Chapter 2

Elena

My greatest weakness was my inability to control my emotions. I could never fully blame myself; though it might have been easier, the truth was that no one had taught me how to do it. They were snatched away from me.

I could only describe the first twelve years of my life as just that—life. But the following six? It was nothing short of hell. I endured insults from every other pack member, men who believed it was easier to take advantage of me as an outcast, and women who envied the attention I received from the Alphas, even if it was in a horrific manner no one would ever wish for.

Tears flowed uncontrollably as the harsh reality hit me every time I took a breath, and I had to cover my mouth to stifle any sound.

And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I heard the sound of someone clearing their throat— a very familar one.

My eyes darted to look at the doorway where stood the real villian of my life, a living shadow—The Gamma. The man who everytime came across me left no stone unturned to bring me to my knees by rekindling those dark memories I had buried in a corner of my mind to keep moving forward. The main culprit—the real murderer.

"Well... Well... I see Lucas put you in your place again, Elena," he sneered as he sauntered into the kitchen, his eyes sharp and unforgiving. His face bore the scars of countless sins, etched deeply into his withered skin. With a cruel smile and a shroud of obsidian, he exuded an air of wicked intent. "What did he say this time, my child?" he crouched before me, tilting his head to inspect me.

I wanted to kill him , to take a knife and reduce him to pieces. I craved to slit his throat and witness the last drop of his blood seep from his vile body, with each drop delacring his impending well deserved patheic end. I wanted to fucking end him.....just end up for everything he did and all sins he'd commited.

But I couldn't. To bring the truth to light, this bastard had to remain breathing. And watching him breathe all fine whilst my dad was.....gone, was fucking painful.

"Do not be so happy, Dexter Rodriguez," I seethed, locking my eyes onto his, "Your secrets won't remain hidden forever. It's merely a matter of time before your game is up. Once they see your true face, the monster you are from within, the way you ruined everyone's lives with your bloody hands—you are done for."

"I pity you, child," he chuckled and reached out to stroke my hair. I recoiled, pressing myself against the wall and glaring at him. He let out a quiet chuckle before dropping his hand and continuing, "They are my nephews, Elena. I've been molding them since that night, and believe me, I know exactly what not to teach them, and that is..." He leaned closer to my ear, whispering, "To see the truth."

My fists clenched, my breath quickening with rage as I looked at him. I desired to tear out his throat. I yearned to burn him alive, just as he had done to my father.

"You vile piece of shit..." I spat through gritted teeth, "You murdered Lucy, paralyzed your own brother, and placed the blame on my father,burning him alive in the end. Do you think God will spare you from these sins? No! He won't! Your judgment will be delivered in this world, Dexter! You will meet a pathetic death, and no one will shed a tear for you. You will fucking die. Mark my words."

"I don't know about then, but for now, I see you shedding tears because of me all the time," he chuckled, rising to his feet. "And I hope to witness that for the rest of my years, Elena. There's nothing left to prove. That one night—I burned everything along with your father. Every fucking proof. And Thomas? He'll never recover. So, I suppose you have to... keep living with hope, until your own death I guess?" With that smug grin, he sauntered out of the kitchen.

As he left, gathering myself from the ground, I quickly wiped away my tears and straightened my posture.

I was helpless, but over the years, I had learned one thing very well—how to pick up the pieces as quickly as they fell. I had my own breakdowns, but I wasn't shattered yet.

Without wasting any time, I started working on breakfast for everyone as soon as possible. More maids joined me, each of them assigned to their tasks, far less than mine.

"What happened to your face?" One of the maids passed me judgemental look, noticing my red puffy face.

"Oh, it's nothing. I caught a cold, that's it," I sniffled wiping the last traces of tears away, shifting on my spot, uncomfortably.

"Are you done preparing the veggies?" Another maid asked me.

"Yes, I have put them beside the sink," I meekly responded before I began working again.

The pack members began to arrive. Some offered me a smile, while others shot me a disgusted look, and some remained expressionless. It was a routine experience. Some hated me, some pitied me and some didn't simply care about the fact that I existed.

Cute? Isn't it?

Fuck everybody.

"Help me with this," One of the maids asked me, handing me a tray full of fruits.

Without complaining, I shifted the tray and put it on the table, from the corners of my eyes I coud notice. They had arrived—the Triplets. All three of them had their girlfriends by their side, as if glued to them. They were beautiful. Of course, they had to be—To stand beside the majestic Triplets, their companions had to meet the highest standards.

The Triplets, I hated to admit but.... they were the definition of power and allure. With their commanding presence, they exuded charisma that could draw anyone in like a moth to a flame, whether it was me, who knew she could never have them, or other women who dreamt of being in their bed, even just once.

"Hey, Elena. You are needed here," another maid's voice rang before I could even look at the Triplets although I didn't exactly want to meet their eyes that'd undoubtedly be filled with hatred for me.

And without delaying further I walked back into the kitchen for the rest of the chores.