"Ophelia," my father said. He was seeing me in a new light as I stood before him in the expensive crimson dress, oil-black heels, diamond necklace, and matching earrings. His mouth dropped open for a moment. "Dad," I began, my heart pounding. I so often associated him with pain, but right now his voice evoked comforting familiarity. "I don't know where to begin," he commented, fidgeting from nervousness. Was my presence making him feel uncomfortable? "Um, you sold me off to be a breeder, for one." I pointed an index finger at him with my eyebrows raised. "Ophelia, you don't understand. It was the only way to get the money from ShadowClaw Pack." "But why didn't you tell me about it?" I threw my hands out in disbelief. "It was a huge shock to have it dumped on me when I arrived." "Look, Arthur threatened the Moon Pack. He said that if we didn't go through with the breeding contract, he'd kill our family." My chest clenched with anxiety as I touched my li
Before I knew it another week went by and I was feeling better than ever. I attended every doctor’s appointment and made sure to do some light exercises to increase my endurance and strength."So, are all my tests still coming back normal?" I asked Jessica in her office."Yup!" she said, beaming with excitement. "All of your hard work is paying off.""I feel stronger already," I said, showing Jessica my little muscles."Great!" she exclaimed. "Even though you're not one hundred percent, I think you're fit enough to carry Arthur's pup."I swallowed hard. It was getting closer now that I was feeling better. I didn't want Jessica to see my apprehension, so I thanked her and left.After I was in my room, I figured I had earned some relaxation. The bookshelf was full and I hadn't had much time to read from it. I slid my fingers along the bindings, finding an interesting title, and slipped it out of the bookcase.Before I knew it, I was engrossed in the story. I was just
My heart was pounding from fear and the feeling of being trapped. I could feel the weight of his body over mine and as much as I wanted to continue, it was difficult. This was a job, I told myself; however, perhaps this would be the only time we would have to be together. I’d get pregnant right away and this would be the only time we’d have to do this. His fingers trailed along the outside of my thigh and then to my inner thigh. He seemed intent on making this a pleasurable experience for me. Or was this what he was used to with other women? I couldn’t deny that what he was doing to me was changing the experience for me. Maybe even making it more positive, but just as I had said no to him before I couldn’t help but feel the past come back to haunt me. I allowed him to continue. My breathing picked up rapidly. I was trying to shut out what had happened to me. I could feel him between my legs, moving closer to me. It was about to happen at any second. I was doing my best but
Ophelia POV Since the last time I saw Arthur, we haven't seen each other again. Two weeks have passed in the blink of an eye. Anthony and Jessica have taken extra care of me during these two weeks, and my health has improved a lot. It's another sunny day, dispelling the gloom in my heart.I needed some fresh air so I decided to take a walk—a regular part of my health regime. I found myself intrigued by the serenity of a nearby river. As I came closer, however, I noticed the rushing water was faster than it had first appeared. "What a nice day," I said to myself, sighing, relaxing my wrists over the bridge, linking my fingers. Just as the words left my lips, I heard a desperate voice shout, "Help!" I squinted my eyes only to see a small figure struggling against the rapid current. Her head was barely breaking the surface long enough for her to gulp some air before she was swept under again, her arms flailing. "Please!" I heard a gurgling voice
"Jessica, what's going on?" I asked, giggling."It's a surprise, silly!" She laughed, holding her hands over my eyes. "Now, keep walking forward, yes, don't trip over the uneven marble tiles. Good, good. Now to the left, a bit, okay, perfect!"Continually laughing, I followed her instructions to a T and then we stopped. I wasn't sure which room we were in. It smelled differently than any I'd been before."Okay, ready?" she asked."That depends," I joked. "Is this a good surprise?""Don't worry. You'll love it!"Quickly she pulled her hands away from my eyes. I blinked a few times trying to get used to the bright lights in the room. My heart skipped in excitement. I couldn't believe it!There in front of me was a cello propped up on its endpin. I held my breath in excitement, pressing my palm to my chest. Carefully, I circled around it, admiring the immaculate F holes, and how perfectly constructed the body was in reference to the waist. The strings were taught, new
The next day I went through my usual routine, my mind elsewhere. I walked around the courtyard and visited Jessica for a little while.I wasn't thinking about Arthur and figured that since our appointment had been canceled the night before, it would be a while before he wanted to meet with me again.After dinner, I was hanging out in my room when I heard a knock. That was peculiar."Yes?" I called. Who could it be?"I'm here to help you get ready," one of the maids said. I walked to the door and opened it."H-hi," I stuttered."Hello," the maid said, waving politely. She stepped into my room just like she had the first night. She began to arrange the room, picking up items and setting up candles.Arthur was coming tonight!"Will you always arrive before Arthur and I are going to be... together?" I asked the maid. She smiled and nodded."If I don't show up, it means he won't either.""Good to know," I whispered, mostly to myself.I'd have to keep that in
I awoke with a start. I didn’t remember falling asleep. Glancing at the empty spot beside me, I realized I never heard Arthur leave. He must have been very quiet. I was still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes when there was a knock at the bedroom door. After covering up with a robe, I walked to the door and answered it. It was one of the maids from the night before. "Hello, I'm here to help bathe you," she said."Oh, no thank you," I said to her, smiling. "But I appreciate it." After politely declining her offer, I closed the door and then walked to the bathroom. Pulling my toothbrush out of the cup holder, I began brushing my teeth. As I stared in the mirror, I was suddenly reminded of a boy I had a crush on when I was in middle school. His name escaped me. I could barely recall what he looked like. But none of that mattered. It was how he treated me that stood out in my mind. Margaret's bullying had increased that year and he was there for me. Our friendshi
After the night we spent together, Arthur visited me again which was unusual compared to his former aloofness. Before he left, it wasn't without another surprise. He handed me his personal phone number and a cell phone. I didn't read too much into it. It was doubtful it was for anything other than keeping tabs on me. Although... It was interesting that he was leaving it up to me to call him. Unless of course, he knew my cell number by heart. Over the next few weeks, save my morning workouts, I was in the mansion. It was boring but at least I had my cello to pass the time. The more I played, the more I felt connected to my mother. That was my saving grace. It was a few days after Arthur had given me his number when Beta Anthony came to talk to me in my room. "I have some news," Anthony said with a smile. "Arthur has agreed to let you go out and meet new people.""Really, Beta Anthony?" I asked with my hand on my chest. I was surprised. "Yes. Are you happ