Chapter 1 - Punishment

Jessica POV

                  I heard the whistle of the silver whip hit after it hit my back.  I did my best to hold in my scream of pain, but I could not hold back the whimpers.  I was tied to the punishment post … or rather my punishment post as the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack taunted me over the years.

                  I had been late serving meals to the warriors, and that had warranted another beating.  I had been punched and kicked by the warriors for the infraction.  The Alpha did not feel that was enough.  I felt the tears tracking down my cheeks, but I knew the more I showed my pain, the more punishment would be forced on me.

                  I could not help the scream that escaped my lips as the whip met its mark.  The Alpha had been intentionally hitting me in the same spots, ensuring to leave additional scars on my already criss crossed back of scars.  I had been beaten for years, over ridiculous things.

                  The sad part was the Alpha was my father.  He had hated me since the day I was born.  The day my mother died in childbirth, taking his fated mate from him.   He believed I was cursed and had encouraged the entire pack to treat me as such.  Nobody took pity.  Nobody tried to stop him.  Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to beat me. 

                  When I turned eighteen a few months ago, the Alpha had the Crescent Moon Pack’s doctor administer high doses of wolfsbane to keep my wolf contained.  I heard her the day of my birthday, but I had not been permitted to shift.  I had been poisoned on that day and my wolf, Belle, had been trapped ever since.

                  I hurt everyday not being able to connect with my wolf.  It was no secret that being cut off from our wolves could cause a wolf, and its human, to go crazy.  I wondered if that was the intention.  To drive me crazy, further justifying the treatment my father has endorsed all these years.

                  As the sound of the whip ceased, I realized my punishment was over.  I remained bound with silver cuffs to the punishment post.  I wept silently as I felt the blood drip down my back.  I would be left there for a few hours.  Long enough to allow infection to set in.

                  “I hope you learned your lesson, you little bitch,” my father spat out as he approached me.  “And do not think this will be forgotten.  The next time it happens, there will be a worse punishment in store for you,” he vowed.  What could be worse, I thought distracted with the pain of my abuse.

                  I would not be permitted to get so sick that I would not be able to continue my duties as the pack slave, but I would be made to suffer as much as possible.  After a period of time, the pack doctor came out to me.  “When will you learn?” he spit out, as he administered the antibiotics that would heal me quickly.

                  I did not respond.  I had learned early on there was no expectation for me to respond.  I was expected to remain silent and endure whatever came my way.  The sting of the needle and the medication filled my arm.  I slumped over as the pain of the beating took its toll as I felt the first drops of rain.

                  As rain started to pelt my body, I felt my body to start to shiver.  Before long I was released from the pole, and dragged, literally, to the kitchens.  The Omegas were smirking at me, knowing full well they were the reason I had been late with getting meals out to the warriors.  One of the Omegas came over to me, kicking me in the side.

                  “Get up, slave.  It is time for you to prepare the supper,” she snarled.  I slowly stood on shaky legs before moving towards the cabinet to the other side of the kitchen.  I pulled out a clean shirt to change into, knowing it would not take long for the blood to seep through it.

                  I prepared the meal and then made my way towards my room in the basement.  Part of my punishment was no meal.  It did not bother me as much as one would expect – I was used to skipping meals.  I could barely contain the groan of pain, when the Alpha whipped me back around to see him.  My heart stuttered.  What had I done?  I could not endure another whipping. 

                  “You will be attending the Spring Gala in two days.  I suggest you not do anything to get yourself punished,” the Alpha stated to me.  “The Spring Gala?” I questioned, realizing my mistake.  I should never question the Alpha.  He smirked at me.

                  “Yes, the Spring Gala.  The Alpha of the Spring Pines Pack wants to meet you.  I have agreed to sell you to him,” he replied.  I stand there in shock.  The Alpha of the Spring Pines Pack was old and evil.  Everyone had heard of the Alpha; even me.  How could he sell me?  I am a living person.  We do not sell people in this day and age.  And I am his daughter.

                  “A dress will be delivered to you tomorrow.  He will be expecting you to be radiant, and I expect you to be as well.  He knows you are our slave, and he is quite excited to acquire you,” the Alpha stated with glee.

                  My heart sank.  I had been praying to the Moon Goddess that my fated mate would rescue me one day.  How would that be possible if I were sold to another?   I felt my heart crumble as I fell to my knees and sobbed at my fate.