Chapter 2 Kindness Is The Devil In Disguise

Bellatrix Sinclair

I quickly changed my clothes and was about to enter the weapons testing department, but Nathan stopped me.

Nathan is the Beta for the Eclipse Pack and head of Weapon X Manufacturing Company. While he acknowledges my extraordinary skills, he remains firm on the belief that humans are inferior to werewolves.

He closes the distance between us, tracing his fingertips along my arm towards my bicep. I’m not oblivious to the desire flashing in his gaze, he has tried on multiple occasions with his advances. I shrug them off, however I couldn’t control my reactions.

My muscles lock instantly, fear slithering down my spine and rattling my bones. “You’re so beautiful for a human.” His condescending voice steeped in desire that only made my stomach curl in revulsion.

Attempting to focus on my task, my throat clogged by panic as I tremble. “Ah, you’re shivering at my touch.” He taunts, honey trickling from his tongue, “You always like when I touch you, don’t think I don’t notice the goosebumps.”

That’s goosebumps of terror creeping down my throat, you asshole.

He captures my jaw and makes me look at him, trepidation pumps like poison in my veins. “I can hear the delicious beats of your heart, craving me.” He muses, seductively.

His thumb traces my bottom lip, orbs glowing lustfully. “Become my lover, Trix. I’ll treat you so well, better than my kind does to other humans.”

“I-I still have to go through the genetic screening.” I stutter in defence, “You know I can’t evade that, it’s compulsory.”

He grabs my bicep, squeezing until I knew it would bruise as he drew me closer despite my efforts to push him off. I can’t reject him openly; it will be considered an act of rebellion against the wolves and I’ll be sentenced to death.

“Come on,” he coaxed, “I’m saving you from going through all that trouble and getting a wolf who will only abuse you or worse – kill you. Don’t you want that?” his voice sickeningly sweet.

Shaking my head, “I can’t do that, you know that every female must go through the screening. It will be considered an act of disobedience.”

Genetic screening was mandated by the Wolf King - all unmated female wolves or human women had to go through it, because from what I heard, the Wolf King still hadn't found his mate.

I prayed that unlucky soul wouldn't be me.

Mustering all my strength to yank my arm out of his grasp, Nathan is stronger and there is no way of overpowering him. Hauling me closer until I’m moulded against him, “Please.” I whisper, brokenly.

After a couple seconds, his foreboding aura punctures my heart in terror at what might happen. His menacing voice thunders in my ears as he vows, “Mark my words Bellatrix, you will be mine. After the test, I’m claiming you.”

Nathan lets go of me and I bolt。I broke free from Nathan and ran, making my way to the weapons testing department. Holding back vomit, I wiped away Nathan's marks on me and focused my gaze on the weapons.

The Glock kickbacks, gunpowder mixed with metallic notes of silver perfume the air as I marvel the target practice sheet, my aim was precise with all bullets piercing the centre perfectly. My shoulder was stiff, but my body relaxed from the tension knotting my muscles.

I’ve been developing the pistol to fire a combination of two elements instead of one, so far it has been successfully in silver and gunpowder but that was simply the first step. Considering how horrible this day has been, my only solace is found behind a gun.

Despite Nathan’s earlier advances, I owed him my gratitude. Growing up in an orphanage didn’t leave me with any options aside from dying in my district, you had zero chances of survival, but I was determined to provide – for the sake of my twin sister and my future.

Nathan found me, taking interest in my knowledge of weapons and seeing it as an opportunity and vital to his kind. However, I wouldn’t have gotten the position in the company if it wasn’t for him, he has been concealing my identify as a human since I got the job a year ago.

But his behavior today made me realize that I had to accelerate my plans, or else I would definitely be forced to become his sex slave.

After finishing the day's work, when I returned home, Bonnie immediately presented me with a birthday cake.

“Happy Belated birthday.” She rejoiced, almost piercing my eardrum.

I chuckle, “Happy Belated birthday to you too.”

“So…” she drawls, “Did you get paid yet?”

I take a deep breath, squashing this uncomfortable sadness that bubbles to the surface. “Yes, and I paid your rent and gave you an allowance.”

“About that,” She laughs, her voice animated, “I spent it.”

My eyes widen, “What? you just got it yesterday.”

She clicks her tongue, “I had to get this beautiful dress, you must see it, Trixie. It’s stunning, they will fucking fall inlove with me at the screening.” She declares confidently.

I couldn’t help the sliver of disappoint crawling up my throat, threatening to vomit my truth to her. We were twins, but we couldn’t be more different. I despised werewolves, the passion for my hatred burned as brightly as the sun.

However Bonnie was the opposite, she never openly expressed that she admired them, but her actions have spoken louder than her words.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise when she asks, “I need something, you don’t even have to give me an allowance, I can survive this month but please.”

“I need the latest edition of the Swan Lake necklace, it’s such a captivating piece that I will be outstanding at the genetic screening, they won’t be able to resist me.” She proclaims fiercely.

She wants to be favoured by the werewolves, she’s putting in all this effort for them and it infuriated me. This wasn’t the first time she asked me for an expensive piece of jewellery, rather she had an affinity for shiny things and couldn’t resist herself the extravagance.

“Bon, that’s out of my budget right now.” I stressed solemnly.

Sometimes I didn’t mind splurging on her, however as the years have passed, I wondered if Bonnie would ever become independent. She never had a job, and I take care of her expenses regardless. She seems reluctant to work, she wants to become a shiny object for their satisfaction, and I just wish that for once – she would be independent and know the struggles I experience to keep her life as stable as possible.

“If you got a job, then I’m sure with the allowance I give you combined with your own, you will be able to afford it.” I appease in a gentle voice.

She scoffed, appalled at the suggestion. “Trixie, the screening is next week. I don’t have time to get a job, if I do then I’ll only get my salary at the end of the month and by then it will be too late.”

“i-“

“You are all that I have,” Bonnie states, “Our parents abandoned us, we lived in that shithole of an orphanage and now you want to do the same to me. Are you really going to leave me alone now that you are in the academy, you have a better life, and you are just going to leave me like they did. Mother died; father disappeared but we both know he’s dead. Are you really going to abandon your twin sister, your own blood?” her voice bitter with rejection.

“I wouldn’t do that to you ever, you know that.” I choke out, my throat clogged by the guilt.

“Well, you certainly don’t act like it. You act like my existence doesn’t matter, our own parents left and now you are leaving.”

“Okay.” I fumble quickly, exhaling a harsh breath. “I’ll get you the necklace.”

“Thank you.” She exclaims in a high-pitched voice, “make sure to send it before the genetic screening, I want to look drop dead gorgeous.”

“Don’t worry. I love –“

"I'm sorry, sister, I have to go. Goodbye." She quickly gave me the cake and then left our wooden hut.

I didn't know where she was going so late? She knew about the curfew, but I was too tired. I collapsed onto the bed.