believe it. David had told our secret to Margaret. "Give it to me. I won," Margaret insisted. "Fine," he conceded, handing over a $20 bill. Watching his emotionless face, my heart sank. He had no guilt or remorse for deceiving me. Behind my back, the two of them had conspired to do this. I felt hopeless as I stared at the gravel pebbles on the pavement. I was worth nothing more than $20 to them. But they could not break my spirit. With renewed resolve, I picked my head up and glared at them. I narrowed my eyes, squinting as rage overcame me. Marching toward them I stood squarely. "So that's all I am to
“We've been saved by the ShadowClaw Pack!"”Just moments ago, we were racking our brains about how to contact Arthur's people, and now this feels like a dream come true!""Even though they came earlier than expected, as long as they're here, the Moon Pack has a chance."My father and stepmother's ecstatic voices echoed in my ears, sounding ethereal while I began to wake. I felt like I was floating as I regained consciousness.Unable to sit up, I could only open my eyes, but once I got a good look at my surroundings, I was completely confused. No longer was I in the dungeon. Somehow, I was back in my room.Nearby servants told me that Anthony, the Beta of the ShadowClaw Pack, had rescued me. Their words sounded ghostly and surreal as I tried to make sense of what had happened.So, it wasn’t a hallucination that someone had whisked me away from that whipping. Beta Anthony had been my savior, and now our whole family was eagerly welcoming him. I was both relieved and
"Thank you, Anthony.""Of course, Ophelia. And just so we're clear, I don't believe for a second that you are a thief. Your family members are the ones who are wrong in this case, and I'll make sure they pay." I glanced at him nervously. Just like before when he asked me questions about my beatings, he sensed that I was hesitant to speak my mind.With a quiet voice, he asked with care, "Is there something else that is bothering you?"I wanted to answer him honestly since he'd already been so forthcoming and protective toward me, but I was afraid… afraid to ask about Arthur."What are you worried about, Ophelia?" He leaned in closer to hear me better."Will—” I stopped short to compose myself. My stomach was in knots again as I tried to formulate words. If Arthur was as abusive as I'd heard he was, I couldn't bear it. I swallowed down my jitters and asked, "Does... Alpha Arthur makes a habit of hitting people?"Anthony raised his eyebrows in concern as he asked, "J
His presence altered the atmosphere of the room while also making it quiet enough to hear a pin drop. “Alpha Arthur, what a pleasant surprise,” Jessica said respectfully. “Will Beta Anthony be joining you?”“Yes,” Arthur said without emotion. Everyone was staring at him, and then Anthony joined him.“Sorry if I’m late,” Anthony said.Arthur flicked his eyes at Anthony.He remained enigmatically silent and didn’t look me in the eye as Jessica continued, “Ophelia has been through some extensive abuse. Physically, she's mending but it will take time for her to completely heal." She held the metal bed frame, standing to my right. I found her presence comforting compared to the sudden heavy weight of Arthur’s obtuseness. He simply nodded to Jessica with an air of authority. Beta Anthony rushed to brush off a chair for the Alpha to sit. Arthur sat and began casually flipping through a magazine. Without picking up his head to look at me, he asked, “How is your body hea
A breeder… What did he mean?The word hung in the air like cold fog on a wet morning. Vaguely present and murky to navigate. So, that's what Jessica had been referring to. I hadn’t misheard her, after all. Once I was healed, I'd be suitable for taking on the physical rigors of pregnancy.My father played his best hand and won the bet.Dad had no qualms about selling me off like an animal. I was at an all-time low, still an extension of the Moon Pack's control. I had been traded from one scenario where I was objectified and replaced with another. It made me feel sick as I pondered my circumstances. I had no choice but to do this with Alpha Arthur.There was no way out. He was in charge.I closed my eyes momentarily, shaking my head once, hoping to make the sinking feeling disappear. When I opened them, he was still examining me. I wondered if what I said or felt meant anything to him but in my heart, I knew the answer. He cared only about his goal.I was not a person t