I WON'T BE YOURS, ALPHAS

I never knew the exact moment I started to hate my aunt’s husband. Maybe it was buried deep in some forgotten part of my childhood, thirteen years worth of memory my mind had chosen to erase for some reason, But what I did know, what I had always known, was that his presence made my skin crawl. And here, at my mother’s burial, standing beside the fresh grave, with grief making it almost impossible for me to breathe, I had never hated him more.

His voice droned on, listing reasons why he forbade me from accepting the scholarship but I didn’t hear a word. My eyes were locked on him, on the way he stood too close to my aunt, his hand gripping her shoulder as if he owned her, and the way he angrily waved the letter in the air as if the choice to accept the offer belonged to him. I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palms. He didn’t deserve to have a say, it was my life.

“You are not going anywhere, Kiara. I forbid it! You are going to remain here and go to a school in this neighborhood, instead of going to this overprized fancy horse shit for spoilt pups!”

My fists tightened even more. My mother had not even died and he already decided to claim me as his property just like the rest of the things she left in my name. But id be damned if I let him treat me that way.

“I am going to that school, Richard. I earned that Schorlaship fair and square, and nothing you say would stop me.”

I saw the flash of anger in his eyes, his eyes darkened, flashing with the kind of anger that used to make me shrink back when I had to come back for reintroduction after losing my memories, but after dealing with bullies all my life, I couldn't be bothered.

“You think you can defy me, you little shit?” His voice lowered to a dangerous growl, his grip tightening on the letter until it crumpled between his fingers. “You have no idea what’s out there, Kiara. Do you think this school will change your life? That it will make you something more than what you are?” He scoffed, stepping closer, his eyes piercing into mine. “You are nothing but a fat pig, and that's all you will always be, and that's all they will see, Kiara. A fat pig.” He spat out in anger, his words stinging more than they should.

He was only voicing out my fears. That I wouldn't be seen as anything but a chubby omega, just like all the other schools I had to endure.

But I refused to let him win.

I met his gaze. “Whatever. I am going to that school.”

“You stupid girl.” He growled, moving to claw at me but my usually docile and fragile aunt grabbed his arm, her eyes pleading with him.

“Richard please, not here. Not when my sister just got buried.”

My aunt never stood up for me, so this came as a shock. But I knew when we were in, she would ignore Richard’s treatments.

He gave me a death glare, “We would finish this at home then. After the ceremony.”

His words felt more like a threat and an involuntary shiver slithered down my back,  but I forced myself to hold his gaze. Not if I leave first.

As my aunt dragged him to the guests, I turned back to the fresh grave. My mother was dead. The only person who loved me and encouraged me to apply for this scholarship was dead, and I had to live with this monster.

My life in the city, my comfortable small life was snatched away by death.

And now, I was left with him.

A tear slipped down my cheek. My mother had believed in my future. I wouldn’t let him take that away from me.

Making up my mind, I turned on my heel and ran toward the house, careful not to draw attention from the mourning guests.

There was nothing left for me here.

Living here was impossible. I dragged my unpacked suitcase from when I first arrived for the funeral, put my valuables in it, and stole cash from Richard’s wallet and the keys to my mum’s car Richard planned on selling.

He owed me more than that.

Dragging my suitcase down the stairs, I yanked open the car door and threw my bag inside. I was about to get in when I realized, I needed my license.

I rushed back inside, grabbing it off the table.

“You are really running away, huh?”

My blood turned to ice as Richard’s eerily calm voice came from behind me.

 I swallowed harshly as i gripped the key tightly in my hand, but before I could turn around, a sharp yank on my hair sent me crashing to the floor. A cry tore from my lips.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going, brat?” Richard’s hot breath fanned against my ear. His grip on my hair tightened as I clawed at his hand, my nails sinking into his skin, but he didn’t let go.

“Let me go!” I screamed, thrashing, but he only laughed, before flinging me into the wall.

Pain exploded in my ribs as I collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath.

“No one can hear you,” he said, voice eerily calm. “And this time, I’ll make sure you die along with your stupid mother.”

My blood ran cold.

Richard stalked toward me, his shadow swallowing the dimly lit room. My pulse hammered as he reached down and wrapped both hands around my throat.

His grip was crushing, his fingers digging into my skin. “I should’ve done this years ago,” he sneered, squeezing tighter. “Maybe then, I wouldn’t have to deal with your pathetic existence.”

I flailed wildly, my vision spotting. I couldn’t breathe.

My hands scrambled for anything, anything, to fight back. I refused to be helpless again. For that reason, I couldn’t remember most of my past. 

And then, my fingers brushed against something cold and sharp.

The key.

I didn’t hesitate.

With the last bit of strength I had, I drove it into his eye.

A bloodcurdling scream tore from his throat as he released me, clutching his face. I gasped, air rushing into my lungs. My hands were slick with blood, but I didn’t stop to think.

I ran.

Bolting through the door, I stumbled toward the car, throwing myself inside. My hands shook as I jammed the key into the ignition, the engine roaring to life just as Richard’s enraged shouts filled the air.

“Better run, you little slut!” he growled, stumbling after me. “If I catch you, I’ll kill you!”

The moment his hand reached for the door handle, I slammed my foot against the gas pedal, tires screeching as the car sped down the street.

I didn’t stop.

Didn’t look back.

I was free.