The Ruthless Alpha

Secrets unveiled

The library was one of the few places in the packhouse where I felt at ease. It was quiet, tucked away in a far corner, and rarely visited during the day. It gave me a sense of peace, a fleeting escape from the tension that had become my constant companion.

But as I walked down the grand staircase toward the first-floor corridor, my foot caught on the edge of one of the steps. I let out a startled gasp, my arms flailing as I stumbled.

I managed to catch myself before I hit the ground, but my heart was racing as I stood upright, brushing off the nonexistent dirt from my clothes.

“Cassandra!”

Lila’s voice called out, sharp with concern. She hurried toward me, her auburn hair bouncing as she approached. “Are you all right? I saw you trip.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, trying to wave her off. “Really, it’s nothing.”

Her brows knit together in a frown. “You should see the healer just to be safe.”

“That’s not necessary,” I protested, shaking my head. “I didn’t even fall. I’m fine.”

But Lila was insistent, her maternal instincts taking over. “You could have twisted something and not realized it. Come on, let’s get you checked out.”

“No, really—”

She took my arm gently but firmly, steering me toward the healer’s quarters despite my protests. My stomach churned with anxiety. I couldn’t let anyone examine me too closely. They might see...

When we reached the healer’s room, I felt like a caged animal. The healer, a kind-looking woman named Maren, gestured for me to sit on the examination table.

“I’m fine,” I said again, my voice almost pleading. “There’s no need for this.”

Maren gave me a reassuring smile. “Just a quick check to make sure, dear. No harm in being cautious.”

Reluctantly, I sat on the edge of the table, my hands gripping the sides tightly.

“Let me see your arms,” Maren said, her voice gentle but firm.

I hesitated, then rolled up my sleeves, exposing the faded scars that crisscrossed my forearms. Her eyes widened slightly, and she glanced up at me with a look of concern.

“How did you get these?” she asked softly.

“It’s nothing,” I said quickly, pulling my sleeves back down.

But Maren wasn’t satisfied. “If you have scars here, there may be others. Please, remove your blouse so I can check for injuries.”

“No,” I blurted out, panic rising in my chest. “That’s not necessary.”

“Cassandra,” Maren said gently from the corner. “I just wants to make sure you’re okay.”

I knew I couldn’t argue my way out of this. My hands shook as I unbuttoned my blouse, my movements slow and reluctant. When I finally removed it, I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, unable to meet Maren’s eyes.

The room was silent for a moment, and then I heard her inhale sharply.

“Oh, my dear,” she whispered.

Her hands gently traced the scars on my back, the jagged lines left behind by years of beatings. I flinched at the contact, my skin prickling under her touch.

Maren gave me a thin robe before poking her head out the door, I could her her faint voice as she spoke to Lila outside.

“Lila,” Maren said quietly, her tone urgent. “Fetch Kane.”

My head shot up. “No, please—”

But Lila was already gone, and I sat there trembling as Maren continued her examination. She murmured softly under her breath, her voice filled with pity and concern.

When Kane entered the room, his expression was as unreadable as ever, but his silver eyes darkened as they took in the scene.

Maren stepped back, her hands clasped in front of her. “Alpha, I think you need to see this.”

He nodded, his jaw tight. “Leave us.”

Maren hesitated but obeyed, casting one last sympathetic look in my direction before leaving the room.

The door clicked shut, and I was left alone with Kane. I jumped from the table, clutching the small robe Maren had draped over my shoulders, my heart pounding as I stood before him. Every instinct told me to run, but I had nowhere to go. Kane was blocking the door - my only way out.

Kane observed me, hesitantly, and for once, his demeanor wasn’t cold. His eyes softened as he took in my trembling form, his gaze lingering on the scars that marred my forearms.

“Turn around,” he said quietly.

I hesitated, but there was no point in defying him. Slowly, I turned my back to him, clutching the robe tightly around my chest.

I felt his presence behind me, his warmth radiating in the space between us. Then his hands were on my shoulders, gently sliding the robe down until it pooled at my waist.

I stiffened, every muscle in my body tense.

His fingers ghosted over the scars on my back, tracing the long, jagged lines with a touch so gentle it sent shivers down my spine. His touch was warm, almost comforting, but it also burned, a reminder of the vulnerability I’d tried so hard to hide.

“No one has ever touched you like this, have they?” he asked softly, his voice laced with something I couldn’t identify.

I shook my head, unable to speak.

His hand stilled on one of the deeper scars, and I felt him take a deep breath.

“Who did this to you?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

I didn’t answer.

He growled, the sound vibrating through the room. “Who are you?”

The question hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

I couldn’t answer, couldn’t find the words to explain the truth that would shatter everything.

All I could do was stand there, trembling under his touch, as the weight of my secrets threatened to crush me. This was it then, was this how I was going to die?