THE ALPHA'S CLAIM

CHAPTER 3

My New Master

As I stepped out into the hallway, Enzo and Amanda were waiting, their faces twisted in sneering amusement.

“Look who’s off to join the NorthRidge pack today!” Amanda mocked, grabbing a strand of my hair and tugging it harshly. “I hope it’s the last I’ll ever have to see of you.” Her voice dripped with contempt, each word like a dagger to my chest.

I swallowed, struggling to keep my composure. I couldn’t let them see how much they affected me. But then Enzo leaned in, his gaze sliding over me with that same sickening smirk he always wore. “Got a nice ass, Freya,” he sneered, smacking me hard enough to make me stumble forward. His laughter, along with Amanda’s shrill giggles, echoed behind me as my cheeks flushed with anger and shame.

I fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. Rage boiled within me, fierce and wild, clawing to break free. In my mind, I imagined scratching that grin right off Enzo’s face, making him feel every ounce of the humiliation he’d forced on me. But I knew I couldn’t—not here, not now. Too many eyes were on me, waiting to pounce at the slightest misstep.

“Move!” Enzo barked, shoving me from behind so hard I nearly fell. I took a deep, shaky breath, forcing my legs to keep walking as hot tears slipped down my cheeks.

They’ll pay for this, I promised myself in a silent, fierce whisper. Somehow, someday, I’ll make them pay.

“Hey!” Enzo reached out again, his hand darting toward me for another slap. I whirled around, glaring at him, voice trembling but sharp. “Don’t you dare touch me again, Enzo. Just don’t.”

But my voice betrayed my fear, cracking under the weight of everything I wanted to scream but couldn’t. He laughed, a dark sound that sent a chill down my spine, and stepped toward me, his eyes glinting with a predator’s hunger. “Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?” he hissed, his hand reaching out to grab me.

Desperation took over, and I found myself backing away, my feet carrying me down the stairs toward my father and stepmother, who were deep in conversation with a tall, dark-haired man dressed in a black blazer. I didn’t recognize him, but his sharp, assessing gaze flickered to me, watching the commotion with interest.

Just as I reached them, Enzo caught up, his hand yanking me back, fingers digging painfully into my shoulder. His other hand roamed to my waist, pressing me against him, and I felt a surge of disgust twist my stomach.

“Enzo, let me go!” I managed, struggling against his grip. I shoved him as hard as I could, sending him stumbling back a few steps. I knew I’d ignited his anger, but as he advanced again, the stranger cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

My stepmother, Lycril, turned to me with a cold smile. “Freya, this is Xavier, the Beta of the NorthRidge pack.” She motioned to the man, who stepped forward, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Look up,” he commanded, his tone firm, unyielding.

Reluctantly, I raised my gaze, meeting his sharp, brown eyes. He was studying me, his stare hard and unflinching. After a moment, he reached out, lifting my chin gently but firmly.

“She doesn’t look like someone who’s been ‘well taken care of,’” he said, his voice a low growl as his gaze moved to Lycril, suspicion etched in his features.

“Oh, come now, Freya knows how well we’ve cared for her, don’t you?” Lycril’s nails dug into my arm as she nudged me sharply, her tone sweet but laced with threat.

“Yes… they’ve taken good care of me, sir,” I managed, keeping my eyes downcast. I pulled my sleeve over the bruises on my wrist, and my hair hid the mottled skin on my neck.

But Xavier noticed. His hand reached out, brushing my hair aside to reveal the bruises. His expression darkened, and his gaze shifted back to my stepmother, hard and accusing.

Without looking away, he snapped his fingers. “Seize him,” he ordered.

Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, two of Xavier’s men pinned Enzo to the ground. I stared in shock, my mind reeling as Xavier approached, his footsteps slow and deliberate.

“You dare touch her?” His voice, low and cold, made my stomach twist with both dread and an odd, dark satisfaction. For once, Enzo was the one in pain.

Lycril’s face paled, her carefully crafted smile faltering. “N-no, Beta Xavier! Enzo would never harm her, right, Freya?” She looked at me, desperation in her eyes. But I hesitated, my gaze shifting to Enzo, who lay pinned and trembling on the floor.

“Right, Freya?” Lycril’s tone grew sharper, but I felt a surge of defiance rise within me. For once, I didn’t want to let him off. I wanted him to feel the fear and helplessness he’d forced on me.

Xavier turned to her with a steely glare. “Stay out of this. I’m speaking to him.” He crouched down, grabbing a fistful of Enzo’s hair and yanking his head back.

“It was… a mistake,” Enzo stammered, his usual smugness replaced by terror. “I didn’t mean it, please, Beta, spare me.”

Xavier gave a curt nod to his guards. “Strip the skin from his fingers,” he said, his voice chillingly calm.

Lycril gasped, falling to her knees. “Please, Beta Xavier, show mercy!” She clawed at my father’s arm, her once-perfect demeanor shattered. My father, however, remained silent, his face expressionless as if none of this concerned him.

My heart ached as Enzo’s screams filled the room. I had wanted him to pay, but this… I wasn’t sure I could stomach it. Despite all he’d done to me, I felt a pang of guilt.

“Beta Xavier, please…” I managed, my voice shaking. “Please let him go.”

But he barely glanced at me. “Not until my orders are fulfilled,” he said, his face unreadable.

As Enzo’s screams faded to pitiful whimpers, Lycril turned on me, her eyes blazing with hatred. “You little wretch! You seduced my son, and now this!” She lunged, nails poised to strike, but Xavier’s men blocked her, dragging her away as she hurled insults at me.

My father finally turned to Xavier, his face a mask of indifference. “Thank you, Beta Xavier. She’s… untouched. I give you my word.”

I swallowed hard, betrayal cutting through me. He was selling me off, denying everything I’d suffered in his home.

Xavier’s gaze shifted back to me, intense and piercing. “Have you packed?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, sir,” I murmured, my heart pounding as he led me outside. The house I’d grown up in loomed behind me, cold and unwelcoming, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that leaving would only lead to something worse.

Xavier opened the car door for me, and as I slid in beside him, I felt the weight of my fate settle over me. This man, powerful and unpredictable, had rescued me from one hell, but his world might be a darker one altogether.

The car started moving, and I couldn’t help but glance back, a shiver running down my spine. If I survive this, I thought, maybe there’s hope for me yet.

But as I met Xavier’s hard gaze, a new fear unfurled within me. What awaited me at the NorthRidge pack? And who was this man, really?

The questions haunted me as we drove into the night, my heart pounding with dread.