Swift fear threads through my veins.Are they talking about me?I mean, I know they are, but my mind is still struggling to fully wrap around their words.
“Who was promised a virgin?” My voice is softer this time. More scared. But both alphas ignore me.
“I think it’ll be okay,” Tony says, and Burke’s grip on my arm lessens. “They probably won’t care if she’s been with a few betas.”
“Who arethey?” I ask, terrified of the answer. Deep in my bones, I already know, but Ineedto hear them say it. I need them to admit they’re getting rid of me.
Tony’s mouth pulls into a tight line, but the asshole doesn’t say anything else.Coward.
“Your new alphas,” Burke says in a deep, scary voice. “Have you been fucked by an alpha before? Or just betas?”
I would normally recoil at such a crass question, but I can only focus on one thing. “My…myalphas?” My voice cracks and I have to fight the urge to run upstairs. I want to tell my mother what her horrible mates have planned.I’m being sold. Honestly, I’m shocked it hasn’t happened sooner, but I thought I’d have a little more time with my family. Or maybe I just hoped I would.
“They’re good people.” Burke glares down at me. “Better than a whore like you deserves.” His ugly words make my blood boil, but I don’t say a word. There’s no point. He says horrible things like this all the time hoping I’ll give him an excuse to hit me.
“It’s okay, Beth.” Tony pats my upper back, obviously trying to soothe me, but the gesture just feels cold. “Let’s all go to bed. We can worry about this in the morning.”
Burke slides his angry gaze to me, then he says to Tony, “You go. Beth and I aren’t done talking.”
A pained look crosses Tony’s face, but he doesn’t argue. The coward simply nods, then turns. He doesn’t make a sound as heheads up the stairs. He takes the lantern with him, leaving me alone in the dark with this monster.
How can he and Scott walk away when Burk is like this?
How can they let him hurt me? My brothers? My mother?
I hate them all. Every single damn alpha in this house is a weakling and a liar. They claim to want to protect and defend us, but all they want is Burke’s approval. And all Burke wants is unfettered fear and mindless submission.
The second Tony’s footsteps fade, Burke releases my arm, flashing his teeth as he speaks, “Tomorrow morning, youwillbe on your best behavior for your new pack,” he growls softly. “Do you understand?”
Honestly, I’m just thankful he’s not yelling anymore.
“Does mom know you’re getting rid of me?” I ask, prepared to get hit again. “Because she’ll never let me go and you know it.”
“You are mine, Beth!” Rage flashes in Burke’s eyes and his pungent scent intensifies. “You are mine to keep, sell, trade, orkillif I wanted.”
My fear shifts. I grow cold and numb at the same time, bracing myself.
“I have fed you, clothed you, and protected you,” Burke growls. “And all I get for it is disrespect. I’ve put up with it long enough.” He closes the little space between us, forcing me to back up. “You don’t even have the decency to care how your actions could affect our family.” He sucks in a sharp breath, curling his fists into tight balls. “You are so fucking selfish.”
My shoulders instinctively curl inward, but I keep my head up. While I don’t know if he’ll kill or sell me, it’s clear this is my last night in my home, and I won’t spend it cowering in the corner.
“Do you have any idea how hard it was to find a respectable pack to take you off my hands?” Burke takes another step, and I back up again. “You’re uneducated, weak, and disrespectful,Beth.” His fangs flash as he snarls, “And now, on top of everything else, you’reused,” he practically spits the last word. “Your mother would be disgusted if she knew.”
Something deep inside me snaps, and red, hot rage erupts as I scream, “It’s not my fault you raised me in the middle of the goddamn woods!”
Burke’s hand flies out, slapping me so hard I spin, losing my footing. The floor rises up, crashing into the tip of my nose. Bright lights erupt in my vision and my ears ring. It takes a second for the pain to register. It’s hot, pulsing through my gums and eyes. Thankfully, the sensation quickly fades as something wet drips over my lips.
Blood.
“Get up.” Burke grabs a handful of my hair, pulling me off the floor. I scramble, holding onto his wrist as he lifts me onto my feet. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?” He pushes his ugly face into mine.
But I can’t talk. Blood is pouring over my lips and down the front of my neck. I clamp my lips shut tight, trying to keep it from getting into my mouth, but it’s no use. It still seeps between my lips, the copper tang spreading across my tongue.
Taking my silence as submission, Burke’s face slits with a triumphant smile. “I’m serious, Beth.” He drops his voice to a quiet rumble, pretending to control his temper. “When the Frolen pack arrives, I expect you to act like a proper omega. You will be sweet, and soft,andquiet.”
My heart pounds in the center of my face and hot blood rolls down my chin and under my shirt. It’s slick and sticky at the same time.
Burke jerks my hair, making me grunt. “Do you understand?” He uses his alpha voice.
