Chapter Three: “Put To Work”
1005 Words
It's not like I could walk up to him and question him, though. He's ordered me to neverlook him in the eye. You usually don't ever look an Alpha in the eye unless you're asked, but it's much more of a risk for me. I'm considered dirt, and Mike doesn't hesitate to put me in my place. He's beaten me for just even glancing his way before. If there is one thing that I've learned over these past six years, it's to pick my battles. I fought back against Mike and his treatment and punishment of me for the first couple years, and after multiple beatings and no one to help me aside from Gabby and Lynette, I've backed off. I've learned to put on an act.
I'm not some weak girl by any means, but if I show any signs that I am not following orders it's bound to end up badly for me. I just hope that maybe one day I can be free of this and live the life I should be living.
I sigh and shove the food into my mouth, not really tasting it, but hoping that it gets me through at least the morning, I take a sip of water and look to Gabby. "What are you guys up to today?" I always like to hear about their days and plans, as it helps me cope with my own situation. I'm happy that it's only us three that live together in this smaller house on the pack lands. That's one benefit of being the pack outcast; no one wants to be seen with me or live with me, so I have a place to escape to. Gabby and Lynette aren’t as shunned as me but they chose to be with me, so they aren't as liked by the pack either, but they don't care. They're the true definition of friends. They defend me, and don't hesitate to put others in their place if they need to.
I’m working with the pack healers today to get herbs .Lynette pours herself another glass of orange juice and takes a sip as she prepares to meet up with the pack leaders.
Gabby clears his throat. "I have to train some of the new pups today. I'm not looking forward to it." I chuckle lightly. Gabby doesn't like training new pups, hates the entitled attitude of newly shifted wolves. I should know, I used to be one of them.
"Any idea what you're doing today?" Gabby asks me and I stiffen. "Honestly, I don't know. Mike said something about prepping the new visitor building, so probably a lot of work for me today."
The table goes quiet for a moment and I know that they're trying to think of something to say that would make my task seem less daunting, but they know there isn't a single thing they can say to make it better. Mike overworks me constantly, even knowing I don't have my wolf stamina or strength that I would if I wasn't bound by these f*****g silver cuffs.
"It's okay. I'll manage. I can only do so much. Just hope he gives me a list and leaves me alone."
"If you need help, call us okay?" Gabby says and I nod. "Always."
I return to my breakfast, anxiety fluttering in my stomach in anticipation of what torture I might be subjected to today. After cleaning up from breakfast and saying goodbye to Gabby and Lynette, I grabbed my phone and a water bottle and headed out myself.
I step outside of my house and feel the sun beam down on me, warming my skin. It's too bad that I can't just spend the day outside. I wish I could. I wish I had a different life, but this is my reality now.
Placing my phone in the back pocket of my grey acid washed jeans, and pulling down my black tank top, I start to walk.
I look ahead of me and see the Alpha mansion off in the distance to the far right. Gabby, Lynette, and I might have our own house, but Mike gave us the one that is the absolute farthest from any of the other buildings on the pack lands. Just to make it harder for me to get to where I need to go. Our little house is near the entrance to the pack lands too, and just past that entrance is where my life as I know it ended. I leave our house every day and my gaze always drifts, and I have to pull myself back.
I pull my red waves up into a tight ponytail knowing that it's probably just going to get in the way with whatever it is I'm doing today. With that and a large sigh, I start my walk to the Alpha mansion, where Mike will be waiting. My sneakers crunch against the gravel as I approach the training grounds that are in the middle of our pack lands, and I see all Pure Moon's warriors in the field practicing and a familiar pang of hurt hits my heart.
I should be there. That's where I belong. Not some Alpha's doormat. I shake my head lightly and focus on my destination. I can't keep thinking of what should be. I continue and as I walk past the large garden that is in-between the Alpha mansion and the pack-house, I hear my name. I turn towards the sound and immediately lower my eyes. Mike's Beta, approaches me.
Alarik approaches me.
Alarik Esten is second in command here at Pure Moon. He's mike's best friend and killed the previous Beta for his position. He's ruthless, but you wouldn't know that by looking at him. Before I was forbidden to raise my eyes, I thought Alarik was handsome. With his striking brown eyes, chiseled body and his boyish face with silky blond hair, he definitely was a catch .
Now? He's just another asshole that I can't stand to be around.
- Writer
