VANESSA POV
I wish I had paid better attention in school, so I knew more about the country we have been in for two days. What I do know is the place is gorgeous. Gorgeous, but cold. The cabin-like structure they have us crammed in is old. The cold air seems to have no problem creeping in. And the other girls here are not really into sharing blankets. Rosy and I have carved out a little corner as ours, though. It is near the fireplace, so hopefully, we can keep all of our toes. The two girls that we were purchased with got the only open bed. But I don't envy them. That puts them closer to the others. These girls are vicious. Their eyes have no spark, and they never smile. They look broken. Which I don't blame them. They live hard. There is no running water in our cabin or electricity. And they work from dawn to dusk. Yesterday one girl came back with a bloody nose and a ripped dress. The others hadn't even batted an eyelash. "Get up," the oldest looking and most scarred girl says as she kicks my shoe. I was already awake, but I guess she couldn't see that. "I'm up," I say loudly while shaking Rosy. She yawns and stretches, looking relaxed until she remembers where we are. "Morning, Rose," I whisper while shooting her a small smile. The other girls light candles as each of them begins to wake up. They all seem to have an internal alarm that goes off every morning. "Morning Ness, I guess that means we are working today," Rosy says, gesturing towards two outfits folded at our feet that I hadn't seen. "Must be," I say, picking up the garments. I keep the longer of the dresses for myself and pass Rosy the other. They aren't revealing in any way, and they are a nasty brown color, just like all the other girls. But they do have long sleeves. We also received fleece-like leggings."Which color," I say, showing Rosy the leggings. I try to make it seem like it's normal or even exciting to choose between the two pairs. But Rosy's face says it all; these leggings are ugly as sin. One pair is brown like our dresses, and the other is a nasty mossy green. "Brown," she finally says with an eye roll."Perfect, this green will go lovely with my eyes," I say in an overly dramatic voice and Rosy laughs. The girls around the room look at us with disgust and hatred, but we ignore them. We get dressed quickly. We fold our old dirty clothes and put them in our corner. "Hey," a stern voice says from behind us, and we turn. "Yes," I say, eyeing the hateful-looking blonde. "If I were you, I would keep the old clothes safe. Most girls turn old clothes into blankets. So don't lose those. You might need them," the girl says, offering genuine advice. "Umm. Thanks. Thanks for the tip," I say, and Rosy nods from beside me. "We all have ten minutes to brush and shower outside. I would suggest making sure you do. The pack hates to smell dirty humans," the girls say before walking away. I look at Rosy, and she shrugs. We are both wondering the same thing........Pack?**********The showers are freezing. If the tap had hot water when the first couple of girls used it, it definitely didn't when I got in. We shower in groups of three which is awkward, but the others act like it is a walk in the park. The soap we have is scentless, and it is the only thing for our whole body. One girl hands Rosy and I a strip of a rope after we are finished. Rosy immediately asks what it is for, and the girl doesn't say anything. Instead, she demonstrates what it is used for. She bends over and flips her wet hair, showering us with cold droplets. She then uses the tie to messily bun her hair before walking away. If I thought the showers were terrible, the toothpaste is a thousand times worse. I am used to minty refreshing paste flavors........not homemade chalk paste with gritty bits. But no matter how bad it tastes, I must admit my teeth have never felt cleaner. Finally, when we all are redressed and shivering, the oldest-looking girl begins to lead us towards a large wood and stone mansion. It is a beautiful building, as is everything surrounding it. The sun is just coming up, and let me tell you, the sight is breathtaking. When we had arrived, I hadn't had time to appreciate the landscape truly. But my gosh, I am now. We seem to be in a small traditional town that is seated against the ocean. We aren't on the coast, but the water comes to the town. On both sides of the small village, there are snow-covered mountains that are quite picturesque. The scene makes me wish I was here under different circumstances. Rosy clasping her hand in mine, making me snap back to attention. I need to focus; I have no idea what is in store for us. GUNNAR POVNothing but my mate has crossed my mind since the stupid auction. I can't work. I can't sleep. I can't eat. Something has to be done. I've ordered the pack males not to touch the human maids in any way. Kraven is pissed about that order, but I do not care. I've even given the new purchases two days to get adjusted before working. But today is the day that she will be working in the packhouse for the first time, and I plan to observe her. To learn if there are any redeeming qualities about her. So far, I have not changed my mind about the Luna competition. Even though I have been awake since before dawn, I wait until my usual time to go to breakfast. I do not need my pack getting even more suspicious. I have already changed so much in a short time that they know something is off. Finally, 8 am arrives, and I can leave my room. Even though I have seen my mate, it is like I haven't met her. I didn't smell her scent or touch her at the auction, and since that night, I haven't seen her. But today, I should finally be able to smell her. I should be able to see her up close. I might even touch her. *********The dining hall is full of warriors when I arrive, and I slightly growl. I don't like the thought of my mate in front of my men. They are used to being able to use the human maids. Since all the warriors who live inside the packhouse are mateless, it is a dangerous place for my weak mate. I sit down at the head of the table, and my men either bow their heads or avoid my eyes altogether. Most are peeved about the new maid order, but none will challenge me. After five minutes, the humans begin to bring out the food, and my spine stiffens. My eyes lock onto the entryway, and I wait. I ignore the females as they place my usual breakfast on my plate. I can not wait to see her face up close. Finally, her taller frame makes its appearance, and I take a deep breath. I inhale as deeply as possible as my eyes watch her. She is approaching my seat first, probably having been told to do so. She smells like an orange creme popsicle, and for the first time in my life, I want to screw a human. Well, hybrid. I want to mount her right here and now. My mate is a beauty. Her hair is a healthy chestnut brown. She has it styled in half up half down hairdo, and the down part reaches her mid-back. Her eyes are a deep green with gold flecks. And her body is luscious and perfect even in the sack she is wearing. When she arrives at my chair, she blushes and looks down. I internally smile at her submissive behavior. At least she knows her place. "Would you care for some water," she asks, holding the pitcher up for me to see. Goosebumps cover my skin instantly upon hearing her clear voice. It isn't soft and small. It is even and nicely toned, not high-pitched in the slightest. "Yes," I say in a voice that I don't recognize. She nods and grabs my cup. She fills it and moves on as if I'm nothing. Shame and agitation fills me. Agitation that she didn't feel what I just felt and shame because I desperately need her too. When I finally take my eyes off her ass, I look at my men. Some are eye raping my mate like the horny dogs they are, and some are staring at me with confused expressions. I look down at my now full plate and begin to eat. I need to act as I have always acted; humans don't exist. Just when I am about halfway through with my plate, a scream rings through the hall. My eyes snap towards the sound, and my brows scrunch together. The small human that was sold with my mate is clutching her right breast, and her eyes are swimming with tears. But what has my interest is my mate. She is standing in front of the other female like a protective mother. Her arms are stretched wide, and she is slightly crouched. "Good form for guarding," I immediately think while analyzing her. One of my warriors stands up with a smirk on his face, and I can feel my body tense. "What are you going to do human," my warrior snarls as he stares her down. My body responds on instinct, and I stand. "Do not touch her," she says harshly with her eyes locked on his. My mate's green eyes are giving off the heat of a forest fire. And once again, a small flicker of pride makes its presence known in my chest. But the feeling is short-lived. I watch in horrifically slow motion as my warrior backhands my mate. Her head snaps to the side, and blood sprays the ground. I throw the table I was sitting at against the wall. I launch myself into the air, and my body automatically shifts into my midnight black wolf form. I am on him in less than a second. I tear his head off immediately before completely dismembering him. I have no idea how long my claws and teeth pull him apart, but his blood is cold when I am finished. I shift back slowly because my anger is making it hard to control my appendages. I stand tall and howl towards the ceiling. When I finally regain some of my sanity, I look to my right at my unconscious mate. Her friend is crying and holding her head, but that's not what concerns me. What worries me is the blood trickling from her nose and mouth as her head hangs limp in her friend's hands.I quickly squat down close enough to hear her heartbeat. It is steady, thank goodness. I push the tiny female away from my mate and pick her up. Intense sparks of pleasure shoot through me the second I have her in my arms. I stand up and leave the hall. As soon as I know I am alone, I bury my face into her neck and inhale. I can not believe my pack member had the nerve to disobey my direct order. If he hadn't touched the small human, my mate wouldn't have felt the need to defend her friend. If he had obeyed my order, he wouldn't have ever backhanded my mate. I growl, reliving the image for a small second. Her scent is slowly bringing clarity to my mind, and I begin to process what just really took place. I killed a great fighter. I exposed that I care about the weak female in my arms. I treated her like she was above my people. A wave of regret almost makes me drop the beauty in my arms. What the hell did I just do?PLEASE LEAVE REVIEWS IT HELPS MY STORIES!!! I NEED TO KNOW WHERE I CAN IMPROVE OR WHAT I AM DOING RIGHT. THANK YOU GUNNAR POVI get my battered mate to the pack's doctor quickly. I watch every single move his hands make as he examines her fragile body. When he goes to lift her dress, I growl. "Watch it. She got hit in the face. There is no need for that," I growl in a low voice. He pulls his eyebrows together before moving back to her head. I am breaking every norm we have ever had. The main one being, I brought a human to the doctor. Humans have never received medical attention before.. and the fact that I brought her myself....There is no doubt now; my packs knows. And my pack will not tolerate her. Finally, he straightens his back. He walks over to a small sink, and he washes her blood from his fingers. "Well," I growl hating his slow movements with every fiber of my being. "The human most likely has a concussion—nothing more Alpha. Your new merchandise will survive," he says
VANESSA POVHe completely ignores my question and begins to leave the room. I stay seated on the table, unmoving. I don't want to follow him. I want to find Rosy and make sure she is okay."I need to find Rosy," I say, watching his massive back muscles.He stops in his tracks andlooks back at me with his hungry blue eyes."You need to follow me," he says in his gruff authoritative voice.I feel uneasy when he speaks in that tone. I nod slightly and scoot down from the medical table. My mind is still reeling from the bomb he just dropped on me.I had been wondering what the doctor and him were talking about while they behaved like I wasn't in the room. But I wasn't expecting to be told I was part animal. Part animal like the sleazeballs we had served breakfast to.I hated every single one of those idiots. The females had watched us like we were scum and the males acted like we were the next dis
VANESSA POVI keep my shoulders straight and my chin up as I watch Gunnar. The man, a werewolf that apparently was destined to be mine. What a joke!I would never be with a man like him. Yes, he is beautiful, in a scary rugged kind of way, but his personality is a zero. He is harsh and abrupt. I can tell he doesn't own a single ounce of patience, and I have only spent an hour with him.I'm glad these all-mighty beings find me unfit. And as much as I don't want to be one of them, this is Rosy, and I's only option. I will take this bite, and I will survive. I will train, and I will win our freedom."Let's go," Gunnar says as he turns back to the door.I follow him while letting my mind run. A million things are buzzing in my brain. My usual calculating mind is definitely on overdrive. After about four minutes, I stop, and he instantly stops as well."I need to find Rosy. You said I might not survive," I say, and h
VANESSA POVI absently play with Rosy's hair. After crying and arguing for about twenty minutes, she had cuddled up against me and gone to sleep. We are both exhausted from trying to sleep in the cold cabin, so her tiredness doesn't surprise me. Plus, I am happy she is resting before whatever is about to happenhappens.I peel my eyes off the wall and turn my headtowards Gunnar. He is still positioned the same. Observing us from a chair in the corner. His room is so dark, it is hard to evaluate his expression thoroughly, but he looks intrigued."Alpha, what does your other form look like," I ask politely.Just like with the vampires.....you gain more with honey than vinegar.He shifts in his seat as if he is uncomfortable before his deep voice fills the silent room."Compare us to your movies. We look like the animals you refer to as Lycans. We do not look like wild wolves, as some humans may think. W
VANESSA POVWhen Gunnar leaves, bothRosy and I breathe a sigh of relief."What was that," Rosy asks, and I glance at her before untangling our bodies.I stand up and look around his room."Ness," Rosy says my name with a question in her voice."I made him angry. I talked about leaving him.....Rosy, remember I said I am different.... well, not only am I not fully human. But I am also his mate—a term they use for some kind of special bond. Like a soulmate," I say with my back towards her.She gasps, and I tense. I can almost hear her wheels turning as she digests my situation."So there is a chance even if we win the competition.........you might not be free," Rosy whispers, and I spin towards her."Rosy, there is no "we" if you get this bite tonight........you will die," I yell at my best friend with pleading eyes.She gives me a sad smile and raises to her feet.
VANESSA POVI scream for Rosy in absolutehorror. She is slumped against the wall and looks like she is unconscious. I lift her face up so I can see her. Her eyes are closed, and her breathing is even. I check her head, no blood, but there is a pretty big bump."Oh, Rosy," I say as a cradle her frail frame to my body.He threw her. He knocked her out, but why? I glance over my shoulder, and the sight almost makes me pee my pants.Gunnar's body is changing. His skin is tearing, black fur is sprouting everywhere, and his muscles are bulging. He slowly turns towards me, and when our eyes meet, I realize this might just be it for us.A snarl rips from deep inside his chest, and words manage to spill out before he shifts completely. "You are Mine. Not hers."Shit! He noticed my feelings for her. Feelings I'm still confused about."Gunnar, wait," I plead.I set Rosy down gently and stand up. I
GUNNAR POVA firm knock sounds on my door and pulls me from my thoughts. I glance at my mate before checking the time, 10 pm. Hilda is here. I have spent the past few hours in a daze. I have thought of nothing but the female sitting close to my mate. I hate every breath she takes.My mate has been playing with her hair or soothing her with kind words. All I want to do is break the little runt in half. Jealousy has taken root in my heart towards their "bond.""Enter Hilda," I say in a mild voice.For some reason, fear has been crawling up my spine as the hours have passed as well..... Even though my mate is a hybrid, she could still die. She could lose control of her new wolf form if the runt dies, and I would have to put her down. She could not shift at all. So many negatives could happen.Hilda comes in and looks towards the two cuddling females. She holds back a snarl before turning towards me."Evening, Brother," she says, and I nod towar
GUNNAR POVVanessa keeps going in and out. She wakes up and screamsor groans before fainting again. The runt is in worse shape. She is sweating, screaming, and her body is actually convulsing.Hilda is sitting on my bed like this is her favorite damn TV show, and I want to rip her head off. I am a mess, with a capital M.In the past, I have rarely shown compassion to people in physical or emotional pain. I haven't felt a connection to their experiences. But seeing my mate........a mate I had convinced myself was a curse, hurting.......My insides are tearing with need.I need to soothe her. I need to take the pain. I just need this night to be over with. I need her to be okay. I want a relationship with her. I want to know her. I want to hear more of her witty comebacks......shit."Ahhhhhhh," Vanessa screams again as she regains consciousness.My thumb rubs her hand, and my forehead drops to hers. I slowly inhale and exhale multiple tim