Layla POV.
I found it hard to believe that I was still alive, considering what I had endured - the anguish that had taken a toll on me, both physically and emotionally.
I looked up through my raven-black hair to glance briefly at my abuser, Jarod. As much as I wanted to hate him with every ounce of my being, I couldn’t bring myself to do it, and I wondered how cruel the moon goddess was to me.
I was still in denial of the fact that my abuser, the very person that killed my whole family, was my mate! Having discovered this fact on my 21st birthday, that was just months ago, I’d cried my eyes out, both in shame and anger.
I was taken as a slave after the attack on my family when I was just 17 years old. Jarod shattered my dreams, he cared not about all these. He forced his way with me as I cried and screamed for the help that never came.
I was introduced to abuse at my young age, all I wanted was to end my pathetic life but I was caught every time by Jarod and I was punished severally for wanting to kill myself, Jarod would always tell me that I belonged to him alone.
I finally stopped trying to do that, since all my attempts seemed to fail and I would end up getting more punished. I decided to live my life just the way it was, and was held by one hope, maybe, just maybe I could change Jarod. Maybe he could learn to love me.
I was a little bit surprised he had not noticed that I was his mate, and I kept it from him. He was not interested in me, so how could he have noticed and smelled that I was his mate? All he wanted from me was sex, and he loved punishing me.
I was okay with everything, as long as he sought after only me for the sex, I simply can’t deny that I loved his touches and how I felt when he had his wicked ways with me.
Suddenly, as if a bucket of icy water had been poured over me, I was jolted back to the present, my body quivering in response to the oppressive silence that enveloped the room. It was so still, you could hear a pin drop on the chilly floor.
Jarod was sitting on his throne-like seat, facing me, he leaned forward towards me with his face set in his usual evil glare, well I kind of walked to my room with my two legs.
“What did you just say?” he asked me, it was evident he does not believe what I just requested for
I hugged myself tightly, shivering as the cold air sneaked in through the open windows, where the curtains were drawn back, I dared repeated what I asked for, my heart in my throat “I… beg for a change of clothes” I said, my voice betraying my little confidence, to when with acting bold, I was scared out of my wits, my one and only old dress was torn in many places, patches here and there, it could not even shield me from the cold, my cleavage were at display to hungry eyes, Jarod has forbidden me from wearing corset, as he always wanted me almost ready for him.
“And why would you want a new dress?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
I had to tread carefully here if I wanted to escape any pending punishment “I… I, want to look good for you master” I said and bowed my head lower, my lips trembling, what met my statement was silent, a cold one, my heart skipped a beat when I heard his footsteps approaching me, fear and experience kept me rooted in my position, he stopped before me and bent down, my chin was lifted up roughly as his hand gripped my face.
I was forced to stare into his cold dark eyes, waiting for what he would do next, though I knew it would be a smack on the face or maybe a knock on my head just as he has always done, but I was wrong when his lips came down to mine, he roughly kissed me, but I did not open my mouth to him which made him angry, he bit down on my lower lips, pulled away and slapped me across the cheek. I hit the floor, pulling my lips in.
“You bitch, how dare you!” Jarod grabbed me by my hair, pulling me up on my knees, my hands went round his to lessen the pain he was causing “You belong to me, and I’ll do whatever I want with you, don’t you dare deny me or you will regret it” he paused “Do you understand me?” he asked livid.
“Y… yes!”
“Yes what?”
“Yes master” I said. He likes it when I call him master, it shows how much he has control over my life.
“Good” he stood up letting go of my hair and moved away from me as if I disgust him “Meet Freya, for another dress, she knows what I like” he told me all of a sudden.
I bowed my head, at least something good came out of this meeting, but I frowned when I thought of Freya, she would not just give me the dress like that, she would make me beg for it.
Though Freya was my best friend, the only person who I can talk to, it was not like the whole pack treats me like dirt, no, I was still given my three course meal. I work around the pack, with pack members giving me sorry looks here and there because they were all aware of how Jarod, their Alpha, treats me. Some males in the pack would try to tease me but I always try to get away from them, they dared not take what belongs to Jarod.
I was able to finally leave when Jarod went back to his seat and ordered me to leave his sight. I hurried up to Freya's room, after knocking on the hard door I gently pushed it open and entered. I found Freya reading an old book on her bed, She glanced up as I stepped in and closed her book with a friendly smile. Gesturing for me to sit, I perched on the edge of her bed, and she examined my face, her eyes narrowing.
“What happened to your lips?” she asked.
“Nothing, I bit on it” I replied, weaving one of my many practiced lies. My ability to fabricate stories without flinching was one of my talents. She shrugged, seemingly satisfied with my answer.
“Why are you here?”
"The Alpha instructed me to meet you for a dress," I informed her.
She frowned “He said so?”
One might think the request annoys her but since she was my friend, I expected her to willingly provide me with a dress. After all, her wardrobe boasted an array of gowns suited for various occasions.
“Yes”
"You know I can't just give it to you like that; you'll owe me," she teased with a smirk.
I responded with a knowing look. "What do you need me to do?"
Freya pondered for a moment. "I have some dirty laundry that needs washing."
“I knew it,” I chuckled while I stood from the bed. I headed to the corner where she stored her soiled clothes and picked them up.
"That's why I love you, Layla!"
“You have a terrible way of showing it” I retorted playfully. "I'll be back for the dress. Find me by the riverside," I informed her before leaving her room. Despite my worn-out shoes, I made my way to the rear of the pack house, where the river flowed. Since not all rooms had running water for bathing, most pack members came to the river, where it was curved to wash themselves. The water in the bathing area was also sourced from this river.
I found a secluded spot by the river where I could do my laundry without attracting any unwanted attention. Afterward, I hung the clothes on a line to dry, washed my face and legs, and then made my way back to Freya's room.
Most people called me stupid for allowing Freya to take advantage of me like she does, but who am I to complain, when I entered her room again, she was already looking for a dress for me.
“I know what Jarod would like to see you wear, he also wants you in his room after here” Freya informed me
My heart sank at that, Freya passed me a red dress, I quickly changed into it and she helped me tie the knot at the back “Why does he want to see you?” Freya asked sounding annoyed
“You know why Freya” I said as I brushed my hair back with my hands
“What does he see in you?”
“What?” I looked up at her confused
"I mean, what does he see in you for him to treat you like this?"
“You are so beautiful…but what makes you dif…ferent, I mean how could he?” she continued, offering me a sad smile.
I merely shrugged, my shoulders bearing the weight of my confusion. "I have no idea. Maybe because I'm an outsider? Honestly, I don't know," I admitted, perplexed by the drama myself.
"You should get going," Freya suggested.
I nodded, thanked her and proceeded towards the lion's den. Before I could even knock, the door swung open, and I was forcefully pulled inside. My back collided with the closed door, and his mouth descended upon mine.
I gasped in shock, which he took as an invitation to deepen the kiss. It was anything but gentle. His grip on my hair both pained and excited me. I groaned, a mixture of pleasure and pain, fully aware of the one rule I must never break when I was with him: never touch him. His other hand seized my wrists, pinning them above my head as his fervent kisses trailed from my mouth down to my neck.
My wolf seems to be dancing in my head, I suddenly felt a strange feeling and Jarod suddenly stopped, he pulled away from me, he looked furious and I wondered what was wrong.
“You knew!” he said
Just that two words, did he? Has he found out we were mate?, I stayed silent, better not to jump to conclusions now, doing that won’t end well.
“You knew we were mates?” he asked again, his voice was so controlled, and I knew I am doomed, I couldn't retreat or flee the room, as I was already pressed against the door. My legs quivered uncontrollably, threatening to buckle beneath me.
"Damn you!" he shouted directly into my face, grabbing a handful of my hair and yanking me away from the door to open it.
He dragged me out of the room, I cried, begging him to let me go but he did not. Tears streamed down my face as I cried, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.
Jarod dragged me to the big room where pack members had gathered for an impromptu meeting. The place had suddenly become crowded, and Jarod led me to the front, releasing me with a rough push. I held my throbbing head, tears stained my face.
“Listen everyone” Jarod's voice called for silence, and the room went silent, it looks like everyone stopped breathing.
Jarod looked down at me. "Stand up," he ordered, and I complied, my legs trembling uncontrollably. “I Jarod Threan Lucas Ludgate, reject you, Layla Niles as my mate” Jarod said before I could stop him, a sharp pain like an arrow pierced through my heart, filling my chest with sorrow, I collapsed on the floor in shock, my mate, Jarod just rejected me without a second thought. How could he!
The room was filled with murmurs, I hid my face behind my hair, but it did not last long as Jarod grabbed me again and dragged me off to his room like a petty rag, my poor heart breaking, he is nothing but a beast.
I knew what he was going to do to me, and I felt repulsive. He was not gentle at all as he pushed me into his room and locked the door. He then started pacing; he was angry, I could feel it. But who gave him the right to be angry? If anyone should be angry now, it's me. He just rejected me, and yet he is angry... why? He stopped in front of me, bent down, and grabbed my hair. My scalp was on fire from all the grabbing he had done to my poor hair. He lifted my face to his and sneered at me."You deserved that," he told me.I said nothing, knowing that if I spoke right now, hell would break loose. "How dare you? The moon goddess is out of her mind if she thinks I will accept the pairing – over your dead body."I whimpered in pain, my hands clenched into fists on the floor, enduring the pain. My body was exhausted, and I felt like I might pass out anytime. As if he read my mind, Jarod slapped me across the face, jolting me wide awake. "You deserve no sleep, no rest. From today, you will
My heart thundered as the room fell silent. Or was it my heart that stopped beating? I looked up just in time to see Jarod approaching, but not fast enough to back away from him. His blow met my face straight on, and I felt my nose crack. My hands flew to my nose, and I felt the blood flowing from my broken nose."When I tell you to do something, that is what you should do, bitch," Jarod yelled in my face.I blinked several times to stop myself from crying. It wouldn't help in this case. Behind Jarod, I saw Freya laughing silently, covering her mouth. It must all be so entertaining to her. I looked back up at Jarod, and he glared down at me."Now, you will watch as I fuck another," he told me and walked back to the bed. I just registered the fact that he had been naked all along, and he went right back to what he was doing with Freya. She was moaning loudly and putting on a great show for me, even winking when our eyes happened to lock.I managed to keep watching, holding my nose to s
Freya gave me a bittersweet smile. She still looked beautiful with it. Everything about her was beautiful. Why won’t the male population be drawn to her? I held back myself from saying what would put me into trouble. I have to continue the pretense that I heard nothing of her conversation with Viktor. She was at an advantage with me because of her height, so I have to step back a little bit from her to look her in the face.“You knew you never belonged here, Layla. Your respectful place is in the ditch, on the street,” Freya said with a shake of her head. “How can you be so dense as to think otherwise?”I had to stay focused here. Not shedding tears is a show of me being strong. “I thought you were my friend.”“Friend?” She laughed as if it was funny, and I must be out of my mind. Well, she is close to the truth with that. I am out of my reasonable mind. How could she be friends with me, a nobody? “Grow up, Layla, and you are interrupting us. Off you go now, for I don’t feel like putt
My scalp was in so much pain, my heart pounding inside my tight chest. I struggled to be free, but it was impossible and increased the pain on my scalp. I cried and begged Jarod to let me go, but it fell on deaf ears.If I thought he would stop when we got to the stairs, I was kidding myself. He did not stop, nor did he slow down. Down the stairs I went, my whole body started hurting with the pain of being dragged down the stairs."Jarod!" Clyde called, following us. He caught up with us before Jarod could drag me all the way down to the dungeon. He held the hands holding my hair. "Stop for a minute and think about this, Jarod. She might be right," Clyde said."I knew you believed her when you have also gotten to taste what she has to offer," Jarod snapped at Clyde."What do you mean?" Clyde asked, his anger at the surface."Tell me, you two are not having sex behind my back!" Jarod said."That is cheap. I would never touch your woman," Clyde said bitterly."She is not my woman!"Ignor
ANNABELLE'S POVI was taking my daily walk on the beach at the back of the pack house. I loved how the waves clashed with the sky, almost making them one. I often swam in the river beside it every night. My life was close to being perfect, with the only missing piece being my love life. If only I were a hundred percent sure that the one I loved felt the same way about me. Nevertheless, I was content with the way things were. He cared deeply for me.Growing up with my first love, I had received a lot of love from my parents before the attack that took most of the elders in the pack, including the then-king. Weeks after the attack, the queen passed away and was buried beside the king in the royal cemetery.Since then, the new king had been incredibly concerned about my welfare. I smiled as I tied up my hair in a tight bun on top of my head. Instead of a gown, I wore my training attire. It was easy to move around in, and there was no point in wearing a beautiful dress when there was no
It’s been four days since I successfully took care of the strange girl with no one's awareness, not even Lisa. I must admit that the girl was looking good; her wounds were healing at a fair pace, which was abnormal for a werewolf. She was still kept awake at night with screams, which I believe should have given me away.A few guards knocked at my door to ask if I was okay. I had to lie, telling them I had a terrible nightmare. I kept feeding her healing porridge and herbs every morning and night, cleaning her body, and checking her up so she wouldn’t catch a fever.I was a little nervous because the Lycan king was coming back in just two days, and I was yet to think of what to say and how to present her case to him.I left my room, locking the door in case anyone decided to check up on me. I informed Lisa that I was going for a walk on the beach. I smirked at the thought of how bad I've become in the past few days. I know I could be selfish at times, but this is probably the first tim
The following morning, a knock woke Annabelle up from her deep slumber. She stumbled to her door and opened it. Lisa stood behind the door, and before Annabelle’s mind could register why she should block the door, Lisa pushed her way inside the room and stopped, taking in the entire room. Her eyes zeroed in on the girl on the floor who was still fast asleep.“What is that?” Lisa asked.Annabelle cursed and moved back as Lisa turned to her. “You shouldn’t have seen that.”“Is this what you have been hiding for days?” Lisa asked. “I should have suspected this.”Annabelle wondered what the time was and how Lisa caught her at it. “It is not what you're thinking.”“And how will you know what I am thinking about?” Lisa asked with a raised eyebrow at Annabelle, who looked flustered.“I… well, Lisa,” Annabelle said frustrated. “You won’t say anything to a single soul.”“Give me a reason why I should hold my sealed mouth.”“Please.”“Who is she?” Lisa asked, turning back to look at the lady sl
Layla and I made our way out of the chamber and walked down the corridor to the left. People stared at Layla as we passed, so she moved closer to me, but she still stood out with her pale skin and dark black hair. I knew it was better to present the case to the king immediately when he arrived rather than keep it until later.I saw one of the king's personal guards relieved of his duty for the day as he made a beeline for the kitchen. He stopped when he saw us and bowed.“Hello, Lady Annabelle,” he greeted.“Vernon, welcome back,” I replied.“Thank you, Lady Annabelle,” raising his head, he noticed Layla but said nothing.“Is the king free?”“Yes.”“Thank you,” and I turned to the door, knocked, and entered the room. It was an ancient office; everything about the office was old but still looking good. One side of the office was filled with books, and the other side had armor. Walking deeper into the room, we heard voices at the far end of the office, where there was a big table and a