Her Cursed Alpha Mate

Chapter 4 – Dungeon

I pushed those thoughts aside when I heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall towards the room I am in. Great. I was really hoping for a day without multiple beatings. I know it was a long shot, but a girl can hope, can’t she?

I could smell him before he got to the door, and I knew my day was about to get a lot worse because it was Asher. I will admit that I find Asher extremely attractive, but the more time I spend in this pack and the more I am around Asher, the more I despise everything about him.

Asher has ruined my trust in all men. I used to want to find my mate. The one person who is destined to love me with all his heart no matter what. I would dream about finding my mate and getting away from this horrible pack and starting a life with him, forgetting everything that has happened. Lately, I have stopped dreaming about my mate and hope I don’t find him, because I see how mates treat each other in this pack and I would rather be alone my whole life than be bound to a mate that treats me like an object he owns. Zeena keeps reminding me that our mate will love us and to keep hope.

I cringed when I heard Asher’s insulting words come from behind me “Hello beautiful. I can’t wait until you agree to mate with me, and I get to hear you scream my name. And trust me, you will agree to mate.”

Asher nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck, and it took all my will power to hold my vomit in. I slowly walked away from him and rolled my eyes. When I didn’t respond, he grabbed my face in a bruising grip and forced me to look at him. I could hear Zeena whimpering and retreating to the back of my mind like she always does when Asher is around us. I never understood why she reacts like this to him, but I stopped asking a long time ago.

Against my better judgment, I removed Asher's hand from my face and said, with no emotion, “Never going to happen Asher, dream all you want, but I will never agree to mate with you.”

I saw his face darken and his nostrils flare. He gripped my chin again, even tighter than before, and said through gritted teeth “You dare speak to your Alpha that way!?”

“You will never be my Alpha.”

At this point, I could see Asher was losing control, but I couldn’t care less. I fell to the ground and was seeing stars when his fist connected with my face.

“Fine! Let’s see if two weeks in the dungeon teaches you how to respect your Alpha!”

I remained calm, spit the blood out from my mouth and rose to my feet. I remained calm to not give him the satisfaction of getting a response from me. This pissed Asher off, and he grabbed my arm and started to drag me to the dungeon to serve my punishment.

Asher drug me all the way to the dungeons and threw me into a cell that was dark, wet and smelled like rotting animals. As he threw me into the dungeon he said, “You will beg me to mate with you, I promise!” with that he locked the cell doors and left me in the dark, gross cell.

I glared at his back as he walked up the stairs. I swear I will murder him one day for all the pain he has put me though.

“Oh Ann” Zen sighed.

Flashback – 10 years old.

I was running home to help dad in the garden when my bully Justin and his crew blocked my path.

” What do you want Justin?” I glared at him, trying to move past him and continue on my way home.

“What is an ugly duckling like you doing out here?” He said as he shoved me to the ground, making all his friends laugh.

“You are a horrible person, Justin, and I hope you never find happiness and die a painful death!” I shouted as I stood up clenching my fists ready to fight him.

“Annaleena Rose.” My father said with a very disappointed look.

I bowed my head in shame. I looked at Justin and apologized the best I could. “I’m sorry Justin, I didn’t mean it.” I walked past him and his friends with my head hung low to my father. “I’m sorry Dad.”

We continued to walk to the house in silence. Dad went to the garden and handed me a pair of gloves and a shovel. We continued to work in silence for a while longer.

“My sweet little girl. Promise me you will always remember to keep your kind heart. I know it can be hard at times when others hurt us, but we need to be strong and show kindness.”

“But Dad, why can’t I stand up for myself? He always bullies me!”

“There is a difference between standing up for yourselves and acting no better than they are. I agree that we need to be respected, but we also need to give forgiveness. What would happen if Justin died tomorrow?”

“Well, I didn’t actually mean I wanted him to die.”

“I know sweet pea, but that’s what you said. You can demand respect without losing your heart and hurting people that don't actually deserve to be hurt. You can give forgiveness without allowing them to hurt you anymore. You must find the balance between putting your foot down and allowing the darkness in and allowing it to take over. You are a smart girl and I know you will stay in the light. Just remember that I love you and, no matter what, I will always be here for you.”

“I love you too, Daddy. I promise I will try to control my anger better in the future.”

We played in the sun the rest of the afternoon. Laughing and running around just enjoying each other’s company.

“Time for supper, you two. Come get washed up.” Mom yelled from the front door.

I had tears running down my face as I stared into the dark cell. I must remember what Dad said and find a way for justice to be served to this pack. Maybe I can go to the Alpha King Xavier and plea my case, and he will investigate Black Meadow, but I heard he was vicious. I don’t know what course of action to take, but I will think of something if I ever get out of this place.