Chapter two
1181 Words
Ella's POV
The day my world fell apart, I lost everything. My second parents, my rank, and even the love I thought was mine. Demoted to an omega by my brother. Rejected by my mate. Betrayed by those who once cared for me.
Since then, every day felt like a punishment I couldn’t avoid. There was nothing different today.
I dragged myself out of bed, still feeling the pains from yesterday’s work in my body. I hated my tiny, cold hut, but I had to get out of there. If I didn't get my work done fast, I'd be in hot soup. Pack members would shout at me, or maybe even do something worse to me.
I moved to the Packhouse and started cleaning.
The air was very thick, filled with dust and the smell of old wood as I scrubbed the floors. When I had finished, I went to the kitchen to make breakfast for the high-ranking wolves…pancakes and coffee. I wouldn't be eating any of it, though. My stomach was growling, reminding me I hadn't eaten in over a day.
After cooking breakfast, I carried a watering can to the garden to water the plants. The heat from the sun was very high, making the back of my neck feel sweaty. Looking at the flowers, I find solace in their brightness because they serve as a small light in my dark life.
But the peace didn’t last long.
“Well, well, who do we have here this morning… oh, our little omega slave,” a sharp voice sneered.
I froze. Not these people again today.
I turned to see Natalie, Mabel, and Erica approaching, their steps filled with self-satisfaction bitches. My heart sank instantly because they were not for peace.
“Good day,” I mumbled, bowing my head to avoid their piercing gazes. I don't want to challenge them because I am still in pain.
“Oh, she speaks!” Nicole, the mate of my brother Lucas, smirked, twisting a strand of her hair.
“Why so quiet, Ella? Afraid we will beat you blue and black?”
I didn't say anything. I kept my head down. If I reacted, they would beat me, which I don't want.
“Look at her,” Mabel chuckled. “She’s like a scared little mouse. How did you even merit the title… protector?”
“Thank God Dan rejected you; you don't deserve anything good… Murderer!” She blurted.
Nicole stepped closer, her voice dripping with mockery.
“Don’t forget, you have Lola’s party to prepare for. Remember, we are targeting perfection, so don't mess it up, protector omega.”
Hahahaha……hahahaha…
They all laughed… Their evil laugh.
Before I could step away, Nicole’s hand shot out, hitting my nose hard. Pain stung, and I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out. She laughed out loud, satisfied, and three of them left. Leaving me shaking in shame.
I rubbed my nose, fanning back tears with my hands. I forced myself to finish watering the plants. My day was far from over.
Everyone was excited about welcoming my sister…everyone except me. The Packhouse was filled with activity as preparations for Lola’s homecoming party were coming up. I cleaned everything as directed, I joined the decorators, helping them hang beautifications and arrange tables.
Then I moved to the kitchen. I washed the wine glasses until they were sparkling. My hands felt it… it was aching, but I kept going. Slowing down wasn’t an option.
As it was time for the party to start, the air was filled with music and laughter. I stood in the shadows of everyone, far from the place of celebration, hiding behind a tree, watching what was going on.
Lola’s car pulled into the packed garage, followed by three other cars. As she walked out, her long legs stood out in a short, green dress that slipped off one shoulder. Her friends breathed in sharply, impressed by the fancy decorations we made.
“Wow, this is amazing!” one of them exclaimed.
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. I hadn’t seen Lola in two years. She looked even more perfect now…poised, confident, everything I wasn’t.
The guard off-loaded their luggage, carrying it inside. I took that as my cue to leave. Lola’s return would only mean more torment and hatred for me.
As I headed to my room, I froze at the sight in front of me.
Dan. My fated mate. The man who rejected me.
He stood in the hallway, his arms wrapped around Mabel, his chosen mate. They were kissing, completely lost in each other.
The memory of that day two years ago hit me like a punch to my bare chest.
*****
“As the new Alpha of the Redstone Pack, I hereby pass my first judgment,” Lucas’s voice boomed, filled with hatred. “Ella Fitzgerald, you are demoted to an omega. You are no longer the Protector of this pack.” “And you won't be mated with anyone again in this pack.” He blurted.
Urgh… I wailed.
His words cut through me like a sharp dagger. I staggered, my wolf Melo whimpered and cowered inside me.
“Dan, do what I requested from you,” Lucas barked, his Alpha tone echoing through the hall.
Dan stepped forward, his expression cold and distant. He didn’t even look at me.
“Dan, please,” I begged, tears streaming down my face. “Don’t do this to me. I’m your mate. We’re supposed to be together forever.”
He hesitated, but only for a moment. “I have to do this for the pack… for our pack,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
He called out Mabel forward. Right in front of me, he sank his teeth into her neck. He marked her.
“No!” I screamed, pain ripping through me as the bond shattered. “You can’t do this! What about me? What about us?”
Dan didn’t answer.
The intense pain of his rejection was unbearable. My knees gave out, and I collapsed, clutching my chest.
“Chain her,” Lucas ordered.
Dan obeyed without hesitation, snapping a silver bangle around my wrist.
Agony coursed through me as the silver burned my skin. Melo whimpered one last time before going silent.
She was gone.
****
Back in the present, I turned away from Dan and Mabel, my chest tightening. I couldn’t bear to watch them anymore.
Lola’s party moved on, the music and laughter mocking my pain. But I didn’t care. I had a plan. Tonight, while they are enjoying themselves, I will leave. I had to leave. I have made up my mind.
This place had taken everything from me…my family, my rank, my wolf, and my mate. Staying meant enduring more humiliation and more suffering. Which I don't think I can do anymore.
As I packed my few valuable things, I whispered a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess.
"Please, give me the strength to survive. Help me find a place where I can be free.”
- Writer
