I manage to say, “Yuh-yes.” My lips are numb, making it difficult to speak clearly. “Yes, sir.”
The vicious alpha straightens his back, looking down at me with a satisfied glint in his eyes.I hate him so damn much. “Why do you have to make everything so damn difficult?” He releases my hair, pushing me away from him. “It’s not hard to obey, omega.” He rests his hands on his belt. “Know your fucking place.”
I take a single step, but I’m still dizzy from the last hit, and I easily fall. My palms take the brunt of the landing, and my fingers tingle and sting.
“Clean yourself up.” Burke glares down at me. “Your new mates will be here in a few hours. I expect breakfast to be on the table and for you to be presentable by the time I wake up.” His dark eyes sweep the shadows around me. “And wash the floors, too. You got blood everywhere.” He shakes his head, letting out a bitter snort. “I should have left you in the gorge the second you presented.” He looms over me. “What a fucking waste.”
I hang my head, done with his abuse.
Heavy feet step around me, then stomp up the stairs.
I hear the familiar voice of one of my brothers, followed by Burke’s angry command to go back to bed. The baby babbles and mom whispers something. Then a door slams shut and silence settles all around me.
I’m left with nothing but the sound of my own blood rushing in my ears.
“Get up, Beth,” I say to myself, forcing my feet under me.
I slowly walk into the kitchen, then rest my hands on the lip of the sink. The window over the sink is still wide open, letting in the crisp night air. I wish I could smell it, but my throbbing nose feels like it’s stuffed. I’m so sad that I might never get another chance to scent it again.
While I hate living here, I think I might actually miss the aroma of fresh pine and crisp mountain air. Not to mention my family. I’m gutted to leave my mom and brothers.
I stare out at the twinkling stars, thinking about the new blanket Mom and I are quilting together. Anthony is going fishing for the first time in a few days, and Toby is starting to babble. His first word will be any day now. And I’m going to miss all of it.
An imaginary clock ticks away in my head.
A couple of hours. That’s what Burke said.
My new pack will be here in a couple of hours, and I’ll be gone forever.
I dread to see what kind of men that asshole has picked out for me. I’m sure they’ll be just as mean as him. I’ll spend the rest of my life catering to a group of violent alphas who will hurt and use me, filling me with their babies over and over again. Just like my poor, sweet mother.
Rage bubbles in my belly, followed by fierce grief.
Burke doesn’t even care that my heart is broken. A real father would be comforting his daughter, telling her that he loves her and will miss her. But Burke doesn’t give a shit. Tony either. It's like all they care about is that there will be one less mouth to feed.
Screw both of them.
They should be forced to suffer just like me.
My heart quickens once again, but this time it’s not fear. It’s rage.
I fucking hate my fathers.
I want to do something so shocking, that it’ll hurt both of them ten times worse than they could ever hurt me.
Without giving it any real thought, I let the impulse overtake me.
The floorboards creak as I make my way to the worn wooden door next to the kitchen table. I turn the bolt to unlock it, then I walk outside, leaving the door wide open behind me.
Good luck explaining this to the fucking Frolens.
Later that Morning
Beth
What the hellwas I thinking?
I changed my mind about leaving home after only a few hours, but it was already too late. I lost my way before the sun came up, and I didn’t realize I was going in circles, until the third time I passed the same tree…at least I think it’s the same tree.
