- 2 days ago
💖(telegram@linkeex)
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00I was asked to sleep with 20 men in one night, after my master made me strip in front of them.
00:00:06When I refused, he put my head in boiling water, and now, he has planned the ultimate punishment for me.
00:00:14They buried me alive in a coffin full of rats.
00:00:17It was a hazing ritual to try to awaken my wolf.
00:00:21They said that rats were the weakest prey, that I should be able to kill them, that I should have no fear.
00:00:26I was terrified. They were boys, all trying to act like alphas.
00:00:31They had bullied me my whole life.
00:00:34I was an orphan girl in the Red Moon pack, so I was an easy target.
00:00:38But lately, the bullying had been worse than ever.
00:00:41Their inner wolves had all awakened, and for them, coming of age meant looking up to alphas, acting like alphas.
00:00:49My inner wolf hadn't awakened yet, which basically meant I was human.
00:00:53A scared little orphan with none of the wolves' strengths and all the human weaknesses.
00:00:59They had buried me in the coffin before, but the rats were new.
00:01:03Their logic was correct.
00:01:05If I were a true wolf, rats would be no problem.
00:01:08I could see why they'd think it would awaken something in me.
00:01:11But all it awakened in me was fear.
00:01:14Even though I couldn't smell scents like a wolf could, I could smell my own fear.
00:01:18I read that humans, like animals, may communicate fear through pheromones.
00:01:25Some books describe the smell of fear as cold, nervous sweat with a hint of blood or something sharp and sour, like wet cigarettes or ant poison.
00:01:35The stench of fear was strong as my breathing became more rapid and panicked.
00:01:41My heartbeat begins to echo inside my head.
00:01:44I started to lose it.
00:01:46I let out a scream, but it was weak, choked.
00:01:50I pounded on the lid of the coffin and started to cry.
00:01:54I was getting hysterical.
00:01:55My fingers began clawing at the wood lid, but I don't have claws, so my fingertips are ripped open and bleeding.
00:02:03And that's when the drugs kick in.
00:02:05They fed me wolf's bane, a powerful hallucinogen, before burying me.
00:02:10It was part of the ritual.
00:02:12It had worked on them during their initiations, but I wasn't the same.
00:02:17What makes a wolf a wolf and a human a human?
00:02:20What if I'm all human and don't belong here with the Red Moon Pack?
00:02:24These were questions my drug-addled mind was asking until I realized,
00:02:29this is going on longer than usual.
00:02:32Nobody was digging me up.
00:02:34The rats were nipping at my skin, unafraid.
00:02:37I wish I could be like them, unafraid.
00:02:39I was running short of breath.
00:02:42The wolf's bane was coursing through my system.
00:02:44The haze started to envelop me.
00:02:47I was used to it, but this time felt different.
00:02:50Something shifted inside me.
00:02:52Was it my wolf finally awakening?
00:02:54No.
00:02:55It was my organs shutting down.
00:02:58I go limp.
00:02:59My vision goes blurry and my mind black.
00:03:02This time, the bullies may have gone too far.
00:03:05This time, they actually killed me.
00:03:08Is this what being dead is like?
00:03:12It's peaceful, but a little bit boring.
00:03:16At least I don't have to feed the pack.
00:03:18The constant soft beeps are soothing.
00:03:23I don't know how long I've been dead, but I feel like I want to open my eyes, ready to take on the afterlife.
00:03:32After what seems like forever, I'm able to open my eyes and find I'm alone in soft comfort in a brightly lit, clean room.
00:03:41This is the afterlife?
00:03:43Maybe this is some sort of waiting area.
00:03:46But where's the lobby?
00:03:49Is there a receptionist?
00:03:51My mind slowly becomes more clear and I realize I'm not dead.
00:03:55I'm in the pack hospital.
00:03:57I need to leave before the alpha finds me outside the dungeon.
00:04:00I can barely move my body.
00:04:03Every move causes excruciating pain.
00:04:06I start to panic, making the beeps in the room become faster.
00:04:10Oh, I'm hooked up to a bunch of machines.
00:04:13I try to figure out how to unhook them so no one hears the noises.
00:04:17Too late.
00:04:18I hear people in the hallway getting closer.
00:04:21I try to sit up.
00:04:23I need to ignore the pain.
00:04:24I have to escape.
00:04:26I slowly slide off the side of the bed.
00:04:29My legs were wobbly.
00:04:31The tubes and wires sticking out of me prevent me from getting too far.
00:04:34The door opens and the pack doctor comes in with a nurse.
00:04:38The doctor is an older person.
00:04:40Talia, you're awake.
00:04:42Let's get you back on the mat, shall we?
00:04:44The doctor says gently.
00:04:46He and the nurse come to either side of me and reach out to hold my arms.
00:04:50A deep growl escapes my chest.
00:04:53Don't touch me.
00:04:54I snap, shaking them off.
00:04:56My voice is scratchy and raw and my mouth feels like a thousand needles are poking into it.
00:05:01It's all right, Talia.
00:05:03No one is going to hurt you here.
00:05:06We're trying to help you heal.
00:05:08Let's get you back to it.
00:05:10And I'll get you a drink of water.
00:05:11The doctor raises his hands in surrender.
00:05:14I look at him hesitantly before the nurse hands me a cup of water with a straw.
00:05:20The water feels good on my throat.
00:05:23The doctor sits in the chair beside the bed as the nurse checks my vitals and starts messing with the tubes and wires attached to me.
00:05:31Talia, you had surgery to remove hundreds of shards of glass from your back.
00:05:35We also had to reset some ribs, your jaw, and you had a lot of wolfsbane in your blood.
00:05:41We gave you a transfusion to clear it from your system so you could heal.
00:05:46You're lucky your wound isn't so serious.
00:05:49Sure about that last part, doctor?
00:05:51I think to myself.
00:05:52When the pack realized breakfast had not been prepared, Tony went to get you and then found you on the ground in your, uh, room.
00:06:03He looked at me with sympathy.
00:06:05Talia, who did this to you?
00:06:07It's a crime.
00:06:09That could be grounds for banishment from the pack.
00:06:12I can't answer him.
00:06:14I stare at my hands on my lap quietly.
00:06:17How can I tell him Alpha Edward is the one who caused this?
00:06:20There's no way he'd believe me.
00:06:24Even if he did, what are they going to do?
00:06:26Banish the Alpha?
00:06:27That chance of that?
00:06:29I decide my best move is to just shake my head no.
00:06:32I don't want to get out of the pack for lying.
00:06:35I have nowhere to go.
00:06:36I would be nothing.
00:06:38Okay, let's move on to the next question.
00:06:41When do you turn 17?
00:06:43He looks at the papers inside his folder.
00:06:46I don't know exactly, sir.
00:06:48I say honestly.
00:06:49He looks at me with a furrowed brow.
00:06:52He glances at the nurse and asks her to give us privacy for a few minutes.
00:06:56Am I in trouble?
00:06:58I just woke up.
00:06:59I don't know what I could have done.
00:07:01You don't know your birthday, Talia?
00:07:04My father brought me here when I was a baby.
00:07:07He was a bad guy.
00:07:09Alpha Edward, whoa, he...
00:07:12I feel my face burning with embarrassment.
00:07:15My hands tremble and tears threaten to escape my eyes.
00:07:19I didn't think I would have to tell the story to the doctor.
00:07:22I thought everyone already knew.
00:07:25My father was a bad guy.
00:07:27Alpha Edward ended his life for coming into pack territory without permission.
00:07:31They didn't realize he was carrying a baby until they unzipped his jacket and saw I was tucked inside.
00:07:39It was a miracle I survived.
00:07:42Since I was just a baby, they couldn't just get rid of me, but they didn't know anything about me.
00:07:47I was wrapped in a blanket that had the name Talia embroidered on it.
00:07:53So that is what they called me.
00:07:56My father could have been a kidnapper for all I know.
00:07:59The only reason they gave me the last name Jackman is because after they took down my father,
00:08:05they looked through his wallet to identify him.
00:08:09The only form of ID he had was a library card that said Brian Jackman on it.
00:08:13I have tried an internet search for his name on the computer in the school library before.
00:08:21Nothing comes up in the search.
00:08:23You don't need to finish.
00:08:25I know what happened to your father.
00:08:28Well, after that, it happened.
00:08:32Luna Layla took me in until I was old enough to start school.
00:08:36Then she moved me into the dungeon.
00:08:39I've kind of been on my own since then.
00:08:41I never found out when my actual birthday was.
00:08:45And to be honest, you're the first person who has ever asked.
00:08:49I mean, I guess I'm 16.
00:08:51My wolf hasn't woken up yet.
00:08:54The doctor nods, looking at me with pity.
00:08:57Almost like he cares.
00:08:59He asks me a few more questions about my medical history.
00:09:03There's nothing to speak of.
00:09:05I don't remember ever being treated by a doctor before.
00:09:08He closes the folder and tucks his pen into his shirt pocket.
00:09:13Well, I know you haven't had a chance to look in the mirror yet.
00:09:16But when you do, you may find you look a little different.
00:09:20Don't be alarmed.
00:09:21I've done as many tests as I could think of.
00:09:24And it is not medically related.
00:09:25Yes, sir.
00:09:28I assume he means I'm healing faster, but why did he need me to look in the mirror?
00:09:33Why not just tell me?
00:09:36I look at the nurse who is staring at me.
00:09:38When she realizes I caught her, her eyes dart away.
00:09:42What's that about?
00:09:45Okay, lady.
00:09:46Rude.
00:09:48I'll leave you now.
00:09:49You can go in the bathroom and wash up.
00:09:52Just take that bowl with the IV solution with you.
00:09:55There are lounge shorts and fresh underwear in the bag.
00:09:58You need to leave the hospital gown on until your back heals.
00:10:02All right?
00:10:04Yes, ma'am.
00:10:05Thank you, Diane.
00:10:07She nods and leaves the room.
00:10:10It's the first time in my life people have been kind to me.
00:10:13I mean, I think it's part of their job, but still.
00:10:17All I have known so far were insults, physical misery, and hard work.
00:10:22Never any kindness.
00:10:24Never any.
00:10:25I feel like I can trust the doctor, but I'm still wary of Nurse Diane.
00:10:31The way she stared at me just now makes me uncomfortable.
00:10:34I pick up the duffel bag and go to the bathroom.
00:10:38I avoid looking in the mirror.
00:10:40Everything in the bathroom is fresh.
00:10:41There's a shower, but I'm worried the pressure of the water will hurt my back.
00:10:47I decided to fill the tub halfway and get in.
00:10:50The water is warm and soothing.
00:10:52There's a washcloth and a fresh bar of soap.
00:10:55I clean myself until the water is gross.
00:10:59I drain the tub, wipe out the ring of dirt around the edge, and fill it again.
00:11:03The water is not nearly as dirty as this time when I finish washing.
00:11:07I find it hard to raise my hands, but I don't want to call the nurse to help me.
00:11:12I gently wash my hair, dry off, and wrap the soft towel around my head.
00:11:17There's a toothbrush and a small tube of paste on the shelf by the sink.
00:11:22I'm living in the lap of luxury in the pack hospital.
00:11:26I pick them up and start brushing my teeth.
00:11:29I can't avoid it anymore.
00:11:31I need to look in the mirror.
00:11:35I finally worked up the courage to take a peek.
00:11:39What I see makes me drop the toothbrush.
00:11:42My face is still covered in bruises, but that's not what made me drop the toothbrush.
00:11:47The iris of my left eye is violet, not like a shade of blue that could be a little purple in the right light.
00:11:55No, my right pupil is still the drab gray I'm used to, but my left pupil looks crazy.
00:12:00I blink my eyes hard a few times, still the same.
00:12:06I tried rubbing my eye, but it doesn't make a difference.
00:12:09There's no mistaking it.
00:12:11My eye is bright, practically glowing.
00:12:14Violet.
00:12:14The two days seem to last forever.
00:12:19I'm not complaining, though.
00:12:21I've never gotten so much in my life, and as a bonus, I get three meals a day.
00:12:26Three.
00:12:27I keep looking in the mirror.
00:12:29I can't get over how weird my purple eye looks.
00:12:33I wake up on the second day and go to the bathroom to freshen up.
00:12:38I stare at myself in the mirror for the millionth time.
00:12:42My left eye is still violet.
00:12:45Now my right eye seems like it's starting to turn violet as well.
00:12:50There was nothing I could do about it, so I decided to try not to worry.
00:12:56Since Red Moon is a pretty big pack, we have a high school on pack territory.
00:13:01The library has a really big werewolf lore research section.
00:13:05I will do some research during lunch.
00:13:06As I tilt my head to the side to brush my hair, I notice a chunk of my hair has changed color.
00:13:13Instead of my normal, mousy brown, it is silvery gray.
00:13:19Okay, seriously now.
00:13:20And what is going on?
00:13:21What is happening to me?
00:13:23Is this a trick?
00:13:24Is there bleach in the shampoo or something?
00:13:28If it is a trick, it isn't funny.
00:13:29I pick up the bottle and smell it.
00:13:32It smells like strawberries, not bleach.
00:13:36Weird.
00:13:37I have never heard of a wolf's eye or hair color changing when they are coming of age.
00:13:41But that's what the doctor thinks is happening.
00:13:44Diane comes in just after lunch with paperwork and pamphlets for me.
00:13:48She hands me another little bag.
00:13:50Just a little something to help you stay incognito until you are finished healing.
00:13:55Thank you for everything.
00:13:57There is a round hat in the bag.
00:13:59How do I look?
00:14:00I ask as I model them for her.
00:14:03She giggles at my poses.
00:14:05You're a star, darling.
00:14:07Maybe she isn't so bad after all.
00:14:10She gives me a gentle hug and sends me on my way.
00:14:15I have another two hours before I need to start prepping dinner.
00:14:18I decided to take my new clothes to my room and clean up the mess down there before this.
00:14:24Something smells different as I walk down the hallway of the dungeon.
00:14:27Like a cleaning solution.
00:14:29I turn on my lamp to find the room has been transformed.
00:14:33My lamp is not sitting on an old stack of milk crates.
00:14:37It is not a nightstand.
00:14:39There is a new bed, too.
00:14:42My old cot is gone.
00:14:43I have a proper mattress, complete with new sheets and blankets.
00:14:48There is also a small desk and chair with all my school books arranged in a basket next to it.
00:14:54I must be dreaming that or I walked into someone else's room by accident.
00:15:01Except no one else lives down here.
00:15:05You can barely tell it was an old dungeon cell.
00:15:08It looks like what I imagine a dorm room would look like.
00:15:11I peek out of the doorway to make sure I am in the right place.
00:15:15I seem to be.
00:15:17I walk over and sit carefully on the bed.
00:15:20As though it will disappear if I move too fast.
00:15:23It is like a cloud.
00:15:25The gray and turquoise linens are fresh and new.
00:15:28There are even two pillows.
00:15:30I never had a proper pillow before, let alone two.
00:15:33As far as I know, Diane is the only one who came down here while I was in the hospital.
00:15:40Could she have had all this done?
00:15:43Surely she will get in trouble when Alpha Edward finds out.
00:15:46Then I remember she doesn't know how much the Alpha hates me.
00:15:50I don't know how I'm going to explain it when he finds out.
00:15:55But I won't tattle on anyone for trying to help me either.
00:15:59I put my new clothes away in the drawers of the nightstand.
00:16:03I stash the duffel bag under the mattress.
00:16:07Once I am 17, I will figure out a way to get out of this place.
00:16:12Find a new pack that will accept a violet-eyed weakling of a wolf.
00:16:17I sit at the desk and write a thank you letter to the doctor and nurse Diane.
00:16:22I turn in the chair to look around my new room.
00:16:25I am in awe that someone would do this for me.
00:16:28I must have been daydreaming because I didn't hear the door at the top of the stairs.
00:16:35Instantly, I freeze.
00:16:38I hear two sets of footsteps coming down the hall.
00:16:41I can smell Alpha Edward's scent getting closer.
00:16:43I don't know who the other scent belongs to.
00:16:47Instinctively, I scramble and stand in the middle of the room just as they get to the doorway.
00:16:52He leans against the frame and crosses his arms.
00:16:55I can feel my whole body tremble as he stares.
00:16:58My eyes are glued to the ground.
00:16:59I do not want him to see my new eye color shining through.
00:17:04Can I help you, Alpha Edward?
00:17:06That little stunt you pulled cost me a lot of money.
00:17:10And when you cost me money, you cost my whole family money.
00:17:15I am sorry, sir.
00:17:17I apologize.
00:17:19Although I have no idea what stunt he is talking about.
00:17:21I look up just enough to see Marcy, the Alpha's daughter, is also standing in the doorway.
00:17:29Marcy takes a step closer.
00:17:31And I can feel tears starting to sting the corners of my eyes as my arms shake uncontrollably.
00:17:38How am I going to face her at school?
00:17:40I haven't had a conversation with her since her mom made me live in the dungeon anyway.
00:17:45But as far as I know, she had no idea I live down here now.
00:17:49She is going to tell everyone for sure.
00:17:52And do you know how disgusting the food has been for the past two and a half days?
00:17:58I just nod, still looking at the ground.
00:18:01I'm not trying to argue with a lunatic.
00:18:04It isn't my fault I had to have surgery.
00:18:06He's the one who broke a bottle and threw me into the broken pieces.
00:18:10If he hadn't, I would have been just fine.
00:18:13I would have been able to bounce back the next day and make breakfast like I was supposed to.
00:18:19Even if I was banged up.
00:18:21There is a pause and he finally growls.
00:18:24Where did all this furniture come from?
00:18:26Did you steal it?
00:18:28No, sir.
00:18:29It was here when I got back from the hospital wing.
00:18:32I don't know who brought it.
00:18:34You owe me, Talia.
00:18:36You also owe whoever turned your room into this comfortable space.
00:18:39You will work in the packhouse until you pay back every cent for the rest of your life if necessary.
00:18:44No more school.
00:18:46You don't need education to cook and clean.
00:18:49He uses his alpha tone.
00:18:51I cannot disobey.
00:18:53With those words, the small flame of hope in my heart extinguishes.
00:18:57I don't get paid, so I don't know how I could ever pay back any debt.
00:19:01Luna Layla told me years ago that the room in the dungeon was payment enough for my services.
00:19:08I am less than an Omega.
00:19:12Now, I am a slave.
00:19:15Marcy, teach her a lesson for wasting our money.
00:19:18Yes, Alpha.
00:19:19Tears stream down my face as the reality of my fate sets in.
00:19:25Alpha Edward is passing the torch of his cruelty down to his daughter.
00:19:29But I know better than that.
00:19:31He will never stop.
00:19:33Marcy reaches forward and claps the back of my neck.
00:19:36She forces me down into a bowing position and growls deeply.
00:19:40You should be grateful my father doesn't banish you.
00:19:44If you were a rogue, I would make sure you never made it to the border of the territory.
00:19:48A squeak escapes my throat.
00:19:51I am so scared I feel like I am going to pass out.
00:19:55Marcy turns to her father.
00:19:57Don't worry, Alpha.
00:19:58I've got this situation covered.
00:20:01I hear Alpha Edward's footsteps walk back down the hallway as he leaves the dungeon.
00:20:05Marcy tightens her grip on my neck, extending her wolf claws, making me yelp.
00:20:11As soon as the door slams, Marcy releases my neck and kneels in front of me.
00:20:15Her face is contorted with anger.
00:20:18She grabs my shoulders, shaking me roughly.
00:20:21What did you do to make him so mad?
00:20:24Why isn't she doing anything to me like she told Alpha Edward she would?
00:20:28I stiffened my whole body, avoiding eye contact with her.
00:20:32I'm shaking.
00:20:33I can't even speak now.
00:20:35The thought of two people doing something bad to me regularly for the rest of my life.
00:20:40It just can't be real.
00:20:43Can it?
00:20:44How can the moon goddess allow this to happen?
00:20:46I want to leave the world.
00:20:50That's not an exaggeration.
00:20:53That's not me being dramatic.
00:20:56Please, moon goddess, don't let this happen.
00:20:58Just let me go.
00:21:00I shake so badly that I fall to my knees.
00:21:03I start to sob hysterically and my brain shuts down from being able to think rationally.
00:21:09Marcy grabs my chin and forces me to look at her in her cold gray eyes.
00:21:13She looks at me in horror for a moment.
00:21:16What happened to your eyes?
00:21:18She moves her hands up from my chin to just below my eyes.
00:21:22It feels like her hands are trembling against my face.
00:21:26Are you a mixed blood or something?
00:21:28All I can manage is to shake my head no between sobs.
00:21:32As I shake my head, I feel her starting to press her thumbs against my lower eyelids, obstructing my vision.
00:21:39Oh no, she's going to poke my eyes out.
00:21:41She saw the violet color.
00:21:43She was going to blind me.
00:21:45I place my hands on top of her, trying to push her away.
00:21:49I hear myself screaming,
00:21:51No, stop!
00:21:52Don't take my eyes out!
00:21:53Please!
00:21:54For just a moment, time freezes.
00:21:57I don't mean like it feels like time is standing still because I'm in the middle of a traumatic situation.
00:22:02No, time is frozen.
00:22:05Well, frozen for everything except for me, I should say.
00:22:09I can feel it in the air.
00:22:10I can only last for a moment.
00:22:12I pulled Marzi's hands away from my face easily.
00:22:16The look of anger combined with confusion is stuck on her face.
00:22:20Next to her, a fly is suspended in midair.
00:22:23The second hand on the clock has stopped on the wall behind her.
00:22:27Drips of water aren't finished falling, leaving umbrella-shaped splashes in the puddles on the floor.
00:22:33What?
00:22:36Did the moon goddess hear me?
00:22:38Did she have mercy on me?
00:22:40Did she let my dream come true?
00:22:43I look back at Marzi with wide eyes.
00:22:46My hands are glowing purple.
00:22:48As quickly as it stopped, time started again.
00:22:53Marzi starts screaming and pushes herself away from me.
00:22:56The tops of her hands where my hands were touching her were burnt.
00:22:59I look down at my hands.
00:23:01They are normal again, not glowing purple.
00:23:03Seriously, though, what happened?
00:23:08I shut my eyes tight, waiting for Marzi to retaliate.
00:23:12If you tell anyone, I will kill you, she says in my ear.
00:23:16Then she punches me in the stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs.
00:23:20I hear her footsteps running down the hall, then out the door.
00:23:25I don't know how long I sit like this, but when I finally open my eyes, I breathe a sigh of relief.
00:23:31I lean against my body for a while, longer, sobbing, shaking, and trying to catch my breath.
00:23:39She didn't harm me.
00:23:41Surely she was coming back.
00:23:43I sniff the air, but her scent is gone.
00:23:46I listen carefully, but there were no sounds in other parts of the dungeon.
00:23:49I'm alone.
00:23:51Moon Goddess, thank you for saving me.
00:23:54Thank you, I say out loud, just in case the miracle I just experienced was because of her.
00:24:00I feel exhausted, but starting to feel calmer.
00:24:04Okay, Talia, focus.
00:24:06I need to make dinner for the pack or Alpha Edward will find me and kill me.
00:24:10I don't think it's an exaggeration, either.
00:24:13Even if I try to run away,
00:24:16either he or Marcy would find me before I could get off the territory.
00:24:22I take a few deep breaths and make myself go down the hall to wash up at the sink.
00:24:26I splash cold water on my face and look in the grungy mirror.
00:24:30Both of my eyes are pure violet now.
00:24:33The silver streaks are starting to take over my hair now.
00:24:36It isn't like an old person's hair.
00:24:37It is silvery that almost shimmers, even in the low light of the dungeon.
00:24:43So weird.
00:24:44There's no way I'm going to be able to get used to this new look.
00:24:48I go back to my room and get dressed in the loose cotton gown and round hat that Diane gave me,
00:24:53pulling the brim low to hide my eyes.
00:24:56Throughout dinner I received murderous glares from Alpha Edward.
00:24:59I make sure to keep my eyes to the floor so Alpha Edward would avoid seeing the color.
00:25:03Marcy glares at me every chance she gets.
00:25:07After dinner it takes longer than usual to stock the pantries,
00:25:10because whoever did it while I was in the hospital had no idea what they were doing.
00:25:15It is well after midnight, when I flop down on my bed and close my eyes.
00:25:20June 20th, I think to myself.
00:25:23It's the last day of school.
00:25:27Well, for other people anyway, not me.
00:25:30You don't need the education to cook and stock pantries.
00:25:33Alpha Edward's words ring in my ears.
00:25:36Just another day for me, I suppose.
00:25:38I wallow in self-pity for a bit before I roll over and try to fall asleep.
00:25:43I'm almost asleep when I hear a woman's voice.
00:25:47Hello?
00:25:48I quickly scramble to my feet, looking everywhere for who it could be.
00:25:52I'm the only one in the room.
00:25:53I peek into the hallway and look around, but no one is there either.
00:25:57Hello?
00:25:58I whisper loudly down the hallway.
00:26:00Ugh, Talia.
00:26:02This is no way for a warrior to behave.
00:26:05Get yourself together.
00:26:06The voice chides.
00:26:08I realize the voice is coming from inside my head.
00:26:11Who...
00:26:13Who are you?
00:26:15I ask hesitantly, worried that I've gone insane.
00:26:19I am the messenger of the moon goddess.
00:26:22The whisperer to the moon.
00:26:24But I like you, so I'll let you call me Sylvie.
00:26:29Whisperer of the moon.
00:26:31Are you my angel, Sylvie?
00:26:33Maybe.
00:26:34Who knows?
00:26:36You came a day too late.
00:26:38Our alpha just turned me into a slave less than twelve hours ago.
00:26:42We have no way to escape now.
00:26:44I feel tears welling up.
00:26:46I explain everything to her.
00:26:48What the alpha did.
00:26:50How the luna made me live in the dungeon.
00:26:52All of it.
00:26:53I sob through the whole thing.
00:26:55I'm here now, Talia.
00:26:57Don't worry.
00:26:58You are a child of the moon goddess.
00:27:02You are a warrior.
00:27:04Which means that you are strong.
00:27:07You will get through this.
00:27:09Sylvie, earlier, when my hands turned purple and burned Marcy, was that you?
00:27:16Sort of.
00:27:18That was you, but I helped a little to activate your power.
00:27:23I can explain more later.
00:27:26The next month and a half are the worst of my life.
00:27:29Thank goddess for Sylvie.
00:27:31She keeps me going.
00:27:33Any motivation I ever had is gone now.
00:27:35Instead of just breakfast and dinner, now I make lunch too,
00:27:39and I'm still on pantry duty.
00:27:41Every moment of my day is filled with work.
00:27:44From the time I wake up,
00:27:46Sylvie convinces me to enjoy the time that she and I get to spend together,
00:27:49which is when I'm cooking meals.
00:27:51I find I do enjoy cooking while Sylvie is with me.
00:27:54No one comes to bother me.
00:27:56So, we get to have great conversations without interruptions.
00:28:01In the end, I have created something people will enjoy.
00:28:05I even found a couple of recipe books in the back of one of the kitchen cupboards,
00:28:08and taught myself some new techniques and dishes to make.
00:28:13Everything else in my life is complete hell.
00:28:17Alpha Edward allows PAC members to bully me and verbally mock me,
00:28:21and they take full advantage at every opportunity.
00:28:24He comes to my room multiple times a week to harm me and berate me for imaginary offenses I haven't committed.
00:28:32Sometimes Marcy comes and watches.
00:28:35A couple of times, she even gets the whip for her father,
00:28:38but she never actually does anything bad to me.
00:28:40I swear I see her smiling while she watches.
00:28:45Sylvie tries to convince me to fight back, but that would be a death sentence.
00:28:50If I fight back or even worse, if I shift, I'm certain I'd be dead.
00:28:56Sylvie keeps telling me everything will change when I shift.
00:28:59She keeps saying,
00:29:01You are a daughter of the moon goddess, and you are her warrior.
00:29:05She is frustrated that I submit instead of fighting back.
00:29:08She is angry at me for keeping her a secret.
00:29:11She says doing so is making her weaker.
00:29:14Okay, Sylvie, a couple of problems with all of this.
00:29:17I try to tell her for the millionth time after we plop in.
00:29:21First, I have no idea when I'm going to be able to let you help me to shift.
00:29:26I'm up and working every day from 5am until after midnight.
00:29:30Secondly, if the Alpha finds out I'm talking to someone in my head,
00:29:33he might think I've gone nuts and he will banish me.
00:29:36Or maybe just skip banishing me and straight out kill me.
00:29:41Lastly, I'm a slave, not a warrior.
00:29:43I am not even an Omega.
00:29:45Talia.
00:29:46Talia, you are not just a warrior.
00:29:48You are a child of the moon goddess.
00:29:52She is your mother.
00:29:54Okay, I don't know when I can let you help.
00:29:56But at the first opportunity, I will take it, Sylvie.
00:29:59I promise.
00:30:01This seems to satisfy her.
00:30:03We keep having the same argument about werewolves all being children of moon goddess
00:30:06versus being an actual child of the moon goddess.
00:30:10She doesn't understand the difference.
00:30:12I think she believes the moon goddess is my mom.
00:30:16Like, in the literal sense of the word mother.
00:30:18Every day, I'm completely exhausted by the time I get back to my room.
00:30:23It's an even longer day if I'm visited by Alpha Edward.
00:30:27Sylvie has been the best friend I could ask for, even if she is frustrated and getting weak.
00:30:32She is always supporting me and pushing me to not give up.
00:30:37I feel guilty that I can't support her in return.
00:30:40One day, Alpha Edward's personal Omega comes running up to me while I'm making lunch
00:30:46and tells me the Alpha wants to see me in his office right away.
00:30:51I drop what I'm doing and hurry to his office.
00:30:55I knock on the door quietly in case he's busy.
00:30:57Come in!
00:30:58He calls from inside.
00:31:00I pull open the door and peek inside.
00:31:02You called for me, Alpha.
00:31:03Talia, I asked as quietly as possible.
00:31:06The easiest way to get away from him is to use as few words and ask as few questions as possible.
00:31:12Don't just stand there.
00:31:13Come in.
00:31:13He snarls.
00:31:14I rush inside and close the door behind me.
00:31:17I stay as close to the door as possible in case I need to make a run for it.
00:31:21Talia, we have a delegation coming from the Dark Howler's pack next week.
00:31:27Twenty wolves in total.
00:31:29All of the ranked members, their mates, the heads of their security and guards, and security detail for all of them.
00:31:36If all goes well, we'll be forming a pact with them.
00:31:41They must be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
00:31:45Bring lunches to the conference room every day and make a formal dinner every day next week.
00:31:51Keep their pantry stocked and stay out of the way.
00:31:55Got it?
00:31:56I look up from under my hat, still keeping my face low enough that he can't see my eyes.
00:32:01Yes, even after almost two months, he still hasn't noticed that I have purple eyes.
00:32:06Or if he has, he hasn't pointed it out.
00:32:09He also hasn't said anything about my silver hair, which is just fine with me.
00:32:14Yes, sir.
00:32:16Everyone will be here on Monday.
00:32:18Except for the Alpha, who's coming Tuesday.
00:32:21We'll be having a party after dinner to welcome him.
00:32:24Make sure there is enough food for the party.
00:32:27Give George the information for the additional food you need to make.
00:32:30Do you understand?
00:32:33Yes, sir.
00:32:34Good.
00:32:34We need to keep the Alpha happy.
00:32:37If not, I won't hesitate to let him harm you.
00:32:40Do you understand?
00:32:41He stands up with his hands on the desk, looking very intimidating.
00:32:46Yes, sir.
00:32:48Now get out of my sight.
00:32:50He points to the door behind me.
00:32:53I scramble out of the room as fast as possible to find George.
00:32:56George is in charge of ordering supplies for the packhouse.
00:32:59He should be in his office right now.
00:33:01My mind is already churning through the special foods to make, and the groceries I need for them.
00:33:08I also need extra supplies for the guest suite pantries.
00:33:11I wonder what kind of foods the Dark Howler's pack likes.
00:33:15Dark Howler's is the largest pack in the northern region, with my pack, Red Moon, being the second largest.
00:33:22Alpha Edward says Dark Howler's is vicious and strict.
00:33:25Most of their pack has served in the military at one point or another.
00:33:29They employ dark magicians and witches to help them keep power over neighboring the packs.
00:33:34I wonder if they're going to bring any dark witches here.
00:33:38I hope not.
00:33:40I also hear their Alpha expels pack members who fail training tests, because he doesn't want weak wolves in his pack.
00:33:47A guy I don't want to cross paths with.
00:33:49I get to George's office and knock on the door.
00:33:52I can hear noises coming from inside, but he doesn't answer.
00:33:56I knock a little louder.
00:33:59What the hell?
00:34:00He has to know I'm here.
00:34:01He knows my scent.
00:34:03Just tell me to come in already.
00:34:05I don't like this guy, Talia.
00:34:07He's creepy.
00:34:08He stares at you.
00:34:10Well, we don't have a choice but to work with him, Sylvie.
00:34:13He's the money.
00:34:15Oh, fine.
00:34:16But let's make it quick.
00:34:18I knock again.
00:34:19More impatiently this time.
00:34:21What is it?
00:34:22He finally growls from inside.
00:34:24I open the door to find there's a female wolf sitting on his desk.
00:34:28She hides her face in his chest.
00:34:29I can't see who she was, but there is no denying whose scent it is.
00:34:34George is not wearing any pants and he is sweating.
00:34:37Get the hell out, Talia.
00:34:38I'm busy here.
00:34:40I stand there wide-eyed, jaw slack for a moment.
00:34:44I can't be seeing this.
00:34:46George is having a fun time in his office with Luna Layla.
00:34:50Get out, Talia.
00:34:53He yells louder.
00:34:55I come to my senses and slam the door closed.
00:34:58I run back to the kitchen as fast as I can.
00:35:01I can feel the drip of sweat down my face.
00:35:03If anyone finds out what I just saw, I am finished.
00:35:08Sylvie thinks it's hilarious.
00:35:10She laughs in my head throughout lunch preparation.
00:35:14I'm just trying to erase the scene from my mind.
00:35:17I'm about to take the platters out to the dining room when George comes charging into the kitchen.
00:35:23He makes a beeline for me and grabs me by the throat, pinning me against the wall.
00:35:31He hauls back his fist and punches me square in the face.
00:35:35The back of my head slams against the wall so hard I see stars.
00:35:39I can feel my nose snap as I slide down the wall with a groan.
00:35:44You didn't see anything.
00:35:46I can feel his claws extending into my neck, drawing blood.
00:35:50You understand, you little monster.
00:35:54I'm paralyzed with fear.
00:35:56I can't answer.
00:35:57I can't even nod.
00:35:59Suddenly, I feel like I'm falling backwards in my mind.
00:36:03I blink quickly a few times.
00:36:05It feels like I'm looking out of someone else's eyes.
00:36:07Let her go.
00:36:10The voice comes from me, but it isn't my voice.
00:36:12It's Sylvie.
00:36:13Her voice booms and sounds almost ethereal.
00:36:16The dishes on the counter shake as she growls deeply at George.
00:36:19I watch helplessly as my hands glow violet and grab George's wrists.
00:36:23As I grab him, his eyes widen in fear, and he starts howling in pain.
00:36:30A sizzling sound comes from where my hands connect with his skin.
00:36:33He quickly releases my neck, and we both fall to the ground.
00:36:37How are you doing this?
00:36:39What are you, Talia?
00:36:41I stand up, feeling much taller than my five-foot-tall frame.
00:36:45Sylvie's voice booms from me.
00:36:47I am a warrior child of the Moon Goddess.
00:36:50And if you tell anyone what has happened here today, I will make you suffer.
00:36:56George scoots back on his backside away from me, wide-eyed, then clambers up and runs away as fast as he can.
00:37:03Suddenly, I come back into my normal state of mind, and I fall back to the ground, exhausted.
00:37:09My hands are no longer glowing, but they feel like they are on and full of static electricity.
00:37:17Sylvie, what was that?
00:37:18I couldn't help it.
00:37:19He was threatening you.
00:37:20Okay, but what was with the glowy purple burnt hands thing?
00:37:23That's not normal.
00:37:24Talia, we've been through this.
00:37:28You are a child of the Moon Goddess.
00:37:30You are special.
00:37:31There is more, too.
00:37:32You will see after we shift for the first time.
00:37:36Until then, I'm not strong enough to show you.
00:37:39Besides, it isn't like I hurt him badly.
00:37:42His wolf will heal him before he is back in his office.
00:37:46I do.
00:37:48Wait, you mean the Moon Goddess is my actual mom?
00:37:51Like she gave birth to me specifically?
00:37:53Not just like mother of all werewolves because she created us a gazillion years ago?
00:37:58That's what I've been saying since I came.
00:38:01It's not my fault.
00:38:02You didn't believe me.
00:38:03I picked up a towel to wipe the stain from my nose.
00:38:06Sylvie is already healing me from the break, but my face is going to be bruised for a couple of days.
00:38:11I pull my hat down low so no one can see the bruises,
00:38:14then pick up the first two platters and rush out to the dining room.
00:38:18Okay.
00:38:20Well, if you're able to do that to George,
00:38:23how come you can't do it to Alpha Edward or Marcy?
00:38:27Well, I think it happened one time before,
00:38:30but I wasn't fully in control then.
00:38:33I can't do it now because he's your Alpha.
00:38:36I can't go against what he says.
00:38:39I can't attack your Alpha or his daughter.
00:38:43I concede.
00:38:44I don't want to argue with her.
00:38:46I'm just trying to figure out the rules.
00:38:48I'm in uncharted territory here.
00:38:51I mean, it's cool territory,
00:38:53but I don't know what our limits are.
00:38:56Once all the platters are out,
00:38:57I make a list of all the extra supplies I need
00:39:00and put it in the box hanging outside George's office.
00:39:04That way, I don't have to face him again.
00:39:06I clean up the dining room after lunch and still have about 45 minutes until I have to start dinner.
00:39:13I decide to go to the stock room and put supplies on the pantry cart for later.
00:39:17As I work, I hear someone clear their throat behind me.
00:39:21I look up to find Marcy standing uncomfortably close to me.
00:39:25Can I help you with something, Marcy?
00:39:28I try to swallow the panic that instantly builds in my throat.
00:39:32Talia, I just wanted to say,
00:39:34when I'm in control of the pack,
00:39:36you won't be treated the way you are now.
00:39:39Marcy, please stop.
00:39:41I put my hands up and push lightly against her to get her to move,
00:39:44but she's stronger than me and doesn't budge.
00:39:46I look up at her to see an evil grin distorting her face.
00:39:51I see the way my dad treats you, Talia.
00:39:54You never complain.
00:39:55You just take it.
00:39:57She moves closer,
00:39:59breathing deeply until she's fully pressing herself against me.
00:40:02I bet you like it when he does it, don't you?
00:40:06What?
00:40:07There is no way I heard her right, did I?
00:40:11Marcy, I do not enjoy what your father does to me,
00:40:13and you're no better standing there watching him.
00:40:15instead of stopping him.
00:40:18I can feel tears stinging the corners of my eyes
00:40:20as she slips an arm around my waist.
00:40:24I cannot believe this is happening right now.
00:40:27Don't lie to me, Talia.
00:40:29I do like men,
00:40:31but I can't deny your scent as something to me
00:40:34no man ever can.
00:40:36The way you beg before my father turns me on,
00:40:39it makes me crazy to think about what I'll do to you
00:40:41if I find you alone.
00:40:43I can't wait to get my hands on you.
00:40:45I want to hear you moan with pleasure when I'm with you.
00:40:48I want you on your knees so I can whip you instead of him.
00:40:53I want you to be my toy, Talia.
00:40:56Not his.
00:40:56We'll turn the dungeon into a playroom just for us,
00:41:01instead of just your bedroom.
00:41:04She's nuzzling against my neck right below my ear,
00:41:06making me cringe,
00:41:07but I don't have anywhere to be able to move to get away from her.
00:41:11I can feel her fingers pressing against me,
00:41:14trying to make their way between my legs.
00:41:16Are you insane?
00:41:17I push hard against her,
00:41:19but she's too strong.
00:41:21She doesn't budge.
00:41:22Get off of me, you sicko.
00:41:24This whole time,
00:41:25she's been turned on by watching her dad torture me.
00:41:28What is wrong with this family?
00:41:30The look on her face contorts,
00:41:32from happy evil to disgusted.
00:41:35Without warning, she takes a step back.
00:41:37She elbows me in the back,
00:41:38dropping me onto the table.
00:41:40Then she bends over behind me
00:41:42and whispers in my ears,
00:41:43I know you want me, Talia.
00:41:46Don't worry.
00:41:47You'll be mine as soon as I convince my father to let me have you.
00:41:51I want to make him proud when I make you squeal in pain,
00:41:56but I don't think I can wait.
00:41:57Her voice is rough and ragged with excitement,
00:42:00and her hands are all over me and groping me.
00:42:03All I can do is sob.
00:42:05I'm afraid to fight back or to even say anything.
00:42:08Sylvie can't help me because she's the Alpha's daughter.
00:42:11Moon Goddess,
00:42:12if you're my mother, please help me,
00:42:14please save me from this.
00:42:18I cry in my mind as Marcy bites my ears,
00:42:22gropes me,
00:42:22and her hand runs all over me under my clothes.
00:42:25She pulls my leggings and underwear down,
00:42:27tearing them both in half with her wolf claws extended.
00:42:30I feel her pressing her fingers against my entrance.
00:42:34I know what was about to happen,
00:42:37and I can't take it anymore.
00:42:39I turn my mind off,
00:42:40just like her father beat me within an inch of my life.
00:42:45My mind cannot be present for what is happening to me.
00:42:49She finally gets off me,
00:42:51and I fall to the floor.
00:42:52She tears the back of my shirt open
00:42:54and strikes with her claws on my back
00:42:56as if to mark me as her property.
00:42:57I lay on the floor of the supply room crying.
00:43:02Get up, Talia.
00:43:03I said get up.
00:43:05You're better than this.
00:43:06You will survive this.
00:43:07I want to leave this world, Sylvie.
00:43:10I can't do this anymore.
00:43:11I can't.
00:43:13You can, and you will.
00:43:14You will find your mate soon enough,
00:43:16and things will change.
00:43:17I promise.
00:43:18How can you be so sure?
00:43:20Glowy, burning hands are not your only gift.
00:43:23I go back to my room
00:43:25to find new clothes before making dinner.
00:43:28The next four days go without incident,
00:43:31unless you consider the fact
00:43:32that I have visited the roof
00:43:34several times recently,
00:43:38contemplating my existence.
00:43:40Each time, I stand with my toes at the edge
00:43:44and stare down from the four-story building.
00:43:47I can't bring myself to do anything
00:43:49except cry and go back to my room.
00:43:52I can't do it to Sylvie.
00:43:54I can't take her life
00:43:56because I want to take mine.
00:43:59Sunday after dinner service,
00:44:01I see Luna Layla in the hallway
00:44:03while I'm refilling pantries.
00:44:05She quickly approaches me
00:44:06and grabs me by the arm.
00:44:07She extends her claws into my bicep,
00:44:11drawing blood.
00:44:12Talia, if you tell anyone,
00:44:15and I mean anyone,
00:44:16what you saw in George's office,
00:44:18I will make you suffer.
00:44:20She says in a low, threatening tone.
00:44:23You too, lady.
00:44:24I'm fed up.
00:44:25Does she want to bully me?
00:44:26Okay, fine.
00:44:28I lift my hat
00:44:29and let my violet eyes
00:44:30look directly at her.
00:44:31She gasps at the unusual sight.
00:44:34Luna, it would be a relief,
00:44:36and I would welcome it.
00:44:38You...
00:44:39You don't know or care
00:44:40how I'm treated by this pack,
00:44:41including by your husband,
00:44:43your daughter, and your lover.
00:44:45Tears choke up my throat.
00:44:46I cannot take any more punishment
00:44:48from anyone else.
00:44:49I'm at my wit's end.
00:44:51If she takes my life
00:44:52right here in this hallway,
00:44:54it would be a relief.
00:44:56I'm sorry, Sylvie.
00:44:57I just can't do it anymore.
00:44:59I say to my angel
00:45:00as I stare down Luna Layla.
00:45:02She doesn't respond.
00:45:04She shuts our mind blink
00:45:04and crawls into the corner of my mind.
00:45:06Luna, Layla pushes me away.
00:45:09Insolent child.
00:45:11You should be grateful for your life.
00:45:13The Alpha will hear about this.
00:45:16I'm not grateful for this life, Luna.
00:45:19And if you think I should be,
00:45:20you are part of the problem.
00:45:22If you want to tell the Alpha
00:45:23about this incident,
00:45:24I'm more than happy to tell him
00:45:26what instigated it.
00:45:27She stares at me
00:45:28with pure anger and hatred
00:45:29before walking away
00:45:31without a word.
00:45:33I guess fate
00:45:34has other plans for me.
00:45:37I stand in the hall for a few minutes
00:45:39to see if she is coming back.
00:45:40But she doesn't.
00:45:42I'm certain she is going to sabotage me.
00:45:45Maybe she's going to smother me in my sleep
00:45:46or just stab me straight in the back.
00:45:50Either way,
00:45:51I was serious when I told her I welcome her.
00:45:54I finished pantry duty,
00:45:56making sure everything is set
00:45:57in the guest rooms.
00:45:58I had George order bouquets
00:45:59for each of the suites
00:46:00as an extra touch.
00:46:02In the guest Alpha suite,
00:46:05I also added a bottle of champagne.
00:46:07If this is the last thing
00:46:09I ever get to do,
00:46:10I want it to be something
00:46:11that makes someone else happy.
00:46:13It is almost 1.30 in the morning
00:46:15before I plop into my bed,
00:46:17totally exhausted.
00:46:19It has been a day.
00:46:21If Luna Layla has anything to say about it,
00:46:24it will probably be my last.
00:46:26Sylvie is exhausted too.
00:46:28She stops sulking long enough
00:46:29to tell me she needs me to shift.
00:46:31But I can't.
00:46:32I have no time or energy.
00:46:35I keep promising her I will,
00:46:37but I feel like I've broken that promise.
00:46:40I float off to the sounds
00:46:41of her whimpering in my head
00:46:42while I cry into my pillow.
00:46:44To my surprise,
00:46:46my alarm wakes me in the morning.
00:46:48Sylvie makes me promise to
00:46:50hang on for one more day.
00:46:52We go through the motions
00:46:54of the life I hate.
00:46:55While I'm getting ready,
00:46:56I look in the mirror
00:46:57to find my hair is completely silvery now.
00:47:00I tuck it into a bun
00:47:01to try to far-eyed people noticing it.
00:47:03The delegation from Dark Howlers
00:47:05arrives in the early afternoon.
00:47:07They are all tall and intimidating,
00:47:09with tattoos and big muscles.
00:47:12Some of them have visible scars
00:47:13on their arms and faces.
00:47:15They wear matching business attire
00:47:16or security uniforms.
00:47:19Luna Layla directs them
00:47:20to the sitting room
00:47:20while I quietly bring in
00:47:22pitchers of water and iced tea
00:47:23for them to drink.
00:47:24I was doing my best,
00:47:26trying not to be noticed.
00:47:27And one of the women
00:47:28calls me out.
00:47:29You there, Omega.
00:47:31She says abruptly.
00:47:33I look around and realize
00:47:34she is speaking to me.
00:47:35For everyone.
00:47:36Maya, of course, right away.
00:47:39Luna Layla says quickly,
00:47:40then nods her head to me.
00:47:42I rush to the cellar
00:47:43and pull out two cases
00:47:44of napkins and glasses.
00:47:46I prep the drink service card
00:47:47and head back to the sitting room.
00:47:49I open three bottles,
00:47:51leaving the rest for them
00:47:52to do as they wish.
00:47:53And then I back out of the room
00:47:55so I can start preparing dinner.
00:47:57The rest of the day
00:47:59goes without a hitch.
00:48:00The guests seem pleased with dinner.
00:48:03In the evening,
00:48:04I go to each guest suite
00:48:05to make sure everyone is happy
00:48:07with their accommodations.
00:48:08A couple of people ask for
00:48:10more bags of chips or soda,
00:48:13but on the whole,
00:48:15everyone seems satisfied.
00:48:17The last door is the beta's room.
00:48:20Maya opens the door,
00:48:21looking much more relaxed than earlier.
00:48:24She has a large tattoo of a rose
00:48:26and dagger on her forearm.
00:48:28Her dark hair is still pulled back,
00:48:29but she isn't wearing makeup.
00:48:31I can see now.
00:48:33She looks only a few years older than me.
00:48:36I can hear her mate inside
00:48:37talking on the phone.
00:48:38Thanks for checking on us.
00:48:39Everything is wonderful.
00:48:42The flowers are a beautiful touch.
00:48:44You have good taste.
00:48:45She smiles at me.
00:48:47I bow to her slightly,
00:48:48then turn to leave.
00:48:49Wait, what's under your hat?
00:48:51I stop in my tracks and turn around.
00:48:53I'm sorry, ma'am.
00:48:55I ask.
00:48:56I feel the blood drain from my face.
00:48:59Your hat.
00:49:00Why is it so low?
00:49:01What are you trying to hide?
00:49:02Come closer.
00:49:04I come closer
00:49:05and slowly take off my hat,
00:49:07keeping my eyes to the ground.
00:49:09My silver hair cascades down my back.
00:49:12It is embarrassingly greasy
00:49:14and visibly dirty.
00:49:15I feel myself blush.
00:49:17Oh, I see.
00:49:18Now,
00:49:19don't be disrespectful.
00:49:21Always look me in the eye
00:49:22when I speak to you.
00:49:24I look up at her.
00:49:25The light from her room
00:49:26shines right into my eyes.
00:49:28She looks at me blankly for a moment,
00:49:30trying to process what she's seeing.
00:49:33What are you?
00:49:34A hybrid?
00:49:35No, ma'am.
00:49:36The pack doctor did tests,
00:49:37but he doesn't know why it happened.
00:49:39He thinks it must be a transformation
00:49:40related to my wolf getting ready to wake up.
00:49:43I mean,
00:49:44it's not a lie.
00:49:46It's just not the whole truth, right?
00:49:48How am I supposed to tell a stranger
00:49:50that my wolf says
00:49:51that I'm the moon goddess's actual daughter
00:49:55and that that is why I have silver hair
00:49:58and violet eyes?
00:49:59She grabs my chin
00:50:00and pulls my face closer to hers,
00:50:03inspecting closely.
00:50:04And does the pack doctor know
00:50:06that someone has broken your nose recently?
00:50:09You still have bruises.
00:50:12I'm not going to elaborate
00:50:13or implicate anyone in this conversation
00:50:15with someone I do not know.
00:50:16Who's at the door, Maya?
00:50:18Just the Omega assigned to us, Caden.
00:50:20What's your name again?
00:50:21It's Talia, ma'am.
00:50:23I'm not an Omega, though.
00:50:25I'm just a servant.
00:50:27Her name is Talia.
00:50:28She picked out my beautiful flowers.
00:50:31She's still talking to her mate,
00:50:32but she hasn't taken her eyes off me
00:50:34as if she's trying to size me up
00:50:36for some reason.
00:50:37Her brow furrows slightly as she stares.
00:50:40She's making me self-conscious.
00:50:42That's nice.
00:50:43Ask her if I can get bubbly water
00:50:45in the refrigerator.
00:50:47No problem, ma'am.
00:50:49She and I share a smile at bubbly water.
00:50:52I will bring it shortly
00:50:53and leave it at the door.
00:50:56Oh, and Talia,
00:50:57if those bruises aren't healed
00:50:58by tomorrow morning,
00:50:59find some powder.
00:51:01Alpha Damon does not tolerate
00:51:02seeing injuries like that.
00:51:04Yep, yes, ma'am.
00:51:05I run to the stockroom,
00:51:07get four bottles of San Pellegrino
00:51:09and put them in front of the door,
00:51:10then run away as fast as I can.
00:51:12One million questions
00:51:13run through my head.
00:51:15Would their Alpha be angry
00:51:16for being weaker than other wolves,
00:51:18even if I was not part of his pack?
00:51:21Was she going to tell Alpha Edward
00:51:22about my unusual features?
00:51:24Was she going to call him out
00:51:26for letting someone break my nose?
00:51:28I mean, lady,
00:51:30if you think that is bad,
00:51:31I got some news you're not gonna like,
00:51:33and that I'm dead meat
00:51:34by your Alpha, for sure.
00:51:37Alpha Edward comes down later
00:51:39and whips me for not having
00:51:40all the items our guests wanted.
00:51:42By morning,
00:51:43Sylvie has still not been able
00:51:44to fully heal me.
00:51:46I'm in so much pain.
00:51:48Everything is a struggle.
00:51:50Cooking,
00:51:51carrying breakfast trays,
00:51:53leaning over to clean tables.
00:51:55Every move causes scabs
00:51:56to open and bleed,
00:51:58making the back of my shirt
00:51:59damp with blood.
00:52:00Maya makes eye contact
00:52:01with me a couple of times.
00:52:03She can tell something was wrong,
00:52:05but doesn't say anything.
00:52:06For some reason she can't explain,
00:52:08Sylvie is bouncing around
00:52:09in my head all morning.
00:52:11The Beta is so nice.
00:52:13I can't wait to meet
00:52:14the Alpha and Luna.
00:52:15Sylvie, come on.
00:52:17We're not going to get
00:52:18to meet the Alpha and Luna.
00:52:20We're going to melt into the wallpaper
00:52:21and pretend we don't exist.
00:52:23I want to meet them.
00:52:25Okay, well I hate to disappoint you,
00:52:26but you're going to be disappointed.
00:52:28Layla comes in
00:52:29while I'm prepping lunch
00:52:31to let me know
00:52:32that Alpha has arrived.
00:52:34And I need to make lunch
00:52:35for him as well.
00:52:37There is no Luna.
00:52:38He doesn't have a mate.
00:52:40And according to Layla,
00:52:42he's handsome.
00:52:44Not that it matters to me,
00:52:46because I'm going to be wallpaper.
00:52:48I don't want him
00:52:50to notice me at all.
00:52:52I take the trays
00:52:54to the conference room.
00:52:55Alpha Damon is not there,
00:52:57but there is a spot
00:52:58at the table
00:52:58where he is supposed to sit.
00:53:00I leave his meal
00:53:01at the empty seat.
00:53:02Everyone from the Dark Howler's Pack
00:53:05politely thanks me
00:53:07as I lay out plates
00:53:08in front of them.
00:53:10Their manners betray
00:53:11their intimidating features.
00:53:13No one from the Red Moon Pack
00:53:15says a word to me
00:53:15as I serve them.
00:53:17I collect the trays
00:53:18and walk out quietly.
00:53:20Layla lets me know
00:53:21she will clean the plates
00:53:22so I can focus on dinner
00:53:23and food for the party.
00:53:25I go to the kitchen
00:53:26but need a minute
00:53:27to collect myself
00:53:28before I get started on dinner.
00:53:30I go out the back door
00:53:32and stand on the stoop.
00:53:34In the distance,
00:53:36I don't recognize him.
00:53:38It must be the Alpha
00:53:39from Dark Howler's.
00:53:41He is too far away
00:53:42from me to see
00:53:42his actual features, though.
00:53:44All I can see
00:53:45is a tall figure
00:53:46with dark hair
00:53:47and a suit.
00:53:48It smells like...
00:53:52I swear,
00:53:52it smells like coffee
00:53:56or dark chocolate.
00:53:58This guy was a mocha drinker.
00:54:01I laugh to myself
00:54:02at the thought
00:54:02of the big, bad Alpha
00:54:03of Dark Howler's
00:54:04sipping on a mocha Chino.
00:54:06I make a four-course meal
00:54:07of Caesar salad,
00:54:09bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizers,
00:54:12beef wellington
00:54:13with braised Brussels sprouts
00:54:15for the main dish,
00:54:16and a key lime pie
00:54:17for dessert.
00:54:19I also make bruschetta,
00:54:21tomato fritters,
00:54:22mini calzones,
00:54:23assorted veggie trays
00:54:24with dip,
00:54:25and chocolate truffles
00:54:26to serve for the party.
00:54:28I finished the desserts
00:54:29and veggie trays
00:54:30between breakfast and lunch,
00:54:32so there was less
00:54:33for me to worry about now.
00:54:35I realize Sylvie's advice
00:54:37of finding happiness
00:54:38in cooking
00:54:38has helped me enjoy
00:54:40making this dinner.
00:54:41Maybe because I'm serving
00:54:43people other than my pack.
00:54:44Or maybe it's because
00:54:46I'm making special food,
00:54:47not just the regular stuff
00:54:49I make for the pack.
00:54:51Either way,
00:54:52I don't mind my work today.
00:54:54I felt a sense of pride in it.
00:54:57There are servers for dinner service
00:54:59since it's a formal event.
00:55:01I stay in the kitchen
00:55:02and make sure everything is plated
00:55:03and going out the door
00:55:05in perfect condition.
00:55:07I'm in the zone.
00:55:08I peek out from the kitchen
00:55:09after each course is served.
00:55:11People seem to enjoy the food,
00:55:13which is a relief.
00:55:14I notice Alpha Edward
00:55:15is getting pretty drunk.
00:55:18Luna Layla keeps taking
00:55:19his glass away from him,
00:55:20but he keeps ordering
00:55:21the Omegas to give him more.
00:55:24The dining room
00:55:25is extra crowded,
00:55:27so I don't get a better look
00:55:29at Alpha Damon.
00:55:30Maya sees me peeking out
00:55:32from the kitchen
00:55:32and gives me a wink
00:55:34and thumbs up.
00:55:35I smile
00:55:36and give a little wave
00:55:37before pulling my head back.
00:55:39I help the servers
00:55:40take the party food
00:55:42to the tables
00:55:43at the edges
00:55:44of the ballroom.
00:55:46I also make sure
00:55:47the bars in the corners
00:55:48are fully stocked.
00:55:50The DJ is finishing setting up,
00:55:52and colorful lights
00:55:53are sliding across the floor.
00:55:56Party balloons
00:55:56and streamers
00:55:58are hanging
00:55:59all over the place.
00:56:02The first few guests
00:56:03are starting to wander in,
00:56:05which is my cue
00:56:06to duck out the back door.
00:56:08Luckily, the dinner servers
00:56:09will clean up
00:56:10the dinner service tonight,
00:56:11which gives me extra time
00:56:13to restock pantries.
00:56:16I head upstairs
00:56:17to the stock room
00:56:18and load the cart up.
00:56:20I'm humming to myself
00:56:21as I go from room to room.
00:56:23I feel an odd sense
00:56:24of calm as I go.
00:56:26You're in a good mood.
00:56:28I guess.
00:56:29I'm not sure why, though.
00:56:31My back and feet
00:56:32still hurt.
00:56:33Well, I'm happy
00:56:34that you're happy,
00:56:35for once.
00:56:36This version of you
00:56:37is pretty cool.
00:56:38Thanks, Sylvie.
00:56:39You're not half bad yourself.
00:56:41I finish stocking
00:56:42the ranked pack members' rooms
00:56:44on the fourth
00:56:45and third floors.
00:56:46Then I head
00:56:47to the second floor
00:56:48where the guest suites are.
00:56:49The cleaning staff
00:56:50has cleaned everything.
00:56:52I just need to restock
00:56:53the toiletries,
00:56:54pantry items,
00:56:55and refrigerators.
00:56:57I make quick work
00:56:57of the rooms.
00:56:59I remember
00:57:00to stock the beta's room
00:57:01with more bottles
00:57:02of San Pellegrino,
00:57:04refresh the flowers,
00:57:05and leave a little tent card
00:57:06with a handwritten
00:57:07smiley face
00:57:08on the kitchenette counter.
00:57:10It's almost midnight now.
00:57:12Everyone is still
00:57:13in the ballroom partying.
00:57:15I close the door
00:57:16to the beta's suite
00:57:17and move to the alpha's suite door.
00:57:19It's the last room
00:57:21left for the night.
00:57:22I know he's at the party, too,
00:57:24but I knock first,
00:57:25just in case.
00:57:27I lean my ear
00:57:28against the door.
00:57:29I don't hear a reply.
00:57:31I slip the key card
00:57:32in the slot
00:57:33and open the door,
00:57:34but the moment
00:57:34I looked inside
00:57:35my heart stopped
00:57:37and I froze.
00:57:40Standing there
00:57:41was the most handsome werewolf
00:57:42I've ever seen in my life.
00:57:45Easily six foot,
00:57:46six inches tall,
00:57:48looked to be about
00:57:48250 pounds of solid muscle
00:57:50with the broadest shoulders,
00:57:52but he wasn't alone.
00:57:54An icy blonde
00:57:55stood in front of him
00:57:56with her hands
00:57:56undoing his belt.
00:57:58The smell of coffee
00:57:59and dark chocolate
00:58:00filled the air
00:58:01and my mind
00:58:02went hazy
00:58:02as I froze,
00:58:03seeing two piercing
00:58:04blue eyes
00:58:05staring back at me.
00:58:06Stop!
00:58:07He shouted.
00:58:09Is this it?
00:58:10Is this the day I die?
00:58:11I wondered.
00:58:13I was only doing my job,
00:58:15but that did not change
00:58:16the fact that I had
00:58:16witnessed something
00:58:17that should not
00:58:18have been seen.
00:58:20Before I could move,
00:58:21he lunged forward
00:58:21and roughly pinned me
00:58:22against the floor
00:58:23outside the room
00:58:24with a low growl.
00:58:25He placed both hands
00:58:27on my shoulders,
00:58:28preventing me
00:58:28from escaping,
00:58:29put his face
00:58:30against my neck
00:58:31and inhaled deeply.
00:58:34My heart was pounding
00:58:35in my chest
00:58:36as overwhelming panic
00:58:37began to set in.
00:58:40Alpha Damon,
00:58:40is this Omega
00:58:42trying to steal something?
00:58:44A guard said,
00:58:45seeing the struggle.
00:58:46Get back,
00:58:48he snarled,
00:58:49flashing his large fangs.
00:58:51Mine,
00:58:52he growled.
00:58:54Over his shoulder,
00:58:55I could faintly see
00:58:55Marcy staring daggers
00:58:57at me,
00:58:57and down the hall,
00:58:58I heard Alpha Edward
00:59:00shouting.
00:59:01What a disaster,
00:59:03I thought.
00:59:04They're all going
00:59:05to kill me.
00:59:06My head started swimming,
00:59:08and I felt even dizzier.
00:59:10Maybe I was finally dying.
00:59:12Look what!
00:59:13You've done,
00:59:14you little bitch!
00:59:15Marcy yelled
00:59:16as she reached out
00:59:17to grab me,
00:59:17but she never touched me.
00:59:19Alpha Damon snarled,
00:59:21snatching her hand
00:59:22out of the air
00:59:22and snapping her wrist.
00:59:24Alpha Edward roared,
00:59:26How dare you!
00:59:27This is war!
00:59:28I watched them fight
00:59:30as if it was a dream.
00:59:31They looked as though
00:59:32they were moving
00:59:33in slow motion.
00:59:35Alpha Edward yanked Marcy,
00:59:36pulling her back
00:59:37as Damon snarled at them.
00:59:39He was vicious,
00:59:41beautifully vicious.
00:59:42A guard tried
00:59:43to separate them
00:59:44as Beta Caden and Maya
00:59:45took defensive positions
00:59:46around Alpha Damon,
00:59:47and George lunged
00:59:49at Damon,
00:59:49but he was no match
00:59:50for the Alpha.
00:59:52Damon grabbed George
00:59:53by the throat
00:59:53and threw him
00:59:54into the wall
00:59:55as though her
00:59:55were a tiny pup.
00:59:57I almost laughed,
00:59:58but I was shaking
00:59:59all over,
01:00:00barely able to stand.
01:00:02But in the chaos,
01:00:03I managed to crawl away
01:00:04and slink down the stairs.
01:00:07I looked around
01:00:07to see if anyone
01:00:08noticed me,
01:00:09but they were all
01:00:10too busy arguing.
01:00:12I looked down
01:00:12to see blood
01:00:13running down my legs,
01:00:14dripping onto the floor.
01:00:16I started to lose
01:00:17consciousness,
01:00:18and then I heard it.
01:00:19The most guttural,
01:00:21ear-shattering roar.
01:00:22Where is she?
01:00:24Where is who,
01:00:25Alpha Damon?
01:00:26Where is my mate?
01:00:28Is it possible?
01:00:29Is Talia truly
01:00:30Damon's fated mate?
01:00:32What will Damon do
01:00:33to protect her?
01:00:34Will their bond
01:00:35ignite a war
01:00:36between the two
01:00:36most powerful packs
01:00:37in the Order?
01:00:38Will any of them
01:00:39leave Red Moon
01:00:40territory alive?
01:00:41To find out
01:00:42what happens next,
01:00:43listen to every
01:00:44thrilling episode
01:00:44of The Alpha's Bride,
01:00:46available only
01:00:46on the Pocket FM app.
01:00:48Download it
01:00:49for free now.
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