The Alpha's Sacrifice

Resilience

Nuala’s POV

The loud thundering of my father’s voice made me jump where I stood. My hands flew to my chest, as if it would calm my hammering heartbeat.

“Nuala!” My father repeated.

I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t heard him, so I answered him quietly.

“Yes, Father.”

“Get in here.” He ordered.

I walked swiftly into the office with my gaze downward, making sure to keep my head down in my father’s presence. I wondered if Conner made up some story about today to get me in trouble. It was a common occurrence and I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.

“You haven't fulfilled all your duties yet today.” He told me in a slightly slurred voice. It was obvious he had been drinking. A chill ran down my spine, there was almost no escaping him when he was drunk.

“I was on my way to get the invitations started for the party, sir.” I whispered.

“Did I give you permission to speak?” He asked me, but he wasn't looking for an answer.

I shook my head fast, my hair waving side to side. I was terrified he would reach for my already sore neck. I’m sure I probably had bruises starting to arise from Conner and I didn’t need any more from my father. My father draped his arm over my shoulder and pointed a finger in my face.

“You do not speak to me unless I specifically ask you a question.” He was so close to me and I could smell the alcohol on his breath as he breathed out the words. I didn’t say anything, knowing that if I did, it would only anger him further.

My father ran his finger down my arm.

“What’s wrong? No hug for your father,” he said in an expectant tone.

Cringing inwardly, I turned to give him a very awkward hug as I was trying to keep the contact to a minimum. I didn’t like affection from my father when he was drunk, but it was the only time he ever gave it. I didn’t want the attention, but I couldn’t rebuff him either, I didn’t want to spend two days in a closet again. So, I tolerated it.

“That’s better, now get to work. You should have had the invitations out already,” my father said to me, while leaning heavily on my shoulder.

I nodded brusquely, hoping he would let me go soon so I could get the invitations done. Pushing me away, he staggered back to his chair behind his desk. The minute that he was seated, I bolted from the room. I wasn’t staying in there any longer than I had too. I ran to the Luna’s studio; it was where my mom did all her work before she was killed. Here I would find some solace. I wasn’t allowed to stay in her studio long, but it was where I could get some work done regarding the party. I wanted to cry, I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide from the world, but I couldn’t. It wasn’t something I just could not do.

My mother’s studio was almost exactly the same as she had left it. I had to conduct the Luna business without disrupting anything my mom had left. If my father came in and saw one paper out of place, I would no doubt have another bruise or worse. Surprisingly, the room still smelled of my mother, like lilies. It was a smell that always calmed me when I was younger. Now it just makes me sad. The room was decorated in soft mauve and decorative wood furnishings. I had been allotted a small area next to the door where I could store the stationary I used for these events. I gathered the pretty stationary meant for special occasions and, using my best handwriting, I started the invitations. This was something I had to do on my own. I wasn’t allowed to have help writing out all of them and I worked long into the night. I lit a candle to continue my work. The candle flickered and cast shadows on the wall, it was way harder to see the paper in the candlelight. As soon as I finished all three hundred handwritten invitations, I set them aside for the postman tomorrow.

I was finally able to go to bed. I couldn’t let myself sleep in again. I had only done it a few times, but whenever I did there were always consequences. Even though we had maids to take care of getting breakfast ready for the high-ranking pack members living within the castle, I was still expected to be there to oversee what was being prepared and make sure all the tiny details were taken care of. Like how my father’s second liked a pinch of cinnamon in his coffee. Or how my brother, Conner, needed to have fresh fruit with his muffin. The muffin had to be cut in four equal parts with a smear of butter and sprinkled with a little sugar. If it wasn’t done right, not only would the packs castle maids be punished, I would be too.

The hallway was completely dark as I made my way to the small room I was given to sleep in. When I got there, I opened the small door, it was really just a glorified closet. Just big enough for a small cot to sleep on. It was cold and musty; it didn’t help that a few times I was rudely awaked by a bucket of ice water. My bed would be soaked and it didn't dry well, being in a tiny, damp closet. If it weren’t for my resilience and werewolf blood, I would likely have died of the cold by now. Exhausted, I plunked down on the small mattress then quickly changed into my night clothes before pulling the covers over myself. The only good thing about tomorrow was that I would see Killian again. I really hoped he liked me. He was very handsome and way nicer than any of the other guys around here.

It wouldn’t be long before I got my wolf, being as my birthday was the same as Conner’s, I could technically find my mate at the pairing ceremony too. Whether or not my father and brother approved was a different story. I prayed the moon goddess would be kind and give me a good mate. It would be even nicer if it was Killian. I could see Conner and my father being against it though. Seeing as Killian was in a wheelchair, they would consider him less than perfect, even if he was perfect to me. It was silly to think about, but I did it anyway. I could have feelings for someone before I got my wolf, right? I shouldn’t allow myself to hope. It would only lead to disappointment if the moon goddess led me to a different mate.