Winter Solstice Ball

Emilia’s POV

I stand in front of my mirror, gingerly holding my shirt up so I can examine my bruises. My entire stomach looks horrible. If you didn’t know I am white, you wouldn’t be able to tell just from staring at my stomach. My stomach is a sickening black and purple. You can see the imprints from each place Kendrick hit me.

I think back to the weird conversation I had with Beta Marcus after he stopped Kendrick from hurting me anymore.

I pick up the gauze wrap I managed to sneak earlier after I finished prepping the main course for tonight. I try my best to wrap my ribs, making sure I am gentle, so I don’t hurt myself any more than I already am.

“Fuck!” I growl under my breath when I accidentally squeeze my side a little too hard.

“Emilia!” Luna Isamlda yells from downstairs. “You are supposed to be at the ballroom getting ready to greet the guests when they arrive!” I internally curse myself. I can hear the anger in her voice. I was hoping she wouldn’t notice my presence was missing from the ballroom.

Of course, Luna Ismalda doesn’t miss anything. Not when it comes to her events. It’s the only thing she remembers. I would say she’s good at it, but she’s not. I am the one planning everything and taking care of it all for her. I have never seen Luna Ismalda lift a finger for any of her events. Some might even argue she shouldn’t have to as the Luna. Her job should only require her presence and being a gracious host. And I would agree if she didn’t take all the credit for my hard work. She always plays it off as her doing this herself.

Dammit, I didn’t get to finish what I was doing. I hastily finish wrapping my ribs and pull my blouse back down, rushing from the room. My ribs are still aching, but there isn’t anything I can do for them. Without a wolf, it’s going to take me even longer to heal. The only thing I can do for them is keep them bandaged and pray they set right.

The Beta was right about one thing. I am not going to like it if they set wrong and I have to rebreak them just to get them to set right. It happened to me once when Ozara got mad because he couldn’t get his way. He decided if he couldn’t do what he wanted he was going to take his anger out on the one thing his parents didn’t care about.

The slave of the pack.

He beat the shit out of me, breaking four of my ribs. I didn’t know anything about first aid then, so I didn’t worry about it. I didn’t think anything of it. Then, one day, I learned my ribs set the wrong way and I cried in agony as I rebroke my own ribs so I can get them to reset.

Beta Marcus meant well, but I don’t need his help. I have sense learned men aren’t here to protect you and to never rely on a man to save you. They are monsters in this world. They will chew you up and spit you out when you are no longer any used to them.

From the moment I turned sixteen I wanted to find my mate. I prayed everyday about finding him and him taking me out of my personal hell, but as the days went on and the more torture I was put through, the further I pushed that idea away. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a small part of me that wants to have my own perfect fairytale ending. You know, the ones that are like a Disney movie, but I know that’s not something realistic. Realistically, men don’t care about your wellbeing, only what your used to them is.

That’s what being in the Black Claw pack has taught me.

I freeze when I reach the bottom of the stairs, seeing Kendrick and Ozara staring at me. Kendrick looks like he is sporting a fresh black eye, and I can see a small bruise on Ozara’s face.

As I take another hesitant step forward, stepping off the stairs, both of them advance towards me. Ozara pushes me against the wall and caging me in with his hands on either side of my face.

“What did you tell that fucking Beta?” he growls, his voice low and menacing.

“Nothing,” I whisper quietly. “I didn’t tell him anything, Ozara. Now let me go, I have to get to the ballroom before the Luna gets mad at me.”

Ozara laughs darkly. His hand wraps around my throat and squeezes roughly. “I can’t wait until you find out what is in store for you. I think tonight is going to be rather fun…for us.” He drops his hand from my throat as footsteps approach.

My heart thuds in my chest as he turns his head in anticipation of who is coming towards us. I use this time as an opportunity to leave the room, ducking under his arm and rushing from the room.

Holy fuck…I don’t want to know what they have in plan for me tonight and I don’t plan to stick around to find out. I am going to have to leave tonight…I don’t have a choice.

At this rate…I have no idea how long I will be able to survive in this pack. This pack is going to be the ultimate death of me.

And I know if Ozara and Kendrick have their ways, they will be the one to end me.

My hands are clammy, and I can feel the sweat beading on my forehead as I enter the building where the ball is going to be hosted. I glance at the clock above the door and let out a small sigh. The guests should be arriving soon.

I will wait until the ball is in full swing, and then I am going to put my plan into use. It is an old plan, but right now, I have to use what I can. Hopefully, it will still work.

I place my hand on the bandage wrapped around my ribs, closing my eyes, and let out a silent prayer.

‘Mother Selene, I hear stories all the time about how you protect your people, no matter what. All my life, I questioned whether that is true…Maybe I am not one of your daughters. After all, I am wolfless…Just one favor, Selene. Please help me escape tonight…I can’t do this here anymore. No one is going to save me. I have to save myself.’

I open my eyes and look back up. The first guests come around the corner and plaster a fake smile on my face as I start greeting them, welcoming them to the Winter Solstice ball.