Copper.
It’s blood.
“F-fuck” I stutter as a knot of fear tightens in my stomach, spreading quickly through me. “It's okay.” I ghost my trembling hands over my mate’s face. “It’s okay. You’re gonna be okay.” My eyes dart around the dark room, not sure if I should scream for help or run and hide.
Lightning flashes again and thunder immediately claps.
I stare at the black hole that is the doorway. Someone is standing there. Their big body looks more like a shadow than an actual person, but I can see him.And it’s not Tristan.
“Beth,” Burke’s deep voice carries over the storm. “I’ve missed you, sweet child.” He takes a step toward me and I scramble onto my feet.
I grab Jeremy’s legs, then I pull hard, but the beta doesn’t move. I have no idea what I’m doing or where I’m trying to take him. My nest? The bathroom? All I know is, I can’t just stand here and wait for Burke to hurt him more.
“Did you really think you could get away from me?” Burke picks up the candle, bringing it to his face. The flames dance in his black eyes and I resist the urge to cower. “It’s time to go home, omega.” His voice is so calm, it sends a shiver right through me.
“Fuck off,” I snarl, then dig deep, trying to find strength I don't have. Finally, Jeremy’s limp body moves a fraction of an inch, but that’s it.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say.” Burke tsks like I’m a toddler. “I’ve yet to find a kind soul in this whole house.” He looks down, glaring at Jeremy’s face.
I hate that he’s looking at him.
Moving slowly, Burke tilts his head to one side, then lifts his foot. He presses the toe of his boot to Jeremy’s cheek, making his head turn.
“Don’t touch him!” I drop Jeremy’s legs and swipe out, trying to get the asshole away from my mate, but it just makes Burke smile.
He’s in a playful mood, wanting to taunt me before dishing out the real punishment.
“Is this really the pack you want?” Burke raises the candle, holding it out directly over Jeremy’s face. “Weak alphas and a pathetic beta?” He tips the candle to one side, playing with the wax, threatening to drip it onto Jeremy’s face. “Does he fuck you like all those betas back home? Or do those alphas only let him watch?”
“Stop it!” I cover Jeremy’s face with both my hands, desperate to protect him. “What do you want?” I snarl as I look up at the asshole.
“I want my things back,” Burke says as if it’s that simple. “You owe me.” He finally lowers the candle, but I don’t move. I know better. The second I do, he’ll hurt Jeremy.
“Things?” I screw up my face, not understanding.
“You took so much from me when you left,” Burke’s voice darkens, growing angrier. “Things that I fear I’ll never get back.”
“I didn’t take shit,” I snap, praying that one of my alphas will burst in here any second now.
“Yes, you did,” Burke growls, and it rolls, disappearing into the sounds of the pouring rain. “You took my respect and honor. You took your family's only chance at a decent life, and destroyed your mother’s happiness.”
And just like that, all the rage I've kept bottled up for the last twenty years shimmers then settles. And a rolling sense of calm washes over me.
I’m fucking done.
Moving slowly, I pull my hands off of Jeremy’s face. Then I stand tall, staring my father right in the eyes. “I took all that with me?” I ask, letting out a short snort.
"Watch it," Burke warns, already sensing my attitude, but I don't care what he does to me—as long as he leaves Jeremy alone.
I curl my fists and steady my feet. “You probably should have shown me a little more respect since I held all your fucking honor in my feet.”
Burke’s eyes flash and the candle’s flames flicker, but I still don’t see it coming. The glass jar hits me square in the face. My head pops back and I stumble. Stars consume my vision, but I don’t wait.
The second I regain my balance, I run into the dark.
Using muscle memory, I leap onto the bed, crawling around Burke, going straight to the bedroom door.
My vision is slowly returning as I reach the hallway, but I trip over something large on the floor and go flying. My hands and knees skid across the carpet, and I feel the skin burn away.
