***Rowen**** I watched as Chastity went to her bedroom, and shut the door. I wanted to follow her, to hold her, but something told me she needed some space to process what had just happened. I really wanted to let her know she wasn’t alone in this. I wanted her to know she was loved, and cared for. In such a short time I have definitely fallen in love with her. She is beautiful inside, and out. Her kindness is beyond compare. Learning of her intelligence is beyond compare. The things she accomplished in school while living in hell was nothing short of amazing. It also showed her determination to achieve her dreams. I had no doubt she would do well in nursing school, even though I didn’t want to let her go. She is also stronger than anyone I have ever met. She survived hell, and seems to be on the mend. I am very proud of her. I sia down on one of the couches in Jax’s quarters, and lean my head against the back of it. Today was tough. Hearing Fiona talk about all she had done to Chas
***Chastity*** As soon as the door closed behind Alpha Rowen I breathed a sigh of relief. I don’t know why I had been so nervous around him this evening. Well maybe I did. He had been more affectionate, and sweet to me than he has ever been. Leila loved it, and it made her purr, but it scared me. I didn’t know what to make of it. “So Chastity, are you ok with Rowen staying with you?” Molly asked as she pulled stuff out of the cabinet to make dinner. “I…I don’t know.” I answered. “What is in your heart?” “I don’t know. I know I’m scared. He’s already hurt me once.” “That is true, but I’ve never seen Rowen like this. In the past if he was interested in a female, and she wasn’t he let it go.” “He…he’s been with other females?” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Isn’t that like cheating or something? I thought everyone waited for their mates. Although I did know that while Fiona claimed to know Alpha Rowen was her mate, she didn’t wait for him. The more I thought about it, the mo
***Rowen*** Her screams had ripped me instantly from sleep. I had quickly moved to the side of her bed, took hold of her hand, ran my fingers through her hair. She was sweat covered, and trembling, but the screams stopped as soon as I touched her. “Chastity. Chastity. Come on beautiful, wake up for me.” I called gently. Finally her fear clouded green eyes opened, and stared back at me. No sooner had the fear cleared that her eyes filled with tears, and a sob escaped her lips. Without thinking, I picked her up, sat against her pillow, and settled her in my lap, wrapping one arm around her waist, the other cradled her head against my chest. She curled into a ball, and wept. I glanced up to see Jax, and Molly standing at the door. Molly was curled into Jax, crying. This was killing them, as much as it was me. I put my chin on the top of Chastity’s head, and held her tight. “Shh. Chastity. It’s ok. You’re safe now.” I whispered, as she continued to sob, gripping the shirt I put on ear
***Chastity*** I couldn’t believe I was doing this. I had thought Alpha Rowen had only been joking when he suggested I burn the whip used to hurt me. I hadn’t told him there were really three, one for Aurora, one for Naomi, and one for Fiona. I had also not told anyone about the handcuffs. I hadn’t been able to. When Alpha Rowen told me to take all of it from the hidden compartment I almost ran. I was so afraid he was going to make me carry them to the dungeon so they could be used on me. I was surprised when he told me what I would be doing with them. I still didn’t quite believe it, and I didn’t until I was standing in front of the fire. At first I was crying fear. Now I was crying in anticipation. Maybe they would let me destroy these things. These haunted me more than anything else. I finally set everything on the ground, and looked to the group on the other side of the fire from me. The only ones missing from the group that had been in my nightmares were Aurora, Fiona, and Naom
***Chastity*** I hadn’t realized how long Lucy, Beth, Gina, and I had spent talking in the kitchen until Braxton walked in, carrying his book bag. The cookies had long since been finished, and the kitchen cleaned up compliments of Lucy. She had actually scolded me when I tried to help. The four of us had spent the rest of the time just enjoying conversation. “Do…do I smell Chastity’s snickerdoodles?” Braxton asked excitedly after taking a big whiff of the air in the kitchen. “Actually is it Luna Jane’s recipe, but yes you do smell them. No you cannot have any until you go into the dining room, and pull out the work you need help with.” I told him, his shoulder slumped, but he nodded, and moved to the dining room. I smiled, grabbed a glass of milk, and a plate of cookies. I was surprised to see Gina grab her school stuff, and follow me. I only shrugged, and moved to the table. I almost laughed when Gina set everything up right next to Braxton. I wondered if she had a little crush, b
***Dimitri*** I couldn’t believe what Colby had said about Braxton’s father, and his home. I had not expected that. The Greg I had known a young man had been put together, hard working, and definitely not a drinker. I needed to have a talk with him, and find out was going on. I should have done that prior to sending Braxton there. Another failure of mine. It seemed I was due to fail no matter what I did. Listening to Chastity speak today drove that home for me. To hear her talk about the things she survived. The things she went through almost brought me to my knees. It would have if not for Joe, and Colby. They kept me on my feet, and together. I just couldn’t understand how anyone could do that to another, much less a pup. That fact that Chastity is the person she is speaks to her character, and strength. I was truly amazed by her. It had taken all I had not to strangle Naomi. She had known, and did nothing to stop it. That was made worse with knowing Naomi had been involved, and e
***Chastity*** My day had gone a lot better than any day had ever gone for me. I got a full night’s sleep without a single nightmare. Alpha Rowen hadn’t teased me this morning while I was trying to get ready for my day. He was kind, and respectful. I ended up spending the rest of my day helping Lucy, Beth, and Tina around the pack house. Being around those three, seeing how they interacted, and how they were treated just reminded me more and more about how poorly I had been treated. In some ways it made me resentful, but mostly it made me hopefully for better treatment moving forward. My day also had moments of Alpha Rowen mind linking me to just check in, see what I was doing, and let me know he was thinking about me. It was weird for me, and half the time I didn’t know how to take it. I blocked him out a few times because I really didn’t know what to say. Yes I was thinking of him a bit too, but I was also very overwhelmed by it all. Tutoring with Braxton, and Gina also went well.
***Chastity*** The next few days flew by. Every morning started the same. Breakfast with Beta Dimitri, Alpha Rowen, Beta Jax, Colby, Molly, and Braxton. After breakfast everyone went off to begin their day. I joined Lucy, Beth, and Tina working around the house. I also started making lunch for the house, in the pack house kitchen. After Braxton finished school I would spend two hours helping him, and Gina with homework. It all rounded out with dinner in Beta Jax’s quarters. Braxton’s father joined us for dinner once as well. I thought he looked very sick. His skin was yellow, and waxy. His hair was limp, and brittle. He looked unusually bloated. The worst was that the whites of his eyes were yellow. I was very concerned, but something told me if I asked questions, he wouldn’t answer. I was sure something was really wrong though. For Braxton’s sake I hoped what ever was going on wouldn’t last long. Alpha Rowen still slept on the cot in my room, and I hadn’t had a single nightmare. It