FALLING FOR THE PACK'S OUTCAST

6

A Y L A

I wished I could run too. My legs burned to bolt after them, to flee this cage of mirrors and silk. But fear rooted me in place, heavy as chains. Where would I go? Back home? To the life that felt like a dream now? No. I was trapped here, naked under this whisper of fabric, waiting for whatever came next.

Raiden's presence filled the space, pressing against me even without a touch. I could smell him, wood smoke and leather, sharp and male. My breath came shallow, my hands twisting in the gown's hem.

“Take that off,” he said, his tone flat, like ordering a servant to fetch water. “And get on the bed.”

My eyes widened. The words hit me like a slap, stealing my air. I looked up, stunned, my head snapping toward him before I could stop it. He stood there, tall and broad, his eyes locked on mine, cold, unblinking, stripping me bare without even trying.

The sheer gown suddenly felt like nothing at all, my body heating under his gaze, shame flooding hot through my veins.

What? No. My mind reeled, panic clawing up my throat. The bed loomed next to me, wide and draped in dark linens, mocking me with its softness. Get on it? Like this? For him? The thought made my stomach churn, a mix of terror and something darker I didn't want to name, my skin flushing, my thighs pressing together instinctively.

I opened my mouth, but no words came. Just a gasp, small and broken. My hands shook as they rose to the gown's ties, fingers fumbling. Obey. That's all I knew how to do now. But inside, I screamed, run, fight, anything but this.

My fingers trembled as they tugged at the thin ties of the gown. The fabric whispered down my shoulders, pooling at my feet like spilled milk. Cool air hit my bare skin, raising goosebumps everywhere. I stood there naked, one arm crossing over my breasts, the other hand dropping low to shield between my legs. My heart hammered so hard I thought it might crack my ribs.

I stared at Raiden, nerves twisting my stomach into knots. His face stayed blank, eyes flicking over me without a spark of heat or want. Like I was just another thing in the room, a chair, a lamp, nothing special. No hunger in his gaze, no pause to drink me in.

He must have seen so many naked bodies, I thought, heat burning my cheeks. Women prettier than me, stronger. This is nothing to him. Just another task. The idea stung, making my shame twist deeper. I wasn't even worth a second look.

My legs felt like lead as I stepped toward the bed. The floor was cold under my feet, each step echoing in my ears. I climbed onto the mattress, the linens soft against my skin, and lay on my back first. My body shook, exposed and waiting. But then I rolled slowly onto my stomach, pressing my cheek to the pillow, my ass up just a bit.

If he was going to take me, better like this. I couldn't face him, couldn't watch his eyes while he pushed into me. The humiliation burned enough already, being here, spread out for him like a gift I never wanted to give.

A sharp crack sliced the air, like leather snapping. My thoughts shattered. What was that? I started to twist my head, but before I could move….

Pain exploded across my ass. Fire bloomed, hot and deep, the whip biting into my flesh. I yelled, the sound ripping from my throat, raw and shocked. My body jerked, legs kicking out. It hurt so much, bruising already, I could feel the welt rising.

"When I give an order, you don't waste my f*****g time," Raiden growled, his voice low and edged with ice.

The whip cracked again. It landed harder, right over the first strike, sending agony shooting through me. I grabbed the sheets, fists clenching tight, knuckles white. Tears welled up, spilling hot down my face. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I screamed, voice breaking, body curling in on itself. The pain throbbed, pulsing with my heartbeat, and all I could do was beg, my mind a blur of fear and fire.

His words cut through my sobs like a blade. "We both know you're not sorry, so never lie to me. We will start again."

My eyes widened, fresh terror flooding me. Start again? No, please… But before the plea could form, the whip cracked once more. It slashed across my ass, the sting deeper this time, layering fire over the existing welts. I gasped, body arching off the bed, the pain ripping a silent scream from my chest.

"When I give an order, you don't waste my f*****g time," Raiden snarled, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the air.

"Yes, Alpha!" The words burst out of me, desperate and immediate, my voice cracking on the title. I pressed my face harder into the pillow, willing my body to still, to obey without question.

He paused, the silence stretching heavy. I could feel his gaze boring into my back, assessing. "You will do well to remain like this until I tell you otherwise."

I nodded frantically, even though my face was buried, strands of hair sticking to my tear-streaked cheeks. "Yes, Alpha," I whispered, the response automatic now, etched into me by the burn on my skin.

The whip clattered to the floor, tossed aside like it meant nothing. Footsteps echoed, his boots on the stone, then the door creaked open and slammed shut. The lock clicked into place, sealing me in.

The second he was gone, the dam broke. Sobs tore from my throat, raw and heaving, my body shaking as I clutched the bedsheet in white-knuckled fists. My ass throbbed, each pulse a hot, bruising ache that radiated down my thighs. I curled tighter, knees drawing up, but even that shifted the feeling, sending fresh jolts of pain. Tears soaked the pillow, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. Alone now, the fear crashed over me fully trapped, marked, waiting for whatever came next in this nightmare.