Ch. 151..160
Chapter 0151 'I forget that you and Kaley are cousins. That's so weird to process. Hold that thought though, I need to shower and I assume you are my escort to school? Give me ten minutes. "Here, Luna Ava wanted me to bring you this and said 'corne home as soon as you're ready.' She probably figures you don't have anything left here. He holds out a bag I didn't even notice before. She's not wrong. My hasty escape to my childhood prison did not involve bringing supplies, like a change of clothes. I take the bag and just nod my head before running up the stairs two at a time. I am done in record time and had to laugh at what Luna Ava packed. She knew who I would forgive or at least talk to first and who I would need more convincing to give another chance. She must have also come into my room and taken everything else I had so I had no choice but to wear what she packed me. Although, there is no other scent but mine. Sneaky, meddling woman. I'll have to ask her about that.
At least she packed me my own underwear, bra and jeans, but she gave me Oliver's tank top, a t- shirt of Kota's and Cam's sweatshirt. And they all smell like they had worn them just before she packed them. I roll my eyes while I roll up the sleeves on the sweatshirt and head outside. I had to tuck the hem of the shirt into my pants too since it goes all the way to my knees, this takes the fashion term 'oversized' way too far. I give Sam a serious look
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger. You will notice your brother and I didn't contribute to the cause." He waves up and down my outfit. "That doesn 't mean you didn't help with the removal of my other options." I say as we start heading toward the school, clearly neither of us are in a hurry to get there, we're already late, I'm so far ahead in my classes the teachers stopped caring when I come and go. They also probably notice
there are less incidents with Kaley when I'm not there. And he's the future Delta, primary schooling is just a formality. He hands me a granola bar and water bottle, and I just roll my eyes and laugh. He and Mateo are taking the malnutrition diagnosis to heart. What they don't know, is I've gone longer on less food. But that is not something I am going to tell them after all of this crap. '[so while we are talking about being your escort..." "How did you make that jump from Luna Ava's choice of my outfit?" "Don't change the subject! You are still going to the ball with us right? You can't go alone, none of us can, it's not safe for so many reasons." He laughs darkly. Plus now that you have been officially recruited by the Alpha King you may not get to go to another one."
"I guess, this is just a lot. With everything else going on, the Mating Ball just seems stupid, especially for me. I'm only fifteen, still super awkward around anyone who isn't you guys and Sierra and I can't dance. I can't even find my mate for three more years.
Our elders are lazy and it seems like many of them are just using the ball to try and force chosen mates to heighten status or as political strategy to connect packs. I wouldn't want to be in any of your positions, at all, basically paraded around like cattle at an auction. "You're no different really, are you?" He looks at me sideways "What do you mean?" "They way your dad talks, that's basically what you are being paraded around for too. So a guy can level up his rank or you can get chosen by an Alpha or, I guess now, some higher rank from the Alpha King's guys since you clearly have ALL of their attention now." He wiggles his eyebrows at me. I roll my eyes back at him. "I guess I never really saw myself in that position before, my brother is the Beta, not me. I'm just a warrior. It's all I have ever wanted to be, it's all I'm good at."
"You have never been just a warrior, but that is why you need to stick with us and maybe give us a
little slack when we have a less than pleasant reaction to other guys around you. You honestly have no idea how others see you and that is great, because your ego will never be your downfall. But, it's also dangerous because it makes it too easy for someone to take advantage of you. And yes jealousy is a part of that, but none of the other guys will ever admit that to your face."
He gives me a sheepish grin and I giggle a real laugh for the first time in days.
Chapter 0152 "Even Xander, the Alpha prince?" "Especially him. He probably has more girls thrown at him in an hour than the twins do weekly." He shutters. "That sounds awful. But, here, he sought you out, not the other way around. And, you didn't fawn over him like every other girl here, you treated him like a person not a prize or trophy. You also completely kicked his ass. He probably fell in love with you the minute you knocked him out." "You guys don't like it when girls throw themselves at you?" I was not touching the comment about Xander. "Don't get me wrong the s*x is always fun, but they all want more, the status, the money, they want to be trophy mates, and our jobs, including our mates', is a ton of work None of them want the work or even know there is work involved in the job that is associated with the title. We keep to ourselves for a reason. It's not an elitist thing, it's a self preservation thing, but no one gets that if they don't have to live it. And it's not just the girls, their parents throwthem at us as well, whether the girl is willing or not.
Similar to your situation, I think. 'I guess. Speaking of my dad, let's get into class before the principal tells him I'm skipping or something else that will get me punished." "I don 't think that is anything you have to worry about after you called every single one of us out in the hospital." I cringed. probably not my finest moment and I could have been more tactful in my delivery, but the words needed to be said and more importantly heard. We don't even get further than my locker before Kaley comes up to me with Jeanie and Marnie in tow. "What took you so long to get back? And why are you dressed like that? Where did you get Cam's
shirt? He never lets me wear his sweatshirts. I demand you hand over my boyfriend 's shirt now! And I will be letting my father know that you aren't taking the responsibility of getting back to school in a timely manner seriously after your shift." I look at the hand she has held out to me like I really would pull off Cam's shirt and give it to her. "The Luna chose her outfit after her patrols this morning. If you have a problem, you can take it directly to her. As for arrival times, we are well within our allotted return times, I should know. Speaking of, how were your shifts ladies? I hope all of your requests were met and satisfactory since you were all so eager to join even though you weren 't qualified yet and don 't participate regularly in training that would prepare you for a situation like patrolling." Sam finishes sweetly over my shoulder. Something is brewing in his eyes. Both Marnie and Jeanie mumble unintelligible things, not looking at either of us. Marnie still looks as tired as she did when she got to us this morning. But at least she looks slightly more put together. I bet she isn't allowed in Kaley's presence without checking off certain boxes on her personal 'must look this way' list. Early doesn't suit her at all, I almost feel bad she was forced into this with false advertising and promises. Maybe she'll drop it and put me out of my rmsery. "There was a misunderstanding with our shifts. Daddy will fixit before the end of the day today. Kaley flips her hair over her shoulder. "We won 't need to actually learn any of that stuff anyway, I don't know why we were lumped in with the rest of the help. "I don't really consider myself fhe help.' And your schedules are set for the rest of the month. There is no changing them, regardless of what my uncle thinks he can get away with. The task of arranging them has been left to me and considering you couldn't be bothered to show up for your assigned shift on time or complete the whole thing you will not be given any special favors.
I suggest you start wrapping your head around having to actually work for a change. Your daddy's time of fixing things for you is coming to an end." Sam looks Kaley dead in the eyes and for a brief second I saw a flash of something like fear cross her features.
"Oh and Sky, I will need your report on Marnie by the end of the day, we are evaluating all of the new patrol recruits, remind me to tell Sierra when we get to class. She has to do Jeanie's report as well. They at least showed up." He glances at them, then at me, then he wraps an arm around my shoulder and guides me away from that potential trainwreck.
“You do realize the target you put on our backs right?
I don’t know how the family stuff works, but they are going to make Sierra's and my life a living hell."
“Let’s be honest, you can take them all blindfolded with one arm tied behind your back, but at least you would have a reason to fight back. I also believe you are currently working your way through hell, I don’t think any of them could actually make what you are going through worse. She can't get to you, and she knows, or at least grasps, what you mean to us. She’s not dumb enough to go after you again.” He raises his eyebrows letting me know he and Sierra discussed me at length.
I found that making up with, or I guess, acknowledging Mateo and Sam was more punishment for the other three than ignoring them all. I have never heard more growls and incoherent mumbling from any of them before. I still wasn’t saying much to anyone, they all still have to figure out I’m nota china doll, but that won’t be a reality until we are all in an actual situation that involves me saving myself and not needing them in the slightest. I still chose the corner table at lunch to just have some breathing room. I have to figure out this balance between socializing and having personal space. It feels like | went from one end of the spectrum to the other and then back again. It gives me a headache.
I’m completely lost in my own thoughts when a flash of yellow sits down beside me, Marnie, followed by Jeanie in bright blue and they both lean into me, but looking around skittish like they don’t want to get caught talking to me. Which is probably true.
“We cannot fail the patrol thingy. What do we need to do? Today was awful, but I can't have a bad report and if Kaley’s dad can’t rig it for us, you have to help us.” Marnie’'s eyes look almost wild in her real panic.
And they keep looking around to see who’s watching us, not actually making eye contact with me.
“Umm."
“Please? We know we are terrible and we are the last people that you should help, but we can’t fail again."
Jeanie pants at me. “We don’t even care about Kaley, she set us up."
“I guess, I could give you some pointers, but it’s really hard since you guys don’t actually participate in regular training. Your conditioning isn’t where it should be."
“We will literally do anything.” Marnie flashes her hopeful crazy- looking smile at me. “Like show dress to get guys to notice you or how to get them excited or you the best way to go down on..."
“NOPE! Nope, nope, nope. Stop right there. I have no idea what your skills are, but I want none of that.
Make sure you get a good night's rest, drink water and eat well today. That should help with the fatigue I saw in Marnie this morning. Wear dark colors, the idea is to not be seen in that situation. And show up and participate in training every day. After that it’s about being consistent in your training. You need your cardio and strength to get through this.” This is so weird, I have no idea what to make of this situation at all. I’m talking fast, I just want them to get away from me.
“Okay, Thanks!” They say together, popping up from the seats next to me and leaving just as quickly as they came.
“What was that all about?” Oliver’s timber growled behind me. I stiffen, but don’t look up.
I can’t deny the calm that washed over me as he came closer, and of course the irritation that followed at the realization. I took a deep breath, taking in the honey scent, resisting the urge to roll
my eyes and turned to him. It’s so strange that such a sweet smell comes from such a menacing person. If I didn’t know him, I wouldn’t want to cross his path on a good day with the way school his face into an indifferent mask that borderlines hostility.
Chapter 0153
“You do realize the target you put on our backs right?
I don’t know how the family stuff works, but they are going to make Sierra's and my life a living hell."
“Let’s be honest, you can take them all blindfolded with one arm tied behind your back, but at least you would have a reason to fight back. I also believe you are currently working your way through hell, I don’t think any of them could actually make what you are going through worse. She can't get to you, and she knows, or at least grasps, what you mean to us. She’s not dumb enough to go after you again.” He raises his eyebrows letting me know he and Sierra discussed me at length.
I found that making up with, or I guess, acknowledging Mateo and Sam was more punishment for the other three than ignoring them all. I have never heard more growls and incoherent mumbling from any of them before. I still wasn’t saying much to anyone, they all still have to figure out I’m nota china doll, but that won’t be a reality until we are all in an actual situation that involves me saving myself and not needing them in the slightest. I still chose the corner table at lunch to just have some breathing room. I have to figure out this balance between socializing and having personal space. It feels like | went from one end of the spectrum to the other and then back again. It gives me a headache.
I’m completely lost in my own thoughts when a flash of yellow sits down beside me, Marnie, followed by Jeanie in bright blue and they both lean into me, but looking around skittish like they don’t want to get caught talking to me. Which is probably true.
“We cannot fail the patrol thingy. What do we need to do? Today was awful, but I can't have a bad report and if Kaley’s dad can’t rig it for us, you have to help us.” Marnie’'s eyes look almost wild in her real panic.
And they keep looking around to see who’s watching us, not actually making eye contact with me.
“Umm."
“Please? We know we are terrible and we are the last people that you should help, but we can’t fail again."
Jeanie pants at me. “We don’t even care about Kaley, she set us up."
“I guess, I could give you some pointers, but it’s really hard since you guys don’t actually participate in regular training. Your conditioning isn’t where it should be."
“We will literally do anything.” Marnie flashes her hopeful crazy- looking smile at me. “Like show dress to get guys to notice you or how to get them excited or you the best way to go down on..."
“NOPE! Nope, nope, nope. Stop right there. I have no idea what your skills are, but I want none of that.
Make sure you get a good night's rest, drink water and eat well today. That should help with the fatigue I saw in Marnie this morning. Wear dark colors, the idea is to not be seen in that situation. And show up and participate in training every day. After that it’s about being consistent in your training. You need your cardio and strength to get through this.” This is so weird, I have no idea what to make of this situation at all. I’m talking fast, I just want them to get away from me.
“Okay, Thanks!” They say together, popping up from the seats next to me and leaving just as quickly as they came.
“What was that all about?” Oliver’s timber growled behind me. I stiffen, but don’t look up.
I can’t deny the calm that washed over me as he came closer, and of course the irritation that followed at the realization. I took a deep breath, taking in the honey scent, resisting the urge to roll
my eyes and turned to him. It’s so strange that such a sweet smell comes from such a menacing person. If I didn’t know him, I wouldn’t want to cross his path on a good day with the way school his face into an indifferent mask that borderlines hostility.
Chapter 0154
“Sam told them that Sierra and I were evaluating their performances during patrols and they came to ask for help. I guess they are worried about failing if Kaley’s dad can't rig anything in their favor. They’ve probably never had to truly work for something before” I shrug, turning to put my book back in my bag.
“Huh. You need to eat something, you are not gaining weight fast enough and you are tiny enough as it is."
He slides a tray with a sandwich, chips, veggies, fruit and water on it towards me, then turns and just leaves.
I just blink and take another deep breath and try to remember that he is taking care of me in his own caveman way. It’s a sign of him trying to mend fences that he came over in the first place and as much as I want to throw it away to show 1 am still angry with them and I don’t want to prove he is right.
But I am hungry and the doc said I wasn’t eating enough for my activity level, so I eat everything, quickly, then get up to throw my stuff out and head to our next class without a backward glance. The presence of six bodies behind me tells me I have a full escort this time.
The next couple days are more of the same mundane routine, but I really don’t mind routine. Sometimes with all the chaos, having expected things happen the way they are supposed to is calming and reassuring.
Marnie took my advice and while she wasn’t any better, she wasn't as big of a pain as she was on day one and she seems to be really trying. Sierra said something similar about Jeanie Friday morning.
“So after training tomorrow morning we are getting ready in the Luna's suite for the mating ball. You have zero choices in this matter and I don’t want to hear about it. We also have to be ready by 7pm because Martha wants to see us at the diner first before we head over to the ball.” Sierra looks over at me like I might explode at her for telling me what our plans are for this stupid dance. The casual way she just throws more things we have to do before actually attending the ball is wearing my nerves though. She has talked of nothing else all day and I don’t think we have discussed the same thing about the ball twice as we walk between classes. I am also doing the mental math and do not understand the amount of time she has allotted to get ready either.
I have made my peace with going with her and the guys and I have determined myself to have a good time, even if it is for Sierra’s sake alone. I can see her almost vibrating with excitement about the whole ordeal. We have one more class for the day and then I can get to the gym. Sam, Mateo and Sierra have been taking turns ‘hanging’ out with me there.
After what happened last time no one, including Luna Ava and Delta Kyle trust me in there by myself. None of us really talk, just work. The twins and Oliver have yet to take their turn though and I can’t decide if I am more happy or disappointed in the amount of space they are giving me. | Tonight was Sierra’s turn, she asked if we could use the packhouse gym for convenience, and the topic returned to the ball. This time we are discussing the after party that seems to be happening at the packhouse. We apparently have to have a different outfit for this party than the dresses we are wearing to the dance.
“The Luna has us covered though. She told me this morning that our ‘after- dresses’ will be hanging in your room and we should be able to quickly doa wardrobe change before anyone notices we’re missing.” She keeps rambling as my eyebrows rise farther into my hairline and | am momentarily stuck mid squat.
“Are you serious? I am already wearing one dress that you chose for me. Why does there have to bea second monkey suit?"
“First, monkey suits are for the boys. Second, I don’t argue with the Luna.” She giggles at me and I can’t help but crack a smile, knowing full well there wasn’t a fight at all.
I just roll my eyes and get back to my leg workout. An hour later, Sierra and I emerge from the dungeon of the packhouse to find all the guys conveniently hanging around the island of the kitchen as we come out. Sam and Mateo make eye contact and give mea half smile, the other three just stare, no expression on their faces. Oliver slides a shaker to me full of a dense brownish concoction without a word or a second glance then heads out of the room. A few minutes later I hear the soft whoosh and snick of the front door opening and closing.
‘He had to get to his patrol shift.” Sam says by way of an explanation. “He said you still need to put some meat on your bones."
I take the shake rolling my eyes and head upstairs. I don’t bother going back to the Beta house tonight, I have an early morning, and I am going to need plenty of rest to deal with these as*holes all day tomorrow.
For the first time in a long time, Sierra doesn’t follow me. Maybe she thinks I’m safe here in the confines of the packhouse. And since there is no other babysitter following me, everyone else is in agreement that I’m not a flight risk and need to be monitored.
Chapter 0155
I showered and spread out my books to make sure that I am as far ahead as I can be on my work, since I know I won’t be getting anything done this weekend.
I woke up early, well, my usual time and was both relieved and lonely finding my room completely empty of my friends. The revolving door of protectors the last few weeks with everything going on meant there was a constant presence, whether outside my door at the Beta house or camped on the sizable couch that showed up in my packhouse bedroom after the threat was delivered last week and everyone stayed with me.
I’m still trying to wrap my emotions around my friend's behavior. They know very well that I ama great fighter, but treat me like a porcelain doll. They claim to trust me, but have secret conversations without me over their mindlink. I know they care for me, but the looks of fear and uncertainty thrown my way make me anxious.
I shower quickly and head down to grab a bite to eat before my patrol shift starts. I'm met with Gamma Brett and Oliver standing at the island having alow conversation that quickly stops once they notice my presence. Oliver hands me another shake but walks away. I reach for his arms as he walks by me. He stops but doesn’t turn his head.
“Thank you.” I whisper, indicating the shake.
He takes a deep shuddering breath, then steps out of my grasp and heads for the stairs, clearly just off his shift. 1 take my own calming breath before turning to Gamma Brett who just watched the whole situation in silence.
“Ready?” Is all he asks. And I nod in response.
If that interaction is any indication of how tonight is going to be, then I may skip out on the ball all together. Sierra would understand, hopefully.
Especially if the twins are similar. | Patrols were the same. We have found nothing out of the ordinary along the coastlines and the doubled up patrols across the isthmus that connects our territory to the mainland. Everything and everyone that comes and goes is now thoroughly checked and vetted before coming onto our territory.
I think best when I run, and I have found that even actively participating in patrols and concentrating on what we are being taught, my brain processes information so much better and I have come up with a theory as to why we haven’t found anything yet, but the threat wasn’t clear and there wasn't any indication that whoever sent it would even be back. I just don’t understand what the severed fingers mean and what is the significance of the silver?
What are you thinking so hard about over there?
Gamma Brett asks, a little amusement in his tone.
Theories.
Really? Care to share?
Not sure they are worth sharing, honestly. Just jumbled thoughts. Probably things everyone else has already thought of and planned for.
I don’t know why I am being so vague. It’s weird talking to him when normally I would be hashing my ideas out with the guys. They are my equals, I’m just a kid to Gamma Brett. He’s more than likely just asking to help me learn a lesson of some kind, like any trainer.
You know you can talk to me right? Or Kyle or Gwen or Ava. You seem to have shut everyone out, not just the boys.
I take a deep breath, knowing he's right, but too stubborn to admit it out loud.
I don't think we are going to get anything until after the guys leave for training. Even with all the extra training and patrols, we are losing five of our best fighters when they head to the Royal Pack. Whoever is behind this has to be waiting for something.
That’s the next big transition for the pack, it’s logical. But I also feel like it’s too obvious at the same time. Maybe tonight at the mating ball? There are a ton of people from other packs that are here, maybe then? But’ I’m sure that you have all thought that through and taken precautions, otherwise we wouldn't be having the mating ball.
Unless you’re using the ball as bait to get the culprits out into the open. Which is sketchy by the way. And what is so special about the two fingers that were sent and the silver powder that was clearly the weapon. It kind of makes my brain hurt.
I snort an unamused laugh and get a strange look from Marnie. She must have just realized she’s being left out of the conversation.
“You know it’s not fair to give inside information to her just because she’s the favorite and can shift and mindlink right?”
Chapter 0156
“I wouldn’t dream of doing that, besides...”
I have the ability to link both of you even though you cannot respond Marnie. Please be careful of your accusations before you start letting them fly out of your mouth without any real thought. Gamma Brett links both of us. Her eyes go wide. I don’t think she has ever been called out like that before, so used to getting away with flippant comments like that. He was far more calm than I would have been after days of her holding us back. She's trying, but it’s not any less frustrating.
‘Sky to answer your question, we have started to think of those possibilities and work through them, and no, we would not use anyone as bait unknowingly.
Marnie’s eyes go wide at the mention of people being used as ‘bait.’ I nod and we continue. Marnie makes no more comments or even asks what my question was.
The only good thing is her and Jeanie at least took my notes seriously and they have actually started participating in training, but they are years behind, which is painful for everyone involved.
The five hour shifts are only slightly less painful than the first day with her, and to think, I have three more weeks of this rotation. I’m so overjoyed.
We head back to the patrol cabin and check in before we all go our separate ways. I head off to Saturday morning training with the pups. They should actually be close to wrapping the first session up with the younger kids when I get there. It feels like forever since I have seen these kids, with the trials and the lockdown and can’t wait to catch up with them. I didn’t realize how much I would miss training with them. Getting to see their excited faces when they finally master something they have been working on forever.
When I walk into the arena, training is in full effect and for the first time ever, I just stop to watch the beauty that is my pack. Each of the guys and Sierra have taken a group and they appear to be teaching release techniques for close combat. Everyone is sweaty and red-faced, but happy and engaged.
“Sky! Sky! Come look. I did it!!” Brandon, a very hyper eight year old that reminds me of Sam when he was little, shouts at me as he barrels into the side of my leg, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“What did you do?!” I ask excitedly as he grabs my hand and I can’t help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm. I let him drag me across the field, we are both smiling and laughing and I am so caught up I don’t realize who he is dragging me to. Until I'm thrown straight into a solid wall of muscle. I bounce and strong hands keep me from embarrassing myself by falling on my butt in front of all these kids.
A sharp intake of Citrus lets me know exactly who saved my dignity. I look up at Cam’s face and give him a small smile. This is only the second one on one contact we’ve had in days and I have to admit, it’s also the first time I have felt any sense of calm since our fight.
I shamelessly take another deep inhale of his scent closing my eyes to savor the peace that washes over me. The rumbling chuckle in his chest lets me know the action didn't go unnoticed.
“The feeling is mutual, Tiny, I mean Skylar."
Every fiber of my being wants to tell him it’s okay to call me by the pet name, but thank the Goddess that my brain is in charge. I just nod and then clear my throat.
“Umm, Brandon said he had something to show me."
I look down at the boy still attached to my hand, looking up at us, completely oblivious to the moment that just passed.
“Yes! I totally took Alpha Cam down! It was the greatest thing EVER!” Brandon has a crazed look, pumping his fists and his whole body is vibrating with excitement. 1 am fighting to hold back my laugh.
Chapter 0157
“Oh, really? I would like to see that. It’s not everyday you get achance to beat an Alpha.” I giggle and wink at Cam who has an unreadable expression on his face.
“Alright little man, it sounds like you want a challenge and I don’t know how I feel about you taking my girl's attention or holding her hand. I might not play fair now.
Brandon's eyes go wide and he looks at his hand in mine and jumps back like I electrocuted him. “I’m sorry Alpha, that’s not what I meant at all. I just wanted Sky to watch, you know, since she’s been teaching us and all, and..."
“Brandon, relax, he was just teasing.” I try to calm the rambling boy down.
Was I though? If I’m not allowed to touch you, no one else is. Cam mindlinks me.
My jaw drops open, but Cam just turns around winking at me. “Come on Brandon, let's show your fearless leader what you can do.” Cam walks off with Brandon, and I am speechless.
As soon as my brain checks in and I realize I should be moving, a Massive arm wraps around my shoulder.
It’s only fair that I get to be close too, even if it’sa minute. Yes I’m jealous that an eight year old was holding your hand and from watching my brother hold you. Dakota mindlinks me, but doesn’t look at me, just propels us forward where Cam and Brandon are setting up to spar. He doesn't release me like I thought he would though, just leaves his arm loosely draped over my shoulder.
“Alright little man, let's see what you got.” Cam taunts Brandon who doesn't seem phased at all. He’s bouncing around like a heavy weight boxer getting ready to start a fight.
They get into position and Cam grabs Brandon like they were practicing before, but instead of letting Brandon with the fight quickly, Cam puts more resistance on him and makes it more difficult for Brandon to break the hold. Brando tries the release again and again, finally on the fourth attempt Cam lets him break the hold.
“Awe man, that was way harder this time. Did you just go easy on me to make me feel better the first time?” Brandon almost looks defeated. I move to go to him and try to help him understand that Cam is making him better this way, but Kota grabs my arm,holding me in place.
“I would never do that to you little man. The first time was to show you how getting out of the hold works, then we keep working on it so the move is in your muscle memory no matter the situation, then as you get better, we make it harder and harder to break so you’re always learning. Besides, I couldn’t let you make me look weak in front of the girls.” He winks at Brandon whose smile lights up his whole face, making me smile too.
A low rumbling huff comes from the other side of the sparring circle. I look up sharply to see Oliver staring daggers at me with a scowl on his face. He rolls his eyes and turns to walk away.
He doesn’t get far before we hear, “Oh Goddess there you are! I have been looking for you everywhere. The Luna wasn’t sure where all of you were. Of course you are working with these sweet little pups, it’s so great how you spend your spare time with them. I just wanted to make sure that you boys left on time to get ready to take us to the mating ball. We have to be right on time for the grand entrance. I heard that Alpha Prince Alexander was coming too since he became such good friends with you all during the trial, so we for sure can’t be late.” Kaley’s high-pitched tone came at us from the entrance of the arena. She is talking animatedly with her hands like a fairy in a movie.
“What are you talking about?” Sam asks coming up next to me. “We have plenty of time, two more training sessions and none of us are taking you anywhere. I know that we all made that perfectly
clear. We are going as a group.” He points generally to the guys, Sierra and I. “And just to be one hundred percent clear that does not include yourself, Marnie or Jeanie. Please stop trying to force the issue or change our minds.”
Chapter 0158
Kaley’s face went more crimson than I have ever seen it before, but I’m not sure if it was from anger or embarrassment at this going down with an audience.
‘“‘My father said Cameron and Dakota will be escorting me, Mateo will be escorting Jeanie and Oliver will be escorting Marnie. I have no reason to think otherwise.
He set everything up and I expect you all to pick us up on time so we can make our entrance properly as the future leaders of this pack.” She raises her chin to Sam as if she is giving a command.
“T suggest you watch your tone to your future leaders.” Oliver emphasizes the word ‘leaders.’ “Your father is not a leader in any way shape or form, and therefore has no control over us or really anything in this pack. As you have been told on more than enough occasions, we are going as a group.” He gestures to the guys around the sparring circle again for emphasis. “The future Alphas, Betas, Gammas and Delta. You are none of those things. Do not expect any of us to show up to escort you anywhere. None of us can sense our mate, so this ball is nothing more than an end of year dance and formality for any of us.
There is no reason to make such a big deal out of it. If you choose to attend we might see you later.” He turns and heads towards the entrance to the arena without a glance back at any of us.
I did not miss the plurals of ‘Beta’ and ‘Gamma"
including Sierra and I by our ranks. My heart stings watching him go, he’s still angry at me for wanting to leave and not listening to his pleas to stay. I take a deep breath and roll my eyes inwardly. He has to let me go. I can't be stifled here.
Before Kaley can say anything else Delta Kyle comes up and claps his hands. “You all did very well today, we will see you next weekend. Make sure you work on everything that you learned today so you can come back stronger next week. The Luna would like a word with you all so I am going to take the rest of the training for today.” He doesn’t even spare Kaley a glance.
“Awe man! I was totally going to whoop you this time too.” Brandon stomps the ground.
‘There's always next time, little man.” Cam pats him on the shoulder.
I turn out of Dakota’s grasp. “I’m just going to grab my things then I will be on my way, you guys don’t have to wait, I’ll catch up.” I head swiftly towards the locker area.
I don’t really have anything to grab, I just really don’t want to walk with them. There’s still a huge tension between all of us and I’m not sure how to get past it. I guess I'll have to figure it out soon if I want to hang out with all of them for the rest of the night though.
I fiddle around in the girls locker room for about ten minutes and figure they should be gone by now and if they aren't I will just have to deal with them walking me to the packhouse. As I go to grab the door it comes flying open and the momentum I wasn’t expecting knocks me on my butt. Before I know what is happening I see a fist flying towards my head and then everything goes black.
Chapter 0159
Plink Drip. Plink Drip. Plink Drip. Plink Drip.
“Ugh.” What is that sound? And why does my head hurt so badly? Where am I? I try to open my eyes, but they feel like they are being weighed down by something. I move my eyeballs around behind my eyelids really slowly and then try opening again. This time I get light through just a sliver of an opening in my eyelids, but everything is fuzzy. I blink some more willing something to come into focus.
Plink Drip. Plink Drip. Plink Drip. Plink Drip.
I squeeze my eyes shut, which actually hurts, then crack them open again and get enough body awareness to shift my head toward the sound that is like nails on a chalkboard in this otherwise silent space. Finally I can see it. One of the faucets in the communal showers is dripping, I’m still in the locker room. Why was I in the locker room? The obnoxious sound is coming from the water hitting the metal soap shelf and then the drain and sending chills up my spine. I slowly move my head back forward, why am I so slow and groggy? Even thinking is hard. I don’t think I am standing, but I don't think I’m on the floor either. Huh.
I can’t see and I don’t think I can move, what can I do? I can smell, maybe. I try to inhale. "Umph, uhh."
Sh*t that hurts. My chest is on fire now, for sure broken ribs. I try again more slowly this time, expecting the pain. Blood. All 1 smell is blood. My blood to be exact, and a lot of it. What the f*ck is going on?
“It’s about time you stupid weak b*tch. It took far too long for you to come out of that. You weren’t even hit that hard or given that much sedative.” A flash of light goes off near me and makes me
flinch. I didn’t realize there was anyone here with me. I wonder if my nose is broken, maybe that’s why I can only smell my own blood.
Kaley. This cannot be good. I do a physical check while she yammers on about me being weak and useless. Nothing original in her string of insults. I can’t move my toes, but I think I can feel them. My knees hurt which unfortunately is a good and bad sign, I have some sort of use of my legs, but not much. I can’t tell if my shirt is wet or if I am bleeding, maybe both, but something is for sure not right on my torso and I can’t feel my fingers and my shoulders are burning. Probably from being tied up or dragged around, but I don’t have the body control to even look at myself yet. This may be worse than the whipping from a year ago.
I try to say something, but it feels like someone dumped a bucket of sand into my mouth and throat and as I flex the muscles in my face I know there must be some spectacular bruising and broken bones.
“Don't bother with your smart*ss remarks. I’m just here to tell you to stay away from the twins, permanently. They are mine and I will not have you getting in the way any longer.” A kick to my stomach makes me choke on the little air I can take in. 1 am for sure not laying down. “Stop annoying them.” Kick to my side. “Stop distracting them.” Kick to my other side. At least two people are helping her. “And stop trying to force yourself on them.” Slap. A warm sensation flows down my lips. “They. Are. Mine.” I try to focus on where I hear her voice. She isn’t close enough to be the one inflicting my torture. Punch.
This one right across my face including the broken cheekbone. I think lost a tooth with that one.
“UGH! Watch where you are flicking her nasty skank blood. I have to be presentable for Cameron and Dakota at the mating ball. I’m tired of you getting attention you don’t deserve.” Punch. “Having access and time with the Alpha and Luna that should be mine.” Kick. “You should not be the
favorite, you worthless spare beta, I should be. They are all just taking pity on you since not even your dad wants you.” Slap. “Get it through your head now. I. Will. Be.
Luna. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” A sharp pain pierces my thigh. I felt it again and again in both legs and then dragged up my arms. I can barely breathe, I can’t scream, the searing pain is so bad I want to throw up, just like when... When she used the silver powder on me. Oh sh*t, she’s going to really kill me this time.
Chapter 0160
I can’t call for help, or even beg her to stop, I am weak. I would beg for her to stop if I could. I can’t feel my wolf because of the silver and whatever else has me disoriented. I just keep shouting in my head hoping someone can hear my stifled cry for help.
I don’t focus on one person, I shout out to the whole pack, praying someone can hear me. Maybe Oliver and the twins can feel my agony, anything to stop this.
But, maybe they can’t since there is wolfsbane blocking my connection. Maybe my wolf is the only connection I have to them. Maybe she’s the reason we connect with them. It’s not because of me. I am still just the unwanted spare. I can hear muffled conversation around me, but I can’t make anything out through the blinding pain.
My head is whipped back and someone has a firm grip on my hair. My body makes an involuntary noise of agony. I still can’t see anyone, but I can feel several of the tiny baby hairs pulling from my scalp, making my eyes water.
Then the unmistakable sound of scissors cutting slowly, deliberately slowly. Snip, snip, snip, snip, before my head falls forward unexpectedly lighter, and freshly cut short, loose strands fall into my eyes and poke at my face. She cut off my hair. What is wrong with her? I’m already beaten to the point of not being recognizable.
“There, now even when you heal, you will look terrible and none of the guys will want to look at you or to be seen with you. Make sure she’s out until after the ball is over, preferably for a day or two. That should give me plenty of time with the Alphas. And if I see you anywhere near them after this, Skank, I will make sure you don’t survive the next round. There are plenty of wolves willing to help me get rid of worthless trash like you.”
The unmistakable sound of heels clicking on the tile floor of the locker room retreated behind me. Punches and kicks rain all over my body again. A few more to my face tell me this is probably why I can’t see, my eyes are swollen and almost shut.
I just keep chanting ‘please help me” in my head over and over again as my cries of pain go ignored. I can’t move my arms or legs. Maybe I'm bound, maybe they're broken, who knows.
I knew that there was a target on my back when the guys said they were taking Sierra and I to this stupid ball and hanging out with us, but I didn’t think this was going to be the result. I hope Sierra isn’t locked somewhere going through the same torture.
I can feel the warm stream of tears running down my deformed face. I can’t believe this is how I am going to leave this world, there’s no way I will make it to a next time. Drugged and beaten in the locker room of my favorite place.
The arena, my true home. The place that allowed me to feel normal and a part of this pack, with a purpose.
This is where I am going to take my last breath. I guess it could be worse. I am home. I just wish I would have been able to fight for my life, not trussed up like a pig for sl*ughter.
The light is starting to fade and it has gotten more quiet, but maybe I just can’t hear anymore. I’m making out less and less colors in front of me. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to the kids, that would have been nice. And Brandon really wanted to show off with Cam.
I bet it would have been really cute watching him go up against the future Alpha again, so serious and determined he could win. And Cam would have played along, even just for a bit. Dakota would have been standing by to give Brandon pointers on how to beat his brother.
I can picture the sparkle in his eye. Sam would have been talking smack to Cam about having to go up against a kid to look good and Mateo and Oliver would be standing watch to make sure nothing went wrong. Always the protectors.