The Bully Alpha's Defiant Slave

Chapter 11

**Sandi**

The morning sun seeped through the window, casting a dull glow over the house as we finished breakfast. Despite the routine, I could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. My parents’ faces were strained, their eyes flickering with anxiety—the kind that clings to you, tight and unshakable, when you’re facing the unknown. I did everything I could to mask my own unease, but inside, I was on edge, like a wire stretched to breaking point.

“You should take a shower and freshen up,” my mother said softly, her voice trembling just enough to betray her worries. “You want to make a good impression with whoever it is we’re supposed to meet today.”

My father nodded, his tone steady but strained. “We’ll all shower before we go. We’ve built a reputation in this town, and we’re going to keep it that way.”

My mother’s voice grew quieter, almost trembling. “After this meeting, we’ll pack what we need and leave. I want to get out of here—leave this town behind, forever.”

My father shot her a look, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. “You’ve been talking about leaving for ages. Do you really think I’ve forgotten? We’re doing this for her—for our daughter.”

Her eyes shimmered with tears, her voice wavering. “Because it’s the only way to keep her safe. You know that.”

He stared at her in silence, his jaw clenched, his expression unreadable. A long, heavy pause stretched between them until he finally shook his head and walked out of the room, leaving me and my mother standing there.

“She doesn’t understand,” she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

“Maybe,” I said softly, “but he’s just stressed. He’s worried about the community finding out your secret. It’s out of his control, and that scares him.”

She looked at me, anger flickering behind her tears. “Nonsense, Sandi. Men are supposed to protect us. What has he done to protect you? Nothing. That’s what.”

She stared down at the cold tile floor, her shoulders slumped. For a moment, we simply looked at each other—two women caught between fear and hope, trying to hold it together.

Then she looked up. “What?” she asked, defensively.

“Just wondering,” I said, shrugging.

“About what?” she pressed.

“About how you blame everyone else for your problems,” I shot back. “You’re the one who brought me here. You created this mess. Now you’re trying to pin it on Dad because you’re scared.”

Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth dropping open. Then she shook her head, as if trying to shake off the rage.

“Do you have any idea what would’ve happened if I hadn’t taken you that day?” she hissed, her voice trembling with fury. “You’d have died!”

“Maybe,” I said, standing up slowly. “And if I had, maybe Dad wouldn’t be stressing himself into a heart attack right now.” Without waiting for a reply, I turned and walked out, leaving her alone with her fury.

---

**Alpha Kayden**

I surveyed our small group, standing quietly in the same auditorium where the graduation had taken place just yesterday. Yet today, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation—each second bringing us closer to selecting the new girls for our pack. I felt a surge of excitement simmering beneath my calm exterior. Today was the day we would gather fresh members—targets—who would unknowingly walk into our trap.

I watched as the girls huddled in tight groups, whispering and trying to protect each other. Their expressions—wide eyes filled with a mix of hope and terror—never failed to amuse me. The way they’d panic when separated? That was pure entertainment. Steel and I thrived on their fear, relishing every flicker of horror when they realized they weren’t safe.

“Oh man, I’m getting fired up now,” Caleb whispered, breaking my thoughts.

“Same here,” Liam agreed, a grin tugging at his lips. “Not long now.”

“Any particular girl you’re eager to see?” Caleb asked, eyes gleaming.

“I’ve got a few,” I said coolly. “How about you?”

“Oh, you know me—I’ll take whatever’s on offer,” Caleb chuckled, a reckless grin on his face. Liam rolled his eyes, amused.

“You’re such a man-w***e, Caleb,” Liam said, shaking his head.

“Hey, in all honesty,” Caleb shot back, “what sane male would turn down a pretty girl when she’s right in front of him?”

“Only if she’s worth it,” I said, smirking.

Suddenly, Liam’s voice cut in, serious. “The families are arriving soon. It wouldn’t be wise for them to overhear this conversation.”

“Good point,” I said, moving to my seat. I pulled the photograph out of my pocket—the only one I had of the girl from the restaurant yesterday. She was the only one I truly wanted. The one I’d bring back to my pack.

---

**Sandi**

We arrived at the school auditorium, walking inside to a quiet, almost empty space. It was strange—only a handful of people milling around. We were led to our seats, and I looked at my dad, feeling the knot tighten in my stomach.

“How are you feeling?” I asked softly.

He hesitated, the tension evident in his eyes. “Nervous. Worried. Anxious. But I can’t quite explain why.”

I swallowed hard. I wanted to tell him the truth—that tonight might be the night they come for me. That the werewolves might be waiting just out of sight. But the words caught in my throat. How could I tell him that? How could I admit that the future we’d been fighting for was slipping through our fingers?

Instead, I simply squeezed his hand, offering what little comfort I could. Inside, I was trembling, knowing that whatever tomorrow held, everything was about to change forever.