The Unwanted Mate

Chapter 9

Autumn's POV

Today's the day. I finally get to leave this hospital. I've always hated getting admitted into hospitals.

“The Delta is here to pick you up"the receptionist says.

Finally, these three days felt like three whole years to me, I thought.

“Heyy Autumn, Leah says as I get into her car.

“What's up? I reply casually. We've become very good friends these past few days.

“I'm good. I hope you're ready? Cuz we're going shopping, and then I'll take you on an exclusive tour of this pack"

“You bet! Ava's been killing me, she really needs her run.

“I know what it feels like. She says.“We can take a break before the tour"

She starts the car, and we zoom off leaving a trail of dust behind.

We speed past the training grounds and large houses that are spread out all across the expanse of land. It's like we're walking through a little werewolf town, filled with hospitals, boutiques, pharmacies, schools, rows of houses and even short apartment buildings.

We get to a boutique and alight from the car.

“Hello, welcome to Zibah's collections" a blond female says.

“You can keep the formality, it's just me Reece" Leah says. “This is Autumn, she's a new member of our pack"

“Nice to meet you dear, I'm Reece" she says as I shake her extended arm.

“So.............shall we get started?

After an hour of testing clothes, I've managed to find tons of clothes that fit me. Ranging from jeans, skirts, tops, sweatpants to heels, boots, sneakers and also some bags and purses. Since I haven't found my style yet, Leah suggested that we get clothes that reek of both the bad girl persona and the sweet, charming lady style.

“Uhmmmmm........how are we going to pay for all these? I ask, then I see he taking out a credit card from her purse.

“Being the Alpha's younger sister, comes with a lot of perks, you know?. She replies while winking. She heads to a stand, grabs a lip gloss and toss it into her bag.

*Thanks for your patronage" Reece says.

“Yhhh.......byee" I mutter.

“You hungry?

“Hell yeahh."

“Ok, I know a good place "she says, hopping into the car.

She takes us to a little cafe and takes a spot in the parking lot.

I like the interior design of the cafe. The designer really did a good job. We take a booth by the window and wait for a waiter. A man of about 19 years comes over.

“Hey ladies, I'm Xavier and I'll be your waiter for today" he says, pulling out a notepad from his apron pocket. “What will you guys like to have?

“I'll have a regular sized turkey burger with a plus sized diet coke"Leah says.

“And you? He says, looking at me.

“Well, I think I'll go with a double cheeseburger and a jumbo sized soda". I say, glancing from the menu.

”Would that be all? He asks.

“Yeah" Leah responds.

When he brings back the food, I see him slip a piece of paper under the tray, containing Leah's food, which I guess has his number on it.

After Lunch.....

“Ok, so here's a good spot for a run. I'll be back in an hour's time, that should do your wolf some good".

“Alright, see you around" I say, heading towards the trees. I remove my clothes and morph into my wolf. She takes off, into the forest. I miss the sound of leaves crunching under my paws as she runs in the forest.

Rain has been falling nonstop so the leaves are moist. Ava let's out a loud howl out of frustration.

After the run, I shift back to my normal form and out my clothes back on.

“So, the pack tour? Leah says once I shut the passenger door.

“Sure".

“The pack is divided into three sections, two of which you have already seen," She explains. “First section is the training grounds, second is the living area and the third section is.........hard to explain"

*Hard to explain?

“It'll make more sense when you see it," she says quietly, her tone indicating that she didn't want to discuss it any further

When we get there, we step out of the car and enter a strange structure. After a quick glance, I'm certain of what the place is. This is the punishing grounds.

And the first thing my eyes lands on, were the large wooden poles. Wolves were collared with silver chains and attached to the poles, their fur matted with blood, from the punishments they must have faced. They stare at us weakly, some even teary eyed from the pain of the silver that's drained into their blood stream and burned their nerves.

My eyes widens, as they land on wooden structures next to the poles. There are wolves, placed in pillories, their hands and heads, stuck in holes of the wooden structure. Their skin is pale as of they have lost a lot of blood or haven't had much too eat, and their lips, cracked as if they are dehydrated.

When we get closer, the stench of vomit and blood, becomes prominent. I grip Leah's arm as I stare at the helpless, desperate faces of the punished wolves

“Leah, wh-what is happening?

She clenches my hand in hers, “We haven't seen everything, Autumn. Turn around"

I spin around, my eyes welling with tears as they trace the metal structure that almost resembles a swing. But instead of swings hanging from the pole, it's wolves chained with their arms up and their feet barely touching the ground. I can see the pain in their faces as their arm muscles ached from being held in that position for too long

“This is actually the mildest punishment one could receive" Leah says quietly, watching me with sorrowful eyes

I swallow hard, trying to keep my tears at bay as I turn to the last station.

It is a whipping post.

A young adult wolf is being whipped hard by a pack warrior, and his groans fill the air, as drops of his crimson blood stains the concrete floor.

My vision goes blurry, and I clasp a hand over my mouth to stop the bile rising in my throat. A hand grabs my shoulder gently, and my head turns to face Leah, who was staring at me grisly.

“Welcome to the Shadow Moon's Pack Autumn".