- 12 hours ago
the alpha's bride talia part 7 - English Sub
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00:00:00My foster parents tried to kill me because the handsome Alpha chose me over their daughter.
00:00:05They wanted me to rot in a dungeon like a filthy slave.
00:00:09So they did everything to make my life a living hell.
00:00:12But I was destined to be the Alpha's bride.
00:00:16And I had faith that my Alpha will save me from the nightmare that started on a fateful night a week ago.
00:00:22It's 11.30 in the night.
00:00:24I'm putting the finishing touches on my English essay when I hear the door of the dungeon slam open.
00:00:30Great.
00:00:31Now what did I do?
00:00:33It doesn't take much.
00:00:36Alpha Edward is an alcoholic.
00:00:38It's really difficult for werewolves to get drunk.
00:00:41Which means you have to drink heavily to feel the effects.
00:00:45This means he probably had a fight with Luna Layla about his drinking.
00:00:49Which means she locked him out of their room.
00:00:52Which means he has come down to take out his anger on me.
00:00:56Just an average Tuesday in the pack house.
00:00:59I know the drill.
00:01:01I'm already on my feet waiting for him.
00:01:05Alpha Edward, what can I do for you?
00:01:07I ask with my eyes looking at the floor.
00:01:09I keep my hands clasped in front of me trying to look as small as possible.
00:01:14Without a word.
00:01:15A whiskey bottle whizzes past my ear and smashes against the wall above my cot.
00:01:20I flinch and can't help but start to tremble and hug myself.
00:01:24Whatever is about to happen.
00:01:26It's going to be worse than usual.
00:01:28He lunges forward and grabs me by the throat with both hands.
00:01:33I feel tears coming to my eyes as the lack of oxygen turns the edges of my vision dark.
00:01:38I desperately claw at his hands, trying to escape his grip, but it's no use.
00:01:44He picks me up by the neck so I'm at face level with him.
00:01:47His eyes are pitch, indicating his wolf ruckus is at the surface.
00:01:51His breath stinks because of alcohol.
00:01:54I start gagging and choking from the lack of oxygen.
00:01:57Without warning, he throws me across the room as if I weigh nothing.
00:02:01My back slams against the wall, and I land on my back on the cot.
00:02:05The shards of the broken bottle pierce the skin on my back through my thin t-shirt.
00:02:09The whiskey makes the cuts burn.
00:02:12I try to muffle a scream as the pain sears through me.
00:02:16He comes across the room and picks me up roughly by the hair.
00:02:19I feel the shards of glass cutting deeper as he pulls me up.
00:02:23He throws me to the ground.
00:02:25The glass bits are grinding deeper into my back.
00:02:28I can feel something wet soaking through my shredded shirt.
00:02:32I don't dare move and make him even madder.
00:02:36I feel my ribs snap when his foot makes contact.
00:02:40One of his feet lands on my jaw.
00:02:43I feel a sickening snap rattle in my brain.
00:02:47The metallic taste instantly fills my mouth.
00:02:49Alpha Edward has been using me as his punching bag for years, but this was way more intense than it has ever been before.
00:02:58In the past couple of years, he started dipping the whip in Wolfsbane, which makes me heal slower.
00:03:04So now I have gnarly scars across my back and arms.
00:03:09I manage to eke out.
00:03:11My voice is small and garbled.
00:03:14He abruptly stops and walks out of the room.
00:03:17He comes back a moment later with the whip and starts lashing my back relentlessly.
00:03:21The whip is dripping with Wolfsbane.
00:03:23The lashes, combined with the glass shard still in my back, combined with the Wolfsbane, are too much.
00:03:32My vision turns blurry and I pass out.
00:03:37Numbness surrounds me.
00:03:39Is this what being dead is like?
00:03:42It's peaceful, but a little bit boring.
00:03:46At least I don't have to feed the peck.
00:03:51Oh, dang.
00:03:53I didn't get a chance to turn in that English essay.
00:03:57It was a good one, too.
00:04:00The constant soft beeps are soothing.
00:04:02I don't know how long I've been dead, but...
00:04:05I feel like I want to open my eyes.
00:04:07Ready to take on the afterlife.
00:04:09After 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.
00:04:20This is the afterlife?
00:04:22Maybe this is some sort of waiting area.
00:04:26But where's the lobby?
00:04:28Is there a receptionist?
00:04:30My mind slowly becomes more clear and I realize I'm not dead.
00:04:34I'm in the pack hospital.
00:04:36I need to leave before the Alpha finds me outside the dungeon.
00:04:39I can barely move my body.
00:04:42Every move causes excruciating pain.
00:04:45I start to panic, making the beeps in the room become faster.
00:04:49Oh, I'm hooked up to a bunch of machines.
00:04:52I try to figure out how to unhook them so no one hears the noises.
00:04:56Too late.
00:04:57I hear people in the hallway getting closer.
00:05:00I try to sit up.
00:05:02I need to ignore the pain.
00:05:03I have to escape.
00:05:05I slowly slide off the side of the bed.
00:05:08My legs were wobbly.
00:05:10The tubes and wires sticking out of me prevent me from getting too far.
00:05:14The door opens and the pack doctor comes in with the nurse.
00:05:17The doctor is an older person.
00:05:20Talia, you're awake.
00:05:21Let's get you back on the mat, shall we?
00:05:23The doctor says gently.
00:05:25He and the nurse come to either side of me and reach out to hold my arms.
00:05:29A deep growl escapes my chest.
00:05:32Don't touch me.
00:05:33I snap, shaking them off.
00:05:36My voice is scratchy and raw and my mouth feels like a thousand needles are poking into it.
00:05:40It's all right, Talia.
00:05:43No one is going to hurt you here.
00:05:45We're trying to help you heal.
00:05:47Let's get you back to it.
00:05:49And I'll get you a drink of water.
00:05:51The doctor raises his hands in surrender.
00:05:54I look at him hesitantly before the nurse hands me a cup of water with a straw.
00:06:00The water feels good on my throat.
00:06:02The doctor sits in the chair beside the bed as the nurse checks my vitals
00:06:06and starts messing with the tubes and wires attached to me.
00:06:10Talia, you had surgery to remove hundreds of shards of glass from your back.
00:06:14We also had to reset some ribs, your jaw, and you had a lot of wolf's vein in your blood.
00:06:20We gave you a transfusion to clear it from your system so you could heal.
00:06:25You're lucky your wound isn't so serious.
00:06:28Sure about that last part, doctor?
00:06:29I think to myself.
00:06:32When the pack realized breakfast had not been prepared,
00:06:35Tony went to get you and then found you on the ground in your, uh, room.
00:06:42He looked at me with sympathy.
00:06:44Talia, who did this to you?
00:06:46It's a crime.
00:06:48That could be grounds for banishment from the pack.
00:06:51I can't answer him.
00:06:53I stare at my hands on my lap quietly.
00:06:56How can I tell him Alpha Edward is the one who caused this?
00:07:00There's no way he'd believe me.
00:07:03Even if he did, what are they going to do?
00:07:05Banish the Alpha?
00:07:07Fat chance of that.
00:07:09I decide my best move is to just shake my head no.
00:07:12I don't want to get out of the pack for lying.
00:07:14I have nowhere to go.
00:07:15I would be nothing.
00:07:17Okay.
00:07:18Let's move on to the next question.
00:07:20When do you turn 17?
00:07:23He looks at the papers inside his folder.
00:07:25I don't know exactly, sir.
00:07:27I say honestly.
00:07:29He looks at me with a furrowed brow.
00:07:31He glances at the nurse and asks her to give us privacy for a few minutes.
00:07:36Am I in trouble?
00:07:37I just woke up.
00:07:39I don't know what I could have done.
00:07:41You don't know your birthday, Talia?
00:07:43My father brought me here when I was a baby.
00:07:46He was a bad guy.
00:07:48Alpha Edward.
00:07:50Well, he...
00:07:51I feel my face burning with embarrassment.
00:07:55My hands tremble and tears threaten to escape my eyes.
00:07:58I didn't think I would have to tell the story to the doctor.
00:08:01I thought everyone already knew.
00:08:04My father was a bad guy.
00:08:07Alpha Edward ended his life for coming into pack territory without permission.
00:08:11They didn't realize he was carrying a baby until they unzipped his jacket and saw I was tucked inside.
00:08:18It was a miracle I survived.
00:08:21Since I was just a baby, they couldn't just get rid of me, but they didn't know anything about me.
00:08:27I was wrapped in a blanket that had the name Talia embroidered on it.
00:08:32So that is what they called me.
00:08:35My father could have been a kidnapper for all I know.
00:08:38The only reason they gave me the last name Jackman is because after they took down my father,
00:08:45they looked through his wallet to identify him.
00:08:47The only form of ID he had was a library card that said Brian Jackman on it.
00:08:52I've tried an internet search for his name on the computer in the school library before.
00:09:00Nothing comes up in the search.
00:09:03You don't need to finish.
00:09:04I know what happened to your father.
00:09:06Well, after that, it happened.
00:09:11Luna Layla took me in until I was old enough to start school.
00:09:15Then she moved me into the dungeon.
00:09:18I've kind of been on my own since then.
00:09:20I never found out when my actual birthday was.
00:09:24And to be honest, you're the first person who has ever asked.
00:09:27I mean, I guess I'm 16.
00:09:30My wolf hasn't woken up yet.
00:09:33The doctor nods, looking at me with pity.
00:09:36Almost like he cares.
00:09:38He asks me a few more questions about my medical history.
00:09:42There's nothing to speak of.
00:09:44I don't remember ever being treated by a doctor before.
00:09:47He closes the folder and tucks his pen into his shirt pocket.
00:09:50Well, I know you haven't had a chance to look in the mirror yet.
00:09:55But when you do, you may find you look a little different.
00:09:59Don't be alarmed.
00:10:00I've done as many tests as I could think of.
00:10:03And it is not medically related.
00:10:05Yes, sir.
00:10:07I assume he means I'm healing faster.
00:10:09But why did he need me to look in the mirror?
00:10:13Why not just tell me?
00:10:15I look at the nurse who is staring at me.
00:10:18When she realizes I caught her,
00:10:19her eyes dart away.
00:10:22What's that about?
00:10:24Okay, lady.
00:10:25Rude?
00:10:27I'll leave you now.
00:10:28You can go in the bathroom and wash up.
00:10:31Just take that bowl with the IV solution with you.
00:10:34There are lounge shorts and fresh underwear in the bag.
00:10:37You need to leave the hospital gown on until your back heals.
00:10:42All right?
00:10:43Yes, ma'am.
00:10:44Thank you, Diane.
00:10:46She nods and leaves the room.
00:10:48It's the first time in my life people have been kind to me.
00:10:53I mean, I think it's part of their job, but still.
00:10:56All I have known so far were insults, physical misery, and hard work.
00:11:01Never any kindness.
00:11:03Never any.
00:11:04I feel like I can trust the doctor, but I'm still wary of nurse Diane.
00:11:10The way she stared at me just now makes me uncomfortable.
00:11:14I pick up the duffel bag and go to the bathroom.
00:11:16I avoid looking in the mirror.
00:11:19Everything in the bathroom is fresh.
00:11:21There's a shower, but I'm worried the pressure of the water will hurt my back.
00:11:26I decided to fill the tub halfway and get in.
00:11:29The water is warm and soothing.
00:11:31There's a washcloth and a fresh bar of soap.
00:11:34I clean myself until the water is gross.
00:11:38I drain the tub, wipe out the ring of dirt around the edge, and fill it again.
00:11:42The water is not nearly as dirty as this time when I finish washing.
00:11:45I find it hard to raise my hands, but I don't want to call the nurse to help me.
00:11:52I gently wash my hair, dry off, and wrap the soft towel around my head.
00:11:58There's a toothbrush and a small tube of paste on the shelf by the sink.
00:12:02I'm living in the lap of luxury in the pack hospital.
00:12:06I pick them up and start brushing my teeth.
00:12:09I can't avoid it anymore.
00:12:11I need to look in the mirror.
00:12:13I finally worked up the courage to take a peek.
00:12:18What I see makes me drop the toothbrush.
00:12:21My face is still covered in bruises, but that's not what made me drop the toothbrush.
00:12:26The iris of my left eye is violet,
00:12:30not like a shade of blue that could be a little purple in the right light.
00:12:34No, my right pupil is still the drab gray I'm used to, but my left pupil looks crazy.
00:12:40I blink my eyes hard a few times.
00:12:43Still the same.
00:12:45I tried rubbing my eye, but it doesn't make a difference.
00:12:48There's no mistaking it.
00:12:50My eye is bright, practically glowing.
00:12:53Violet.
00:12:55The two days seem to last forever.
00:12:57I'm not complaining, though.
00:13:00I've never gotten so much in my life, and as a bonus, I get three meals a day.
00:13:05Three.
00:13:06I keep looking in the mirror.
00:13:09I can't get over how weird my purple eye looks.
00:13:12I wake up on the second day and go to the bathroom to freshen up.
00:13:16I stare at myself in the mirror for the millionth time.
00:13:22My left eye is still violet.
00:13:24Now my right eye seems like it's starting to turn violet as well.
00:13:29There was nothing I could do about it, so I decided to try not to worry.
00:13:35Since Red Moon is a pretty big pack, we have a high school on pack territory.
00:13:39The library has a really big werewolf lore research section.
00:13:44I will do some research during lunch.
00:13:46As I tilt my head to the side to brush my hair, I notice a chunk of my hair has changed color.
00:13:52Instead of my normal mousy brown, it is silvery gray.
00:13:58Okay, seriously now.
00:13:59Now what is going on?
00:14:01What is happening to me?
00:14:02Is this a trick?
00:14:04Is there bleach in the shampoo or something?
00:14:07If it is a trick, it isn't funny.
00:14:08I pick up the bottle and smell it.
00:14:11It smells like strawberries, not bleach.
00:14:15Weird.
00:14:16I have never heard of a wolf's eye or hair color changing when they are coming of age.
00:14:20But that's what the doctor thinks is happening.
00:14:24Diane comes in just after lunch with paperwork and pamphlets for me.
00:14:27She hands me another little bag.
00:14:30Just a little something to help you stay incognito until you are finished healing.
00:14:34Thank you for everything.
00:14:36There is a round hat in the bag.
00:14:38How do I look?
00:14:40I ask as I model them for her.
00:14:42She giggles at my poses.
00:14:44You're a star, darling.
00:14:46Maybe she isn't so bad after all.
00:14:49She gives me a gentle hug and sends me on my way.
00:14:52I have another two hours before I need to start prepping dinner.
00:14:57I decided to take my new clothes to my room and clean up the mess down there before this.
00:15:02Something smells different as I walk down the hallway of the dungeon.
00:15:06Like a cleaning solution.
00:15:08I turn on my lamp to find the room has been transformed.
00:15:13My lamp is not sitting on an old stack of milk crates.
00:15:17It is on a nightstand.
00:15:19There is a new bed, too.
00:15:21My old cot is gone.
00:15:22I have a proper mattress, complete with new sheets and blankets.
00:15:26There is also a small desk and chair with all my school books arranged in a basket next to it.
00:15:33I must be dreaming that or I walked into someone else's room by accident.
00:15:40Except no one else lives down here.
00:15:44You can barely tell it was an old dungeon cell.
00:15:48It looks like what I imagine a dorm room would look like.
00:15:51I peek out of the doorway to make sure I am in the right place.
00:15:55I seem to be.
00:15:56I walk over and sit carefully on the bed.
00:15:59As though it will disappear if I move too fast.
00:16:02It is like a cloud.
00:16:04The gray and turquoise linens are fresh and new.
00:16:08There are even two pillows.
00:16:10I never had a proper pillow before, let alone two.
00:16:14As far as I know, Diane is the only one who came down here while I was in the hospital.
00:16:19Could she have had all this done?
00:16:22Surely she will get in trouble when Alpha Edward finds out.
00:16:26Then I remember she doesn't know how much the Alpha hates me.
00:16:29I don't know how I'm going to explain it when he finds out.
00:16:35But I won't tattle on anyone for trying to help me either.
00:16:39I put my new clothes away in the drawers of the nightstand.
00:16:42I stash the duffel bag under the mattress.
00:16:46Once I am 17, I will figure out a way to get out of this place.
00:16:50Find a new pack that will accept a violet-eyed weakling of a wolf.
00:16:55I sit at the desk and write a thank-you letter to the doctor and nurse Diane.
00:17:01I turn in the chair to look around my new room.
00:17:05I am in awe that someone would do this for me.
00:17:07I must have been daydreaming because I didn't hear the door at the top of the stairs.
00:17:15Instantly, I freeze.
00:17:17I hear two sets of footsteps coming down the hall.
00:17:20I can smell Alpha Edward's scent getting closer.
00:17:23I don't know who the other scent belongs to.
00:17:26Instinctively, I scramble and stand in the middle of the room just as they get to the doorway.
00:17:31He leans against the frame and crosses his arms.
00:17:34I can feel my whole body tremble as he stares.
00:17:37My eyes are glued to the ground.
00:17:39I do not want him to see my new eye color shining through.
00:17:43C-can I help you, Alpha Edward?
00:17:46That little stunt you pulled cost me a lot of money.
00:17:50And when you cost me money, you cost my whole family money.
00:17:53I am sorry, sir.
00:17:56I apologize.
00:17:58Although I have no idea what stunt he is talking about.
00:18:02I look up just enough to see Marcy, the Alpha's daughter, is also standing in the doorway.
00:18:08Marcy takes a step closer.
00:18:10And I can feel tears starting to sting the corners of my eyes as my arms shake uncontrollably.
00:18:17How am I going to face her at school?
00:18:19I haven't had a conversation with her since her mom made me live in the dungeon anyway.
00:18:24But as far as I know, she had no idea I live down here now.
00:18:28She is going to tell everyone for sure.
00:18:32And do you know how disgusting the food has been for the past two and a half days?
00:18:37I just nod, still looking at the ground.
00:18:40I'm not trying to argue with a lunatic.
00:18:43It isn't my fault I had to have surgery.
00:18:46He's the one who broke a bottle and threw me into the broken pieces.
00:18:50If he hadn't, I would have been just fine.
00:18:52I would have been able to bounce back the next day and make breakfast like I was supposed to.
00:18:58Even if I was banged up.
00:18:59There is a pause and he finally growls.
00:19:03Where did all this furniture come from?
00:19:06Did you steal it?
00:19:07No, sir.
00:19:08It was here when I got back from the hospital wing.
00:19:11I don't know who brought it.
00:19:13You owe me, Talia.
00:19:15You also owe whoever turned your room into this comfortable space.
00:19:18You will work in the packhouse until you pay back every cent for the rest of your life if necessary.
00:19:24No more school.
00:19:25You don't need education to cook and clean.
00:19:28He uses his alpha tone.
00:19:30I cannot disobey.
00:19:32With those words, the small flame of hope in my heart extinguishes.
00:19:37I don't get paid, so I don't know how I could ever pay back any debt.
00:19:42Luna Layla told me years ago that the room in the dungeon was payment enough for my services.
00:19:47I am less than an Omega now.
00:19:52I am a slave.
00:19:54Marcy, teach her a lesson for wasting our money.
00:19:58Yes, Alpha.
00:19:59Tears stream down my face as the reality of my fate sets in.
00:20:04Alpha Edward is passing the torch of his cruelty down to his daughter.
00:20:08But I know better than that.
00:20:10He will never stop.
00:20:12Marcy reaches forward and claps the back of my neck.
00:20:15She forces me down into a bowing position and growls deeply.
00:20:20You should be grateful my father doesn't banish you.
00:20:23If you were a rogue, I would make sure you never made it to the border of the territory.
00:20:28A squeak escapes my throat.
00:20:31I am so scared I feel like I am going to pass out.
00:20:34Marcy turns to her father.
00:20:36Don't worry, Alpha.
00:20:38I've got this situation covered.
00:20:40I hear Alpha Edward's footsteps walk back down the hallway as he leaves the dungeon.
00:20:44Marcy tightens her grip on my neck, extending her wolf claws, making me yelp.
00:20:50As soon as the door slams, Marcy releases my neck and kneels in front of me.
00:20:55Her face is contorted with anger.
00:20:58She grabs my shoulders, shaking me roughly.
00:21:00What did you do to make him so mad?
00:21:03Why isn't she doing anything to me like she told Alpha Edward she would?
00:21:08I stiffened my whole body, avoiding eye contact with her.
00:21:12I'm shaking.
00:21:13I can't even speak now.
00:21:15The thought of two people doing something bad to me regularly for the rest of my life.
00:21:20It just can't be real.
00:21:22Can it?
00:21:23How can the moon goddess allow this to happen?
00:21:26I want to leave the world.
00:21:29That's not an exaggeration.
00:21:33That's not me being dramatic.
00:21:35Please, moon goddess, don't let this happen.
00:21:38Just let me go.
00:21:40I shake so badly that I fall to my knees.
00:21:42I start to sob hysterically and my brain shuts down from being able to think rationally.
00:21:48Marcy grabs my chin and forces me to look at her in her cold gray eyes.
00:21:53She looks at me in horror for a moment.
00:21:55What happened to your eyes?
00:21:58She moves her hands up from my chin to just below my eyes.
00:22:01It feels like her hands are trembling against my face.
00:22:05Are you a mixed blood or something?
00:22:07All I can manage is to shake my head no between sobs.
00:22:11As I shake my head, I feel her starting to press her thumbs against my lower eyelids obstructing my vision.
00:22:19Oh no, she's going to poke my eyes out.
00:22:21She saw the violet color.
00:22:23She was going to blind me.
00:22:24I place my hands on top of her, trying to push her away.
00:22:29I hear myself screaming,
00:22:30No, stop!
00:22:31Don't take my eyes out!
00:22:33Please!
00:22:34For just a moment, time freezes.
00:22:36I don't mean like it feels like time is standing still because I'm in the middle of a traumatic situation.
00:22:41No.
00:22:42Time is frozen.
00:22:43Well, frozen for everything except for me, I should say.
00:22:48I can feel it in the air.
00:22:49It can only last for a moment.
00:22:51I pulled Marzi's hands away from my face easily.
00:22:55The look of anger combined with confusion is stuck on her face.
00:22:59Next to her, a fly is suspended in midair.
00:23:02The second hand on the clock has stopped on the wall behind her.
00:23:05Drips of water aren't finished falling, leaving umbrella-shaped splashes in the puddles on the floor.
00:23:14What?
00:23:15Did the moon goddess hear me?
00:23:17Did she have mercy on me?
00:23:19Did she let my dream come true?
00:23:22I look back at Marzi with wide eyes.
00:23:25My hands are glowing purple.
00:23:28As quickly as it stopped, time started again.
00:23:32Marzi starts screaming and pushes herself away from me.
00:23:35The tops of her hands where my hands were touching her were burnt.
00:23:39I look down at my hands.
00:23:40They are normal again, not glowing purple.
00:23:44Seriously, though, what happened?
00:23:47I shut my eyes tight, waiting for Marzi to retaliate.
00:23:51If you tell anyone, I will kill you, she says in my ear.
00:23:56Then she punches me in the stomach.
00:23:58Knocking the air out of my lungs.
00:24:00I hear her footsteps running down the hall, then out the door.
00:24:04I don't know how long I sit like this, but when I finally open my eyes, I breathe a sigh of relief.
00:24:11I lean against my body for a while, longer.
00:24:14Sobbing.
00:24:15Shaking.
00:24:16And trying to catch my breath.
00:24:19She didn't harm me.
00:24:20Surely she was coming back.
00:24:22I sniff the air, but her scent is gone.
00:24:24I listened carefully, but there were no sounds in other parts of the dungeon.
00:24:29I'm alone.
00:24:31Moon Goddess, thank you for saving me.
00:24:34I say out loud, just in case the miracle I just experienced was because of her.
00:24:38I feel exhausted, but starting to feel calmer.
00:24:44Okay, Talia, focus.
00:24:45I need to make dinner for the pack or Alpha Edward will find me and kill me.
00:24:50I don't think it's an exaggeration either.
00:24:52Even if I tried to run away, either he or Marcy would find me before I could get off the territory.
00:25:02I take a few deep breaths and make myself go down the hall to wash up at the sink.
00:25:06I splash cold water on my face and look in the grungy mirror.
00:25:10Both of my eyes are pure violet now.
00:25:12The silver streaks are starting to take over my hair now.
00:25:15It isn't like an old person's hair.
00:25:17It is silvery that almost shimmers, even in the low light of the dungeon.
00:25:23So weird.
00:25:24There's no way I'm going to be able to get used to this new look.
00:25:27I go back to my room and get dressed in the loose cotton gown and round hat that Diane gave me,
00:25:33pulling the brim low to hide my eyes.
00:25:36Throughout dinner, I received murderous glares from Alpha Edward.
00:25:39I make sure to keep my eyes to the floor so Alpha Edward would avoid seeing the color.
00:25:44Marcy glares at me every chance she gets.
00:25:45After dinner, it takes longer than usual to stock the pantries,
00:25:49because whoever did it while I was in the hospital had no idea what they were doing.
00:25:54It is well after midnight, when I flop down on my bed and close my eyes.
00:25:59June 20th, I think to myself.
00:26:02It's the last day of school.
00:26:06Well, for other people anyway, not me.
00:26:09You don't need the education to cook in stock pantries.
00:26:13Alpha Edward's words ring in my ears.
00:26:14Just another day for me, I suppose.
00:26:18I wallow in self-pity for a bit before I roll over and try to fall asleep.
00:26:23I'm almost asleep when I hear a woman's voice.
00:26:27Hello?
00:26:28I quickly scramble to my feet, looking everywhere for who it could be.
00:26:31I'm the only one in the room.
00:26:33I peek into the hallway and look around, but no one is there either.
00:26:37Hello?
00:26:37I whisper loudly down the hallway.
00:26:39Ugh, Talia.
00:26:41This is no way for a warrior to behave.
00:26:44Get yourself together.
00:26:45The voice chides.
00:26:47I realize the voice is coming from inside my head.
00:26:52Who...
00:26:52Who are you?
00:26:55I ask hesitantly, worried that I've gone insane.
00:26:59I am the messenger of the moon goddess.
00:27:02The whisperer to the moon.
00:27:03But I like you, so I'll let you call me Sylvie.
00:27:08Whisperer of the moon.
00:27:10Are you my angel, Sylvie?
00:27:13Maybe.
00:27:14Who knows?
00:27:15You came a day too late.
00:27:18Our alpha just turned me into a slave less than twelve hours ago.
00:27:21We have no way to escape now.
00:27:24I feel tears welling up.
00:27:27I explain everything to her.
00:27:29What the alpha did.
00:27:31How the Luna made me live in the dungeon.
00:27:33All of it.
00:27:34I sob through the whole thing.
00:27:36I'm here now, Talia.
00:27:38Don't worry.
00:27:39You are a child of the moon goddess.
00:27:42You are a warrior.
00:27:45Which means that you are strong.
00:27:48You will get through this.
00:27:51Sylvie, earlier, when my hands turned purple and burned Marcy.
00:27:56Was that you?
00:27:57Sort of.
00:27:59That was you, but I helped a little to activate your power.
00:28:03I can explain more later.
00:28:06The next month and a half are the worst of my life.
00:28:10Thank goddess for Sylvie.
00:28:12She keeps me going.
00:28:13Any motivation I ever had is gone now.
00:28:16Instead of just breakfast and dinner,
00:28:18now I make lunch too and I'm still on pantry duty.
00:28:22Every moment of my day is filled with work.
00:28:25From the time I wake up,
00:28:26Sylvie convinces me to enjoy the time that she and I get to spend together,
00:28:30which is when I'm cooking meals.
00:28:32I find I do enjoy cooking while Sylvie is with me.
00:28:35No one comes to bother me.
00:28:37So, we get to have great conversations without interruptions.
00:28:41In the end, I have created something people will enjoy.
00:28:45I even found a couple of recipe books in the back of one of the kitchen cupboards and taught myself some new techniques and dishes to make.
00:28:53Everything else in my life is complete hell.
00:28:57Alpha Edward allows PAC members to bully me and verbally mock me,
00:29:02and they take full advantage at every opportunity.
00:29:05He comes to my room multiple times a week to harm me and berate me for imaginary offenses I haven't committed.
00:29:12Sometimes, Marcy comes and watches.
00:29:16A couple of times, she even gets the whip for her father.
00:29:18But she never actually does anything bad to me.
00:29:22I swear I see her smiling while she watches.
00:29:26Sylvie tries to convince me to fight back, but that would be a death sentence.
00:29:30If I fight back or even worse, if I shift, I'm certain I'd be dead.
00:29:37Sylvie keeps telling me everything will change when I shift.
00:29:40She keeps saying, you are a daughter of the moon goddess, and you are her warrior.
00:29:45She is frustrated that I submit instead of fighting back.
00:29:49She is angry at me for keeping her a secret.
00:29:52She says doing so is making her weaker.
00:29:55Okay, Sylvie, a couple of problems with all of this.
00:29:57Talia.
00:30:27You are not just a warrior.
00:30:30You are a child, the moon goddess.
00:30:33She is your mother.
00:30:35Okay, I don't know when I can let you help.
00:30:37But at the first opportunity, I will take it, Sylvie.
00:30:41I promise.
00:30:42This seems to satisfy her.
00:30:45We keep having the same argument about werewolves all being children of moon goddess
00:30:49versus being an actual child of the moon goddess.
00:30:51She doesn't understand the difference.
00:30:54I think she believes the moon goddess is my mom.
00:30:58Like, in the literal sense of the word mother.
00:31:02Every day, I'm completely exhausted by the time I get back to my room.
00:31:06It's an even longer day if I'm visited by Alpha Edward.
00:31:10Sylvie has been the best friend I could ask for, even if she is frustrated and getting weak.
00:31:15She is always supporting me and pushing me to not give up.
00:31:19I feel guilty that I can't support her in return.
00:31:22One day, Alpha Edward's personal Omega comes running up to me while I'm making lunch
00:31:28and tells me the Alpha wants to see me in his office right away.
00:31:34I drop what I'm doing and hurry to his office.
00:31:36I knock on the door quietly in case he's busy.
00:31:39Come in!
00:31:40He calls from inside.
00:31:42I pull open the door and peek inside.
00:31:44You called for me, Alpha.
00:31:46I asked as quietly as possible.
00:31:47The easiest way to get away from him is to use as few words and ask as few questions as possible.
00:31:54Don't just stand there. Come in.
00:31:56He snarls.
00:31:57I rush inside and close the door behind me.
00:31:59I stay as close to the door as possible in case I need to make a run for it.
00:32:03Talia, we have a delegation coming.
00:32:06From the Dark Howler's pack next week.
00:32:09Twenty wolves in total.
00:32:11All of the ranked members, their mates, the heads of their security and guards,
00:32:15and security detail for all of them.
00:32:18If all goes well, we'll be forming a pact with them.
00:32:23They must be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
00:32:27Bring lunches to the conference room every day and make a formal dinner every day next week.
00:32:33Keep their pantry stocked and stay out of the way.
00:32:37Got it?
00:32:37I look up from under my hat, still keeping my face low enough that he can't see my eyes.
00:32:43Yes, even after almost two months, he still hasn't noticed that I have purple eyes.
00:32:48Or if he has, he hasn't pointed it out.
00:32:51He also hasn't said anything about my silver hair, which is just fine with me.
00:32:57Yes, sir.
00:32:58Everyone will be here on Monday.
00:33:00Except for the Alpha, who's coming Tuesday.
00:33:03We'll be having a party after dinner to welcome him.
00:33:06Make sure there is enough food for the party.
00:33:09Give George the information for the additional food you need to make.
00:33:13Do you understand?
00:33:15Yes, sir.
00:33:16Good.
00:33:16We need to keep the Alpha happy.
00:33:19If not, I won't hesitate to let him harm you.
00:33:22Do you understand?
00:33:24He stands up with his hands on the desk, looking very intimidating.
00:33:28Y-yes, sir.
00:33:29Now get out of my sight.
00:33:32He points to the door behind me.
00:33:35I scramble out of the room as fast as possible to find George.
00:33:38George is in charge of ordering supplies for the pack house.
00:33:41He should be in his office right now.
00:33:44My mind is already churning through the special foods to make, and the groceries I need for them.
00:33:49I also need extra supplies for the guest suite pantries.
00:33:53I wonder what kind of foods the Dark Howler's pack likes.
00:33:56Dark Howler's is the largest pack in the northern region, with my pack, Red Moon, being the second largest.
00:34:04Alpha Edward says Dark Howler's is vicious and strict.
00:34:08Most of their pack has served in the military at one point or another.
00:34:12They employ dark magicians and witches to help them keep power over neighboring one of packs.
00:34:16I wonder if they're going to bring any dark witches here.
00:34:20I hope not.
00:34:22I also hear their Alpha expels pack members who fail training tests, because he doesn't want weak wolves in his pack.
00:34:29A guy I don't want to cross paths with.
00:34:31I get to George's office and knock on the door.
00:34:35I can hear noises coming from inside, but he doesn't answer.
00:34:39I knock a little louder.
00:34:41What the hell? He has to know I'm here.
00:34:43He knows my scent.
00:34:45Just tell me to come in already.
00:34:47I don't like this guy, Talia.
00:34:49He's creepy.
00:34:50He stares at you.
00:34:52Well, we don't have a choice but to work with him, Sylvie.
00:34:55He's the money.
00:34:57Ugh, fine. But let's make it quick.
00:34:59I knock again, more impatiently this time.
00:35:03What is it?
00:35:04He finally growls from inside.
00:35:06I open the door to find there's a female wolf sitting on his desk.
00:35:10She hides her face in his chest.
00:35:12I can't see who she was, but there is no denying whose scent it is.
00:35:16George is not wearing any pants and he is sweating.
00:35:19Get the hell out, Talia. I'm busy here.
00:35:22I stand there wide-eyed, jaw slack for a moment.
00:35:26I can't be seeing this.
00:35:27George is having a fun time in his office with Luna Layla.
00:35:33Get out, Talia.
00:35:35He yells louder.
00:35:37I come to my senses and slam the door closed.
00:35:40I run back to the kitchen as fast as I can.
00:35:43I can feel the drip of sweat down my face.
00:35:46If anyone finds out what I just saw, I am finished.
00:35:50Sylvie thinks it's hilarious.
00:35:52She laughs in my head throughout lunch preparation.
00:35:56I'm just trying to erase the scene from my mind.
00:35:59I'm about to take the platters out to the dining room when George comes charging into the kitchen.
00:36:04He makes a beeline for me and grabs me by the throat, pinning me against the wall.
00:36:13He hauls back his fist and punches me square in the face.
00:36:17The back of my head slams against the wall so hard I see stars.
00:36:21I can feel my nose snap as I slide down the wall with a groan.
00:36:26You didn't see anything.
00:36:28I can feel his claws extending into my neck, drawing blood.
00:36:32You understand, you little monster.
00:36:36I'm paralyzed with fear.
00:36:38I can't answer.
00:36:39I can't even nod.
00:36:41Suddenly, I feel like I'm falling backwards in my mind.
00:36:45I blink quickly a few times.
00:36:47It feels like I'm looking out of someone else's eyes.
00:36:49Let her go.
00:36:52The voice comes from me, but it isn't my voice.
00:36:54It's Sylvie.
00:36:55Her voice booms and sounds almost ethereal.
00:36:58The dishes on the counter shake as she growls deeply at George.
00:37:01I watch helplessly as my hands glow violet and grab George's wrists.
00:37:06As I grab him, his eyes widen in fear, and he starts howling in pain.
00:37:12A sizzling sound comes from where my hands connect with his skin.
00:37:15He quickly releases my neck, and we both fall to the ground.
00:37:19How are you doing this?
00:37:21What are you, Talia?
00:37:23I stand up, feeling much taller than my five-foot-tall frame.
00:37:27Sylvie's voice booms from me.
00:37:29I am a warrior child of the Moon Goddess.
00:37:32And if you tell anyone what has happened here today, I will make you suffer.
00:37:37George scoots back on his backside away from me, wide-eyed, then clambers up and runs away as fast as he can.
00:37:45Suddenly, I come back into my normal state of mind, and I fall back to the ground, exhausted.
00:37:51My hands are no longer glowing, but they feel like they are on and full of static electricity.
00:37:59Sylvie, what was that?
00:38:00I couldn't help it. He was threatening you.
00:38:02Okay, but what was with the glowy purple burnt hands thing? That's not normal.
00:38:06Talia, we've been through this. You are a child of the Moon Goddess. You are special.
00:38:13There is more, too, you will see after we shift for the first time.
00:38:18Until then, I'm not strong enough to show you.
00:38:21Besides, it isn't like I hurt him badly.
00:38:24His wolf will heal him before he is back in his office.
00:38:27Yes, I do. Wait, you mean the Moon Goddess is my actual mom?
00:38:33Like she gave birth to me specifically?
00:38:36Not just, like, mother of all werewolves because she created us a gazillion years ago?
00:38:40That's what I've been saying since I came. It's not my fault.
00:38:44You didn't believe me.
00:38:45I picked up a towel to wipe the stain from my nose.
00:38:48Sylvie is already healing me from the break, but my face is going to be bruised for a couple of days.
00:38:52I 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.
00:39:00Okay. Well, if you're able to do that to George, how come you can't do it to Alpha Edward or Marcy?
00:39:09Well, I think it happened one time before, but I wasn't fully in control then.
00:39:15I can't do it now because he's your Alpha.
00:39:18I can't go against what he says.
00:39:21I can't attack your Alpha or his daughter.
00:39:25I concede.
00:39:26I don't want to argue with her.
00:39:28I'm just trying to figure out the rules.
00:39:30I'm in uncharted territory here.
00:39:33I mean, it's cool territory, but I don't know what our limits are.
00:39:38Once all the platters are out, I make a list of all the extra supplies I need
00:39:42and put it in the box hanging outside George's office.
00:39:46That way, I don't have to face him again.
00:39:48I clean up the dining room after lunch and still have about 45 minutes until I have to start dinner.
00:39:55I decide to go to the stock room and put supplies on the pantry part for later.
00:40:00As I work, I hear someone clear their throat behind me.
00:40:04I look up to find Marcy standing uncomfortably close to me.
00:40:07Can I help you with something, Marcy?
00:40:10I try to swallow the panic that instantly builds in my throat.
00:40:14Talia, I just wanted to say, when I'm in control of the pack, you won't be treated the way you are now.
00:40:21Marcy, please stop.
00:40:23I put my hands up and push lightly against her to get her to move.
00:40:26But she's stronger than me and doesn't budge.
00:40:28I look up at her to see an evil grin distorting her face.
00:40:33I see the way my dad treats you, Talia.
00:40:36You never complain.
00:40:37You just take it.
00:40:39She moves closer, breathing deeply until she's fully pressing herself against me.
00:40:44I bet you like it when he does it, don't you?
00:40:48What?
00:40:49There is no way I heard her right, did I?
00:40:53Marcy, I do not enjoy what your father does to me.
00:40:55And you're no better standing there watching him, instead of stopping him.
00:41:00I can feel tears stinging the corners of my eyes as she slips an arm around my waist.
00:41:06I cannot believe this is happening right now.
00:41:09Don't lie to me, Talia.
00:41:11I do like men, but I can't deny your scent is something to me no man ever can.
00:41:18The 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.
00:41:25I can't wait to get my hands on you.
00:41:27I want to hear you moan with pleasure when I'm with you.
00:41:31I want you on your knees so I can whip you instead of me.
00:41:35I want you to be my toy, Talia.
00:41:38Not his.
00:41:40I will turn the dungeon into a playroom just for us, instead of just your bedroom.
00:41:45She's nuzzling against my neck right below my ear, making me cringe, but I don't have anywhere to be able to move to get away from her.
00:41:53I can feel her fingers pressing against me, trying to make their way between my legs.
00:41:58Are you insane?
00:41:59I push hard against her, but she's too strong.
00:42:03She doesn't budge.
00:42:04Get off of me, you sicko.
00:42:06This whole time, she's been turned on by watching her dad torture me.
00:42:10What is wrong with this family?
00:42:11The look on her face contorts, from happy evil to disgusted.
00:42:17Without warning, she takes a step back.
00:42:19She elbows me in the back, dropping me onto the table.
00:42:22Then she bends over behind me and whispers in my ears,
00:42:25I know you want me, Talia.
00:42:28Don't worry.
00:42:29You'll be mine as soon as I convince my father to let me have you.
00:42:33I want to make him proud when I make you squeal in pain, but I don't think I can wait.
00:42:39Her voice is rough and ragged with excitement, and her hands are all over me and groping me.
00:42:45All I can do is sob.
00:42:47I'm afraid to fight back or to even say anything.
00:42:50Sylvie can't help me because she's the Alpha's daughter.
00:42:53The moon goddess, if you're my mother, please help me, please save me from this.
00:43:00I cry in my mind as Marcy bites my ears,
00:43:04gropes me, and her hand runs all over me under my clothes.
00:43:06She pulls my leggings and underwear down, tearing them both in half with her wolf claws extended.
00:43:12I feel her pressing her fingers against my entrance.
00:43:16I know what was about to happen, and I can't take it anymore.
00:43:21I turn my mind off, just like her father beat me within an inch of my life.
00:43:27My mind cannot be present for what is happening to me.
00:43:30She finally gets off me and I fall to the floor.
00:43:34She tears the back of my shirt open and strikes with her claws on my back as if to mark me as her property.
00:43:40I lay on the floor of the supply room crying.
00:43:44Get up, Talia.
00:43:45I said get up!
00:43:47You're better than this!
00:43:48You will survive this!
00:43:50I want to leave this world, Sylvie.
00:43:52I can't do this anymore, I can't.
00:43:55You can, and you will.
00:43:56You will find your mate soon enough and things will change, I promise.
00:44:00How can you be so sure?
00:44:01Glowy, burning hands are not your only gift.
00:44:06I get up, find an old cardigan in the back of the stock room and put it on.
00:44:11I go back to my room to find new clothes before making dinner.
00:44:15The next four days go without incident.
00:44:18Unless you consider the fact that I have visited the roof several times recently.
00:44:24Contemplating my existence.
00:44:29Each time I stand with my toes at the edge and stare down from the four-story building.
00:44:35I can't bring myself to do anything except cry and go back to my room.
00:44:40I can't do it to Sylvie.
00:44:42I can't take her life because I want to take mine.
00:44:45Sunday after dinner service, I see Luna Layla in the hallway while I'm refilling pantries.
00:44:53She quickly approaches me and grabs me by the arm.
00:44:56She extends her claws into my bicep, drawing blood.
00:44:59Talia, if you tell anyone, and I mean anyone, what you saw in George's office, I will make you suffer.
00:45:07She says in a low, threatening tone.
00:45:09You too, lady.
00:45:11I'm fed up.
00:45:12Does she want to bully me?
00:45:14Okay, fine.
00:45:15I lift my hat and let my violet eyes look directly at her.
00:45:18She gasps at the unusual sight.
00:45:21Luna, it would be a relief, and I would welcome it.
00:45:25You, you don't know or care how I'm treated by this pack.
00:45:29Including by your husband, your daughter, and your lover.
00:45:32Tears choke up my throat.
00:45:34I cannot take any more punishment from anyone else.
00:45:37I'm at my wit's end.
00:45:38If she takes my life right here in this hallway, it would be a relief.
00:45:43I'm sorry, Sylvie.
00:45:44I just can't do it anymore.
00:45:47I say to my angel as I stare down Luna Layla.
00:45:49She doesn't respond.
00:45:51She shuts our mind link and crawls into the corner of my mind.
00:45:54Luna, Layla pushes me away.
00:45:57Insolent child.
00:45:58You should be grateful for your life.
00:46:01The Alpha will hear about this.
00:46:03I'm not grateful for this life, Luna.
00:46:05And if you think I should be, you are part of the problem.
00:46:09If you want to tell the Alpha about this incident, I'm more than happy to tell him what instigated it.
00:46:15She stares at me with pure anger and hatred before walking away, without a word.
00:46:20I guess fate has other plans for me.
00:46:24I stand in the hall for a few minutes to see if she is coming back, but she doesn't.
00:46:29I'm certain she is going to sabotage me.
00:46:32Maybe she's going to smother me in my sleep or just stab me straight in the back.
00:46:36Either way, I was serious when I told her I welcome her.
00:46:41I finish pantry duty, making sure everything is set in the guest rooms.
00:46:45I had George order bouquets for each of the suites, as an extra touch.
00:46:50In the guest Alpha suite, I also added a bottle of champagne.
00:46:55If this is the last thing I ever get to do, I want it to be something that makes someone else happy.
00:47:00It is almost 1.30 in the morning before I plop into my bed, totally exhausted.
00:47:06It has been a day.
00:47:09If Luna Layla has anything to say about it, it will probably be my last.
00:47:13Sylvia is exhausted too.
00:47:15She stops sulking long enough to tell me she needs me to shift.
00:47:18But I can't.
00:47:20I have no time or energy.
00:47:23I keep promising her I will, but I feel like I've broken that promise.
00:47:27I float off to the sounds of her whimpering in my head.
00:47:30While I cry into my pillow.
00:47:32To my surprise, my alarm wakes me in the morning.
00:47:36Sylvie makes me promise to hang on for one more day.
00:47:40We go through the motions of the life I hate.
00:47:43While I'm getting ready, I look in the mirror to find my hair is completely silvery now.
00:47:47I tuck it into a bun to try to var-eyed people noticing it.
00:47:51The delegation from Dark Howlers arrives in the early afternoon.
00:47:55They are all tall and intimidating, with tattoos and big muscles.
00:47:58Some of them have visible scars on their arms and faces.
00:48:02They wear matching business attire or security uniforms.
00:48:06Luna Layla directs them to the sitting room, while I quietly bring in pitchers of water and iced tea for them to drink.
00:48:12I was doing my best, trying not to be noticed.
00:48:15And one of the women calls me out.
00:48:16You there, Omega.
00:48:18She says abruptly.
00:48:20I look around and realize she is speaking to me.
00:48:23For everyone.
00:48:24Maya, of course, right away.
00:48:26Luna Layla says quickly, and nods her head to me.
00:48:28I rush to the cellar and pull out two cases of napkins and glasses.
00:48:33I prep the drink service card and head back to the sitting room.
00:48:36I open three bottles, leaving the rest for them to do as they wish.
00:48:41And then I back out of the room so I can start preparing dinner.
00:48:45The rest of the day goes without a hitch.
00:48:48The guests seem pleased with dinner.
00:48:49In the evening, I go to each guest suite to make sure everyone is happy with their accommodations.
00:48:56A couple of people ask for more bags of chips or soda.
00:49:00But on the whole, everyone seems satisfied.
00:49:04The last door is the beta's room.
00:49:07Maya opens the door, looking much more relaxed than earlier.
00:49:11She has a large tattoo of a rose and dagger on her forearm.
00:49:15Her dark hair is still pulled back, but she isn't wearing makeup.
00:49:18I can see now.
00:49:20She looks only a few years older than me.
00:49:23I can hear her mate inside talking on the phone.
00:49:25Thanks for checking on us.
00:49:27Everything is wonderful.
00:49:29The flowers are a beautiful touch.
00:49:31You have good taste.
00:49:32She smiles at me.
00:49:34I bow to her slightly, then turn to leave.
00:49:37Wait, what's under your hat?
00:49:38I stop in my tracks and turn around.
00:49:41I'm sorry, ma'am.
00:49:42I ask.
00:49:43I feel the blood drain from my face.
00:49:46Your hat.
00:49:47What? Why is it so low?
00:49:48What are you trying to hide?
00:49:50Come closer.
00:49:52I come closer and slowly take off my hat, keeping my eyes to the ground.
00:49:57My silver hair cascades down my back.
00:49:59It is embarrassingly greasy and visibly dirty.
00:50:03I feel myself blush.
00:50:05Oh, I see.
00:50:06She says with surprise in her voice.
00:50:08Now, don't be disrespectful.
00:50:11Always look me in the eye when I speak to you.
00:50:13I look up at her.
00:50:15The light from her room shines right into my eyes.
00:50:18She looks at me blankly for a moment, trying to process what she's seeing.
00:50:22What are you?
00:50:23A hybrid?
00:50:24No, ma'am.
00:50:25The pack doctor did tests, but he doesn't know why it happened.
00:50:29He thinks it must be a transformation related to my wolf getting ready to wake up.
00:50:32I mean, it's not a lie.
00:50:36It's just not the whole truth, right?
00:50:38How am I supposed to tell a stranger that my wolf says that I'm the moon goddess's actual daughter,
00:50:45and that that is why I have silver hair and violet eyes?
00:50:48She grabs my chin and pulls my face closer to hers, inspecting closely.
00:50:54And does the pack doctor know that someone has broken your nose recently?
00:50:59You still have bruises!
00:51:02I'm not going to elaborate or implicate anyone in this conversation with someone I do not know.
00:51:06Who's at the door, Maya?
00:51:08Just the Omega assigned to us, Caden?
00:51:10What's your name again?
00:51:11It's Talia, ma'am.
00:51:13I'm not an Omega, though.
00:51:15I'm just a servant.
00:51:16Her name is Talia.
00:51:17She picked out my beautiful flowers.
00:51:21She'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.
00:51:27Her brow furrows slightly as she stares.
00:51:30She's making me self-conscious.
00:51:32That's nice.
00:51:33Ask her if I can get bubbly water in the refrigerator.
00:51:37No problem, ma'am.
00:51:39She and I share a smile at bubbly water.
00:51:41I will bring it shortly and leave it at the door.
00:51:45Oh, and Talia, if those bruises aren't healed by tomorrow morning, find some powder.
00:51:50Alpha Damon does not tolerate seeing injuries like that.
00:51:54Yep, yes, ma'am.
00:51:55I 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.
00:52:02One million questions run through my head.
00:52:05Would their Alpha be angry for being weaker than other wolves, even if I was not part of his pack?
00:52:09Was she going to tell Alpha Edward about my unusual features?
00:52:14Was she going to call him out for letting someone break my nose?
00:52:18I 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.
00:52:27Alpha Edward comes down later and whips me for not having all the items our guests wanted.
00:52:31By morning, Sylvie has still not been able to fully heal me.
00:52:36I'm in so much pain.
00:52:38Everything is a struggle.
00:52:39Cooking, carrying breakfast trays, leaning over to clean tables.
00:52:44Every move causes scabs to open and bleed, making the back of my shirt damp with blood.
00:52:50Maya makes eye contact with me a couple of times.
00:52:53She can tell something was wrong, but doesn't say anything.
00:52:56For some reason she can't explain, Sylvie is bouncing around in my head all morning.
00:53:00The Beta is so nice, I can't wait to meet the Alpha and Luna.
00:53:05Sylvie, come on.
00:53:07We're not going to get to meet the Alpha and Luna.
00:53:09We're going to melt into the wallpaper and pretend we don't exist.
00:53:13I want to meet them.
00:53:14Okay, well I hate to disappoint you, but you're going to be disappointed.
00:53:18Layla comes in, while I'm prepping lunch, to let me know the Alpha has arrived.
00:53:23And I need to make lunch for him as well.
00:53:26There is no Luna.
00:53:28He doesn't have a mate.
00:53:29And according to Layla, he's handsome.
00:53:33Not that it matters to me, because I'm going to be wallpaper.
00:53:38I don't want him to notice me at all.
00:53:42I take the trays to the conference room.
00:53:45Alpha Damon is not there, but there is a spot at the table where he is supposed to sit.
00:53:50I leave his meal at the empty seat.
00:53:52Everyone from the Dark Howlers pack, politely thanks me, as I lay out plates in front of them.
00:53:59Their manners betray their intimidating features.
00:54:03No one from the Red Moon pack says a word to me as I serve them.
00:54:07I collect the trays and walk out quietly.
00:54:09Layla lets me know she will clean the plates so I can focus on dinner and food for the party.
00:54:14I go to the kitchen, but need a minute to collect myself before I get started on dinner.
00:54:19I go out the back door and stand on the stoop.
00:54:23In the distance, I don't recognize him.
00:54:28It must be the Alpha from Dark Howlers.
00:54:30He is too far away from me to see his actual features, though.
00:54:34All I can see is a tall figure with dark hair and a suit.
00:54:38It smells like...
00:54:41I swear, it smells like coffee.
00:54:46Or dark chocolate.
00:54:47This guy was a mocha drinker.
00:54:50I laugh to myself at the thought of the big, bad Alpha of Dark Howlers sipping on a mochaccino.
00:54:56I make a four-course meal of Caesar salad, bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizers,
00:55:02beef wellington with braised Brussels sprouts for the main dish,
00:55:06and a key lime pie for dessert.
00:55:08I also make bruschetta, tomato fritters, mini calzones,
00:55:12assorted veggie trays with dip, and chocolate truffles to serve for the party.
00:55:17I finish the desserts and veggie trays between breakfast and lunch,
00:55:22so there was less for me to worry about now.
00:55:25I realize Sylvie's advice of finding happiness in cooking has helped me enjoy making this dinner.
00:55:31Maybe because I'm serving people other than my pack.
00:55:34Or maybe it's because I'm making special food,
00:55:37not just the regular stuff I make for the pack.
00:55:40Either way, I don't mind my work today.
00:55:43I felt a sense of pride in it.
00:55:46There are servers for dinner service since it's a formal event.
00:55:50I stay in the kitchen and make sure everything is plated,
00:55:53and going out the door in perfect condition.
00:55:56I'm in the zone.
00:55:57I peek out from the kitchen after each course is served.
00:56:01People seem to enjoy the food, which is a relief.
00:56:04I notice Alpha Edward is getting pretty drunk.
00:56:07Luna Layla keeps taking his glass away from him,
00:56:10but he keeps ordering the Omegas to give him more.
00:56:13The dining room is extra crowded,
00:56:16so I don't get a better look at Alpha Damon.
00:56:19Maya sees me peeking out from the kitchen and gives me a wink and thumbs up.
00:56:24I smile and give a little wave before pulling my head back.
00:56:29I help the servers take the party food to the tables at the edges of the ballroom.
00:56:35I also make sure the bars in the corners are fully stocked.
00:56:39The DJ is finishing setting up,
00:56:42and colorful lights are sliding across the floor.
00:56:45Party balloons and streamers are hanging all over the place.
00:56:51The first few guests are starting to wander in,
00:56:54which is my cue to duck out the back door.
00:56:58Luckily, the dinner servers will clean up the dinner service tonight,
00:57:01which gives me extra time to restock pantries.
00:57:06I head upstairs to the stockroom and load the cart up.
00:57:09I'm humming to myself as I go from room to room.
00:57:12I feel an odd sense of calm as I go.
00:57:16You're in a good mood.
00:57:18I guess.
00:57:19I'm not sure why, though.
00:57:21My back and feet still hurt.
00:57:23Well, I'm happy that you're happy, for once.
00:57:26This version of you is pretty cool.
00:57:28Thanks, Sylvie.
00:57:29You're not half bad yourself.
00:57:31I finish stocking the ranked pack members' rooms
00:57:33on the fourth and third floors.
00:57:36Then I head to the second floor, where the guest suites are.
00:57:39The cleaning staff has cleaned everything.
00:57:42I just need to restock the toiletries,
00:57:44pantry items, and refrigerators.
00:57:46I make quick work of the rooms.
00:57:48I remember to stock the beta's room with more bottles of San Pellegrino,
00:57:53refresh the flowers, and leave a little tent card with a handwritten smiley face on the kitchenette counter.
00:57:59It's almost midnight now.
00:58:02Everyone is still in the ballroom partying.
00:58:04I close the door to the beta's suite and move to the alpha's suite door.
00:58:08It's the last room left for the night.
00:58:12I know he's at the party, too, but I knock first, just in case.
00:58:16I lean my ear against the door.
00:58:19I don't hear a reply.
00:58:20I slipped the keycard in the slot and opened the door.
00:58:23But the moment I looked inside, my heart stopped.
00:58:27And I froze.
00:58:30Standing there was the most handsome werewolf I've ever seen in my life.
00:58:34Easily six foot, six inches tall,
00:58:37looked to be about 250 pounds of solid muscle with the broadest shoulders.
00:58:42But he wasn't alone.
00:58:44An icy blonde stood in front of him with her hands undoing his belt.
00:58:47The smell of coffee and dark chocolate filled the air,
00:58:51and my mind went hazy as I froze, seeing two piercing blue eyes staring back at me.
00:58:56Stop!
00:58:57He shouted.
00:58:59Is this it?
00:59:00Is this the day I die?
00:59:01I wondered.
00:59:03I was only doing my job,
00:59:04but that did not change the fact that I had witnessed something that should not have been seen.
00:59:09Before I could move, he lunged forward and roughly pinned me against the floor outside the room with a low growl.
00:59:15He placed both hands on my shoulders, preventing me from escaping,
00:59:19put his face against my neck, and inhaled deeply.
00:59:23My heart was pounding in my chest as overwhelming panic began to set in.
00:59:29Alpha Damon, is this Omega trying to steal something?
00:59:33A guard said, seeing the struggle.
00:59:36Get back!
00:59:37He snarled, flashing his large fangs.
00:59:41Mine!
00:59:42He growled.
00:59:44Over his shoulder, I could faintly see Marcy staring daggers at me,
00:59:47and down the hall, I heard Alpha Edward shouting.
00:59:51What a disaster!
00:59:53I thought.
00:59:54They're all going to kill me.
00:59:56My head started swimming,
00:59:58and I felt even dizzier.
01:00:00Maybe I was finally dying.
01:00:01Look what!
01:00:03You've done, you little bitch!
01:00:05Marcy yelled as she reached out to grab me,
01:00:07but she never touched me.
01:00:09Alpha Damon snarled,
01:00:11snatching her hand out of the air and snapping her wrist.
01:00:14Alpha Edward roared,
01:00:15How dare you!
01:00:17This is war!
01:00:18I watched them fight as if it was a dream.
01:00:21They looked as though they were moving in slow motion.
01:00:24Alpha Edward yanked Marcy,
01:00:26pulling her back as Damon snarled at them.
01:00:29He was vicious.
01:00:30Beautifully vicious.
01:00:32A guard tried to separate them
01:00:33as Beta Caden and Maya took defensive positions around Alpha Damon,
01:00:37and George lunged at Damon,
01:00:39but he was no match for the Alpha.
01:00:41Damon grabbed George by the throat
01:00:43and threw him into the wall as though her were a tiny pup.
01:00:47I almost laughed,
01:00:48but I was shaking all over,
01:00:50barely able to stand.
01:00:51But in the chaos,
01:00:52I managed to crawl away
01:00:54and slink down the stairs.
01:00:57I looked around to see if anyone noticed
01:00:58me,
01:00:59but they were all too busy arguing.
01:01:01I looked down to see blood running down my legs,
01:01:04dripping onto the floor.
01:01:06I started to lose consciousness,
01:01:07and then I heard it.
01:01:09The most guttural,
01:01:10ear-shattering roar.
01:01:12Where is she?
01:01:14Where is who, Alpha Damon?
01:01:16Where is my mate?
01:01:17Is it possible?
01:01:19Is Talia truly Damon's fated mate?
01:01:22What will Damon do to protect her?
01:01:24Will their bond ignite a war
01:01:25between the two most powerful packs in the Order?
01:01:28Will any of them leave Red Moon territory alive?
01:01:32To know more about Talia's thrilling story,
01:01:35listen to the blockbuster audio series,
01:01:37The Alpha's Bride,
01:01:39on Pocket FM app.
01:01:40Download the app in the next one minute
01:01:42and get 10 episodes free.
01:01:44Download now.
01:02:16Transcription by CastingWords
01:02:46CastingWords
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