Rejection, Refuge, Revere

Chapter 19

Jab. Right hook. Duck. Lower jab. Right upper cut. Repeat.

The rhythm of sound as my fist connected with the bag calms my brain, by increasing my heartbeat. I’ve been working out for close to 2 hours.

One more combo and I stop. Breathing hard and sitting on the bench in the gym. I glance around to see that there are two men sparring, one weight lifting and another doing bag work. I guess there aren’t as many women rogues, but there is a woman working in the back office that can see through the window. She owns the gym and was very nice when I entered.

The men that aren’t sparring glance at me from time to time, but I suppose that is normal.

Wiping off the sweat I walk over to the office and glance in.

“Where do you want the gloves and wraps?” I ask Dally the owner.

“Oh. Over there is fine.” She says, pointing towards the shelf by her door.

“Are you leaving?” She asks as I place the gloves on the shelf.

“Yeah. No kiddo tonight so I am going to take a nice hot bath and enjoy my favorite ice cream white binging romance movies.” I answer and she smiles wide.

“Oh that sounds lovely. Have a pint for me while you’re at it.”

“Will do.” I answer and begin to walk out.

“Be safe walking home, Amona. It’s getting dark.”

“Of course. You too Dally. Have a good night.” I call as I grab my bag and head out the door.

I begin the ten minute walk down to my apartment building exhausted. It’s been a while since I worked that hard.

I hear foot steps behind me and glance back. The man is the one lifting weights at the gym. A feeling like a warning spreads through me and I begin to walk faster.

His pace stays the same, then veers off as he turns into one of the alleys to the right. He must have been going home. I slow down, more relieved and continue my walk.

As I pass an alley an arm reaches out and grabs me, turning me so that one hand muffles my scream and the other wraps around my arms and torso. Panic spreads through me as the scent of cigarettes and expired meat surrounds me.

“Shhh. Little lamb. I’ll take care of you.” A rough voice says dragging me further into the alley. I fight him, but his hold is iron.

Pushing me against the walk he hold me there, then once he releases his hand from my face I scream.

“Get off me! SOMEBODY HELP!” He laughs as gropes my butt, then pulls my hair.

“Nobody’s gonna help you my little sl*t. Oooo I do like when they scream.” He says in my ear, pushing further against me. I feel how turned on her is and I pale, memories of the past where the boys would hold me down, groping me, teasing themselves, calling me names as they smacked me around. Only when Theo and Charlie come did they run. Not after most of them getting their a’s beat.

He is twice my size at least, this is going to be hard, but I need to do it.

His hand holding my front tears my tank top, as he licks my neck. That leaves my arms open and his loose. I drop my weight and my wolf growls as I push off the wall.

I land on him, but the move takes him by surprise and all I am seeing is red.

I twist so that I am straddling him and being punching him this the face. Over and over and over.

Blood spatters, but I don’t care. This man is a predator and needs to die.

I don’t know how long I continue this, but at some point I feel hands grip my arms pulling me off.

I snarl, only focused on one thing. Tearing that man limb from f*cking limb, then everything goes black.

I wake up groggy. Looking around the dimly lit damp room.

Not room, cell.

I’m laying on a bench as the memories come flooding back. My heart begins to race as one thought erupts.

I’m going to be kicked out. There is no way that monster didn’t survive. They would even have the right to kill me.

I sit up, holding my head in my hands. Noticing I am covered with blood and scratches. At some point he must have fought back. Dread comes in waves. What the heck am I going to do?

Leo growls lowly, still on edge.

“Did you take over?” I ask her.

“Yes” is all she says as she continues her growling.

“WHERE IS SHE?” I hear yelled somewhere in the building, recognizing Carson's voice. Oh goddess, he came to kick me out.

“In the calls, Gamma.” Another voice says then a pair of footsteps comes running towards me as the other follows slowly behind.

“Oh Amona. Are you alright?” He asks, seeing the state of me.

Nodding numbly as I hold back tears. I will not cry. Well not yet anyway.

The door opens and Carson comes in, throwing his jacket around me and pulling me close.

“Amona. I need you to tell me what happened.” He speaks softly. A tear escapes as I clear my throat.

“O. Okay. I was at the gym, then started my walk home. A man that was in the gym exited shortly after. And as I sped up he turned right. I thought he made it home. Turns out he took the backway and pulled me into an alley. He.” I breathed focusing on the details on not the emotions. Carson squeezed me. “He pushed me against the wall and I screamed. He started groping me and tore my tank top. All I saw was red, my wolf took over from there.” I’m not going to give more details then needed.

“It’s okay. One of the residents of the apartment building called the patrol when she heard you cry. She saw what happened through her window.”

I nod.

“Let’s get you to the hospital for a check up, then I can take you home. Sound good?” He asks, startling me. I look at him and study his expression.

“I’m not being kicked out?” I ask.

“Not right now. The incident will go to Alpha Griffin and he will decide. I am going to speak with him after I drop you off.” He explains and I nod in understanding.