Chapter 3 - Almost

Emma Grey

“Look who we have here.” I could hear it loud and clear. 

His sicken smile.

My heart thumping furiously as if it was drummed repeatedly, pushing it out of my chest. It causes my hand to tremble. And as quick, I held onto it tightly to stop myself from giving in to any agitation I was feeling. 

What is it that he wants from me now? 

Before I could face the intruder, my eyes locked on Lina. I raised both of my eyebrows as I signaled her to stay where she was silently. I wouldn't want her to be entangled in the event that was about to happen later. 

I know she was concerned, having her face contorted in worry. But, I really hope she won't get herself involved. 

Knowing her, she would definitely jump in any situation when it comes to me, and I would in a heartbeat do it for her too. She had been my friend since eight years ago, on the day we both presented as a Beta.

However, knowing who I am about to deal with was enough for me to pray. That she would for once, be the good girl she was and patiently wait for whatever this was to be over. 

I take a deep breath, struggling to calm all my senses. I had tried my best concealing any scent of fear from flying off me and good thing the scent of a Beta was not as strong as the other. The one thing I appreciated in being a Beta. 

Although, it looked like he already got a whiff of it considering the chilling chuckles leaving his throat. 

Damn those Alphas and their senses. 

Alright, I am certain I can pull through this. I have already experienced worse than this before. It was not a big of a deal. 

Just like I always did, face it and let go. 

You can do it, Emma. I trust you. I convinced myself. I steeled myself, preparing my mind before I faced him with the coldest face I could muster. 

“What do you want, Thomas?” 

I knew it wouldn’t work on him, seeing as if he could see through my facade. A smirk plastered on his face, displaying how high his ego was as the mountain. Probably from the fact that he is the only son of Sir Joshue, for him to be courageous enough to pull this act.

“I would prefer it more if you call me Alpha. Then, maybe you would realize where your place had always been.” He uttered, showing his nauseating grin. “A low, filthy Beta.” 

“I don't think that answered my question, Thomas. Although the information was unnecessary.” I tried my hardest not to roll my eyes. The only thing I wanted right now was to leave this place more than anything else. 

Of all people, why did I have to cross paths with him? When he was the second person I wanted to avoid the most.

Knowing his father, it was expected of him to behave as this especially towards other Betas. Adding to the fact that we have a bad relationship even before we were presented, it had only worsened since that day. 

It was like that day had reserved itself for the world to turn its back towards me. 

He seemed to not take it well considering how he had tightened his jaw. Perhaps I might have bruised his ego. 

I usually wouldn’t even talk back to him. I prefered to just put on my stoned-face and accept everything he would throw at me. 

I wouldn't want to engage in needless attention that could cause me misfortune. One was enough to spoil my day. Not including those at home. Except for Elena, of course. 

“Don’t try to be clever, now. Or I would gladly make your life more miserable than it already is. Oh, I know,” he tapped his chin, pretending to ponder on something before an evil glint shone in his eyes. 

“Maybe I could have a conversation with your mother about your manner, she must have known what to do.” The mention of my mom had my blood running cold. He smirked, liking how the dread had grown on my features.

How did he know about her? No one knew about my mother, except for my family and Lina. 

My eyes went wild, searching for something that I, myself, don’t have a clue. Yet, I need anything, anyone that could answer my thoughts. Who. The Hell. Tell. Him. 

It was then, when my eyes locked with Eva, my sister. Whom I didn’t realize had been there with her Alpha’s friend that something clicked. 

Taking in her demeanor, the way she turned her face away from me. As fast as the slight guilt that she wiped off of her face was enough to give it away. 

It was her. She told him about me. About our family. About mom. 

I felt my body growing weak. How could she? I bit my cheek as hard as I could while ignoring the iron taste in my mouth. I was trying my hardest to hold on to the last thread to keep me from crumbling. 

Not in front of him at least. I wouldn't want him to be satisfied that he actually succeeded in making me miserable. 

I could feel shame and betrayal mixed in my emotions, clouding my train of thoughts. My own feelings were hindering me from rationality. And before I could stop the anger building in me, I found myself lashed out on him.

“You called me a filthy beta? Have you looked at yourself? The only thing you know is to hide behind your father. And deep down you know, you’re just a coward Alpha!” I panted, letting it off your chest. 

Now, I felt relief voicing out my thoughts, being the first time I had expressed in my own regards. That was before I realized what I had done. 

Mayhap, this is why one says you shouldn’t bottle up your emotions or it might explode at the most grilling time. 

I could practically hear gasps surrounding me from my sudden outburst. I knew I had screwed up. His silence sent alarms through my body, feeling my stomach churning in what to come. 

What have I done? 

No, he was the one who started it. 

But, I am just a Beta, I shouldn’t talk like that to an Alpha. 

Still, he shouldn’t have mentioned mom to begin with. No one should have known about what mom had done to me. 

The turmoil whirling inside my head came to a stop when a sudden chuckle pierced through my ears. It sent chills down my spine. His rotten scent had dangerously gotten stronger, making me nauseous even more.

“You know, I really do be fascinated by your bravery. I really do. But it seems like you keep on forgetting how low you are compared to me.” He hissed, giving me a sharp glance. 

His hand moved, unveiling his piercing claw. It was alarmingly stretching out to me. My body trembled as my feet froze on the ground. Though, I somehow managed to hold his stare. 

My throat was dry as my heart knocked rapidly on my chest. I was struggling to hide the fear that seemed to creep out my body.

He lazily ran his claw down my cheek, making me anxious even more. “Maybe this will give you some lessons.” Without any warning, he roughly put pressure on it. Pain coursing through my body before I could feel liquid trailing down my skin. 

I hissed to the pain. My hand instantly flew to my cheek, pressing it to the wound. The pain had awfully reminded me of her. A flash memory of a whip in her tight grasp had sent shivers to my whole body. 

Had I been wrong? Mom was right. I shouldn’t have voiced out my thoughts like she had warned. A Beta should just shut her mouth and accept what she deserved. 

Everything became so blurry, making me feel more overwhelmed. When suddenly a hand was wrapped around my wrist as I was pulled back, forcing me back to reality. 

“D—don’t touch her. I wouldn’t let you hurt her anymore.” My eyes wide as I recognize the petite voice. Her stuttering betrayed the stern look on her features. Lina. 

What was she thinking? She would get herself in trouble, because of me.

Thomas stopped in his tracks. He first looked bewildered when he suddenly laughed his eyes out. “Oh, look. Another filthy bloodline. It seems that I have gone easy on you for too long, have I, Lina?” She winced at his words. 

My eyes traveled around the camp seeing everyone avoiding my gaze. I could see Elena staring at me worriedly and I couldn’t be more relieved that she didn’t interfere. Or else I wouldn’t know what would happen.

My body jumped in alarm as I sensed his movements. I was ready to act on anything that could save our lives and from my peripheral view, Lina also thought of something similar.  

That was until a voice startled all of us. 

“I apologize if it seems as if I had interrupted your ‘talk’. However, it would be welcomed if you leave them alone.” A voice so gentle, yet holding as much power breaking whatever tension spawn through the air.

Thomas seems more irritated with him being interrupted. He hastily turned his face towards the intruder when his anger all of the sudden replaced it with an expression I couldn’t decipher. 

Even so, he looked as if he was frightened if I ever attempted to guess. That wouldn’t be

 In all the years I have seen him, never had anyone ever intimidated him as of now.

In those exact moments, Lina pulled my hand before I could catch a glimpse of the man as we quickly made our way to our section. 

A swift of a woody, musky lavender lingered in my senses as we ran passed through the man. It unconsciously calmed my muscles as we moved farther from the scene. 

What just happened?