The Alpha’s runaway mate.

I just turned eighteen two days ago. My life… where do I start? I have no illusions about what life is really like. Parents that we’re supposed to love you, protect you? What a joke. They got pleasure in hurting me every chance they got. I live in a shed in our backyard since I was five. I have a few old blankets, some old clothes. It’s not much, but it’s mine. The shed is my escape. I can hide from the world. But it doesn’t always work out that way. Especially when my father has a bad day, and that’s quite often. When I turned sixteen, I started getting these feelings of anger, disgust, happiness, and sadness, but they weren’t mine. At first, they would scare me, and I didn’t know what was wrong with me, but after a while, they were comforting. I didn’t feel so alone. I don’t know how I could feel them or even why. It was like I could feel every emotion he was having. Then I started getting this vivid dream of a man chasing me, yelling at me to stop. It only made me run faster. It was always the same dream; it never changed. I would wake up sweaty and scared. I was never able to see the man’s face. I never understood why he was chasing me. My day starts at three in the morning. I take a shower, make breakfast for my family, always making sure I’m gone before they come down to the kitchen; otherwise, I would get hit for still being there. My father, well, he hates to even look at me. After everyone leaves for work and school, I come back to clean the house. My parents, Pete and Janie Rowland, work at the pack hospital. My father is the pack doctor, and Mom’s a nurse. My brothers, Devin, Zack, and Liam, go to school. Something I was never allowed. No one knows I even exist. After cleaning the house, I would make snacks for my brothers so when they got home, they had something to eat. This has been my life for as long as I can remember. By the time my brothers get home, I’m already making dinner. If I’m late with dinner, I get punished; my parents never overlook a chance to punish me. It’s not like they needed a reason either. My father said it’s so I could learn to be obedient. But mostly because I deserved it. He never wanted me. I was a girl, and for some reason, he hated women except for my mom. I think that’s only because she’s his mate. Otherwise, he would’ve hated her too. He wasn’t even that kind to her, but she always stands by him and his decisions. No matter what they are. My brothers are kind, and I love them dearly. They couldn’t tell anyone about me because my father told them he would kill me if they ever did. Liam was born one minute before me. My father, being the pack doctor, it made things really easy for him to hide me. I’m Izzy Rowland, the youngest of all my siblings. My father said I was a disgrace. I was useless. I never understood why they just didn’t get rid of me. But I found out later it was because my mom wouldn’t let him. When I turned sixteen and failed to get my wolf, things got really bad. I was a bigger disgrace, wolf-less, a human. I was a disgrace to the Rowland name. Not only was I a girl, but I was also wolf-less. My father despised me even more. Liam got this beautiful brown and white wolf; his name is Zeus. Oh, how I wished I could just touch him, but my father sent me back to the shed cursing at me, telling me I was useless and pathetic. I was a waste of space. He beat me so badly that he broke two of my ribs and my arm. I wasn’t sure I would make it through it. Even though I didn’t get my wolf, I still had its healing abilities, but it still takes me longer to heal. And it was all because I had let them down once again. Like I had a choice in the matter. My brothers begged them to let them help me. But they just laughed, saying she deserves it, so stop whining. Then he would just laugh. I used to beg for him to stop, but after the years, I stopped caring. I didn’t care if he killed me; I wouldn’t make a sound. Why give him the satisfaction? That only made him angrier. They would call me stupid, tell me I’m ugly, no one would ever want a useless thing like me. You’re a wh***, anything they could think of. It used to hurt, but now I just accept it. It doesn’t matter what I say or do; it will always be the same. My brothers would plead with my parents to stop, but they never did. Eventually, they stopped trying to help when my parents were around. My brothers taught me how to read and write since I was never allowed to go to school or leave the house. They would help with their rooms just so I could study. They made sure that whatever they were learning at school, I did too. My brothers are amazing, and I’m so lucky to have them. They are everything I wished my parents would be. My oldest brother, Devin, is now twenty-one; he’s a pack warrior. Zack’s twenty, working on his law degree. Liam and I turned eighteen yesterday. We both want to be doctors, but I would never get that chance. My parents would make sure of that. We live on the edge of the pack lands known as the Red Moon pack. Even the Alpha and his family don’t know I exist. No one is ever invited over, and if someone does come to visit, I’m locked in the shed and told if I made a sound, they would hurt one of my brothers. My father had put something around the shed so they weren’t able to smell me. I guess it’s the perks of being the pack doctor; no one ever questions you. The only thing that keeps me going is my brothers and the love they have for me. Even though they are unable to help me, they are always there to wipe my tears. They would sneak me food, toys, blankets, things that no one would miss. My brothers never left me. They didn’t even stay at friends’ houses. As they got older, they started spending more time away from the house, but they made sure every night to come home. Since Liam was still in high school, when he got home, we would clean his room, and then he would teach me what he had learned that day. It was the highlight of my day being able to spend time with my brother. My parents hated the fact that they took care of me. They did everything they could to make them hate me. But they never did. Over the years, I have given up any hope that I would ever have a normal, happy life. What is happiness? Sometimes I think it’s overrated. But my father said I would never find happiness, and I knew he meant it. When he beat me so badly, he would have my mom nurse me back to health just to start all over again. There were days I would beg them to end my misery. He would just start laughing, telling me I was never going to be that lucky. Nightmares plagued my dreams. I begged the Moon goddess to make it stop, and nothing. I even thought about running away many times, but where would I go? What about my brothers? Who would help someone like me? I was a nobody. Only my brothers seemed to care what happened to me. I prayed to the Moon goddess every day that this nightmare would end. I didn’t know how much more I could take. I woke up at my usual time, took a shower, and made breakfast. I went back outside and waited for everyone to leave. I decided to go back inside around eight, and all my brothers were still there. This was very unusual for them. But I was happy to see them. Zack threw me a pair of shoes, put them on, and said, “Hey, what’s going on?” “ Hurry, Izzy says,” Devin said while handing me a jacket. “ Hurry, Izzy,” said Zack. Liam was looking out the window. Like he’s looking for something. Zack grabbed my hand and pulled me out the front door. I started to tremble. I couldn’t walk, and I felt my eyes go blurry, and I blacked out. I have never ever taken one step out the front door. I was too scared of what my father might do. * * * Izzy pov A woman walks towards me. She is wearing a beautiful sky blue dress that flows gracefully around her. Her long silver hair is swaying in the wind. She’s just beautiful. Everything about her is …I don’t even know how to explain how exceptional and graceful she is. Hello Izzy, I just stared at her…how…how do you know my name ? She giggles. I know all the names of my children, especially the ones that are special to me. Izzy, you are special to me. Your…your Selene? Yes, my child. Then why did you let me suffer like you did? I cannot interfere, my child. I can give guidance and push things a certain way, but I cannot control what the human side does. But that does not mean that their wolves agree with them. Which, in your parents’ case, their wolves didn’t agree with them and have stopped talking to them. Sighing… but… You didn’t even give me a wolf. She laughs. Oh my child, you have a wolf. She just hasn’t woken up yet. Don’t be so impatient, my child. All will reveal itself in due time. You are very special to me, Izzy. I’m sorry for what you had to suffer all these years, but please be patient, my child. Everything happens for a reason. Now it’s time for you to return. But I have… patience, my child. All in due time. I woke up in the back seat of my brother’s car. Liam was looking at me all worried. Are you okay, Izzy? Yes, I’m fine. Where are we? We left the pack. We’re moving to the city where you can go to school and become a doctor. What!!!! You heard me! You have a lot of catching up to do, he laughs. I’m so excited when I realize… what… what… about your guys’ schooling, I mumbled. They all laugh. We have been planning this for years. We were just waiting for you to turn eighteen. We couldn’t continue to sit by and watch our parents a***e you. We transferred our schools a while back, and we have been doing everything online while we worked out all the details so our parents wouldn’t catch on, said Devin. I can’t believe you did this for me, as tears rolled down my cheeks. Why wouldn’t we, said Zack, your sister? We love you. Pulling me into a hug, we promise things will get better, you’ll see. But… Won’t they be able to find us since you’re all connected to the pack? No, Devin sighs… we left the pack. What!!! Zack laughs and shrugs his shoulders. We were going to live in the city so you can finally have a life. Where our parents won’t be able to hurt you anymore. We drove for two days straight, stopping just for food and going to the bathroom. Finally, we pull into the Austin airport. Leave everything behind; we can get all new things. Leave the computers in case they decided to track them, says Zack. Dang it, I forgot about that, says Devin. Liam erased all the data on them so even if they do happen to find them, they still find nothing. After he’s done, he shuts them all off and throws them in all in the trunk. It seems like we drove around in circles for the last few days, making sure they weren’t tracking us. We then caught a flight to Los Angeles. After landing in Los Angeles, we caught a taxi to this little adorable house. The house was light blue and white trim with flowers, green grass, and trees all around it. It was the most beautiful house I have ever seen. I was excited. I ran around the yard like I was a little two-year-old. My brothers just laughed at me. This was the first time I ever got to do something like this. I was so excited, I couldn’t control myself. We walked up the stairs to the house, and my brother Zack unlocked the door. It was beautiful inside; it had an open floor concept. The kitchen was wow; the kitchen was so big, it had so much space it was going to be fun cooking. It even has an island and chairs. I felt like a two-year-old that had been given a lollipop. The house was cozy. I just loved it. The house was completely furnished, with all new furniture. How could you guys afford this? When did you even get the time to come and do this? I love it… but…Liam walks over to me and pulls me into his arms. It’s okay, Izzy, we can afford it. And we didn’t do this, says Zack. But… but…how and who, I stutter. Izzy, our parents had money, and we all got inheritances from our grandparents once we turned eighteen. Devin started training classes. Zack started a security business. And I play the stock market, which has done really well. Izzy, we want you to find your place in life and to be happy, says Devin with a smile on his face. I can’t remember the last time I saw Devin smile; it brought tears to my eyes. Zack pulls out a set of keys and a bank card and hands them to me. The bank card is from our grandparents. It’s your inheritance. They knew you existed before we even told them. They asked us about you, and we told them everything. They wanted to help. We bought you the house, then our grandparents did the rest. What do you mean you bought me the house? I gasped. Yes, Izzy, the house is yours. We all wanted it that way, says Liam. Grandma wanted to buy the furniture and decorate all the rooms herself. But I’m sure Grandpa helped, laughed Liam. They were hoping someday you would want to meet them. Mom hasn’t spoken to them since the day she married our father. Alpha Tony introduced them to us when we were younger. Alpha Tony knew our grandfather when he was growing up. Our grandfather is from the Silver Moon Pack. He was the Alpha of the pack. Our uncle took over a while back, says Zack. They all want to meet you, says Liam. Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay you all for what you’ve done for me, as tears flow down my face. We did it for us, Izzy says Devin. We couldn’t continue to live that way. Giving them all a hug, I couldn’t contain the happiness I felt, and for the first time ever, I felt free. Looking at the card, I gush, “ Oh My God!” The card even has my name on it. Everyone starts laughing with an amused look on their faces. Looking at them, stunned, I was at a loss for words as tears started running down my cheeks. I never dreamed that something like this would even be possible. Hey, how come this says Izzy Gomez and not Izzy Rowland? Izzy, to escape our parents, we had to change our last name. Only our grandparents know we changed our name . And they would never tell anyone. They had one of their friends do it so no one would be able to find us. No one even knows we talk to our grandparents, says Devin. Izzy, it’s gonna be okay, I promise. Tears began to fall as I hugged Devin, telling him thank you. All of you, for doing this for me. Devin wipes my tears, pulling me towards the hallway. Come on, Izzy, let me show you your room. Liam opens the door to my room. It was beautiful; it was done in all pink and whites with a queen-size bed, side tables, two chairs, and a table that sits under the window so you can look out to a breathtaking view of the backyard and forest. A desk with a computer and two dressers, a big-size TV on the wall, it even has a huge walk-in closet, and a bunch of new clothes and shoes. The suite has a tub, shower, and everything a girl would need. It was gorgeous. As tears fell from my eyes, all I could do was say thank you. Zack hugs me while wiping the tears from my eyes. “You deserve to be happy, Iz,” said Devin. I turned, giving Devin a hug. “ I don’t know how to thank you all.” Devin looked down at me and smiled. “You don’t have to thank us, Iz. We just want you to be happy.” Now we will leave and let you get settled in. Liam gives me a hug. “ I love you, Iz. Get some rest.” He gives me a kiss on the forehead, walking out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. Zack opens the door back. “Hey, Iz, tomorrow we’re going shopping, so be ready by nine a.m.” I nod. He closes the door, and I’m left staring at my new room. How is this even possible? For the first time in my life, I’m looking forward to the future. I slept for a few hours , finally deciding to take a shower. Everything I needed was already waiting for me: vanilla body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It all smells so good, and I loved it. My stomach had a mind of its own, starting to growl at me. If it could talk, I would be in big trouble, I chuckled. I guess it was time to find something to eat. It was around eight in the evening when I finally made it out of my room. Well, it looks like Sleeping Beauty finally woke up, jokes Zack. The bed is so comfortable I didn’t want to get up. As my cheeks turn bright red. Stop teasing her, Zack, says Liam. But it’s so much fun, says Zack. It’s okay, Liam, I’ve seen what Zack looks like when he wakes up, and everyone busts out laughing. Giving Zack a hug, I still love you, big bro, kissing him on his cheek. I love you too, Iz. Kissing me on my forehead. Is there food in the refrigerator? Yes, Liam went shopping while you were getting your beauty rest, replies Zack. I shake my head and laugh. Okay, how about some dinner then? All three reply at the same time, YES!! I guess you’re hungry, then, I laugh. Well, you are the one who knows how to cook unless you want a bowl of cereal, says Liam. Devin chuckles. I can make top ramen. We all start laughing. Don’t look at me, replies Zack. I can burn water if you like, he chuckles. And we all start laughing more. We could order pizza, says Zack, so you don’t have to cook. No, I think I would rather cook if you don’t mind. How about some pasta fettuccine with chicken and broccoli? That would be great. And for dessert, how about ice cream? I didn’t get ice cream, but while you’re cooking dinner, I’ll run to the store and get some. No, no, I can just make a cake or something. No, I’ll go get ice cream; the store is like five minutes away. Okay. I walk into the kitchen and start preparing dinner; it doesn’t take me that long before it’s done. Liam comes back right as I’m dishing out the food on the plates. And for the first time ever, I actually ate dinner with my brothers. It may not seem much to others, but it means the world to me. We all talked about things I need to do to be able to go to medical school. And since I was never able to go to school, I would have to get my GED. That’s where we would start first. After dinner, the boys cleaned the kitchen. I told them I would do it, but they said no, that I was done being their maid. Besides cooking, unless I wanted them to burn the house down,I chuckled at that. How about I teach you guys how to cook? They all looked at each other and said, “Why not?” or “We could have cold cereal and top ramen every day,” joked Devin. We all started laughing. “ No, I think I’ll cook and teach you guys,” I laughed. “ Good,” says Liam. “ I would hate to starve,” and everyone started laughing . I was happy for the first time. I wasn’t locked in a shed or being beaten. How about a movie, Iz, if you’re not tired? As long as it’s not horror, then I’m in. How about comedy? Or an action movie? We ended up watching Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It was hilarious. I never knew I could laugh so much. I guess I fell asleep at some point because I woke up in the morning in my room. * * * Liam’s POV For the first time, I got to see my sister really smile. And I am so grateful that we were able to finally get away from our parents. I wonder what happened to our parents once they realized we were all gone. I would have loved to see how the Alpha reacts to it all. And I would have loved to see my father grovel for the first time. And our mother, how would she react? It’s not like they can threaten us this time. Or use us against each other. I hope the Alpha gives them everything they deserve. And I’m sure the Alpha will have issues with us all disappearing. Devin was his lead warrior. Zack was working in his company while he was in school to be a lawyer. And I was supposed to work at the pack hospital, plus I was showing him how to use the stock market. This must have hit him really hard. I would love to see how they explain all of us leaving. * * * Meeting the grandparents. Izzy, are you ready? yells Zack. I’m coming, give me a minute. It’s been twenty laughs, Liam. Okay, okay, I’m coming. I’ll be in the car, laughs Devin. Okay, okay, I’m here, let’s go. How many people were you getting ready for? chuckles Zack. Hey!!! Shaking my head, giving Zack my pouty face. Liam hugs me, come on, we’re already late. Late for what ? You’ll see, come on. As he pulls me out the door. We all get into a new black SUV, it’s nice. Who’s car is this ? Mine, replies Devin. When did you get this? A few weeks ago, grandpa picked it up for me. It was here yesterday when we got here. I knew we were going to need a car. We’re going to get Zack’s and Liam’s car today. Would you like to learn how to drive, Iz? Says Liam. Yes, if it’s not too much trouble. It’s no trouble at all, replies Zack. Hey, Devin, how about we let Izzy get her car today and have it dropped off at the house so we can teach her in it? That’s a good idea. It might be easier on her. We could always hire someone to teach her, laughs Liam. Hey!! Liam chuckles, I’m just joking, Iz. We get to the car lot and I’m the only one searching for the car I want. Liam got a Jeep, Zack got a truck. I ended up getting a Nissan Rogue. Devin made sure it was fully loaded, whatever that means, I giggle. I wanted a burgundy one and they didn’t have it, so they had to order it and I would get it in a few days. They would have it delivered to the house along with my brothers’ cars. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to see it. Okay now that’s done let’s get to the mall. We all need phones and computers and Izzy. You still need clothes. But I have clothes grandma bought me. Izzy you need more than that sighs Liam things that you pick out yourself. Oh .. okay.. are you sure? I will be fine with what I have. Yes we’re sure replies Zack. We’re never gonna let anyone hurt you again Iz sighs Devin and you should have had all these things all along. . .. as a tear slips from my eyes.. thank you. Is all I could manage to say. It okay Iz we only want what’s best for you say’s Liam as he holds my hand comforting me. I know it’s just gonna take some getting used too. We pull up to the mall and park. We all get out and start walking to the door, my brothers look really anxious about something. I wonder what’s going on? Is everything okay? Yes replies Zack. Everything is fine. Is anyone hungry ? asks Liam. I could eat I reply .. good then that settles it .. it’s time to eat chuckles Zack. I want pizza say’s Zack fine replies Devin. I’ve never had pizza I say quietly. You’re gonna love it say’s Zack. We walk into the restaurant and Devin walks up and starts talking to three people two are older and one is about my I age I think. They keep looking at me and I wonder if I had done something wrong and I slide behind Liam so they can’t see me. Iz what are you doing ? Liam asks. Um they are looking at me all weird and um. Liam chuckles. That’s because their your grandparents and your cousin and they have never seen you before. Oh! Come on Iz let me introduce you as he chuckles. I grab Liam’s hand still trying to hide behind him. Iz it’s gonna be ok he whispers their gonna love you like we do. Besides your their only granddaughter and their gonna spoil you. Liam tugs me in front of him .. grandma, grandpa this is Izzy your granddaughter. Iz this is Lily and Richard Hart your grandma and grandpa. And that is your cousin Daisy Hart, She’s your uncle Thomas’s daughter, Who should be here soon. It’s okay Iz as he pushes me forward. Lily pulls me into a hug she’s crying your so beautiful. I’m so sorry we missed so much of your life. It’s okay grandma. No it’s not but we’re gonna make it up to you that I promise. I never felt so much love when my grandma was hugging me for the first time. My grandpa finally got my grandma to let me go so he could hug me. I felt relieved and loved something I never had felt before besides with my brothers. They were my family and they loved me for me. Daisy was great we talked about anything and everything half the stuff I had no clue about. So I just nodded and smiled. My uncle finally showed up and he was just as nice as my grandparents. He seemed really happy to meet me and he talked about us all coming to the pack to meet everyone else. But my grandma cut in and explained the situation. He told my grandma he would snoop around to see if he could find anything out without anyone finding out. He promised to be extra careful. After we ate we all went shopping. Their were so many stores my brothers just chuckled and told me they would be back in a few and left me with Daisy and my grandma. All the guys went with my brothers. I never tried on so many clothes In my life I was exhausted by the end of it. And every time I would go to pay my grandma would say no that she was paying, grandma I can pay.. I know my darling but please don’t take this away from me. Alls I could do was say okay. Daisy was laughing. I just rolled my eyes at her and laughed. It was a long day but a happy one.