The Bully Alpha's Defiant Slave

Chapter 3

Sandi

I lost track of how long I’d been lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind swirling with thoughts of werewolves. The shadows danced across the ceiling, mimicking the beastly images that haunted me—fangs, blood, hatred—and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming, something I wasn’t ready for.

Suddenly, my mother’s voice cut through the fog of my thoughts. “Sandi, dinner!”

I jolted upright, heart pounding. Feet hit the floor, and I hurried toward the door, my mind still tangled in the chaos of my imagination. As I stepped into the kitchen, the irresistible aroma of chicken and bacon lasagna wrapped around me like a warm blanket. The scent was teasing my senses, making my stomach growl.

I approached the dining table, where the centerpiece stole my attention—the steaming dish of my mother’s famous lasagna, topped with bubbling cheese. Beside it sat a tray of garlic bread, thick slices of cheesy bacon goodness that made my mouth water.

My mother immediately started serving, her movements quick and practiced. I watched my dad reach for a slice of garlic bread, shoveling it into his mouth the second she set his plate down.

“Slow down,” my mother scolded, eyeing him with a mix of amusement and exasperation. “Wait until we all have our food.”

“I can’t help it,” Dad mumbled with his mouth full. “Your cooking’s just too good.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. “Be that as it may, patience would be nice.”

Dad ignored her, continuing to stuff his face. My mother shook her head, a mixture of affection and frustration flickering across her face. She handed me my plate, carefully serving my portion before settling into her own.

As I began digging in, Dad glanced up at me between bites. “So, not long now until graduation. You excited?”

I hesitated. The word “excited” felt strange on my tongue, like a lie I couldn’t quite pull off. Instead, my mind flashed to that blood-covered wolf—its eyes filled with rage, its snout dripping with blood—and I shivered.

“Yeah, I guess,” I muttered, forcing a smile.

Dad chuckled, eyes twinkling with the pride of a man eager to share his own memories. “Back in my day, I couldn’t wait to get out of school. Hate those eight hours of sitting in a classroom, listening to lectures. Nothing worse.”

I nodded vaguely, feeling the familiar urge to escape. But as I looked at him, I noticed that familiar, probing stare—like he was trying to read my mind.

“You alright, girlie?” he asked, voice gentle but curious.

I looked away, pretending to be interested in my food. “Nothing. Just tired. It’s been a big year—exams, finals, all that stuff,” I mumbled, shrugging.

“Oh, the joys of youth,” he said sarcastically, a grin tugging at his lips.

My mother shot him a sharp look. “Jackson, leave her be.”

He glanced at her, then back at me, and finally dropped his gaze to his plate. Silence settled over the table—thick, heavy, uncomfortable.

I couldn’t help but wonder what they’d say if they knew what I’d been thinking—about the werewolves, about the curse looming over me, about how I might disappear forever, just like Lindsay’s sister.

That night, as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind drifting again to the shadows, the door creaked open softly. My father’s voice broke the silence.

“We’re going out for dinner tomorrow,” he announced casually.

I blinked, confused. “Tomorrow’s my graduation. Why are we celebrating tonight?”

My mother appeared in the doorway, a faint smile on her face. “Just a little something to mark the occasion,” she said mysteriously.

I watched her leave, curiosity prickling at me. Shrugging, I headed to my room, trying to push aside the strange feeling—like something was about to change.

The next evening, we loaded into the car and headed to a busy restaurant. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen it so packed. The place was alive with chatter, clattering dishes, and the warm glow of lights.

We were shown to a table, and Dad grinned. “Good thing I made a reservation, huh?”

“So,” my mother asked cautiously, “what are we celebrating? Our daughter’s graduation isn’t until tomorrow.”

Dad’s grin widened. “All in good time.”

Before anyone could press him further, a waiter appeared, taking our orders. I watched him walk away, still puzzled.

“Come on,” my mother urged. “Tell us what’s going on.”

Dad looked at her, eyes gleaming with mischief. “I got it,” he said happily.

“Got what?” I asked, my curiosity growing.

“You’ll see,” he said, a secret smile hiding behind his words.

“Wait,” I pressed. “Are you saying...?”

He nodded. “We’re moving.”

Shock hit me like a wave. “Really? Where?”

“Far away,” my mother whispered, her eyes shining with excitement. “To a whole new city. A fresh start.”

I blinked, stunned. “You want to leave?”

They exchanged looks—something unspoken passing between them. I felt my stomach tighten. Why now? Why so suddenly?

My mind spun with questions. Was it because of the werewolves? Or was there something else they weren’t telling me?

The food arrived, hot and delicious. I ate in silence, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I wondered how long they’d been planning this move. Did they know about the curse? Did they know what was coming?

As I stared at my plate, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just about a fresh start. Something darker lurked beneath the surface—something I wasn’t yet ready to face.