The Alpha's Spy

Pain

ANNALISE POV

I wait until I hear Blair's breathing even out, so I know she's asleep. I sit up as straight as I can, taking deep breaths, I start to pull down. I know I won't be able to break the chains, but I still try. I feel the blood beginning to trickle down my arms from the cuffs digging into my skin. At least it'll look like silver affects me. When I stop and lean my head back against the wall, I can't help but let out a long defeated sigh. I won't sleep, I know that Blair needs to be kept safe. I'll be damned before I let anymore harm come to her.

I know it's morning from the light coming through the small window. Blair is still sleeping, I quietly start trying again to break the chains, but it only leads to more blood joining the dried lines from last night. A loud banging coming from my right causes Blair to jump awake. We both turn our gazes to look into the direction of the noise. Drake, Declan, and Jill walk in with smug expressions on their faces. Declan moves to my cell door, unlocking it, then the cuffs on my wrists. He pulls some rope out, and from the smell and his attempt to hide the grimaces, I know it's soaked in wolfsbane. He ties it tightly around my wrists, and the pulls on the other end, trying to lead me like a dog. While it is somewhat fitting, it's in poor taste, even for rogues.

"Where are you taking her?!" I hear Blair yell from behind me, followed by a slap and soft whimpers. I stop dead in my tracks, causing Declan to turn and look at me. After a minute, he realizes I won't move. He sighs and slumps his shoulders.

"Alpha Drake, she heard the slap. She won't move forward now." Drake and Jill walk into my view.

"Why not my luna?" I roll my eyes at him.

"You want me to cooperate. Neither you nor your lackeys lay a body part on her or breathe in her direction." I state simply. Walking around me like a vulture.

"What makes you think you have the power to make any demands here?" He asks, slightly amused.

"You want me to behave and be quiet. You don't touch or breathe on her. You want to see how much I've changed over the years, do it again." I take a small step toward him as he stands in front of me now. "Keep pushing it, but last time I gave you permanent reminders, I won't hesitate to give you more this time. I'll burn your little pack here to the ground." I say darkly.

"Fine, no one will harm her in any way." He says, taking a few steps back from me. "But you will take every hit or punishment in her place." He smirks, thinking ill back down. I nod in agreement, and his eyes widen before he turns around to lead us to another building.

As we walk around, I see people in little shacks that are falling apart. Many are covered in bruises, blood, and dirt. The look of fear as we walk by them breaks my heart. Normally, seeing a rogue in that state isn't a surprise, but a self-proclaimed pack with a supposed alpha. That's what makes this surprising. Before I can say anything, I look around more and see a very large and nice building in front of us. It's clearly made from the best wood they could find, the windows are stained glass, through the windows of the front door I can see a large crystal chandelier hanging. I stop in my tracks and look around more.

"Anna, my luna, what's wrong?" Drake asks. Is he completely ignorant of the state of his "pack"?

"What is this place?" I ask with a strong, loud voice so all could hear.

"The packhouse darling." He grits out angrily as people begin to exit their little houses and watch.

"It's quite beautiful. How did it this way?" I challenge.

"We spared to expense on the construction." He says, sounding slightly proud.

"Do the pack members get to go inside?"

"No." He states, and I scoff.

"You call yourself an alpha." I spit at him. "You and your lackeys live a lavish lifestyle while your pack suffers. You don't even deserve to breathe the same air as them. How dare you think you deserve this while the people who give you your power live in shacks that are falling apart. They're covered in dirt, blood, and bruises, all while you get to be clean and well rested. You are no alpha." My head snaps to my right before I can finish. I look back to see Drake standing in front of me seething. He nods to Declan, who moves back towards what I imagine is the middle of this little pack.

I'm tied to a pole, but I don't need to ask what will happen. I see Drake walking over with a silver whip on his hand. After a minute, I feel the sting of the metal ripping into my skin. After an hour, he stops and moves towards me. He then begins to hit and kick me. I'm covered in dirt, blood, and bruises just like these poor people. I'm sure I have some broken ribs as it hurts to breathe. After examining me again, I'm untied and pulled back to my cell. I hear Blair gasp as Declan leaves, and she can see me.

"Anna?" She asks in a shaken voice. I look at her and smile, wincing in the process from my spilled lip.

"I'm ok, Blair. Promise." I know I'm a sight to be seen. My clothes are covered in blood, while the back of my shirt is in shreds from being whipped. I'm covered in bruises and cuts, along with dirt. Strands of my long dark hair stick to me since they're covered in blood. "Get some sleep. I'll be as good as new by morning." I smile. It's a lie, but she doesn't need to know that.

I lean back against the cool wall, hoping it will help with some of the pain when I feel like someone is calling to me. Focusing on the connection, I'm pulled into the mind of someone I never thought could reach me.