We Met Again

Chapter 4

Isabella’s POV

Father threw me back onto the floor of my room aggressively.

I could feel the pain radiating up and down my body and into my head. I knew what that meant too well…he was pissed about something. And it always hurt so much more when he got angry. Father's anger didn't just hurt my stomach like it did, most other times he hit me…

“Don't be like your sister” Those were his last words before he slammed my door behind him. It was only when I heard the click of the keys and his retreating footsteps that I could breathe properly.

My brain and my wolf seemed to be on fire

simultaneously. I knew it was going to get worse if I tried to sleep now, so I sat up against my pillows trying desperately to keep breathing even.

What just happened out there with the stranger who clearly despised me?

Out of all men! Why? Why was he the one who fated to me? Why did he have to be my mate?

My wolf must have heard wrongly, I must have heard wrongly, I tried to convince myself while my wolf whimpered pitifully in my head as though not agreeing.

I was doomed, my whole life was doomed.

“You are overreacting” My wolf whispered to me but I knew that I was not.

How do I run? How was I going to escape Father and his wrath?

This was all Avery's fault! if she had not run away with whoever, she would have been the one marrying that angry man out there, not me. But she had always been selfish and Father couldn't do anything because she was his biological daughter, not me who was his niece, not me.

The next morning I had a lot of people running in and out of my room.

I couldn't tell what was happening, I was only staring at the doctor who was in front of me.

He had been our doctor since forever before my real parents died.

“Why did you do it Isabella?” The old doctor looked at me with a sad expression on his face. “It wasn't fair for you,” He added softly. “You should have known better,” he continued sadly.

“I am sorry. I just wanted a way out and I was not thinking. I don't want to marry that man, I can't marry him” I said weakly and turned my face toward the wall. “Please don't let me see him again” I pleaded, tears rolling down my cheeks.

“You should listen to your father, Isabella. You know I don't have a say in this” The old doctor replied. “We will try to fix this, I mean your wrists. That's all I can do for you” hesighed. “I'm sorry” He added before applying an ointment to my unwrapped wrists.

It stung like hell and caused fresh tears to stream from my eyes as I lay in bed sobbing.

I had thought it was just a bad dream but soon, I was forced to face the reality that this nightmare was real.

It was never really going to end.

He left a few minutes after that, leaving me to contemplate on the consequences of my choices, choices I barely had. I had never felt so alone before, so abandoned by everyone around me.

“We are here to take your measurements”

“I don't want to see anybody right now!” I yelled at them, my voice sounding more horse than ever.

“But the king said…”

“Get out! All of you, leave my room, leave me alone, I am tired!” I screamed as tears fell from my eyes.

I didn't think of the consequences of my actions as they turned to leave my room. I didn't call them back.

It was only a few minutes later when Father stumbled into my room that I knew I was in trouble.

“The dressmaker said you were not cooperating with them. Now listen and listen well, you will do exactly as I say, do you understand?” Father's fingers were digging into each side of my face.

His face was contorted with rage and his breath was heavy and hot. The smell of smoke surrounded me and made my eyes water. “If you don't do as I tell you, I will cut you apart” He yelled angrily.

“Father, please, I know you can look for Avery, I know your men can bring her back and she will get to marry him. Please father, please” I begged, ignoring his threats.

He slapped me.

The slap made me dizzy, my ears rang and I saw spots dancing across my vision.

“Do not interrupt me, you useless creature. You think you are important but you are nothing, you are worthless” Father hissed as he gripped the sides of my head tighter. His fingernails were pressing hard into my temples.

“Please stop, I beg you” I begged again, crying harder.

“Bring the dressmakers in” He yelled at the guards and the women hurried right back and he left.

“Which fabric do you prefer?” I looked away from their pitiful smiling faces in front of me and back to the fabrics they were holding. More tears threatened to fall but I didn't let them.

“You can take any colour you want. Your choice is free. It doesn't matter what colour your wedding gown will be” oneof the women told me kindly and I nodded.

“Anyone” I answered nonchalantly.

“This is beautiful, it's almost too pretty to put on a bride, you will look amazing Isabella. Come let's show it off” thedressmaker exclaimed enthusiastically and I faked a smile at her enthusiasm. “Here, this will go wonderfully with your hair” She handed me a long, white fabric.

I took it gently between my fingers

and inspected it. It didn't smell bad and the colors blended well together.

“Okay,” I said finally, handing it back to the dressmaker.

After they left, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and the angry fingerprints from father's hands that lingered on my face stared right back at me.