The Bitten One

Chapter 4

Ryder’s POV

I woke up at four from pain, but I knew it wasn’t my pain. I walked out of my room and saw Jackson; my Beta; and Alexander; my Third-in-command both next to my mates door. I smelt her a few months ago and decided that I would get the pack ready for her.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Her wolf sent us her pain. She is showing us what happened to her while he was gone.” Jackson whispered.

I sighed and went into my mates room to see her on the floor. I watched from the outside how she slept in the basement and how they beat her.

I wished I could have helped her, but every time I would try to help her my parents told me to wait until the pack was ready for her. I laid down next to her making her wolf calm down, but it still felt pain as she needed her big brother.

‘Xander, come lay next to her on the other side.’ I linked my best friend and adopted brother.

He slowly laid on the floor and sighed as we felt her wolf calm down. Jackson layed on the bed below the girls as he didn’t want to be left out. We ended up falling asleep with her next to us.

~~~

I woke up to growling. I shot up and saw Jackson now on the ground just waking up from being thrown off the bed and Rachel was standing in front of the bed in a protective stand.

“f**k! Baby girl. It’s me, your brother.” Xander told her.

She just kept growling at Jackson who looked a little scared.

“Get him out of here!” Zander told me.

I quickly got up and dragged my best friend out of my girls room as she was on edge. After a couple minutes everyone came out.

“Jackson I’m sorry that I scared you.” Rachel said.

“It’s okay Angel.” Jackson muttered.

“No it’s not. You have been nothing but nice to me since I woke up Friday. I shouldn’t treat you like this. It’s just the threat my parents told me before I went out with my friends or so-called friends.” She muttered.

“I understand. I will never be mad at you.” He told her.

“So my wolf told me things, but it’s still not clear. I am hoping you as my friend can help me?” She asked him.

‘She wants you to not fear her.’ I heard Xander tell him in our link.

“O-Okay. What do you need?” Jackson asked.

“Well; I understand the transformation, but I do not understand the whole pack thing. I’ve lived alone for so long. How will your family accept me?” She asked.

‘How do I answer that?’ Jackson asked us.

‘Honestly.’ I told her.

It’s better to come from a friend than me.

“Well um; I do not know if they will accept you. They believe a bitten wolf will be weak.” Jackson told her.

She scoffed and looked away from him.

“Will you be by my side even if I am too weak?” She asked him.

“Always. I will make sure you are cared for and loved like if you were my own little sister even if I do not have one.” He muttered looking away.

He fell in love with her like an older brother would so I allowed him to be by her side as she needed someone here, but now her brother is here I do not know if he will share her.

“Aren’t you scared someone over there will get jealous?” She asked him, smirking.

“Please; your brother is below me.” Jackson said, smirking.

She growled at him softly, but smirked.

“Next thing is the way you do things. I’ve read books about wolves and how they have a system. Like Alpha; Beta; Omega. How do you do your things?” She asked him.

“So we have our Alpha and Luna who is Ryder and his mate; which is you. Then there’s the Beta; who is me and my soon-to-be mate when I find him; then there's the third in command which is your brother and his mate when he finds her or him. Then there’s the head warrior who will be doing training; then the head guard that will be the guardian of the pack then there’s the Omega’s. We are all equal though. We treat each other like a perfect family. Nobody is downgraded because of their title. If an Omega wanted to be a Beta they could fight me for the title. If they are close to winning, but didn’t then they will be warriors. We want everyone to know they do not have to stay in their position they were born into. They can go higher or lower.” He explained to her.

“So if an Omega beats you or anybody higher up they can be in the position, but what about the people who lose?” She asked.

“They are put in the position of the person they fought.” He told her.

“Can anyone challenge the Alpha and Luna?” She asked.

My wolf growled at me for allowing her to think someone can do that, but sat back to watch as his best friend laughed.

“They will not dare to challenge the Alpha or Luna in fear they would be killed or banished.” He told her.

“Why would they fear their Alpha and Luna?” She muttered.

It clearly made her upset that they would fear us.

“Our Alpha and Luna are naturally stronger than us and have won against our old head warrior and Alpha. We have a tradition that has worked for these many years.” He explained.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Our Alpha’s kids all have to train for two years until the youngest is sixteen and when the youngest turns of age they have to fight against the head warrior and the Alpha. Whoever wins gets the pack. Whoever doesn’t win has to find their mate and fall in line with the pack or other packs or become a warrior.” He told her.

She nodded and sighed as the girls were running around in the living room. She got up and cooked everyone's food. I noticed she doesn’t eat unless she is told to eat.

Before I could tell her she could eat, someone rang the doorbell. She sighed and told the girls to stay there eating.

Me and the boys follow after her to see who it was. As soon as she opened the door I got this feeling of dread, but it wasn’t from me. I looked over at her and saw she had made the door cracked where we cannot see outside.

“Officer?” She asked.

“Can we come in?” The man asked.

“I’m sorry Officer, but my younger siblings are up. If they see you here they will get scared.” She told them.

“Is your brother around?” The man asked.

“No; he went out for a little bit.” She said lying.

“Okay; we are sorry for your loss. Can you come down to the station with your younger siblings and brother when he gets back and answer some questions?” The officer asked.

“Wait, come again? Loss?” She asked.

“Yes ma’am. We’re sorry for your loss.” He told her.

“No.” She whispered.

I smelt her tears, but she held her hand up causing me back up as she held it up telling us to stay back. She was crying, but I couldn’t help her.

‘She’s fake crying.’ My wolf told me.

“W-Where did you find them? Or are one of them alive or one dead? Who survived?” She asked.

“I’m sorry ma’am but we found them down river. They all are dead.” The man told her.

She cried harder and ended up falling to the ground.

“Sissy?” The girls asked, running to her.

She got up quickly and whipped her tears. I’m hoping the girls can cover for her.

“Hey girls.” She whispered.

“What’s going on?” Milly asked.

“These nice officers found mommy and daddy and Bubba.” Rachel told them.

“Where are they?” They asked her.

“They are somewhere safe. I am going to leave you with Jackson when the boys get home while me and Xander go check out what they found out.” She told them.

“A-Are they-” Maddy cut herself off.

“Yes baby.” Rachel whispered.

“NO!” The girls yelled and threw themselves into their sister’s chest.

We were hidden as the door opened to show the officers.

“Go to the kitchen and finish your food. The boys will be home soon. Since they went into the woods to run.” She told the kids.

‘I hate you!’ Xander linked his baby sister.

‘Get out now and get sweaty even if you need to use the hose for it.’ She linked us.

“Do they usually take a run out there?” The officer asked.

“My brother showed up last night so no he doesn’t, but since Jackson and A-Ryder have been here they have been taking little jogs at separate times.” She told them as the girls took off to the dining room.

“We'll come in when they get back from their run.” She told him.

He left after that, but I saw a cop car parked out front.

“Go far and then come back in a few minutes later to make it seem like you were running.” She told us.

We sighed and nodded. We all changed our clothes for a nice run then left.

~~~

An hour later we were all sweaty since we didn’t shift and were trying to see who was faster which in the end was a tie. We all opened the door, but when we got in we saw Rachel’s eyes red with anger and people behind her.

Her brother stood behind her, but didn’t say anything. Jackson stood next to his third-in-command while I stood by my mate.

‘Calm down.’ I linked her, but I didn’t get through.

I touched her arm softly which made her eyes go back to normal. I didn’t see the girls so I think they are upstairs.

‘Jackson; they took the girls upstairs. I’ve listened to their screams, not able to go upstairs since they all have guns. Sneak up there now.’ Rachel linked us.

‘On it Luna.’ He said and slowly left.

“Look, I didn't betray you. You were the ones who beat me and left me for dead. I didn’t fight back at all because I didn’t want to harm my own family who took me in when I had nobody, but I guess you were the bad one at the end of the day. I did things for you and your father that not only did your family not want to do but the gang. Don’t forget I can rat you out if I wanted to, but I don’t because I have loyalty unlike you.” Rachel said.

“Who is this? Your new fucktoy?” A young man asked.

“No he isn’t my ‘fucktoy’ I don’t use men like you use women.” She hissed.

I could feel her anger raising again.

‘Calm down before you do something bad. If you get too angry Jackson won’t have time to get the kids.’ I linked her.

She sighed and glared at the man.

“Did you tell your dearest brother why you are in the gang in the first place?” A girl asked.

“Stay out of this Toni or you won’t live to see another day.” Rachel said calmly.

“Did you?” The man from before asked.

“No and it will stay like that unless I say so.” She hissed.

“Where is the fun in that little Angel?” A second man asked.

“You’ve been spying on me!” Rachel yelled.

“I need to know who’s been hooking up with my girl these past two days.” The first man said.

“How about you? You tried to kill your ‘woman’ and for what? Did you do it for money?” Rachel asked.

“No.” He muttered.

“THEN WHY? We were doing fine. We were planning to grab the girls and run until the cops stopped looking for us! We were going to be happy!” She yelled.

“Because you’re a cheater!” He yelled.

“Me the cheater? I didn’t cheat twice and still expect my forgiving girlfriend to take me back! I didn’t cheat and make her see it every single time! I didn’t cheat and break your heart every time! I would never cheat on you! There’s a difference between me and you! I won’t cheat, but I do get revenge. We are not together anymore so you do not need to watch me or take care of me. I am taking the girls to my brother’s place to give them a better life. Oh Ryder; yes I accept.” She yelled then whispered the last part so he could only hear it.

I felt our mate bond start forming. I smiled as I knew he would lose his shits. I didn’t look after her for the past couple months and got no information.

“Now we need to leave so please call your dogs off and leave my house.” She told the man.

The man looked ready to attack her.

“The cops will be here in five seconds to get us love. Why don’t we go get ready?” I asked.

That made them all run.

“LET’S BOUNCE! COPS ARE COMING!” The Toni girl yelled.

Everyone ran out of the house and down the street, but the ex-boyfriend stayed behind with us.

“Make sure you keep our names out of your mouth.” He told her.

“Why would I do that?” She asked him sweetly.

“Because then I will tell him why you were in the gang in the first place.” He told her.

She cursed under her breath and told him something. He left quickly after that and didn’t turn back.

“Before we go I should tell all three of you why I was in the gang.” She told us.

“Why?” Her brother asked.

“Because if I don’t tell you then I cannot use their name at the police station.” She whispered.

“No, why were you in the gang in the first place?” He asked.

“They wanted to know where they could find you. I was eleven around that time and needed help with things. I couldn’t take care of the kids. I gave them their names; I provided for them since they were born. Mom and dad ended up learning of this and told me why they approached them in the first place. They wanted to find you to kill you, but instead they got to me and used me for things they needed. After a while the leader had a liking for me like I was his own daughter and treated me well. He ended up dying two years later and left me in the protection of his son who I was dating. We cared for each other, but never loved each other. It started out for you, but then I liked the adrenaline of the fighting and killing. I started liking every bad thing we did. Everything we did was bad and I was the one to be in the front. If I couldn’t be there then it wouldn’t happen. I got so bad that I had to leave with the girls for a while and take a step back. When I’m with the gang and doing all those things I just feel at peace as I know I am wanted to do something even if it is bad.” She explained.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” He asked her.

“Because I didn’t want you to get hurt at first, but then like I said I liked it. I couldn’t stop for some reason, but now I can. I want to stop for the girls and for you if you allow us to go home with you.” She whispered.

“Let’s go to the station then we can come home and talk about it.” He told her.

She sighed and nodded. She said goodbye to the girls as we changed. I made it downstairs just as Xander made it. I sighed and grabbed my car keys.

“Don’t. She said she’s taking her truck.” Xander muttered.

I’ve seen that piece of junk and it ain’t s**t. I’ve never seen her drive anything other than that broke down truck.

“Well come on then.” I muttered.

We walked out and saw the broke down truck that I hate so much parked next to a red r8. She was standing next to it as she smirked at us.

“You left your mindlink open. By the way if you want me you take the truck too.” She told me.

“I’m sorry, don't be mad at me.” I whispered to her.

“Whipped.” I heard Xander cough.

“Xander, didn't you tell me that you found someone you cared for. Where is he or she? I need to meet my in-law.” Rachel said.

I held back my laugh as Xander went red at what she said.

“Now that nobody has any comments, get in or I’m leaving you.” She told us.

We did as told with me in the back and her brother in the front with her. They were muttering things to each other and fighting; which I’ve never seen Xander do so freely.

“Here!” Xander yelled, making Rachel hit him in the guts.

“Yell again and see what happens.” She told him as we parked.

We all got down with Xander holding his stomach still.

“Stand up straight and act like we are heartbroken.” She hissed at him.

She looked like she was ready to cry, but held it back. We walked into the station where five cops were waiting.

“Didn’t think you would show.” A cop told Rachel.

“I-I didn’t think I could make it. I don’t know if I can see their bodies.” She told him.

“You’re going to have to see it as you’re the only relative.” He told her.

“This is my oldest brother. He can go in for me.” She told the cop.

“We would like for you to go in.” He told her.

“But I’m telling you that I do not want to go in. I do not want to see my parents and other older brother dead. I cannot bear the thought of them dead.” She told him.

“You will go in or-” He was cut off.

“My client said she doesn’t want to go in and her brother can go in her place. If you do not allow it I can sue you for emotionally and mentally abusing an underage child. So if you would like to do this, be ready to hear from my law firm in a few days.” An older man said.

“N-No sir. Follow me.” The cop said to Xander.

After a few minutes Xander came out with fake tears in his eyes.

“Is it them?” Rachel asked.

“Yes.” He whispered.

Rachel started crying and kept repeating no to herself. She wouldn’t stop repeating it as she looked sad and broken. I grabbed her and held her to my body as she cried and begged for her family to be alive.

“I could see you are; um; sad? We still need to ask you a few questions though.” A cop said.

“My client is not well right now. She will not be able to answer any questions in this state of mind. She just lost her whole family and will need to find somewhere to stay with her younger sister’s. My client needs time to heal before she answers any questions.” The lawyer said.

“N-No it’s fine. W-What are the questions?” Rachel asked.

“Where were you these past couple days?” The cop asked.

“Home scared. Waiting for my parents and brother to come home.” She told him.

“Can anyone help you with that statement?” He asked.

“Yes Ryder. Like I told y’all I called my oldest brother because I was scared that something was going to happen to me and the girls. He sent his friends Ryder and Jackson to help me.” She told him.

“Ryder?” He asked me.

“Yes, it is true.” I told him.

“Anything else or are you suspecting me of killing them?” Rachel asked.

“Do you know how they were killed?” He asked her.

“No how?” She asked.

“Come on, you're the one who called your brother so you have to know how they were killed.” He told her.

“By gun? Or a knife? I don’t f*****g know! How were my family killed so I can go home and have the nightmares of seeing my only family and loved ones dead! So I can wake up screaming every single night wondering if my own gang of family killed them! Tell me!” Rachel yelled trying to take steps closer to the cop, but I held her back.

‘Calm down, your eyes are changing color.’ I linked her.

“Is my client free to go or is she being arrested for caring about her family?” The lawyer asked.

“She’s free to go.” The cop muttered.

“I will be having a funeral in a couple days. Whatever you want to do to my family needs to be done before that or I will sue you.” Rachel said and walked out.

She threw Xander her car keys and got in the back with a sigh. I saw the cops all looking at us as we got in her car.

“Hurry up, I hate looking weak.” Rachel muttered.

We took off towards her home and away from the police station. She whipped her face and started to mutter things to herself that we couldn’t understand. She was talking the whole way home.

~~

I had to go out and get take out because Rachel has been locked in her room all night and won’t come out. The girls ate then went upstairs to Rachel’s room. She didn’t come down to eat or talk to us all night. We decided it was time to go to bed as we had a hard couple days coming to us.