Misery

Chapter Four

 How did the walking snack think we could sleep in this place? It stinks of blood, piss and more complained Valkyrie through their link. By snack she was clearly once more referring to the handsome beta of the Black Orchid Pack. Persephone was stiff and cold laying in the dungeon. There was at least some form of heating - not in the cell. Probably more for the guards in the other room. But at least it took a bit of the bite of the air off. As a werewolf she could survive the cold longer in her human form. Much longer. Didn't mean it made it any more comfortable. Chained in silver she couldn't turn into Valkyries pure form.

The golden wolf stood out - but not as much as the golden tiger striped wolf that she most often traveled in when both Valkyrie and Xena molded into one form... But still. The wolf was large enough to betray her alpha blood. She wanted to avoid garnering any further interest here. Even in her human form her senses where enhanced. Unfortunately. Because the place smelled much of what one might imagine a dungeon smelled. She could tell that further in from the sounds was where more cells for what she'd venture to guess where more 'long term' members of the dungeons.

 Something she wasn't looking to join. At least they had come and fed her. It wasn't much. But it was enough to take the gnawing ache from her belly. It hadn't been so bad for once. At least they had come after she'd eaten. She had grown used to the feeling of hunger. At the beginning of life on the run- as a child -  she had endured weeks of barely anything. Chancing berries. Failing at hunts. To afraid to go near enough to civilization to steal food...

Life as a rouge was hard for a multitude of reasons. For her, that had been a crucible. After the losses she had suffered, Persephone had wanted to lay down and die. Give up. But the fact she'd promised her brother to live... That on his deathbed he had given her one final request. So she had fought. Chosen to suffer instead of fade to oblivion. And in some morbid way, come to see it as the suitable price to her weakness. Her inability to defend her pack, her friends and loved ones... Her family.

 So hunger was an old companion to her. If she had been honest, Seph had not expected any food at all. I wonder if Beta Graves made sure we got fed Xena pondered. Once more Seph found herself rolling her eyes thinking the idea absurd. She had no clue as to why her beasts seemed to like the man. Or why they seemed to think the sign of kindness would have come from him. We're a curiosity at best. I doubt  he put any effort or time to ensure we got fed, Xena. It was clear to both beasts that their human did not hold the same sentiment. Even without her words in reply, they'd have felt it.

 But who could blame a girl for being bitter - not when her life had been so  tumultuous and laden with suffering. Someone whom at a young age experienced a devastating sting of betrayal and treason from the packs that chose to rise up against the Berserker Pack - her pack.

 Another thing she'd learned to be deprived of along with food had been sleep. Learning sometimes it was better to stay awake and as alert as you can be if to close to danger. Problem was she often felt like she was in danger. Both Xena and Valkyrie had been the same. On edge, in a dungeon - in perceived danger... Well. None of the three even wanted to consider sleep. They all wanted out. Freedom. To get the f**k out of this traitorous packs lands... She hadn't heard if this pack had a new alpha. So she couldn't just kill them in the name of revenge.

 She'd get it. But she wanted to exact it from the ones who deserved it. The Alphas abusing their power and sway over the pack. While she might hate the pack on principle... Even bitterness and sorrow had not driven her to be a merciless monster. She'd never level a pack for the sins of those who lead them. When she took her vengeance she didn't want the blood of the innocent on her hands. Not like those vile snakes. So now was to think of escape. Then to find out more. But right now with so many out looking for her - rather her beasts... It might be best to keep migrating further.

 Maybe we could go with Beta Graves. It would be further off. Not many would expect us to venture so far from our usual haunts... Xena innocently interjected into her humans mind. Right. What could go wrong going along to another packs lands. What happens when the Beta - who already suspects we have come from a title - sees Valkyrie? And Xena, you would not be able to safely shift at any point while on their lands. While it was valid - perhaps her tone had been to sharp. Xena sulked but Seph wasn't wrong.

 Why do you both like the Beta anyways. He isn't our mate - Persephone finally asked. But was greeted only with silence. There was something nagging at the back of her mind. She knew they both where aware of what that she couldn't grasp. But neither stepped forward to enlighten her. A growl left her lips at that realization.

 Time felt like it was crawling forward at an insufferably slow pace. Such a thing was normal when there had been no windows - no sign of the outdoors. Making it impossible to see what time of day it was. Minutes dragged on and felt like hours. The silver didn't help, while she might be stronger then a normal were.She still was effected. It ebbed her of energy, not to mention the unpleasant irritation that never ended where silver touched her skin.

 Now that she'd worn her inner beasts they returned the favor of blocking her. Leaving her alone with her thoughts.

 Persephone sighed, wondering if she should just risk it all to escape. She was going to go mad in the darkness, tucked away in a cell. Lose her mind to the endless irritation of silver. As if being in a cell with silver bars wasn't enough. Though she was hopeful they just did this to all prisoners. Not because they suspected she was a bigger threat or challenge to keep in.

 Her ears perked at the sound of feet approaching. Multiple. Tired, grumpy and weary as she was, the idea of maybe getting an idea of what she needed to do to get out of this f*****g position gave her an energy boost. Her rust brown eyes snapping towards the door. Watching as a group entered. One was Will - the name of the man she'd learned was attached to the balls she'd kicked in the diner. Two remained at the door. Guards. Two more walked with Will. Power radiated. It was likely that before her was the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma of the Centurion pack.

 It took a force of effort to not allow another snarl to leave her lips. She tensed. Beasts unsettled by the accumulated power in the room. It took everything in her to force her head to bow lightly in a farce of submission. Even more to work at keeping her power from radiating out. To make herself the smallest threat she could. At least her inferior height seemed it could aid in that attempt.

 Clearly submission didn't settle well with her as she was unable to resist, "hows your balls big guy?" Perhaps saying so a little to cheerfully.

 That earned her a snarl from Will. And a laugh form one of the other men, an amused smirk from the other. "I just had to meet the girl who took down my beta with a swift kick to the balls. Honestly I would love to shake your hand," mused the tallest of the men. That made Persephone's eyes snap to focus on only that man. That statement could mean only one thing. He was the Alpha of the Centurions. But instantly it caused her brows to pinch in a frown. He was young. At most mid twenties. Tall with chestnut hair, olive green eyes, and chiseled features. There was no way he was alpha at the time of the betrayal of her pack.

 Chances where that the man had taken over from his father at some point since. She stopped herself from asking him if the old alpha was alive. It was difficult to stay on top of information on packs even when in one. Harder yet as a rogue. But she couldn't draw to much attention to herself. Or give them reason to suspect she might be a threat to them beyond being a bit of a thief. Well. And a nutcracker.

 "You could always thank me by letting me go," she said instead, giving a fake smile. The alpha laughed, and Will bristled beside him looking less than thrilled that neither of those with him seemed to get anything but amusement at the 'suffering' Persephone might have caused him.

 Another laugh, "sorry. Not sure what's happening with you yet. I'm Alpha Ragnar." That clearly bothered Persephone as she let out an irritated sigh. Understanding that yes - she had stolen. But at the same time, she hadn't maimed anyone. She was getting stir crazy in the small space.

 Her eyes looked critically over the Alpha. Wondering what he might need to decide she could go, "okay... So what does a girl gotta do to get outta this s**t hole? No offense. But this place reeks. Also a bit chilly."

 "You know, if you hadn't stolen and just sought out an audience you'd have been given food and shelter for a few nights," his voice casual.

 But this time it was Persephone that laughed, "I was naked. I wasn't going to parade around looking for a pack member. Also from experience pack wolves are rather..." she searched for an unoffensive word, "unfriendly." Not great. But it was the best she could come up with.

 He shrugged, "fair. But still. Stealing isn't exactly the best way to get in anyone's good books." It was logical. She understood that.

 Yet it seemed to not fall on understanding ears as she scrunched up her face and scoffed, "for some of us, that's the only way we can provide for ourselves."

 Alpha Ragnar nodded, "I understand that. Probably more than you realize." Persephone doubted that greatly. He was likely spoiled most his life. Handed everything. But she didn't say that was what she was thinking. "What is your name? I've no confirmation from either my brother or Beta Graves on that little fact."

 Her frown deepened. Wondering who his brother was for a moment until she looked to Beta Will, the similarities... It dawned on her then. It also made more sense why Will would be Beta when he didn't feel like he had as much power as the pack Gamma. It was often blood loyalty over power in cases the beta was weaker than the gamma. She kicked herself mentally for not catching that earlier. "Will you let me out of these chains at least if I give you my name?" Her voice sing song. Trying to not show her true feelings or thoughts. It was always easier to hide it under in your face bravado. Put on a show and people aren't sure what to really make of you.

 The Alpha tilted his head, as if considering, but then nodded, "It's a deal." She was about to demand he let her out of the cuffs first but he'd already stepped forward, pulling a key from out of his pocket and motioning for her to lift her arms. He unlocked the cuffs and they fell from her wrists. She was still in a cage - but at least the most irritating part of her captivity - the cuffs - now where off her.

 Unsure of what to make of the Alpha. Just knowing she hated the pack for their part in her families destruction. He looked at her expectantly as she rubbed her aching wrists. She was used to lying about her name. "Stephanie. Or Seph." The best way to lie was to put a little truth. She didn't need anyone to make the jump to her being Persephone Roth. Assumed dead alpha daughter of the destroyed Berserker Pack. After all she had been through - understandably she grew up paranoid of anyone learning who she was - what she was...

 Alpha Ragnar got a look over his face like he didn't believe her, "Stephanie? Hmm. Not a name that I'd put to you. I can see why you created a nickname."

 "Wow. Thaaaaanks. I sooo appreciate that," rolling her eyes.  Continuing to rub her wrists. Sighing, "so, when exactly do I get a 'release date'?" She needed to get out of this packland. Regretting her choice to indulge in some comforts since it lead to a lot of discomfort. And the chance she might have to reveal more than she wanted to get free.

"Really just trying to get out of my lands fast as you can, hmm?" the man didn't sound offended. It was hard to really tell what he was feeling though in that moment. "I heard you're not very fond of the Centurions. Whatever could have inspired that hostility - I don't recall ever meeting you since becoming Alpha?"

 Persephone bit back a smart reply. Shrugging, "nothin personal. Like I said. Just not a fan of packs in general."

  Maybe he would have pushed for more, but third man who had yet to speak cleared his throat, "Alpha, Amber just let me know that Alpha and Beta Graves are looking for you... What would you like me to have them told?"

 "Tell them to meet in the dining hall in thirty minutes. We'll go to the meeting rooms once we get food to finish things up..." Ragnar paused a moment, "once she tells them Devon, have your mate come here."

 The man focused to intently on her - much more than she cared to be scrutinized by a mans gaze. Gritting her teeth and biting back a challenge to the Alpha, "what?" - she snapped. Not liking the intensity of the current attention.

 "You can pay the pack back for what you took," he said confidently. Only to receive a scowl back. There where to many ways what he said could be taken.

"Way to be abso-fuckin-lutely vague there, Alpha," she growled. He tries to touch us I am biting off his hand snarled Valkyrie. Oh, well. What do you know, she returns came Persephones retort to her wolf.

 "My Gamma's mate will come, take you to get cleaned up, and you'll join the pack for dinner. Socialize. Apologize to Charlotte for stealing her clothes - and to Jody and Tom for breaking into their house and taking money they had there," his tone was casual. And his brother instantly bristled at that.

"You're going to let this f*****g b***h just waltz out with less than a slap on the f*****g wrists?" Will bellowed. Drawing a snarl from Persephone's lips.

"I got drugged, cuffed and shoved in a cage McGrabby. Anyways. I totally take back my pre-apologey now. I am not sorry for kicking you in the nuts what so fuckin ever dickbag," perhaps she should have allowed the brothers to hash it out. But her nerves had been tried and frayed being caged up.

 "See?! She doesn't deserve kindness. Keep her locked up and throw away the key. Good riddance!" The beta stepped threateningly towards the cage. She did not flinch back. Ready to grab the asshole through the bars if she must.

 It was the Alpha who growled threateningly next - but he stepped towards his brother - not Persephone, "I am the Alpha William! You will obey my order and do so quietly. Don't be salty because a rogue female managed to get you down twice." The brothers stared each other down. It took Persephone by surprise cause she was sure her ill advised outburst would have put the brothers on the same page. The last person she'd expect to come to any form of defense to her would be the Alpha.

 I still don't like him Xena said wearily. Agreed came from both Valkyrie and Seph both. Seph still hated this pack. He might not have been in power back then - but that wouldn't change her feelings towards the pack. Wouldn't change the fact that this Alpha and his Beta where likely the children of the man that helped plan her families murder. The slaughter of her pack... What could could come from children raised by such a villain?

 Persephone held her tongue from saying anything further. Being allowed out of the cage just made getting away from them all the easier. It would be best if she could slip away while they all found themselves distracted - focused on someone not her. Though considering how much Will trusted her that may still prove difficult.

She managed to bite back any comments as 'Amber' - the gammas mate lead her to a room. It was the first time in a long time that she got to have a shower. She'd perhaps stayed in to long, leaving her fingers pruned. Amber was kind, but rather quiet once the shower had ended and she had started helping Seph get ready and providing a beautiful emerald dress for her to wear.

 The other she-wolf aided in neatly plaiting Persephone's hair. Aided in getting her makeup done. It was simple, with earthy tones on her eyelids. Nothing covering the thick sprinkling of freckles. Persephone wasn't sure she should have been happy with how quickly dinner time came. Tensing as Amber lead her to a room that supposedly lead into the dining room. It was a lounge of sorts that was overflowing with pack members. Many males curiously looking, noses trying to catch her scent.

 We can't afford to expose our self Seph instructed to herself. She wanted to run, but if she'd turned and run now she'd only find herself exposed if she really wanted to get away. Getting ready to play 'nice' for the time being. Hopefully for only a very brief time. It would seem she was to parade her about to see if she had a mate in the pack, at least after they might let her go once they realized she didn't have a mate.

 But what if our mate is here, Seph? Valkyrie sounded almost hopeful. It made Persephone ache. Knowing that there would be no way to accept a mate. That would be to much of a risk. If the moon goddess had any kindness, Persephone felt it would be given in the form of her being mateless. Her purpose would be to eventually find vengeance. Survival hadn't allowed for much living though.

 Nine long years of not having a real life. Nine years of being alone. Not having connections. Having people she could lean on. Nobody to trust. Just a bitter promise to keep. And a warning about cheap trust. You know that being what we are, it would only be a danger to any poor soul mated to us. We could never trust them fully Valk. We could never be ourselves fully.

 But our mate will be made for us. We could trust them - they could help us Seph. It was a bitter argument they had on more than one occasion. One she'd had with Xena as well. It was simply in their nature to desire their mate. To want the one who would supposedly complete them. But Persephone could see no future in it. For far to long on her own. To little trust. And to unwilling to allow something else into her life that might leave her heart further wounded.

 To little faith that even her mate would accept her for what and who she was. We can't let anyone know who we are - what we are. Her voice was weary, yet held a finality to it, not even our mate - if we have one. 

 Valkyrie whined - a sound that sent a pang of sorrow through her heart. Xena spoke next, Seph - it is true trust isn't to be handed cheaply. But trust can be earned. If we have a mate could we not give them a chance to prove they are trustworthy? If we never allow them at least a chance...

 We can only trust ourselves, Persephone persisted. Surrounded by people and still alone. That was how it was. How it would be. How it needed to be. Seph rather quiet. Anxious for it all to be over. Yet also aching knowing she wouldn't have what these wolves had. Hate the pack as she might... Persephone watched them mingle, laugh. A pang of jealousy. They had something she had lost long ago. They weren't alone.

 The alpha, Gamma, and Beta had all disappeared into another room before she'd arrived at least. That meeting she assumed she heard them talk of. With Beta Graves and his Alpha brother. Perhaps once the meal started she could have chosen to slip away. But the promise of food seemed to be to tempting a thing to pass up. Reasoning that despite their leaders being gone - clearly many other eyes happened to follow her. Be it warriors - or the unmated that ventured near.

 And the food did end up tasting divine. Good enough to distract her from disjointed she felt in the company of a pack - the more... civilized company of a pack. Not being hounded by warriors trying to kill her, or locked in a dungeon. She hadn't done anything like this since she was a child.

 Her beasts said nothing  as she sat feeling a sense of longing for this. For pack.

 For the first time in a long time she found herself thinking of what it was like in her pack - before... About her fathers smile, her mothers warmth, her brothers laughter... Sorrow knowing how brutally short all their lives had been cut short. And the bitter feeling of being left so alone in the world, with wolves around every corner that would like to destroy her. Well. Finish the job. They'd done such a brilliant job of ruining her already.

 She didn't like to think of that day. For not only the lives of those she loved that had been lost... but also for her innocents. She had endured much more then their deaths that day... Been ruined before the last had fallen...

 Our mate will still love us - Valkyrie said sadly. Though Persephone knew Valkyrie was like her and on some level  doubted. She knew she struggled with the shame of that day as well. Xena though part of them both couldn't fully understand the weight both human and wolf carried. She'd not been present yet in their lives. Only experiencing through memory. Not the moment itself...

 Stop thinking about mates... please. Can we just get through this. Clearly we have no mate here anyways... Persephone hated the pain it caused her wolf.

 The sound of doors opening caused her gaze to swivel. Zoning back in. She saw Beta Graves. Beside him was who she assumed was his brother. Her breath hitched. He was a warmer tone to his brother. His dark skin flawless, making her think of a rich milk chocolate. His black hair was coiled in tight short ringlets. It was far from the more haphazard beauty of his brother. More ... sophisticated. Yet not tame...  a rugged handsomeness with his strong jaw peppered in dark stubble. His cheeks dimpled as his full delicious lips tugged into a large grin - most likely at something his brother said to him. A scent she adored flooded her nostrils. Of cardamom and cinnamon. But her heart hammered at the knowledge it wasn't a spiced chai or a treat.

 It was him. A slight breeze from the room, likely from an open window, wafted his scent to her.

 Valkyrie perked - as did Xena. The wolf restless and yipping excitedly.

Fuck.

Mate! Xena called out.

 Persephone forgot about waiting for the right time to slip away unnoticed.

 She twisted on her heels just as she saw his head snap. As she assumed her scent hit him... And she ran.