BLACKMAILED
1696 Words
CHAPTER TWO
BRIANNA'S POV
“Earth to Drey.”
Becca snapped her fingers right in front of his face and I flinched, because for a second I had forgotten how to breathe.
Draven’s eyes were locked on me — not warm, not soft, but dead cold. So cold it felt like winter crawled straight into my bones.
His jaw was tight, his shoulders squared, and he stared at me like I was something he couldn’t decide whether to ignore or destroy.
Three years.
Three whole years and that was the look he chose to give me.
My chest tightened.
His gaze shifted lazily back to Becca and, without a word, he grabbed her wrist. “Let’s head to class,” he said, sternly.
Becca pouted immediately. “No. I still have unfinished business,” she said, flashing me that poisonous little smile.
Before I could even swallow, a low growl ripped out of Draven’s chest. The sound wasn’t loud, but it vibrated through the hallway and dread slid down my spine like ice water.
“You know how much I hate repeating myself,” he said flatly, almost like a warning. He released her hand and walked off without waiting…without another word.
Becca swallowed, her fear poorly masked, then tossed her hair and waved at her minions. “Let’s go, girls.” She paused in front of me, leaned close, and whispered, “We’ll finish this later.”
Then she turned and strutted away.
I stayed on my knees for a second longer than necessary, my pride scattered across the tiles, and then I pushed myself up, dusted my skirt, lifted my chin, and walked toward class like nothing had happened.
Three years.
Three years since I last saw him and today he ignored me like I was a disease… yet saved me.
Draven Hayes.
The Alpha’s illegitimate son.
The reason my life fell apart.
I had loved him since we were children — the reckless boy who used to steal mangoes from the neighbor’s yard and took blames for me, the boy who promised to protect me from monsters under my bed. I had followed him everywhere like a shadow, and when I turned fourteen and discovered he was my mate, I thought the Moon Goddess had finally chosen me for something good. I was over the moon.
Well…until the fire. Until smoke and screaming and blood and…
I swallowed hard as I turned the corner of my classroom, pushing the thought aside and almost immediately, the professor stepped in.
My stomach dropped instantly.
Shit!
Everyone knew his rule — once he entered, no one else did. He personally locked the door, and if you dared interrupt his class, you earned an automatic F with no negotiation.
He reached for the handle and immediately I quickened my steps, almost running. Suddenly, a hand appeared at the edge of the door, stopping it from closing.
Draven.
Behind him stood Becca and her minions. They had been ahead of me the whole time but I had been too busy drowning in memories to notice.
The professor’s cold glare surfaced and just like a chameleon, it softened— when he saw who it was.
“Ah, Draven,” he said, pushing the door wide open.
Draven ignored him and walked casually, with Becca and her minions trailing behind.
Good. All rules can be broken for the higher-ups, can’t they?
Before I could even process the blatant bias, I rushed forward, lurching for the door but the professor looked at me — one sharp, warning look — and slammed the door shut right in my face. The click of the lock echoed louder than it should have.
I stood there, frozen, the realization settling in.
“There goes my first class,” I muttered under my breath. “Fantastic.” I growled, slamming my hand against the wall in frustration and instantly regretted it.
Pain shot through my knuckles immediately.
“Damn it,” I hissed, staring at the splinter lodged in my skin.
Great. Now I had a wound to treat too.
If my wolf were active, it would’ve healed already, but unfortunately, it wasn’t.
It hadn’t been since the fire.
It abandoned me that night — shut me out completely after barely existing for three hours. I didn’t even remember its name. Maybe it never told me. Maybe it didn’t think I was worth bonding with and yet…when Draven walked in earlier, that bond had stirred and had died almost instantly.
I sighed, shaking the thoughts off.
I reached into my backpack for my phone to at least check the time properly — and frowned. It wasn’t there.
My heart sank, my memories juggling back— I had left it at home. Dammit! I'd been in a frantic rush and I forgot to grab it.
I let out a frustrated breath and leaned my head against the wall briefly.
The only class I had today was gone with no second chance, no reschedule and without my phone, I couldn’t even look for part-time jobs online. If I stayed here, I’d waste the day. If I went home, at least I could grab my phone and try again.
Without another thought, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and left the building.
The ride back home felt longer than usual. The bicycle squeaked with every push and my thoughts were louder than the wheels.
Draven’s face kept flashing in my mind. That cold stare. That growl. That familiar scent that still made my stomach flip.
I hated that it still affected me.
By the time I reached our house, I was exhausted. I chained my bicycle and made my way in.
The loud blaring of the radio from inside filled the air and that alone told me my stepdad was awake. Ever since he lost his cleaning job two weeks ago, that radio had become his best friend.
I pushed the door open cautiously, but maybe not enough cause his gaze snapped to mine.
He lowered the volume and looked at me. “Why are you back so soon?”
“Nothing,” I replied evenly. “Class got cancelled.”
His eyes narrowed. “Was that why you didn’t answer your calls?”
“I forgot my phone at home.”
He let out a loud scoff. “Useless. Always useless. You can’t even remember to carry a simple phone.”
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palm, but I said nothing.
Just then his phone rang, ending this nagging mid-way.
He grabbed it irritably and swiped on the surface before placing it against his ear. “Hello?”
Just like a chameleon, a smile spread across his face. I didn’t need to guess — good news.
I turned to head to my room, planning to grab my phone and leave to search for work, but he waved at me to wait.
I stood there, dread creeping up my spine.
He ended the call and grinned. “Finally, I’ve found some good use for you.”
I blinked. “What?”
“The Gamma’s family needs a babysitter. I applied for you and as luck could smile on us, you got hired.” He snorted.
“They needed the feminine gender, If not I would have put down my name. We both know it would’ve been better if they chose me, honestly, but at least now you’ll be useful. You're expected to start tomorrow morning and it's a stay-in, so less space.”
The words barely processed.
Gamma.
Babysitter.
My throat tightened.
“I can’t take that job,” I said immediately.
His smile vanished. “What did you say?”
“I’m not taking it.”
He growled, slamming his fist on the table. “The hell why?!”
“I can’t babysit!” My voice cracked. “The last time I did, Hailey…”
“Hailey, Hailey, Hailey!” he exploded. “Do you think I don’t care? She was my daughter! But will remembering her feed us? Will it? We need money!”
Tears burned my eyes. “You’re comparing Hailey to survival? How can you be so selfish? How can you be so sentimental?! She’d be disappointed in you!”
Slap!
His hand struck my face before I could finish. My gaze snapped back to him, the fury radiating from him evident.
“Get out!” he roared.
I wiped my cheek and laughed bitterly. “Gladly.” I retorted and immediately turned to leave.
Suddenly, a loud thud echoed. My heartbeat stuttered for a second, my heart racing as I looked back.
I froze.
Right on the floor was him, gasping for air.
“Dad!” I rushed to him despite myself and immediately helped him up, dragging him to rest against the sofa.
“Don’t pretend you care,” he wheezed.
“Just leave me.”
“Will you stop?” I snapped, helping him sit and handing him water. “Drink.” He took two gulps nonchalantly and immediately I wiped droplets off the corner of his lips.
Slowly, his breathing eased.
I had forgotten his PTSD acted up severely when he is triggered. That night destroyed both of us…not just me.
He might have been my stepdad but he tried everything to make my life better. He might be an ache in the ass but he sure cared…cared enough to make sure I survived and I was just going to dump him?
I sighed heavily.
“I’ll go,” I said quietly.
He looked up immediately. “You will?”
“I’ll take the job.”
Relief washed over his face and a wide smile replaced the earlier rage. “I knew I raised you right.”
I rolled my eyes but said nothing.
“We need to prepare.” Just like that he stood up like he hadn’t just collapsed.
As he began rambling about what I shoul
d wear and how I should behave, only one thought echoed in my mind.
Working at the Alpha Manor meant one thing. Constant meetings with Draven Hayes and that for once terrified me more than it angered me.
- Writer
