Becoming the Queen

PROLOGUE BELLA ROSE POV

15 YEARS OLD...

“I can do this. I know I can. I have been taking care of myself since I was little.” I mutter to myself as I make my way through the busy streets of New York.

It is not the first time I have run from my foster home, but it will be the last if I have anything to say about it. I have been to thirteen different homes since I was seven years old. Until then, I had one good home that I remember. I would probably still be with them today if the family did not move out of state.

Foster care is all I have known since I was left outside the emergency room doors at a hospital with a note when I was only a couple of months old. I learned how to survive the best I could with self-defense lessons and self-taught knife skills. Well, I know how to stab people and my aim is good anyway. If I can’t survive that way, my only choice left is to run.

Lost in my thoughts, keeping my head down, I slowly make my way through the crowd. That was my first mistake. I should have been more aware of my surroundings. Suddenly, I am grabbed around my waist with a hand clamped over my mouth before I can make a sound. I am guessing that it is a man. I am soon proven correct when he slams me into a concrete wall between two buildings and leans to whisper in my ear.

“Don’t scream. I would hate to slit your pretty throat.” His voice sounds crackly like he has smoked cigarettes all his life.

I start to wiggle around, trying to break free of his hold on me while I slip my hand into my pants pocket. Once I have my knife firmly in my grasp, I pull it out and slam the blade down into his thigh behind me.

“Argh! You little b***h!” he yells in my ear. Letting go of my wrist to hold onto his leg.

I don’t waste any time slipping out from between him and the wall. I turn back the way we came and start running. I don’t make it far before he grabs me by my hair and pulls me backward.

“You p***y b***h mother fucker!” I scream as I start thrashing against him again, his arm once again is wrapped around my waist.

“Oh, look the little b***h has a mouth on her.” He snarls as he pulls tighter on my hair.

“If I don’t kill you my dad will. He will make you regret ever thinking about touching me.” I lie hoping to scare him at least. It doesn’t work.

“Boss will love you. He will make a fortune off you if he doesn’t decide to keep you for himself.” He tries to purr in my ear as he wraps his now bloody hand around my throat. I slam my elbow back into his ribs, earning a grunt from him in return. I throw my head back, but he dodges the hit.

“Let me go you sick fucker!” I scream as loud as I can while slamming my knife back down into his leg.

“f*****g cunt! I am going to kill you!” he seethes as his grip tightens on my throat. “Be a good b***h and shut the f**k up!”

I keep stabbing at his leg as my vision starts to darken when he slams me into the wall again. My head bounces off the wall as I try to suck some air into my lungs. My knife falls out of my grip. It is pointless. His hold is too strong. I didn’t think this was how my life would end. How stupid of me not to pay attention. This is my fault. As my body grows weak and I finally start to slip under, I feel relief. Like I can breathe again. It takes me a minute to realize that I actually can. I begin sucking in the air like it is the only thing I know how to do. Coughing as my body hits the ground. I hear a series of grunts and flesh on flesh somewhere behind me. Pushing myself onto my hands and knees, I look behind me.

A well-built, well-dressed man in a suit that looks made for him is beating the s**t out of the man that grabbed me. When he finally stops pummeling the guy letting him fall to the ground, chest heaving, he pulls out his phone and makes a call.

“Zander, get Jones out here with you. Come clean up this filth in my back alley. I want answers and bring me the first aid kit.” He snaps at whoever is on the other end before he hangs up. I don’t think he even gave the person on the other end enough time to answer. Slowly turning around to face me he raises his hands once he sees that I am still conscious.

“My name is Derrek Cox. I am not going to harm you. Is it ok if I come closer to check that you are, ok?” he asks in a gentle tone compared to before. Something inside me is telling me I can trust this man. Even with the air of danger that surrounds him. Maybe it is because he just saved me, or perhaps it’s just my gut. I slowly nod my head giving him permission. Once he is in front of me, he holds his hand out offering me help. I take his hand but don’t let go immediately.

“S-sorry, I still feel a little disoriented. Is he dead?” I ask looking over at the man who attacked me.

“That is ok. No, he is just unconscious. What is your name?” he asks as I step past him.

“Bella. Bella Rose Sorion.” I state as I straighten myself out. The man, Derrek is watching my every move. I can feel it. I don’t pay attention to it though I keep walking. “I am going to kill him.” I mutter in a menacing whisper as I make my way to him. As soon as I do. I pull my leg back as far as I can and kick him with every ounce of strength I have left. I do it over and over. Before Derrek, I am guessing pulls me gently away. “It may not be today but one day I will kill that f*****g prick.” Meaning every word, I spit out for everyone close to hear.

I look into Derrek’s eyes after I finally settle down. “He will not survive attacking me. I will make sure of it.”

“Nice to meet you, Bella Rose. I-“Before he can say anything else, two men rush up to us.

“Boss.” They say in unison. I can’t see them in the dark, but I can tell they are well-built like Derrek.

“Take care of him over there. I want answers, give him a lift home.” He tells them as he waves his hand behind him, in the direction of the man. One of the men moves towards him while the other stays behind.

“Mrs. Cox refused us the first aid kit. She said you know where to find her.” Mumbles out the one who stayed behind. It is almost like he doesn’t want to pass the message along.

“Very well. I’m going to take Bella Rose up to her then.” he holds his out towards the sidewalk. Silently telling me where to go. “Oh, Zander, get us some dinner and something for this young lady when you are done escorting him home.”

“Sir, I can just go on my way. Thank you for everything really, but I have been enough of a burden.” I tell him as he starts to lead me away. I don’t need all of this. I also don’t need to end up back in a home. I reach down and grab the pocket knife that I dropped during the struggle. I slide it back into my pocket as he starts to respond.

“Then be left to deal with my wife’s wrath? I’m good, thank you. She will get you cleaned up. We will eat and chat. Then figure out where you are heading. From the looks of it, I am going to say nowhere special. The first thing is getting the dirt and blood off you, then get you fed.” He says casually like it isn’t up for discussion as he leads me through a very bright and modern-looking lobby, straight to an elevator. He pushed the button for the top floor.

“How long have you been on your own kid?” he asks as he leans against the wall on the opposite side of me. His face is free of any signs that point out what he may be feeling or thinking. I can barely see the concern he is trying to conceal. I have a poker face as well. Probably not as good as his though.

“What makes you think I am on my own?” I ask, mimicking him as I lean against the wall and put on the best mask, I can considering the power this man puts off. I study him. I notice how good-looking he is for an older man. He has a strong facial structure that most girls probably think every man should probably have. Bright light green eyes that make you think you are staring at an emerald in the sun.

“You are on guard. Studying me. Waiting for the next shoe to drop. Most people who believe they are safe don’t carry around a knife on them. They don’t watch everything around them like you are doing. You are perceptive. You are either on your own, in the system, or live around those wannabe gangsters. By the way, you are dressed I’m guessing one of the first two options.”

I take him in, thinking over everything he said. He pretty much hit the nail on the head with that one. But I don’t know this man. Yes, he saved my life, but I still don’t know him from Adam. Yet, I feel like I could trust him with anything. A little voice inside of me is whispering to trust this man. It makes me uncomfortable thinking about it. I don’t trust anyone but myself.

“Foster care all my life. I ran away from my last home, and I don’t plan on going back anytime soon or to any more homes.”

He looks me over like I did him. Before he can say anything the elevator dings and the doors open to a beautiful woman waiting on the other side. She is petite with flawless skin, big brown eyes, and light brown hair. These two were made for each other. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as them before in my life ever.

“Love, this Bella Rose. She had a little mishap in the alley. Zander will be here shortly with food. After she is cleaned up and fed, we will see where she is going. Bella, this is my beautiful wife, Renee.” I give her a small wave and she returns it with a smile.

“Well let’s get you cleaned up in Derrek’s ensuite. Derrek get something of mine, will you? Come on Bella. By the time we are done, we can eat.” She grabs me by the elbow and drags me down the hall after her into a massive office. Two walls are covered in floor-to-ceiling windows while the other two are covered in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Except where a single door sits. In front of the windows is the desk and a sitting area.

“The ensuite is just through that door over there. Give me your clothes and things, we will get them cleaned up while you wear something else for now.”

Stepping into the bathroom I can’t help the gasp that leaves me. white marble with hints of black and gold covers every surface. It is stunning. The shower is big enough to fit a harem if wanted on one side of the bathroom, with a large mirror covering another. Looking into the mirror another gasp leaves me as I look at all the blood and dirt covering me. I tear my eyes away looking at the rest of the bathroom.

“Umm, could you tell me how to turn the shower on?” I ask as I glance at Renee over my shoulder. She steps into the bathroom showing me the touchpad next to the shower door. She shows me how to adjust before turning to leave. As she gets to the bathroom door, she turns back to me.

“If you need anything at all, just yell. I’ll bring some clothes for you shortly. Everything you could need is in there.”

After she leaves, I quickly strip out of the dirty and bloody clothes and proceed to take the fastest shower of my life. Once I am wrapped in a towel, I crack the door enough to slide my arm out.

“Mrs. Cox. I could use those clothes now please.”

Without a word, she places the clothes into my hands. I dress as fast as possible in a pair of leggings and a baggy shirt. Once I feel decent enough, I step back into the office. I see them sitting on one of the couches with food on the coffee table.

“Sit anywhere you like Bella Rose.” Derrek gestures to the couch and chairs, as he leans forward to grab what I am assuming is a type of whiskey. I take a seat in a chair. The view is in front of me. The bathroom door is behind me and the office door is to my side with Derrek and Renee on the other side. I watch as Renee makes a plate and then hands it to me.

“Eat what you can dear.” She says softly with a smile.

“Thank you.” I may have been taking care of myself, but I know what manners are.

“So, Bella Rose, tell us your story. We have time while I wait on a few phone calls and your things are being cleaned.” Derrek suggests as he begins to make his plate.

“Umm ok… when I was a baby, I was left outside of a hospital with a letter saying when my birthday was and what my first and middle name is. The letter also said that it wasn’t safe enough for me to stay with my dad or for anyone to know my last name. So, as the story goes the first family that fostered me first gave me their last name so I would have one. I have been in foster care ever since.” I look down at my plate before taking a bite.

“How was it growing up in the system?” Renee asks gently with concern covering her face.

“The few memories from before I was seven were good. I was with a good family until they moved out of state. After that, it was one more horrible home after the next. When I was around ten years old, I started taking self-defense lessons. When I was around eleven years old, I started teaching myself how to use a knife to protect myself. I have been fighting to survive ever since. In the middle of the night, I ran from my last foster home after I stabbed my foster dad’s two friends and broke his nose. They cornered me in the kitchen. They said it was time to pay my dues for them taking care of me. Then tonight that guy grabbed me. I stabbed him a couple of times. After the first time I tried to run but I wasn’t fast enough. Mr. Cox saved me before I passed out and that guy took me to his boss. Well, if what he said is true anyway. So, once again thank you.” I say as I look directly at Derrek. “I do appreciate your kindness, both of you. but you have done more than enough, you don’t have to keep helping me.” I tell them as I try to keep my face clear of emotions. I hate feeling like a burden.

“Let us decide that dear,” Renee states. “So, you know nothing about where you come from or anything else? Just that you grew up in the system you learned how to take care of yourself the best you could, and you have done well so far.” Renee praises.

“She wants revenge on the man who attacked her.” Derrek tells her recalling our chat after the incident in the alley, watching me intensely. Almost like he is trying to see how that would affect me.

“If I ever get the chance to. I meant every word I said. I will kill him.” I tell them both, letting my mask drop so they can see how serious I am.

“What do you want out of life Bella Rose?” Derrek asks after a couple of minutes in silence. He leans back against the couch stretching his arms across the back making him look even larger. Not letting him know how intimidating he can be. He probably already knows.

“I want to be able to take care of myself and survive everything life throws at me. I want a family I can call mine. Not one being paid to take care of me. “ I start off quietly. I clear my throat and get back to what I was saying. Hiding away those emotions and thoughts I don’t need right now. “I want to get my diploma early, get a job, and attend online college courses. So, I can start living my life my way.” Getting lost in thoughts about how I expect my life to look when I get older. How I don’t want to be at the bottom anymore. I am done with my life not going the way I want it to. I don’t want it to be so hard anymore.

“I don’t want to be a victim again. After I achieve all of that I would be grateful for every day given to me. I will do everything in my power to make myself the best I can be. So, I can rise to the top and never be at the bottom again. Darkness and all. My whole life I have always believed I was meant for something more. I don’t know what that is yet, but my instincts, my gut is telling me I am. All I know right now is that I have a lot of work cut out for me to get what I want out of life.” That has been my plan all along. I already told them about my past, so why not tell them what I plan to do now?

“You do have a lot of work cut out for you.” Renee gives me a once-over before meeting my eyes again. “You mentioned college, taking care of yourself, and living life your way. What do you mean by that? What degree are you thinking about?” Renee questions as she takes a sip of her wine and leans against Derrek. You can see how they are meant to be together.

“To put it bluntly. I want what you have.” I tell them as I motion toward them and the office. “I want a home that I enjoy coming home to. I want to have someone to stand in my corner and cover my back just like I would for them. That is family, is it not? I want to go every day never worrying about where my next meal is coming from. I want to be able to replace the shoes on my feet if I need to. I want to be able to live my life and actually start enjoying it.” I say, my fire dies out as I come to an end and just stare out at the view in front of me.

“And college?” Derrek mutters almost too quietly for me to hear.

“Computer science and a business degree. I figure with both of those I will always be able to find a job.” I shrug as I finish my drink and food. I set it down onto the table intending to make my exit before Renee beats me to it.

“I am going to check on your things.”

“And I will clean this up, so Claire won’t have to in the morning. Stay seated and relax we will finish talking in a minute.” Derrek says as he stands and begins cleaning the table in front of us.

As he walks out, I look around his office once more. Imagining being in an office like this one day. I stand and make my way to his bookshelves. I see books for everything. Engineering, business, finance, the art of war, and multiple genres, mainly close to the business side. A couple of shelves have pictures. Mostly of him and Renee, some of him with others. It looks like they have had a full and happy life. I slowly make my way back to the chair I was sitting in before as Derrek and Renee walk back into the office.

“Here are your things. All of it should be there.” Renee says as she hands me my things.

“Thank you both. I really appreciate everything you both have done tonight.” I was halfway to the door when Derrek spoke up, stopping me in my tracks.

“Bella Rose let’s say that Renee and I could and not to mention want to give you everything you have asked for and more. Revenge on the man from earlier, all the schooling you could possibly want, a home, and a life of your own. With a family. You would never want for anything.” I slowly turned back around to face him. Derrek casually sits on the couch like he didn’t just drop a bomb on me. I am stunned and speechless right now. I watch him. Looking for any sign that he is messing with my head right now. I knew I shouldn’t have opened up now he is using it all against me.

“As generous and as beautiful as that sounds. I would have to wonder why you would even want to do that.” I say as I make my way back to the chair slowly. “What are you asking for in return.” Curious to what he will say next I sit back down. Waiting, patiently.

“Renee and I couldn’t have children of our own. We have always talked about adoption. We have never felt drawn to a child before. But you seem to draw us in like you are meant to be with us. We will hire the best teachers for you to complete your schooling dream.” He leans forward looking down for a minute before looking back up at me. “We will give you everything you could possibly want. All we ask for is your complete loyalty to us no matter what it is. I ask that you also get a degree in engineering. When I believe you are ready, I will train you to take over my Kingdom. If you agree I will have everything taken care of by morning. You will be Bella Rose Sorion-Cox. Raised and homeschooled your whole life with Renee’s family. You will always remember where you came from. Wh-“There is a knock before he can finish. “Yes, Zander.”

“Boss I need to talk to you about a shipment.” His gaze skips over me as he checks the room when he steps through the door. Keeping his focus on the man by me.

“Love, Bella Rose, please excuse me. Bella, think about what we talked about.” He stands from the couch and practically glides right out of the room. He walks so smoothly and confidently across the room. I want that confidence. I turned back to Renee, noticing how she was watching me.

“Is this what you really want? A fifteen-year-old runaway with baggage?” I question. Wondering what she thinks about all of this.

“Everyone has baggage dear. Nobody goes through life without picking up some baggage along the way. “ She pulls her legs up under her on the couch as she gets comfortable. “You remind me of myself when I was younger. I believe you will accomplish everything you want in life plus more. I can see the thirst for the life you want. You are willing to claw your way out of the hell you are in. You are even considering my husband’s offer. As you said, you are meant for bigger things. Derrek can help you with that. He will make you into the Queen you want to become. All we ask for is complete loyalty and honesty to us. Loyalty, Honor, and Family. You will learn what that means over time if you agree. You will see what the world really looks like.” She is calm and confident in what she just said. I stare out at the city again thinking about everything so far.

“Loyalty…. I used to think I had someone who was loyal to me, but after everything I have been through, I don’t know if I even understand the meaning of it anymore.” I mumble as I bring my gaze back down to my lap looking at my hands. Wondering how willing I am willing to go before enough is enough.

“Loyalty is where you choose your family or those who deserve your loyalty above all else, even if they are in the wrong. You will be loyal to Derrek and me. You will kill for us, die for us, and do anything we ask of you. Just like we would for you. Your allegiance is with us. Do you understand now?” She tilts her head as she waits for me to answer. I stare directly into her eyes, noticing the seriousness of what she asked me.

“You make it sound like I am joining a cult or a gang.” I chuckle trying to ease the atmosphere around us. Can I be loyal to them like they are asking of me? If I agree to this, they will be my family for life. It will no longer be just me. I will have parents and a family. I can agree with this and then just go with it. Is that what I want though? I could walk away now. Am I willing to do whatever they ask of me just so I can have the life I want? I mull over my thoughts for a few minutes. Renee still hasn’t answered me, she just watches as I process everything. Before anyone can say anything though, Derrek walks back into the office.

“Well, Bella Rose are you going to join the family?” I look at them both, I can see how serious they are and the small glimpse of hope in Renee’s eyes.

“You will get me that man from earlier?” I asked him. Wondering how far he is going to go. I watch as his lips lift into an almost smirk. He gives me a slight nod, other than that he doesn’t move.

“Deal, my name is Bella Rose Sorion-Cox.” I say with as much confidence as I can muster after this tiring day. I hold my hand out to him.

“Deal.” He grabs my hand and gives it a firm shake. “Let me make a couple of calls then we will visit Mr. Damon, the man that attacked you. I have some questions for him anyway. Love, why don’t you take Bella Rose’s things and a couple of guys? Go home, get her room ready, and get some rest. We will be home shortly.” Derrek makes a couple of calls, filling his office with a lawyer, judge, and I don’t know who else. It all happened so fast.

I am officially Bella Rose Sorion-Cox. Daughter of Derrek and Renee Cox. As far as everyone is concerned, I have always been their daughter. Derrek called a guy who came in and made a paper trail, intertwining my life with theirs.

“Come Bella Rose. We have things to do before we go home.” He leads me down to the lobby and out the front of his building. Where a blacked-out SUV sits waiting. The man from earlier and another one are waiting by it.

“Bella Rose, this is Zander and Jones. From now on wherever you go they go. They will start training you after you settle in. I will explain more later.” He motions for me to get in. Derrek slides in right behind me.

“Jones take us to see our guest my daughter has business to tend to.” I spend the rest of the night learning how to torture someone AND some of the best ways to extract information. My life has officially changed. The question is, was it for better or for worse?