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the alpha's bride talia part 6 - English Sub
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00:00:00My master's wife drenched me in honey and let bees jump on me just because I pushed Luna Layla's dogs while feeding.
00:00:08She pulled my hair to ground and beat me.
00:00:11I was thrown in a dungeon and made their slave to be broken.
00:00:15My crying and abuse were the pastime of Marcy, Luna's daughter.
00:00:21I was put in a cage, peed upon by the dogs for her fun.
00:00:25I ran from them to survive, and that's when she set the bees on to me.
00:00:30The bees stung at every inch all over my face, and my face turned red and swollen.
00:00:37Those bad memories flashed at once when I heard footsteps outside my dungeon.
00:00:42Alpha Edward is an alcoholic.
00:00:45It's really difficult for werewolves to get drunk, which means you have to drink heavily to feel the effects.
00:00:50This means he probably had a fight with Luna Layla about his drinking, which means she locked him out of their room.
00:00:57Which means he has come down to take out his anger on me.
00:01:02Just an average Tuesday in the pack house.
00:01:05I know the drill.
00:01:07I'm already on my feet waiting for him.
00:01:11Alpha Edward, what can I do for you?
00:01:13I ask with my eyes looking at the floor.
00:01:16I keep my hands clasped in front of me, trying to look as small as possible.
00:01:20Without a word, a whiskey bottle whizzes past my ear and smashes against the wall above my cot.
00:01:27I flinch and can't help but start to tremble and hug myself.
00:01:30Whatever is about to happen, it's going to be worse than usual.
00:01:34He lunges forward and grabs me by the throat with both hands.
00:01:39I feel tears coming to my eyes as the lack of oxygen turns the edges of my vision dark.
00:01:45I desperately claw at his hands, trying to escape his grip, but it's no use.
00:01:50He picks me up by the neck, so I'm at face level with him.
00:01:53His eyes are pitch, indicating his wolf ruckus is at the surface.
00:01:58His breath stinks because of alcohol.
00:02:00I start gagging and choking from the lack of oxygen.
00:02:03Without warning, he throws me across the room as if I weigh nothing.
00:02:07My back slams against the wall, and I land on my back on the cot.
00:02:11The shards of the broken bottle pierce the skin on my back through my thin t-shirt.
00:02:16The whiskey makes the cuts burn.
00:02:18I try to muffle a scream as the pain sears through me.
00:02:22He comes across the room and picks me up roughly by the hair.
00:02:25I feel the shards of glass cutting deeper as he pulls me up.
00:02:29He throws me to the ground.
00:02:31The glass bits are grinding deeper into my back.
00:02:34I can feel something wet soaking through my shredded shirt.
00:02:39I don't dare move and make him even madder.
00:02:42I feel my ribs snap when his foot makes contact.
00:02:46One of his feet lands on my jaw.
00:02:48I feel a sickening snap rattle in my brain.
00:02:53The metallic taste instantly fills my mouth.
00:02:56Alpha Edward has been using me as his punching bag for years, but this was way more intense than it has ever been before.
00:03:03In the past couple of years, he's started dipping the whip in Wolfsbane, which makes me heal slower, so now I have gnarly scars across my back and arms.
00:03:14I manage to eke out.
00:03:17My voice is small and garbled.
00:03:20He abruptly stops and walks out of the room.
00:03:23He comes back a moment later with the whip and starts lashing my back relentlessly.
00:03:28The whip is dripping with Wolfsbane.
00:03:30The lashes, combined with the glass shards still in my back, combined with the Wolfsbane, are too much.
00:03:38My vision turns blurry and I pass out.
00:03:43Numbness surrounds me.
00:03:45Is this what being dead is like?
00:03:49It's peaceful, but a little bit boring.
00:03:53At least I don't have to feed the peck.
00:03:57Oh, dang.
00:04:00I didn't get a chance to turn in that English essay.
00:04:03It was a good one, too.
00:04:04The constant soft beeps are soothing.
00:04:09I 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.
00:04:18After 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.
00:04:26This is the afterlife?
00:04:29Maybe this is some sort of waiting area.
00:04:32But where's the lobby?
00:04:33Is there a receptionist?
00:04:36My mind slowly becomes more clear and I realize I'm not dead.
00:04:40I'm in the pack hospital.
00:04:42I need to leave before the Alpha finds me outside the dungeon.
00:04:45I can barely move my body.
00:04:48Every move causes excruciating pain.
00:04:51I start to panic, making the beeps in the room become faster.
00:04:56Oh, I'm hooked up to a bunch of machines.
00:04:58I try to figure out how to unhook them so no one hears the noises.
00:05:01Too late.
00:05:04I hear people in the hallway getting closer.
00:05:06I try to sit up.
00:05:08I need to ignore the pain.
00:05:10I have to escape.
00:05:11I slowly slide off the side of the bed.
00:05:14My legs were wobbly.
00:05:16The tubes and wires sticking out of me prevent me from getting too far.
00:05:20The door opens and the pack doctor comes in with the nurse.
00:05:24The doctor is an older person.
00:05:25Talia, you're awake.
00:05:27Let's get you back on the mat, shall we?
00:05:30The doctor says gently.
00:05:31He and the nurse come to either side of me and reach out to hold my arms.
00:05:35A deep growl escapes my chest.
00:05:38Don't touch me.
00:05:39I snap, shaking them off.
00:05:42My voice is scratchy and raw and my mouth feels like a thousand needles are poking into it.
00:05:46It's all right, Talia.
00:05:49No one is going to hurt you here.
00:05:51We're trying to help you heal.
00:05:53Let's get you back to it.
00:05:55And I'll get you a drink of water.
00:05:57The doctor raises his hands in surrender.
00:06:01I look at him hesitantly before the nurse hands me a cup of water with a straw.
00:06:06The water feels good on my throat.
00:06:08The doctor sits in the chair beside the bed as the nurse checks my vitals
00:06:13and starts messing with the tubes and wires attached to me.
00:06:17Talia, you had surgery to remove hundreds of shards of glass from your back.
00:06:21We also had to reset some ribs, your jaw, and you had a lot of wolf's vein in your blood.
00:06:26We gave you a transfusion to clear it from your system so you could heal.
00:06:31You're lucky your wound isn't so serious.
00:06:34Sure about that last part, doctor?
00:06:36I think to myself.
00:06:38When the pack realized breakfast had not been prepared,
00:06:41Tony went to get you and then found you on the ground in your, uh, room.
00:06:48He looked at me with sympathy.
00:06:50Talia, who did this to you?
00:06:53It's a crime.
00:06:54That could be grounds for banishment from the pack.
00:06:57I can't answer him.
00:06:59I stare at my hands on my lap quietly.
00:07:02How can I tell him Alpha Edward is the one who caused this?
00:07:06There's no way he'd believe me.
00:07:09Even if he did, what are they going to do?
00:07:12Banish the Alpha?
00:07:13Fat chance of that.
00:07:15I decide my best move is to just shake my head no.
00:07:18I don't want to get out of the pack for lying.
00:07:20I have nowhere to go.
00:07:21I would be nothing.
00:07:23Okay.
00:07:24Let's move on to the next question.
00:07:27When do you turn 17?
00:07:29He looks at the papers inside his folder.
00:07:31I don't know exactly, sir.
00:07:33I say honestly.
00:07:35He looks at me with a furrowed brow.
00:07:37He glances at the nurse and asks her to give us privacy for a few minutes.
00:07:42Am I in trouble?
00:07:44I just woke up.
00:07:45I don't know what I could have done.
00:07:47You don't know your birthday, Talia?
00:07:49My father brought me here when I was a baby.
00:07:53He was a bad guy.
00:07:55Alpha Edward, well, he...
00:07:58I feel my face burning with embarrassment.
00:08:01My hands tremble and tears threaten to escape my eyes.
00:08:04I didn't think I would have to tell the story to the doctor.
00:08:08I thought everyone already knew.
00:08:10My father was a bad guy.
00:08:13Alpha Edward ended his life for coming into pack territory without permission.
00:08:18They didn't realize he was carrying a baby until they unzipped his jacket and saw I was tucked inside.
00:08:24It was a miracle I survived.
00:08:27Since I was just a baby, they couldn't just get rid of me, but they didn't know anything about me.
00:08:33I was wrapped in a blanket that had the name Talia embroidered on it.
00:08:37So that is what they called me.
00:08:41My father could have been a kidnapper, for all I know.
00:08:45The only reason they gave me the last name Jackman is because after they took down my father,
00:08:51they looked through his wallet to identify him.
00:08:54The only form of ID he had was a library card that said Brian Jackman on it.
00:08:59I've tried an internet search for his name on the computer in the school library before.
00:09:05Nothing comes up in the search.
00:09:09You don't need to finish.
00:09:11I know what happened to your father.
00:09:13Well, after that, it happened.
00:09:18Luna Layla took me in until I was old enough to start school.
00:09:21Then she moved me into the dungeon.
00:09:23I've kind of been on my own since then.
00:09:26I never found out when my actual birthday was.
00:09:30To be honest, you're the first person who was ever asked.
00:09:34I mean, I guess I'm 16.
00:09:37My wolf hasn't woken up yet.
00:09:39The doctor nods, looking at me with pity.
00:09:42Almost like he cares.
00:09:45He asks me a few more questions about my medical history.
00:09:49There's nothing to speak of.
00:09:50I don't remember ever being treated by a doctor before.
00:09:54He closes the folder and tucks his pen into his shirt pocket.
00:09:58Well, I know you haven't had a chance to look in the mirror yet.
00:10:01But when you do, you may find you look a little different.
00:10:05Don't be alarmed.
00:10:06I've done as many tests as I could think of.
00:10:09And it is not medically related.
00:10:12Yes, sir.
00:10:13I assume he means I'm healing faster.
00:10:16But why did he need me to look in the mirror?
00:10:18Why not just tell me?
00:10:21I look at the nurse who is staring at me.
00:10:24When she realizes I caught her, her eyes dart away.
00:10:28What's that about?
00:10:30Okay, lady.
00:10:31Rude?
00:10:33I'll leave you now.
00:10:35You can go in the bathroom and wash up.
00:10:37Just take that bowl with the IV solution with you.
00:10:40There are lounge shorts and fresh underwear in the bag.
00:10:43You need to leave the hospital gown on until your back heals.
00:10:48All right?
00:10:49Yes, ma'am.
00:10:50Thank you, Diane.
00:10:52She nods and leaves the room.
00:10:55It's the first time in my life people have been kind to me.
00:10:59I mean, I think it's part of their job.
00:11:01But still, all I have known so far were insults, physical misery, and hard work.
00:11:07Never any kindness.
00:11:09Never any.
00:11:10I feel like I can trust the doctor, but I'm still wary of Nurse Diane.
00:11:16The way she stared at me just now makes me uncomfortable.
00:11:20I pick up the duffel bag and go to the bathroom.
00:11:23I avoid looking in the mirror.
00:11:25Everything in the bathroom is fresh.
00:11:28There's a shower, but I'm worried the pressure of the water will hurt my back.
00:11:32I decided to fill the tub halfway and get in.
00:11:35The water is warm and soothing.
00:11:37There's a washcloth and a fresh bar of soap.
00:11:40I clean myself until the water is gross.
00:11:44I drain the tub, wipe out the ring of dirt around the edge, and fill it again.
00:11:49The water is not nearly as dirty as this time when I finish washing.
00:11:53I find it hard to raise my hands, but I don't want to call the nurse to help me.
00:11:57I gently wash my hair, dry off, and wrap the soft towel around my head.
00:12:04There's a toothbrush and a small tube of paste on the shelf by the sink.
00:12:09I'm living in the lap of luxury in the pack hospital.
00:12:12I pick them up and start brushing my teeth.
00:12:15I can't avoid it anymore.
00:12:16I need to look in the mirror.
00:12:20I finally worked up the courage to take a peek.
00:12:24What I see makes me drop the toothbrush.
00:12:27My face is still covered in bruises, but that's not what made me drop the toothbrush.
00:12:32The iris of my left eye is violet, not like a shade of blue that could be a little purple in the right light.
00:12:40No, my right pupil is still the drab gray I'm used to, but my left pupil looks crazy.
00:12:47I blink my eyes hard a few times.
00:12:50Still the same.
00:12:51I tried rubbing my eye, but it doesn't make a difference.
00:12:54There's no mistaking it.
00:12:56My eye is bright, practically glowing.
00:12:59Violet.
00:13:00The two days seem to last forever.
00:13:05I'm not complaining, though.
00:13:07I've never gotten so much in my life, and as a bonus, I get three meals a day.
00:13:11Three.
00:13:13I keep looking in the mirror.
00:13:15I can't get over how weird my purple eye looks.
00:13:18I wake up on the second day and go to the bathroom to freshen up.
00:13:23I stare at myself in the mirror for the millionth time.
00:13:27My left eye is still violet.
00:13:30Now my right eye seems like it's starting to turn violet as well.
00:13:35There was nothing I could do about it, so I decided to try not to worry.
00:13:39Since Red Moon is a pretty big pack, we have a high school on pack territory.
00:13:46The library has a really big werewolf lore research section.
00:13:50I will do some research during lunch.
00:13:52As I tilt my head to the side to brush my hair, I notice a chunk of my hair has changed color.
00:13:58Instead of my normal, mousy brown, it is silvery gray.
00:14:04Okay, seriously now.
00:14:05And what is going on?
00:14:07What is happening to me?
00:14:09Is this a trick?
00:14:10Is there bleach in the shampoo or something?
00:14:12If it is a trick, it isn't funny.
00:14:15I pick up the bottle and smell it.
00:14:17It smells like strawberries, not bleach.
00:14:21Weird.
00:14:22I have never heard of a wolf's eye or hair color changing when they are coming of age.
00:14:27But that's what the doctor thinks is happening.
00:14:30Diane comes in just after lunch with paperwork and pamphlets for me.
00:14:34She hands me another little bag.
00:14:36Just a little something to help you stay incognito until you are finished healing.
00:14:40Thank you for everything.
00:14:42There is a round hat in the bag.
00:14:45How do I look?
00:14:46I ask as I model them for her.
00:14:48She giggles at my poses.
00:14:50You're a star, darling.
00:14:52Maybe she isn't so bad after all.
00:14:55She gives me a gentle hug and sends me on my way.
00:15:00I have another two hours before I need to start prepping dinner.
00:15:04I decided to take my new clothes to my room and clean up the mess down there before this.
00:15:08Something smells different as I walk down the hallway of the dungeon.
00:15:13Like a cleaning solution.
00:15:16I turn on my lamp to find the room has been transformed.
00:15:20My lamp is not sitting on an old stack of milk crates.
00:15:24It is on a nightstand.
00:15:25There is a new bed, too.
00:15:28My old cot is gone.
00:15:29I have a proper mattress.
00:15:30Complete with new sheets and blankets.
00:15:32There is also a small desk and chair with all my school books arranged in a basket next to it.
00:15:39I must be dreaming.
00:15:42That, or I walked into someone else's room by accident.
00:15:47Except, no one else lives down here.
00:15:50You can barely tell it was an old dungeon cell.
00:15:54It looks like what I imagine a dorm room would look like.
00:15:56I peek out of the doorway to make sure I am in the right place.
00:16:01I seem to be.
00:16:02I walk over and sit carefully on the bed.
00:16:05As though it will disappear if I move too fast.
00:16:08It is like a cloud.
00:16:10The gray and turquoise linens are fresh and new.
00:16:14There are even two pillows.
00:16:16I never had a proper pillow before, let alone two.
00:16:19As far as I know, Diane is the only one who came down here while I was in the hospital.
00:16:25Could she have had all this done?
00:16:28Surely she will get in trouble when Alpha Edward finds out.
00:16:32Then I remember she doesn't know how much the Alpha hates me.
00:16:35I don't know how I'm going to explain it when he finds out.
00:16:41But I won't tattle on anyone for trying to help me, either.
00:16:45I put my new clothes away in the drawers of the nightstand.
00:16:49I stash the duffel bag under the mattress.
00:16:52Once I am 17, I will figure out a way to get out of this place.
00:16:57Find a new pack that will accept a violet-eyed weakling of a wolf.
00:17:03I sit at the desk and write a thank you letter to the doctor and nurse Diane.
00:17:07I turn in the chair to look around my new room.
00:17:11I am in awe that someone would do this for me.
00:17:13I must have been daydreaming because I didn't hear the door at the top of the stairs.
00:17:21Instantly, I freeze.
00:17:23I hear two sets of footsteps coming down the hall.
00:17:26I can smell Alpha Edward's scent getting closer.
00:17:29I don't know who the other scent belongs to.
00:17:32Instinctively, I scramble and stand in the middle of the room just as they get to the doorway.
00:17:38He leans against the frame and crosses his arms.
00:17:40I can feel my whole body tremble as he stares.
00:17:43My eyes are glued to the ground.
00:17:46I do not want him to see my new eye color shining through.
00:17:49Can I help you, Alpha Edward?
00:17:51That little stunt you pulled cost me a lot of money.
00:17:56And when you cost me money, you cost my whole family money.
00:18:00I am sorry, sir.
00:18:03I apologize.
00:18:04Although I have no idea what stunt he is talking about.
00:18:07I look up just enough to see Marcy, the Alpha's daughter, is also standing in the doorway.
00:18:15Marcy takes a step closer, and I can feel tears starting to sting the corners of my eyes as my arms shake uncontrollably.
00:18:24How am I going to face her at school?
00:18:26I haven't had a conversation with her since her mom made me live in the dungeon anyway.
00:18:30But as far as I know, she had no idea I live down here now.
00:18:35She is going to tell everyone for sure.
00:18:38And do you know how disgusting the food has been for the past two and a half days?
00:18:43I just nod, still looking at the ground.
00:18:47I'm not trying to argue with a lunatic.
00:18:49It isn't my fault I had to have surgery.
00:18:52He's the one who broke a bottle and threw me into the broken pieces.
00:18:56If he hadn't, I would have been just fine.
00:18:58I would have been able to bounce back the next day and make breakfast like I was supposed to.
00:19:04Even if I was banged up.
00:19:07There is a pause and he finally growls.
00:19:10Where did all this furniture come from?
00:19:12Did you steal it?
00:19:13No, sir.
00:19:15It was here when I got back from the hospital wing.
00:19:18I don't know who brought it.
00:19:19You owe me, Talia.
00:19:21You also owe whoever turned your room into this comfortable space.
00:19:24You will work in the packhouse until you pay back every cent for the rest of your life if necessary.
00:19:30No more school.
00:19:31You don't need education to cook and clean.
00:19:35He uses his alpha tone.
00:19:36I cannot disobey.
00:19:38With those words, the small flame of hope in my heart extinguishes.
00:19:43I don't get paid, so I don't know how I could ever pay back any debt.
00:19:48Luna Layla told me years ago that the room in the dungeon was payment enough for my services.
00:19:53I am less than an Omega.
00:19:57Now, I am a slave.
00:20:00Marcy, teach her a lesson for wasting our money.
00:20:04Yes, Alpha.
00:20:06Tears stream down my face as the reality of my fate sets in.
00:20:10Alpha Edward is passing the torch of his cruelty down to his daughter.
00:20:15But I know better than that.
00:20:16He will never stop.
00:20:19Marcy reaches forward and claps the back of my neck.
00:20:21She forces me down into a bowing position and growls deeply.
00:20:26You should be grateful my father doesn't banish you.
00:20:29If you were a rogue, I would make sure you never made it to the border of the territory.
00:20:35A squeak escapes my throat.
00:20:37I am so scared I feel like I am going to pass out.
00:20:41Marcy turns to her father.
00:20:42Don't worry, Alpha.
00:20:44I've got the situation covered.
00:20:46I hear Alpha Edward's footsteps walk back down the hallway as he leaves the dungeon.
00:20:51Marcy tightens her grip on my neck, extending her wolf claws, making me yelp.
00:20:56As soon as the door slams, Marcy releases my neck and kneels in front of me.
00:21:01Her face is contorted with anger.
00:21:04She grabs my shoulders, shaking me roughly.
00:21:07What did you do to make him so mad?
00:21:09Why isn't she doing anything to me like she told Alpha Edward she would?
00:21:14I stiffened my whole body, avoiding eye contact with her.
00:21:18I'm shaking.
00:21:19I can't even speak now.
00:21:21The thought of two people doing something bad to me regularly for the rest of my life.
00:21:26It just can't be real.
00:21:29Can it?
00:21:30How can the moon goddess allow this to happen?
00:21:32I want to leave the world.
00:21:36That's not an exaggeration.
00:21:39That's not me being dramatic.
00:21:41Please, moon goddess, don't let this happen.
00:21:44Just let me go.
00:21:46I shake so badly that I fall to my knees.
00:21:48I start to sob hysterically and my brain shuts down from being able to think rationally.
00:21:55Marcy grabs my chin and forces me to look at her in her cold gray eyes.
00:21:59She looks at me in horror for a moment.
00:22:01What happened to your eyes?
00:22:04She moves her hands up from my chin to just below my eyes.
00:22:07It feels like her hands are trembling against my face.
00:22:11Are you a mixed blood or something?
00:22:13All I can manage is to shake my head no between sobs.
00:22:17As I shake my head, I feel her starting to press her thumbs against my lower eyelids, obstructing my vision.
00:22:25Oh no, she's going to poke my eyes out.
00:22:27She saw the violet color.
00:22:29She was going to blind me.
00:22:30I place my hands on top of her, trying to push her away.
00:22:34I hear myself screaming.
00:22:36No, stop.
00:22:38Don't take my eyes out, please.
00:22:40For just a moment, time freezes.
00:22:42I don't mean like it feels like time is standing still because I'm in the middle of a traumatic situation.
00:22:48No.
00:22:49Time is frozen.
00:22:49Well, frozen for everything except for me, I should say.
00:22:54I can feel it in the air.
00:22:56It only lasts for a moment.
00:22:58I pulled Marzie's hands away from my face easily.
00:23:02The look of anger combined with confusion is stuck on her face.
00:23:05Next to her, a fly is suspended in midair.
00:23:08The second hand on the clock has stopped on the wall behind her.
00:23:12Drips of water aren't finished falling, leaving umbrella-shaped splashes in the puddles on the floor.
00:23:20What?
00:23:21Did the moon goddess hear me?
00:23:24Did she have mercy on me?
00:23:26Did she let my dream come true?
00:23:27I look back at Marcie with wide eyes.
00:23:31My hands are glowing purple.
00:23:35As quickly as it stopped, time started again.
00:23:39Marcie starts screaming and pushes herself away from me.
00:23:42The tops of her hands where my hands were touching her were burnt.
00:23:45I look down at my hands.
00:23:47They are normal again, not glowing purple.
00:23:50Seriously, though, what happened?
00:23:53I shut my eyes tight, waiting for Marcie to retaliate.
00:23:57If you tell anyone, I will kill you, she says in my ear.
00:24:02Then she punches me in the stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs.
00:24:06I hear her footsteps running down the hall, then out the door.
00:24:10I don't know how long I sit like this, but when I finally open my eyes, I breathe a sigh of relief.
00:24:17I lean against my body for a while, longer, sobbing, shaking, and trying to catch my breath.
00:24:25She didn't harm me.
00:24:26Surely she was coming back.
00:24:28I sniff the air, but her scent is gone.
00:24:31I listen carefully, but there were no sounds in other parts of the dungeon.
00:24:35I'm alone.
00:24:37Moon Goddess, thank you for saving me.
00:24:40I say out loud, just in case the miracle I just experienced was because of her.
00:24:44I feel exhausted, but starting to feel calmer.
00:24:48Okay, Talia, focus.
00:24:52I need to make dinner for the pack or Alpha Edward will find me and kill me.
00:24:56I don't think it's an exaggeration either.
00:24:59Even if I try to run away, either he or Marcie would find me before I could get off the territory.
00:25:06I take a few deep breaths and make myself go down the hall to wash up at the sink.
00:25:12I splash cold water on my face and look in the grungy mirror.
00:25:15Both of my eyes are pure violet now.
00:25:19The silver streaks are starting to take over my hair now.
00:25:21It isn't like an old person's hair.
00:25:24It is silvery that almost shimmers, even in the low light of the dungeon.
00:25:27So weird.
00:25:30There's no way I'm going to be able to get used to this new look.
00:25:33I go back to my room and get dressed in the loose cotton gown and round hat that Diane gave me,
00:25:39pulling the brim low to hide my eyes.
00:25:42Throughout dinner, I received murderous glares from Alpha Edward.
00:25:45I make sure to keep my eyes to the floor so Alpha Edward would avoid seeing the color.
00:25:50Marcie glares at me every chance she gets.
00:25:52After dinner, it takes longer than usual to stock the pantries
00:25:55because whoever did it while I was in the hospital had no idea what they were doing.
00:26:01It is well after midnight when I flop down on my bed and close my eyes.
00:26:06June 20th, I think to myself.
00:26:09It's the last day of school.
00:26:12Well, for other people anyway, not me.
00:26:16You don't need the education to cook in stock pantries.
00:26:19Alpha Edward's words ring in my ears.
00:26:21Just another day for me, I suppose.
00:26:23I wallow in self-pity for a bit before I roll over and try to fall asleep.
00:26:29I'm almost asleep when I hear a woman's voice.
00:26:33Hello?
00:26:34I quickly scramble to my feet, looking everywhere for who it could be.
00:26:37I'm the only one in the room.
00:26:39I peek into the hallway and look around, but no one is there either.
00:26:43Hello?
00:26:44I whisper loudly down the hallway.
00:26:46Ugh, Talia.
00:26:47This is no way for a warrior to behave.
00:26:50Get yourself together.
00:26:51The voice chides.
00:26:54I realize the voice is coming from inside my head.
00:26:58Who...
00:26:59Who are you?
00:27:01I ask hesitantly, worried that I've gone insane.
00:27:05I am the messenger of the moon goddess.
00:27:08The whisperer to the moon.
00:27:10But I like you, so I'll let you call me Sylvie.
00:27:14Whisperer of the moon?
00:27:16Are you my angel, Sylvie?
00:27:19Maybe.
00:27:20Who knows?
00:27:22You came a day too late.
00:27:24Our alpha just turned me into a slave less than 12 hours ago.
00:27:28We have no way to escape now.
00:27:31I feel tears welling up.
00:27:33I explain everything to her.
00:27:35What the alpha did.
00:27:37How the luna made me live in the dungeon.
00:27:39All of it.
00:27:40I sob through the whole thing.
00:27:41I'm here now, Talia.
00:27:43Don't worry.
00:27:45You are a child of the moon goddess.
00:27:48You are a warrior.
00:27:50Which means that you are strong.
00:27:53You will get through this.
00:27:56Sylvie, earlier, when my hands turned purple and burned Marcy.
00:28:02Was that you?
00:28:02Was that you?
00:28:03Sort of.
00:28:05That was you, but I helped a little to activate your power.
00:28:08The next month and a half are the worst of my life.
00:28:13The next month and a half are the worst of my life.
00:28:16Thank goddess for Sylvie.
00:28:18She keeps me going.
00:28:20Any motivation I ever had is gone now.
00:28:22Instead of just breakfast and dinner, now I make lunch too and I'm still on pantry duty.
00:28:28Every moment of my day is filled with work.
00:28:31From the time I wake up, Sylvie convinces me to enjoy the time that she and I get to spend together, which is when I'm cooking meals.
00:28:38I find I do enjoy cooking while Sylvie is with me.
00:28:41No one comes to bother me.
00:28:43So, we get to have great conversations without interruptions.
00:28:48In the end, I have created something people will enjoy.
00:28:52I even found a couple of recipe books in the back of one of the kitchen cupboards and taught myself some new techniques.
00:28:57And dishes to make.
00:29:00Everything else in my life is complete hell.
00:29:04Alpha Edward allows PAC members to bully me and verbally mock me.
00:29:08And they take full advantage at every opportunity.
00:29:12He comes to my room multiple times a week to harm me and berate me for imaginary offenses I haven't committed.
00:29:19Sometimes Marcy comes and watches.
00:29:22A couple of times she even gets the whip for her father.
00:29:24But she never actually does anything bad to me.
00:29:28I swear I see her smiling while she watches.
00:29:32Sylvie tries to convince me to fight back.
00:29:35But that would be a death sentence.
00:29:37If I fight back or even worse, if I shift, I'm certain I'd be dead.
00:29:43Sylvie keeps telling me everything will change when I shift.
00:29:46She keeps saying, you are a daughter of the moon goddess, and you are her warrior.
00:29:52She is frustrated that I submit instead of fighting back.
00:29:55She is angry at me for keeping her a secret.
00:29:58She says doing so is making her weaker.
00:30:00Okay, Sylvie, a couple of problems with all of this.
00:30:04I try to tell her for the millionth time after we plop in.
00:30:08First, I have no idea when I'm going to be able to let you help me to shift.
00:30:13I'm up and working every day from 5am until after midnight.
00:30:17Secondly, if the Alpha finds out I'm talking to someone in my head,
00:30:21he might think I've gone nuts and he will banish me.
00:30:23Or maybe just skip banishing me and straight out kill me.
00:30:28Lastly, I'm a slave, not a warrior.
00:30:30I am not even an Omega.
00:30:32Talia, you are not just a warrior.
00:30:36You are a child, the moon goddess.
00:30:39She is your mother.
00:30:41Okay, I don't know when I can let you help.
00:30:44But at the first opportunity, I will take it, Sylvie.
00:30:47I promise.
00:30:49This seems to satisfy her.
00:30:50We keep having the same argument about werewolves all being children of moon goddess
00:30:55versus being an actual child of the moon goddess.
00:30:58She doesn't understand the difference.
00:31:01I think she believes the moon goddess is my mom.
00:31:04Like, in the literal sense of the word mother.
00:31:08Every day, I'm completely exhausted by the time I get back to my room.
00:31:12It's an even longer day if I'm visited by Alpha Edward.
00:31:16Sylvie has been the best friend I could ask for,
00:31:18even if she is frustrated and getting weak.
00:31:22She is always supporting me and pushing me to not give up.
00:31:26I feel guilty that I can't support her in return.
00:31:30One day, Alpha Edward's personal Omega comes running up to me while I'm making lunch
00:31:35and tells me the Alpha wants to see me in his office right away.
00:31:39I drop what I'm doing and hurry to his office.
00:31:43I knock on the door quietly in case he's busy.
00:31:46Come in!
00:31:46He calls from inside.
00:31:48I pull open the door and peek inside.
00:31:51You called for me, Alpha.
00:31:52I asked as quietly as possible.
00:31:55The easiest way to get away from him
00:31:56is to use as few words and ask as few questions as possible.
00:32:00Don't just stand there, come in.
00:32:02He snarls.
00:32:03I rush inside and close the door behind me.
00:32:05I stay as close to the door as possible in case I need to make a run for it.
00:32:10Talia, we have a delegation coming from the Dark Howler's Pack next week.
00:32:15Twenty wolves in total.
00:32:17All of their ranked members, their mates,
00:32:20the heads of their security and guards,
00:32:22and security detail for all of them.
00:32:25If all goes well, we'll be forming a pact with them.
00:32:28They must be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
00:32:33Bring lunches to the conference room every day
00:32:36and make a formal dinner every day next week.
00:32:39Keep their pantry stocked and stay out of the way.
00:32:43Got it?
00:32:44I look up from under my hat,
00:32:46still keeping my face low enough that he can't see my eyes.
00:32:49Yes, even after almost two months,
00:32:52he still hasn't noticed that I have purple eyes.
00:32:54Or if he has, he hasn't pointed it out.
00:32:57He also hasn't said anything about my silver hair,
00:33:01which is just fine with me.
00:33:03Yes, sir.
00:33:04Everyone will be here on Monday.
00:33:06Except for the Alpha, who's coming Tuesday.
00:33:09We'll be having a party after dinner to welcome him.
00:33:13Make sure there is enough food for the party.
00:33:15Give George the information for the additional food you need to make.
00:33:19Do you understand?
00:33:21Yes, sir.
00:33:22Good.
00:33:23We need to keep the Alpha happy.
00:33:25If not, I won't hesitate to let him harm you.
00:33:28Do you understand?
00:33:30He stands up with his hands on the desk looking very intimidating.
00:33:35Yes, sir.
00:33:36Now get out of my sight.
00:33:39He points to the door behind me.
00:33:40I scramble out of the room as fast as possible to find George.
00:33:44George is in charge of ordering supplies for the pack house.
00:33:48He should be in his office right now.
00:33:50My mind is already churning through the special foods to make,
00:33:53and the groceries I need for them.
00:33:56I also need extra supplies for the guest suite pantries.
00:33:59I wonder what kind of foods the Dark Howler's pack likes.
00:34:04Dark Howler's is the largest pack in the northern region,
00:34:07with my pack, Red Moon, being the second largest.
00:34:11Alpha Edward says Dark Howler's is vicious and strict.
00:34:14Most of their pack has served in the military at one point or another.
00:34:18They employ dark magicians and witches to help them keep power over neighboring one of packs.
00:34:22I wonder if they're going to bring any dark witches here.
00:34:27I hope not.
00:34:28I also hear their Alpha expels pack members who fail training tests,
00:34:32because he doesn't want weak wolves in his pack.
00:34:35A guy I don't want to cross paths with.
00:34:38I get to George's office and knock on the door.
00:34:41I can hear noises coming from inside, but he doesn't answer.
00:34:45I knock a little louder.
00:34:47What the hell? He has to know I'm here.
00:34:50He knows my scent.
00:34:50Just tell me to come in already.
00:34:54I don't like this guy, Talia.
00:34:55He's creepy.
00:34:56He stares at you.
00:34:58Well, we don't have a choice but to work with him, Sylvie.
00:35:01He's the money.
00:35:03Ugh, fine.
00:35:04But let's make it quick.
00:35:06I knock again.
00:35:07More impatiently this time.
00:35:09What is it?
00:35:10He finally growls from inside.
00:35:12I open the door to find there's a female wolf sitting on his desk.
00:35:16She hides her face in his chest.
00:35:17I can't see who she was, but there is no denying whose scent it is.
00:35:22George is not wearing any pants and he is sweating.
00:35:25Get the hell out, Talia.
00:35:26I'm busy here.
00:35:28I stand there wide-eyed, jaw slack for a moment.
00:35:32I can't be seeing this.
00:35:34George is having a fun time in his office with Luna Layla.
00:35:38Get out, Talia.
00:35:41He yells louder.
00:35:43I come to my senses and slam the door closed.
00:35:46I run back to the kitchen as fast as I can.
00:35:49I can feel the drip of sweat down my face.
00:35:52If anyone finds out what I just saw, I am finished.
00:35:56Sylvie thinks it's hilarious.
00:35:59She laughs in my head throughout lunch preparation.
00:36:02I'm just trying to erase the scene from my mind.
00:36:05I'm about to take the platters out to the dining room when George comes charging into the kitchen.
00:36:11He makes a beeline for me and grabs me by the throat, pinning me against the wall.
00:36:19He hauls back his fist and punches me square in the face.
00:36:23The back of my head slams against the wall so hard I see stars.
00:36:27I can feel my nose snap as I slide down the wall with a groan.
00:36:32You didn't see anything.
00:36:34I can feel his claws extending into my neck, drawing blood.
00:36:38You understand, you little monster.
00:36:42I'm paralyzed with fear.
00:36:44I can't answer.
00:36:46I can't even nod.
00:36:48Suddenly, I feel like I'm falling backwards in my mind.
00:36:51I blink quickly a few times.
00:36:53It feels like I'm looking out of someone else's eyes.
00:36:56Let her go.
00:36:58The voice comes from me, but it isn't my voice.
00:37:01It's Sylvie.
00:37:02Her voice booms and sounds almost ethereal.
00:37:04The dishes on the counter shake as she growls deeply at George.
00:37:08I watch helplessly as my hands glow violet and grab George's wrists.
00:37:12As I grab him, his eyes widen in fear, and he starts howling in pain.
00:37:18A sizzling sound comes from where my hands connect with his skin.
00:37:21He quickly releases my neck, and we both fall to the ground.
00:37:26How are you doing this?
00:37:27What are you, Talia?
00:37:29I stand up, feeling much taller than my five-foot-tall frame.
00:37:33Sylvie's voice booms from me.
00:37:35I am a warrior child of the Moon Goddess.
00:37:38And if you tell anyone what has happened here today, I will make you suffer.
00:37:43George scoots back on his backside away from me, wide-eyed, then clambers up and runs away as fast as he can.
00:37:52Suddenly, I come back into my normal state of mind, and I fall back to the ground, exhausted.
00:37:57My hands are no longer glowing, but they feel like they are on and full of static electricity.
00:38:05Sylvie, what was that?
00:38:06I couldn't help it. He was threatening you.
00:38:08Okay, but what was with the glowy purple burnt hands thing? That's not normal.
00:38:12Talia, we've been through this. You are a child of the Moon Goddess. You are special.
00:38:19There is more, too, you will see after we shift for the first time.
00:38:24Until then, I'm not strong enough to show you.
00:38:27Besides, it isn't like I hurt him badly.
00:38:31His wolf will heal him before he is back in his office.
00:38:34Yes, I do. Wait, you mean the Moon Goddess is my actual mom?
00:38:39Like she gave birth to me specifically?
00:38:42Not just, like, mother of all werewolves because she created us a gazillion years ago?
00:38:46That's what I've been saying since I came. It's not my fault.
00:38:50You didn't believe me.
00:38:51I picked up a towel to wipe the stain from my nose.
00:38:54Sylvie is already healing me from the break, but my face is going to be bruised for a couple of days.
00:38:59I pull my hat down low so no one can see the bruises, then pick up the first two platters and rush out to the dining room.
00:39:06Okay. Well, if you're able to do that to George, how come you can't do it to Alpha Edward or Marcy?
00:39:15Well, I think it happened one time before, but I wasn't fully in control then.
00:39:21I can't do it now because he's your Alpha.
00:39:25I can't go against what he says.
00:39:27I can't attack your Alpha or his daughter.
00:39:31I concede.
00:39:32I don't want to argue with her.
00:39:34I'm just trying to figure out the rules.
00:39:37I'm in uncharted territory here.
00:39:39I mean, it's cool territory, but I don't know what our limits are.
00:39:44Once all the platters are out, I make a list of all the extra supplies I need
00:39:48and put it in the box hanging outside George's office.
00:39:52That way, I don't have to face him again.
00:39:54I clean up the dining room after lunch and still have about 45 minutes until I have to start dinner.
00:40:01I decide to go to the stock room and put supplies on the pantry cart for later.
00:40:06As I work, I hear someone clear their throat behind me.
00:40:10I look up to find Marcy standing uncomfortably close to me.
00:40:14Can I help you with something, Marcy?
00:40:16I try to swallow the panic that instantly builds in my throat.
00:40:20Talia, I just wanted to say, when I'm in control of the pack, you won't be treated the way you are now.
00:40:27Marcy, please stop.
00:40:29I put my hands up and push lightly against her to get her to move.
00:40:33But she's stronger than me and doesn't budge.
00:40:35I look up at her to see an evil grin distorting her face.
00:40:38I see the way my dad treats you, Talia.
00:40:42You never complain.
00:40:44You just take it.
00:40:45She moves closer, breathing deeply until she's fully pressing herself against me.
00:40:50I bet you like it when he does it, don't you?
00:40:54What?
00:40:55There is no way I heard her right, did I?
00:40:58Marcy, I do not enjoy what your father does to me.
00:41:02And you're no better standing there watching him, instead of stopping him.
00:41:06I can feel tears stinging the corners of my eyes as she slips an arm around my waist.
00:41:12I cannot believe this is happening right now.
00:41:15Don't lie to me, Talia.
00:41:18I do like men, but I can't deny your scent is something to me no man ever can.
00:41:23The way you beg before my father turns me on, it makes me crazy to think about what I'll do to you if I find you alone.
00:41:31I can't wait to get my hands on you.
00:41:33I want to hear you moan with pleasure when I am with you.
00:41:37I want you on your knees so I can whip you instead of me.
00:41:41I want you to be my toy, Talia.
00:41:44Not his.
00:41:46I will turn the dungeon into a playroom just for us, instead of just your bedroom.
00:41:51She's nuzzling against my neck right below my ear, making me cringe.
00:41:55But I don't have anywhere to be able to move to get away from her.
00:41:59I can feel her fingers pressing against me, trying to make their way between my legs.
00:42:05Are you insane?
00:42:06I push hard against her, but she's too strong.
00:42:09She doesn't budge.
00:42:11Get off of me, you sicko.
00:42:12This whole time, she's been turned on by watching her dad torture me.
00:42:16What is wrong with this family?
00:42:18The look on her face contorts, from happy evil to disgusted.
00:42:23Without warning, she takes a step back.
00:42:25She elbows me in the back, dropping me onto the table.
00:42:28Then she bends over behind me and whispers in my ears,
00:42:32I know you want me, Talia.
00:42:34Don't worry.
00:42:35You'll be mine as soon as I convince my father to let me have you.
00:42:39I want to make him proud when I make you squeal in pain, but I don't think I can win.
00:42:46Her voice is rough and ragged with excitement, and her hands are all over me and groping me.
00:42:51All I can do is sob.
00:42:53I'm afraid to fight back or to even see my home.
00:42:56Sylvie can't help me because she's the Alpha's daughter.
00:42:59Moon Goddess, if you're my mother, please help me, please save me from this.
00:43:07I cry in my mind as Marcy bites my ears, gropes me, and her hand runs all over me under my clothes.
00:43:13She pulls my leggings and underwear down, tearing them both in half with her wolf claws extended.
00:43:18I feel her pressing her fingers against my entrance.
00:43:23I know what was about to happen, and I can't take it anymore.
00:43:27I turn my mind off, just like her father beat me within an inch of my life.
00:43:33My mind cannot be present for what is happening to me.
00:43:37She finally gets off me and I fall to the floor.
00:43:41She tears the back of my shirt open and strikes with her claws on my back as if to mark me as her property.
00:43:45I lay on the floor of the supply room, crying.
00:43:50Get up, Talia.
00:43:51I said get up.
00:43:53You're better than this.
00:43:54You will survive this.
00:43:56I want to leave this world, Sylvie.
00:43:58I can't do this anymore.
00:44:00I can't.
00:44:01You can, and you will.
00:44:03You will find your mate soon enough and things will change, I promise.
00:44:06How can you be so sure?
00:44:08Glowy, burning hands are not your only gift.
00:44:11I get up, find an old cardigan in the back of the stock room and put it on.
00:44:17I go back to my room to find new clothes before making dinner.
00:44:21The next four days go without incident.
00:44:24Unless you consider the fact that I have visited the roof several times recently.
00:44:32Contemplating my existence.
00:44:33Each time I stand with my toes at the edge and stare down from the four-story building.
00:44:41I can't bring myself to do anything except cry and go back to my room.
00:44:46I can't do it to Sylvie.
00:44:48I can't take her life because I want to take mine.
00:44:53Sunday after dinner service, I see Luna Layla in the hallway while I'm refilling pantries.
00:44:58She quickly approaches me and grabs me by the arm.
00:45:02She extends her claws into my bicep, drawing blood.
00:45:06Talia, if you tell anyone, and I mean anyone, what you saw in George's office, I will make you suffer.
00:45:14She says in a low, threatening tone.
00:45:16You too, lady.
00:45:17I'm fed up.
00:45:19Does she want to bully me?
00:45:20Okay, fine.
00:45:21I lift my hat and let my violet eyes look directly at her.
00:45:25She gasps at the unusual sight.
00:45:27Luna.
00:45:28It would be a relief, and I would welcome it.
00:45:32You, you don't know or care how I'm treated by this pack, including by your husband, your daughter, and your lover.
00:45:38Tears choke up my throat.
00:45:40I cannot take any more punishment from anyone else.
00:45:43I'm at my wit's end.
00:45:44If she takes my life right here in this hallway, it would be a relief.
00:45:49I'm sorry, Sylvie.
00:45:51I just can't do it anymore.
00:45:53I say to my angel as I stare down Luna Layla.
00:45:56She doesn't respond.
00:45:57She shuts our mind, Link, and crawls into the corner of my mind.
00:46:00Luna.
00:46:01Layla pushes me away.
00:46:03Insolent child.
00:46:04You should be grateful for your life.
00:46:07The Alpha will hear about this.
00:46:09I'm not grateful for this life, Luna.
00:46:12And if you think I should be, you are part of the problem.
00:46:16If you want to tell the Alpha about this incident, I'm more than happy to tell him what instigated it.
00:46:20She stares at me with pure anger and hatred before walking away.
00:46:24Without a word.
00:46:26I guess fate has other plans for me.
00:46:30I stand in the hall for a few minutes to see if she is coming back.
00:46:33But she doesn't.
00:46:35I'm certain she is going to sabotage me.
00:46:37Maybe she's going to smother me in my sleep or just stab me straight in the back.
00:46:42Either way, I was serious when I told her I welcome her.
00:46:47I finish pantry duty, making sure everything is set in the guest rooms.
00:46:52I had George order bouquets for each of the suites as an extra touch.
00:46:55In the guest Alpha suite, I also added a bottle of champagne.
00:47:01If this is the last thing I ever get to do, I want it to be something that makes someone else happy.
00:47:07It is almost 1.30 in the morning before I plop into my bed, totally exhausted.
00:47:12It has been a day.
00:47:16If Luna Layla has anything to say about it, it will probably be my last.
00:47:19Sylvia is exhausted too.
00:47:21She stops sulking long enough to tell me she needs me to shift.
00:47:24But I can't.
00:47:26I have no time or energy.
00:47:29I keep promising her I will, but I feel like I've broken that promise.
00:47:33I float off to the sounds of her whimpering in my head while I cry into my pillow.
00:47:38To my surprise, my alarm wakes me in the morning.
00:47:42Sylvie makes me promise to hang on for one more day.
00:47:46We go through the motions of the life I hate.
00:47:49While I'm getting ready, I look in the mirror to find my hair is completely silvery now.
00:47:53I tuck it into a bun to try to far-eyed people noticing it.
00:47:57The delegation from Dark Howlers arrives in the early afternoon.
00:48:01They are all tall and intimidating, with tattoos and big muscles.
00:48:05Some of them have visible scars on their arms and faces.
00:48:08They wear matching business attire or security uniforms.
00:48:12Luna Layla directs them to the sitting room while I quietly bring in pitchers of water and iced tea for them to drink.
00:48:17I was doing my best, trying not to be noticed.
00:48:21And one of the women calls me out.
00:48:23You there, Omega.
00:48:25She says abruptly.
00:48:26I look around and realize she is speaking to me.
00:48:29For everyone.
00:48:30Maya, of course, right away.
00:48:32Luna Layla says quickly, then nods her head to me.
00:48:35I rush to the cellar and pull out two cases of napkins and glasses.
00:48:39I prep the drink service card and head back to the sitting room.
00:48:42I open three bottles, leaving the rest for them to do as they wish.
00:48:47And then I back out of the room so I can start preparing dinner.
00:48:51The rest of the day goes without a hitch.
00:48:54The guests seem pleased with dinner.
00:48:56In the evening, I go to each guest suite to make sure everyone is happy with their accommodations.
00:49:02A couple of people ask for more bags of chips or soda.
00:49:07But on the whole, everyone seems satisfied.
00:49:10The last door is the beta's room.
00:49:13Maya opens the door, looking much more relaxed than earlier.
00:49:17She has a large tattoo of a rose and dagger on her forearm.
00:49:21Her dark hair is still pulled back, but she isn't wearing makeup.
00:49:25I can see now.
00:49:26She looks only a few years older than me.
00:49:29I can hear her mate inside talking on the phone.
00:49:32Thanks for checking on us.
00:49:33Everything is wonderful.
00:49:35The flowers are a beautiful touch.
00:49:37You have good taste.
00:49:38She smiles at me.
00:49:40I bow to her slightly, then turn to leave.
00:49:43Wait, what's under your hat?
00:49:44I stop in my tracks and turn around.
00:49:47I'm sorry, ma'am.
00:49:48I ask.
00:49:49I feel the blood drain from my face.
00:49:52Your hat.
00:49:53Why is it so low?
00:49:54What are you trying to hide?
00:49:56Come closer.
00:49:57I come closer and slowly take off my hat, keeping my eyes to the ground.
00:50:03My silver hair cascades down my back.
00:50:06It is embarrassingly greasy and visibly dirty.
00:50:08I feel myself blush.
00:50:11Oh, I see.
00:50:12She says with surprise in her voice.
00:50:14Now, don't be disrespectful.
00:50:17Always look me in the eye when I speak to you.
00:50:20I look up at her.
00:50:21The light from her room shines right into my eyes.
00:50:24She looks at me blankly for a moment, trying to process what she's seeing.
00:50:29What are you?
00:50:30A hybrid?
00:50:31No, ma'am.
00:50:32The pack doctor did tests, but he doesn't know why it happened.
00:50:35He thinks it must be a transformation related to my wolf getting ready to wake up.
00:50:39I mean, it's not a lie.
00:50:42It's just not the whole truth, right?
00:50:45How am I supposed to tell a stranger that my wolf says that I'm the moon goddess's actual daughter?
00:50:51And that that is why I have silver hair and violet eyes.
00:50:55She grabs my chin and pulls my face closer to hers.
00:50:59Inspecting closely.
00:51:00And does the pack doctor know that someone has broken your nose recently?
00:51:05You still have bruises.
00:51:08I'm not going to elaborate or implicate anyone in this conversation with someone I do not know.
00:51:12Who's at the door, Maya?
00:51:14Just the Omega assigned to us, Caden.
00:51:16What's your name again?
00:51:17It's Talia, ma'am.
00:51:19I'm not an Omega, though.
00:51:21I'm just a servant.
00:51:23Her name is Talia.
00:51:24She picked out my beautiful flowers.
00:51:26She's still talking to her mate, but she hasn't taken her eyes off me as if she's trying to size me up for some reason.
00:51:33Her brow furrows slightly as she stares.
00:51:36She's making me self-conscious.
00:51:38That's nice.
00:51:39Ask her if I can get bubbly water in the refrigerator.
00:51:43No problem, ma'am.
00:51:45She and I share a smile at bubbly water.
00:51:47I will bring it shortly and leave it at the door.
00:51:52Oh, and Talia, if those bruises aren't healed by tomorrow morning, find some powder.
00:51:57Alpha Damon does not tolerate seeing injuries like that.
00:52:00Yep, yes, ma'am.
00:52:01I run to the stockroom, get four bottles of San Pellegrino and put them in front of the door, then run away as fast as I can.
00:52:08One million questions run through my head.
00:52:11Would their Alpha be angry for being weaker than other wolves, even if I was not part of his pack?
00:52:16Was she going to tell Alpha Edward about my unusual features?
00:52:20Was she going to call him out for letting someone break my nose?
00:52:24I mean, lady, if you think that is bad, I got some news you're not gonna like, and that I'm dead meat by your Alpha, for sure.
00:52:33Alpha Edward comes down later and whips me for not having all the items our guests wanted.
00:52:38By morning, Sylvie has still not been able to fully heal me.
00:52:42I'm in so much pain.
00:52:44Everything is a struggle.
00:52:46Cooking, carrying breakfast trays, leaning over to clean tables.
00:52:50Every move causes scabs to open and bleed, making the back of my shirt damp with blood.
00:52:56Maya makes eye contact with me a couple of times.
00:52:59She can tell something was wrong, but doesn't say anything.
00:53:02For some reason she can't explain, Sylvie is bouncing around in my head all morning.
00:53:07The Beta is so nice!
00:53:09I can't wait to meet the Alpha and Luna.
00:53:11Sylvie, come on.
00:53:13We're not going to get to meet the Alpha and Luna.
00:53:16We're going to melt into the wallpaper and pretend we don't exist.
00:53:19I want to meet them!
00:53:20Okay, well I hate to disappoint you, but you're going to be disappointed.
00:53:24Layla comes in, while I'm prepping lunch, to let me know that Alpha has arrived.
00:53:29And I need to make lunch for him as well.
00:53:32There is no Luna.
00:53:34He doesn't have a mate.
00:53:36And according to Layla, he's handsome.
00:53:40Not that it matters to me.
00:53:42Because I'm going to be wallpaper.
00:53:43I don't want him to notice me at all.
00:53:48I take the trays to the conference room.
00:53:51Alpha Damon is not there, but there is a spot at the table where he is supposed to sit.
00:53:56I leave his meal at the empty seat.
00:53:59Everyone from the Dark Howlers pack.
00:54:02Politely thanks me, as I lay out plates in front of them.
00:54:06Their manners betray their intimidating features.
00:54:09No one from the Red Moon pack says a word to me as I serve them.
00:54:13I collect the trays and walk out quietly.
00:54:16Layla lets me know she will clean the plates so I can focus on dinner and food for the party.
00:54:21I go to the kitchen, but need a minute to collect myself before I get started on dinner.
00:54:26I go out the back door and stand on the stoop.
00:54:30In the distance, I don't recognize him.
00:54:34It must be the Alpha from Dark Howlers.
00:54:36He is too far away from me to see his actual features, though.
00:54:40All I can see is a tall figure with dark hair and a suit.
00:54:44It smells like...
00:54:47I swear, it smells like coffee.
00:54:52Or dark chocolate.
00:54:54This guy was a mocha drinker?
00:54:56I laugh to myself at the thought of the big, bad Alpha of Dark Howlers,
00:55:00sipping on a mochaccino.
00:55:02I make a four-course meal of Caesar salad, bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizers,
00:55:08beef wellington with braised Brussels sprouts for the main dish,
00:55:12and a key lime pie for dessert.
00:55:14I also make bruschetta, tomato fritters, mini calzones, assorted veggie trays with dip,
00:55:21and chocolate truffles to serve for the party.
00:55:24I finish the desserts and veggie trays between breakfast and lunch,
00:55:28so there was less for me to worry about now.
00:55:30I realize Sylvie's advice of finding happiness in cooking has helped me enjoy making this dinner.
00:55:37Maybe because I'm serving people other than my pack,
00:55:40or maybe it's because I'm making special food,
00:55:43not just the regular stuff I make for the pack.
00:55:47Either way, I don't mind my work today.
00:55:49I felt a sense of pride in it.
00:55:53There are servers for dinner service since it's a formal event.
00:55:56I stay in the kitchen and make sure everything is plated,
00:56:00and going out the door in perfect condition.
00:56:03I'm in the zone.
00:56:04I peek out from the kitchen after each course is served.
00:56:07People seem to enjoy the food, which is a relief.
00:56:10I notice Alpha Edward is getting pretty drunk.
00:56:14Luna Layla keeps taking his glass away from him,
00:56:16but he keeps ordering the Omegas to give him more.
00:56:18The dining room is extra crowded,
00:56:23so I don't get a better look at Alpha Damon.
00:56:26Maya sees me peeking out from the kitchen and gives me a wink and thumbs up.
00:56:31I smile and give a little wave before pulling my head back.
00:56:35I help the servers take the party food to the tables at the edges of the ballroom.
00:56:41I also make sure the bars in the corners are fully stocked.
00:56:45The DJ is finishing setting up,
00:56:48and colorful lights are sliding across the floor.
00:56:51Party balloons and streamers are hanging all over the place.
00:56:58The first few guests are starting to wander in,
00:57:01which is my cue to duck out the back door.
00:57:04Luckily, the dinner servers will clean up the dinner service tonight,
00:57:07which gives me extra time to restock pantries.
00:57:12I head upstairs to the stockroom and load the cart up.
00:57:15I'm humming to myself as I go from room to room.
00:57:19I feel an odd sense of calm as I go.
00:57:22You're in a good mood.
00:57:24I guess.
00:57:25I'm not sure why, though.
00:57:27My back and feet still hurt.
00:57:29Well, I'm happy that you're happy, for once.
00:57:32This version of you is pretty cool.
00:57:34Thanks, Sylvie.
00:57:35You're not half bad yourself.
00:57:37I finish stocking the ranked pack members' rooms,
00:57:40on the fourth and third floors.
00:57:42Then I head to the second floor, where the guest suites are.
00:57:45The cleaning staff has cleaned everything.
00:57:48I just need to restock the toiletries,
00:57:50pantry items, and refrigerators.
00:57:52I make quick work of the rooms.
00:57:55I remember to stock the beta's room with more bottles of San Pellegrino,
00:58:00refresh the flowers,
00:58:00and leave a little tent card
00:58:02with a handwritten smiley face on the kitchenette counter.
00:58:06It's almost midnight now.
00:58:08Everyone is still in the ballroom partying.
00:58:11I close the door to the beta's suite
00:58:13and move to the alpha's suite door.
00:58:15It's the last room left for the night.
00:58:18I know he's at the party, too,
00:58:19but I knock first, just in case.
00:58:21I lean my ear against the door.
00:58:25I don't hear a reply.
00:58:27I slip the key card in the slot and open the door.
00:58:30But the moment I looked inside,
00:58:32my heart stopped.
00:58:33And I froze.
00:58:36Standing there was the most handsome werewolf I've ever seen in my life.
00:58:41Easily six foot, six inches tall,
00:58:44looked to be about 250 pounds of solid muscle with the broadest shoulders.
00:58:48But he wasn't alone.
00:58:50An icy blonde stood in front of him with her hands undoing his belt.
00:58:54The smell of coffee and dark chocolate filled the air,
00:58:57and my mind went hazy as I froze,
00:58:59seeing two piercing blue eyes staring back at me.
00:59:02Stop!
00:59:03He shouted.
00:59:05Is this it?
00:59:06Is this the day I die?
00:59:07I wondered.
00:59:09I was only doing my job,
00:59:11but that did not change the fact that I had witnessed something
00:59:13that should not have been seen.
00:59:16Before I could move,
00:59:17he lunged forward and roughly pinned me against the floor outside the room
00:59:20with a low growl.
00:59:22He placed both hands on my shoulders,
00:59:24preventing me from escaping,
00:59:26put his face against my neck,
00:59:27and inhaled deeply.
00:59:29My heart was pounding in my chest
00:59:31as overwhelming panic began to set in.
00:59:35Alpha Damon,
00:59:36is this Omega trying to steal something?
00:59:40a guard said,
00:59:41seeing the struggle.
00:59:42Get back!
00:59:43He snarled,
00:59:45flashing his large fangs.
00:59:47Mine!
00:59:48He growled.
00:59:50Over his shoulder,
00:59:51I could faintly see Marcy staring daggers at me,
00:59:53and down the hall,
00:59:55I heard Alpha Edward shouting.
00:59:57What a disaster!
00:59:59I thought.
01:00:00They're all going to kill me.
01:00:02My head started swimming,
01:00:04and I felt even dizzier.
01:00:06Maybe I was finally dying.
01:00:08Look what!
01:00:09You've done,
01:00:10you little bitch!
01:00:11Marcy yelled as she reached out to grab me,
01:00:13but she never touched me.
01:00:15Alpha Damon snarled,
01:00:17snatching her hand out of the air
01:00:18and snapping her wrist.
01:00:20Alpha Edward roared,
01:00:22How dare you!
01:00:23This is war!
01:00:24I watched them fight as if it was a dream.
01:00:27They looked as though they were moving in slow motion.
01:00:31Alpha Edward yanked Marcy,
01:00:32pulling her back as Damon snarled at them.
01:00:35He was vicious.
01:00:37Beautifully vicious.
01:00:37A guard tried to separate them
01:00:40as Beta Caden and Maya
01:00:41took defensive positions around Alpha Damon,
01:00:43and George lunged at Damon,
01:00:45but he was no match for the Alpha.
01:00:48Damon grabbed George by the throat
01:00:49and threw him into the wall
01:00:51as though her were a tiny pup.
01:00:53I almost laughed,
01:00:54but I was shaking all over,
01:00:56barely able to stand.
01:00:58But in the chaos,
01:00:59I managed to crawl away
01:01:00and slink down the stairs.
01:01:02I looked around to see if anyone noticed me,
01:01:05but they were all too busy arguing.
01:01:08I looked down to see blood running down my legs,
01:01:10dripping onto the floor.
01:01:12I started to lose consciousness,
01:01:14and then I heard it.
01:01:15The most guttural,
01:01:17ear-shattering roar.
01:01:19Where is she?
01:01:20Where is who, Alpha Damon?
01:01:22Where is my mate?
01:01:24Is it possible?
01:01:25Is Talia truly Damon's fated mate?
01:01:28What will Damon do to protect her?
01:01:30Will their bond ignite a war
01:01:32between the two most powerful packs in the Order?
01:01:34Will any of them leave Red Moon territory alive?
01:01:38To know more about Talia's thrilling story,
01:01:40listen to the blockbuster audio series
01:01:42The Alpha's Bride on Pocket FM app.
01:01:46Download the app in the next one minute
01:01:48and get 10 episodes free.
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