Whisper

~The Ceremony~

Chapter 17:

Later that night I think about Emmett's last response to me.

"The fact that you even asked me that question tells me you still need to work on your self-control. Self-control requires confidence and determination. You constantly seek for other people's approval. You shrink under pressure. You doubt your answers and beliefs. Hell! You get a mental breakdown when you even think about removing your clothes to get in the river with the rest of the pack. Last time I checked what you have, every other female in this pack has, and their parts are probably even bigger. Why hide it? Why be so insecure? Stop and maybe you'll be ready for next week, but as of now, no you're not ready."

I shift uncontrollably on the log I was using as a chair. "Everything alright?" Willie questions. I glance at him and nod forcing a small smile. "You never told me how today's training went?" He reminds. "I rather not speak about it." I confess to him. He frowns. "Did something happen?" He asks. Before I could speak the pack's chatter ceases.

I look up to see the rank approaching the campfire. The members of the pack that weren't sitting with us begin to make their way over as well. The leaders stand in all their "glory". Confident and serious.

"I'm tired of waiting!" Shawn shares with a shrug. Everyone stares at him attentively. His jet black hair neatly pushed back as if with gel. "Recently as a pack we've been given the chance to expand in numbers", he brings up. "Unfortunately" he adds. His eyes dart towards my direction. We lock eyes. "Whisper." He smiles. A mocking smile. A mischievous smile.

"This was obviously due to ignorance and impulsiveness, but hey! what can we do about it now right?" He lets out a dry laugh glancing at the members. I watch Chase trying his best to remain composed and calm behind Shawn. The alpha's comments were clearly affecting him.

"Whisper Armstrong!" He calls out. My eyes refocus on him. His voice had a way of traveling through the entire site with so much force and power.

He laughs. "It's time we get to know you a little bit better." He states. "Come up here and tell us about yourself." He motions. I freeze in my seat as everyone's eyes fall on me. Surprisingly I don't freeze up because I'm nervous or scared, I freeze up because I'm angry.

I couldn't tolerate the alpha's obnoxious character much longer.

"Come on, don't be shy." He motions. I stay put trying to find a place for my rising anger. He laughs.

"That's okay. I'll just share what I've picked up about you so far. This young girl is just eighteen years old. Clearly a little girl at heart and attitude. Pretty naive if you ask me. Lived in the nearby town most of us have lived once upon a time, when we possessed normal lives of course. Recently, she has decided to become a full wolf and join our lovely pack. But it appears she has no idea what she's doing here. She's feisty, asks too many questions, keeps too many secrets, and doesn't even bother to join us for swims at the river.

Do you think you're better than us dear Whisper?" He questions. I glare at him furiously. He smirks when I don't dare to answer his question.

"It also appears that she's picky, arrogant, and disobedient. She only talks to Willie and rejects the rest of the pack as if she's some sort of royal heir, thinks nobody deserves to get to know here at a more intimate level, and has no respect for the alpha!" He continues, growing louder and louder.

"When the alpha speaks you listen. When the alpha orders you obey. But Whisper thinks she's the exception to this rule. Ever since she has arrived she has questioned every decision I have made. Perhaps her parents didn't raise her with manners-"

"Back off!" I growl jumping up from the log. "Whisper don't!" Willie yanks me back down. Shawn laughs. I hurl myself back up.

"Oh yeah I almost forgot, Willie and Whisper are dating!" He announces.

"Why are you so obnoxious!?" I shout ignoring his last false comment. "What did I ever do you to!?" I question. "You!" He shouts right back lunging himself towards me. His hand suddenly slaps me across the face. I scream in pain at the impact and fall to the ground. Some of the members gasp at the alpha's sudden angry outburst.

"Are a damn mistake that's what you are" he insults bending down on one knee, yanking the back of my hair so I can look at him straight in the eyes. Those dark, heartless eyes.

"I never gave anyone permission for you to be here. I never gave permission for you to be marked! Now you're my damn problem. You think that's fair? I've got enough problems as it is and now I must deal with a brat like yourself!?" He shouts pulling my hair harder. I moan in pain gripping his arm hoping he would ease up on the hair pulling. He obviously did not budge.

"Leave her alone!" I hear Willie scream angrily. "Hold him back!" Chase orders. I hear groaning and furious protests coming from Willie's mouth, indicating that he had been held back so he wouldn't get the chance to interfere.

"And now you have my pack disobeying me too? You've got some nerve little pup" He expresses through gritted teeth. I groan.

"Hurt the boyfriend!" He commands. "No please!" I quickly protest trying to pull away from his grip.

Willie shouts in pain. "That'll show you how to respect Willie. Someone has to remind you." Shawn states angrily. "You know what my problem is half-breed?" He questions refocusing his attention towards me. "You don't bow down to your alpha. I'm the alpha. I'm the one you need to obey and respect. I own you!" He shouts pushing me away from him. I fall on my face and gasp for air. My hand holds the back of my head that was painfully throbbing. He probably left a damn bold spot! i***t!

"The ceremony will take place tomorrow night! That'll show you who's boss around here!" The alpha announces to the entire pack. I see his feet begin to walk away from the ground. The rest of the rank follow him, with no compassion or concern for my well being after what just happened. I whimper silently.

I feel a pair of arms lift my body up. I fall back down fighting back tears. The person who decided to help me bows down to caress my bruised cheek.

"Are you alright? I am so sorry." He apologizes. I nod slowly placing my hand on his hand. I get lost in his beautiful blue grayish eyes for a moment until Willie's screams pull me back. I gasp. "Make them stop please!" I beg Chase. He stares at me full of worry. "Please!" I cry.

He slowly nods putting out his free hand. That same instant Willie is dropped and the members who were hurting him step away. I examine my best friend's swollen face and bruised body on the ground. My heart breaks for him. He has taken way too many beatings for my sake.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up." Chase whispers close to my face. I nod allowing him to help me up.