Chapter three

Branka’s POV

I think I'll pass out soon. My body is already giving out. My eyes were blurry and it was getting difficult to keep them focused.

The following day came faster than I actually expected amd I'm thankful for that. But, I've not had any rest. Not even an eye shutter. I was grateful when the Alpha allowed people to join me in the kitchen to hasten the whole thing up since it was already in the afternoon. And the banquet is to hold this evening.

The fact that people are here didn't mean I get to rest. Asked Jessica about it, I only received a stink eye. One that I know what it means well.

Not able to take it anymore, I opened the fridge md grabbed the first energy drink I saw, without reading the content in it. I sneaked into a corner in the pantry and gulped it all down almost immediately. After a few minutes, it started kicking into my system.

I know I'd regret this decision later, but I need to be on my toes as much as I can right now.

“Branka.” I freeze in my steps as I heard the person that called my name. And here I was thinking that I could escape his wrath for a whole day.

“Yes, Alpha?” I turned towards him, with my head bowed. My hands were clammy and I was sweating profusely. Since he had sensitive ears, he'd definitely hear the way my heart was beating fast. He was very tall for a twenty three year old person. I didn't bother looking up.

“Step in front of me.” His harsh voice says. I did as I was told even if I almost lost my footing. The whole kitchen was silent. I know they were not looking but paying rapt attention to whatever he wanted to say. Or do.

“You won't disappoint me tonight right?” He said in his eerily calm voice that always sent crawls up my spine.

I looked up at him and dropped my eyes almost immediately. He had that look on his face again. Same one that has been on Damon's face these past weeks. My heart started racing.

“N..n..no Alpha.” I stuttered out.

“If you're a good girl for me, you'll get rewarded after the banquet. Mm?” He said patting the side of my cheek, and tugging my loose lock behind my ear. Anyone looking from afar would think that it was an endearing gesture.

But inside of me, I knew danger was looming over my head, especially with the reward he just said. It does not sit right with me.

“Yes Alpha.” I replied in a small voice. I hated how much of a vulnerable person I am with him and all if them.

He stepped out, and it was like my shoulder was relieved of the tension in it. But then it was short lived. I could feel their eyes digging into me.

“Fat bitch.” One of them snickered. I've heard it over and over, but I still can't get used to the insult. It stings. It's not my fault that I had curvy hips and full breasts. No matter how much I try to starve myself and the times I'm not given food to eat, I still remain same.

“Only God knows why Alpha Dorian has a soft spot for her.”

“She's a slut.”

“Beta Damon says she gives good head.” One said and they all laughed. I put on a blank expression and continued what I was doing. I won't let them get to me. At least not now. It's sick how much people allow themselves to believe what they want to without actually knowing the full story. That's none of my business though. They should think whatever they want to.

My stomach churned and my eyes darkened for a few seconds before it came back into focus. They continued to gossip about anything and everything with me being the centre of it all.

I blocked them out. I think I've mastered the art of numbing myself from pain. Not like I have an happy place I go to. But, when it becomes so overwhelming, I find a silent place in my mind to shut myself in. It might look like I'm functioning physically, but I'm definitely not there.

Evening rolled by real quick and the banquet was in full swing. At least most people that were invited had already arrive. The ballroom was filled to the brim. There was no telling that this is a luxurious party.

Likes of me are not even supposed to be in here. I only came for a sneak. When I thought I had enough, I sneaked out back through the hallway I came through only to stop in my tracks when I heard some voices.

“How sure are you that he's coming to this pack? I spent quite a large sum of money to put this whole arrangements into place. Even monies that I don't have.” I heard the distinct agitated voice of our Alpha. I froze visibly, my neck locking. It's not as if he can see me, but being in the same space as him scared me shitless.

“From the Intel I garnered, there's a chance he'll be coming over. He's taking interest in looking for his mate. So, he's taking as much trips as possible round packs to see if he can locate her.” The person replied him hurriedly.

“I'll have your head on a stake if he does not come. I betted a lot on your info to make him feel welcome if he comes here. And I need to regain every penny I have spent in welcoming him.”

“You have my word, Alpha.” The man replied fearfully. I shook my head in pity for the man because I know the alpha does not make empty threats. He is wicked like that.

Their voices faded into the background as they hurried away down the hall.

I trudged silently in the opposite direction that led outside. Thankfully, people were not much and no one noticed my presence. I sighed gently as I looked up into the sky. There were plenty stars and the moon shown so brightly, it illuminated the field ahead quite well.

Running my hands over my arms, I shivered lightly. The weather has been really cold recently. And since I don't have a lots of options of clothes to pick from, I make do with what I have. Even if it was wearing two tattered clothes together, I did. But, it does nothing to hide the coldness I was feeling.

I know I should head back inside, but I don't. Jessica must be screaming her head off trying to look for me to work, but I can't. I'm too tired to do more than I have done. I haven't slept for the past fourty eight hours. It's even difficult to stand on my feet. I grabbed the railing for support. It's not a crime to give myself this few minutes of break. Something with me said she'd snitch about me to the Alpha, but I didn't care. She could whatever the fuck she wanted.

Tears sprang in my eyes and they fell speedily. I hate my life. I hate that I have to go through this. I hate that everyone hates. I hate that I am alone in this world. It's getting difficult for me to survive. I can't do it anymore. I'm tired. That's the feeling I have over and over. Especially when it gets to the point that I try to kill myself. It just does not work and go my way. The universe itself is against me.

I sniffled and cleaned the tears with the back of my hands. Then I thought flew across my mind. My heart started thumping hard and fast as the thought settled and started to materialize in my head. Why haven't I thought of that before?

There's no saving from this particular one. Maybe I've been the scared one all this while. Not being able to cave and do the suicide thing well. I might as well just do it right now. This night. When no one will notice someone as miserable as me as I die.

A small smile made its way across my face as I thought and started making my way towards the door that led to the stairs.

“Don't you dare take another step.” A deep voice stopped me in my tracks that I jerked so hard, I almost had a heart attack.

My heart picked up on the race it was before. But this time, it was three times the former pace it was on.

The atmosphere changed like there was something in his tone that caused it. My eyes flew to the direction in which I heard his voice. I could not make anything out except for his silhouette.

I staggered back unconsciously as I was hit by the aura and power radiating off him. I have never felt something like this before. Something so potent. Not even from our Alpha. He must definitely be an Alpha too, but his aura was so strong.

“Alpha.” I reverenced immediately, bowing my head low. My hands were behind my back, fiddling with it. Even in this cold, I could feel myself heating up, sweat dripping down my back. My throat was suddenly dry.

Maybe, just maybe, I won't have to result in my former way to die. He might as well just kill me. Which I'll be grateful for. I mean, I've heard the gist that Alphas fangs or teeth, or anything that was supposed to be to hurt someone will do what it's meant to do.

He might as well kill me now and my soul will bless him for it.

“Stop that train of thought.” His voice reverberates in the whole if the balcony.

“W..what…? I don't..k..know…w.. what..y…you're t.. talking a.. about.” Oh my goodness. I'm stammering? He feels like someone that will not take that kind of thing. He might as well tear my throat out right now.

“I said stop it!” He didn't shout, but it felt like he did. I was shaking now.

“I'm sorry…I'm s…sorry sir.” My voice shook. Even if I don't know what I've done to him.

After what seemed like forever, I heard his footsteps coming closer to my direction. I didn't know what came over me, but my eyes snapped up and I regretted my actions almost immediately.

I started to step back. For every step he took, I took another one back, until my back hit the railing behind me, which was not far.

“Tell me your name.” He all but commanded. I bowed my head so low, my jaw was touching my chest.

“B..Branka, Alpha.” I stuttered.

“Now Branka, will you like to explain to me why you want to commit suicide?”

My wide eyes flew to his then.